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 Liberty Trike is a truly liberating electric bicycle designed for people who want improved stability, weight capacity and comfort over more traditional two wheeled bicycles. Adding to the mobility aspects of a trike, you get electric throttle power here so climbing, hauling and simply going further is less of a challenge. I have been […]
The Stromer ST1 is a speed pedelec, 28 mph capable, electric bike with race-like qualities and performance parts. It comes in limited edition metallic blue and only 399 units were produced. You get premium fenders with a custom rack for hauling gear, powerful hydraulic disc brakes, integrated lights (the front is aimable and puts out […]
The Valano ION is built around a somewhat dated design where the battery pack fits into a rear rack vs. being integrated into the downtube like the e-Joe Epik, EG Vienna, VoltBike Urban or a whole slew of other models. This makes it rear heavy and more prone to tipping but provides easy access to […]
Virtue Cycles produces a range of affordable bicycles with two electrified variants called the Gondoliere Plus and Schoolbus Plus. The Pedalist by contrast, only comes with electric power because it’s significantly larger and heavier than the two cargo bikes. This thing weighs in at ~175 lbs without the battery (which adds another 10 lbs or […]
KTM began as an Austrian motorcycle manufacturer with roots dating back to the 1930’s and an official formation in 1981. Over the past 30+ years it has built a solid reputation producing off-road motorcycles but recently branched off into road bikes and then electric bikes. Apparently they’ve been making standard bicycles since 1964? The Macina […]
The Watseka XP comes in two variants that are very similar to each other… the Sport and Cargo. For this review I bought the Cargo Electric Bicycle because it came with a front basket but otherwise seemed to match the Sport exactly while only costing $3 more. Note that you can always buy the basket […]
I purchased this bike on Amazon because the company that makes it, Vilano, had a few different models there and to me they looked good and offered value for the price (Lithium batteries and nice accessories for under $1k). Rather than going directly through the company, I felt like Amazon would help me with any […]
UPDATE: The TWENTY9 E FS 3 RSI is still being sold by BULLS, even though this particular review was conducted several years ago. They have since updated the Bosch motor to Gen 3 and the battery to PowerPack 500! This means improved performance, power, and range. I’m leaving the review unchanged since the videos, photos, […]
For this review I was able to meet with a lead designer from Outrider, Zach Thomas, who walked me through the different specs on their updated Outrider Alpha 4 Series which he helped to create. We demoed the 420 trim level with a few minor upgrades but otherwise this is a fairly stock, base level […]
The Jumper series of electric bikes from Emotion has long been a favorite for me… I have sensitive knees, scar tissue in my back and a constantly-aching and cracking neck due to multiple car accidents, skiing and surfing injuries over the years. I love full suspension and often get a shorter stem and riser bar […]
