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).
Xtracycle is a neat company, they started making bicycle accessories around 1995 and found success with the “Free Radical”, a metal add-on that extends normal bike frames – transforming them into utilitarian cargo bikes. From there, they developed a complete cargo bike that didn’t require the add-on piece and ultimately expanded their accessories to include […]
The M1 Sporttechnik Spitzing is an electric bike that’s extremely rugged, powerful and flexible. Leveraging high end carbon fiber frame elements for reduced weight, a Lithium-ion battery pack that’s nearly double the size of most “average” electric bikes and a mid-drive motor that achieves balance and improved torque by leveraging the 10 speed (or optional […]
The Grace Easy is a city style electric bike that comes in several flavors for improved comfort, luxury and speed. At the base level, it offers a 10 speed cassette with either a fixed or suspension fork and moving more towards the luxury end there’s an internally geared 3 speed hub with gates carbon drive […]
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 […]
