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).
This review is for the older 2012 / 2013 Volton Alation 500. I recently spent time with the updated model and have shot video and written another full review. The bit improvements are with the headlight, rear fender and battery pack cover (which I had to tape on for this older model to keep from […]
This review is for the prototype and 2013 version of the Specialized Turbo electric bike. In 2014 a new model was introduced with improved battery range, display mount and lighting. In 2009 a team of Specialized engineers in Switzerland began work on what would eventually become the Turbo. On March 28, 2012 it was revealed […]
UPDATE! It appears that Polaris is no longer working with the manufacturer who designed and built these electric bikes, but that company is now selling their own line as PIM (Power in Motion) and you can connect with them through their official website at www.pimbicycles.com to possibly get replacement batteries, chargers, and other hardware. The […]
The IZIP Express Special Edition is a purpose built electric bike that was originally designed for the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Bicycle Patrol Unit. The goal was to create an ebike that could withstand the varied terrain of an urban environment, transport equipment and gear easily and last an entire day without running out […]
This is a review for the 2013 version of the Electra Townie Go! which made its way into dealers across the United States in the Spring of 2013. Follow this link for a review of the most recent Townie Go. This bike offers a unique combination of style and simplicity. The rider doesn’t have to […]
The Faraday Porteur is a lean vintage style city bike featuring a 350w front hub motor, frame-integrated battery system and custom machined front and rear LDE lights. Weighing in at just under 40lbs (depending on the Small, Medium or Large frame size) it’s easy to carry up stairs, efficient enough to pedal effectively in off-mode […]
The ebike SX was one of the higher end EV Global Motor electric bikes designed by Lee Iacocca who is famous for engineering the Ford Mustang and Ford Pinto cars. After leaving Ford he served as President and CEO of Chrysler from 1978 and as chairman from 1979 until retirement in 1992. In 1999 he […]
The EVELO Aries delivers range, style and flexibility at a reasonable price point. You might have to assemble it yourself and the ride style takes some getting used to with the mid-drive system but it looks cool and can take bumps. The Aries wasn’t built for speed, its motor is just 250 Watts which is […]
Electric bikes tend to be heavy and require a sturdy purpose-built frame to support the motor and battery. In most cases this means the bike frame gets larger, flexier and less responsive. That is not the case with the Currie IZIP E3 Ultra, this bike was built for pedaling performance. The frame is solid, fast and […]
EVELO is an electric bike company out of Cambridge Massachusetts started by a pair of cyclist friends. In April of 2012 they set out on a cross-country ride using the Aurora model to prove the worthiness of their bikes and raise awareness for their brand. The ride was a success, the company is going strong […]
