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).
Rad Power Bikes has become well known and appreciated over the past couple of years (since early 2015) when they first launched a fat tire bike followed by a cargo bike and then a miniature folding fat ebike. Having tested each of them, even in remote inhospitable environments, I’ve gotten to know the technology, the […]
The Gazelle Arroyo is the kind of electric bike that could truly replace a car for local transport. With it’s extra-long fenders, fully encased chain guard, skirt guard, integrated lights, reflective sidewall tires and complete adjustability, three size choices and the deep step-thru version shown in the images and videos here… it’s just incredible. And […]
The Mariner is one of just a handful of mini sized electric fat bikes I’ve seen that are designed to be both easier to mount and ride for short people as well as transportable for people who maybe have a boat, RV or trunk space. It’s a bike that’s fairly adaptable with telescoping stem (to […]
Bulls has delivered one of the most diverse electric mountain bike lineups to the US that I’ve seen to date. Their bikes come in multiple sizes, use the latest battery technology and feature premium components (in this case a Shimano Deore XT drivetrain with 22 speeds, Shimano M615 hydraulic disc brakes, Ergon locking grips and […]
The YunBike C1 is a dainty little electric bike from Surface 604 that leans more towards human powered cycling than zippy moped or gocart feel. Weighing in at roughly 35 lbs with the battery attached, it’s one of the lightest weight electric bikes I’ve ever tested… and yet it’s also one of the most affordable. […]
The Nomad 3 Series is Outrider’s latest creation, a blend of torque and speed… it sits half way between the Alpha and the Horizon models which offer 45 mph and 25 mph top speeds respectively based on their reduction gear box settings (5 to 1 and 15 to 1 respectively). The Nomad tops out around […]
For over a decade (as of 2016) E-Glide has been a leader in the powerboard business… they created one of the first and most enduring electric skateboards on the market, the GT combines power and speed with go-anywhere ruggedness that’s well suited to events like Burning Man. The SS electric bike by comparison is more […]
UPDATE: The SIX50 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, […]
The Surface 604 Colt is a feature rich electric bike that would perform well as a neighborhood cruiser due to it’s comfortable geometry and ergonomic upgrades (gel saddle, curved handle bar and adjustable stem) or shine as a commuter platform because it has fenders, a chain cover, integrated lights and a sturdy rear rack with […]
Fat tire electric bikes have grown in popularity over the past few years and mainstream brands have taken note. At least one major company introduced a mid-drive powered fat bike with front suspension during the 2015 / 2016 season but the Bulls Monster E S is the only model I’m aware of that’s powered by […]
