Best Electric Bikes

Michael Clark

Juiced CrossCurrent X Review, 2024

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Summary Juiced CrossCurrent X Electric Bike

Overall Rating:

4.8
Check Latest PriceJuiced CrossCurrent X Electric Bike

Pros

  • 750W brushless, geared hub motor produces 80Nm of torque, giving this e-bike the power necessary to reach Class 3 top speeds, and stay there
  • 998Wh lithium-ion battery is estimated to give riders a range of 80+ mi., making it ideal for riders who want to undertake a longer commute in PAS 5
  • The motor is governed by a torque sensor for immediate acceleration and a more responsive application of power—when the rider goes harder, the motor goes harder
  • 9-speed Shimano Altus drivetrain gives more gears and a broader range of them than we see in most e-bikes in this price range
  • Comes with a ready-to-go package of accessories including fenders, lights, rear rack and kickstand

Cons

  • The display is rather small and mounted near the grip where it is hard to see while moving
  • We wish that the four different frames had differing top tube lengths to make the fit better for both smaller and taller riders

Intro Commuter e-bikes are the mouse traps of the e-bike world. Everyone who makes them tries to outdo the other manufacturers with a collection of features to make theirs better than those from the competition. The Juiced CrossCurrent X enters the fray with a reasonable claim to be better than most. The challenge in making […]

Velotric T1 Review, 2024

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Summary Velotric T1 Electric Bike

Overall Rating:

4.8
Check Latest PriceVelotric T1 Electric Bike

Pros

  • Weighs just 36 lbs., making it an unusually light e-bike, which gives it superior maneuverability and ease of storage
  • 350W brushless, geared hub motor may seem underpowered but can provide plenty of muscle in a lightweight e-bike
  • Thanks to the T1’s low weight and torque sensor, the 353Wh battery is estimated to offer riders a range of up to 70 mi.
  • Tektro hydraulic disc brakes with 160mm rotors provide plenty of stopping power for this road-oriented e-bike
  • Offers terrific security features including GPS tracking, an anti-theft alarm and automatic lights

Cons

  • The two sizes are actually very close in size. We wish there was a greater difference in top tube length between the medium and large sizes.
  • Would prefer that our smartphone isn’t the only display.

Intro Judging from the number of e-bikes that come equipped with 750W motors and weigh north of 70 lbs., someone new to e-bikes could be forgiven for thinking there’s only one way to make an e-bike that offers some get-up-and-go. The Velotric T1 is one of a growing number of bikes that pushes back against […]

Velotric T1 ST Review, 2024

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Summary Velotric T1 ST Electric Bike

Overall Rating:

4.6
Check Latest PriceVelotric T1 ST Electric Bike

Pros

  • This e-bike is a lightweight in a good way—it tips the scales at only 36 lbs., making it one of the lightest e-bikes on the market in this price range
  • The 350W motor and 353Wh battery help keep the weight down on this e-bike, increasing its agility
  • With a fully hidden battery and the motor hidden between the cassette and brake rotor, the T1 ST doesn’t even look like an e-bike
  • An 8-speed drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes are decidedly premium features for an e-bike in this price range
  • Is equipped with a torque sensor to give better acceleration and more responsive input from the motor as the rider pedals

Cons

  • Must use smartphone for the display
  • While they offer the frame in a smaller size, they don’t offer a step-thru frame, which can be helpful to smaller riders

Intro E-bikes have a reputation for being heavy. There are two reasons for that. The first is range anxiety; no one wants to have to pedal home without the motor because they were out too long. The second is that people want a powerful motor that offers good acceleration and determined performance on hills. The […]

Tenways CGO600 Review, 2024

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Summary Tenways CGO600 Electric Bike

Overall Rating:

4.7
Check Latest PriceTenways CGO600 Electric Bike

Pros

  • At 33 lbs., this is one of the lightest e-bikes we have encountered
  • The presence of a torque sensor means that this single-speed e-bike is easy to get going and offers great acceleration
  • Hydraulic disc brakes matched with 160mm rotors give this e-bike terrific stopping power
  • Aggressive riders looking for a maneuverable e-bike that can take their energy and give them a spirited ride will enjoy this
  • Includes a front light, kickstand and bell

Cons

  • The two frame sizes are very similar and the smaller size (medium) can’t accommodate more diminutive riders
  • Anyone who needs reading glasses won’t be able to read anything on the display other than the biggest number

Intro How can a company improve an e-bike’s performance without increasing the power of the hub motor or the battery size? It’s an interesting question and Tenways’ approach isn’t unique, but is uncommon. The Tenways CGO600 features a 250W hub motor paired with a 252Wh battery. That would seem rather under-baked were it not for […]

Vvolt Alpha Review, 2024

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Summary Vvolt Alpha Electric Bike

Overall Rating:

4.4
Check Latest PriceVvolt Alpha Electric Bike

Pros

  • At 43 lbs., this is one of the lighter e-bikes we’ve encountered
  • The single-speed drivetrain uses a Gates Belt for maintenance-free operation; it’s smooth and quiet and never wears out
  • Hydraulic disc brakes with 160mm rotors give riders all the power to feel confident in turns and for controlled stops
  • Comes in two frame designs (traditional and step-thru) and two sizes in each design (S/M and L/XL) to fit a very broad range of riders
  • 3-year warranty is triple the length of most consumer-direct e-bikes
  • 27.5 x 1.95-in. Tires with a low-profile tread roll quickly and offer great stability at speed

Cons

  • As a single speed, many riders will miss having a throttle to help them get up to speed
  • We would prefer to see the display mounted at the stem for quicker, easier viewing

Intro In the market for direct-to-consumer e-bikes, as with many things, more power is touted as better. As a result, much, if not most, of what we see are e-bikes with 750W motors in e-bikes that weigh 70 lbs. or more. Vvolt has gone in a different direction with the Alpha. The Alpha is a […]

Velotric Packer 1 Review, 2024

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Summary Velotric Packer 1 Electric Bike

Overall Rating:

4.8
Check Latest PriceVelotric Packer 1 Electric Bike

Pros

  • Long-tail cargo e-bike design allows riders to carry kids and groceries simultaneously, making it a versatile and capable car substitute, in part due to Velotric’s broad array of accessories so that a rider can outfit the e-bike for their needs
  • 750W brushless, geared hub motor produces 75Nm of torque to give it plenty of power to haul passengers, but not so much power as to make a kid nervous
  • 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes are a cut above what we normally see in cargo e-bikes and will give parents toting kids reassurance that the Packer 1 will stop when they need it to
  • 8-speed Shimano Altus drivetrain provides a wide range of gears with relatively small steps between gears
  • Stout 440-lb. cargo capacity allows riders to carry up to 176 lbs. in passengers
  • Syncs with Apple’s FindMy app to monitor the e-bike’s whereabouts

Cons

  • Comes in a single size, which will leave out smaller-statured riders
  • Isn’t easy to transport should it need to go to a shop
  • We would love to see a torque sensor included in order to make starting with a load easier

Intro For people who want to park their car and get around by e-bike, saving themselves money and the planet CO2, a commuter e-bike is a wonderful choice. But for people with kids, a commuter suffers from a core weakness—most can’t transport a child, let alone two. For the parent who would like to ride […]

Ride1UP Revv 1 Review – 2024

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Summary Ride1UP Revv 1 Electric Bike

Overall Rating:

4.8
Check Latest PriceRide1UP Revv 1 Electric Bike

Pros

  • Thanks to a 52V, 750W brushless, geared Bafang hub motor that produces 95Nm of torque, the Revv 1 offers impressive acceleration and climbing ability
  • Massive 1040Wh battery on the Revv1 FS gives range of more than 50 mi., making it an endurance champ among e-moped models
  • 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes offer terrific control for cornering and quick stops
  • Ships as a Class 2 e-bike but can be unlocked for Class 3 speeds
  • Between the stiff frame and the 4-in.-wide tires it gives riders a very confident feeling in turns
  • Comes in either a full-suspension version or a hardtail version at two different price points depending on the buyer’s budget

Cons

  • At 93 lbs. (FS version), this is a beast and not an e-bike to risk having to pedal home
  • With a single gear, most people won’t pedal this e-moped very much

Intro Not everyone who buys an e-bike wants exercise. There, it’s out in the open. Not everyone likes pedaling. Is that a dirty little secret? Maybe. But we can be honest here; we’re friends. A disinterest in pedaling is worth mentioning because now that manufacturers are aware that some people will buy an e-bike with […]

Juiced RipCurrent S Review – 2024

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Summary Juiced RipCurrent S Electric Bike

Overall Rating:

4.5
Check Latest PriceJuiced RipCurrent S Electric Bike

Pros

  • Powerful 1000W brushless, geared Bafang hub motor produces 80Nm of torque to give it speedy acceleration and terrific climbing performance
  • 998Wh battery will give riders terrific range no matter what surface they ride on
  • 9-speed Shimano Altus drivetrain includes a wide-range 11-32 cassette to make climbing hills easier
  • 80mm-travel air-spring Mozo suspension fork will give smoother performance than coil-spring forks will
  • Comes Comes in three different sizes to fit a wide range of rider heights
  • Comes standard with a torque sensor for a more responsive engagement from the motor, offering immediate acceleration

Cons

  • We would prefer to see the display be separate from the PAS selector and have the display mounted at the stem, not near the grip; mounting it at the center of the bar would make it easier to see in a quick glance.
  • While we like the saddle spec’d we suspect that many people will find the saddle to be too narrow

Intro The more the e-bike industry matures, the better the e-bikes become. The Juiced RipCurrent S is a terrific example of how a consumer’s dollar can stretch like a bungy cord. This is an e-bike that comes equipped with a very powerful 1000W Bafang hub motor, a 998Wh battery, a torque sensor, a 9-speed Shimano […]

Denago Cruiser 1 Review, 2024

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Summary Denago Cruiser 1 Electric Bike

Overall Rating:

4.1
Check Latest PriceDenago Cruiser 1 Electric Bike

Pros

  • At 56 lbs., it is light for a cruiser e-bike
  • 350W brushless, geared Shengyi hub motor, 50Nm of torque, for solid acceleration and consistent top speed
  • 396Wh battery gives plenty of range for casual riders
  • The high-rise handlebar also features lots of back sweep to allow riders to sit up more and look around
  • Stylish frame design gives a classic look

Cons

  • We would prefer to see the display mounted near the stem where it is easier to glance at quickly
  • Can we have at least two colors?

Intro Denago’s latest model is their new Cruiser 1, which they showed off at the Sea Otter Classic this spring. Cruisers aren’t the sports cars of the e-bike world. They are aimed at people who want a relaxing ride and handling that doesn’t require intense focus. The riding position is upright so people can look […]

HeyBike Ranger S Review, 2024

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Summary HeyBike Ranger S Electric Bike

Overall Rating:

4.7
Check Latest PriceHeyBike Ranger S Electric Bike

Pros

  • 750W brushless, geared hub motor is more powerful than we usually see in folding e-bikes
  • 691Wh battery is estimated to offer riders up to 55 mi. of range
  • Hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors are more powerful than we often see on folding e-bikes, giving riders confident control.
  • Easy-to-fold design includes a fail-safe latch that prevents an accidents
  • Comes with a complete package of accessories including rear rack, front and rear lights and fenders, plus kickstand
  • Features its own smartphone app for enhanced rider control

Cons

  • We would prefer to see a drivetrain with a higher high gear to make it easier to reach Class 3 top speeds
  • We’d prefer more detail on the battery level

Intro Folding e-bikes are hot, arguably the most popular category within e-bikes. The reasons why are pretty self-evident. Most are very capable, affordable and easy to store. What’s not to like? Based on what we see, it’s possible that the Lectric XP 3.0 is the most popular e-bike on the market. And what happens to […]