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 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 […]
This review is for the 2015 Blix Stockholm, it’s similar to the 2016 version but differs in a few key ways… my favorite being that you do not have to leave the keys in the battery pack in order to operate the bike! This always bugged me because they can jingle around. While reviewing this […]
The Sondors Thin is a single speed urban style electric bike with an average sized motor and slightly below average sized battery priced very reasonably at $499… plus mandatory $194 shipping. It borrows from some of the earlier Sondors fat tire bikes sold through Indiegogo and Kickstarter in 2015. I purchased both of these prior […]
The EG Bali 500 EX is an electric bike that I want to love based on its low price and high specs on paper but have some real hangups with in practice. Yes, you get 28 mph capable speed pedelec with smooth torque sensing operation and a trigger throttle for instant power (up to 20 […]
The BULLS Cross Lite E is a well equipped commuter or even trekking electric bicycle platform. It’s powered by the massively popular Bosch drive system with a large easy to use display that’s removable, battery that can be charged on or off the frame and a mid-drive motor that measures wheel speed, pedal cadence and […]
