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).
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 […]
Folding bikes have many uses… not all of which are immediately obvious. Petite riders regularly seek them out because of the low easy-to-approach standover height, shorter reach, and lighter overall weight. Boaters, RVers, and even private plane operators appreciate the compact size which allows for a pre-fit, familiar bicycle and gear to be brought along […]
The Cannondale Contro E-Rigid takes a unique approach to building a tough urban electric bike. To me, this thing looks mean in all-black with balloon tires, tight alloy fenders, a single-side fork, and internally geared hub. It’s available in two frame sizes and the top tube is sloped, making it approachable for short riders or […]
The Evo City+ is so named because it has a more powerful motor than prior genrations, offering 500 watts nomial vs. 350. It’s an electric bike that can handle commuting in all sorts of conditions thanks to fenders, a chain cover, integrated lights, and reflective tires. The two sizes allow for a wider range of […]
The Raleigh Detour iE is a pedal-assisted version of the traditional unpowered Detour model. It offers efficiency and utility, well-suited to urban commuters who want help scaling hills, fighting wind, or just going further. The 700c wheels coast smoothly and an all-Aluminum frame and fork keep it lightweight… but trade a bit of comfort in […]
This is the second generation Cross Lite E model to hit the States from Bulls, a widely respected European brand launched in 2010. Now, the step-thru design makes it easier to mount and stand over for people with short legs and I love that they haven’t called it a women’s model… even though that’s likely […]
