E-bikes make it easy to ride farther and faster without getting tired. They’re ideal for commuting in traffic and for long weekend rides on bike paths.
The Rad Power RadCity 5 Plus looks more like a regular pushbike than a typical electric bike, with the battery tucked neatly into the frame. It features a comfortable design and commuter essentials such as fenders, rack and lights.
Best Electric Bikes 2024
A good electric bike can transform a mundane commute into an invigorating workout and help you run errands without the need to burn gas. ebike But with so many models on the market, choosing the right one can be a challenge.
The Aventon Soltera 2 earned top honors in our 2024 review with its affordable price, lightweight frame, iOS/Android app compatibility, and three modes of pedal assistance. But we also tested a number of other models that excel in specific areas, such as a folding e-bike or those equipped to carry cargo.
A full suspension fat tire e-bike is an excellent choice for riders who want to rip on rocky trails. While it may be more expensive than a hardtail model, the added suspension helps you ride over tree stumps and rocks that might otherwise throw off your riding stride.
High-Performance Pedelecs
A pedelec, or electric bicycle, is a low-powered hybrid that combines human power with an electric motor. Unlike mopeds, the motor only assists when you pedal or when your speed reaches a set limit, which makes it legal in most jurisdictions to ride a pedelec as you would any other bicycle. The myStromer Speed Pedelecs (class III electric bikes with speed assistance up to 28 mph) are the ideal solution for daily commuting, providing dynamic riding pleasure and a sense of balance and freedom.
Urban E-Bikes
For riders looking to get around town with ease, our selection of urban e-bikes are ideal. Designed for leisure riding and commuting, these models combine a stylish geometric design with an in-tube internal battery to create a sleeker look that is easier to maintain.
For example, the Ride1Up Prodigy combines an elegant frame with a high-powered mid-drive motor to deliver exceptional pedal assist without taking away from your natural power output. The system uses a sophisticated torque sensor to respond to your input, multiplying it to deliver the ultimate in smooth and efficient assistance. The bike also has a lockable battery that makes it safer to haul on a rack and lighter when carrying up stairs.
Other models like the Lectric XP 3.0 offer a similar design, with an in-tube battery that’s both easy to access and hardly noticeable. A simple interface communicates your battery level, PAS setting, and other status information via an intuitive, color-changing light ring. Plus, the foldable frame allows you to fit the bike in the trunk of your car or in a hallway closet for storage.
Off-Road E-Bikes
If you want to get out into the wild and conquer rough terrain, you need a tough off-road bike. Look for rugged frames, a suspension system that tames the rough roads and trail surfaces, and good brakes that deliver power and control over speed. Hydraulic disc brakes are preferred over mechanical ones, as they provide better modulation for precise stopping.
The Aventon Aventure fat-tire e-bike is one of the best choices for this purpose. Its second-generation Bosch Active Plus motor rides more smoothly thanks to a torque sensor that provides better control over the engine’s acceleration. The bike also comes equipped with a rear rack, fenders, and lights to make it ready for all weather conditions.
Another option is the Isinwheel M10. This class 3 e-bike lets you ride for miles on end without getting tired, thanks to its 500W motor that supports five pedal-assisted modes and allows you to reach speeds up to 28 mph. This model features a suspension system, durable tires, and adjustable components to suit riders of different heights. It also offers a range of accessories, including a child seat, to allow you to bring the whole family along for the ride.
Latest E-Bike Technology
As e-bike technology continues to evolve, manufacturers are continually revising their designs and systems. Many of the latest pedelecs feature batteries that are fully integrated into the frame, which gives them a more natural look and feel and reduces their weight and cost. They also often use torque sensors to deliver power more naturally, enhancing your pedaling cadence when you’re pedaling hard and providing less assist when you’re loafing along. Popular motor brands for this type of e-bike include Fazua, Shimano, Bosch, and TQ.
For example, the latest version of Aventon’s fat-tire e-bike features an updated drive system that seamlessly blends electric bike assistance with classic drop bar cycling. While the bike still has all of the typical components you’d expect from a $2,400 e-bike—such as a suspension fork and a rear disc brake—its little details set it apart.
Orbea’s new Gain e-road bike has a similar design, using a motor from the Spanish company Pinion that was previously found only on bikes with a much higher price tag. The result is a top-performing e-bike that feels more like a traditional road bike than most others in its class.