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 BM-Night Hawk is professionally converted electric mountain bike that uses a proven drive system with quality batteries. What sets it apart from other trail or off-road oriented mid-level ebikes is the good weight distribution (battery and motor are low and center). By leveraging a centerdrive motor and custom front sprocket (that’s smaller than the […]
This review is for the 2015 Sahel Compact i8 from Kalkhoff. It’s fairly similar to the 2014 version but offers a more sophisticated LED display panel with multiple readouts and comes in white and black. The Kalkhoff Sahel Compact Impulse 8 is a fun, high quality compact electric bike that fits short and tall alike… […]
The XDURO Trekking line from Haibike offers a sporty but comfortable platform to commute or tour with. Both the Pro and RX models for 2015 come stock with full length fenders, a solid rear rack and integrated LED lights but the Pro offers nicer suspension, an upgraded chain, pedals and brakes. It also foregoes the […]
Hi-Power Cycles is known for building custom electric bike solutions that push the limits on power and speed. They all ship street-legal with 750 motor watt output and top speed of 20 mph. From here, the user can increase speed and power by increasing the voltage and amp settings using onboard controls. Even the Freedom, […]
The BM-Shadow is the most affordable offering from BMEBIKES, an electric bike company based in North Los Angeles that’s dedicated to off-road electric bikes. Their slogan is “electric mountain bike specialists” but to me, the Shadow is more of a trail bike because it uses the standard (larger) size front chainring that comes stock with […]
For that probably-very limited subset of downhill mountain bike riders that are interested in electric bikes, the Haibike XDURO Nduro RX is a dream come true. This is an electric bike that is quite capable of powering you up mountains and then delivering pro-level performance on the way down. The motor and battery weight are […]
The Haibike XDURO Urban is a light weight, efficient road bike with a premium mid-drive motor system and battery from Bosch that together are capable of impressive range and climbing performance. It offers a 20 mph top speed, which is a bit lower than the other road-style Haibkes (the Race and Superrace), but can easily […]
The complete electric bike you see in the video and images here is just one of thousands of possible configurations that the Nicolai E-BOXX 2 platform is capable of offering. What you get for roughly $5.5K is a high performance, hand built racing frame with integrated motor and battery systems from Bosch. The frame is […]
The Haibike XDURO Fatsix arrives in America Spring 2015… just after the snow melts. The good news is, this bike delivers a couple things that are really unique in the world of fat style electric bikes; a premium mid-drive motor system for power and efficiency in sand or snow as well as a light-weight air […]
BH, a bicycle company from Spain that started in 1909, has been selling electric bikes in the US under the name Easy Motion since 2013. They’ve been fairly successful, offering three different lines (Neo, Evo and Nitro) with a complete range of City, Hybrid and Off-Road models that all use geared rear hub motors and […]
