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 Phantom line of electric bikes from ProdecoTech has always been capable of folding, starting with the Phantom X… even though it’s a full sized ebike with 26″ wheels. This has several drawbacks including loss of stiffness in frame and increased weight but it also makes the bike easier to store. For the Phantom X3 […]
While the ProdecoTech Phantom X is not an ideal electric bike, which would keep weight lower to the ground and more centrally located on the frame, it is affordable. The design is very approachable with a three step startup that includes inserting the key, pressing the power button and activating the throttle. A small plastic […]
If you’re looking for an ebike with solid components and drive system that won’t cost a lot, the Stride 500 might be perfect. Now, you won’t be getting pedal assist, no front light or fenders and there’s no fancy computer system here… but what it offer, works well. And it even comes with a two […]
The Outlaw series from ProdecoTech features some of the coolest looking electric bikes I’ve seen. These things are monstrous with long travel suspension, oversized tires and enormous motors and battery packs. Unfortunately, the steep geometry of the front fork and high rigid position of the battery pack at the rear create a ride that feels […]
The ProdecoTech Mariner 7 is a folding electric bike that costs significantly less than competitors but takes a hit on weight, drive mode options, frame balance and in-person support. All ProdecoTech electric bikes cost less than competing brands because they are primarily sold online, bypassing a physical bike shop outlet. This savings is passed on […]
Dahon is one of the earliest, most innovative and well known companies in the folding bicycle space. They know how to make quality cycles and just recently entered into the electric bicycle space (sort of). In 2013 they teamed up with IZIP to create the E3 Compact but that bike used a rear rack battery […]
Haibike is a high end German bicycle manufacturer which is part of the Accell group, a Dutch holding company that also owns Currie Technologies (IZIP, eZip and eFlow). They offer a range of mountain and cross country style electric bikes that utilize midmount or mid-drive motor systems. The Haibike XDURO AMT Pro is their top […]
The Ford Supercruiser is a chopper style electric bike with fully adjustable handlebars, a cush oversized seat and sturdy gusseted aluminum frame. Driving it is a capable 600 watt geared rear hub motor running off of a 48 volt 10 amp hour Lithium-ion battery pack using Samsung cells. By comparison, most mainstream ebikes use 350 […]
The F4W (fast forward) Ride is a well rounded entry level electric bike. The highlights include a low mid-mounted battery pack that’s easy to put on and take off, front and rear lights, a cargo rack with bungees and front and rear fenders. My experience with the bike has been limited but the ride quality […]
The Kuo is the first folding electric bike in the A2B lineup of electric bikes but in truth, it’s actually the re-branded F4W Edge. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, A2B and F4W were merged into Hero Eco in 2011 and both have benefitted from lower prices, broader distribution and upgraded parts.The Kuo offers great […]
