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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Electra Bali Cruiser Go! Step-Thru Review

  • MSRP: $1,799
  • MODEL YEAR: 2022, 2023

An affordable lightweight cruiser electric bike with special edition Artist Series tropical design. priced to compete with online ebikes but offers dealer assembly, fitting, post-purchase support, and comes in two frame styles and eight color scheme options! The step-thru is a small-medium with 26" tires and the high-step is a medium-large with 27.5" tires.. This is a Class 1 ebike with three levels of torque and cadence sensing pedal…...

Stromer ST5 ABS Review

  • MSRP: $10,579
  • MODEL YEAR: 2022

One of the fastest accelerating, quietest, most stable, and safest feeling Class 3 electric bikes I've ever tested... now with anti-lock braking on the front wheel. The onboard electronics include 4G cellular communications for remote locking, tracking, and over the air updates. The smartphone app lets you tune the motor, the onboard display lets you dial up regenerative braking, the touch display and button pad interfaces are simple but still deep.. All of the best touch points including co-branded Ergon saddle, GS1 locking grips, and wide…...

Pedego Avenue Review

  • MSRP: $1,995
  • MODEL YEAR: 2022

An efficient city style electric bike available in 17" step-thru and 19" high-step frames. Pedego is known for their fun styles, and the Avenue is available in six premium colors with frame, fork, and rims matching! Intuitive display panel with USB charging port built in.. The removable downtube-integrated battery is nearly hidden, and and can be charged on or off…...

Surface 604 V Rook Review

  • MSRP: $2,599
  • MODEL YEAR: 2023

An approachable deep step-through electric bike that comes in two frame sizes and three colors! Includes aluminum alloy fenders, sturdy rear rack, integrated lights, and two battery size options for extended range. Relaxed handlebar, adjustable angle stem, high volume tires, ergonomic touch points, and adjustable suspension fork offer comfort.. Unique combination of torque sensing pedal assist with trigger throttle that overrides for added power.…...

Rad Power Bikes RadCity 5 Plus Review

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

The classic high-step version of the proven RadCity hybrid electric bike featuring frame, wheel, brake, and battery upgrades for its 5th generation. Available in black only, this model comes in one frame size but offers an adjustable angle stem and extra long 390mm seat post. Ergonomic grips, hybrid tires, locking suspension fork, and optional suspension seat post provide comfort. The rear rack is now removable, and positioned so the saddle won't collide in low positions.. A growing fleet of mobile service vans and storefronts in the US, Canada, and Europe…...

Rad Power Bikes RadRunner 3 Plus Review

  • MSRP: $2,229
  • MODEL YEAR: 2023

A utility electric bike with deep step-thru frame and custom tires that make it approachable, stable, and very capable. Increased gross weight capacity of 350 pounds, including 120lbs on the extended rear rack. Upgraded battery pack is easier to remove (even with optional locking console), dual display system, hydraulic disc brakes, and better foot peg positioning.. Excellent safety features including reflective puncture resistant tires, bright integrated headlight with running beam, rear…...

Propella MINI Review

  • MSRP: $949
  • MODEL YEAR: 2022

An extremely light weight 35.5lb, affordable, good looking, single speed, compact Class 1 electric bike. Fits easily into most elevators and closets. Available in one frame style: high-step, size: 18.5" and color: matte black with blue and white accents.. Good weight distribution with battery pack low and center. High quality compact battery charger only…...

Propella 9S PRO Review

  • MSRP: $1,699
  • MODEL YEAR: 2022

An efficient, relatively light weight and well-balanced electric bicycle. There's enough space for gravel tires, fenders, and mounting points to add a rear rack and folding lock. Clean aesthetic with internally routed cables and blacked out hardware. Custom battery pack uses premium 21700 Samsung cells, comes with an excellent three amp fast charger.. Offers a unique blend of urban efficiency with good comfort. The higher volume 27.5" x…...

Magnum Scout Review

  • MSRP: $2,599
  • MODEL YEAR: 2021, 2022

A sturdy feature-rich fat tire electric bike complete with fenders, a rear cargo rack, and optional front rack. Four color options include unique urban and desert camo, as well as black and desert tan. Integrated lights are powered by the rechargeable ebike battery, both have two LEDs for increased brightness, the rear light blinks when braking. Reflective tires further increase your visual footprint.. Premium look and feel with all-black hardware, including the spokes and suspension fork stanchions. Vast…...

Magnum Voyager Review

  • MSRP: $2,349
  • MODEL YEAR: 2021

The Voyager is the latest fully-equipped commuting ebike from Magnum, with a high-step frame but otherwise identical to the step-thru Navigator, standard one-year warranty and two eye-catching accent colors. Excellent rack with plenty of mount points and included bungee, sturdy alloy fenders are expertly…...