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 2016 Electra Townie Go! switched from using a SRAM hub motor and rear mounted battery pack to the Bosch Centerdrive which is better in pretty much every way. Now, it is more expensive than the 2014 and 2015 models at $2,727 and it does weigh more at ~58 lbs but you get an eight […]
The CUBE Reaction Hybrid HPA Pro 29 is a “high performance aluminum” 29er (meaning the wheels are 29 inches in diameter) that offers excellent value as a trail bike or around-town platform. The larger wheel diameter (compared with a standard 26″ or 27.5″ design) feels stable, smooth and efficient. It’s closer to the size of […]
The Easy Motion Xenion Jumper 27.5 is a Bosch-powered full suspension mountain bike with 27.5 inch tires. Got it! It’s one of my favorite models in the 2015 Easy Motion lineup from BH because it’s a blast to ride, extremely well balanced and outfitted with high quality components (including Shimano hydraulic disc brakes and Shimano […]
The Neo Cross from 2014 and EVO Cross from 2015 have been some of Easy Motion’s most popular electric bikes to date. They offer efficient hub motors with downtube-integrated batteries that look beautiful. The wheels are larger 700c width (about 28″) with efficient narrow city-style tires. These bikes offer a solid all-around experience with two […]
The CUBEW SUV Hybrid SL is one of the first cadence matching electric bikes I’ve tested. It uses an electronic shifting system to match the “gears” to your desired pedal speed… but instead of using gears it relies on a NuVinci H Sync continuously variable transmission (CVT). The drivetrain is extremely tight, clean and quiet […]
Haibike offers a wide range of performance oriented electric bikes including the Fullseven RX here which is a full suspension 27.5″ model… see where they got that name from? It used to be called the FS RX or FS 27.5″ in 2014 and aside from the name, most of the bike remains unchanged (which isn’t […]
The Kalkhoff Tasman Classic Impulse 8 has a very long name and equally lengthly list of features. This bike is awesome… and pretty. It comes in three frame sizes so you can truly dial in fit and with a range of 60 to 100+ miles (they estimate 130) it’s incredibly capable. From the integrated carry […]
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 […]
