A pedal-assist electric bike—a bike built with a battery-powered motor to give you a boost as you pedal—can help you ride longer, go farther, and carry more cargo. Today, there are electric bikes for every kind of rider, but they all operate around the same basic principle: Whether you’re on a battery-equipped beach cruiser, gravel bike, or MTB, the e-bike’s integrated motor supplements the power you put in as you pedal. The extra power from the motor not only makes biking more fun and more accessible, but also a viable alternative to driving too.
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Whether you’re looking for a boost on the trail or you need a family-friendly cargo hauler, there’s an electric bike out there that’ll suit your needs. Our favorite, and best overall electric bike, is the Lectric ONE. It’s a game-changer in terms of commuting and affordability—they have managed to bundle a ton of high quality tech and components into a 20-inch tired bike priced under $2,000.
Read on for our guide to the best options on the market, including e-mountain bikes, commuter e-bikes, cargo e-bikes, and more.
Best E-Bikes of 2024 at a Glance
- Best E-Bike Overall: Lectric ONE
- Best-Looking E-Bike: Tenways CGO 800S
- Best Budget E-Bike: Freedare Eden
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Best Budget Commuter E-Bike: Buzz Cerana 2
- Best All-Around E-Bike: Rad Power Bike Radster Trail
- Best Mountain E-Bike: Specialized Turbo Levo SL Comp Carbon
- Best Hardtail Mountain E-Bike: Aventon Ramblas
Best E-Bikes of 2024
Best E-Bike Overall: Lectric ONE
Bruno Long
No electric bike company has come onto the scene in the past five years, quite like Lectric. From a small startup based out of a family garage (isn’t this where all successful startups seem to have their origin story?) is now the number one electric bike company in the U.S. Founders Levi Conlow and Robby Deziel have created a business model around reliability, affordability and philanthropy, quickly rising the ranks into a power house in the electric bike industry. So it is no surprise that one of their latest offerings has shaken up the e-bike world and re-written what the old saying ‘good things come in small packages’ truly means.
Bruno Long
The newly released ONE is a small-tired electric bike with a full range of innovative features that are often reserved for more niche and expensive bikes. The main feature that most consumers won’t recognize is the Pinion C1.6i gearbox, an electronic gear shifting mechanism completely weather-sealed, offers six speeds and can be shifted electronically while riding or stopped. This technology has been reserved for mostly niche bikes over the past few years, but Lectric, always trying to stay ahead of its competitors, has integrated it into the ONE as a standard feature. No more broken or bent derailleurs and problems shifting while under load.
Doubling down on the Pinion Gearbox technology, the ONE is also equipped with the Gates Carbon Drive System, which outfits the bike with a belt instead of a chain, increasing the reliability and longevity of the drivetrain while reducing the chances of a broken chain or getting greasy hands when your chain eventually slips off. In my opinion, this is where the majority of electric bikes are headed in the near future and of course, Lectric also sees the writing on the walls. Combined with the Pinion Gearbox, this makes for a smooth, quiet and reliable riding experience.
Bruno Long
The ONE comes standard with a 750W rear hub motor that delivers over 1300W of peak power and 85 Nm of torque, which is complemented by Electric’s proprietary PWR sensor, which provides a smooth riding experience that feels more natural for anyone used to riding an analog bike. You can also choose between Class 1, 2, or 3, delivering the power and speed you want in a fully customizable electric bike.
The ONE is a game-changer in terms of commuting and affordability. Typically, bikes with a Pinion gearbox and Gates Carbon Drive, along with all the other gear features included in the Lectric ONE, would set a buyer back by $5,000 to $6,000. However, Lectric has managed to bundle all of this into a 20-inch tired bike priced under $2,000 (before taxes). The value you get for this bike’s technology and features makes it one of the best deals on the market. It’s hard to argue that this isn’t the best electric bike to be released this year.
- Motor: 750 watt, rear hub
- Battery: 670 watt-hours
- Weight: 55 pounds
- Range: Up to 60 miles
Best-Looking E-Bike: Tenways CGO 800S
Bruno Long
Electric bikes have become all the rage over the past few years, with many people opting out of the analog world and entering the micro-mobility sphere. However, electric bikes can often be awkwardly looking, bulky, and heavy, which may deter those who are used to analog bikes and their relative simplicity. But what if you could find a way to integrate the convenience of an electric bike with the style of an analog bike? Well, look only as far as Tenways and their CGO 800S.
Tenways, a Netherlands-based cycling company, has created a simple yet stylish electric bike that, at first glance, could easily be mistaken for an analog counterpart. It has a classic step-thru design that harkens back to the old days of bike design and allows for easier mounting and dismounting. But look closely at the downtime, and you’ll find a seamlessly integrated 374 watt-hour battery that gives the CGO 800S all of the extra boost you’ll need for commuting and a quick run to the local store.
Couple the seamless frame design with the Gates Carbon Drive system, a belt-driven drivetrain that last longer and requires almost no maintenance compared to conventional chains. You have yourself a quiet and efficient commuter bike that will have people taking a second glance as you effortlessly slice past them on the road.
Building on the elegant nature of the CGO 800S, Tenways has also integrated a beautiful display directly into the bike’s headset, with intuitive buttons on the sweeping handlebars that make operating the CGO 800S a breeze. It also comes stock with hydraulic brakes, front and rear lights, including integrated turn signals, and a rear rack for panniers bags or anything else you want to strap to it.
This bike is designed with the minimalist in mind, while also appealing to the rider who loves a new-age spin on a classic design. It has some of the cleanest lines of any bike I’ve tested and is a dream to ride. And it you want to try out a version with a diamond-shaped frame design, Tenways also makes the CGO 600 Pro, which has a lot of the same features integrated into its design.
- Motor: 350 watt, rear hub
- Battery: 360 watt-hours
- Weight: 42 pounds
- Range: Up to 53 miles
Best Budget E-Bike: Freedare Eden
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This relative newcomer surprised me when it came my way for testing. Having never heard of Freedare, I was unsure what to expect from the Eden, their flagship step-thru fat-tired commuter. Yet, as soon as I built up the bike and threw my leg over the frame (just kidding, I stepped through), I felt at home on this stable yet powerful ride.
Designated as a Class 3 e-bike, the Eden is made for speed. It can reach up to 28 mph yet feels quite stable with the wide 4-inch tires. The integrated torque sensor gives the Eden smooth acceleration while ramping up quickly to the highest speeds with the thumb throttle, letting you take a break from peddling if needed.
On top of the speed and power, Freeware has equipped the Eden with GPS tracking and Anti-Theft capabilities that are integrated into the bike and can be controlled and accessed through their proprietary app. This gives the rider peace of mind when leaving the bike outside the local coffee shop that the bike will most likely not be stolen. If, however, it does, you can track the bike using the app and find it quickly.
Overall, the Eden comes with a great set of features and offers the rider a smooth and stable ride, while also allowing them to get to their destination quickly. Add in the integrated GPS and Anti-Theft features, along with a very reasonable price tag of $1,799, and you have yourself a quality electric commuter bike that is easy to ride and instills confidence with every trip.
- Motor: 750 watt, rear hub
- Battery: 960 watt-hours
- Weight: 84.2 pounds
- Range: Up to 90 miles
Best Budget Commuter E-Bike: Buzz Cerana 2
David Farrell
The Cerana 2 is not only intuitive, but it’s also an incredibly comfortable and easy-to-ride e-bike. The step-through frame design is a big advantage for people of all sizes and genders, making mounting and dismounting hassle-free. I found handlebar positioning feels just right—not too far forward nor too high—ensuring a relaxed riding posture when cruising through city streets.
The brakes are solid, and gear changes are quick and responsive, adding to the smooth ride. Figuring out the headlight operation took a moment, as it requires a press-and-hold, but it was bright enough to illuminate my path when the sun went down. A small adjustment out of the box aimed it perfectly for a more visible beam in front. The added rear light is also a welcome bonus for nighttime visibility.
The Buzz features three riding modes, with the third mode maxing out around 20 mph—a nice, consistent pace. The range has been accurate so far, especially in my relatively flat area, so inclines haven’t challenged it yet.
The adjustable front shocks are a standout. You can immediately feel the difference between stiff and loose settings, and on the loose setting, the shock absorption is especially noticeable. Both the front and rear racks are sturdy, with plenty of mounting points for straps or bungees, adding practicality for carrying gear.
Overall, what I appreciate most about the Buzz is its comfortable ride. It’s easy to get on and off, offers just the right amount of speed, and is perfect for casual riding without pushing high speeds on every turn.
- Motor: 500 watt, rear hub
- Battery: 500 watt-hours
- Weight: 77 pounds
- Range: Up to 40 miles
Best All-Around E-Bike: Rad Power Bike Radster Trail
Bruno Long
Rad Power Bike has grown into one of the most recognized names in the electric bike industry over the past 5 years. Their competitive pricing and plethora of models skyrocketed them to the upper echelon of companies in the U.S. Yet, instead of resting on their laurels or basking in their success, they continued improving their bike lineup while recognizing one of the main problems facing the electric bike industry: battery fires.
There have been many stories about uncertified batteries causing fires all over the U.S. While more and more companies are getting their batteries UL-certified, Rad Power Bike decided to take it a step further by creating the Safe Shield Battery, a thermal-resistant technology guaranteed to be the safest battery they have ever produced.
The Radster Trail is an off-road bike that can also be used as a city commuter. Its build quality is top-notch, and the frame design allows for easy on/off. After putting this bike together and adjusting it to my preferences, I found it had a very nice upright feel and was stable while riding, partly thanks to the mid-fat tires that bridge the gap between commuter and off-road.
The Radster is a Class 2 e-bike that only travels up to 20 mph but comes with a twist-throttle, which is handy when starting from a dead stop. The little boost from the throttle gets you started, and the integrated torque sensor does the rest.
If you are looking for an off-road bike that can also take you to the grocery store while sporting one of the safest batteries on the market, look no further than the Radster Trail.
- Motor: 750 watt, rear hub
- Battery: 720 watt-hours
- Weight: 77.5 pounds
- Range: Up to 65 miles
Best Mountain E-Bike: Specialized Turbo Levo SL Comp Carbon
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Specialized took the beloved geometry of its best-selling Stumpjumper Evo and paired it with a new Turbo SL 1.2 motor to make a trail bike that’s more powerful and more fun for ripping laps on technical routes.
The beauty of the Turbo Levo SL is that the power engagement is subtle, quiet, and smooth—it’s easy to forget that the motor is on. The bike’s kinematics (how all the suspension parts and frame components move together to create the ride feel) are equally stellar: The Turbo Levo’s carbon fiber frame and finely tuned suspension (150mm of travel in the back and 160mm up front) make it energetic and easy to handle. In my testing, the bike felt lively and engaging whether I was skirting through a shark’s mouth of rocks or sending it on machine-built berms.
The latest version features notable electronic upgrades. The 320 watt-hour internal battery can be paired with an optional range extender—a separate battery that slots into a bottle cage—to boost the bike’s range by up to 50 percent. According to Specialized, this second generation of the bike has 43 percent more torque and 33 percent more power than the previous Turbo Levo SL. The additional power is great, and it’s expertly integrated into this bike. The motor engages smoothly and seamlessly, giving the Turbo Levo SL a very natural pedaling feel. Better yet, the bike is relatively light, so you can ride it with the power off, too.
- Motor: 320 watt, center integrated
- Battery: 320 watt-hours
- Weight: 39 pounds
- Claimed Range: Up to 35 miles
Best Hardtail Mountain E-Bike: Aventon Ramblas
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Known more for their reliable lineup of electric commuter bikes, Aventon decided to crash the party and introduce their first E-MTB offering, the Ramblas, a nifty hardtail made for tackling the toughest mountain bike trails at your local riding spot. This mid-drive motor boasts 100 Nm of torque, helping you cruise up the steepest hills with ease and helping you conserve energy for the best part of the ride; the descent.
Speaking of descending, the Ramblas is outfitted with a Rockshox 35 fork with 130mm of travel, as well as being equipped with 29-inch wheels, hydraulic seat post and brakes, all of which will aid you when swooping down flow trails and dipping into the steep sections of your favorite trails.
Aventon has done an exceptional job with their first mountain bike offering. They have obviously done their homework and created a simple, yet capable E-MTB bike that will be a great upgrade for anyone wanting to ditch their analog hardtail for something with electric assist. The rolling speed of the 29-inch tires will help riders roll easily over obstacles on the trail and the front suspension will give the rider some peace of mind that bigger terrain features can easily be handled.
An added bonus is the adjustability of the mid-drive motor, allowing for a multitudes of options when it comes to customizing the levels of assistance, the amount of torque in each mode, and even the pedal response. This type of adjustability lets you set up the bike for the type of rider that you are and change the settings for different length or types of ride.
- Motor: 250 watt mid-drive
- Battery: watt-hours
- Weight: 54 pounds
- Range: Up to 80 miles
More E-Bikes We Love
Best Commuter E-Bike: Gazelle Medeo T10+
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This bike has so many highlights, it’s hard to know where to start. Capable and powerful—even when climbing steep hills or carrying heavy loads—Gazelle’s Medeo T10+ was my top choice for running errands, casual exercise, and weekend adventures.
With its durable, relatively light aluminum frame and a suspension fork paired with wide-ish two-inch tires, the Medeo served up a smooth ride with predictable handling. The bike is spec’d with high-quality parts, including a mid-drive Bosch motor and a crisp-shifting 10-speed Shimano Deore drivetrain, which gave me confidence when tackling longer trips. Range was never an issue during my testing: A 15-mile jaunt through Vermont’s rolling hills used up less than half the battery, and a flatter ride of comparable length used even less. The bike’s motor and gearing handled climbs without issue. On the flats, I could quickly accelerate to the bike’s 28 mph top speed (the Medeo is a Class 3 e-bike).
This sporty commuter bike has four pedal-assist modes—I mainly toggled between sport and turbo. The Medeo’s confidence-inspiring ride and standard accessories make it a notable value buy. The bike comes with a rack that has sturdy bungees for strapping down gear or a briefcase, and the built-in lights (front and rear) came in handy when I stayed out longer than anticipated. In addition, it’s equipped with fenders, and a locking bar slides through the rear wheel to deter theft—though you’ll need to purchase a U-lock if you plan to park this bike outside. Need one e-bike for work and pleasure riding? This is it.
- Motor: 500 watt, rear hub
- Battery: 500 watt-hours
- Weight: 50.9 pounds
- Range: Up to 55 miles
Best Compact Cargo E-Bike: Rad Power Bikes RadRunner 3 Plus
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The specs list on the RadRunner 3 is impressive: It has a 750-watt motor, a 672 watt-hour battery, up to 45 miles of range, and a 350-pound maximum weight capacity (enough to carry two adults).
This easy-to-use step-through bike is highly practical and fun to ride, whether you’re commuting, going shopping, or just out for a cruise. The Shimano Altus derailleur and Shimano shifter reliably click through all seven gears, and the Tektro hydraulic brakes bring this bike to a stop quickly and consistently. Up front, a spring fork with 60mm of travel absorbs bumps, and with the help of the RadRunner’s wide tires, creates a smooth ride, even on dirt and gravel paths.
The RadRunner’s rear rack is rated for 120 pounds—plenty of capacity for hauling groceries, kids, or even a small adult.
The bike’s geometry puts the rider in a very upright position. That makes it easy to see where you’re going, and although it’s not ideal for maximum pedaling power, it’s comfortable for around-town cruising. With this latest version of the bike, RadRunner introduced a semi-integrated battery for a sleeker look, a dual-screen display (one screen shows the pedal-assist mode and battery levels and the other shows speed), and a motor that’s re-tuned for better performance on climbs. If you’re looking for a bike that can carry a passenger or haul a load and still feel comfortable for everyday riding, the RadRunner 3 is a great choice.
- Motor: 750 watt, rear hub
- Battery: 672 watt-hours
- Weight: 75.5 pounds
- Range: Up to 45 miles
Best Beach Cruiser: Priority E-Coast
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The Priority E-Coast is made for chill cruising and for getting your surfboard to the beach. It has a beach cruiser aesthetic that’s perfect for pedaling along boardwalks and oceanside avenues, but the bike’s 60-mile range and 28 mph top speed means you can ride just about anywhere.
The frame is made from salt and rust-resistant aluminum, and it’s equipped with a smooth 500-watt hub motor and a Gates belt drive, so there’s no need for lube and salt spray won’t corrode it. Five assist modes let you fine-tune the boost, and a handlebar-mounted throttle gives you a quick burst of power when you need it.
The three-inch-wide tires smooth out the road, and they’ll help you float over compacted sand, a common hazard when riding near the beach. The included rear rack houses the battery and also gives you a place to carry gear, and the bike’s integrated lights help you navigate safely after sunset. Whether you’re a beach bum or not, the E-Coast offers solid value with surprising practicality to back up its easy-going looks.
- Motor: 500 watt, rear hub
- Battery: 576 watt-hours
- Weight: 56 pounds
- Range: Up to 60 miles
What to Look For When Buying an E-Bike
Buy an e-bike built to handle the terrain you want to ride and the tasks you want to complete. Need an e-bike to get to work? Models designed for commuting often have fenders and lights built in. A commuter e-bike may also come with a rear rack for hauling items and even an integrated lock for extra security when parked (though you’ll still need to invest in a sturdy U-lock).
If you’re planning to use your e-bike to carry groceries, cargo, or kids, look for a dedicated cargo model. These bikes generally have long, low frames for greater stability when carrying heavy loads, and they usually come with at least one rack pre-installed—so you can add panniers, cargo boxes, seats, and other accessories for carrying all your stuff.
Mountain bikers have battery-powered versions to match the specific MTB styles, like cross-country and enduro, usually using a powerful motor integrated into the bottom bracket area. Road bikes are built in a similar vein with a center-mounted motor and have sleeker, more aerodynamic designs than standard e-bikes.
Because of the added weight of the battery and motor, most e-bikes are heavier than typical bicycles and weigh anywhere from 30 to 70 pounds. The power of the motor more than makes up for the added heft. But the weight does pose an issue for storage, especially if you don’t have a garage or secure ground-floor area to stash your bike.
What are Typical E-bike Components?
There are two main electrical components on an e-bike: The motor and the battery.
Motors
E-bikes utilize either a mid-drive or a hub-drive motor. The power output of both types is measured in watts; they differ mainly in where they’re mounted on the bike.
Mid-drive motors are integrated into the bottom bracket, where the bike’s crank arms attach. This keeps the bike’s center of gravity low, making it more stable. Mid-drive bikes generally have quick handling and feel the most natural to ride.
Hub motors are mounted in the hub of the e-bike’s rear wheel. They’re durable and also simpler than mid-drive motors—they transfer power directly to the wheel, rather than through a chain or belt drive. They’re typically pretty quiet as well, though they tend to weigh more than mid-drive systems. E-bikes with hub motors are often more affordable than models with mid-drive designs.
Batteries
E-bike batteries are either integrated into a compartment on the bike’s downtube, or they’re externally mounted on the bike’s frame or in the bike’s rack. The amount of energy they can store is measured in watt-hours.
Pedal-Assist Modes
E-bikes typically have three to five pedal-assist modes (sometimes labeled with names like “Eco” or “Turbo”) that allow you to adjust how much power the motor puts in as you pedal. Using more assist shortens your range.
What are the Types of E-Bike Classifications?
E-bikes are divided into three categories—Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3—based on their motor power, top speed, and whether or not they have a separate throttle. Most U.S. states use these categories to regulate where e-bikes can be ridden. (To learn more, check out the People for Bikes overview of e-bike laws across the country.)
Class 1
These are pedal-assist only, and they’re programmed to provide assistance up to 20 mph. Many e-mountain bikes fall into this category.
Class 2
These provide assistance up to 20 mph, and they also have a throttle mounted on the handlebar. By twisting the throttle, you can use the motor to move the bike without pedaling.
Class 3
These e-bikes are pedal-assist only, like Class 1 models, but they provide assistance up to 28 mph. Many commuter bikes are Class 3.
What Does E-Bike Range Mean?
Every e-bike will have a claimed range that takes into account the battery’s capacity and how much power the motor uses. But the actual range will vary widely depending on the terrain and the weight of the rider and any cargo.
Why You Should Trust Us
Bruno Long has been dedicated to bikes since he first fell in love with mountain biking almost 25 years ago. Since then, he has ridden all manner of bike as the technology has changed drastically over the past three decades. In the past three years, he has fully transitioned to electric bikes for both mountain biking and commuting, loving the efficiency and practicality of electric bikes. He loves to experience bikes firsthand when doing reviews and is always the first to extol the virtues of ditching your car for a commuter bike.
Berne Broudy is an avid mountain biker and all-around cyclist. A few of my bucket-list accomplishments include biking across the U.S., gravel biking the length of Jordan, guiding cycling trips throughout Europe and South America, and mountain biking in Nepal and Chile. At home in Vermont, she’s president of Richmond Mountain Trails, which just completed Vermont’s first fully adaptive bike-friendly mountain bike trail network, a network of blue, black, and double-black trails. Broudy is making a movie about the project to debut in the Summer of 2025. When she’s not at her computer, she’s rolling through the Green Mountains on two wheels. Broudy has reviewed bikes and cycling gear for many cycling publications. She is a regular contributor to Men’s Journal.