Buying guide for best electric bikes
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Not long ago, owning an e-bike felt like something reserved for tech enthusiasts and early adopters. Today, however, they're everywhere. Whether you dread that hill on the way home or you're tired of showing up at work sweaty with sore legs, there's many reasons to want an e-bike.
The one catch? There are so many options now that it can feel totally overwhelming. But, don't worry, we've got you. What you actually need from an e-bike depends entirely on your preferences and your daily life. A daily commuter has completely different wants and needs than someone who wants to tackle the toughest trails on the weekend, and neither of those need the same thing as someone who just wants a fun, low-stress way to get around. The good news is that there's something on this list for all three.
After reviewing the full range of options, the Gotrax R7 Electric Bike was our top chouce. It's built for people who want to actually push the limits of their e-bike, not just commute on it, and it delivers on that in a way most bikes at this price don't.
Editors' picks
Gotrax R7 Electric Bike
Editors’ Favorite
Power: 750 W | Range: 50 miles | Special Features: Lights, Bell, Basket, LCD
The GoTrax R7 is an excellent e-bike for city commuting or all-terrain riding. It’s equipped with a 48-volt 750-watt motor that can reach speeds of up to 25 miles per hour and get you up slopes without issue.
The 20-by-4-inch fat tires provide superior stability whether you’re riding on flat roads, sand or grass, and the front suspension fork makes every ride smooth thanks to enhanced shock absorption over bumps. There are five pedal-assist levels and a seven-speed gear to help you power through tough climbs or conserve power for longer rides. The LCD shows your speed, battery level, distance and assist mode, and the 180-millimeter disc brakes deliver efficient stopping power even on slick surfaces.
Customers love this bike for its smooth ride and long-lasting battery, which provides a maximum range of 50 miles on a full charge. Plus, it only takes four to five hours to charge.
GOTRAX Dolphin 26" Electric Bike
Great Value
Power: Peak 500W | Range: Up to 40 miles | Special Features: Foldable and portable frame, 5 pedal-assist levels, 3 ride modes
The Gotrax 20-Inch Folding Electric Bike makes everyday commuting a whole lot more manageable, whether you're navigating busy streets or cruising through a quiet park path. With its peak 500-watt motor and a solid 48-volt battery, this bike feels zippy without being overwhelming, and the range is more than enough for most daily routes.
The large LCD display keeps everything right in front of you, and we found the folding frame especially helpful for apartment living or tossing into a car trunk.
Riders love its ease of assembly and how smoothly it transitions between pedal assist and full electric mode.
Heybike Cityscape 2.0 Electric Bike
Best for Long Commutes
Power: 500 W (Peak 1,200 W) | Range: 50 miles | Special Features: Lights
The Heybike Cityscape 2.0 is one of the top bikes for inner-city commuting that’ll help you get to the office or school in no time. With a 50-mile range and a high-torque motor, this e-bike is built for elite urban performance.
The motor has a baseline power output of 500 watts, but it can reach up to 1,200 for a speed boost whenever you need it. You can switch between throttle and pedal assistance to suit your riding preferences, and the puncture-resistant tires are perfect for riding on bumpier roads. It features a seven-speed gear system for smoother uphill riding or higher speeds on flat ground, and the integrated lights with reflectors allow for safe nighttime riding.
It’s a terrific midtier e-bike with plenty of power and a long-lasting battery to get you most places on a single charge. Plus, you can add a cargo bag, basket or extra seat to carry passengers or stow personal items.
RFN Warrior Youth SX-E2 Electric Dirt Bike
Best Electric Dirt Bike for Kids
Power: 1,000 W (Peak 2,000 W) | Range: 26 miles | Special Features: Chain guard
While standard e-bikes are better suited for adults who commute daily in urban environments, the RFN Warrior Youth SX-E2 is a hybrid electric dirt bike that kids can ride on all kinds of terrain.
With a 1,000-watt motor, it can be powered through rugged trails, snow, roads and grass with ease, and the 2,000-watt peak power output lets kids get up slopes without any hassle. A single charge delivers a 26-mile riding range, and kids can go up to 28 miles per hour. Also, it has a lower guard to prevent things like shoelaces or clothing from getting caught in the chain.
This e-bike packs impressive power and doesn’t require the regular maintenance that gas dirt bikes do, making it one of the best models for kids. It’s fast, safe and built to handle even the most rugged terrain.
AVENTON Aventure 3 Ebike
Best All-Terrain Bike
Power: 750 W (Peak 1,440 W) | Range: 65 miles | Special Features: Rear-wheel lock, cruise control, torque sensor
Although the AVENTON Aventure 3 doesn’t have the most powerful peak motor, it’s one of the best e-bikes around thanks to its high-quality design, elite performance and riding range.
Its 750-watt motor and 1,440-watt peak motor make it well-equipped to handle steep slopes, and the 4-inch fat tires with the suspension fork make every ride super smooth, even if you’re going over bumps. A single charge can provide up to 65 miles of total riding distance, and Ride Tune customization lets you find the right speed during your ride. The integrated wheel lock helps prevent theft, and you can control it remotely via the app or the display.
It’s a feature-packed e-bike with an assortment of features designed to make every ride more comfortable without sacrificing speed or performance.
How we analyzed
We rounded up the best e-bikes based on several factors, primarily power output, performance, frame quality and riding range. The best e-bikes have powerful motors for traveling over rugged terrain and enough battery life to travel at least 25 miles. We considered bikes for both adults and kids, and also included several models with extra safety or performance-enhancing features.
Electric bike advantages
Die-hard cyclists might look at electric bikes as the lazy person's alternative, but that's a rather narrow view. An electric bike can be a godsend in many situations.
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Electric bikes offer the chance for those with low lung capacity (asthma sufferers, for example), or a reduced fitness level to get out and enjoy the countryside. Even those who are moderately fit can appreciate some assistance when going up hills.
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Electric bikes provide a convenient mode of transportation for busy adults who are towing a buggy full of children or picking up a few grocery items.
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Electric bikes are a green alternative to driving a vehicle. Studies carried out in several towns and cities show that the average car speed in rush hour traffic can dip as low as 18 to 20 miles per hour. Electric bike speed can be as high as 15 miles per hour. With an electric bike, you can reduce pollution, improve fitness, and still arrive at the same time as your car-bound colleagues.
And let’s not forget the economic advantages of owning an e-bike. The annual cost of running a new family car is, on average, about $9,000 per year. Running an electric bike costs around $400 per year. And while filling a gas tank costs around $30, recharging an electric bike battery costs only about 50 cents. A tank of gas may get you further, but not 60 times further!
How does an electric bike work?
The basics of an electric bicycle are simple. The electric motor propels it, a battery supplies the power, and a throttle provides speed control – although not all electric bikes have a throttle. The difference lies in how these components are arranged and what assistance they give.
The first electric bike was just a normal bicycle with an electric motor and a battery fitted to it. Kits are still available today that allow you to create this configuration.
As e-bikes became more popular, dedicated models were developed. Most of them still look very much like ordinary bicycles, but now they're built with the motor and battery as an integral part. Today’s electric bicycles are better balanced and more efficient than ever before.
Electric bike technology: The motor
There are three different types of e-bike motors available: brush motors, brushless motors, and friction drive motors.
Brush and brushless e-bike motors
Brush motors are common because they're durable and rather inexpensive to produce. However, modern brushless motors are lighter, smaller, and more powerful than brush motors, and they can be almost silent. E-bikes with brushless motors cost more, but they require no maintenance. As a result, most electric bikes now have a brushless motor.
Friction drive e-bike motors
In a friction drive motor, a small, solid wheel rotates against the side of the tire to drive it. The first motorcycles used the same concept, with a motor mounted above the front wheel. The problem is that the drive rubs at the side of the tire. It's inefficient, and it quickly wears the sidewall away. Tires need to be replaced every couple hundred miles. For this reason, you'll seldom see electric bikes with this type of drive anymore.
Where is an electric bike’s motor located?
An electric bike’s motor is fitted to one of three places: the front hub, the crank (where the pedals are), or the rear hub.
Though rear-wheel versions are available, most e-bike conversion kits are for the front wheel. They are easier to fit. However, they do change the balance of the bike, and brakes should also be up-rated to cope with the additional weight. We're not aware of any front hub motors on purpose-built electric bikes.
Mid-mounted crank drives produce the most bicycle-like feel because the pedal crank turns and drives the chain, just like when you pedal. Crank drives are efficient at transmitting power, which makes them popular, especially for fast, off-road electric bikes.
Rear hub motors are also popular. Some owners suggest they make the back of the bike feel a bit heavy (the battery is often back there, too), but the balance is still good. In many ways, this is rear-wheel drive like you get with a scooter or motorbike. The rear hub looks larger than usual, but in profile, it looks much like an ordinary bike.
How much motor power does an e-bike have?
Motor power varies and can be restricted depending on whether it's used on- or off-road. A typical electric motor for a road bike will deliver between 250 and 600 watts.
The most powerful off-road model we found during our research was rated at 6,000 watts.
Torque is a consideration, but actual figures are rarely quoted by e-bike makers. Owners will frequently comment on whether their electric bike offers plenty of torque or lacks it, but these comments need to be taken in context. Road conditions, as well as the weight of the rider, have a big impact.
Electric bike technology: The battery
Lithium-ion batteries are almost invariably used in e-bikes. Though they cost more than nickel-cadmium batteries, they produce more power from the same size unit and remain efficient for longer.
Around 90% of electric bikes are powered by standard lithium-ion batteries, but there have been further developments in the technology. These developments include lithium-ion polymer batteries, lithium manganese batteries, and lithium cobalt batteries.
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Lithium-ion polymer batteries have the same electrical properties as standard Li-ion batteries, but the material can be shaped more easily. There's the potential for some interesting designs, though we've yet to see them.
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Lithium manganese batteries are used in the latest Nissan Leaf electric car. It's claimed they generate more power and last longer. The new Leaf has double the range of its predecessor, but we've seen these batteries in very few (and very expensive) e-bikes so far.
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Lithium cobalt batteries are said to be lightweight while offering a great range, though they are not commonly used.
Expert Tip
Cold temperatures will affect the battery life, so store the bike or just the battery indoors.
BestReviews Fitness Expert
Battery charging and battery life expectancy
Charging an e-bike battery is simple; it requires nothing more than a household outlet.
The time or distance an electric bike battery will run between chargings is impossible to judge with much accuracy. There are too many variables: terrain, speed, rider weight, bike load (shopping, kids, luggage), and more. However, we can make a few generalizations about an e-bike’s recharge time and overall working life. These generalizations should be used for comparison purposes only.
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Cheap batteries are available, but they can take six hours or more to charge and have a life of around 500 charges.
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High-quality batteries charge in two to four hours and can last through approximately 1,000 chargings.
The generalizations above should be used for comparison purposes only.
Electric bike technology: The throttle
The last e-bike component we’re going to discuss is the throttle. A few e-bikes use levers much like you'd find on some lawn mowers. Some just have a button, but most use motorcycle-style twist grips. These give a positive feel and more precise control.
Notably, quite a few electric bikes have no throttle at all. Instead, sensors judge the effort required for pedaling and, at a predetermined level, the motor kicks in.
The important thing to note is that these are “assisted pedaling e-bikes,” also known as pedelecs. They help you out when the going gets tough, but they do not supply constant power.
Expert Tip
E-bikes are most efficient when you pedal faster compared to traditional bikes since the increased cadence improves battery life.
BestReviews Fitness Expert
Choosing your electric bike
We've spoken about the technology, but how does that translate to road use? How do you choose the best electric bike for your requirements?
No e-bike is perfect for every situation, so you need to think about what you'll use it for most of the time. Will you use your e-bike for commuting and/or shopping? Leisure rides? Serious off-roading?
You'll also want to ask yourself a few other questions. How far do you plan to travel on your e-bike? Will you transport it to a destination in your vehicle, or will your trips always begin at home?
Do you hope to get some exercise with your e-bike, or do you want a full-time electric drive? And do you want to buy an e-bike that provides trip information and journey feedback?
How far can you go on an e-bike?
In terms of how far you can go, there's a big difference between a pedelec (pedal-assisted electric bike) and full-time electric bike. If you're prepared to pedal and only need help on hills, you could get anywhere from 50 to 100 miles on a single charge with the former.
If you're going for a full-time electric bike, the distance you travel on a single charge will be reduced considerably, though it's difficult to offer precise figures. Manufacturers will quote anywhere from 20 to 40 miles while simultaneously using phrases like "in ideal conditions."
Whether the terrain is flat or hilly impacts the distance you can travel, as does the weight of the bike, your weight, the gearing available on the bike, and how much juice you give it. We suggest that a distance of 10 to 20 miles is a realistic expectation. Of course, if you're prepared to do at least some pedaling, you can extend that dramatically.
A note about regenerative braking
A few electric bikes incorporate a technology that started in racecars: regenerative braking. When you brake, you create energy. That energy can be harvested and fed back into the battery, prolonging its life. Regenerative braking is only just being introduced to e-bikes, but it's certainly something to watch out for.
Which e-bike features matter most?
There are e-bike styles to suit all tastes, and it's nice to have a lot of choices when shopping. Here are a few features you might wish to consider when selecting an electric bike.
Gears
An electric bike with multiple gears is easier to pedal and can reduce the drain on the battery.
Size
Some electric bikes look a little small, but if you're going to drive to the edge of the city and ride the last couple of miles, a light, folding model that you can easily throw in the trunk has definite advantages.
Foldability
Not all folding e-bikes are small. Some full-size electric bikes with standard 26-inch or 27.5-inch wheels can be folded to fit into compact spaces. Make sure you’re aware of a folding bike’s weight before you buy it, though. “Foldable” doesn't always mean light.
Frame
Bike frames are usually made of a lightweight aluminum alloy, but magnesium alloy and carbon-fiber composites are available (though not common). Reducing weight helps extend range.
Seat
What is the seat like? If you're going to spend much time on your electric bike, a good seat with padding and springing adds comfort.
Trip Computers
A trip computer gives you all kinds of feedback, from speed and distance traveled to battery status.
Riding position
You also may wish to check out an e-bike’s riding position before investing in it. For short trips, the riding position might not make much difference, but for long journeys, the upright "Dutch" style with pulled-back handlebars is very comfortable – particularly for tall riders. The same goes for mountain bike styles, though these bikes are not often designed to go off-road.
Brakes
Caliper brakes (the type found on ordinary bicycles) are common on e-bikes, but disk brakes offer better stopping power. In wet conditions, however, initial braking can be slowed as you first clear water from the disk. It's a minor thing, and you soon get used to it.
Batteries
Battery packs can be fitted in all kinds of different positions, but often, they are fixed to a rack behind the rider. If you plan on carrying anything, this configuration could be problematic.
Lights
Good e-bikes integrate lights into the power circuit so you don't have to worry about separate batteries.
Tires
Some e-bike tires are reinforced. They last longer and reduce the chance of a flat.
Weight capacity
Most electric bikes quote a maximum weight capacity. This is important if you are larger than average or if you bike to work and need to carry a lot of gear.
Expert Tip
To quickly add life to your bike's drivetrain (chain & gears), run the chain through a clean cloth after every ride. This takes about 5-minutes, and a clean chain will add many miles to your bike's drivetrain.
BestReviews Fitness Expert
How much does an electric bike cost?
The cheapest way to own an electric bike is to use a conversion kit on an existing bike.
These can be found for under $200, but when a decent battery costs more than that, you have to ask how the manufacturer could make an electric drive for so little.
More expensive conversion kits from reputable manufacturers are available. In our view, this is a bit like strapping a turbocharger to a compact car.
The original vehicle wasn't built to handle the power. The result is likely to be disappointing and could be dangerous.
Likewise, we advise consumers to steer clear of cheap electric bicycles because they're not likely to fulfill expectations.
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Small, foldable electric bikes start at around $400. They'll manage 15 miles per hour as they whisk you to the office.
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You can get a classic in-road or mountain e-bike for around $800.
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Top road-going electric bikes run from around $1,500 to over $3,000.
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Then there are the dedicated off-road e-bikes. These bikes push the boundaries of what's possible, and the combination of materials and technologies doesn't come cheap. You'll pay a minimum of $3,500 for an off-road e-bike. During our research, we found one for as much as $36,000.
Battery costs vary enormously. Cheap batteries are available, but you just don't know what you're getting. Our advice is to buy only those recommended by the manufacturer. You'll likely pay between $300 and $500, but the good news is you'll only be buying one every few years.
There are a huge number of electric bikes to choose from. That can lead to confusion, but with a bit of thought, and the help of this e-bike report, it won't take long to identify the best solution for your particular needs.
FAQ
What matters most when choosing an electric bike for commuting?
If you're commuting, you'll want to focus on range, riding position, and how easy the bike is to store or transport. A model like the Heybike Cityscape 2.0 is aimed at longer daily rides, while the GOTRAX Dolphin 26" is easier to manage if you need a simpler city bike. Multiple pedal-assist levels can also help you conserve battery on busy weekdays.
How much motor power do I need for hills or rough roads?
If your route includes steep hills or uneven pavement, a stronger motor and wider tires make a big difference. For example, the GOTRAX R7 uses a 750-watt motor with huge tires and adjustable front suspension. Those features usually help more than extra cosmetic upgrades.
How should I think about e-bike range claims?
Manufacturer range figures are usually based on ideal conditions, so real-world mileage is often lower. A bike like the GOTRAX Dolphin 26" with about 30 miles of range may be fine for shorter trips. Hills, rider weight, cargo, and higher assist settings can all reduce range.
Are folding electric bikes practical for everyday use?
Yes, especially if you live in an apartment, need to bring the bike indoors, or want to fit it in a car trunk. A model like the GOTRAX Dolphin uses a foldable frame for more flexibility. The trade-off is that folding bikes can still be heavy, so check the weight before buying.
