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).
In 2014 I reviewed the EG Vienna 250 EX which stood out for having full suspension (even though the travel was pretty limited), being priced pretty low and just being compact… The new 2016 version of the Vienna drops the EX from the name, upgrades the drivetrain with Shimano Acera vs. Tourney and offers a […]
The Big Bud Pro is a rare beast… a two wheel drive electric fat bike. I’ve heard other companies claim “all wheel drive” because the front wheel has a hub motor and you pedal to move the rear wheel… but to me that’s a marketing lie. Easy Motion actually put two hub motors on this […]
The Gondoliere+ is one of the sportier electric-assist cargo bikes from Virtue Cycles, a company that offers unique family friendly products at surprisingly low price points. The excitement around the more affordable price faded for me a bit when I got close up and realize that the battery, motor, shifter, brakes and other accessories were […]
The original Juiced Riders ODK U500 V3 review was done in fall of 2013 at Interbike and you can watch that video review here and see images in the gallery (they are the blue ones towards the end). Over the past two years the company has changed its name to Juiced Bikes and made some […]
The Marrs Cycles M-1 and newer, more affordable M-2 electric bikes are custom, American made hot rods… They deliver a lot of power, range and comfort depending on how you set them up. The stock motor is a 1,000 watt direct drive gearless hub mounted in the rear wheel. It’s supported by sturdy 10 gauge […]
This was the second time I’ve been able to test ride a Specialized Turbo Levo model and thankfully I got some help from Garret at Rock N’ Road Cyclery in Laguna Niguel California. This shop has some demo models and in addition to the footage shown in the video review above, Garret has gone off-road […]
Even though the price is the same… and the images on the official website are exactly the same, the Evo Snow 29” (being reviewed here) and the Evo Snow 29” Pro are not the same bike. The most obvious difference is an upgrade to 48 volt battery with the Pro but the drivetrain is also […]
Despite the many, many models and trim levels that Haibike is producing for model year 2016 they are only offering the FullNine (full suspension 29er) models with the SDURO Yamaha drive system. I got to check out the RX version with a taller friend who was able to appreciate the larger wheelset and frame size… […]
The 2016 Blix Komfort+ builds on the beautiful design aesthetic of the 2015 model while keeping the price constant at $1990 now offering paint-matched plastic fenders, integrated LED lights and a bright sturdy carry rack standard! There are two frame sizes to choose from and each has includes a different wheel diameter to further raise […]
This is the second round of Blix Vika+ folding electric bikes I’ve seen and tested in the USA and it seems like they’ve improved on everything. You get full length fenders with mud flaps, a beautiful silver carry rack that matches the upgraded brake levers, chainring guide, folding pedals, stem, bars and seat post. The […]
