These electric bikes make cycling adventures a breeze

Whether you’re going on a road trip or lugging cargo, our bike enthusiast has just the right e-bike for you.

When I was younger, my bicycle was not only my main source of enjoyment, but also my primary mode of transportation. On weekends and summer vacations, I’d hop on my Huffy each morning, not knowing what adventure lay before me. As an adult, I get many of those same feelings when I throw my leg over an e-bike.

Electric vehicles may grab all the headlines, but electric bicycles are much cheaper and even better for the environment. As a longtime cyclist, I’ve spent years testing e-bikes from dozens of manufacturers, including the ones on this list. The best electric bikes—including our top pick, the Gazelle Eclipse T11—can’t be beat when it comes to versatility, utility, and, of course, sheer fun.

But not all e-bikes are created equal. Some are better suited for singletrack (narrow dirt trails for mountain bikes), while others are designed to replace your second car. Older riders wanting a weekend joy ride may choose a different e-bike than a person looking to commute to work. Here are the best electric bikes to suit a variety of needs.

The best electric bikes are versatile, but each has strengths that make them stand out from the crowd. Here are the details on our top picks.

Buy it now at Mike’s Bikes

Why we like it: I’ve ridden dozens of electric bikes over the years, but very few have impressed me from the first pedal stroke like the Eclipse T11. The Bosch motor was quick to engage and incredibly smooth at every assist level. The display and interface were the best of any bike I tested, detailing nearly everything I needed to know about my ride. In addition to speed and distance, I could toggle to other screens for the watts I was producing or how many miles I could ride at each assist level.

The adjustable front fork—the part that connects the front wheel to the frame—soaked up all the roughness on the road. The Shimano MT420 hydraulic disc brakes provided ample stopping power. The huge battery means you can ride up to 100 miles on a single charge. In short, this e-bike has almost everything you could want in one fast-moving package. It even comes with a bell.

Keep in mind: The frame is a little bulky and the handlebar is narrower than most bikes I’ve ridden in the past. It would be great to be able to organize data so riders can see the most important details on one screen.

Product details: Weight: 59 lbs. | Motor/Battery: 750W | Range: 100 miles in Eco mode | Assist levels: 4 | Top speed: 28 mph

Buy it now at Priority Bicycles

Why we like it: I’ve ridden the Priority Current with the 500wh Enviolo motor more than any other e-bike and across all sorts of terrain. It’s handled everything I’ve thrown at it, but it shines as a daily commuter bike.

One of its best-selling points is the Gates carbon belt drive. It requires much less maintenance than a standard chain and cogs, so riders no longer need to clean and lube a chain or risk getting an oily stain on their pant leg while riding. This is great for folks who don’t have the experience or desire to wrench on their bikes.

The Current ships as a Class 1 e-bike with a top speed of 20 mph, but a quick adjustment on the display menu boosts that to 28 mph. At the highest e-assist level, riders can reach top speed in just a few pedal strokes. With the addition of the optional battery extender rack, you can double your estimated range up to 100 miles.

Keep in mind: Shifting on the Enviolo model feels different than on a regular geared bike, but riders should get the hang of it fairly quickly. The Current ships with a small tube of touch-up paint, which is needed, because the bike chips easily. Priority currently doesn’t sell the Current and battery extender as a complete e-bike, which means you have to do some work on it yourself or take it to a shop.

Product details: Weight: 53 lbs. | Motor/Battery: 500W | Range: 50 miles standard, up to 100 miles with the optional auxiliary battery and rack | Assist levels: 5 | Top speed: 28 mph

(Here’s everything you need to start road cycling.)

Buy it now at Xtracycle

Why we like it: For many urban households, the RFA can function like a second car. I can easily ride it to the local grocery store, load up nearly a week’s worth of groceries in the saddlebags, and pedal home with zero issues. With the smaller 24-inch wheels, the center of gravity is low enough that you don’t need to worry about toppling over. The 630wh motor lets you haul any number of items (under the 470-pound limit), including an adult passenger (or up to three kids) with the Hooptie passenger system (sold separately).

Unlike other models, the RFA’s step-through steel frame comes in one size, but a quick seat post adjustment allows multiple family members to share. Xtracycle offers multiple accessories like child seats and front racks to make the RFA even more versatile. When you’re not using it as a grocery getter or child hauler, it’s really fun to ride.

Keep in mind: Compared to a typical bicycle, the frame extends farther back, so the weight distribution may seem a bit off at first. Because this e-bike is longer, it’ll take up a bit more storage space. The look of the bike takes some getting used to, but its utilitarian nature allows you to get over that quickly.

Product details: Weight: 60 lbs. | Motor/Battery: 630W | Range: Up to 60 miles in the low mode | Assist levels: 3 | Top speed: 20-28 mph, depending on the model

Buy it now at Aventon

Why we like it: Many electric bikes feel like you’re piloting a tank, but the Ramblas rides exactly like a hardtail mountain bike should (albeit a somewhat heavy one). On the singletrack, it rips and flows, while the 750wh motor allows you to conquer some pretty steep inclines. The 80-mile range in Eco mode means you can still have epic days in the saddle without worrying that your battery will run out of juice.

While some manufacturers skimp on the bike components, Aventon based the Ramblas with the components you’d expect to find on a standard low-to-mid range mountain bike. The 130mm-travel RockShox 35 Silver fork has plenty of cushioning when riding over obstacles. The 12-speed SRAM Eagle groupset shifted perfectly and gave me plenty of gear options for both the flats and the hills. The Maxxis Rekon tires grip the dirt.

Keep in mind: Because the damper can’t be adjusted, the front fork gets bouncy when you accelerate. The dropper seat can be a bit finicky when you try to adjust it.

One key note: Mountain biking requires skill to be safe. Electric mountain bikes can quickly allow riders—especially inexperienced ones—to get in over their heads. I highly recommend novices learn to ride singletrack properly on a standard bike rather than jump into an electric model.

Product details: Weight: 54 lbs. | Motor/Battery: 750W | Range: 80 miles in Eco mode | Assist levels: 3 | Top speed: 20 mph

(Try bike camping—the easy way)

Buy it now at Ride1Up

Why we like it: Ideal for riders with limited storage space, the Portola offers versatility in a portable package. It folds neatly to fit in a closet, cubicle, or car trunk, but still offers performance equal to that of larger electric bikes.

It’s got some pep for such a small bike; pedaling in high mode feels like being fired out of a rocket. The bike arrives as a Class 2 e-bike, with a throttle and high speed of 20 mph, but you can easily disable the throttle or increase the top speed to 28 mph.

The 20-inch tires are three inches wide, giving users a very stable riding platform. Combined with the three levels of pedal-assist, the eight-speed Shimano groupset will allow riders to tackle most terrain. This is a great option for RVers who don’t want to deal with mounting a bike rack on the back of their vehicles.

Keep in mind: Because it’s a folding bike, the geometry is a bit different and can feel somewhat awkward during initial rides. There’s very little cockpit adjustability. This bike may fold into a relatively small size, but it’s still fairly hefty at nearly 60 pounds.

Product details: Weight: 59 lbs. | Motor/Battery: 750W | Range: Up to 45 miles | Assist levels: 3 | Top speed: 28 mph

Buy it now at Schwinn

Why we like it: Practically everyone born before 1980 learned how to ride a bike on a Schwinn. The Schwinn Mendocino offers a dependable ride at a respectable value. Older riders will appreciate the 26-inch wheels keeping them lower to the ground than many electric bike models. The step-through frame makes getting on and off the bike much easier, while the upright riding position doesn’t aggravate problem backs as much. The throttle allows riders to get up to speed more quickly. The power monitor is simple, with no complicated display screens. (Full disclosure: While I didn’t ride the Mendocino for this test, I did ride a similar Schwinn model.)

Keep in mind: This is a good bike for pedaling rail trails on the weekends, but not much more. Seniors may find it difficult to lift this 66-pound bike onto a car rack or haul it up stairs. Currently, there are two versions of this bike—a 500-watt version and another, less-powerful 250-watt version that was recently discontinued, but can still be found online for under $1,000.

Product details: Weight: 66 lbs. | Motor/Battery: 500W | Range: Up to 45 miles | Assist levels: 3 | Top speed: 20 mph

(This is why Minneapolis should be your next biking break)

I’ve spent most of my life pedaling bicycles, riding and racing them throughout the American Midwest and around the world. Over the last several years, I’ve gravitated toward electric bikes, testing models from dozens of manufacturers, including each of the e-bikes featured here. Other than my expertise, I based my rankings on the following factors:

• Third-party reviews: When I felt that my expertise was lacking, I referred to expert sources online, including product reviews.

• Brand reputation: The internet is filled with e-bikes of various stripes, many of which aren’t the best quality. I chose trusted brands that offer a generous warranty.

• Feedback from other riders: During the evaluation process, a few trusted riders of varying experience levels graciously offered their personal feedback and criticisms.

An electric bike is a bicycle with an electric motor that allows riders to ride faster, farther, or more easily, based on the size of the motor.

There are many e-bike makers out there. Here are a few key points to consider when shopping for an electric bike.Know how you plan to use itIf you’re planning short rides on local rail trails, then you don’t need an e-bike with a massive range. Want to replace your car? A cargo bike with lots of storage and room for kid seats may be the answer.Get to know your local bike shopYour local bike shop is a great resource for purchasing and maintaining an e-bike. They can give you personalized recommendations, assemble the bike for you, and do any repairs or maintenance you’re not comfortable doing yourself.Budget for accessoriesBefore you hand over your credit card, you’ll need some additional items. A helmet is a must. A bike-specific multi-tool, spare tube, and inflator, plus a seat bag to store these are also important. Don’t forget a water bottle and cage.Buy from an established brandUnfortunately, some e-bikes are manufactured and sold by fly-by-night companies using sub-standard materials. There have been documented reports from fire departments across the country about fires started by charging e-bike batteries. It’s best to buy from manufacturers who sell electric bikes that come with certification from a reputable testing company and a generous warranty.

What is the average lifespan of an electric bike?With routine maintenance, an e-bike can last 10 years or more. A heavily used e-bike might have a lifespan approximately half that.Do electric bikes charge when you petal?No. Electric bikes charge when they are plugged into an outlet.What are the disadvantages of electric bikes?E-bikes are heavier than standard bikes, which can be a literal pain when carrying them up steps or mounting them on a bike rack. They also have a limited range. For example, if your e-bike has an effective range of 30 miles and you’ve reached your turnaround point at 20 miles, you may have to ride the last 10 miles without pedal assist.