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 Focus Aventura Impulse Speed 1.0 has a long name… and a long list of premium features. Focus and Kalkhoff are both brands that are part of Derby Cycle Werke out of Germany. They are trusted, popular companies offering premium frames, components and drive systems that reached the US in 2014 at select shops. Now […]
The Felt VERZAe delivers comfort and utility at a reasonable price (considering it uses the high-end Bosch drive system). Compared with its sister bike, the SPORTe Step-Thru, it’s heavier and less stiff but also easier to approach and much more feature rich; delivering lights, fenders and a sturdy rear rack. Though, to be fair you […]
Energie Cycles launched in the US around 2013, it’s an ebike line created by a battery manufacturer based out of Las Vegas. This company makes batteries for electric fork lifts and other large machines but has been able to leverage this expertise to fit a lot of high quality cells into traditionally sized packs (read […]
The Haibike AMT RX is an “all mountain” full suspension electric bike with Bosch drive systems that are capable of powerful ascents and impressive range. It’s a step up from the Haibike FSRX which also offers full suspension but doesn’t include the CTD (climb, trail, descend) adjust from Fox, opting instead for a simple remote […]
This is the review for the 2015 E3 Sumo, in 2016 an updated model arrived with sturdy thru-axles, an optional $50 boost mode that acts like a throttle and a slightly altered paint job… it also costs a lot less! Check it out in the full review here. The E3 Sumo is one of the […]
While the 2016 version of the Raleigh Misceo iE appears unchanged at first glance, the frame has actaully been extended and the rear tubing is box vs. rounded for improved torsional rigidity. The drive unit is horizontal instead of being mounted at 45 degrees and you get automatic electronic shifting along with some other improvements. […]
The BM-Apollos is a full suspension electric bike that’s well suited to trail and mountain riding with 120 mm of travel in the front and 190 mm in the rear. You get nimble 26″ wheels, responsive hydraulic disc brakes and a battery pack that keeps weight low and central on the frame. As with all […]
The Aventura Impulse 2.0 is a remarkable ebike to me because it offers so much utility and has so many great features for what I would consider a low price. Many of the other European made mid-drive electric bikes start at $4,000 and while this one is only ~$200 less, it delivers an extra large […]
The Felt OUTFITTER is a cargo-oriented fat style electric bike that captivated my imagination and seems to challenge the stereotype for what an ebike should or could be. This ebike is ready for dirt trails, sand dunes or even snow fields as demonstrated in the video review. I did get stuck once as my momentum […]
The BM-Helio is one of the most enjoyable models I’ve tested from BMEBIKES because it’s powerful, sturdy and upgraded in several important ways. Unfortunately, the extra power it offers exacerbates one of the concerns I have about many of the BMEBIKES which is a lack of motor inhibitor brake levers. This ebike is not for […]
