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 ProdecoTech Phantom X2 is a unique electric bike, it’s one of only a few full sized bikes I’m aware of that can be folded to save space (electric or otherwise). This is both a blessing and a curse… it saves you space but adds weight and weakens the frame. Overall it’s an elegant design […]
At first glance the Scorpion 27 from ProdecoTech resembles the Titanio 29er in that it uses a Keyde drive system. These ultra light weight motors and bottle shaped battery packs blend in and keep weight low and centered but on the Scorpion the motor is rear mounted vs. front mounted and it uses a torque […]
The Smart Ebike is one of a handful of new electric bike offerings from established automobile companies, in this case Mercedes Benz Smart. In the same way that Ford partnered with Pedego to create the Supercruiser, Smart chose to partner with BionX for their drive system and consulted the famous German designer Kalle Nicolai to […]
The Easy Motion Neo Prox features a folding stem, handle bars, pedals and removable seat post along with a compact frame but does not fold in half like the Neo Volt. This means it won’t get as small (for storing in closets, trunks or boats) but also means the frame is lighter, stiffer and the […]
The Vanmoof Electrified 3 is a city style electric bike that’s super simple, elegant and stealth. It’s quiet, clean and fairly efficient combining a front mounted hub motor and rear mounted internal gearing system. The batteries live inside the top tube and aren’t removable like some bikes but also aren’t obvious (and they are replaceable […]
The Long Beach Cruiser is one of my favorite Big Cat electric bikes. It’s well balanced with a centrally located battery pack. Has an emphasis on safety with front and rear LED lights and brakes that cut power to the motor. For me it was comfortable to ride having a suspension fork, padded saddle, oversized […]
The Big Cat Hampton folding ebike is a value driven electric bike with more basic components but a range of accessories that make it functional. The battery pack is mounted right where it should be (low and center) and the control panel lets you choose from three levels of assist to extend range and improve […]
The Big Cat Phantom is a value driven electric bike with more basic components but a range of accessories that make it functional. My biggest complaint is the single speed design because the bike pretty heavy at ~68 pounds. If you run out of juice it’s not going to be fun to pedal (or walk) […]
The Big Cat Cargo Bike is a value driven electric bike with more basic components but a range of accessories that make it functional. It’s got seven speeds for moving heavier loads or climbing hills and a suspension fork that reduces shock to the front rack area. I like that it comes with both pedal […]
Specialized took its time to craft and refine the first Turbo and in 2014 introduced the Turbo S which has a larger battery pack, smaller more integrated display / input system and a new color… black. It’s a stiffer electric bike that foregoes suspension in favor of power transfer and speed. The motor is silent […]
