The Best Electric Bikes of 2025

Cafe cruising! Ebikes take you from A to B in style. Photo: Will Sileo//The Inertia

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Electric bikes are on the rise, and we’re plugged in. As a team, we have been testing ebikes for the past three years and have ridden over 50 options, from eMTBs to folding ebikes and beyond. We’ve ridden them in the snow, through the mud, across the beach, on trail, and down city streets.

After years of testing, we thought it was high time we brought you a comprehensive guide on the top options for every type of ebike rider, from the surf crowd ripping fat tire ebikes to the beach, to parents hauling the groms to school. Read on to discover our best ebikes for each category.

Navigate To: Comparison Table | How We Tested | Buyer’s Guide
Related: Best Fat-Tire Electric Bikes | Best Electric Cargo Bikes | Best Folding Electric Bikes

The Best Electric Bikes of 2025

Best All-Around Electric Bike: Velotric Discover 2
Runner-Up Best Ebike: Rad Power Bikes Radster Trail
Best Budget Ebike: Engwe E26 
Best True Fat-Tire Ebike: Aventon Aventure 2
Best Folding Electric Bike: Ride1UP Portola
Best Electric Cargo Bike: Specialized Haul LT
Best Electric Mountain Bike: Cannondale Moterra SL 1
Best Budget Cargo Ebike: Lectric XPedition 2.0

Ebikes make commuting, hauling gear, and riding around town easier and more enjoyable. Photo: Matt Medendorp//The Inertia

Best All-Around Electric Bike

Velotric Discover 2 ($1,899)

Top Speed: 28 mph
Motor: 750W
Battery: 705.6Wh, IPX7 Waterproof
Weight: 63 lbs
Payload: 440 lbs
Range: 75 miles (PAS), 60 miles (throttle)

Pros: Excellent features for price, torque and cadence sensor, comfortable
Cons: Heavy for smaller riders

Velotric was a new brand to our team until late last year, and we’ve been blown away by how the Discover 2 stacks up against the competition. While it’s not a cheap ebike ($1,899 at time of publishing), we have yet to find a bike that offers more premium specs at that price. With functional features like built-in Apple Find My and a torque/cadence sensor switch, this bike rivals the tech of options well over five grand. Plus, it’s comfortable, maneuverable, and has excellent durability by way of its IPX7 waterproofing (park outside if you wish—we have been without issue!). Overall, for commuters looking for a secure, full-featured bike that will hold up, all at less than $2,000, we will be excitedly steering you toward the Velotric Discover 2.

Ideal for everyday riders, one of the most standout aspects of the Velotric Discover 2 is the sensor switch—allowing you to change between a torque sensor and cadence sensor (we go into more detail on each below). Importantly, the cadence mode enables speedy and consistent pedaling around town, whereas the torque sensor is a bit more precise for uneven terrain or more natural pedal response. It’s also great if you don’t know which you prefer before buying an ebike. Built-in Apple Find My was our other favorite feature—the security of knowing where your bike is at all times (without having to purchase an AirTag) provides excellent peace of mind. Plus, the Discover 2 just rips around town. It’s comfortable and easy to handle, despite being fairly large.

Most of all, the Velotric Discover 2 is easy to recommend due to its versatility—this ebike works great for a huge cross-section of cyclists. With two sizes serving riders from 4’11” to 6’4″, the Discover 2 can be comfortably ridden by most. It’s loaded with extras (turn signals, rear basket, rear-view mirror, front suspension fork, and so on), and the combination of specs, price, and real-world performance made this ebike our favorite of the year.

The Velotric Discover 2 is a premium ebike at an amazing price. Photo: Nathan Lemin//The Inertia

Runner-Up Best All-Around Ebike

Radster Trail ($2,199)

Top Speed: 28 mph
Motor: 750W
Battery: 15Ah 720 Wh
Weight: 77.5 lbs
Payload: 375 lbs
Range: 65 miles

Pros: Intuitive acceleration with torque-sensing motor, top-tier features, two frame sizes
Cons: 3-inch tires are fat, but not the fattest (4-inch is a better choice for sand), small front fender doesn’t provide the most coverage in wet conditions

Fat-tire electric bikes have turned into a class of their own. Non-electric fat-tired bikes are best suited to the sand and snow, and due to their weight, they aren’t the best for getting around in regular riding conditions. But add an electric motor and all of a sudden, fat-tire electric bikes become one of the most versatile riding crafts on the road, capable of tackling it all with comfort and stability.

Rad Power Bikes’ Radster Trail takes that versatility to another level. It’s engineered for both on-road and offroad riding with 3-inch tires as opposed to the standard 4-inch “fat” tires. As a result, this wouldn’t be our first choice for dedicated off-road riding or for sand (for that, we’d suggest you take a look at the Aventon Aventure.2, below). However, the truth of the matter is that most users of fat-tire ebikes will end up doing a fair share of their riding on roads or trails, where the 3-inch tires provide better responsiveness, handling, and efficiency. Combine that with city-ready features such as turning signals, RFID locking, a usbc charging port, a solid IPX6 water resistance, and two frame sizes to accommodate different rider heights, and you have a craft that truly excels both on and off-road.

Ultimately, it couldn’t quite unseat our top pick due to slightly fewer features and a slightly higher price. That said, if you spend more time on trail or off road, then the Radster Trail is our favorite do-it-all ebike.

Read our full review of the Radster Trail here.

Rad Power Bikes makes some of our favorite ebikes on the market. Photo: Steve Andrews//The Inertia

Best Budget Ebike

Engwe E26 ($999)

Top Speed: 28 mph
Motor: 1000W(PEAK) high-speed brushless motor
Battery: 48V 16Ah Lithium-Ion
Weight: 73.8 lbs
Payload: 330 lbs
Range: 87 miles

Pros: Fast, powerful motor, pedal assist and throttle
Cons: Heavy, assembly can be challenging

At $999, the Engwe E26 is an incredible deal for a solid bike. We ordered online and the bike arrived well packaged and protected. Assembly is often a hurdle but the instructions were clear and everything was pretty straightforward. The only challenge we encountered was getting the battery back into the frame — it wouldn’t lock in. After taking apart the battery lock assembly and rebuilding, we had the bike up and running.

At 73.8 pounds, the E26 is a heavy bike, especially considering its fat tires. The motor is extremely powerful and engaging the throttle is really fun. We found the motor to be so powerful that we only rode at lower speeds. Notably, the E26 has excellent range (87 miles claimed) and a large battery capacity, something often missing on budget ebikes.

The frame on the high-step bike is large, and overall the bike feels quite big. We had both a 5’7″ woman and a 6’1″ man test out the bike, and while our female rider was able to ride the bike, we felt that it was best suited for taller humans (per Engwe’s website it is designed for heights between 5’6″ to 6’5″). Go with the step-thru version if you are a shorter rider. We enjoyed the fat tires and although the E26 isn’t an all terrain bike we found that it rode nicely on fire roads and hard packed dirt, as well as city streets.

The Engwe E26 offers excellent power for the price. Photo: Keith Parsons//The Inertia

Best True Fat-Tire Ebike

Aventon Aventure 2 ($1,999)

Top Speed: 28 mph
Motor: 750W (1130W peak)
Battery: 48V, 15Ah (720Wh)
Weight: 77 lbs
Payload: 400 lbs
Range: 60 miles

Pros: Defining bike in the fat-tire electric bike category, truly fat 4-inch tires, two frame sizes, step-over and step-through options
Cons: Heavy, IPX4 waterproofing protects from drizzle and splashes but not heavy rain

The Aventon Aventure 2 throws a premium twist on the classic fat tire ebike with features like a torque sensor, turn signals, and Aventon’s reputation for high-quality construction and support. And all for (technically) under 2k. When it comes to electric bicycles, that’s a screamin’ deal. With true 4-inch fat tires and a 750-watt motor, The Aventure.2 is well-equipped to deal with any kind of terrain, including sand and snow.

With a torque sensor, the bike has a smoother, more natural-feeling acceleration than those equipped with a cadence sensor. It also offers a more efficient ride for longer-lasting battery life. However, as with any torque-sensor-equipped electric bike (including the Radster Trail, above), you’ll have to put in some effort to reach the top speed of 28mph, a plus for those looking for more of a bike-feeling experience. However, a cadence sensor will be a better fit if you’re simply looking for the lowest-effort riding experience.

As we stated above, it was a tough decision between the Aventure 2 and the Radster Trail, above, for Best All-Around Fat-Tire Ebike. The Radster costs about $200 more, and with that, you get features like RFID keycard locking, a SafeShield battery, and better water resistance (IPX6 vs IPX4). The Radster also comes equipped with 3″ tires, which will perform better on pavement, at the cost of some off-road performance, while the Aventure 2’s 4″ tires will provide full off-road capability at the cost of some efficiency and handling on paved surfaces.

For mixed paved/offroad riding, we’d choose the Radster Trail, and for mostly offroad riding, we’d prefer the Aventure 2. Both bikes come in two frame sizes, with the Aventure 2 also coming in step-over and step-through versions. For a quality classic fat-tire ebike with a lower pricetag, check out the Lectric XPeak, below, which comes equipped with a cadence sensor.

A true fat-tire ripper, the Aventon Aventure 2 is great for off-road riding. Photo: Will Sileo//The Inertia

Best Folding Ebike

Ride1UP Portola ($995)

Top Speed: 28 mph
Motor: 750W sustained
Battery: 10.4 / 13.4 Ah
Weight: 59 lbs
Payload: 330 lbs
Range: 40 miles

Pros: Fast, powerful, incredible value, welded rear rack capable of taking a second passenger
Cons: Not the longest range, battery readout is not granular enough, with only four bars to show battery life

Ride1Up is a U.S.-based company that’s known for its stylish, powerful, and cost-effective designs. And the Portola delivers in all three of those categories. The design is undoubtedly good-looking and has a few nice color options to choose from. Class 3 (28mph) isn’t something that all folding ebikes are capable of, but the Portola handles the higher speeds with plenty of oomph to spare – so much so that it can take a second rider on its welded rear rack. The price tag of $995 feels hard to believe with all that’s packed into the small frame. And while it doesn’t have the bells and whistles of higher-priced options like the Radster Trail, above, it delivers on the essentials and then some.

The welded rear rack is one of our favorite features. Being able to take a second rider is a feature that cannot be understated. But keep in mind that the rack has a stated limit of 130 lbs (we’ve gone a little over), and without the extra height of the Ride1UP Connect Passenger Seat or something similar, the seat can feel a little cramped. On that note, it is worth noting that the bike may feel a bit small for riders 6’2″ tall and over, which, to be honest, is a common gripe with folding ebikes.

Read our full review of the Ride1UP Portola.

Photo: Will Sileo//The Inertia

Best Cargo Ebike

Specialized Haul LT ($3,500)

Top Speed: 28 mph
Motor: Globe custom-tuned motor
Battery: 772 Wh (IPX7)
Weight: 88 lbs
Payload: 440 lbs
Range: 60 miles

Pros: Refined driveability, good-looking, versatile
Cons: Expensive, lacks top-end range

The Specialized Haul LT won our team over in the cargo ebike category with its excellent comfort and rideability. This refined ebike boasts the natural handling and composure of a normal bike, but with a stretched out and powered design. It’s very heavy (88 pounds), but it doesn’t feel as sloppy or unnatural to steer as some larger ebikes do, and the geometry feels very well-suited to the cargo design. While the display and included features are nothing to write home about, as cyclists, some of our team actually really enjoyed the pared-down vibe of the Haul. Plus, Specialized has an excellent accessory suite to build out this bike.

As one of the pricier options on this list, the Haul LT is for someone transitioning from the cycling world to an ebike that can haul kids, groceries, or gear around town. It might price out someone just looking to get out on an ebike, but if you are wondering where to start as a purist, then this cargo ebike from Specialized is our top recommendation. The design feels solid, safe, and long-lasting, which inspires confidence as we were hauling kids on the back. The only thing it really lacks is premium range, but the excellent payload (440 pounds), and IPX7 waterproof battery contribute to an excellent all-around pickup truck-like ebike.

Photo: Matt Medendorp//The Inertia

Best Electric Mountain Bike

Cannondale Moterra SL 1 ($8,750)

Top Speed: 20 mph
Motor: Custom-tuned Shimano EP801
Battery: 601 Wh
Weight: 43 lbs 7 oz
Payload: N/A
Range: 43 miles

Pros: Excellent power and range for SL bike (~43 lbs), well-featured for price
Cons: Expensive, all-around setup is master of none

We took a few electric mountain bikes out on trails around Arizona (check your local regulations!), and none impressed us more than the Cannondale Moterra SL 1. Why? Well of course this thing rips, but the secret is in the balance. The Moterra SL 1 is one of the lightest full-power eMTB options on the market (if not the lightest), and it makes a perfect all-around, one-and-done mountain bike for most riders. As sold, it is just a few ounces over 43 pounds, which, paired with a full-power motor, is pretty shocking. Used to be, you had to choose between a pretty insignificant pedal assist to go lightweight or a big clunky full-powered bike that weighed well over 50 pounds. And Cannondale achieves this beautiful balance of weight and power in a really versatile bike—while it’s comfortably nestled in the trail category, we found we could readily blast pretty intense downhill trails thanks to its slack head tube angle and 160mm of front travel. It also comes as a mullet mountain bike (29-inch tire in front, 27.5-inch in rear), which we felt perfectly suited the all-around theme, but you can swap out the rear to 29-inch if you prefer.

Speaking of slack, the adjustable headset allows you to change the angle 1.2 degrees. We preferred to run this bike at 62.5 degrees, more than enough for a trail bike like this, as the 63.7 had us feeling a bit too stretched out. What about the cost? At nearly nine grand, this is a serious investment in your fun hogging. But surprisingly, we also feel like this is one of the best values in high-end electric mountain bikes. It’s fully-loaded, from the electronic SRAM XO Eagle AXS, T-Type groupset (which works flawlessly), to the Fox Float Factory 36 shocks, not to mention the responsive carbon frame and perfectly dialed Shimano EP801 motor. The bottom line: If you can afford a bike of this caliber, you’ll have set yourself up for years of high-performance riding. The Moterra SL 1 is nimble enough on trail to feel like a standard mountain bike, with plenty of power to rinse and repeat downhill runs with ease.

The best thing about an emtb? Riding to the trail right from your backyard without tiring out. Photo: Nathan Lemin//The Inertia

Best Budget Cargo Ebike

Lectric XPedition 2.0 ($1,399)

Top Speed: 28 mph
Motor: 750W (1,310W peak)
Battery: 48V, 13Ah (available in dual battery and long-range dual)
Weight: 74 lbs with one battery
Payload: 450 lbs
Range: 60 miles (up to 170 miles with long-range batteries)

Pros: Loaded with features for the price
Cons: New version has less range than the previous

Lectric makes some of our favorite ebikes on the market, and the Lectric XPedition 2.0 is as close to unseating our top-pick electric cargo bike as any. While it lacks some of the refinement and rideability of the Specialized Haul LT, above, it more than makes up for it with a complete feature set and a very affordable price (just $1399 for a single-battery setup). That’s two grand less than the Haul, and many folks might prefer the add-ons and excellent accessory availability of the Lectric.

While we were a little disappointed to see the XPedition 2.0 had slightly less claimed range on a single battery than V1 (60 miles vs 75 miles), the brand does address that with a new upgrade option: the long-range dual battery. That option gets you up to 170 miles on a single charge (up over the 150 miles on the previous version’s dual battery), a truly astonishing number that will assuage any range anxiety. It will cost you an extra $600, but you can upgrade later on if that’s preferable. Plus, slight improvements like smaller, more maneuverable tires (2.5″ vs 3″) paired with a front suspension fork increase rideability on such a large ebike.

Aside from the range of options, Lectric offers just about every accessory you can imagine, and the ebike comes with a ton of included accessories, from running boards to bike lights. Sure, this option is a bit unwieldy for smaller riders, but it has smooth power transfer, excellent payload (450 pounds, 300 pounds on the back rack), and other safety features like turn signals. Plus, with so much to offer, the price is surprisingly affordable.

An unassembled Lectric XPedition 2.0 next to the assembled first version. Photo: Nathan Lemin//The Inertia

Just a few of our favorites from this round of ebike testing. Photo: Will Sileo//The Inertia

Best Electric Bikes Comparison Table

We’ve been riding ebikes all over town and beyond for years. Photo: Matt Medendorp//The Inertia

How We Tested Electric Bikes

For this guide, we called in our entire gear testing team in order to bring you the most thorough guide possible. Primary testers include Rebecca Parsons, Will Sileo, and Nathan Lemin, plus Steve Andrews and Nick Bruckbauer lent testing support and notes. We tested these bikes in different states, in different conditions, and through our varied experiences and opinions, we believe we’ve truly rounded up the best electric bikes currently on the market for every type of rider.

Rebecca Parsons has been biking since early days. Photo: Keith Parsons

Rebecca Parsons grew up riding bikes alongside her dad in Southern California. The daughter of an avid mountain biker, Rebecca spent many weekends cruising Orange County’s spread of trails and roadways. Her biking claim to fame is beating professional Motorcross and Supercross racer Eli Tomac (when they were five). Rebecca did her testing alongside her parents in Orange County, testing bikes on both pavement and user-friendly biking trails, and she continues to test ebikes up and down the California coast.

Nathan Lemin has been riding ebikes for the past couple of years, and he’d ripped big heavy cargo ebikes around town with groceries, passengers, and dogs in tow. He has also tested electric mountain bikes on the trails of Arizona. Comfort, versatility, and longevity are important testing tenets to him, and his recommendations fall in line with that ethos.

Sileo, on a recent testing excursion in Golden Gate Park. Photo: Sam Schultz//The Inertia

Senior Gear Editor Will Sileo also lent his experience and expertise to this review, mainly in the fat-tire and folding ebike categories. Sileo has been testing some of the best fat-tire ebikes on the market for the past four years, from top brands such as Aventon, Rad Power Bikes, Ride1UP, Tern, and many more. Located in San Francisco, Sileo’s priorities lie in bikes with powerful motors that can take on the city’s notorious hills, with a preference for class 3, cadence-sensor-equipped ebikes that can keep up with traffic around the city.

That perspective is tempered by an affinity to Marin and its deep history of trail riding. A surfer and adventurer, you can often find Sileo using fat-tire ebikes to access his favorite surf breaks along the coast.

Powerful, compact, comfortable—a folding ebike suits tons of riders. Photo: Will Sileo//The Inertia

Electric Bikes Buyer’s Guide

Ebike Categories

Electric bikes have expanded rapidly, and brand offerings include an ebike for every need and price range. The main types of ebikes we encountered through our testing were fat-tire, folding, cargo, commuter, mountain or eMTB, and moped-style ebikes. Below we’ve detailed what each is best used for to help you narrow down your search.

Not all fat tires are created equal. Photo: Will Sileo//The Inertia

Fat-Tire Ebikes

Fat-tire ebikes are perfect for snow, sand, and rough trails. Standard fat-tire bikes are great, but tough to pedal, so powering them up is an ideal way to enjoy the benefits without the downsides. The tires are typically about double the width of a standard tire, approximately four or more inches wide. Fat-tire ebikes are a fan favorite as they are easy to balance on and provide a smooth ride. A downside of fat tires is that they tend to be heavier and can be a bit more challenging to maneuver due to the added weight. Our favorite true fat-tire ebike is the Aventon Aventure 2, but our runner-up top pick, the Rad Power Bikes Radster Trail, is another excellent option.

Check out all of the best fat-tire ebikes here. 

Folding ebikes are perfect for those short on space and commuters. Photo: Will Sileo//The Inertia

Folding Ebikes

Folding bikes are a great option for folks who are short on storage space or don’t have a bike rack. They’re also an excellent choice for commuters who bring their bike into the office after their commute to work. When they’re set up, folding electric bikes are full-size ebikes (or close to it) but they fold down small for transport and storage. Because they’re designed to be compact and lightweight, folding bikes sometimes sacrifice some performance and durability. Our top choice is the Ride1Up Portola, which impressively offers a rear rack with 130 pound capacity, nearly unheard of on a folding ebike.

Check out all of the best folding ebikes here.

Cargo ebikes are best for gear and grom hauling. Photo: Matt Medendorp//The Inertia

Cargo Ebikes

If you plan on hauling lots of gear or people, cargo ebikes are the move. Electric cargo bikes have a larger, sturdier design, allowing them to carry heavy loads, kids, even full-size adults. Cargo ebikes come in various shapes and sizes, some with two wheels and some with three. Cargo ebikes typically feature a solid rear rack, and often even have a front rack for additional capacity. Often, cargo ebikes have a more powerful motor and a generous range to accommodate the added weight. They’re a great option for surfers, parents who like to bike tandem with their kids, campers, folks without a car, or anyone who likes to transport lots of gear. Our top picks are the Specialized Haul LT and the more affordable Lectric XPedition 2.0.

Check out all of the best cargo ebikes here.

Cruisers are comfortable, versatile, and often powerful. Photo: Will Sileo//The Inertia

Cruiser Ebikes

Like their non-motorized counterparts, cruiser ebikes prioritize comfort over speed. Typically, cruiser style bikes have larger and more padded seats, wide, curved handlebars, wide tires, and few to no gears. Cruiser bikes offer a smooth ride and are a great option for cruising around town or through the neighborhood. Our top overall pick, the Velotric Discover 2, could be considered a cruiser-style ebike.

Moped style ebikes are fast and a bit overkill for most riders. Photo: Skylar Fitzmaurice//The Inertia

Moped-style Ebikes 

Moped-style electric bikes are kind of like a cross between a moped and a traditional bicycle. Moped-style ebikes have both a motor that supports full throttle, pedal assist, or a combination of both. This style of bike usually sports a higher performance design, and can reach speeds of up to 28 mph, making it a good option for commuting. Due to their high power, moped-style ebikes typically aren’t allowed on trails, making this type of bike best suited to city streets.

Range, power, speed, payload—specs are an important part of your ebike purchase. Photo: Will Sileo//The Inertia

Making Sense of Specs

Motor Power

Most ebikes measure their motor power in watts or newton meters, which both measure the rate at which energy is transferred. In layman’s terms: It’s the amount of power that the motor is delivering to aid the rider. More motor power equals less energy output on your end. Bikes with higher wattage will accelerate more quickly and power up hills more efficiently, but they also use up more energy in doing so, which drains the battery. All of the bikes in this list are considered “full-powered” ebikes, which usually have motors above 500 watts (most are 750W in this list), and will fully assist you in pedaling, and may even have a throttle.

A good display helps sort out your need-to-knows, like battery status, speed limit, and more. Photo: Will Sileo//The Inertia

Battery Capacity

In general, battery capacity on ebikes is measured in Amp hours (Ah) or Watt hours (Wh). For the sake of this guide, we will refer to battery capacity in Wh. Typically, most ebikes battery capacity lands somewhere between 300 Wh to 700 Wh. For reference, a 500 Wh battery will deliver somewhere between 25-50 miles of range. Range is affected by speed, elevation gain, rider weight, etc.

If you’re not sure what size battery is best for you, consider how you plan to use the bike. If you intend to use your ebike for short commutes or mellow rides on relatively flat terrain, then you should be just fine with a 300 Wh battery. However, if you plan to cover large distances and bike through hilly terrain, then you’d be better off with a 700+ Wh battery. The biggest downside of larger battery capacity is that the battery itself is usually large and heavy, which can affect the bike’s weight and overall performance.

Payload is how much weight capacity your bike can haul. Photo: Will Sileo//The Inertia

Payload

You may be asking yourself what we mean by payload? In short, the payload is the total maximum weight load that the bike can support. This weight includes the rider’s weight, passenger weight, cargo weight, and any additional accessories you may have such as a basket or a surf rack. If you exceed the bike’s recommended payload, it may affect the overall performance of the bike and could tax the battery, plus it can be dangerous to ride an overloaded ebike.

Standard electric bikes are capable of carrying somewhere around 250 pounds. Typically, these ebikes may support a small amount of weight on racks. Ebikes that come with built-in racks can typically support a bit more weight—our top-pick ebike, the Velotric Discover 2, has an impressive 440 pound capacity—and we like to see options with 325 pounds of capacity or more. Finally, cargo ebikes are specifically designed for hauling gear and consequently can support the most weight, often upward of 400 pounds (like our top-pick cargo ebike, the Specialized Haul LT). Pay close attention to where you can load weight, too, as sometimes the payload is not necessarily designed to be evenly distributed on the rear or front rack.

If you want to get off the beaten path, a good ebike range is crucial. Photo: Tucker Adams//The Inertia

Ebike Range

In general, ebikes have a range of somewhere between 25-75 miles, but there are a number of factors that affect how far your bike can travel on a single charge. Payload, riding speed, elevation gain/loss, tire pressure, wind conditions, battery type, battery size, and battery age all influence the range of an electric bike. A standard ebike can usually cover 20-50 miles on a single charge, but long range ebikes like the dual long-range battery Lectric XPedition 2.0 can last for up to 170 miles.

Weighing in at 73.8 pounds, the Engwe E26 is heavy but has a powerful motor. Photo: Keith Parsons//The Inertia

Bike Weight

It’s no secret that most ebikes are heavy. Although the weight of each bike varies depending on the materials used, frame design, battery size/type, and motor sizes, most electric bikes weigh somewhere between 40-80 pounds.

In general, the larger the battery and motor, the heavier the bike will be. With traditional bikes, extra weight is seen as a negative, but for an electric bike, it can mean a faster bike with a longer range. On the flipside, lighter ebikes will usually have a smaller battery and thus won’t be able to travel as far.

When it comes to weight, the most important thing to consider is how you intend to use your bike. If you plan to ride your bike in the city, have to carry it up stairs, or load it into your car, then you’ll want a lighter bike. But, if you plan to commute long distances and won’t be needing to lift your bike, then you should do just fine with a heavier bike.

Ebike class and local regulations are worth paying attention to. Photo: Will Sileo//The Inertia

Ebike Classes

Understanding ebike classes is important as certain classes are illegal in different areas. The biggest distinction between the classes is what type of motor the bikes have and the maximum speeds they can reach. Some ebikes simply offer pedal assist, which provides the rider with power while they pedal, but do nothing when the rider is not pedaling. Other bikes have throttle assist. Similar to a motorcycle, to activate the throttle assist you simply turn the throttle and you’re in action.

Class 1

Class 1 electric bikes have pedal assist only. This class of ebikes can reach speeds of up to 2o mph. Class 1 bikes include options like cruisers, mountain bikes, hybrids, and some commuters. This class of ebikes is legal almost everywhere and they are allowed on bike paths and lanes that allow traditional bicycles. Importantly, this type of ebike doesn’t have a throttle.

Class 2

Class 2 ebikes have both pedal assist and throttle assist. This class of electric bikes can also reach speeds of up to 20 mph. Like class one ebikes, class two ebikes are allowed in most places that traditional bikes are allowed, but be sure and check the rules in your region before setting out. In this class of ebikes you’ll find commuter and cargo bikes, as well as other categories.

Class 3 

Class 3 ebikes are hands down the most powerful type of electric bike. They also can reach speeds of up to 28 mph in pedal assist, but they don’t necessarily have a throttle. In our experience, most class 3 ebikes are also class 2 ebikes, which means that they can reach 20 mph using the throttle, and 28 mph while pedaling. Many class 3 ebikes allow you to switch between modes and limit speeds and power to fit the local regulations. All class three ebikes are required to have a speedometer, but whether or not they have a throttle depends on your state’s rules. Most states allow class three ebikes in bike lanes on roads but not on bike paths or shared trails. This type of bikes includes cargo bikes, high-end commuters, gravel bikes, and road bikes.

We like our ebikes loaded with accessories, and indeed most on this list have a great feature-set. Photo: Matt Medendorp//The Inertia

Notable Features

Throttle

As mentioned above, throttles are found in class two ebikes as well as in some class three models. The throttle works similarly to a motorcycle or an electric scooter. When you twist the throttle, it engages the motor and moves the bike forward with no pedaling required.

Throttles can be helpful for commuters or for folks looking to get from point A to B with minimal effort. If you’re planning to ride your ebike from exercise then you won’t need a throttle, but it’s a fun feature to have for those times when you just don’t feel like pedaling. Beware: Using the throttle taxes the battery much faster (after all, you’re not pedaling to assist the power), and your range will be shorter if you only use the throttle.

Security

Ebikes are expensive. As such, it’s important to keep them secure to prevent theft. A good old fashioned U-lock will certainly to the trick, but some electric bikes come with built-in security features, which is a big game changer in our book.

Ebikes with built-in theft protection come with a compatible app that acts like a digital key, allowing you to lock and unlock your bike from your phone. When your bike is “locked” the motor won’t work, rendering your bike useless to a thief. The Rad Power Bikes Radster Trail, our runner-up pick, has an RFID lock. Although these built-in locking mechanisms are a great form of protection, we recommend using a traditional lock in tandem with your smart lock. Other options to further secure your bike include GPS tracking (this is already integrated into some models, like our top-pick, the Velotric Discover 2) and alarm systems.

Built-in lights come with most ebikes. Photo: Keith Parsons//The Inertia

Bike Lights/Turn Signals

Most electric bikes include built-in lights, but if yours doesn’t, we highly recommend buying a lighting system should you plan to do any biking at night or in foggy conditions. Luckily, most of the recommendations in our list feature included bike lights.

Because electric bikes are often ridden on the road, some, like the Velotric Discover 2, have built-in turn signals. You simply flip a switch to activate the turn signal. If your bike doesn’t include turn signals, flash back to your driver’s ed days and use hand signals instead.

Torque Sensor vs. Cadence Sensor

The torque sensor on your ebike essentially measures how hard you are pedaling to determine how much electric power is needed to propel the bike forward. The harder you pedal, the more power it gives the motor and the lighter you pedal, the less power the motor receives. Torque sensors use a precision strain gauge and are typically only found on higher-end bikes because they are more precise and more difficult to manufacture. The Cannondale Moterra SL 1 eMTB has a custom-tuned sensor that feels incredibly responsive and easy to adjust the level to suit your riding style.

Cadence sensors, on the other hand, utilize a magnet on the crank. When you start pedaling, it turns the motor on and when you stop pedaling, it switches the motor off. Most basic ebikes come with a cadence sensor as they’re an inexpensive way to have pedal assist on a bike, but this technology doesn’t always deliver the smoothest ride. Want the best of both worlds? Go with the Velotric Discover 2, which has a really cool sensor switch allowing you to choose between torque and cadence.

Take care of your ebike and it’ll last for a long time. Photo: Matt Medendorp//The Inertia

Caring For Your Ebike

Like any piece of gear, the better care you take of your ebike, the longer it will last. We like to wipe our bikes down with a damp rag every few rides to keep componentry clear of dust and buildup (and we use a dry cloth on electrical connections, the battery, and anywhere else that moisture may affect the bike). A good rule of thumb is to store your bike out of the elements, whether that be in a garage, in your apartment, or under a waterproof cover.

When it comes to your battery, be sure to charge up regularly, but unplug it once it’s fully charged. For the computer and wiring, the most common problem we’ve encountered is the wires disconnecting (especially on folding bikes). If you’re having an issue with your computer, be sure to check that all the wires are connected before taking it into the shop for a repair.

It’s good practice to inspect your brakes regularly and replace worn pads and cables when they need it. Because electric bikes are heavy, the brakes have a tendency to wear out more quickly than in traditional bikes. You’ll also want to regularly lubricate your chains to keep them working efficiently. Finally, keep your tires inflated to the recommended PSI and regularly check them for wear and tear.

 Return to Comparison Table | Return to Top Picks

Editor’s Note: For more top ebike picks, check out our guides to the Best Fat-Tire Electric Bikes and the Best Electric Cargo Bikes. Or, if you’re short on space and need a packable bike, give our guide to the Best Folding Electric Bikes a read. For more gear reviews and features on The Inertia, click here.

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