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.
The eVox City is an approachable city style electric bike… Approachable because the frame is lower and the seat post can slide way down to accommodate petite riders. The bike appeared to be very sturdily built but did rattle a bit during my urban test ride. I think the primary culprit was a plastic handle […]
My understanding is that the Cityzen C8 is a carryover from 2016 that has been popular enough to extend into 2017. In the United States, many people would have missed or not even know about this model because Gazelle is just starting to enter the market and pick up dealers (aside from a select few […]
Before I begin this review I have just one question… shouldn’t this ebike really be called the “daily grinder” and why in the heck won’t it grind my coffee (╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻ I need that stuff before I can even think about getting onto my ebike and riding nearly 30 miles per hour… Bulls why! Okay, […]
This review is getting posted a little late because we’re at the end of 2016 (and it’s a 2016 year model) but it was my first chance to see and test ride the Scott electric bikes. I visited Propel Bikes in Brooklyn New York to see it and the owner, Chris, and I rode around […]
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 […]
