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 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 […]
The Diamondback Overdrive EXC is a trail ready hardtail electric bike with large 29 inch wheels. It’s great for cruising around town or taking dirt paths and is capable of higher top speeds in pedal assist, up to 28 miles per hour. With a mid-drive motor system from TranzX and support from Currie Technologies, this […]
The Haibike XDURO Race is an efficient, fast and beautiful electric bike. This thing is a race car with deep dish aero rims, drop bars, an 11 speed cassette and streamlined integrated lights… Lights? Kickstand?! Yeah, it comes with these extras that you might not be used to seeing on traditional road style bicycles because […]
This reivew is outdated but might be useful if you’re finding a used model or considering a deal on prior-year equipment. The latest version of the bike has been upgraded to a Bosch centerdrive and is available in two frame sizes. You can read more in the full review here and feel free to compare […]
This review is for the 2015 IZIP E3 Peak, click here for the most recent review which features a drivetrain upgrade, lower price point and a new color scheme (black with blue accents). The twist throttle has been dropped but IZIP now offers an optional $50 boost button instead. The 2015 IZIP E3 Peak is […]
The Thron Impulse Speed from Focus is one of those super high end full suspension mid-drive electric bikes that can dominate just about any terrain you throw at it. The big difference between it and something like the Felt DUALe or Haibike FS 27.5″ (which also use mid-drives and offer full suspension) is an impressive […]
The Optibike Pioneer City is an efficient mid-drive style electric bike that offers a durable frame and drive system with lots of useful accessories. This is the kind of ebike you see a lot in Europe where people cycle to work on a daily basis and need to be able to carry supplies and stay […]
