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).
Gocycle, or Karbon Kinetics Limited, was created by a former McLaren automotive design engineer named Richard Thorpe in 2002 with the mission “develop the world’s most innovate and technologically advanced electric bicycle” which sounds pretty ambitious to me… and expensive. The G3 is Richard’s third-generation product with refinements to the control interface, a brand new […]
Pedego is known for their stylish electric cruisers, bikes that offer a fun relaxed experience for neighborhood riding, city tours (as rental bikes) and even commuting. In recent years, the company has expanded into fat tire bikes, mountain bikes and trikes but the original cruisers have remained… and only become better. Case in point is […]
In my opinion, Easy Motion has nailed the comfort commuting electric bicycle platform with the ATOM Diamond Wave model. It’s easy to mount and stand over (even with gear loaded onto the rack), it will keep you dry and clean with premium fenders and a unique full-wrap chain cover, and you’ll be safe in low-light […]
The Redux iE has quickly become my favorite electric bike in the Raleigh lineup… but it feels like an abusive relationship because the high speed and rigid all-Aluminum frame take a toll on my wrists, arms, back, neck and backside when the terrain gets rough. This isn’t unique to the Redux, and in fact the […]
The Giant Full-E+ 1 really impressed me. This is a full suspension electric bike from one of the “Big Three” including Giant, Trek and Specialized. They’ve got dealers all across the USA and have actually been producing electric bikes in Europe for a while so the technology is refined. At $5,300 this product is outfitted […]
One of my first mountain bikes was a Scott and it appealed to me due to style and use of the latest suspension technology. In recent years, the company has entered the ebike space and has an impressive line of products in Europe with a few making their way to the US in 2016. I […]
The Corratec LIFEBIKE presents itself almost like a medical device… a product that can improve heart rate, flexibility and even address obesity in a safe and fun way. And in my opinion, yes, it and other electric bicycle products do offer these benefits if used properly. You still get a workout with pedal-assist (you have […]
Riese & Müller is a special company… germinated in the late 80’s by a pair of mechanical engineering students in Germany studying at Darmstadt, these guys just wanted to keep their ears warm (inventing a pair of helmet-compatible ear muffs called Hot Ears). Soon after, in 1992 they developed a full suspension folding bicycle called […]
EG builds electric bicycles that tend to be lower priced while maintaining a comfortable, solid experience. The Oahu 500 EX is their high-step cruiser model and I saw a number of improvements over the prior build including a more compact battery with slightly higher capacity battery and repositioned kickstand for improved stability. It’s a heavy […]
The Magnum Classic is one of my favorite folding electric bikes because it delivers so many features at such a reasonable price. Not all of those features are perfect, the independent lights for example, require you to swap AA batteries out occasionally and can be accidentally left-on to drain while you’re in class or at […]
