The 14 Best Electric Bikes for Commuting, Hauling, and More (2024)

The use of electric bikes continues to grow. And all types and ages of riders are getting e-bikes. Whether you need an e-bike for commuting, riding the bike path, getting around town, or mountain biking, there is an electric bike for you.

Many factors contribute to the rapid expansion of e-bike use—better batteries, more efficient motors, and lower weights—but the biggest reason is this: electric bikes are a blast to ride. The pedaling assistance provided by e-bike motors makes going up hills easier, allows riding longer distances, and enables riders to carry more cargo. With summer winding down and fall riding season coming soon, now is a great time to buy an electric bike. Plus, many brands and dealers have sales and discounts on popular e-bike models.

Shopping for an e-bike can be confusing—there are many e-bike categories, options, and prices; and sometimes it’s hard to know which e-bike is right for you. Electric bikes are priced from under $1,000 to well over $10,000, Through ride testing and research, Bicycling’s Test Team found many great e-bikes priced between $1,500 and $3,500. For this roundup, we focused on these lower and mid-price models—most you can purchase online directly from the brands. Many excellent e-bikes are also available through bike shops.

Brands like Aventon, Ride1Up, and Lectric offer affordable models you can buy online that have all performed well in our ride testing. If you want to purchase an electric bike in person (or test ride before you buy) established players like Specialized and Trek offer many types of e-bikes and have hundreds of dealers nationwide. Additionally, REI has many locations across the country offering its Co-op e-bikes and models from other popular brands.

Check out Bicycling’s 2024 Bike Awards for 13 exceptional, high-performing e-bikes rigorously vetted by our editorial team.

The Best E-Bikes

Jump to:

  • The Best E-Bikes
  • How We Test E-Bikes
  • Our Full Electric Bike Reviews
  • Things to Consider When Buying an E-Bike
  • How to Buy a Used E-Bike

How We Test E-Bikes

Our experienced bike test team evaluates each model included here on its overall quality, safety features, handling, motor, and battery life. We also assess whether the components and features add to the overall quality of the ride. Bicycling editors tested these bikes on local roads, commuting to and from work, using them to stock up on groceries and beer, and running their batteries down to see how long they last on one charge.

Deputy editor Tara Seplavy, the author of this article, also worked in bicycle product development for two decades and led product management for major bike brands. Plus, she commutes to Bicycling's headquarters daily on an e-bike.

While we rode most of the e-bikes in this story, sometimes we can’t get our hands on a great electric bike. In those cases, we rely on the expertise of our test team, interviews with product managers, and rigorous research to compare the bikes’ value and performance against similar models we’ve tested.

Our Full Electric Bike Reviews

Pros
  • The 14 Best Electric Bikes for Commuting, Hauling, and More (2)Excellent, well-rounded performance for commutes
  • The 14 Best Electric Bikes for Commuting, Hauling, and More (3)Updated torque sensor, lights, and LCD lend a premium feel
  • The 14 Best Electric Bikes for Commuting, Hauling, and More (4)Comes with a rack, fenders, and hydraulic disc brakes
Cons
  • The 14 Best Electric Bikes for Commuting, Hauling, and More (5)Suspension fork has unpredictable rebound over big bumps

Key Specs

Power750W
Weight60 lb.
Top Speed28 mph

Although we loved the original Level, its update is an improvement in practically every way. A smoother riding bike than its predecessor, it sports a new torque sensor that evenly distributes power, resulting in a more natural ride feel that’s easier to control and manage. Its update also adds visibility, not just with integrated lights, but a full color, easy-to-read display. The Level.2 isn’t just one of our favorite e-bikes—at its price, comfort level, and premium features, we think it just might be the best.

Our only gripe is with its Zoom Aria suspension fork, which can’t handle bigger bumps, though the lockout feature works well. When it hits these large bumps, the fork's rebound is unpredictable and rapid, and it tends to bottom out. Still, if you need an e-bike for doing just about anything, from commuting to work to zipping around pavement on the weekend, the Aventon Level.2 is our top nomination.

Read Full Review More of the Best E-Bikes from Aventon

Best Commuter E-Bike

Lectric One eBike

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Pros
  • The 14 Best Electric Bikes for Commuting, Hauling, and More (8)Low price for a Pinion-equipped bike
  • The 14 Best Electric Bikes for Commuting, Hauling, and More (9)Low-maintenance Gates belt drive
  • The 14 Best Electric Bikes for Commuting, Hauling, and More (10)Lots of torque
Cons
  • The 14 Best Electric Bikes for Commuting, Hauling, and More (11)Cadence sensor gives a disconnected ride-feel

Key Specs

Power750W
Weight55 lb.
Top Speed28 mph

A big reason to consider Lectric’s One, according to Test Editor Dan Chabanov, is Pinion, a German brand that manufactures high-end and fully enclosed gearbox units—sort of like an internally geared hub, he notes, except mounted in the bottom bracket.

Most consumers don’t know about the brand, explains Chabanov, because Pinion products are typically found on very pricey and niche bikes. Having this system on a $2,400 commuter e-bike, he notes, is very exciting, especially since it’s a part usually reserved for bikes triple that price.

Chabanov was impressed with not only the Pinion system’s smoothness and precision, but the hub motor as well. While the improved cadence sensor was better than others he’s used, Chabanov notes it was still very much a cadence sensor. “Like most cadence sensor-equipped bikes, the One feels disconnected from the motor,” he says. “This feeling is from a combination of lag (though very slight in this case) and because the force put into the pedals does not relate to the motor’s output. Both factors result in a slightly unnatural motor response.”

Still, it didn’t take Chabanov long to get used to how the One delivers its motor assist. The One is an ideal option for riders who seek a dependable, low-maintenance, all-weather commuter bike with the bells and whistles of a bike that usually costs much more.

Best Fat-Tire E-Bike

Aventon Aventure.2 Electric Bike

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Pros
  • The 14 Best Electric Bikes for Commuting, Hauling, and More (13)Well equipped for the price
  • The 14 Best Electric Bikes for Commuting, Hauling, and More (14)Smooth and controlled power
  • The 14 Best Electric Bikes for Commuting, Hauling, and More (15)Perfect for fire roads and doubletrack trails
Cons
  • The 14 Best Electric Bikes for Commuting, Hauling, and More (16)Heavy
  • The 14 Best Electric Bikes for Commuting, Hauling, and More (17)Not built for mountain biking

Key Specs

Power750W
Weight77 lb.
Top Speed28 mph

Aventon has been on a roll with its new models and continuous revisions to existing platforms. The brand’s update to its Aventure fat-tire e-bike is no exception. At first glance, there are few significant visual differences between the original Aventure and this second-generation model. However once you ride it, the small changes add up and feel huge.

Compared to the original Aventure, this second gen rides more smoothly. The new torque sensor allows more control over the acceleration of Aventure’s 750W rear hub motor; lighter-weight testers found the previous model to have too much torque, but the latest Aventure remedied this fault. Additional updates include a new head unit interface, integrated turn signals, a front light, a rear rack, and fenders for keeping clean.

The Aventure.2 is an excellent fat-tire e-bike for commutes, especially on snowy days and gravel pathways. Off-roading, it excels on doubletrack trails, but with this burly bike’s weight and components, it has limited functionality on singletrack and more aggressive mountain trails.

More of the Best Fat-Tire E-Bikes

Best Fat-Tire Commuter E-Bike

Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus Electric Bike

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The 14 Best Electric Bikes for Commuting, Hauling, and More (19)

Pros
  • The 14 Best Electric Bikes for Commuting, Hauling, and More (20)Reliable hydraulic disc brakes
  • The 14 Best Electric Bikes for Commuting, Hauling, and More (21)Comfortable ride
  • The 14 Best Electric Bikes for Commuting, Hauling, and More (22)Easily eats bumps and gravel
  • The 14 Best Electric Bikes for Commuting, Hauling, and More (23)Comes with integrated lights and fenders
Cons
  • The 14 Best Electric Bikes for Commuting, Hauling, and More (24)Tank-like heaviness
  • The 14 Best Electric Bikes for Commuting, Hauling, and More (25)Rack not included

Key Specs

Power750W
Weight74 lb.
Top Speed20 mph

Brawny, big, and bold, the RadRover 6 Plus is powerful at its best and sluggish at its worst. With its 750W rear hub, 4-inch-wide tires, and RST spring suspension fork (with 60mm of travel), it’s cushy and stable enough to tackle potholes as well as dirt, rocks, and snow.

Compared to its predecessor, an updated display and solid hydraulic disc brakes make the RadRover 6 Plus a more comfortable and relaxed ride. It also comes in at just over $1,ooo, making it reasonably priced.

With its extreme weight of 74 pounds (without a rack), we wouldn’t dare to roll this thing upstairs. If you need a do-it-all bike to help get you to and from work or the grocery store and frequently battle the elements while doing it, or if you have a lot of land you’d like to tear up, the RadRover 6 is your beast. But anyone living in a small space might have trouble handling this steed.

Read Full Review

Best All-Around

Cannondale Neo Adventure Allroad

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Pros
  • The 14 Best Electric Bikes for Commuting, Hauling, and More (27)Cannondale quality, REI service
  • The 14 Best Electric Bikes for Commuting, Hauling, and More (28)Low step frame (standard frame available)
Cons
  • The 14 Best Electric Bikes for Commuting, Hauling, and More (29)Cable disc brakes
  • The 14 Best Electric Bikes for Commuting, Hauling, and More (30)Shifting is not as smooth as Shimano

Key Specs

Power250W
Weight48.3 lb
Top Speed20 mph

If you want a quality e-bike but are unsure of where you will ride, Cannondale’s Neo Adventure Allroad is a solid choice. Its 2.6-inch-wide knobby tires are suitable for dirt paths and rail trails but the bike is lightweight and nimble for commuting and riding around town.

The tires’ extra width helps smooth out the ride without needing a heavy suspension fork, although they buzz a little on the pavement. The 250W Bafang hub motor works well for flat roads and gentle hills but it lacks power for steeper terrain. (If you need extra power, check out the Allroad S with a 750W motor and 28 mph top speed.)

We tested the Allroad EQ model that sells for $1,875. It is the same as the base-level Allroad and adds fenders, a rear rack, and hydraulic disc brakes. If you’re on a tight budget, get the Allroad, but if you can spend more than $2,000 get the Allroad S.

Available in standard frame

Best Step-Thru E-Bike

Velotric Discover 2

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Pros
  • The 14 Best Electric Bikes for Commuting, Hauling, and More (32)Peppy ride
  • The 14 Best Electric Bikes for Commuting, Hauling, and More (33)Good range
  • The 14 Best Electric Bikes for Commuting, Hauling, and More (34)Four color options
Cons
  • The 14 Best Electric Bikes for Commuting, Hauling, and More (35)Front wheel wobble

Key Specs

Power750W
Weight68.8 lb
Top Speed28 mph

For less about $1,900, the Discover 2 is better equipped and more powerful than some bikes double its price. With its low step-through frame, 440-pound maximum capacity (bike + rider + cargo), and torquey motor, this Velotric is great for around-town use, commutes, and running errands. What’s more, Velotric offers baskets and racks to expand the Discover’s cargo-hauling abilities—perfect for those weekend rides to the farmers’ market.

Velotric offers the Discover 2 in four colors and two sizes. Our 6-foot test rider found the size large fit well for her height. Additional highlights included the suspension fork with lockout, 8-speed Shimano drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes, and an adjustable cockpit. The Discover has a bright and easy-to-read color display that allows easy customization of the bike’s assistance levels and speed limit.

We found the bike had plenty of pep on flatter roads but due to its weight, the bike can bog down on steep hills if using only throttle assist. The Discover 2’s only big issue is front wheel wobble. It is only noticeable with both hands off the bar but is something that may concern some riders

Pros
  • The 14 Best Electric Bikes for Commuting, Hauling, and More (37)Lots of torque
  • The 14 Best Electric Bikes for Commuting, Hauling, and More (38)Balanced and trail-ready
Cons
  • The 14 Best Electric Bikes for Commuting, Hauling, and More (39)Lacks tubeless rims

Key Specs

Power750W
Weight56 lb.
Top Speed20 mph

The Aventon Ramblas is a category-defining hardtail e-MTB that impressed us during trail testing. Its trail-forward components include a 1x12 SRAM Eagle drivetrain that can handle most climbs, powerful four-piston SRAM brakes, a solidly stiff 35mm RockShox fork, a comfy dropper seatpost, and cushy 2.4-inch wide tires. These are unmatched by any other hardtail e-MTB, especially given its price.

The Ramblas has no true competitors for comparatively priced, trail-ready e-MTBs. Every so often a bike comes along that entirely shifts the bicycle market—the Ramblas might do that for mountain biking. And once more bike brands see and ride the Ramblas, I expect several will soon follow Aventon’s lead with sharp-priced, trail-capable hardtail e-MTBs.

Read Full Review

Best Cruiser E-Bike

Ride1Up Cafe Cruiser Electric Bike

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Pros
  • The 14 Best Electric Bikes for Commuting, Hauling, and More (42)Upright riding position
  • The 14 Best Electric Bikes for Commuting, Hauling, and More (43)Suspension fork and built in rack
Cons
  • The 14 Best Electric Bikes for Commuting, Hauling, and More (44)Heavy

Key Specs

Power750W
Weight73.2 lb.
Top Speed28 mph

Sometimes, you just want a classic cruiser to take out on the weekends. And if that casualness is your desired style, the Ride1Up’s Cafe Cruiser is your best bet. Strapped with a built-in rack, front and rear lights, a 750W motor, hydraulic disc brakes, a decent suspension fork, and 3-inch-wide tires, this upright bike is stable enough for newer e-riders, and with an added passenger kit, the little one, too.

Our testing found that the bike had plenty of oomph to climb short hills despite its weight and laidback geometry. But, like several wide-tire bikes, it has some handling issues. It’s capable of speeds up to 28 mph (and 20 mph using the throttle), which is more than enough power to get you where you need to be.

Best Folding E-Bike

Ride1Up Portola Electric Bike

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Pros
  • The 14 Best Electric Bikes for Commuting, Hauling, and More (46)Two battery-size options
  • The 14 Best Electric Bikes for Commuting, Hauling, and More (47)Hydraulic disc brakes
Cons

    Key Specs

    Power750W
    Weight60 lb.
    Top Speed28 mph

    Ride1Up’s new Portola folding bike packs a lot of punch for how small it is. Folding down to a compact 19- x 29.5- x 33-inch footprint, this bike features a 750W rear hub motor with 65Nm torque, hydraulic disc brakes, a Shimano 8-speed drivetrain, and an integrated rear rack with 130-pound carrying capacity.

    For less than $1,000, this is a great deal for bimodal commuters, RVers, vanlifers, or folks living in a small apartment. The standard 10.4Ah battery has a claimed range of 20 to 40 miles. Or bump the range up to 45 miles with an optional 13.4Ah battery for an additional $100.

    Pros
    • The 14 Best Electric Bikes for Commuting, Hauling, and More (49)Smooth ride and good geometry
    • The 14 Best Electric Bikes for Commuting, Hauling, and More (50)6 sizes fit riders 4’8” to over 6’2
    • The 14 Best Electric Bikes for Commuting, Hauling, and More (51)Low weight
    Cons
    • The 14 Best Electric Bikes for Commuting, Hauling, and More (52)Cable disc brakes

    Key Specs

    Power250W
    Weight32 lb
    Top Speed20 mph

    With its 250W Mahle X35+ rear motor, 250Wh integrated battery, and concealed controller, it is hard to tell that Salsa’s Confluence is an e-bike until you get up close. The Mahle drive system operates smoothly and is quieter than low-cost hub motors. This bike’s 40NM torque provides pedaling assistance up climbs and long gradients. However, as a class 1 e-bike, the Confluence lacks a throttle, so you must pedal to engage the motor.

    Salsa’s claimed range of 45 miles is not ideal for long days in the saddle (especially when using the maximum assist level). However, Mahle offers a range extender battery (almost twice the stock battery capacity) for longer or overnight trips.

    Best Cargo E-Bike

    Specialized Globe Haul ST Electric Bike

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    Pros
    • The 14 Best Electric Bikes for Commuting, Hauling, and More (54)Compact, small footprint
    • The 14 Best Electric Bikes for Commuting, Hauling, and More (55)Excellent battery life and power
    • The 14 Best Electric Bikes for Commuting, Hauling, and More (56)Powerful brakes
    Cons
    • The 14 Best Electric Bikes for Commuting, Hauling, and More (57)Lack of suspension means suffering on rougher roads

    Key Specs

    Power700W
    Weight77 lb.
    Top Speed28 mph

    If you need to haul it all, go with our 2023 Bike of the Year: Specialized’s Globe Haul ST. With a carrying capacity of a whopping 419 pounds, it’s good for a range of riding tasks, from grabbing groceries to dropping Fido off at doggy daycare.

    Specialized designed this bike with the average commuter in mind, motivating riders to swap those short- and medium-distance car trips with a bicycle instead. The result is a well-designed short-tail cargo bike with wide 20- x 3.5-inch tires that can eat bumps while keeping you stable and low to the ground. It’s also a blast to ride.

    Our test editor Dan Chabanov says it feels much more like a traditional bike than a souped-up e-cargo, which is to say, it’s actually fun. “If you haven’t ridden an e-cargo bike, you might take this for granted,” he says. “But the reality is that even some of the more compact e-cargo bike options out there often don’t ride like a typical bike, or worse, they simply ride poorly. As a cyclist, one of the Haul ST’s most enamoring traits is how much it rides like a ‘normal’ bike. Well, that and the ability to carry a week’s worth of groceries on it.”

    Read Full Review

    Best Tech E-Bike

    Velotric T1

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    Pros
    • The 14 Best Electric Bikes for Commuting, Hauling, and More (60)Lightweight with zippy ride
    • The 14 Best Electric Bikes for Commuting, Hauling, and More (61)Clean, modern aesthetic
    Cons
    • The 14 Best Electric Bikes for Commuting, Hauling, and More (62)Non-removable battery

    Key Specs

    Power350W
    Weight36 lb.
    Top Speed25 mph

    Hybrid bikes combine elements of road bikes (lightweight frame, 700c wheels) and mountain bikes (flat handlebar, wide-range gearing, and sometimes suspension). These bikes offer a compelling combination of traits that can make hybrids the best choice for many riders’ commuting, fitness, or leisure needs.

    One of Seplavy’s top choices is Velotric’s T1. Sporty and quick, the bike handles much like some road bikes. Credit that snappy feel, she says, to the T1’s 350W rear hub motor and road bike-like geometry, but also from its weight at 36 pounds.

    Velotric packs plenty of tech features into the T1, too. There’s a torque sensor for a smooth and natural pedaling feel and a light-sensing headlamp that turns on when it gets dark. For security, there is a fingerprint lock on the bike plus GPS tracking and theft alert via Velotric‘s app.

    Read Full Review

    Best E-Bike for Seniors

    Trek Verve+ 3 Lowstep

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    Pros
    • The 14 Best Electric Bikes for Commuting, Hauling, and More (64)Fully step-through frame
    • The 14 Best Electric Bikes for Commuting, Hauling, and More (65)Bosch Active Line Plus motor
    • The 14 Best Electric Bikes for Commuting, Hauling, and More (66)Adjustable stem and suspension seat post
    Cons
    • The 14 Best Electric Bikes for Commuting, Hauling, and More (67)No throttle

    Key Specs

    Power250W
    Weight55.4 lb
    Top Speed20 mph

    Seniors come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s difficult to recommend just one e-bike model for every type of rider. But based on conversations with Bicycling members and our experience working in bike shops and at cycling events, many older riders seek a few common traits in an electric bike. They want something easy to get on and off, simple to use, low maintenance, and smooth riding.

    Trek’s Verve+ 3 Lowstep checks off each of those boxes. The trusted and smooth-riding Bosch Active Plus motor system powers the Verve+. The 250W mid-drive motor has 50Nm of torque and powers the rider up to 20 mph. This Trek also features a wide-range Shimano 9-speed drivetrain for getting up hills. Powerful and reliable Shimano hydraulic disc brakes handle stopping duties.

    The Verve+ 3 Lowstep uses a step-through style frame (it is lower than many other e-bikes) that makes getting on or off the bike easy. It also features a suspension seatpost to smooth out potholes and bumps on the road, and an adjustable height and rise step to dial in your riding position.

    Since Trek has hundreds of dealers and company-owned stores throughout the country, you’re never far away from a Trek shop if you need service or repair. Plus, the Bosch and Shimano components are among the most-trusted and durable parts in the category.

    Best E-Bike for Summer

    Bluejay Premiere Edition

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    Pros
    • The 14 Best Electric Bikes for Commuting, Hauling, and More (69)Smooth and balanced ride
    • The 14 Best Electric Bikes for Commuting, Hauling, and More (70)Well-appointed (includes racks, lights, and fenders)
    Cons
    • The 14 Best Electric Bikes for Commuting, Hauling, and More (71)Bafang mid-drive not as smooth as Bosch or Shimano motors

    Key Specs

    Power350W
    Weight58.4 lb.
    Top Speed20mph

    If you’re looking for a fun bike for summer rides around town or to the beach, Bluejay’s Premiere Edition should be on your list. Bluejay combines elements of classic cruisers and townie bikes into a stylish electric bike. We found the bike ideal for trips to the farmers’ market, morning coffee, or weekend brunch and rides with the kids or friends.

    A 350-watt Bafang mid-drive motor (powered by a removable 550Wh battery) is at the heart of the Premiere Edition. It uses a torque sensor for smooth pedal response and has a maximum assisted speed of 20mph. Shifting duties are handled by Shimano’s low-maintenance 8-speed Alfine internal hub.

    Bluejay sells this model in two sizes (small for riders 5-feet-5-inches and under, and large for riders 5-feet-6-inches and taller) and 15 fun and poppy colors (including Luxe Camel, Hot Pink, and Citrus Orange).

    While the Bluejay is a little pricier than some other e-bike options, it comes fully loaded with front and rear racks, lights, fenders, a bell, and an adjustable stem. The rear rack can accommodate up to 55 pounds of cargo and is compatible with a Thule Yepp Maxi child seat (sold separately).

    Things to Consider When Buying an E-Bike

    A Few E-Bike Terms to Know

    Locking Battery

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    Many e-bike brands seamlessly integrate batteries to make the bike look sleeker (and more like a traditional non-assist bike). Most batteries lock to the bike and come with a key that lets you unlock and remove it, which serves multiple purposes: You can remove the battery and charge it off the bike, plus a locked battery deters (and hopefully prevents) a thief from stealing it. And an e-bike with the battery removed is safer for hauling on a bike rack and lighter for carrying up steps.

    Stability and Control

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    Since e-bikes can maintain higher speeds for longer than standard bikes, you want extra control when riding. Wider tires provide better traction and the freedom to leave the pavement with little penalty, and a suspension fork will help tame some of the rougher roads you might explore. Good disc brakes are a must, too, for slowing a heavy bike at high speed. This is not a place to skimp.

    Integrated Lights

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    Some e-bikes have an integrated lighting system that turns on when you power up the bike. While this is a great feature, it’s not a deal-breaker if your bike doesn’t come equipped this way. It’s just as easy to attach your own since so many great bike lights are available.

    Warranty and Service

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    E-bikes need regular maintenance and repair to stay in good working condition. Because they’re heavier and go faster than non-assist bicycles, e-bikes often require more regular service on parts like brakes, tires, and drivetrain components. We recommend having a good relationship with a local bike shop experienced in e-bike repair to keep your equipment running smoothly.

    E-bikes use electronics for their motors, batteries, and displays. These parts are often proprietary to bike brands or even specific e-bike models, making replacement more difficult than parts on non-electric bicycles. Make sure to use the correct electronic replacement parts to avoid damaging your e-bike (or it catching fire).

    Established brands usually (but not always) have a good supply of these parts for replacement, even for years after a bike goes out of production. Bosch and Shimano are two e-bike motor manufacturers with some of the most compatibility between bikes and stock parts for previous generations of systems.

    Look for e-bikes from brands that offer at least a one-year warranty on electronic components (many brands’ warranties are longer) and make items like replacement batteries for your bike. These parts are usually not cheap (sometimes up to half the cost of a new bike), but it’s the difference between having an e-bike that can be repaired or becomes a bicycle-shaped paperweight if something goes wrong.

    Certification

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    Following a dramatic increase in fires caused by the lithium-ion batteries used in electric bikes, there is a push from local officials, regulatory agencies, and advocacy groups across the U.S. for improved safety certification of e-bikes, batteries, and motor units. On September 16, 2023, a New York City law went into effect requiring that any e-bike sold in the city “has been certified by an accredited testing laboratory for compliance with Underwriters Laboratories (UL) standard 2849”. And in November 2023, Amazon announced it ceased sales of illegal batteries to New Yorkers.

    However, just because something is marketed as UL 2849 compliant, tested to UL 2849, or even “certified to UL 2849” does not mean it is UL Safety Certified. Ibrahim Jilani, UL’s Global Director of Consumer Technology, notes: “Certification is always earned by a manufacturer and not a given when they undergo a product submittal. The UL Mark, or any authorized certification mark, can only be issued upon successful demonstration of meeting the requirements of the safety standard.” You can find UL’s updated list of products Certified to UL 2849 here.

    We contacted many e-bike brands on this topic. Most companies informed us they are working toward the certification process. So, expect the list of certified e-bikes to grow in the coming months. If owning a UL 2849-certified bike is important to you, ask the brand from which you plan to purchase it for proof of certification. You can cross-reference OSHA’s Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories if you want to dive deeper into the topic.

    Conversion Kits

    Several manufacturers offer kits to add pedal assistance to a non-electric bike. We purchased a few popular conversion kits, fitted them to bikes, and rode them. We do not currently recommend these kits for use. While converting an old bike to an electric assist sounds good in theory, it rarely makes practical sense. Plus, it can lead to rider injury or failure of the bike.

    Manufacturers do not design non-electric bikes to accommodate the extra weight and forces incurred when adding an e-bike motor, battery, and control equipment. This puts more stress on the bicycle frame and other components and can lead to breakage or failure of the bike.

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    Converting a bike to e-assist isn’t as easy as it sounds.

    Selecting most conversion kits requires knowing fitment details about your bike and might require specialized tools for installation. Many do not have a straightforward installation process, and it can be a challenging project for novice mechanics. If you want a shop to install a conversion kit, check with the shop before purchasing it. Since most non-electric bikes are not engineered to accommodate electric conversions, many shops will not install these kits.

    Many economical e-bikes do not cost much more than the total price of a conversion kit plus the installation cost. We recommend buying a purpose-built e-bike for the best and safest experience.

    The Three Classes of E-Bikes

    After determining which style of bike is right for you, the next consideration is which class of e-bike best fits your needs. In the U.S., there are three e-bike classifications. These are defined by the type of assist and how fast the motor will propel you. Most electric bikes are defined as class 1 or 3. Class 1 bikes have a motor (max 750W) that assists while pedaling up to 20 mph. Class 3 (sometimes known as “speed pedelec”) can have up to a 750W (aka 1-horsepower) motor but can assist you up to 28 mph. Both are allowed in most states and cities without needing a license.

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    Class 2 models have become more popular with riders, especially at lower prices. These models have a throttle that can propel a bike up to 20 mph without needing continuous pedaling.

    Some bikes blur the lines. Aventon’s popular Pace 500, for example, is technically a Class 3 e-bike in that it reaches speeds up to 28 mph, but it also has a throttle that tops out at 20 mph (the maximum legal speed for a throttle).

    How to Buy a Used E-Bike

    Good quality e-bikes can cost a lot of money; purchasing a pre-owned bike is one way to save some cash and get a better model. If you want to shop for a used e-bike in person, some bicycle stores offer refurbished units. Shopping in person allows you to check the integrity and condition of the bike before you buy it. When purchasing from a shop, make sure that the retailer is experienced with e-bike service and that the bike includes the proper charger and battery.

    If purchasing a used e-bike directly from another owner on a third-party site, it’s wise to have the bike inspected by an experienced e-bike shop or mechanic before handing over your money. E-bikes experience higher wear-and-tear than non-assist bicycles, and many e-bikes use proprietary parts or require special tools to service or update software.

    With the boom in e-bike sales, a few websites have recently sprung up selling reconditioned and certified e-bikes. Often, these e-bikes have low mileage or were sales floor samples at shops—some are even brand new or are new old stock of a previous model year. While it costs more than purchasing from an individual seller, buying a used bike from these sites usually means you have some sort of warranty on your e-bike and ensures that it was inspected properly.

    Two sites offering high-quality, certified pre-owned e-bikes include Upway and TPC.

    Upway The Pro’s Closet

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    The 14 Best Electric Bikes for Commuting, Hauling, and More (80)

    Tara Seplavy

    Deputy Editor

    As Deputy Editor, Tara Seplavy leads Bicycling’s product test team; after having previously led product development and sourcing for multiple bike brands, run World Championship winning mountain bike teams, wrenched at renowned bicycle shops in Brooklyn, raced everything from criteriums to downhill, and ridden bikes on six different continents (landing herself in hospital emergency rooms in four countries and counting). Based in Easton, Pennsylvania, Tara spends tons of time on the road and trail testing products. A familiar face at cyclocross races, crits, and bike parks in the Mid Atlantic and New England, on weekends she can often be found racing for the New York City-based CRCA/KruisCX team. When not riding a bike, or talking about them, Tara listens to a lot of ska, punk, and emo music, and consumes too much social media.

    The 14 Best Electric Bikes for Commuting, Hauling, and More (81)

    Kevin Cortez

    Commerce Editor

    Kevin Cortez is an editor for Runner's World, Bicycling, and Popular Mechanics covering reviews. A culture and product journalist for over ten years, he’s an expert in men’s style, technology, gaming, coffee, e-bikes, hiking, gear, and all things outdoors. He most recently worked as the Style Editor for Reviewed, a top product recommendation site owned by USA TODAY. He also helped with the launch of WSJ's Buy Side commerce vertical, and has covered the music and podcast industries for Mass Appeal, Genius, Vulture, Leafly, Input, and The A.V. Club. Equally passionate about leisure as he is his penmanship, Kevin dedicates his spare time to graphic novels, birding, making cold brew, and taking long, meandering walks.

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    Reviewed bybill strickland

    Bill Strickland is the Rider-in-Chief of Bicycling. His equal passions for cycling and writing have led to the books Ten Points: A Memoir; Tour de Lance: The Extraordinary Story of Cycling’s Most Controversial Champion; Mountain Biking: The Ultimate Guide to the Ultimate Ride; and The Quotable Cyclist. His Bicycling story, “100 Pedal Strokes” won a National Magazine Award for Interactive Feature in 2008. In 2009, he assigned and edited the story “Broken,” which won the National Magazine Award for Public Interest. “The Escape,” the December, 2011, edition of his Bicycling magazine column The Pursuit, was named a Notable story byThe Best American Sports Writing. Various editions of his books have been translated into Dutch, German, Hebrew, and Japanese. He uses commas by rhythm and sound, which is a terrible way to do it but makes him happy.

    The 14 Best Electric Bikes for Commuting, Hauling, and More (2024)

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