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).
Vintage Electric Bikes creates these custom “vintage styled” ebikes that resemble the board track racing motorcycles of the 1920’s. I met with the founder, Andrew, for this review and test rode their newest model, the Cruz. There are several key upgrades for the bike including a Race Mode pin which increases the top speed from […]
The EasyGo line of electric bikes is an entry level offering from BH Easy Motion, a hundred year old bicycle company based in Spain. Since their first line of bikes, the Neo series, launched in the US around 2013 consumers have recognized and appreciated the lower price point and beautiful purpose-built frames. Most older EMotion […]
This second version of thee Sondors fat bike (funded on Kickstarter vs. Indiegogo) was priced well, improved upon the original and was delivered on time. My one gripe is that the color I specified in the perks form is not what arrived… but I’m not sure exactly why, it’s possible that the color I chose […]
Vintage Electric Bikes designs and assembles high power, high speed ebikes in Northern California. I got to visit their headquarters and meet with the founder, Andrew, to learn about their new Tracker model which is basically a refined version of the E-Tracker which I reviewed in mid 2015. The biggest improvement in my mind is […]
Zeitgeist is a premium electric bike brand that introduced two models in 2016 including the Cargo reviewed here. This model has a top speed of 20 mph, an average sized 350 watt internally geared motor and slightly above average 10.4 amp hour battery pack with Samsung Lithium-ion cells. In addition to the ebike (which only […]
This is the first Biomega electric bike I’ve seen in the US and the first time I’ve had an opportunity to test ride and review it. My initial thought was that it would cost way more than it does… especially given the three frame sizes, two drivetrain options (internally geared auto shifting two speed or […]
The Zeitgeist City is a premium, all-Carbon fiber speed pedelec. It’s an electric bike that can high 28 mph and only weighs ~43 lbs which is impressive given the 500 watt hub motor and 48 volt battery pack. At one point, I believe this model was being called the Zeitgeist by Karma Bikes but the […]
At first glance, the 2016 Riide V1.1 resembles the crowd-funded prototype I reviewed in 2014. Since that time aesthetics have been improved with a black casing on the hub motor, black spokes and black wheelset. I love the locking grips and Riide branded saddle and appreciate the fun multi-color design. This is a single speed […]
Update! The Faraday Porteur S and Cortland S moved from $2,799 to $2,499 in 2017 and the review listing price here has been updated to reflect that. The Cortland is a step-thru, city style, light weight electric bike from Faraday and their S model is the more affordable version. You get a more traditional chain, […]
Update! The Faraday Porteur and Cortland moved from $3,799 to $3,499 in 2017 and the review listing price here has been updated to reflect that. Faraday produces some of my favorite electric bikes because they’re well balanced, light weight and self-contained. The battery stays in the downtube and hardly changes the look or ride quality […]
