Best Electric Bikes

Michael Clark

Blix Packa Genie Electric Bike Review – 2024

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Summary Blix Packa Genie Electric Bike

Overall Rating:

4.7
Check Latest PriceBlix Packa Genie Electric Bike

Pros

  • 750W brushless hub motor produces 90Nm of torque, making it capable of real cargo e-bike duties.
  • Buyers can choose to order the Packa Genie with a second 614Wh battery to double its range between charges
  • Thanks to its long-tail design, the Packa Genie is a cargo e-bike capable of carrying two kids, something not many cargo e-bikes can do
  • Blix offers a wide array of accessories to equip the Packa Genie to a rider’s needs
  • The LCD display is bigger than most and easy to read
  • Dual-leg, motorcycle-style kickstand makes the Packa Genie easy to load

Cons

  • One-size-fits-all frames will always leave very tall and small riders at a disadvantage in terms of fit
  • 24-in. tires are an uncommon size; we suggest ordering spares when ordering the Packa Genie

Blix Packa Genie Review: Intro An e-bike is a great way to get around. Whether someone is riding for fun, exercise or to get to work, there are only good reasons to ride an e-bike. Part of the promise of riding an e-bike, people are told, is the ability to park their car and use […]

Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 Electric Bike Review – 2024

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Summary Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 Electric Bike

Overall Rating:

4.6
Check Latest PriceRad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 Electric Bike

Pros

  • 750W brushless hub motor for smooth acceleration and consistent performance at cruising speed
  • Easy to fold up and store—takes just seconds
  • Includes rear rack, front and rear fenders as well as front and rear lights
  • Mechanical disc brakes with 180mm rotors are more powerful than the setup we see with most folding bikes

Cons

  • Comes in just one size; riders at the margins of their sizing recommendations should take the recommended measurements before ordering
  • Total weight capacity is rather low at just 275 lbs.

Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 Review: Intro Folding e-bikes hold enormous promise for people who want to go places without their car. Whether the trip is to work, the store or a kids’ volleyball game, with gas prices eclipsing $4/gal. in most parts of the country, an e-bike is looking like an ever more attractive […]

Ride1UP LMT’D Review – 2024

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Summary Ride1UP LMT’D Electric Bike

Overall Rating:

4.6
Check Latest PriceRide1UP LMT’D Electric Bike

Pros

  • Uses a torque sensor rather than a cadence sensor which gives the motor a more natural response to the rider’s effort—when a rider goes harder, the motor goes harder
  • Comes in either a traditional frame or a step-thru design
  • As a Class 3 e-bike its max speed is 28 mph, making short work of even long commutes
  • The 750W motor provides plenty of power and because it produces 100Nm of torque, it will outperform most e-bikes with hub motors on hills
  • 8-speed drivetrain gives riders more gear choice over a wider range, which will pay off when going uphill

Cons

  • Riders less than 5 feet 5 inches tall may not fit comfortably on the step-thru frame
  • Lights, fenders and a rear rack are all add-ons

Ride1UP LMT’D Review: Intro The sub-$2000 price tier is the most highly competitive one in the world of e-bikes. As the price drops below $1500 it becomes increasingly hard to make a quality e-bike. But in that $1500-$2000 range, the sheer diversity in features means that no matter what a rider’s priorities are, there’s an […]

Blix Sol Eclipse Review 2024

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Summary Blix Sol Eclipse Electric Bike

Overall Rating:

4.7
Check Latest PriceBlix Sol Eclipse Electric Bike

Pros

  • Classic cruiser handling for fun riding
  • 750W brushless hub motor for capable acceleration and consistent pacing
  • 614Wh battery estimated to offer up to 45 mi. range per charge
  • Cruisers almost never have disc brakes; it’s quite an upgrade
  • Super upright riding position gives rider terrific comfort
  • Can be customized with racks and baskets both front and rear

Cons

  • Traditional beach cruiser handling leads to wider turns
  • Comes in just one size; riders taller than 6-feet-0 or shorter than 5-feet-4 may have issues fitting comfortably

Blix Sol Eclipse Review: Intro Riding a bike is fun, full stop. Sure, we can use a bike to exercise and lose weight, to ride to work and save the world some greenhouse gases, not to mention have a ripping blast on backcountry trails, but riding a bike doesn’t need to be anything more than […]

Aventon Soltera Review – 2024

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Summary Aventon Soltera Electric Bike

Overall Rating:

4.5
Check Latest PriceAventon Soltera Electric Bike

Pros

  • Comes in four sizes, two each in a traditional frame and two in a step-thru frame for ideal fit and greater comfort, especially for tall and small riders
  • Available with either a single-speed or a seven-speed drivetrain, giving consumers a chance to choose based on the terrain where they live
  • Class 2 e-bike comes with a throttle and a maximum speed of 20 mph
  • Unusually light and easy to handle at 41 lbs. (1-speed) and 43 lbs. (7-speed)
  • Aventon app allows easy adjustments to be made to motor performance

Cons

  • We’d like to see the single speed come with disc brakes like the 7-speed version, rather than rim calipers (but we respect that would drive up cost)
  • The 350W brushless hub motor may struggle on some steeper hills

Aventon Soltera Review: Intro When people ask us what their biggest priorities should be in purchasing an e-bike, our answer is consistent. Step one is for people to establish their budget. Step two should be to find a bike that fits. Step three should be … never mind. Most riders skip step two and as […]

Himiway Zebra Review 2024

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Summary Himiway Zebra Electric Bike

Overall Rating:

4.4
Check Latest PriceHimiway Zebra Electric Bike

Pros

  • Range of up to 80 mi. thanks to massive 960Wh battery
  • 750W brushless hub motor can deliver the power necessary for a Class 3 28 mph max speed
  • The 26 x 4-in. Kenda fat tires offer a very cushy ride and amazing traction
  • 400 lb. weight limit can handle a big rider and still accommodate some cargo
  • Hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors inspire confidence in controlling this bike

Cons

  • Not a true eMTB and can’t handle real mountain bike terrain
  • The 7-speed drivetrain doesn’t match the performance of the motor and battery and will limit where riders can go

Himiway Zebra Review: Intro Here’s what you need to know about fat bikes like this Himiway Zebra we’re reviewing: Fat bikes are awesome, because they have traction like a restaurant has food and comfort that La-Z-Boy envies. But they are also slower than a toddler putting on shoes. And e-bikes are fun, pretty much no […]

Ride1up Cafe Cruiser Review – 2024

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Summary Ride1Up Cafe Cruiser Electric Bike

Overall Rating:

4.5
Check Latest PriceRide1Up Cafe Cruiser Electric Bike

Pros

  • 750W brushless Bafang motor accelerates up to 28 mph without lagging and performs well on hills
  • Zoom hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors offer terrific control and a fine sense of modulation
  • Welding the rack to the frame not only makes the rack stronger, it makes the frame stronger
  • Cruiser position is very comfortable and well-suited to anyone who has back or neck-pain issues
  • 8-speed Shimano Acera drivetrain offers the high gear necessary to sustain 28 mph and the low gear to get over big hills
  • Super stylish frame design lends a distinctive look

Cons

  • We’d love to see a step-thru design with a lower overall standover height to better accommodate smaller riders
  • Replacing the Chaoyang 26 x 3-in. tires won’t be easy; 26 x 3 in. is an uncommon size
  • We would love to see separate components for the display and controller so that the display can be mounted near the stem, making it easier to view when at speed

Ride1Up Cafe Cruiser Review: Intro It’s impossible to find one e-bike that can do everything. However, it’s possible to find an e-bike that does a few things well. The Ride1UP Cafe Cruiser is an e-bike that defies the cruiser stereotype. Sure, this is an e-bike that is terrific for cruising the neighborhood, but it can […]

Denago City Model 1 Review – 2024

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Summary Denago City Model 1 Electric Bike

Overall Rating:

4.7
Check Latest PriceDenago City Model 1 Electric Bike

Pros

  • 500W brushless hub motor provides smooth acceleration to a top speed of 28 mph
  • 27.5 x 2.2-in. tires offer a very comfortable ride, even on rough roads
  • At 53 lbs., is surprisingly light for a Class 3 e-bike
  • Has fun, but relaxed handling thanks to a long-ish wheelbase and well-positioned battery
  • 7-speed Shimano drivetrain makes climbing hills easy

Cons

  • While we love the Shimano 7-speed drivetrain, we don’t love the Tourney shifter’s ergonomics with he over the bar shifting
  • We were surprised that the step-thru frame had a standover height of 21 in.— a little high for a step-thru design

Denago City Model 1 Review: Intro The e-bikes that dominate the commuter segment tend to be Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes that come with lights, a rear rack and fenders. We refer to bikes like those as commute-ready. Just add a pannier or two and the rider is ready for their morning trip into […]

Ride1Up 500 Series Review – 2022

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Summary Ride1UP 500 Series Electric Bike

Overall Rating:

4.3
Check Latest PriceRide1UP 500 Series Electric Bike

Pros

  • A very fun entry-level e-bike, with a low price given the performance of the 500 Series. Available in Black or Gold, both of which look great.
  • 6061 aluminum construction provides reliable weight support while helping keep total frame weight size down. Weighs about 55.7 lbs fully assembled, with two frame styles.
  • Lithium-ion Battery, 500Wh battery, mounted on the downtube of the 500 Series. Able to travel over 50 mi. on a single charge with optimal riding settings.
  • 2A charger. The standard charger you find with many e-bikes at this price point. The estimated full recharge time is about 4 to 5 hours to go from 0 to 100 percent.
  • 750W Shengyi Rear Geared Hub Motor, producing 50Nm of torque. Provides great acceleration, with a 28 mph motor speed limit with the pedal system. It also includes a 20 mph capped throttle.
  • Shimano 11-30t cassette with 44t chainring drivetrain. Upgraded 8-Speed design, an improvement over previous 500 Series design. Excellent drivetrain protection as well.
  • KD21C adjustable speed LCD display. Very easy to use, with a wide range of metrics and readouts to track your riding performance. USB charging port for phones included.
  • Kenda Kwick 27.5 x 2.2-in. tires tires. Tall and stable, with a 30-55 psi range and K-Shield puncture protection that makes them suitable for urban and trail riding.
  • Tektro Aries mechanical disc brakes with 160mm rotors. Good stopping power in the city, helping you come to a quick and smooth stop when used. Automatic motor cutoff.
  • Great range of accessories included with the very affordable e-bike. Integrated headlight, tail light, kickstand, and more. Fenders are an optional upgrade.

Cons

  • The motor is a bit underwhelming. Not only can it be very jerky when you initially turn on the engine, but it struggles when trying to climb up hills and other steep grades.
  • The braking system could also use an upgrade. We don’t expect to see hydraulic brakes, but we would prefer at least 180mm rotors for greater stopping power.
  • The bike only comes partially assembled, so you may have to take it into a shop or ask a friend for help if you are unfamiliar with e-bike maintenance and construction.

Ride1UP 500 Series Review: Intro Welcome to our spec review of the Ride1UP 500 series electric bike. We haven’t had the privilege to try out the latest version of the e-bike for ourselves just yet, which is why we can’t release a full performance review. However, we have ridden past versions of the 500 Series […]

Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus Review – 2024

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Summary Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus Electric Bike

Overall Rating:

4.8
Check Latest PriceRad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus Electric Bike

Pros

  • Thanks to a 750W hub motor, acceleration is smooth and top speed stable
  • The combination of fat tires and a suspension fork give it an unusually smooth ride
  • Two displays mean the rider can see more info with just a glance
  • Semi-integrated battery sits low in the frame for more stability
  • Includes lights, fenders and kickstand
  • Half-twist throttle allows precise speed control

Cons

  • An above-the-bar thumb shifter is rather awkward; we prefer below-the-bar trigger shifters for ease of use as well as safety when shifting off-road (even if it’s lighter off-roading)
  • Spring fork doesn’t have as nice a ride as an air/oil suspension fork

Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus Review – Overview When it comes to buying a first e-bike, knowing just what to purchase can be difficult. Whether someone wants to commute, tool around their neighborhood or take in the local trails, every e-bike has some strengths and some weaknesses. In this Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 […]