Unbiased, In-Depth Analysis of the Best Electric Bikes
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.
KTM is an Austrian motorcycle and sports car manufacturer with roots dating back to the 1930’s and a more formal partnership forming in 1954 between Ernst Kronreif and Trunkenpolz Mattighofen. What began as a car repair shop eventually transitioned into a motorcycle manufacturing operation after some struggle post WWII. The company gained widespread recognition with […]
The ProTour is one of IZIP’s most exciting electric bikes, at least to me. It offers high-speed 28 mph pedal assisted rides, feature-complete accessories like fenders, a rear rack, and integrated lights, and now it runs off of your Android or iOS smartphone device because it comes stock with the Cobi system. If you don’t […]
The Orbea Katu-E 10 is an urban compact electric bike with some unique and well-designed cargo hauling capabilities. Just like many other compact models out there, you get improved strength, lower standover height, and low-stable weight distribution from the small 20″ wheels. A bit of comfort is traded for stiffness because it doesn’t have a […]
When you want the steady feel of a non-folding bicycle but don’t have a lot of space for storage, compact bikes offer a good compromise. The Tinker is an electric assist compact bike from the famed German brand Riese & Müller with some unique folding properties that set it apart in the space. It offers […]
It seems like 2017 is the year for Bosch powered electric bikes with neatly integrated downtube batteries… Prior to this year, most models from Felt, Haibike, Bulls, and others had the Powerpack 400 positioned on top of the downtube. This didn’t look great, took up the open triangle space for accessory mounts and lifting, limited […]
Trek is following in the footsteps of other premium high-speed electric assist manufacturers like Stromer and Specialized with their new Super Commuter+ 8S. It’s a well balanced, stiff, and stable e-bike available in eye-catching Viper Red with black accents… including the Bosch battery and motor hardware. It just looks great, and the attention to detail […]
Lapierre is a French bicycle brand based in Dijon France, it was founded all the way back in 1946 and became part of the Accell Group between 1993 and 1996, along with Haibike, Raleigh, and Diamondback. This transition has led to increased global distribution and I reviewed some of their first electric bikes to reach […]
The Cannondale Moterra is a Trail style electric bike with 130 mm air suspension from RockShox. It’s a great platform for all around mountain riding and delivers improved float and traction thanks to a pair of plus sized 2.8″ tires. The plus standard ranges from 2.6 to 3.0 and is becoming more and more common […]
The Raleigh Sprite iE is a perfect electric bike for someone who is willing to pay a little extra for reliability, a great warranty, and easier maintenance… but still, wants good value. The bike comes in two flavors (high-step and step-thru), four frame size options, and offers paint matched fanders, rear rack, and rigid alloy […]
The Haibike XDURO Trekking S RX, now called the Haibike XDURO Trekking 4.0, is an urban speed pedelec that’s geared towards commuting with integrated LED lights, a sturdy rear rack, and full-sized plastic fenders. The custom angular frame is designed to flex a bit for comfort with lower seat stays while providing a short nimble […]
