Other Ebikes We Like
Bike Friday All-Day
Photograph: Adrienne So
Bike Friday All-Day for $5,600: Bike Friday touts the incredibly compact All-Day (7/10, WIRED Review) as the lightest Bosch-powered ebike in the world, and they’re right. You can pick from a variety of colors and components for this folding electric bike, which packs a surprisingly powerful motor for its size. While the Brompton mentioned earlier is more accessible and user-friendly, I’ve really grown fond of this little bike.
Radio Flyer Via Pro for $2,900: Editor Julian Chokkattu had nothing but praise for this easy-to-use and simple-to-assemble class 2 electric cargo bike. For more details, check out our guide to the Best Electric Cargo Bikes.
GoTrax Mustang for $1,799: We were impressed with the Mustang, a surprisingly zippy little bike at a great price. It’s worth noting, though, that it only comes in one size, so be sure to try it out before buying.
Aventon Level 3 for $1,899: The Aventon Level 3 is a user-friendly ebike with a sleek, step-through design and all the features you’d expect in a standard-size bike for city riding. It comes with built-in fenders and lights, plus a large color display that shows the remaining battery life of up to 70 miles. I’ve taken it out for 25-mile rides with my tall 6’2″ frame and still had around 20% battery left. The sturdy double-walled frame, improved Shimano gears and brakes, along with a front suspension fork and semi-hidden suspension seat post, all add to the comfort. The Aventon app also lets you set up features like remote locking and geofencing, which is great for keeping tabs on your pricey bike. The built-in turn signals, utilizing the rear lights, are a nice touch for evening rides in the city. —Parker Hall
Tenways CGO800S for $1,799: This budget-friendly, step-through city ebike offers up to 50 miles of battery life—I managed over 30 myself. The responsive torque sensor adjusts smoothly as you pedal at different speeds. However, it doesn’t have a throttle, and the frame was less comfortable for me (5’11”) compared to some larger bikes, as it’s designed to accommodate riders from 5’1″ to 6’3″. —Martin Cizmar
Aventon Ramblas for $2,899: Aventon has created a mountain bike! It’s a solid bike at an affordable price, but just a tad heavy for its intended use. Nonetheless, it excels as a rugged commuter.
Linus eDutchi for $1,799: In need of a comfortable cruiser? The Linus eDutchi is a class 1 ebike with a cozy design, vibrant colors, and many proprietary accessories.
Electra Loft Go!
Photograph: Electra
Electra Loft Go! for $960: I’m a fan of the Electra Loft Go! (7/10, WIRED Recommends), a comfy beach cruiser, though the Priority model has a slightly more powerful motor at the same price.
Xtracycle Estoker for $4,499: This bike seems to be a common sight in my Portland, Oregon neighborhood. It features a robust Chromoly steel frame and larger 24-inch wheels, plus a Shimano mid-drive motor, making it ideal for tougher conditions. Unfortunately, you need to be over 5’6″ (which I’m not) to ride it.
Gazelle Eclipse for $6,399: Want to see the Bosch system at its best? The Eclipse (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is the pricier sibling of the Radster Road above. It has a fancier shifter, a smarter motor, and even a nicer paint job. Just keep in mind that it comes at a much steeper price.
The Gocycle G4I+ for $5,999: Gocycle’s luxury folding bikes are designed by a former McLaren engineer. This quieter, lighter model offers better torque, a new carbon-fiber front fork, and a price that might make you wince.
The Bunch Original Electric Cargo Bike for $6,499: While I personally wasn’t fond of the Bunch (5/10, WIRED Review), my family appreciated it. It’s a standard, if somewhat pricey, box bike like those seen in Europe. It’s well-suited for flat terrains and doesn’t demand speed.
Bikes We Dislike
Pass on the left.
The Retrospec Jax Rev for $1,100: We had high hopes for this sleek, stylish folding bike, but concerns about its durability held us back.
Niu Electric Bike BQi-C3 Pro for $999: Commerce director Martin Cizmar put this bike through its paces and had several issues. The riding position felt too aggressive, the bike frame didn’t accommodate common accessories like a water bottle or pannier, and the disc brakes struggled to stop effectively at 28 mph.
FAQs
How Does WIRED Procure Ebikes?
Bicycle companies reach out to me, and I request models in my size for testing. After reviewing them, I either return the bikes to the manufacturer or the shop that assembled them, or I donate them to nonprofit organizations.
How Do You Secure an Ebike?
Many ebikes feature removable batteries, displays, or built-in wheel locks that help simplify bike security. Some models, like the Specialized Turbo Vado SL 2, even work with Apple Find My. Take a look at our Best Ebike Locks guide for more options.
Should I Build My Own Bike?
A lot of affordable bikes are now sold direct-to-consumer, often pre-tuned or partially assembled in a box. However, as Peter Flax noted in Bicycling magazine, these bikes typically don’t go through the rigorous testing that larger manufacturers provide. Unless you’re not riding much or have experience modifying bikes, I’d suggest opting for a well-established brand with a reliable dealer network.
What Terrain Do You Live On?
If you’re in a flat area, a 250-watt motor (the European speed standard) should suffice. But if you live in hilly regions or need to transport heavier loads, consider a 500-watt or 750-watt motor along with features like hydraulic disc brakes to help prevent skidding.
How Do I Prevent Bike Fires?
The thought of a fire in your garage is frightening, but rest easy: Today’s batteries are much safer compared to older models. We only review bikes that have been certified safe by third-party organizations. Additionally, practice common sense; don’t leave your battery charging overnight in an overheated garage, avoid using aftermarket chargers, and make sure to check for deformities or odd smells before charging.
Follow Some Basic Safety Tips
If you’re unsure where to start, check out the safety education program, E-Bike Smart, by the biking advocacy group PeopleForBikes, developed in partnership with the League of American Bicyclists and Bicycle Colorado. Kids should not ride your bike unsupervised—an 80-pound child shouldn’t be on a 65-pound bike, even if the motor allows it. And always wear a helmet—I’m sure you know to do that, right?
Over the past few years, WIRED’s Reviews team has tested just about every type of electric bike, from heavy-duty cargo models to high-end mountain bikes. We put over 50 new ebikes through their paces each year, riding them across various terrains for at least 40 miles during a two-week period. We evaluate cargo bikes by hauling kids and groceries, tackle mountain and gravel bikes on trails, and navigate commuter bikes while running errands around city streets (including steep hills). Alongside our practical testing, we also assess specs like weight, tire size, battery life, motor power, and the sourcing of essential components.
Whenever I discuss potential ebike purchases, the primary barrier people mention is often the price. If that resonates with you, take a look at our guide to the Best Cheap Ebikes. However, it’s important to remember that these are vehicles, not just toys. When I’m transporting my kids to school or barreling down a hill at 25 mph, I prioritize safety, and I believe you should too.
Reasonable auto financing options can make a $2,000 electric bike feel dauntingly expensive, while a $6,000 used gas-powered car might come with manageable monthly payments. Many states now have incentive programs that offer rebates or tax credits for ebike purchases. Some manufacturers and retailers provide financing through companies like Affirm or PayPal. Your bank might even cover ebikes under its vehicle loan programs. Also, don’t overlook local marketplaces like eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook groups—you likely have more options than you realize.
Ebike Classifications and Rules
Before purchasing an electric bike, ensure you can legally ride it! Numerous cities and states have regulations about where and when ebikes can be used. Check out our guide on ebike classes. At least 22 states utilize this three-class system, which may limit where different classes of ebikes can operate, based on whether they have a throttle or can assist speeds over 20 mph. Some cities also have specific laws regarding mountain ebikes on single-track trails. If your state groups ebikes with motorcycles and mopeds under the same regulations, you could need a license to ride one.
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