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).
The VR-01 is the first electric bike introduced to the US from Freway, a Chinese company that’s part of the SCUD Group. They are based in Shenzhen China, a province that is famous for being home to other producers of high precision, low cost electronics being produced at incredible speed for customers like Hewlett Packard, […]
The Daymak Paris 24V (and Vermont 24V) are the two most affordable products in Daymak’s electric bicycle lineup. Each model is about one thousand dollars and you get quite a few extras for this price… though many of the components are base level. Indeed, this is a cheaply made ebike but in my experience it […]
BESV is part of the Darfon Innovation Corp. which, at the time of this review, was the world leader in producing integrated laptop keyboards. They also make power supplies, human interface devices and other electronics and have over 20k employees worldwide… that’s a solid foundation to build electric bikes from and some of their earliest […]
In 2016 Pedego launched a fourth generation build of the Trail Tracker electric bike! It resembles the new Ridge Rider e-mountain bike in that the battery is designed to fit into the downtube vs. a rear rack, dramatically improving weight distribution and stability. This is a fat-tire style electric bike which works well on pavement, […]
The Daymak Vermont is a mixed bag for me… I love the high power motor and extra large battery for improved zip and range but am concerned by the lack of motor inhibitor on the brake levers (you can end up fighting the motor or struggle stopping as quickly in pedal assist mode especially). Throttle […]
Since late 2014 I’ve seen Pedego secretly working on an electric mountain bike and this first generation Ridge Rider is the culmination of that effort. To be honest, it’s far more capable and technical than I was expecting… my preconception of the brand has been built around their wide selection of comfort-oriented cruisers with fun […]
I’ve been reviewing Motiv electric bikes for several years now and the Stash is their first folding model. It builds on the best qualities I’ve appreciated from other manufacturers like e-Joe, Enzo and EZ Pedalar with an internally mounted battery, the addition of pedal assist and throttle mode and fender, rack and light kit all […]
The Arsenal is Daymak’s full sized and full suspension folding electric bike model. Like many of the other products offered by Daymak, this is a budget-oriented ebike with some parts and accessories that are basic quality. This is an important point because it’s easy to look at a full suspension bicycle and think “let’s go […]
The Daymake EC1 (electric, carbon, first edition) is an affordable, light weight ebike built around a carbon fiber frame. It debuted on Kickstarter in late 2015 for $899 and met its funding goal with $70k+ in sales but the standard product has since jumped in price to $1,899. There is a bit of confusing linking […]
The Revelo Flex is a unique ultra-portable folding electric bike that seems like a cross between the Yikebike and a more traditional folder from Tern or Dahon. It has pedals, but you don’t have to use them if you’re more interested in scooting around under electric power. The right crank arm has a release mechanism […]
