Unbiased, In-Depth Analysis of the Best Electric Bikes
Electric bikes or ebikes combine human power from pedaling with electronic power from a hub motor, mid drive, or friction drive powered by a battery pack. They come in all shapes and sizes, including trikes, tandems, folding, cargo, and more. A traditional analog bicycle can usually be converted to electric through the use of kits. Ebikes fall into three classes including Class 1 pedal assist only up to a set speed (usually 25kmh or 32kmh), Class 2 throttle only or throttle with pedal assist up to a set speed (usually 25kmh or 32kmh), and high speed Class 3 up to a set level (usually 45kmh 28mph).
The BM-Helio is one of the most enjoyable models I’ve tested from BMEBIKES because it’s powerful, sturdy and upgraded in several important ways. Unfortunately, the extra power it offers exacerbates one of the concerns I have about many of the BMEBIKES which is a lack of motor inhibitor brake levers. This ebike is not for […]
The Agattu Impulse 8 HS is a comfortable and very capable urban style electric bike. It delivers excellent range, comfort and utility with integrated fenders, a basic suspension fork, seat post shock, dynamo powered lights and a standard sized carry rack that comes with an integrated mini-pump. This is the most popular model that Kalkhoff […]
The first time I saw a Ridekick Power Trailer was at Interbike 2012 but the company has actually been in business since 2010. The founding team, Dee and Mark Wanger, wanted to built an alternative ebike system that could be shared easily between the different bikes in their family, from parents to kids or even […]
Downhill bicycle riders enjoy “bombing” mountainous terrain… Weaving through single track, through the trees and across rock fields where no other bikes could survive. They require smaller light-weight wheels that are nimble with large knobby tires and long travel suspension to soak up the bumps. They need to be reinforced with tapered head tubes and […]
The Focus Jarifa Impulse 27R 3.0 is premium hardtail electric bike with 27.5″ wheels that perform well on trails, cross country or a bit of mountain terrain. For under $4k it delivers a sophisticated drive system and enormous battery that together, are capable of 100+ miles depending on the assist level in use. My favorite […]
This review is for the 2015 Sahel i8 from Kalkhoff. It’s fairly similar to the 2014 version but offers a more sophisticated LCD display panel with multiple readouts and comes with a head shock to smooth out the ride. Kalkhoff is a leading electric bike manufacturer in Germany known for producing premium, purpose built products. […]
This review is for the 2015 version of the Vika+, a new model was introduced in 2016 with fenders, a rear light (as well as the front), a slightly larger battery and two upgrade options for even larger battery packs for increased ranged. This model is priced a bit higher at $1,650 and you can […]
The EG Maui EX is a 2013/2014 electric cruiser designed for comfort and affordability. Compared with other cruisers I’ve reviewed, this one stands out as having lots of accessories including fenders, a rear rack, LED lights and a suspension fork with lockout. It rides comfortably and is priced well at ~$1,500 but many of the […]
Hi-Power Cycles is a Southern California based electric bike builder that offers a range of custom solutions. The HPC SuperMundo is their premiere cargo bike and it’s built on the steel-frame Yuba Mundo platform. It comes in one standard size (with adjustable seat height and stem angle) and is compatible with most of the Yuba […]
The BM-Night Hawk is professionally converted electric mountain bike that uses a proven drive system with quality batteries. What sets it apart from other trail or off-road oriented mid-level ebikes is the good weight distribution (battery and motor are low and center). By leveraging a centerdrive motor and custom front sprocket (that’s smaller than the […]
