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).
All of the current gen Outrider electric recumbent trikes share the same basic componentry but differ with respect to the gear box, motor power output, ground clearance (ride height) and stock color. The Horizon is by far the most versatile, offering standard pedals, foot rests vs. pedals in combination with hand cranks, hand motion activation […]
The Haibike SDURO Full FatSix is one of the only full suspension, mid-drive, fat tire electric bikes that is being purpose-built by a leading ebike company… and it’s awesome. I do have a couple gripes here including the large clunky charger that Yamaha provides but the battery pack can be charged on or off the […]
The EG Milan 500 EX is capable of high speed 28 mph top speeds in pedal assist mode, uses a torque sensor so assist feels fluid and responsive (but requires more effort) and also comes with a throttle that overrides assist up to 20 mph. It’s a winning commuting platform with full length fenders, a […]
The EasyGo Volt is a follow-on to the larger, heavier and more expensive Neo Volt and Neo Volt Sport models from Easy Motion in years past. Weighing in at just under 40 lbs and costing about $1,500 it’s meant to be more accessible… What you trade is range, throttle mode and lights. I love that […]
The 2016 eProdigy Whistler offers massive improvements in power and range with a 750 watt centerdrive motor that is compact and relatively quiet paired with a 48 volt 11.6 amp hour battery pack. The pack is removable which is great for indoor or in-office charging but requires an extra on step once attached to the […]
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 […]
