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 Felt SPORTe is part road bike, part city bike. You get a stiff, relatively light weight aluminum alloy frame (though not as light as their NINEe hardtail) with efficient narrow tires mounted on a 700c medium-dish rim. While aluminum is known for being durable, it’s not super comfortable over extended distances at higher speed… […]
Motive consistently impresses me with their ability to balance performance and comfort with lower costs while still offering a solid warranty. That’s definitely the case with their new Sherpa – cargo style electric bike. And while it only comes in one size, medium 17″, the frame is approachable with a double tube step-thru configuration and […]
The Ferber is new A2B electric bike model for 2015 that comes at a more affordable price point but still delivers quality components, efficient motor systems and chic design features that the company is known for. A2B has been a pioneer in the American electric bike space since 2008 when it launched the iconic A2B […]
The Felt LEBOWSKe is the best fat style electric bike I’ve ridden to date. I mean that in terms of frame construction, component quality, drive system power and efficiency, balance and overall performance. Surprise! It’s also the most expensive… Felt was started in 1994 and has steadily earned a reputation in the time trials and […]
The Grace MX II Urban combines the balance and efficiency of the Bosch Gen2 Centerdrive with the cleanliness and silent operation of the Gates carbon belt drive and the smooth anytime-shifting of the NuVinci continuously variable transmission (CVT). It’s a beautiful electric bike available in two frame sizes and multiple configurations including a solid fork […]
Update! The Faraday Porteur and Cortland moved from $3,799 to $3,499 in 2017 and the review listing price here has been updated to reflect that. The Faraday Porteur is one of the smoothest, quietest, most beautiful electric bikes I’ve ever tested. Rather than relying on a greasy chain, cassette and derailleur it opts for a […]
The Pedego Boomerang is cruiser style electric bike designed to be extra easy to mount and dismount. Pedego has long offered traditional step-thru designs (even one that’s specifically built for shorter riders) but this model, new for 2015, takes that concept even further by reducing the step height by about one foot. The top tube […]
The Grace MX II Trail is a hardtail cross country style electric bike with excellent hardware, a beautiful look and top of the line drive system from Bosch. To date, this is one of the most affordable Bosch powered electric bikes I’ve tested, coming in around $3,700. It’s available in two sizes for improved fit […]
The ST2 is a third generation electric bike from the Swiss brand Stromer that has been around since 2009; the bike is distributed globally. It maintains the quality, style and speed performance of the older ST1 Platinum but adds bluetooth connectivity for an app which allows riders to “tune” settings and activate anti-theft features including […]
The Schwinn GSE or “GSElectric” is an electric bike that was sold from 2007 to 2009 in a couple of different forms. There was a cruiser style frame and the city commuter “World” setup you see here. Although it is becoming harder to find, many of these are still on the road with their original […]
