If you love riding bikes, but aren’t much of a fan of pedaling, e-bikes are a great solution. They can get you where you need to be quicker and with less energy expenditure. Whether you are taking a leisurely ride in the summer countryside, going off-road to explore a new destination, or are antsy to get home from work on a cold, winter day, an electric bike can handle it all. Electric bikes can also serve as greener forms of transportation than cars, as they emit less pollution, allow you to save on gas expenses, and reduce your carbon footprint!
You may think that electric bikes are expensive. However, in recent years, pricing has become more affordable when it comes to the best bicycles. If you’re thinking about shopping for a new bicycle, here’s our list of the best electric bikes. We’ve also found some of the best cheap bicycle deals if you’re hoping to save some money on an e-bike. Whether you need an e-bike for your commute, road trip, or just for fun, we suggest test riding a couple of options to gauge their overall quality and functionality.
Choosing an electric bike is easier when you understand the advantages of different styles. That way you can pick the e-bike that’s best for your needs.
Best mid-grade e-bike
Specialized Turbo Vado SL Equipped
Electric bikes run the gamut in price from around $400 to north of $7,000. The Specialized Turbo Vado SL 5.0 EQ is priced in the middle of the range. At $4,000, it’s well beyond entry-level, but it’s not so outlandishly expensive that buyers start considering buying a motorcycle instead.
It boasts a long list of excellent features, including an ultra-lightweight motor capable of up to 28 miles per hour, a high-strength premium carbon fork, hydraulic disc brakes, and a hidden shock to cushion all but the nastiest potholes. Plus, the XS version weighs just 33 pounds — plenty light enough for apartment dwellers who need to lug it home daily up a few flights of stairs.
Best electric mountain e-bike
ANCHEER Electric Mountain Bike
Are you an amateur cyclist with a taste for high-performance bikes? Check out the ANCHEER e-bike. This bicycle is manufactured from aviation-grade aluminum alloy — a high-cost material that is equally strong and lightweight, and the equipped dual-disc brakes and steel suspension fork help deliver a comfortable cycling experience.
With the 500-watt motor and 7.8Ah lithium-ion battery, the ANCHEER electric bike has more than enough juice to power through any adventure, from daily commutes to cruises on biking trails. You can have fun with four levels of pedal power assistance or go full throttle.
Most affordable 28-inch e-bike
Propella 7-Speed
For most “ordinary” bikers, $1,000 tends to be the sweet spot for what they’re looking to spend. Propella’s 7-Speed is a straightforward, entry-level e-bike that almost hits that price point with an affordable price tag courtesy of a direct-to-consumer business model. It boasts Shimano disc brakes, a Samsung battery, and a suspended seat. Plus, it weighs under 40 pounds.
Best fashionable e-bike
Vintage Electric Roadster
If money is no object, Vintage Electric’s Roadster is guaranteed to turn heads unlike any other electric bike on the road. And at under $6,000, it should. It’s light, small, and stylish, with a beautiful aesthetic reminiscent of a trimmed-down vintage café racer. Ride it in Race Mode on private roads at speeds up to 40 mph.
Best e-bike for urban rides
RadCity 5 Plus
This elegant European-style electric city bike is easy to use and lots of fun to ride. It features puncture-resistant tires with a custom tread that’s built for riding on pavement. The hydraulic disk brakes are meant for stop-and-go, pretty much a given within city limits.
They also respond to a lighter touch, making it both easier and safer to brake when needed. You can adjust the pedal assist, and the low standover height offers better comfort while riding, even during long trips. Also, it’s good uphill thanks to the 750-watt geared hub motor, supports up to 275 pounds, and more.
Best grocery-getter utility e-bike
Bike Friday Haul-A-Day Bike Elite
Bike Friday promises its Haul-A-Day Cargo Bike is the lightest and most versatile long-tail cargo bike in the world. The rear cargo deck is ideal for hauling groceries, takeout food, a briefcase, or even the little ones in your family. The frame is also height-adjustable and able to accommodate riders from 4 feet, 9 inches up to 6 feet, 6 inches, so it’s one bike for the whole family.
Least assembly required e-bike
Lectric XP 3.0 E-Bike
This electric bike is the one for you if you need something affordable that doesn’t require much assembly. Whether you prefer to use your e-bike for commutes only or wish to take it off-road every once in a while, the Lectric XP 3.0 can help you get to where you want to be. Remarkedly affordable, the XP 3.0 has hydraulic disc brakes for safer stopping power.
Best performance e-bike
Ariel Rider X-Class 52V Grizzly
If you’re looking for performance when you ride, the Ariel Grizzly does not disappoint. With dual motors front and rear and moderately knobby tires, you can ride on and off-road. Dual batteries give you up to 75 miles of range and the 52V electrical system and geared hub motors carry you at speeds you’d never expect in an e-bike. To top it off, the Grizzly has adjustable front fork and rear motorcycle-style shocks to smooth your ride.
Best and easiest riding moped-style e-bike
Juiced Bikes Scorpion X2
When you ride a moped, you find it extremely easy to hop on and ride, and you’ll discover the same with the Juiced Bikes Scorpion X2. This is the latest version of the popular Scorpion model and it’s a comfortable, easy-to-ride e-bike that’s adaptable for many purposes. It can also be upgraded with performance options as well as racks, baskets, and more.
Best commuter e-bike
Aventon Soltera.2
Are you looking for a bike to commute to work? Then the Aventon Soltera.2 is the standout choice, especially if you chose the Citrine Yellow color for visibility. This sturdy bike has the power to move with city traffic and its rugged enough to withstand pot holes and curbing. Integrated turn signals are a plus for this extremely capable e-bike that’s also fun for exercise, group rides, and touring.
