Best Electric Bikes: From Commuter to Cruiser E-Bikes

Sick of making your legs do all the work? Maybe it’s time to give yourself a little motorized assistance. Whether it’s commuting, mountain biking, or hauling groceries around, there’s an e-bike for every situation, so we’ve compiled the best electric bikes in each category. Grab your helmet and e-bike lock and let’s ride.

Our picks for the best electric bikes

What to consider when buying electric bikes

Purpose

Before anything else, figure out exactly what you need the bike for, and where you’ll be riding it. “It’s important to start your search with what type of riding you plan to do and what purpose or mission you hope your e-bike will serve,” says Haley Ludwick, communications manager at Trek. “From there, you can determine a category and identify which elements are important.”

Style

"For first-time riders, we would always suggest popping into your local e-bike shop to see the different styles and options available,” says Bosch-certified e-Bike mechanic Pete Mckendrick of Paul's Cycles. “Different models are available in different frame shapes and styles. You might want to consider a trapeze style or step-through frame to make getting on and off the bike much easier. If you’re looking to take your e-bike on holiday in a campervan, there are great folding e-bikes, or compact e-bikes with novel features like folding pedals and quick-release handlebar stems, to make storing them in small spaces much easier."

Price

“Price is often a factor, but value is important to consider, too,” says Claudia Wasko, vice president and general manager of Bosch E-bike Systems, Americas. “Premium-quality e-bikes from reputable brands come with a higher price tag than lower-quality e-bikes (often mail order and with no real service solution, especially when it comes to the need for replacement parts following the purchase).”

She continues: “As with most things, you often get what you pay for with e-bikes. There are myriad differences between different types of e-bikes and e-bikes at different price points; durability, serviceability, performance, resale value, and, importantly, safety should be top-of-mind.”

Battery

“There are several different e-bike platforms on the market, with different battery sizes and displays to meet different price points,” says Mckendrick. “If you’re looking to ride long distances, then a 625W or 750W battery will provide ample power for epic adventures, but they do come at a greater cost. So if you’re looking to just ride short distances to work, don’t be put off by a smaller battery as it will still provide plenty of range but at a more affordable price.”

Weight

“Weight may or may not be a factor, depending on how you plan to use your e-bike,” says Wasko. “Most e-bike motors provide plenty of power to compensate for the additional weight of an e-bike motor and battery. Therefore, the weight of an e-bike usually doesn’t affect performance or riding enjoyment.”However, he adds that If you’re planning to lift your bike onto a bike rack or you regularly have to carry your bike up stairs, weight might be a bigger factor in your decision. “In that case, you might consider a lightweight system.”

Class

“Pedal-assist e-bikes are available in two types,” explains Wasko. “Class 1 e-bikes have a maximum supported speed of 20 mph—this means that the motor will supplement the rider’s power up to 20 mph. A rider can pedal beyond that speed, but the electric motor will not aid the rider above 20 mph. A Class 3 e-bike will assist riders up to 28 miles per hour.” There are also Class 2 e-bikes, which are similar to Class 1 in that they won’t assist you above 20 mph, but the difference is that you can use the throttle even when not pedaling. “Each class of e-bike comes with specific benefits and a specific set of rules for safe operation,” adds Wasko.

Regulations

Be sure to do your research and check you’re able to ride the bike you’re considering in your area. “A topic to consider when buying an electric bike are the state and federal e-bike regulations,” says Ludwick. “E-bikes use a class system from 1 to 3 and it’s important to understand how these regulations might impact your e-bike purchase and your ride.” For more information on these, check out our guides on how to choose an electric bike and how fast electric bikes go.

Electric bikes vs. regular bikes

Pros of e-bikes

“Regardless of your cycling skill level and type of riding, e-bikes open up new doors,” says Ludwick. “E-bikes make commutes sweat free, replace car trips, help ease all the small hassles of getting around, flatten climbs and ease headwinds, and allow riders to keep riding longer.”

Cons of e-bikes

“E-bikes are typically heavier and more complex than traditional bikes,” warns Ludwick. “Some e-bikes exceed car rack weight limits and, even with walk assist modes, can be difficult to carry up apartment steps, etc. Complexity comes from the additional electronic components, batteries, and software that e-bikes use.

“They require their own service and updates beyond the standard bike maintenance. Additionally, e-bikes face more limitations on where you can ride and use them. Traditional bikes do not face these limitations.”

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What are the best electric bikes?

While e-bikes can get very expensive, it’s well worth investing in one that you’re certain is high quality—there’s just too much that can go wrong with a cheaper, inferior model. “The quality of an electric bike’s e-system and battery really matters—not just for the reliability of your e-bike, but more importantly, for your safety,” says Ludwick. Generally speaking, the more reliable e-bike brands include the likes of Priority, Rad Power, Blix, Trek, and Gocycle. For anyone looking to save a little money by getting a refurbished e-bike, Upway is a good place to start.

What is the price range for the best electric bikes?

A good middle-of-the-road price point is $2,000 to $3,000, says Sundell-Norlin, who also points out, "on the e-mountain bike side, plan to spend around $5,000 for quality without breaking the bank."

How far can an electric bike travel on a single charge?

“The general range estimate for an e-bike varies from 20-100 miles on a single charge—yes, it’s really wide!” says Ludwick. “That’s because there are so many factors that can determine your range and it can be very complicated to calculate. Some factors you can control, and some you can’t.”

He continues: “Controllable factors include the size of your battery, the efficiency of your motor, the level of motor assist you select, and how much weight you’re carrying. Uncontrollable factors include wind, weather, temperature, and terrain. The bigger your battery, the more capacity you have to go farther or go faster. Battery power is measured in watt hours (Wh), so the higher the Wh, the bigger the battery capacity.”