Skip to main content
To revisit this article, visit My Profile, thenView saved stories.
- Security
- Politics
- Gear
- The Big Story
- Business
- Science
- Culture
- Ideas
- Merch
- Podcasts
- Video
- Newsletters
- Magazine
- Travel
- Steven Levy's Plaintext Column
- WIRED Classics from the Archive
- Events
- WIRED Insider
- WIRED Consulting
- Jobs
- Coupons
Adrienne So
Gear
We tested the best electric bikes in every category—commuting, mountain biking, foldable, cruisers, and more.
If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more. Please also consider subscribing to WIRED
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.
Special offer for Gear readers: Get WIRED for just $5 ($25 off). This includes unlimited access to WIRED.com, full Gear coverage, and subscriber-only newsletters. Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.
If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more. Please also consider subscribing to WIRED
Adrienne So is a senior associate reviews editor for WIRED, where she reviews consumer technology. She graduated from the University of Virginia with bachelor’s degrees in English and Spanish, and she previously worked as a freelance writer for Cool Hunting, Paste, Slate, and other publications. She lives in Portland, Oregon.
TopicsShoppingelectric bikesbuying guidese-bikesBicyclesoutdoors
These WIRED-tested two-wheelers will help you scoot scoot scoot around town.
Julian Chokkattu
Whether you’re pushing your kid down the street or running on a trail, we have a stroller for you.
Nena Farrell
This lightweight, full-power electric mountain bike was born to take on long uphills and wide open spaces.
Stephanie Pearson
This super-fun and likable urban all-electric runabout is packed with tech despite its rock-bottom price. Aside from the amazing value, it proves stateside EV makers need to up their game—fast.
Jeremy White
The LimeGlider and LimeBike, currently in pilot programs, have smaller frames and wheels and are equipped with throttles.
Julian Chokkattu
These are our favorite portable speakers of all shapes and sizes, from clip-ons to a massive boom box.
Parker Hall
Stop fumbling for cables in the dark. These WIRED-tested stands and pads will take the hassle out of refueling your phone, wireless earbuds, and watch.
Julian Chokkattu
Sitting at a desk for hours? Upgrade your WFH setup and work in style with these comfy WIRED-tested seats.
Julian Chokkattu