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 Motiv Spark is a classic cruiser style electric bike designed for relaxed, comfortable rides. I’ve always appreciated the more upright position this style of bike offers but pedaling isn’t always a joy. They tend to be heavier and lack gear range for climbing but the Spark only shines in these areas. It’s relatively light […]
The Motiv Sleek is a step-through cruiser with a smaller frame size that’s comfortable to ride and available in a myriad of color choices with custom frame, rim, tire and seat color choices. An ultra-powerful 500 watt geared rear hub motor offers plenty of power with enough torque to climb moderate hills. The battery pack […]
eProdigy is an electric bike company based in Vancouver BC, Canada. It’s a joint venture between a motor and battery manufacturer that began in 2008 under the name EPIK Bikes but changed to eProdigy in 2013. The Logan is their top of the line offering that uses a proprietary mid-drive system to leverage the rear […]
This review is for the 2014 eProdigy Whistler, the company has since improved the motor design and updated components on the bike. The 2016 model offers a 500 watt mid-drive and a 48 volt 11.6 am hour battery! To learn more about this model and read my latest review go here. eProdigy is an electric […]
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 […]
