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.
Honestly, the first time I saw the Cannondale Mavaro Performance electric bike I didn’t feel or think a lot. It just looked like a regular bike with a nice cargo rack on the back… and that’s the beauty here, this is a mainstream electric bicycle from a company that many people in the United States […]
The eProdigy Fairweather is a light weight folding electric bike that has been purpose-built for balance, simplicity and efficiency. Many of the other, less expensive, folding e-bikes use hub motors but this one offers a custom mid-drive that balances weight and improves climbing power. The Fairweather can be operated with both pedal assist and throttle […]
Bulls introduced several speed pedelec electric bikes for 2017 and the SIX50 E2 Street is a value priced model that was customized just for the US market. Now I said value there, not cheap… but you get a lot for your money. A very similar ebike model is available in Europe but it’s not capable […]
The Focus Jarifa Fat is remarkable in how customizable its electric drive system is. Very few mainstream purpose built ebikes like this let you change the top speed, alter how responsive pedal assist is or extend how long the drivetrain carries on as you reduce pedal torque. These are interesting, useful features and they’re all […]
Haibike has always impressed me with their diverse range of high performance electric bike styles… They are a leader in the emountain bike space but also offer touring and road models now like the Urban S RX shown here. The first XDURO Urban model I saw and reviewed was a 2015 model that could only […]
Specialized introduced their first electric bike internationally back in 2012, it was a road-only model that turned heads because it was beautiful looking and super quiet. In 2016 they wowed ebike enthusiasts again with their first mountain models in the US including this hardtail called the Turbo Levo Comp 6Fattie. At $4,000 it isn’t the […]
The Lacuba Evo E8 is like an “everything electric bike” because it comes in five sizes, three different frame styles, has fenders, a rack, suspension fork, integrated lights, a large battery and an efficient mid-drive motor. I guess it’s not well suited to trails and mountain biking… but the motor used here, from Brose, is […]
The eProdigy Banff is one of the most stylish electric bicycles I’ve ever reviewed… This is the second time I’ve gotten to ride it, the first time was a couple years back and the system wasn’t quite as refined or powerful as it has become. In addition to the colorful paint options, fun wicker baskets […]
Plus sized tires are becoming increasingly popular for electric bikes. That’s because they improve comfort a bit, increase your contact patch size resulting in better traction and they disperse some of the added weight that a motor and battery produce on the frame. I suppose they would have become popular more quickly with traditional pedal-powered […]
Fat tire electric bikes offer a perfect blend of technology and adventure in my opinion… an unpowered fat bike is fun, sure, but the added weight and drag of larger wheels and tires means that most people are limited in how far and long they can actually enjoy the ride. Furthermore, if you actually do […]
