Hub Motor Electric Bike Reviews

This type of electric bike utilizes a hub motor (or two) that is built into the wheel. It’s the most affordable type of drive system and often works well with throttle operation. There are two types of hub motors: geared and gearless. Gearless tends to weigh more, provides less torque (especially at low speeds), produce some magnetic drag when not engaged, but may offer regenerative braking, and tend to be very durable and quiet. Geared hub motors tend to be compact, lightweight, and affordable, but they produce a bit of whirring noise during operation and may not be as durable over long periods of use. They freewheel efficiently without producing drag, but cannot provide regen braking. Since motor weight is positioned inside the bicycle wheel itself, it increases unsprung weight if the bike has suspension. It also requires custom spokes, wheels, and axles that bite into the frame to provide forward movement. For this reason, they may also require a torque arm to secure the axle against the frame.
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Surface 604 Big Sky Review

  • MSRP: $2,199
  • MODEL YEAR: 2023

A zippy cruiser electric bike with mounting options for fenders and a rear rack. Ships as Class 2 with responsive torque sensing pedal assist and a trigger throttle that overrides all five levels with 100% power. Can unlock higher top speeds as Class 3 if you wish. This is the high-step larger frame, but Surface 604 also sells the smaller Sunny Day mid-step.. Default battery is 48v 12ah, but they also sell a 14ah and 20ah pack for…...

Trek FX+ 2 Stagger Review

  • MSRP: $2,499
  • MODEL YEAR: 2023

An affordable, quiet, light weight, feature complete electric bicycle. Available in three frame sizes and three premium colors. Assembled and serviced by one of the largest bicycle networks in North America, it comes with a two year comprehensive warranty with lifetime frame warranty.. The mid-step frame design is approachable, easy to step over, but also sturdy and light.…...

Stromer ST3 Pinion LE Review

  • MSRP: $9,200
  • MODEL YEAR: 2023

A highly refined speed pedelec with near-silent motor, regenerative braking, and premium integrated lights. The ST3 Pinion features an internally geared bottom bracket with 9 speeds, a 568% gear ratio, and can shift at standstill. The Launch Edition (LE) features special edition metallic red paint and a red Gates Carbon belt drive that is clean, durable, and quiet.. Top of the line touch points include Ergon saddle, GS1 locking grips, and wide aluminum…...

Schwinn Coston DX 27.5 Review

  • MSRP: $1,999
  • MODEL YEAR: 2021, 2022

A commuter ready electric bike with upright handlebar, adjustable suspension seat post, and comfortable plus sized tires. It comes with sturdy aluminum alloy fenders, a rear rack, and integrated lights.. In addition to the front and rear lights, there are two highly visible light bars…...

Juiced Bikes RipCurrent S Review

  • MSRP: $2,499
  • MODEL YEAR: 2020

The RipCurrent S is a powerful fat tire adventure electric bike, high speeds and long range rides feel almost effortless thanks to the massive 998 watt-hour battery pack, available in multiple sizes with free shipping in the contiguous United States. Feature complete with resilient plastic fenders, sturdy rear rack, and lights although only the headlight…...

Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus Review

  • MSRP: $1,999
  • MODEL YEAR: 2021, 2022

A proven fat tire electric bike with frame, brake, and battery upgrades for its 6th generation. The high-step version is slightly larger and stiffer than the step-thru, but only comes in a black color scheme. Wide 4" tires provide stability, traction, and float for navigating soft terrain like gravel, sand, and snow. Shorter stem, mid-rise handlebar, ergonomic grips, and adjustable suspension fork delivery comfort.. Network of mobile service vans and multiple storefronts in the US, Canada, and Europe make…...

Surface 604 Shred Review

  • MSRP: $2,599
  • MODEL YEAR: 2022

A feature rich hardtail electric mountain bike with 9-speed drivetrain, plus sized 2.8" wide tires, sturdy 15mm thru-axle, adjustable top speed, responsive torque sensing pedal assist, quiet motor, and trigger throttle with full power. Upright geometry, integrated headlight, and lots of mounting points make this a versatile platform.. Available in two frame sizes, and a third XS version with 26" wheels for youth…...

Blix Vika+ Flex Review

  • MSRP: $1,699
  • MODEL YEAR: 2021

An elegant folding electric bike sold in four classy colors with matching fork, rear rack, and aluminum alloy fenders. Velo brand ergonomic grips, Selle Royal gel saddle, and wider 2.4" CST tires provide enhanced comfort. Higher power, improved battery controller design, the bike has bottle cage bosses!. Excellent integrated lights front and rear. The headlight points where you steer and offers side…...

Surface 604 Colt Review

  • MSRP: $2,499
  • MODEL YEAR: 2022

A sturdy high-step hybrid electric bike that comes in two frame sizes! Includes premium aluminum alloy fenders, deluxe rear rack, integrated lights, and two battery and charger options for long range. Relaxed handlebar, adjustable angle stem, high volume 27.5" tires, ergonomic touch points, and optional suspension seat post offer comfort.. Unique combination of torque sensing pedal assist with trigger throttle that overrides for added power.…...

Surface 604 Rook Review

  • MSRP: $2,499
  • MODEL YEAR: 2022

An approachable step-through that comes in two frame sizes and two colors! This hybrid electric bike offers fenders, deluxe rear rack, integrated lights, and two battery options for long range. Relaxed handlebar, adjustable angle stem, high volume 27.5" tires, and ergonomic touch points offer comfort.. Unique combination of torque sensing pedal assist with trigger throttle that overrides for added power.…...