Electric bikes that fall into Class 1 are pedal-assist only, which means that power is only delivered when the rider is moving the pedals, and most of the time, there is no throttle on the handlebar. If there is one, it offers an extra power boost, but it only works when the rider is pedaling. Motors on class 1 bikes support top pedal-assisted speeds up to 20mph, and they are typically allowed in bike lanes and multi-use trails, essentially anywhere a regular bike can go. While this is undoubtedly one of our favorite electric bikes on the trail, there are a few areas where the Levo was not the top performer. The SRAM Code R hydraulic disc brakes on this bike are far from our favorite, and the non-e-bike specific Fox 36 Rhythm fork also leaves a bit to be desired.
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.
That said, not only does it score higher than its closest competition, the Super73 S2, it’s about half the price. The Super73 may be the brand that defined the Moped-style class of eBikes, but other than perhaps being more stylish (debatable), the Super73 falls well short of the Revv1 in performance, range, and value. For a durable and reliable Bike, trust the Huffy Men’s 26 in Incline Mountain Bike. This mountain bike features a steel hard-tail frame with slight-rise handlebars and a padded mountain bike seat for a durable and comfortable ride. The knobby tires with 26-inch steel rims deliver a solid, effortless ride over tough terrain.
Keeping that in mind, many analog road bikes can exceed the 20mph power cutoff of e-bike motors when on flats and downhills. E-road bikes are inevitably heavier due to the battery and motor, so you may end up hauling dead weight through these sections of your ride. However, if you ride in an area with many hills, you’ll probably appreciate a little pedal assist occasionally. Fancy carbon frames and sport-specific builds can often make them pricier than other categories of e-bikes.
It also has a wider range of fit than most competitors, with a highly adjustable seat and handlebar. The Blix Vika+ Flex has several useful features, including integrated lights, huffy bikes fenders, and a sturdy rear cargo rack. At 51 lbs and 14 oz, it is significantly lighter than other top performers and folds down small for easy portability and storage.
At 77 pounds, it is simply a big, bulky bike that isn’t very easy to transport. It is a little too heavy for most bike racks, and it can be challenging to load it into the back of a truck or move up a flight of stairs. While the 4-inch wide knobby tires are great for tackling a wider range of surfaces, they feel sluggish on the pavement and make the handling response feel more delayed. Beyond those concerns, we feel it is a great option for riders who want fewer limitations on where their electric bike can take them. The key question is if you really need better suspension and bigger tires. If you don’t, the Ride1Up 700 is likely the better option and will save you money.
Ride1Up used to offer the 500 Series, which was a little lighter, more agile, and less expensive. However, it was also slower, had a shorter range, and wasn’t so much less expensive than the 700 Series that, ultimately, Ride1Up discontinued it. The Blix Packa Genie looks identical to the original Packa but comes with upgrades like a more powerful motor and huffy bikes a larger battery. The 750W motor brings it up to speed and has no problem pushing Class 2 speeds up to 20 mph using the throttle or pedal assist. While it isn’t a class leader for its range, the 614Wh battery provides enough juice for most purposes, and this bike’s unique dual battery capability (optional for an additional fee) can double your range.
Many bike manufacturers differ slightly in their sizing, but the charts below will give you a good idea of where to start. The Packa Genie, like many cargo bikes, is heavy and has a long wheelbase, making it difficult to transport and requiring more storage space when not in use. The long wheelbase may also impact its handling, making it less suitable for short turns or navigating tight spaces. Despite these considerations, the Packa Genie is still the top choice for families seeking an alternative to driving while still being able to transport children or other cargo. Blix also offers a decent selection of accessories for customizing your cargo hauler. Its main competition is the Rad Power RadWagon 4, which scored better for range but slightly lower for cargo capacity.
MTBs often have knobbly tyres for grip and traction in poor conditions, but optimal tyre types will vary based on the surface you’re riding on. Reach is something to consider mostly when you’re an experienced rider and you’re in between two sizes. Selecting a bike with a longer reach will feel “roomier”, more stable at speed, and generally more confident on technical terrain. A shorter reach will help the bike feel more responsive, but depending on what kind of riding you do, that may or may not be what you’re after. Mountain bikes will either be measured in inches or, more likely, in a consumer-friendly Small/Medium/Large hierarchy. Newer mountain bikes can be tough to size without the help of a sticker or stamp on the frame, as geometries have changed so much in recent years that measuring tubes won’t typically give you very good insights.
Lectric sells additional accessories, even a passenger seat, if you want additional conveniences. With a robust 500W motor, the XP 2.0 packs a lot of power in a small package and can speed up to 28 mph using pedal assist and 20 mph with the throttle. A 500Wh battery integrates into the folding frame, which provides a respectable huffy mountain bike range given its smaller capacity (a long-range battery is also available for an additional fee). With 3-inch wide knobby tires and a suspension fork, it provides a relatively smooth ride and can be ridden on a range of surfaces. It comes almost completely assembled and takes little time and effort to set up and start riding.