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 Electra Townie Go! is based on the popular Electra Townie frame set and was introduced in 2013 with several updates for the 2014 model. It offers two pedal speeds that automatically shift based on pedal cadence. The gears are built right into the rear hub motor which offers 250 watts of power and the […]
OHM is known for producing high quality bikes that look beautiful and are simple to use. The XU450 leverages the SRAM EMATIC drive system (motor, battery and controller) that do a good job but offer a bit less power than some other kits. While all of the weight from this system is positioned towards the […]
The Flight line of electric bikes offer entry level performance with a few upgrades to keep them sleek at a mid-level price. The ECB-26-L features a Shimano Nexus 8 speed internally geared hub that lets you shift at standstill and keep the chain tight and your pants clean. It also balances well with the small […]
The Optibike SIMBB system is simply amazing. It stands for “super integrated motorized bottom bracket” and that’s because inside its sealed aluminum case is a 600 watt motor, 37 volt battery and control system. That’s everything you need to go upwards of 30 miles distance at nearly 30 miles per hour! The 29C model is […]
The R11 is Optibike’s top of the line “off road” offering. It features knobby Schwalbe Fat Albert tires, long travel Fox 36 Talas and Float suspension, reinforced Swiss F630 rims, and King headset. Those are top of the line components and this bike is designed to last and handle even the toughest terrain. In addition […]
The R8HD is Optibike’s mid-level “off road” offering. The HD stands for “heavy duty” and that alludes to the burlier suspension, rims, headset and tires that this bike offers over the standard R8. This bike delivers high end components, massive range and slightly discounted price over the R11 which features a larger motor and weighs […]
The R8 is Optibike’s “all around” offering. It’s an upper-mid level bike for them but super high end compared with most other ebikes. It’s very capable of taking on mountains but is accessorized more for town and light trail riding. If you’re focus is purely off road, you can upgrade to the R8HD (heavy duty) […]
This review is for the first generation IZIP E3 Dash which launched in 2014. The second generation model saw improvements in motor durability, control pad accessibility, saddle comfort and drivetrain components. The E3 Dash offers speed, quality and affordability that’s top notch. It’s one of my favorite new bikes in the IZIP line for 2014 […]
IZIP is taking a cue from Bosch and Optibike, delivering its first mid-drive system with the E3 Peak. The middrive or “centerdrive” motor offers excellent performance in technical off road settings and really compliments the sophisticated pedal assist features at work here. It allows the motor to leverage the rear cassett and compliment rider input […]
The eFlow series of electric bikes offer high performance, upgraded technology and balanced frame design. The E3 Flight is a less expensive version of the E3 Nitro and cuts cost (and weight) by removing the headset shock absorber, decreasing the size of the battery pack and removing one of the front chain rings. The end […]
