26-Inch Transic + Mountain e-Bike, Black

This budget-friendly bike surpassed several more expensive models in our review, earning it a top rating. With a powerful 750W motor, this Class 3 model accelerates quickly up to 20 mph with the throttle and as fast as 28 mph using pedal assist. The sleek and stylish frame includes a 614 Wh battery that provides a respectable range.

Huffy Everett + is an electric comfort bike that will get you from point A to point B without breaking a sweat. It has everything you need to commute every day, run errands, or go grocery shopping, including fenders and lights. It’s suitable for riders 60 inches and taller and 13 years and older. The Panama Jack cruiser is available with a single-speed drivetrain and a coaster brake or a 6-speed drivetrain and V-brakes.

Pedal-assisted power delivery options include a torque sensor or a cadence sensor. Torque sensors measure how hard you pedal using a strain gauge and deliver the appropriate power for the rider’s chosen setting. This morning we shared a price cut on SWFT’s BMX e-bike, noting how compelling that huffy electric bike 50% price cut was. It’s not even close to as low as the Huffy offer above, but still delivers a compelling ride for those who need a little bit more than the entry-level specs above. The $500 sale price won’t be live for much longer, but delivers a 35-mile range and the same 20 MPH top speeds.

Built with a Perfect Fit aluminum frame, this bike provides comfort and durability, while the 36-volt battery and 350-watt rear hub motor delivers speeds up to 20 miles per hour. Front and rear disc brakes offer reliable stopping, and the Shimano 7-speed thumb shifter affords smooth shifting. This pedal-assist ebike equips a 250-watt rear hub motor, which does a solid job of providing enough power most of the time; I usually found myself cruising around 15 to 20 miles per hour. Like my experience with most rear hub motors, the electric assist can be inconsistent. Sometimes it’s slow to kick in, and other times it goes on a few seconds too long after I stop pedaling. You can’t control the amount of power you get, but there is a 7-speed Shimano shifter that helps avoid the “pedaling air” sensation I often get with more powerful ebikes.

There are also several options regarding motor size and placement. Larger motors generally produce more torque, accelerate faster, and easily support higher speeds. Hub-drive motors are located in the center of one of the wheels (typically the rear wheel) and transfer power directly to the wheel where it is mounted. These are more affordable, easier to maintain, and do not add as much wear and tear to bike components. However, their single-gear ratio makes them less efficient, and it’s more difficult to change or repair tires. Mid-drive motors are located in the bike’s center, usually around the pedal crank, and deliver power to the wheel through the chain.

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. Cruiser e-bikes prioritize comfort, convenience, and ease of use. They have a more relaxed and upright riding position and are made for long and slow outings down the neighborhood bike path or on the side street that leads to the beach. These typically have a very user-friendly interface and have the option for a step-through frame design to make mounting and dismounting easier for most people.