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).
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 […]
The Nitro City is one of two 28 mph speed pedelecs offered by Easy Motion, and my personal favorite of the bunch because it delivers all kinds of commuting accessories. Wait, let me rethink that… it WAS my personal favorite in 2015 because it cost exactly the same as the Nitro Cross but had the […]
The Evo City Wave is one of Easy Motion’s most popular electric bikes because it’s very approachable (thanks to a low-step frame design), feature rich (fenders, lights, carry rack), comfortable (suspension fork, gel saddle, ergonomic grips and adjustable stem) and reasonably affordable at $3,099… It’s $100 more than the 2015 model in part because the […]
The EVO Jet is Easy Motion’s active city oriented ebike for ladies, the equivalent to the EVO Cross for men… Now, if you’re a shorter guy or someone who just appreciates the step-thru design (which makes mounting and standing over bikes easier) then this could still work for you as it comes in two frame […]
The 2016 version of Emotion’s EVO City model offers a higher voltage battery pack (48 vs. 36), a more powerful zippy motor (500 watt vs. 360), an updated paint job and costs a bit more. This continues to be one of the best looking, most feature rich electric bike for tall people who want a […]
