With so many companies churning out motor-assisted bikes of all types—from the reputable names in "analog" bikes to fly-by-night companies offering mail-order rip-off rides—it can be difficult to know where to start. The bikes listed below have been positively reviewed by me or other Lifehacker staff. Our focus is on affordable, general-interest electric bicycles; we're saving the $10,000+ super bikes for another time. No matter what kind of ride you're looking for, there's something here to fit the bill.
Stephen Johnson
Stephen Johnson
Senior Staff Writer
Experience
Stephen Johnson is a senior staff writer at Lifehacker covering pop culture and technology, including the columns “The Out-of-Touch Adults’ Guide to Kid Culture” and “What People Are Getting Wrong This Week.”
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Our Top 10 Picks
Table of Contents
My Top Picks
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Best Overall Vvolt Centauri II-
- Mid-drive motor provides smooth power transfer
- Maintenance-free, automatic transmission belt drive
- Many small details that add up to a refined ride
Cons- There is no throttle
- Not the longest range
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Best Commuter E-Bike Pace 500.3 Ebike-
- Step-through frame makes it great for beginners
- The torque-sensing drive provides a smooth assist
- Powerful motor
Cons- Lack of suspension means it can feel bumpy
- Sensitive throttle
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Runner-up: Best Commuter E-bike Specialized Turbo Vado SL 2-
- Perfect handling
- Sleek look
- App integration is top-notch
Cons- No throttle
- Battery can't be removed
Read Full Review Specialized Turbo Vado SL 2 5.0 E-Bike -
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Best Budget E-Bike Propella 7S XR-
- A lot of bike for the price
- The matte-black frame with electric blue details is stylish AF
- Lightweight
Cons- It's not going off-road
- Relatively low power
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Best Fat-Tire E-bike Aventon Aventure 3-
- Powerful 750W motor with 80Nm torque and 28mph top speed
- Fully customizable pedal assist settings via app
- Excellent suspension and ride comfort on rough terrain
Cons- Battery life could be better for long or demanding rides
- Upright riding position may not suit those who prefer a more aggressive geometry
Read Full Review Aventon Aventure 3 E-Bike -
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Best Foldable E-Bike RadExpand 5 Plus Electric Folding Bike-
- Low BMX-style handlebar and a well-thought-out design
- User-friendly controls
- Comfortable, smooth ride
- Many ways to customize and add any accessory you can imagine
Cons- Only goes up to class 2, topping out at 20 mph
- BMX-style bars and heavy weight may make it tricky to store
- Only works for people between 4'10" and 5'10"
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Runner-up: Best Foldable E-Bike Ride1Up Portola-
- Low price
- 750w motor provides a powerful torque
- Seat is well-padded and the upright position makes it a comfortable ride
- Small and portable when it's folded
- Adjustable to various classes to fit your local laws
Cons- Heavy
- May not work well for taller riders
Read Full Review Ride1Up Portola Foldable E-Bike -
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Best Cruiser E-Bike Mod Easy 3-
- Ultra comfortable ride
- Stylish, motorcycle-influenced design
- Numerous accessories like cargo carriers (and even a sidecar!)
Cons- Maybe too many bells and whistles
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Runner-up: Best Cruiser E-Bike Ride 1Up Cafe Cruiser-
- Low price for the features
- 750w rear motor provides a ton of vroom
- Comfy padded seat, front suspension, and upright rider position
- Great battery life
Cons- Powerful pick-up can provide a jerky ride
- Heavy, which is scary at high speeds
- Some corner cutting
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Best Utility E-Bike RadRunner Plus Electric Cargo Utility Bike-
- Can handle most terrain types
- High upper weight limit of 350 pounds
- User-friendly design
- Comfortable seat and a smooth ride
Cons- Limited color options
- Expensive
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Best E Bikes FAQ
What brand of e-bike is the best?
There's no brand of e-bike that's "best," but, in general, bikes from established brands that only make e-bikes, like Aventon, Lectric, and Velotric, are a good choice, as are bikes from "traditional" bike companies like Trek and Specialized. I would not buy a bike from a brand that isn't well-known. I've gone into some depth about the pitfalls of cheaper e-bikes here.
How much do good quality e-bikes cost?
E-bikes can cost anywhere from less than $400 to over $20,000, but the monetary "sweet spot" for reliable, durable, solidly performing, full-featured e-bike for regular people is between $1,500 and $3,000.
Are expensive e-bikes really worth it?
It depends on what you mean by "expensive." You can buy a basic, decent e-bike with reasonably reliable parts for around $1,500, but a $3,000 bike will generally be better in a noticeable way. In my experience, there's a point of diminishing returns at around $5,000 where a more expensive bike will likely be better in ways a casual rider wouldn't need.
What's the difference between an e-bike, a bike, and an e-motorcycle?
The difference between these vehicles comes down to features and legal classifications. A bicycle is entirely human-powered, whereas an e-bike has an electric motor and working pedals, limits on speed, and can (usually) be ridden anywhere a bicycle can be ridden. An e-motorcycle has no pedals, faster speeds, and requires a license and registration like a gas-powered motorcycle.
How fast can e-bikes go?
Either 20 mph or 28 mph, depending on their classification. Generally, e-bikes in the United States fall into three categories. Class 1 e-bikes have assisted pedaling but no throttle and a top speed of 20mph. Class 2 e-bikes have throttle and pedal assistance and a top speed of 20mph. Class 3 e-bikes have a top speed of 28 mph from pedal assistance, and generally have a throttle that provides assistance up to 20mph. Here is a more in-depth look at how e-bikes are classified.
Are folding ebikes as powerful as traditional e-bikes?
Generally, yes. Both types typically comply with the same regulations, capping at 20 mph (Class 2) or 28 mph (Class 3). A difference to look for is battery capacity, however. Folding e-bikes are usually designed to be lightweight, and that can mean a smaller battery, depending on the specific bicycle. Another important distinction: foldies often have smaller wheels, and that means less stability at higher speeds.
How long does an e-bike battery last?
E-bike batteries vary, but in general, 20 to 60 miles is a good ballpark—that said, there are so many variables that it's impossible to generalize. If you pedal a light bike, you can get a longer ride even with a small battery, whereas a heavy bike with a big battery isn't going to ride for long if you're going up hills and leaning on the throttle.
What to avoid when buying an electric bike
Buying a bicycle of any kind from a company that isn't established in the market is generally a bad idea. Most respected brands sell e-bikes directly to consumers. The e-bikes sold through large retailers like Amazon or Walmart are generally less expensive, but also less reliable and less safe. Check out this post for more details on the difference between chain retailer e-bikes and products from established brands.
