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 Cannondale Moterra is a Trail style electric bike with 130 mm air suspension from RockShox. It’s a great platform for all around mountain riding and delivers improved float and traction thanks to a pair of plus sized 2.8″ tires. The plus standard ranges from 2.6 to 3.0 and is becoming more and more common […]
The Raleigh Sprite iE is a perfect electric bike for someone who is willing to pay a little extra for reliability, a great warranty, and easier maintenance… but still, wants good value. The bike comes in two flavors (high-step and step-thru), four frame size options, and offers paint matched fanders, rear rack, and rigid alloy […]
As more and more electric mountain bikes switch to mid-drive motors for better climbing power, reduced unsprung weight, and increased range efficiency… Easy Motion has maintained and improved their hub-motor approach for the Evo line. Now, they do offer mid-drive models as well, such as the ATOM Lynx 4.8, but it costs ~$1,300 more and […]
The Haibike XDURO Trekking S RX, now called the Haibike XDURO Trekking 4.0, is an urban speed pedelec that’s geared towards commuting with integrated LED lights, a sturdy rear rack, and full-sized plastic fenders. The custom angular frame is designed to flex a bit for comfort with lower seat stays while providing a short nimble […]
The Spark is a powerful, well-balanced, cruiser style electric bike built around a sturdy high-step cantilever frame. Motiv produces a very similar model called the Sleek which is slightly smaller and offers a lower stand-over height. Both models are made primarily from Aluminum alloy but feature a vibration-dampening steel fork and full steel chain cover. […]
Riese & Müller have a long and interesting history designing bicycles and electric bikes. Their first model, the Birdy, was a full suspension folding bike that inspired a full line of suspended models and eventually lead to a philosophy of “Control Technology” meant to keep your wheels on the ground, providing traction. Nowhere is that […]
Pedego is offering something very special with the new 24″ Trail Tracker. It’s a medium sized fat tire electric bicycle that makes mounting, standing over, and controlling a lot easier for small and mid-sized riders. This is a large, relatively heavy, electric bike after all. The last thing you want is an off-balance stopped position […]
For several years now (since 2014), Kalkhoff has been importing some of the most feature-rich, and comfortable, city style electric bikes to the US. This is a company with Dutch and German roots, known for utility and precision. What you get with their Agattu B7 model is a value-priced step-thru that has all of the […]
Bulls created something special with their SIX50 E 1.5. This is an affordable, trail capable, city capable, electric bike offered in four sizes, running top-of-the-line Bosch drive systems. For just over $3k you’re getting a bike that looks good, is sold through a wide network of dealers globally (in the US since late 2015), and […]
IZIP completely updated their hardtail trail bike, the Peak, going from the 2016 season to 2017. The price did rise $300, but in my opinion, it looks a lot better and is definitely using a smarter, more durable electric drive system. Moving from TranzX to Bosch brings shift detection which reduces drivetrain wear, faster pickup, […]
