Mid-Drive Electric Bike Reviews

This type of electric bike utilizes a motor system that is positioned at the middle of the frame, usually exerting force on the same chain that the rider is cycling as they pedal. They are known for their balanced weight distribution, unsprung weight advantage, battery use efficiency (because they benefit from gear shifting, just like the rider), and improved climbing power. Because they often require custom motor interfaces, mid-drive ebikes tend to cost more money. They exert more strain on the chain, belt, and drivetrain than hub motor and friction drive, and usually do not offer throttle on demand power. Most high-end and European ebikes utilize mid-drive motor systems.
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Focus JAM² Plus Pro Review

  • MSRP: $5,999
  • MODEL YEAR: 2018

A full suspension trail style e-mountain bike with 140 mm air suspension, available in four sizes and several configurations including 27.5" boost, 29er, and Shimano Di2 electronic shifting. Excellent weight distribution, standard 175 mm Q Factor, super short chain stay length for snappy…...

Trek Lift+ Lowstep Review

  • MSRP: $2,799
  • MODEL YEAR: 2017

A comfortable, low-step, cruiser style electric bike with balanced motor and battery position, multiple fun color choices, and several sizes (also available in high-step). Nicer 10-speed drivetrain with clutch for reducing chain bounce and slap, easy to pull hydraulic…...

Focus BOLD² Plus Review

  • MSRP: $4,899
  • MODEL YEAR: 2018

A lightweight, cross country style electric mountain bike with the Shimano E8000 mid-motor offering high RPM support, traditional chainring size, no reduction gear, and high 70 Nm torque output. Custom downtube-integrated battery is designed and built by Focus, it's completely protected and hidden, very…...

Focus Jarifa 27 Donna Review

  • MSRP: $2,799
  • MODEL YEAR: 2017

A mid-level cross country style electric mountain bike with remote lockout fork, Shimano Deore 9-speed drivetrain, powerful Bosch CX mid-motor, and mounting points for fenders, a rear rack, and bottle cage. Seems oriented towards female riders because it comes in a smaller frame size option, uses…...

EVELO Galaxy ST Review

  • MSRP: $3,499
  • MODEL YEAR: 2017

A powerful cruiser style electric bike with smooth, responsive, multi-sensing pedal assist and trigger throttle operation, throttle only works above 6 mph and is limited by assist level. Optional hydraulic disc brakes and automatic electric shifting would be great for riders with limited…...

Haibike SDURO HardFour 4.0 Review

  • MSRP: $2,599
  • MODEL YEAR: 2017

A high performance, purpose built electric mountain bike for kids or petite adults... but mostly kids! Limited top speed of 15 mph for safety, full 9-speed Shimano drivetrain. Capable 160 mm hydraulic disc brakes with adjustable-reach levers for smaller hands, only available in…...

Focus Jarifa 29 Review

  • MSRP: $2,799
  • MODEL YEAR: 2017

A hardtail 29er, cross country style electric bike available in four frame sizes, quick release wheelset for easy trail maintenance and portability, removable battery pack and display panel. Excellent weight distribution with both the motor and battery pack mounted low and center on…...

Gazelle CityZen T10 Review

  • MSRP: $2,999
  • MODEL YEAR: 2017, 2018

A feature-complete city style electric bike that's lighter than competing models and more sporty, the narrow handlebars let you squeeze through traffic and doorways easily. Premium alloy coated fenders are tough and quiet, plastic chain guard keeps your pants clean,…...

PESU Monster 250W Review

  • MSRP: $1,599
  • MODEL YEAR: 2018

A value-priced hardtail cross country style electric bike with adjustable SR Suntour suspension fork, versatile 650b wheel size, and mid-level Shimano Acera 9-speed derailleur, three frame sizes. Compact mid-motor from TTIUM is powerful, moderately responsive, and very quiet, assisting up to ~18…...

Raleigh Tristar iE Review

  • MSRP: $2,599
  • MODEL YEAR: 2017

A purpose-built electric trike with integrated cables, a low mounted battery with a secondary slot to double your range, and a mid-drive motor that's powerful and efficient. Beautiful chrome fenders and a paint-matched chain cover keep you clean and dry, a large…...