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 Lapierre Overvolt HT 900 is one of the lightest weight hardtail electric mountain bikes I’ve had the chance to test ride. It’s due out in the United States around Q4 2014 and will be the first Lapierre electric bike this side of the pond. In Europe, Lapierre has released one other Overvolt model (simply […]
The Electric Brompton is a custom build from NYCeWheels in Manhattan NYC USA. The leverage one of the lightest, sturdiest and highest quality three-speed folding bike frames made by Brompton and add a third party hub motor and battery pack at the front for power. This thing can still fold down as intended (as long […]
Urban Arrow is a Dutch bicycle brand that introduced a non-electrified version of this cargo bike in 2010 (which received a Eurobike award and a ISPO award in 2013). The non-electric version retails for €2,150 but for €3,250 you can get the version shown here which features a 250 watt Bosch centerdrive offering three levels […]
There are only a handfull of electric bikes specifically designed for petite riders. The Pedego 24″ Cruiser comes to mind but doesn’t offer the same mid-drive setup seen here. The Banff is a beautifully accessorized city style cruiser that comes complete with front and rear racks, whicker baskets, fenders, lights and a unique center-drive that […]
The Evelo Aries offers a cool aesthetic and comfortable “full suspension” ride that’s best suited for on-road and light trail riding. The frame is relatively heavy, somewhat bouncy and limited to a medium size. It’s meant to offer the benefits of mid-drive (improved climbing ability, balance and range) at a value price but suffers from […]
The Evelo Aurora is a value driven mid-drive electric bike which means it benefits from the strengths of centerdrive (improved climbing ability, balance and range) but suffers from a couple of technical issues (slower pedal cadence and rougher shifting). These issues can be be addressed if you’re willing to pay a bit extra for the […]
iGo designed one of the first mid-drive electric bike systems sold in North America around 2005 and has since adapted it to several different models (see the Urban and Titan). The design hasn’t changed much over the years but the price has remained affordable and that’s in part due to Chinese manufacturing. The Tour is […]
The Eco Lite is one of the first EVO series electric bikes to be introduced by Easy Motion in America. It resembles the older Easy Motion Neo Street in most ways including the use of 26″ wheels, fenders, rear rack, chain guard and lights but it uses a different battery configuration and interface. That’s the […]
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 […]
