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).
Leisger is a german electric bike company that is expanding to the US with a few models for 2015/2016 including the MD5. This is a “mountain” style ebike with “downtube” mounted battery that’s a “5th generation” build. That’s what the MD5 stands for and it’s a fairly good overview of the bike. You get a […]
The e-Trolley is a compact folding electric bike that offers great accessories, a decent drivetrain and two variations for those who are price sensitive. I reviewed the Pro model here which is ~$300 more but was also able to test the Standard and found it to be slightly less powerful, much more difficult to fold […]
Magnum electric bikes are relatively new to the US but they’ve been successful in Israel and parts of Europe for several years. The Ui5 is an “urban” model with “integrated battery” offering “5th generation” technology… It’s one of my favorite ebikes from their line because it looks great, is well suited to city riding or […]
Magnum electric bikes are relatively new to the US but they’ve been successful in Israel and parts of Europe for several years. The Mi5 is an “mountain” model with “integrated battery” offering “5th generation” technology… to call it a true mountain bike is a bit of a stretch in my mind because many of the […]
The Vela Model 1 is a crowdfunded electric bicycle that began its life in Brazil and then expanded North into America with an Indiegogo campaign. As of this review, it has not yet reached its US goal of $35k but it’s nearly half way there in only five days time. I’m told that actual production […]
Haibike offers a wide range of performance oriented electric bikes including the Fullseven RX here which is a full suspension 27.5″ model… see where they got that name from? It used to be called the FS RX or FS 27.5″ in 2014 and aside from the name, most of the bike remains unchanged (which isn’t […]
The EVO 27.5 Jumper is one of my favorite electric bike models from Easy Motion because it’s zippy, nimble and comfortable off-road or around town. I used to own the NEO Jumper (from 2013/2014) and am very impressed with the upgrades that were made for the newer model. It’s modest 350 watt hub motor can […]
The Oahu 500 EX is a high-step cruiser style electric bike that offers a slightly larger frame size (with longer reach) than the step-thru EG Maui 500 EX. Aside from color options (black and white for the Oahu vs. blue and white for the Maui) the bikes are largely the same and offer a “his […]
The Maui 500 EX is a low-step cruiser style electric bike that expands on the original EG Maui by adding power and speed (40% more speed in fact). It’s better balanced and stiffer because the battery is mounted to the downtube instead of a rear rack and while it does cost $500 more than the […]
The Trail Viper is a folding fat-tire electric bike that combines portability with fun. It’s a “go anywhere” platform that benefits from smaller diameter wheels in two ways… they’re smaller and thus easier to store but also offer a mechanical advantage to the motor and your legs when pedaling. The custom 17″ frame feels surprisingly […]
