The 16 Best E-Bikes on the Market

This is my favorite e-bike for navigating Williamsburg's hipster (now hipster tourist?) infested streets on my way to get an overpriced fourth-wave coffee. This e-bike is a veritable beast, with a 750-watt motor for climbing hills and zipping through intersections.

The battery lasts up to 60 miles on a single charge, so in the city, I never had to worry about range. The smooth Shimano gear shifts and Tektro hydraulic disc brakes kept me in control, even on slick roads. The Radster Road's lightweight aluminum frame was stable, but maneuverability was never an issue. From a pure riding standpoint, it would be a joy for seasoned cyclists and e-bike neophytes alike.

With an advanced LCD display to track speed, battery life, and even count calories, it hits all the user experience highs as well. All considered, it's a true all-rounder.

This Dutch miracle worker from Gazelle made navigating New York a breeze. The Bosch Performance Line Speed motor on this bike is a mid-drive, meaning it's mounted on the drivetrain (the pedals). Mid-drive motors are the most expensive on the market, but they give you the most responsive feel. Instead of pulling you, they instantly respond to the power you put into the pedal. In practice, it propelled me through the sea of yellow cabs and delivery trucks.

Along with that mid-drive motor, you get a Shimano 10-speed drivetrain, which is plenty of gearing for an e-bike. The hydraulic disc brakes are solid. And, the integrated battery has an impressive 80-mile range. I zipped from the Bronx to Brooklyn without breaking a sweat and barely made a dent in the battery.

On-site, Himiway tags this bike "The Beast Mode Commuter." Corny copywriting aside, it really gets to the heart of what this e-bike is great at. Again, we've got a mid-drive motor, this time a beefy 500-watt Bafang model. It gives you the instant accelerating you need for zipping in and out of traffic. On fast-paced Manhattan avenues, it held its own, and on slower Brooklyn hills, it kept me from working up a sweat. But, because Himiway is working with a Bafang—as opposed to Bosch, the biggest name in the space—you don't see a steep jump in price. At $2,400, it's a great investment.

The other thing that makes this a great commuter are while the chunky 26" x 4" Kenda Juggernaut tires. Compared to the thin road tires you get on a fixed-gear bike, these are a revelation. I could fly through most New York City streets with only the largest potholes proving to be an issue.

Then, you get all the trappings I look for in an e-bike—a bright LED headlight, color LCD display, and a Shimano Altus 9-speed drivetrain. Fenders and rear rack come included, so from minute one you're ready for grocery store hauls. It's an incredible buy.

The Ride1Up Cafe Cruiser's obviously takes its design inspiration from motorcycles with a tad of a café racer look. The shiny chrome accents and more active seating position made me consider picking up a leather biker's jacket... I didn't, though. But the Cafe Cruiser isn't just a pretty face. It's got the power and performance to back up its good looks. The 750W rear-hub motor and 7-speed drivetrain made easy work of any hills I encountered. Plus, there's a throttle that can take you up to 20mph, and that was perfect in and around traffic.

The Allant+ 8S is a pleasure to ride. The Bosch Performance Line CX motor, with its instant torque, provided smooth, seamless power. I loved the clear full-color Kiox display, and it offered all the essential data I needed at a glance, from battery life to speed and distance traveled. The hydraulic disc brakes, with their confident, responsive grip, are great in the city's unpredictable traffic.

Whether dodging potholes on the Lower East Side or navigating the tourist-filled bike lanes of Central Park, I always felt in control. The integrated Supernova M99 Mini Pro lights illuminated the path ahead, cutting through the city's vibrant glow, while the sleek SKS fenders kept me dry during unexpected encounters with street-corner puddles.

As an avid cyclist, I was thrilled to get my hands on the Aventon Aventure.2 for a test ride. This electric bike offeres a perfect blend of power and style. It looks good, and the smooth pedal assist made tackling hills a breeze.

The Aventure.2's sturdy frame and responsive brakes gave me confidence on every terrain. With its impressive range, user-friendly controls, and sturdy fat tires, this e-bike is ideal for commuters and adventurers. If you're looking for a reliable, stylish, and fun way to get around, the Aventon Aventure.2 is a choice you can't go with.

This electric fat bike is a powerhouse, quickly taking on various terrains. The custom 750W geared rear hub motor and 48V 14Ah lithium-ion battery provide impressive assistance, making even the steepest hills manageable. The updated frame geometry and adjustable suspension fork offer a comfortable and stable ride, while the hydraulic disc brakes ensure reliable stopping power in all conditions.

The display LCD is user-friendly and not overwhelming, providing essential information at a glance. While the RadRover 6 Plus is heavier than other e-bikes, its sturdy construction and all-terrain capabilities make up for it.

The Aventon Ramblas is a triumph in e-mountain biking. The Bafang M510 mid-drive motor gives you instant torque, which is a must when you're riding single track. It had me conquering trails I never would have with an acoustic bike.

The RockShox Judy Silver fork and Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes give me the control and confidence to tackle any obstacle and the Shimano Deore 10-speed drivetrain shifts like a dream. And Kenda Havok tires handled some of the more technical stuff with ease. Aventon nailed everything I wanted to see in an electric mountain bike.

The Ride1Up Portola is a great little folding bike. The whisper-quiet 250W rear hub motor gets up to 20 mph with ease. The lightweight aluminum frame makes packing it away a bit easier, but it's robust enough for the open road.

What truly sets the PORTOLA apart is its integrated 500Wh battery, neatly hidden yet offering up to 70 miles of range on a single charge. It's a game-changer for long days in the city, eliminating any range anxiety. Additionally, the built-in LED lights are not just functional for night rides, enhancing visibility.

The Haul ST is a pack mule of an e-bike. Its robust 700Wh battery was good for 60-miles worth of ride, and the rear-hub motor gave me effortless riding, even when loaded down with groceries. The 10-speed Shimano Deore drivetrain was smooth, and the hydraulic disc brakes were reliable.

The integrated racks can carry up to 50 pounds each, and full-coverage fenders are live savers in wet weather. The step-through aluminum frame and adjustable cockpit offer a comfortable, customizable fit. Packed with features and designed for tech-savvy cyclists, the Haul ST is the ultimate choice for those seeking a reliable city bike.

In the saddle on Schwinn's Coston, I couldn't help but appreciate the incredible value this bike offers. Sure, it may not have all the bells and whistles of some pricier models, but for a budget-friendly e-bike for running to grab coffee, the Coston is hard to beat.

The 250W rear hub motor provided a smooth and reliable boost. The removable battery was practical for parking on the street or carrying the bike up stairs. The 35 mile range isn't the best, but I had more than enough power to run errands, explore the city, and still make it to a coffee shop. The Shimano drivetrain and mechanical disc brakes may not be top-of-the-line, but they performed flawlessly for me. The step-through frame and swept-back handlebars offered a comfortable, upright riding position that made my journey a joy.

The robust 6061 aluminum alloy frame was durable durability, and the rear hub 750W Bafang motor was powerful. What more do you need from a bike?

Once I hit the throttle, I got a real idea of the power the LMT’D V2 packed. The steepest hills felt like little inclines. This machine isn't just about speed but seamless, exhilarating rides. The 48V 14Ah battery offered an impressive 50-mile range on a single charge, perfect for my extended excursions around town and beyond. Comfort is paramount in the design of the LMT'D V2. The ergonomic saddle and adjustable handlebars kept me in a relaxed, upright posture.

The 500W brushless rear hub motor on this Aventon Pace 500.3 was impressively smooth and quiet, making it great for long-haul trips. On top of that, the 48V, 12.8Ah lithium-ion battery packs enough power to cover up to 40 miles. That's more than enough for a full day's adventure around the city without worrying about recharging. The frame, made from 6061 double-butted aluminum, felt lightweight yet sturdy under the city's varying conditions. The hydraulic disc brakes, with their 180mm rotors, provided reliable stopping power, and shifting was a breeze with the Shimano Altus 8-speed drivetrain. On top of all of that, the 27.5" x 2.2" Kenda tires gripped the pavement well, whether I was on dry sidewalks or wet streets.

What really stood out was the LCD, which was crystal clear even under the harsh midday sun. It let me easily switch between the five levels of pedal assist, tailoring my ride whether I was feeling energetic or just cruising. All in all, riding the Pace 500.3 around Midtown was not just about getting from point A to B; it was about enjoying every part of the journey with comfort and ease.

When I rode the the Super73-R e-bike, the distinctive design stuck out to me—chunky tires and a minimalist frame reminiscent of a classic café racer. It's more than just eye-catching. It's functional, providing a smooth and stable ride even on uneven urban terrains.

The motor packs a punch, accelerating with a satisfying surge that makes weaving through city traffic exhilarating yet effortless. The spacious, cushioned seat ensures comfort even on longer rides, which is a boon given the impressive battery life that far surpasses my daily commuting needs. Navigating the controls is intuitive, making it easy for even a novice rider to feel at home quickly.

During testing, the Aventon Level.2 was a great go-to for daily commutes and weekend trips around town. The 500W brushless rear hub motor provides smooth, quiet assistance, making even the steepest hills feel like a breeze. With five levels of pedal assist and a top speed of 28 mph, it was always easy to hit the right amount of assist.

The Level.2's 48V, 14Ah lithium-ion battery is seamlessly integrated into the downtube, and it provides an impressive range of up to 60 miles on a single charge. I loved how easily removing the battery for charging was. The hydraulic disc brakes, with 180mm rotors, offered exceptional stopping power The frame is crafted from 6061 double-butted aluminum, making it lightweight and durable, while the ergonomic grips and Selle Royal saddle provide all-day comfort.

When I first took this e-bike out in San Francisco, the 750W Bafang motor promised an easy ride, even against the city's infamous hills. Paired with the 48V 17.5Ah battery, it tackled the steep climbs of Russian Hill and Nob Hill with a surprising level of ease, almost making a mockery of what used to be a sweaty endeavor. The hydraulic disc brakes are sharp. The fork suspension is adequate. And the Shimano 7-speed system was buttery smooth.

The battery life—boasting up to 60 miles on a single charge—kept range anxiety off the table, freeing me up to enjoy longer rides through Golden Gate Park or down to the Embarcadero without a second thought. The LCD display was refreshingly straightforward, giving me all the essential stats without any unnecessary frills—speed, battery level, and pedal assist setting, all clear and readable.