The Best Electric Bikes of 2024 That We've Tested and Reviewed | WIRED

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For years, electric bicycles were bulky, inconvenient, expensive machines with limited battery life. Slowly, that has changed. Ebikes are now lighter, more attractive, and more powerful than ever. You don't need to be physically fit to ride one. They get you outside, reduce traffic congestion, and shrink your carbon footprint. I ride one daily to take my kids to school. They're just fun.

Over the past few years, WIRED's Reviews team has tried almost every kind of electric bike, from the best heavy-duty cargo bikes to high-end mountain bikes. We review upward of 50 new ebikes a year by riding them on a variety of terrain for at least 40 miles over the course of at least two weeks. We test cargo bikes by hauling kids and groceries, we ride mountain and gravel bikes on trails, and we test commuter bikes while running errands on regular city streets (including up and down steep hills). In addition to our real-life testing, we evaluate specs like weight, tire size, battery life, motor power, and the sourcing of key components. If you don't see what you want, check back later (or drop me a note!). Once you buy an ebike, check out our Best Bike Accessories, Best Bike Locks, and the Best Ebikes for Elderly Riders. Not into pedaling? Read our Best Escooters guide for other transport options.

Updated June 2024: We added the Rad Power Radster Road, the Linus eDutchi, the Gazelle Eclipse, and the Aventon Ramblas. We also updated links and prices.

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The prices on direct-to-consumer bikes are very appealing, but if you wouldn't send your kid down a hill on a skateboard with wobbly wheels, I wouldn't recommend doing the same yourself. If this is your first bike, I strongly suggest going with an established manufacturer that has a large support network of affiliated retailers and shops, so you can test a few and not have to assemble or fix it yourself. $2,000 is about what I'd expect to spend on a durable, good-quality entry-level electric bike.

Almost every major bike manufacturer now makes an entry-level commuter electric bicycle. Right now, the most reasonably priced one is the Trek FX+ 2 (8/10, WIRED Recommends). It comes in two versions: a step-over and a step-through. (I'm currently riding the step-through.) At 40 pounds, it's pretty light! It rides a lot like the light, versatile hybrid I rode all through college. It has Trek's proprietary 250-watt hub motor, a 250-watt-hour battery, standard 9-speed Shimano shifters, fast road bike wheels, and hydraulic disc brakes, as well as a few fun extra built-ins, like integrated lights, a bell, a rear rack, fenders, and a kickstand. All in all, it's a shockingly affordable package for everything you need to start your 6-mile city commute.

★ Alternatives: We have tried almost all the entry-level brand-name bikes. Specialized makes one that's pricier but with a nicer low-maintenance internal gear hub and belt drive, and we like Cannondale's version as well. Momentum is owned by Giant, and the Voya E+ 3 ($2,000) is equally light and absolutely stunning in person. But its smart shift system may be a little confusing to those new to electric biking, and the base price doesn't include all the commuter extras.

Seattle-based Rad Power Bikes was one of the first direct-to-consumer bike companies and as such had its ups and downs—for a few years, it seemed to be fighting off lawsuits in every direction. Now it has a new CEO, and the Radster Road (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is one of the first bikes taking Rad Power in a new direction. It's a long-distance commuter that is UL-certified, with big, efficient 29-inch Kenda tires, an IPX6-rated 750-watt rear hub motor, and a 720-Wh proprietary semi-integrated battery.

It has a truly ridiculous range (I put about 30 miles on it and only wore the battery down halfway) and comes with a ton of stuff at a very reasonable price. For example, you can switch between ebike classes in the computer, and it has a new torque sensor that makes pedaling feel infinitely more natural. It's also a lot quieter than other bikes at this price. The batteries are encapsulated in heat-absorbing resin to extinguish a fire, much like the batteries in an electric car. It is does weigh almost 75 pounds, though. Still, if you want to cover long distances with a bike that will conveniently ship to your door and can haul some weight, the Radster Road is a good pick.

There is some tension over the presence of electric bikes on trails. Still, if you love the sport but are getting older, an e-MTB is the best way to keep doing what you love. WIRED reviewer Stephanie Pearson loved Canyon's Spectral:On CFR (9/10, WIRED Recommends).

The Spectral:On CFR is a playful ride, with a larger 29-inch front wheel and a smaller 27.5-inch back wheel on a full-carbon frame with front and rear suspension. You can pick a 720- or a 900-watt-hour battery (the small frame size only comes with the 720); the 720-Wh battery has a quoted range of about 51 miles. Pearson had fast, powerful, and joyful 15- to 25-mile rides on single-track that left the battery only half-empty. As always, be sure to test out a new electric mountain bike to make sure you know what it feels like before you try an electric assist on any terrain that is super gnarly.

★ Alternative: It's currently out of stock, but Canyon indicates that more will be coming soon. However, we are currently testing Cannondale's new e-MTB and will have a review forthcoming, and I also loved the Trek Fuel EXe ($8,700). Trek's adaptive assistance is quiet and perfectly calibrated; the motor is quiet and the battery invisible. When I climbed, it just looked and felt like I was … a little bit more in shape than I actually am. It's the perfect bike if you don't want to buzz cross-country trails, but just need a little assistance to get to the top without falling down.

Want a cheap ebike that still feels like a bike? The Propella weighs 43.5 pounds, with an aluminum frame, and comes 85 percent assembled, so I can lift it out of the box and put it together without requiring a forklift and/or another person to help me out. (The company also suggests going to a shop if you don't feel comfortable.)It's a class 1 ebike, which means that it assists up to 20 mph and doesn't have a throttle, so you will have to pedal and shift through each of the nine gears. The display is tiny but bright and intuitive. It's easy to navigate while riding, with just a button on the top and the side to turn it on, and a simple thumb toggle to scroll through five assist levels. This is Propella's second version of this bike, which is now lighter and has a torque sensor so that the assistance feels even more natural. Propella also still makes its cheaper seven-speed. This is the best first bike for everyone who already likes bikes and just wants or needs a little boost to make it the last few miles home.

★ Alternative: Almost every manufacturer makes a light commuter ebike, and commerce director Martin Cizmar likes the Aventon Soltera.2 ($1199). It is a slightly more powerful class 2 ebike with a 350-watt motor and a new torque sensor. This is another good-looking, light, and maneuverable ebike if you just want a little boost to keep up with your friends on the way home from the bar.

The first question our reviewer Steph Pearson asked about Aventon's first direct-to-consumer electric mountain bike (8/10, WIRED Recommends) was, “How did they do this?” Given that full-suspension mountain bikes retail for around $15,000, it's impressive that Aventon made one for under $3,000. The in-house A100 mid-drive 36-volt motor has 250 watts of sustained power and 750 watts of peak power. It provides smooth, consistent assistance and has an enormous range; after 25 miles, there was still 70 percent of the charge remaining.

Even if you're an acoustic MTB purist, it might be challenging to use this as a mountain bike. At 52 pounds, it's a little difficult to maneuver around tight turns and technical terrain. But if your commute takes you over rough roads with potholes or gravel, this would be the ideal choice. However, while it's nicely specced right out of the box, none of the parts are proprietary. It's easy to quickly swap them out for not much more money.

I've been waiting for a major bike manufacturer to release an affordable, reliable daily driver that can be a car substitute. Specialized's Globe Haul ST (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is the company's first light cargo ebike, and it's a winner. It fits a wide variety of heights. The powerful 700-watt motor relies on an IPX7-rated battery that has a remarkable range of well over the stated 60 miles. The display is intuitive and the pedaling feels natural. The compact 20-inch multi-terrain wheels are maneuverable and feel stable on roads, dirt, and gravel.

The proprietary accessories pull in partners like Fjallraven and are attractive and versatile. I just have two small qualms: There's no suspension, which can make a difference if you're carrying a lot of things and people; and there's no belt drive. However, Specialized uses quality components and has a large network of affiliated shops to get routine maintenance. This is the bike that everyone in my family—me, my husband, and my two kids—asks to ride whenever we leave the house.

★ Alternative: If you'd prefer a bike with bigger wheels and slightly more power, reviews editor Parker Hall recently tried the Aventon Aventure.2 (8/10, WIRED Recommends) and loved it. It's a direct-to-consumer bike, but Hall says it's well-made and easy to assemble. He rode it all summer with a pair of panniers, but Aventon also comes with a wide array of proprietary accessories.

Linus is a Venice, California, company that makes really beautiful kids' bikes, acoustic bikes, and ebikes. My kid is currently testing the company's 20-inch Lil' Dutchi ($349), but the eDutchi is the electric version of the company's cruiser. Like our previous pick, the very cute and rideable Electra Loft Go (7/10, WIRED Recommends), the eDutchi is also a class 1 ebike with an aluminum alloy frame that weighs 46 pounds.

It also has a 250-watt rear hub motor, a sit-up cruiser riding style, a seven-speed Shimano shifter, disc brakes, and stylish leather accessories. The range and riding experience are also very similar. In fact, I would say they are basically the same bike, so your choice between the two comes down to size and aesthetics. The Loft Go comes in a smaller frame size, but here I have to give the edge to the eDutchi, which has a slightly simpler frame style and comes in more gender-neutral colors. It also comes with a rear rack, which is very helpful for hanging your straw basket to fill with farmers market flowers.

If you're an avid cyclist, you probably already know the n + 1 rule, where n = the number of bikes you already own and 1 is the number of bikes you should own (in other words: Buy another bike). If you or a loved one wants to break this addictive bike-buying cycle with one bike to rule them all, Specialized's Turbo Tero X (8/10, WIRED Recommends) might just be the bike for you. Specialized revamped its iconic mountain bike to be an electric ride that can go anywhere and do anything, with a long, stable frame; big mullet-style wheels; customized full suspension; straight handlebars; and a bevy of necessary commuter accessories, like a bike bell, lights, fenders, and a rack.

On paper, the 250-watt motor and 730-watt-hour battery are not as powerful or long-lasting as you might expect. But Specialized's Mission Control app and 12-gear shifters let you precisely customize just how much assistance you need, factoring in things like how much battery you want to conserve and your target heart rate. The display even shows you that the battery is optimized when you pedal at a fit cyclist's 80-100 revolutions per minute (rpm), as opposed to a recreational 60 rpm. At almost 58 pounds, though, this bike is not lightweight. The $4,500 price packs a punch as well.

If you're a road cyclist who wants the lightest bike around so that you can commute 15 miles to work and pop through a park on your way home, the bike you're looking for is the Santa Cruz Skitch (9/10, WIRED Recommends). It has an extremely light carbon fiber frame, with an equally light but powerful Fazua 60 motor and a 430-watt-hour battery. It's a class 3 ebike and also the lightest electric bike I've ever tried. My tester came with all the fixings, including a dropper seat post and a very fancy SRAM button transmission that let me click through gears easily and seamlessly, with no exposed cabling. I cackled with glee as I tried to race a Dodge Challenger home in my neighborhood and swung through a cyclocross course.

Of course, it does cost $6,000, which puts a damper on your gleeful commuting—one does not simply leave a Ferrari parked and unattended in front of the 7-Eleven at midnight. But if you have a 10-mile commute and access to a locked garage, this would be my pick.

★ Alternative: I love the Skitch, but if all you want is a lightweight commuter and to save a couple grand, you could probably go with the Specialized Turbo Vado SL (9/10, WIRED Recommends) and be totally fine. It's made from aluminum instead of carbon fiber, it weighs a little more, and the motor is slightly less powerful. But you'd still have a pretty fun time.

On a tandem bike, the person who sits in the front and steers is called the pilot, while the person in the back who only pedals is called the stoker. That's where Xtracycle's longtail ebike gets its name; not because the person sitting in the back has to do any work (it's an ebike!) but because the Stoker can accommodate two adults comfortably. The adult pilot can also carry a couple of wriggly kids, a week's worth of groceries, overnight camping gear, or bags of soil from the garden center. The rear footrests and expandable cargo nets that encase the back wheel come standard, then you can further trick out the bike with options like a padded rear set, handrails, panniers, or a front rack. That versatility makes it one of the better options for people who like to use their family ebike for way more than just school drop-offs.

Even fully weighed down to the 400-pound limit with two adults and their backpacks, the Stoker feels safe and stable thanks to the 24-inch wheels that provide a low center of gravity and the powerful Shimano EP8 mid-drive motor that delivers tons of torque and up to 400 percent pedal assistance. The 630-Wh battery goes about 45 miles on a charge (or 60 miles if you ride conservatively), which is a week or two's worth of rides for most people. Just know that you'll need to be taller than 5'6" to comfortably pilot a Stoker. Shorter humans should check out the Xtracycle Swoop ($4,499), which has the same motor and battery, and many of the same configuration options, but uses a step-through frame and smaller wheels. —Michael Calore

The first cargo bike from this leader in competitively priced, direct-to-consumer ebikes is a study in flexibility. Carting the kiddo to school? Add a back seat ($63) and a handrail ($122) to the long rear platform. Blissfully child-free? Install front and rear racks ($70, $159) to haul groceries and garden supplies. The easy-riding step-through frame fits pilots up to 6'3" tall. The Abound’s pedal assistance system uses a rear hub motor with a torque sensor, a design that adds a smooth and even boost based on how hard you’re cranking. In the lowest of the four assistance levels—the power-sipping yet capable Eco mode—you can eke out 50 miles on a charge. Your mileage drops if you load the bike up to its 440-pound capacity, liberally thumb the bar-mounted throttle, or blast around town in Turbo mode at the max speed of 20 mph. Even then, you’ll still get nearly 20 miles out of the 720-watt-hour battery. —Michael Calore

★ Alternative: I have also ridden and like the Lectric XPedition ($1,399). It's the easiest cargo bike to assemble out of the box that I've experienced, fits a wide variety of riders, and comes with a huge array of proprietary accessories. The only bad part? It's so popular that it constantly goes in and out of stock.

The R&M Load used to be my top pick for a bakfiets, a Dutch-style front-box cargo bicycle. However, the Urban Arrow Family (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is cheaper—not by a little—and offers many of the same features that attracted me to the Load, like comfort and maneuverability. It doesn't have suspension, though, so it's best for smoother streets.

I love the Enviolo continuously variable shifters, which allow you to downshift while the bike is at a standstill. Rather than wobbling and terrifying my children as I frantically downshift while pedaling, I can use walk assistance to push the bike to a convenient spot, downshift while standing still, and then pedal upward at the torque and power level of my choice. With this system, I've beaten people uphill who weren't riding cargo bikes. The Bosch Performance motor is currently out of stock, but be sure to check if the version with the more powerful Bosch Cargo Line motor is available.

★ Alternative: I feel obligated to point out here that the bike I use to tote around my own family (and cargo all over Portland) is the Tern GSD S00 (8/10, WIRED Recommends). The Bosch Cargo Line motor is powerful enough to speedily transport me and two kids to school and back every day, along with all of our backpacks, groceries, and gear, and it's small enough that it takes up only a reasonable amount of space in our garage. I first rode one with my daughter when she was 3, and we can still ride it now that she's 7.

The next big trend in electric bikes is micro-mobility, which refers to tiny personal vehicles. Tiny bikes are more affordable, easier to transport, and easier to store. And just like mini anything, really, they're completely irresistible.

So far, my favorite micro bike is the JackRabbit (7/10, WIRED Recommends). It weighs an astonishingly light 23 pounds, is simple to assemble out of the box, and can fold down to save even more space. It doesn't have pedals, so you won't hit yourself in the chin with your knees; instead, you toggle a thumb throttle to accelerate. My only caveat is that the tiny battery and motor aren't very powerful. I'm only 115 pounds, and slamming on the throttle only gets me to about 10 mph. Also, the range is around 10 miles, which isn't much compared to our other picks.

WIRED reviews editor Julian Chokkattu called the M-E1 “pretty darn close to perfection” in his review (9/10, WIRED Recommends). Folding bikes are great for apartment dwellers, but they're usually tiny. Julian is 6'4" and looks like a happy clown when he valiantly pedals around on most of them.

The M-E1 is full-size and virtually indistinguishable from a non-folding bike. It has solid components from reliable manufacturers, like a Shimano mid-drive motor, a comfortable seat, Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, and all the bells and whistles—integrated lights, fenders, a removable battery, and an easy-to-read display. Most important, Julian says, he can ride it around without dying from embarrassment—always a plus.

WIRED reviews editor Julian Chokkattu sees more Lectric bikes around New York City than he can count. That makes sense, since Lectric has some of the most affordable direct-to-consumer folding ebikes around. The latest update, the Lectric XP 3.0 (7/10, WIRED Recommends), offers more of the same—nice suspension; a solid range; thick, fat tires; and a whole suite of solid commuter accessories. It also now has hydraulic brakes, which is a remarkable spec at this price point.

However, it's still very heavy and awkward to fold. Chokkattu also says the charging port is difficult to access when the bike is folded up. More important, he's had some quality issues with Lectric bikes (this one had a leaky front tire). However, the price is right. If you live in an apartment where you don't need to carry your bike upstairs, this might be the right pick for you.

Note: Lectric recently issued a voluntary recall for Lectric XP 3.0 on units sold between November 1, 2022, and May 6, 2023. Affected models are the XP 3.0, the XP 3.0 Long-Range, the XP Step-Thru 3.0, and the XP Step-Thru 3.0 Long-Range. The front and rear mechanical disc brake calipers can fail, which can hurt the rider. If you own one of these models, stop riding immediately and click here to file a claim.

If balancing upright is your top priority, you might want to consider a tricycle. SixThreeZero's bike keeps you in a comfortable, upright position without having to balance on a leg to keep it upright. It has a 250-watt motor with 40 miles on a charge and a top speed of up to 15 mph when you use the throttle. A big rear basket fits a load of groceries or even your puppy. However, it does weigh over 70 pounds and is pretty bulky; you'll need a garage to store it. As our reviewer Stephanie Pearson says, three wheels can be almost as fun as two.

★ Alternative: WIRED reviewer Julian Chokkattu says the Lectric Trike ($1,499) (6/10, WIRED Review) is not for anyone living in a walk-up. It's heavy and bulky, and even though it folds, it's difficult to manage. But if you have a garage, it's an affordable way for someone who can't handle a two-wheeler to get out on the road. Trikes have their own set of challenges, but the Lectric has great range, enough power, and strong brakes. Plus it comes with racks, and even a support seat.

We've tried a lot of bikes over the past few years. Here are the ones that didn't get their own spot above but deserve a mention:

We love to try new bikes. Unfortunately, the bikes don't always like us.

Whenever I talk to anyone about a possible ebike purchase, the biggest deterrent is usually the price. We're currently working on a guide to more affordable ebikes, but we think of them as vehicles, not toys. When you're carrying kids to school or flying down a hill at 25 mph with only a helmet for protection, you don't want to skimp on brakes.

Reasonable auto financing options are the only reason a $2,000 electric bike can feel prohibitively expensive while a $6,000 beater gas-powered car has easy monthly payments. Many states now feature incentive programs that offer rebates or tax credits for ebike purchases. Some bike manufacturers and retailers offer financing through companies like Affirm or PayPal. Your bank might cover ebikes under its vehicle loan program, and I also recommend looking at eBay locally, Craigslist, or local Facebook groups. You probably have more options than you think.

You've seen the bikes around your neighborhood. They look like so much fun! You want one! But ebikes have so many different specs and price points. Here's what I would consider, in your position.

Can I build my own bike?

Many affordable bikes now come direct-to-consumer—meaning that they are pre-tuned or partially assembled in a box. As Peter Flax recently noted in Bicycling magazine, these bikes do not get nearly the testing or vetting that bikes from a bigger manufacturer get. Unless you're not riding much or for many miles, or are experienced with modifying your own bike, I recommend working with an established manufacturer that has a dealer network. I also do not recommend a smart ebike. As we can see with VanMoof's recent implosion, you may have difficulty getting your smart ebike repaired if the company folds.

Why do some bikes cost more?

They have higher-end components. Batteries and motors from high-end brands like Bosch and Shimano often are more powerful and cover more distance, with a 90- or 120-mile range, as compared to the 15-20 mile ranges you'll see on more affordable bikes. However, this may not matter if you have a short commute.

What terrain do you live on?

If you live in a flat area, you're probably fine with a 250-watt motor, which is the European speed standard. However, if you live near hills or haul a lot of stuff, you might want to consider a 500-watt or 750-watt motor and a few extras, like hydraulic disc brakes, which will help prevent you from skidding into traffic.

I would also look for a mid-drive motor instead of a hub-drive motor. Mid-drive motors are located in the center of your bike and feel more natural. A hub drive is on your rear axle and shifts your center of gravity backward, which takes some getting used to. It can throw you off balance when you're going up steep hills.

Follow some basic safety tips.

Not sure where to start? The biking advocacy group PeopleForBikes recently released their safety education program, E-Bike Smart, which they created in collaboration with the League of American Bicyclists and Bicycle Colorado. Do not leave your bike battery charging overnight, and do not let your children ride your bike unsupervised. An 80-pound child should not be piloting a 65-pound bike, even if the motor makes it possible for them to do so.

Before you buy your electric bike, make sure you can actually use it! Many cities and states have laws regulating when and where you can ride an ebike. Check out our guide on the three classes of ebikes. At least 22 states now use this three-class system, and they may restrict when and where different classes of ebikes are used, depending on whether they have a throttle or can assist above 20 mph. Cities may also have laws about whether mountain ebikes are allowed on single-track trails.

If your state classifies ebikes under the same laws governing motorcycles and mopeds, you may need a license to ride one. And no matter what, always wear a helmet. You know that.

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