Travel Products Activity + Adventure Sports + Leisure The Best Electric Bikes for Every Type of Rider These e-bikes will boost your ride, from daily commutes to off-road adventures. By Kevin Brouillard Kevin Brouillard Kevin Brouillard is a contributing writer at Travel + Leisure, specializing in outdoor gear and apparel. He has over five years of experience writing travel and lifestyle content for digital publications, including TripSavvy, Oyster.com, Jetsetter, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on June 1, 2023 Fact checked by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr Rich Scherr is a seasoned journalist and editor who has traveled across the U.S., Canada, and Europe, and spent more than a decade reviewing hotel room. Travel + Leisure Fact Checking Process Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Tips for Buying FAQ Why Trust T+L We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Travel + Leisure / David Hattan Electric bikes are designed for a wide range of activities. Compared to conventional bicycles, battery-powered e-bikes provide extra juice to conquer uphill climbs or shave time off your commute. Though all e-bikes add some zip to your ride, there are certain characteristics to consider for specific uses and compatibility with your needs, including weight and range. We asked e-bike experts to share their best tips for shopping for an electric bike so you can find the right one for you. Our top picks have versatile uses, solid features, and superb power and range. We also looked for modest price points that make for great values in the e-bike market. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Ride1Up 700 Series at Ride1up.com Jump to Review Best for Beginners: NAKTO 26" 250W Shimano 6 Speed Electric Cargo Bicycle at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: ANCHEER 350W Electric Mountain Bike Ebike at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Cargo: Momentum PakYak E+ at Landrys.com Jump to Review Best Commuter: Heybike Cityscape Electric Bike at Amazon Jump to Review Best Folding: Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 Electric Folding Bike at Radpowerbikes.com Jump to Review Best Lightweight: Cannondale M S6 EVO Neo 2 at Piermontbike.com Jump to Review Best Mountain Bike: Specialized Turbo Levo Comp at Landrys.com Jump to Review Most Stylish: VanMoof S5 at Vanmoof.com Jump to Review Best for Tall Riders: Addmotor M-560 P-7 All-Terrain E-Bike at Walmart Jump to Review Best Overall Ride1Up 700 Series Ride1Up View On Ride1up.com Why We Love It This e-bike delivers great value with excellent features and quality design at a mid-level price. What to Consider It’s on the hefty side, so it may not be the best option if you plan to store it up or down stairs. The Ride1Up 700 Series tops our list for its all-around performance and functionality for beginners and seasoned cyclists alike. The 750-watt motor can propel riders up to 28 miles per hour with pedal assistance or 20 miles per hour using just the throttle. The 48-volt battery, which affords a range of up to 50 miles depending on terrain and assistance, is integrated into the frame’s downtube to maintain the e-bike’s sleek and aerodynamic profile. The 700 Series is equipped with an eight-speed Shimano trigger shifter for greater versatility and brake control. A plush gel bike seat and the hydraulic suspension keep riders comfy cruising around town or on bumpier terrain. The 700 Series has the option of standard or step-through design, letting riders choose the best fit for their needs. Additional features, including a rear rack, fenders, and front and rear lights, add further value to the 700 Series. Price at time of publish: $1,595 The Details: 62 pounds | 30-50 miles | 28 miles per hour | 27.5 inch wheels | 14 amp hours Best for Beginners NAKTO 26" 250W Shimano 6 Speed Electric Cargo Bicycle Amazon View On Amazon Why We Love It The step-through design and affordable price make this a top choice for e-bike newbies. What to Consider Its weight can make it difficult to pedal unpowered. For beginner cyclists and new electric bike users, starting with a user-friendly model is a helpful way to test features and improve skills before ponying up for a more specialized set of wheels. Nakto’s Classic Electric Bike fits the bill with a classic cruiser design many riders will be familiar with and a list of features for well-rounded functionality. This includes a front basket and rear rack for storage, LED headlight, padded saddle, and six-speed gears. The Classic’s 250-watt motor supports pedal assistance and thumb throttle for extra juice. The 36-volt battery, which is secured by lock and key, takes four hours to reach a full charge and affords a 22-mile range. Riders can easily track battery charge on a display in the cockpit. Price at time of publish: $660 The Details: 68 pounds | 22 miles | 20 miles per hour | 26 inch wheels | 10 amp hours Best Budget ANCHEER 350W Electric Mountain Bike Ebike Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Why We Love It This versatile e-bike offers solid pedal assistance and durability at an entry-level price. What to Consider The all-electric range is limited compared to other models on this list. Electric bikes run the gamut in price. For budget-conscious riders, the Ancheer 26-Inch Electric Mountain Bike is one of the most affordable e-bike models on the market. Fortunately, the accessible price doesn’t come at the cost of quality. The removable battery and 350-watt motor support three levels of pedal assistance and an all-electric mode for a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour. And with 21 speed gears, riders can choose the appropriate setting to climb hills or reach top speed. A suspension fork, knobby off-road tires, and aluminum alloy frame round out the features of this low-cost e-bike. Price at time of publish: $460 The Details: 44 pounds | 22-40 miles | 20 miles per hour | 26 inch wheels | 10.4 amp hours The 10 Most Comfortable Bike Seats of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Best for Cargo Momentum PakYak E+ Landry's Bicycles View On Landrys.com View On Mikesbikes.com Why We Love It This e-bike has room for two child passengers. What to Consider This model’s sturdy design comes at the cost of a hefty weight. Fitted with a front basket and generous rear rack, the PakYak E+ makes it possible to ditch the car for grocery runs and school drop-offs. And with a max capacity of 361 pounds and rear rack compatibility for two child seat mounts, it’s a popular pick for families with young kids. The PakYak E+ prioritizes safety with wide tires and four-piston hydraulic disc brakes that enhance stopping power and control. The parking kickstand provides stability while loading and unloading. Once cycling, the SynDrive Pro quickly delivers pedal assistance — a big help when riding with cargo or kids in tow. The battery can reach a full charge in under four hours and last up to 60 miles, depending on speed and terrain. It comes with the option for a second battery, letting riders double their range. Price at time of publish: $4,900 The Details: 79 pounds | 35-60 miles | 28 miles per hour | 24 inch wheels | 500 watt hours Best Commuter Heybike Cityscape Electric Bike Walmart View On Amazon View On Walmart Why We Love It The step-through design and all-electric range make for an easy and zippy commute. What to Consider It’s not a foldable model, so it may not be the best fit for commuters with limited storage space. The HeyBike Cityscape Cruiser is well equipped for efficient daily commuting. The e-bike’s 350-watt rear motor and 36-volt, 10-ampere-hour battery have three levels of pedal assistance and up to 40 miles of range. For a sweat-free commute, riders can skip pedaling and use full electric mode for up to 25 miles. The modular battery is secured with a lock and key and can be removed for charging off the bike frame. And an integrated USB port can charge electronics to and from the office if needed. The Cityscape Cruiser’s step-through design is easy to mount and dismount in both office-ready and exercise apparel. An integrated rear rack is well suited for fastening cargo or attaching panniers or a basket for more secure storage. Price at time of publish: $640 The Details: 58 pounds | 40 miles | 19 miles per hour | 20 inch wheels | 12.5 amp hours Best Folding Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 Electric Folding Bike Rad Power Bikes View On Radpowerbikes.com Why We Love It You can adjust this highly customizable e-bike to make it your perfect fit. What to Consider It’s not the most compact foldable electric bike model. If storage at home, the office, or your vehicle is a concern, a foldable e-bike is a convenient solution. Step in the RadExpand 5, a user-friendly e-bike with a zippy 750-watt motor that can be folded for easier storage. The e-bike’s handlebars even fold down, allowing it to be stored flat against the wall. Besides its collapsible attributes, the RadExpand 5 supports off-road adventure thanks to four-inch tires with rugged treads. It also offers a high degree of customization with adjustable handlebars and riser bar, a seven-speed drivetrain, four levels of pedal assistance, and a choice of several accessories. And with a max weight capacity of 275 pounds and a range of 45 miles per charge, this e-bike can accommodate many riders’ needs. Price at time of publish: $6,500 The Details: 62.5 pounds | 45 miles | 20 miles per hour | 20 inch wheels | 672 watt hours The 9 Best Bike Phone Mounts of 2023 Best Lightweight Cannondale M S6 EVO Neo 2 Piermont Bicycle Connection View On Piermontbike.com View On Probikerun.com Why We Love It This sleek road e-bike delivers high performance and a lightweight design that’s reasonable to pedal unassisted. What to Consider This e-bike does not have a throttle option, just pedal assistance. At 26.7 pounds, the EVO Neo 2 weighs two to three times less than the standard e-bike, including many on this list. The e-bike frame features lightweight BallisTec Carbon materials and truncated airfoil tube shapes for less drag. The battery is enclosed within the bike frame, while the rear hub motor is hidden by the disc rotor. These integrated design features and quiet motor make this a rather incognito e-bike. Given the EVO Neo 2’s excellent performance, the seamless pedal assistance is often reserved for hills and headwinds. To optimize training, the pedal assistance can be linked to a heart rate monitor on the dashboard. Price at time of publish: $6,500 The Details: 26.7 pounds (size large) | Up to 62 miles | 15.5 miles per hour | 250 watt hours Best Mountain Bike Specialized Turbo Levo Comp Courtesy of Specialized View On Landrys.com View On Mikesbikes.com View On Specialized.com Why We Love It This e-bike is highly customizable to deliver top-notch performance on tough terrain. What to Consider The display is located on the top tube of the frame unless you purchase the optional handlebar display to access information beyond battery level and power-assist mode. Specialized continues to up the ante on performance with the Turbo Levo Comp. This enhanced e-bike delivers a 700-watt-hour battery for 40 percent more range than the 2019 model, as well as a lighter, more powerful motor to increase pedaling power by 410 percent. Instant engagement of the pedal assistance and disengagement of the gear box at top speed ensures a smooth ride and efficient battery use. The Turbo Levo Comp mixes a 27.5-inch back wheel and 29-inch front wheel for greater control in tough terrain, while 150 millimeters of rear suspension absorbs bumps and vibrations. Finally, this leading mountain e-bike comes in six sizes and allows six unique geometry settings to adapt to riding style and whatever outdoor adventures come your way. Price at time of publish: $5,950 The Details: 38 pounds | 43 miles | 28 miles per hour | 29 inch wheels | 500 watt hours Most Stylish VanMoof S5 VanMoof View On Vanmoof.com Why We Love It It includes advanced safety features, and the geometric frame gives it a unique modern look. What to Consider Cyclists don’t have the ability to manually shift between gears. The Dutch-imported VanMoof S5 is sure to capture attention with its modern, stylish aesthetic. Additional style choices, like an enclosed chain and gear box, hydraulic brakes, and integrated battery help keep the focus on the S5’s elegant frame and color-blocking design. Aside from its good looks, the S5 has solid performance specs, including an automatic electronic gear shifter, push-button turbo boost, and four levels of pedal assistance. Cyclists can mount, charge, and integrate their smartphone to track their current speed, ride, duration, and distance while riding. This tech-oriented e-bike also boasts several advanced security features. The S5 comes with built-in location tracking that syncs with a mobile app, and the majority of bike parts are fastened with bolts and screws that are only compatible with VanMoof tools. Riders can also activate a kick lock on the rear wheel that will set off an alarm if touched when it’s locked. Price at time of publish: $3,998 The Details: 50.7 pounds | 37-93 miles | 20 miles per hour | 27.5 inch wheels The 15 Best Electric Scooters of 2023 Best for Tall Riders Addmotor M-560 P-7 All-Terrain E-Bike Walmart View On Walmart View On Bikeberry.com Why We Love It Fat tires, sturdy design, and high standover height make this e-bike well-suited for larger riders up to 6 feet, 6 inches. What to Consider It’s on the heavier side, even for an electric mountain bike. Finding the right fit can be challenging, especially for taller cyclists. The Addmotor M-560 P-7 was designed to accommodate a range of rider heights, thanks to an adjustable seat height between 33.5 to 42 inches. But with a standover height of 32 inches, this e-bike is intended for riders who are between 5 feet, 10 inches and 6 feet, 6 inches tall. Other notable features on the M-560 P-7 include a 750-watt high-speed motor, a 5-inch LCD display with a USB port, twist throttle, and all-terrain fat tires for off-road adventure. Price at time of publish: $1,599 The Details: 74 pounds | Up to 55 miles | 23 miles per hour | 26 inch wheels | 17.5 amp hours Best E-trike Viribus Adults Electric Tricycle Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Why We Love It It's great for adults of all ages. What to Consider It's quite heavy, which could be a problem if you ever need to lift it. Where electric bikes can be a speedy and efficient transportation option, electric tricycles are a fun and convenient way to enjoy getting outside for a casual ride. This bike may not take you far (only 21.7 miles per charge) or at a fast pace (it tops off at 15.5 miles per hour), but it's a cute and whimsical way to get outside or even explore a new town. It features a handy basket for carrying things like groceries and an LED display so you can watch your charge level. This may not be the bike you use to ride to work, but it sure is a fun way for adults of all ages and many mobility ranges to ride around. Price at time of publish: $870 The Details: 70 pounds | Up to 21.7 miles | 15.5 miles per hour | 24 inch wheels | 10 amp hours Easiest to Ride Hyper E-Ride Electric Bike Courtesy of Walmart View On Amazon View On Walmart Why We Love It The charge lasts up to four hours, which is quite a long time for such a small battery. What to Consider You have to pedal to get the motor running, which may not be accessible for all riders. This lightweight aluminum electric bike can almost pass for a manual bike when it comes to style and design but has the added benefit of battery-powered speed. The bike runs with three power levels, easily changeable on the go with the thumb-pad control. There's also a Shimano 6-speed grip shifter to keep you moving if you choose to pedal. This bike is great for cities or towns with paved roads and includes a rear rack to attach a basket or pannier bag so you can store backpacks or other items. Price at time of publish: $698 The Details: 66.5 pounds | Up to 20 miles | 20 miles per hour | 26 inch wheels | 7.8 amp hours Best Beach Cruiser Priority e-Coast Priority View On Prioritybicycles.com Why We Love It This classically designed e-bike is equipped with burly tires and a dual-control hub motor to cruise through sand. What to Consider Like most beach cruisers, it has a single-speed drive train. Priority’s new e-Coast delivers a low-maintenance and comfort-oriented ride with plenty of zip. The e-bike features five levels of pedal assistance and a throttle that makes easy work of hills. All this functionality is simply managed through the handlebar-mounted display, which also tracks battery life, speed, and distance traveled. At the same time, the e-Coast’s up-right riding position and plush, wide seat encourage a more laid-back cycling experience, whether cruising the beach or an urban bike lane. Speaking of the beach, the e-Coast’s carbon belt drive and aluminum frame are rust-resistant, making it well-suited for coastal climates. Other noteworthy features include an integrated rear rack and hydraulic brakes that, when engaged, automatically flick on the front lights and shut off the motor for top-notch safety. Price at time of publish: $2,000 The Details: 56 pounds | 20-60 miles | 28 miles per hour | 26 inch wheels | 576 watt hours Best Fat Tire Aventon Aventure.2 Ebike Aventon View On Aventon.com Why We Love It Beefy 4-inch tires, 80-millimeter suspension, and a powerful motor achieve excellent performance and comfort on tough terrain. What to Consider The heftier weight makes this off-road electric bike less suited for singletrack riding. The Aventon Aventure.2 E-bike is equipped for all-season adventure. This fat tire e-bike comes loaded with a 750-watt motor, four pedal assist levels, and a throttle to zip through dirt, sand, and snow. Vibrations and impact from off-road riding are significantly dampened by the e-bike’s 26 x 4 inch fat tires and front suspension fork. The addition of the torque sensor to this second-generation model effectively optimizes the assistance level to the rider’s pedaling tempo. This lets cyclists alternate their pedaling intensity without changing riding speed while conserving battery power to maximize range. A handlebar mounted LCD display helps monitor battery level, engage the integrated lights, and view metrics like speed and distance traveled. Price at time of publish: $1,999 The Details: 77 pounds | Up to 60 miles | 28 miles per hour | 26 inch wheels | 15 amp hours Best for Small Bikers Cube Supreme Sport Hybrid One 400 Fly Ride View On Flyridesusa.com Why We Love It It comes in five frame sizes, accommodating riders from 4 feet, 10 inches and up to 6 feet, 5 inches, What to Consider The display screen is compact and requires pressing buttons more frequently to access its full functionality. Finding an e-bike with the right geometry is crucial for a safe and enjoyable riding experience. The Cube Supreme Sport Hybrid One 400 offers a wider selection of frame sizes than many e-bike models, including 42-centimeter and 46-centimeter frames that cater to shorter cyclists. In terms of performance, the e-bike has four levels of pedal assistance and nine speed gears to help dial in the right level of power. The Sport Hybrid One is equipped with a Bosch PowerPack 400 battery that mounts to the center of the frame and detaches for hassle-free charging. The placement of the battery and 250-watt motor at the center of the bike helps maintain a balanced center of gravity. The Sport Hybrid One also comes with a rear rack and integrated headlight and taillight that run off the battery. Price at time of publish: $2,649 The Details: 54.5 pounds | 40-90 miles | 20 miles per hour | 28 inch wheels | 11 amp hours Best for Seniors Aventon Sinch Foldable Step-thru Electric Bike Aventon View On Aventon.com View On Bicyclewarehouse.com Why We Love It The step-through design, robust suspension, and upright riding position enhance accessibility and comfort. What to Consider The portability of the foldable design is hindered somewhat by the heavier weight. The Aventon Sinch Foldable Step-thru Electric Bike is well-suited for active seniors who want a smooth and stable e-bike for cruising around town or trail riding. The versatile e-bike has a well-padded saddle and high-set handlebars to support an upright riding position. Thick 4-inch tires and generous front suspension work together to absorb shocks and deliver stability. The Sinch has five levels of pedal assistance providing incrementally more power and a smooth transition at each level. This is controlled from a set of intuitive buttons on the left handlebar. At the center of the handlebars, a backlit color display prominently shows the speed, assistance level, and battery life. The Sinch comes with a throttle on the left handlebar to cruise up to 20 miles per hour without pedaling. It also features a walk mode that self-propels the bike at a speed of 3.5 miles per hour while the rider is dismounted to help push the bike up steep inclines. When the ride is over, the Sinch folds down easily for compact storage in a closet, RV, or corner of the garage. Price at time of publish: $1,499 The Details: 68 pounds | Up to 40 miles | 20 miles per hour | 20 inch wheels | 14 amp hours Best Single-speed Tenways CGO600 Pro Tenways View On Tenways.com Why We Love It This sleek e-bike is easy to ride and requires minimal maintenance. What to Consider The taillight is operated by a separate battery. As a single-speed e-bike, the Tenways CGO600 Pro uses a carbon belt drive in place of a derailleur system of gears and chains, meaning less noise and no shifting or greasing gears required. To tackle inclines and steeper hills, riders can toggle between three levels of pedal assistance on the handlebar-mounted display. Yet, the lightweight CGO600 Pro glides on flat surfaces without engaging the 350W rear hub motor, helping extend the life of the 360Wh battery. The portable battery also powers an integrated light and detaches from the frame and to charge wherever is most convenient — both being a major plus for commuters. The CGO600 Pro comes in three sizes, accommodating a wide range of heights. The handlebars can be adjusted to support both active and upright riding positions. Price at time of publish: $1,899 The Details: 37.5 pounds | Up to 53 miles | 20 miles per hour | 10 amp hours Tips for Buying an E-bike Factor in your intended use and terrain Like conventional bikes, many e-bikes are designed with specific activities in mind, such as mountain biking, exercise, and recreation. Besides the design elements you’d look for in their non-electric equivalents, there are some unique e-bike specifications to consider based on your intended use. For instance, if you plan to commute by e-bike, it’s wise to make sure the range will get you to work and back on a single charge (unless you can charge at work). Electric bikes run on the heavier side, so it’s important to evaluate weight if you need to carry or transport them regularly. Do I need pedal assistance, throttle, or both? Electric bikes offer varying levels of assistance that fall into three classifications used in most U.S. states. Class one: pedal assistance up to 20 miles per hourClass two: pedal assistance plus an exclusive throttle-powered mode up to 20 miles per hourClass three: pedal assistance up to 28 miles per hour The classification has implications for where you can use your e-bike. For instance, class three e-bikes may not be allowed on many bike paths or trail systems, making them better geared for commuting and on-road travel. Personal preference also matters when it comes to pedal assistance and throttle style. As Dr. Terika L. Haynes, CEO and founder at DT Scooters, notes, “There are different types (thumb, grip, etc.) of throttles, so make sure that you are comfortable with it before making a final decision.” Don’t overlook the battery An e-bike’s battery is a key consideration for both range and weight. It’s beneficial to think about the terrain and weight of the rider and cargo when evaluating the range, as steep hills and extra bulk can drain batteries quicker than the advertised range. Brett Thurber, the owner of New Wheel, emphasizes the importance of battery quality for e-bike longevity. “Having a battery management system that controls the battery to ensure it is safe and reliable can take the guesswork out of maintaining it,” says Thurber. Frequently Asked Questions How do electric bikes work? Most components of an electric bike work just like a regular bike. The key difference is that it incorporates an electric motor to supplement a cyclist’s pedaling or propel the bike entirely, though the latter will drain the battery relatively quickly. E-bike batteries require charging and may be detachable to plug in wherever is most convenient. To preserve the battery life, Dr. Haynes recommends letting it get as close to empty as possible before recharging it fully. How fast do electric bikes go? Your own pedaling abilities will determine the top speed you reach on an e-bike. In terms of electric assistance, however, class one and two e-bikes will deliver pedal and/or full-electric assistance up to 20 miles per hour, respectively. Meanwhile, class three e-bikes offer pedal assistance up to the speed of 28 miles per hour. Do you need a license to use an electric bike? The laws governing electric bikes vary by state. Some states consider e-bikes as motor vehicles and thus require a license. Most states have age and helmet requirements for e-bikes as well. It’s recommended to check with your state’s DMV for the most up-to-date information. How much should I spend on an e-bike? The price of e-bikes varies considerably, with budget models costing between $500 to $1,000 and high-end varieties exceeding $5,000. It’s important to factor in the durability and quality of e-bike construction and components when assessing overall cost. How do you maintain an electric bike? Unless your e-bike has a belt drive, the maintenance is similar to a conventional bike. Keeping the drivetrain clean and chains lubricated is recommended best practice. Due to their heavier weight, regularly checking that all bolts and axles on an e-bike are tightened will help ensure safety. Why Trust Travel + Leisure Kevin Brouillard is a contributing writer at T+L, specializing in outdoor gear and apparel. He researched dozens of e-bikes, interviewed industry experts, and used his expertise as a travel writer to craft the perfect list for you. Industry experts we spoke to included Terika L. Haynes, MD, and CEO and founder at DT Scooters and Brett Thurber, the owner of New Wheel in Oakland, CA. The 12 Best Padded Bike Shorts of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week. Updated by Taylor Fox Taylor Fox Taylor Fox is a Commerce Updates Writer at Travel + Leisure where she tests, researches, and writes about travel products. 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