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).
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, […]
The CF1 is an approachable electric bike… the power button is easy to see and press, the control pad only has three buttons, and the frame is highly adjustable for balance and comfort. The frame is a deep step-thru or “wave” design with low stand over height. It’s easy to mount, hold up at a […]
The Riese & Müller Charger GX Rohloff HS would be an excellent platform for touring and bikepacking… touring with a bit of off-road and camping along the way ;) it’s a rugged but comfortable, long-range capable, high-speed electric bike with some unique drivetrain features. You can get the Charger GX with a traditional eleven-speed cassette […]
