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 Transport+ is one of the first electric bikes introduced by Trek in 2011. While it’s no longer being produced, this was an advanced ebike at the time with drive systems from BionX which included regenerative braking. The Transport+ came stock with lights, a front fender, folding running boards and an extra-large Bontrager cargo bag. […]
The Jetson Electric Mountain bike is the first bicycle-style ebike I’ve seen from the company which is traditionally known for scooter-style designs. This new model offers plenty of power, decent weight distribution and both pedal assist and throttle mode for a relatively low $2K but skimps on component quality and pushes the legal limit of […]
The Raleigh Detour iE was updated for 2016 to use a mid-drive motor instead of the gearless direct drive hub, this improved balance and reduced weight by ~5 pounds. Check out the latest Raleigh Detour ebike review here. The Detour iE is an urban style electric bike build around the time-tested non-electric Raleigh Detour bicycle […]
The Felt DUAL-e (dual suspension) electric bike reaches the pinnacle of performance for off road eMountain riding. It’s incredibly stiff and light weight for an electric bike and with four frame sizes it delivers an excellent fit for a broad range of rider body types. The Bosch centerdrive is incredibly effective when climbing even the […]
The Tern Node D8 with BionX is a mid-sized folding electric bike with larger 24″ wheels meant to smooth out the ride and improve handling. It features a higher end drive system from BionX that’s durable, powerful and quiet to operate in a range of modes including pedal assist and throttle. Even with the battery […]
The Recreational e102 electric bike is an entry level build from GenZe, an ebike subsidiary of the Mahindra Group (an Indian multinational automobile manufacturing corporation headquartered in Mumbai). This thing offers a nice purpose built frame with good weight distribution, removable battery pack for convenient charging and easy transportation, pedal assist and throttle mode and […]
The BESV Lion is completely purpose built ebike that’s perfect for urban or street riding. The motor and battery pack blend right in and the control interface is actually molded around the stem and handle bars which includes an integrated headlight. While it doesn’t have drop bars and might not fit in with a pack […]
The A2B Galvani is a high-step only commuter style electric bike that delivers premium accessories at a mid-level price point. If you’re a shorter rider or someone who prefers the low-step design then consider the A2B Ferber which is basically the same build. Both of these ebikes deliver efficient motor systems and chic design features […]
The Mariner 500 is a powerful folding electric bike from ProdecoTech that repositions the hub motor in the rear when compared with their older Mariner 7 ebike that had it in the front. The benefit is improved traction and steering but one downside is a completely rear-heavy bike. During my tests I experienced a bit […]
The Felt NINEe is the lightest weight, stiffest, highest quality electric 29er I’ve tested to date. It delivers everything you might expect from a premium Felt bicycle with the addition of an advanced motor pedal-assist system from Bosch. It performs wonderfully on trails, mountainous terrain and urban environments thanks to the large efficient wheels, remote […]
