These models are not very portable and they’re best suited to those who can ride them straight out of the garage. Maybe want to explore trails that are just out of reach on a standard mountain bike. An electric bike can put a little more oomph in your pedal and help you get around town or the trails faster while still allowing you to move your legs and get as much huffy electric bike of a workout as you choose. We have purchased and tested over 80 electric bikes, from budget bikes, commuters, and folding models, to top-of-the-line electric mountain bikes with all the newest features. Whatever your interest in electric bikes, we have information, advice, and recommendations to help you choose the best fit for your needs, lifestyle, and budget.
With some of the more powerful bikes riding the border between mopeds and e-bikes, a bike’s power and speed capabilities determine where you can legally ride them. Some bikes can switch modes, allowing you to ride them anywhere without limitations. Regardless of class, most e-bikes are limited to a motor with one horsepower (750W) or less.
These bikes have more restrictions regarding who can ride them and where. However, it is ultimately up to the discretion of the local government, so be sure to check regulations before heading out. Class 2 e-bikes also have a top motor speed of 20mph (although it is possible to ride them faster if your legs are strong enough). Like class 1, they also have a pedal assist option with different levels of power, depending on your preference. E-bikes that fall into the class 2 category are usually allowed in bike lanes and multi-use paths, but there are exceptions in certain states.
Its 614 Wh battery holds enough power to travel long distances, impressively traveling 27.5 miles in our throttle-only range test. The bike handles well for a folding model, with good stability at high speeds huffy beach cruiser and predictable steering. The powerful hydraulic disc brakes provide excellent control and stopping power. It also has a wider range of fit than most competitors, with a highly adjustable seat and handlebar.
E-mountain bikes are built for off-road use and are equipped to handle steep ups and downs, just like their analog mountain bike cousins. The motors on e-MTBs are typically regulated to class 1, with multiple pedal-assist levels and top supported speeds of 20 mph. We recommend gearing up with the proper protective gear like a well-fitted helmet and sturdy knee pads. As the name suggests, these bikes are designed to fold down to minimize size and maximize portability.
Bike testers at GearLab started with mountain bikes in 2017 and have since branched out to include over ten bike categories. In that time, we’ve purchased and extensively tested more than 80 e-bike models across various categories, and we’re constantly on the lookout for the latest and greatest e-bikes to test and compare. With more than 1,000 bikes and bike-related products, we’ve had a little taste of it all. While the Revv 1 impressed us in almost every way, the headlight mounted directly to the frame compromised its night riding abilities. Most headlights mount to a part of the steering axis, which allows the light to follow the bike’s trajectory.
It has a respectable range, but it was bested slightly in that metric by bikes with bigger, heavier batteries. Those concerns aside, the Vika+ Flex proved to offer a high level of performance in a convenient folding package, making it the best folding model we tested. Still, additional factors like rider weight, terrain, and the amount of pedal assistance or throttle used will also play a major role. Not surprisingly, a little leg power from the rider can add many miles to a bike’s range. Batteries are measured in Watt-hours, and the higher the Wh number, the more power storage and longer the range, but this also means increased weight and size, making for a heavier bike.
The 750W motor feels potent and can reach speeds up to 28mph with pedal assistance. Sleek and stylish, the bike has a frame-integrated battery and complimentary components. It comes in two frame sizes and both step-through and step-over styles to cater to your preferences. The Aventure.2 boasts an excellent display and controls, front and rear fenders and lights, a rear rack, and even turn signals. So, whether you’re on an adventure or just commuting, this bike is perfect for exploring. This small yet powerful bike has a robust 500W motor, allowing for quick acceleration and a top throttle speed of 20 mph.