Editor in chief of BH. Lover of biking, small cats and wannabe mountain climber on weekends.
Electric bikes are easy to use and will make getting around much easier. With the models out there, it can be hard to determine which bike to choose. Getting the wrong bike can make riding uncomfortable, but this can be avoided with good research.
Top 5 Electric Bikes
Cutting back your carbon emissions is easier when you ditch your car. Doing this brings one major problem. How do you get around? Taking public transport is an option or you could walk, but what about those times when this is not an option. This is where a bicycle comes in. ?
Bicycles are able to quickly get you from point A to point B without damaging the environment. You can use them in a city or on the wild trails. What if you don’t want to pedal and arrive tired, hot and sweaty?
Get an electric bike. Electric bikes have a battery that takes care of propulsion for you. Some electric bikes don’t have pedals so you never have to worry about this.
Deciding that you need an electric bike for easy commuting or getting that extra boost on bike trails is a good step, but which one do you get. Heading to any store, online or offline, can leave you seriously confused.
Do you need an electric bike that folds? Is it better to get one with low entry? How many speeds should the bike have and does that even matter? Are all the additional features worth the price? ?
These questions can leave you overwhelmed and feeling that an electric bike may be too much hassle to get. You have to research each bike before you make a decision and no one has the time for that. Fortunately, we have taken care of all this for you.
We have looked at the best electric bikes on the market and chosen the top ones for you. All you have to do is pick from this list. But if you want something more simple then check out our guides on some commuter bikes, or maybe even road bikes.
If you are looking for the ultimate electric bike and expense is no problem, the Elby 9-Speed electric bike is the best choice. This is a much more expensive electric bike compared to others on this list, but it is worth every cent. There are so many features that you will see why people are willing to pay so much for this electric bike.
When you look at the Elby, the design will catch your eye. It is one of the more attractive bikes on the market and available in 5 colors to suit your taste. There is only one design option for the frame and it has been created with ease of use in mind.
The frame has a low top tube for a step-through design. This low entry design makes the bike easier for shorter people to use and those who dislike high top tubes. The handlebars are ergonomic and have a non-slip surface so you never lose your grip.
The frame itself is made from aluminum. The tubing is oversized to provide a low center of gravity for more control over the bike. The use of aluminum has made the frame slightly lighter than others at 54 pounds including the battery.
The Elby also comes with fenders and a heavy-duty cross brace to carry different types of cargo. The bike is able to support a maximum weight of 330 pounds which is much more than others on this list.
The low entry design is combined with other features to make this bike ideal for a wide range of people. The recommended rider height range for this bike is 5 feet to over 6 feet. A comfortable ride can be achieved by adjusting the components. The seat post is adjustable and you can rotate the handlebars.
The Electrics
While the design makes this bike easy to ride and comfortable, how are the electrics? The bike comes with a very powerful 52-cell 48V lithium-ion battery. The battery can be removed for charging or left on the bike to charge. To fully charge the battery, you will need to leave it for 5 hours.
The battery powers an equally impressive 500-watt motor. The motor is a BionX direct-drive motor offering the best in performance and range. The electric bike can reach a top speed of 20 mph and travel for up to 80 miles on a single battery charge.
To make the ride more comfortable, there are 4 assistance ride levels and 4 levels of regenerative braking. The assistance riding levels are activated when you use the throttle and start to pedal. It is the regenerative braking that is the star ride mode.
These 4 levels will recharge your battery when you stop. It also helps you navigate downhills in a safer and slower manner. The system will provide strong resistance that lowers your speed when you pedal. These assistance levels can be combined with the 9-speed gears.
Additional Features
All of this makes the Elby one of the most impressive bikes out there, but there are other features. There are serious safety features on offer including Supernova LED lights and Continental Cruise Contact tires that are puncture-resistant. The Elby also has Tektro hydraulic disc brakes.
While all these features are important, there is one standout feature. This is the support app that you can access through your phone or the console on the bike. The bike comes with a 2.5” color display that works on Bluetooth to connect to your phone.
The console can be removed and replaced with your phone. The app powering the console and accessible on your phone will give you all the information you need. You can see your average speed, the status of the battery, the weather and see if you have enough power to reach an input destination.
The Elby 9-Speed electric bike is the ultimate e-bike for people who can afford it. The bike is expensive, but offers a lot of features and the smoothest possible ride. You can travel for up to 80 miles on throttle power alone and further with the assistance modes.
If you are looking for an electric bike that is lightweight, foldable and works purely on battery power, this is the bike for you. The ANCHEER AN-EB005 folding electric bike is the bicycle for you. This bike is very different from what you might be used to, but it is worth giving it a shot.
The Bike With No Pedals
The first thing you are going to notice about this bike is not the small frame or the folding mechanism. It is the complete lack of any pedals. Instead of pedals, like a traditional bike, the AN-EB005 has steel pegs protruding from the sides.
These pegs are where you rest your legs while you are riding. The placement of the pegs is ideal for both tall and short riders and you do not need to make any adjustments. The company states that this bike is ideal for people between 5 and 6 feet, but the seat is not adjustable.
The lack of pedals can seem great, but there is a downside. If the battery empties, you will have to push the bike Flinstone-style. If you do not want to do that, you will need to get off the bike and push it or fold it and carry it.
Pushing or carrying the bike is not too hard as the bike has a lightweight aluminum frame. The frame weighs a relatively light 26.5 pounds. While the frame is light, it is sturdy. The strength is added to by the aluminum alloy used for the seat post and the two layers of aluminum alloy used for the wheels.
The use of aluminum and aluminum alloy has resulted in this little bike being able to carry a maximum capacity of 265 pounds. When looking at the little 12 inch wheels, this might be hard to believe, but it is true.
When it comes to the overall design of the bike, you might notice some differences to others on the market, apart from the lack of pedals. The design has been inspired by dolphins and this also makes it sturdier. The design also makes it easier to fold down the handlebar.
This is where the folding part of the bike comes into play. The handlebar collapses to allow you to easily store and carry the bike. Unlike some other folding bikes, you will not move the wheels or collapse any other part. Once folded, it is possible to carry this bike with one hand and store it in smaller spaces or on public transport.
The Battery Power
Having a lightweight folding bike is good, but what about the electrics? One of the most important aspects of any electric bike is the battery. The AN-EB005 has a 36V lithium-ion battery and a 350-watt motor. This battery is able to power the bike for a maximum range of 12 miles. Of course, this will vary depending on the weight being carried.
To charge the battery, you will need to leave the bike for around 3 hours. This might seem like a deal-breaker for some people, but this is in the normal range for all electric bikes. The mileage offered by the battery does limit how you can use this bike.
If you have a short commute, you could use this bike every day. The lack of pedals means you never arrive at work hot. However, there are some people who view this bike as more recreational than commuter because the components will start the wear with daily use.
One thing you will notice while riding the bike is the lack of suspension. ANCHEER states that this bike is best for flat paved terrain and you will feel that if you go off-road. The bike does have a PX5 waterproof range, but you do not want to go through very deep water with it.
At this point, you might be wondering how you control this purely electric bike. The handlebars have all the control you need to get the bike going and you have an app for the additional features. To accelerate, you turn the throttle located on the left handle and to stop there is a brake on the right handle. The break is a rear brake disc.
The handlebars also have a power switch to turn the bike on and your horn. There is also a battery indicator telling you how much charge you have left and a green light for the cruise control. The one issue with cruise control is that you need to use the app to check the settings.
The app is a bonus feature that most electric bikes do not come with. Not only will you be able to check the settings of cruise control you can adjust the headlight and speed settings, get basic information about your current distance and travel time or lock the motor. This is a safety feature that makes it harder for anyone to steal the bike.
The app is available on both Android and iOS. The use of an app is novel, but there are some features in the app that should have controls on the bike as well. One of these features is the headlight which can only be controlled from the app and does not have a power switch on the bike.
With all the moving parts and electrics in the bike, you might think that something is going to give. The bike comes with a 1-year warranty for the motor, battery, and charger. There is also a 1-year manufacturer warranty covering the rest of the bike.
If you are looking for an electric bike that is different, foldable and will not break your bank, the ANCHEER AN-EB005 folding electric bike is the one for you. This little bike is sturdy, able to handle up to 265 pounds of weight and has no pedals. The app lets you control a range of features including cruise control and the headlight. The 12-mile maximum range is ideal for commuters.
Looking for a folding electric bike that is ideal for adults and teens? Want a small electric bike that works for commutes and recreation? Look no further than the SwagCycle EB-5 Pro. This little folding bike has everything you need including pedals.
The first thing you notice about the SwagCycle EB-5 Pro is the fact that the design does not push boundaries. The frame is similar to other folding bikes on the market and the folding mechanism is located in the middle of the frame. With this bike, you are getting a solid frame design that is proven to work.
Looking past the design, the frame is made from an aluminum alloy. This makes it durable and lightweight. The whole bike weighs only 37 pounds which is more than the ANCHEER, but the same as a mid-sized microwave.
If you need to carry the bike, you have to know the weight. However, you should also know how compact the bike is when folded. The EB-5 Pro uses a triple-fold design to become a compact 26” x 15.6” x 23.6”.
To fold the bike, you will need to first collapse the stem to bring the handlebars down. You can then bend the frame by undoing the frame lock. The pedals can then be folded to make the bike as compact as possible. Once folded, the bike is easier to carry, store or put into your car.
Becoming a small compact bundle is not the only adjustment on offer. Both the handlebars and seat height can be adjusted. The adjustments allow the bike to be used by adults and teens, men and women. Both handlebars and seat can go low enough for an 11-year-old and high enough for someone who is over 6 feet.
While the bike is able to adjust to different people, can it handle the weight? The maximum capacity for this folding bike is 264.5 pounds. This is more than enough to cover any member of the family.
All About The Battery
Now that you know the bike can hold you, how far can you go with it? The EB-5 Pro has a 36V lithium-ion battery that is built into the frame. This is a slight problem because it makes it impossible to replace the battery without going to a SwagCycle technician.
Another issue with the battery is the charge time. It takes 4 to 5 hours to charge the battery fully which is longer than some other batteries out there. However, the 7.8Ah offered by the battery is more powerful making this a compromise you will have to consider. The battery is used to power the 250-watt motor.
The battery is combined with pedal power to make any ride faster and easier. A single battery charge has an approximate travel range of 15.5 miles. The exact distance will vary depending on the weight carried and the toggling between battery power and pedal power.
The benefit of the battery and pedal power is being able to move the bike if the battery is dead. Should this happen, the electric bike turns into a traditional folding bike. If you feel like pedaling, you can do this on its own or power-assisted by the battery. The 14-inch wheels also help you travel faster than smaller wheels offered by other folding bikes.
Introducing Autoguard Technology
The EB-5 Pro does not have an app, but it does have other stand out technology. The major feature is the Autoguard Technology by Swagtron. This is bespoke technology that ensures the hub motor disconnects immediately when the brakes are applied. It is a serious safety feature that improves the braking power of the bike.
Another feature of this little bike is the maintenance-friendly assembly. The power line that connects the handlebar to the motor is fully removable. This makes any general maintenance easier to complete.
With all the design features in this bike, you might think that you can take it just about anywhere. SwagCycle does recommend using this bike in urban areas. It is ideal for smooth terrain or moderately inclined areas. There is little in the way of suspension making off-roading uncomfortable. In that case you should consider getting a mountain bikes.
This bike is the best option if you want a small commuter electric bike that folds up fully. It is also best for families who want a bike that everyone can enjoy. However, the power of the battery and motor could make this bike a little too powerful for younger children.
The SwagCycle EB-5 Pro is one of the best folding bikes with pedals on the market. The adjustable design makes it ideal for adults and teens. There are a lot of features on offer with the most impressive being the Autoguard Technology that makes sudden stops easy.
If you are looking for an electric bike that can replace your car in most cases, the NAKTO 26” City electric bike is what you need. This is a larger bike that comes with a basket and a rear carrier. It has everything you need to ditch your car and use pedal power to get around.
When you start shopping for this bike, the first thing you will notice is the two models. The two models have similar specifications, but the frame design is different. One has the traditional women’s bike design and the other the traditional men’s bike design.
The primary difference in the designs is the location of the top tube. With the women’s design, the top tube is low making it easier to get on and off with a skirt. The men’s design has a higher top tube similar to a mountain bike. There is nothing stopping you from getting the frame design you want as many men find the lower entry point of the women’s design easier.
Strong Carbon Steel
Looking past the two designs, the frame itself is made from Q345 carbon steel. This is a more durable and stronger metal than aluminum. However, the strength of the metal comes at a cost and that this is the weight.
The NAKTO bike is heavy, but this should not be a problem as you generally will not be carrying it. As the bike does not fold, it was not created for easy carrying. With the battery, this bike will weigh around 60 pounds. When the battery is removed, it will weigh around 53 pounds.
The strength of carbon steel enables this bike to carry a maximum weight of 265 pounds. This is a combination of the rider and cargo weight. This is the standard weight capacity for most electric bikes and similar to the folding bikes on this list.
As this bike uses 26” wheels, there is a height range for the riders. NAKTO states this range is between 5.3” and 6.8”. Riders with a height closer to the lower limit may find the bike slightly uncomfortable to ride. Your legs will need to stretch more when pedaling and your feet will barely touch the ground.
The rider height range is still fairly large and benefits from the adjustable seat and handlebars. The seat can be adjusted between 35 and 43 inches from the ground as needed. The seat itself is wide and soft making it more comfortable to sit on.
Travelling On A Single Battery Charge
While the frame is strong but heavy, you might wonder how the battery handles this. The electric bike comes with a 36V cannon head lithium battery. The battery has a large capacity which increases the travel range.
On a single charge, it is possible to travel between 18 and 25 miles using the battery. When you are on a flat paved road, you can achieve a speed of up to 25 mph. This is one of the reasons why you can replace your car with this bike for shorter trips.
To get this full charge, you will need to charge the battery for 3 to 6 hours. This is less than some smaller batteries and there is a power display on the bike telling you how much charge you have left. The only problem with this display is that it only shows when the battery is full, half full or empty.
Unlike some smaller bicycles, the battery on this one can be detached. This makes it easier to charge and you could have more than one so you never find yourself without charge.
There are other features offered by the battery such as overcharge protection and short-circuit protection. The battery also has temperature protection and overvoltage protection.
When it comes to cycling, the bike offers 3 riding modes. The first is pure pedal power where you propel the bike yourself. The second is a pure electric mode where you simply enjoy the ride without doing anything. In this mode, the 250-watt motor will take care of everything.
The last mode is the pedal-assist mode. This mode does give you a bit of a workout as you need to pedal, but you can travel further and save battery power. Pedal-assist will save around 70% of power during cycling.
Regardless of the mode you choose to use, the ride will be soft. The bike has a cantilever beam front fork and there are springs under the saddle to soften bumps in the road. The front fork suspension has not been created with offroading in mind.
As the name of this bike suggests, it is ideal for city use and not a mountain bike. The best ride is achieved on flat and smooth surfaces such as roads. You can climb hills with this bike, but steep inclines may be harder to tackle.
The inclusion of Shimano 6-speed gears also makes the bike easier to power. The number of gears is also an indicator of how you should be using the bike.
While accelerating is easy, you might be wondering about braking. The bike has both front and rear brakes with good braking power in any conditions. The dual brake system will stop this bike regardless of the speed you travel and make it safer to use.
The NAKTO City electric bike comes with certain useful bike accessories you may not get with other electric bikes. The primary accessory is the basket. You can get either a wicker basket or a metal wire one. There is also a rear cargo rack you can attach saddlebags to for additional cargo space.
If you are looking to replace your car in the city, the NAKTO 26” City electric bike is the best choice. This bike has a powerful battery, 3 riding modes, and cargo space in the basket and rear carrier. There are also two designs to choose from depending on whether you want low entry or not.
If you love the outdoors and want an electric bike that you can take anywhere, look no further than the ECOTRIC Fat Tire electric bike. If you have never been on a fat tire bike before, this is a good option because it offers the best of this type of bike. You can also go just about anywhere with it making it the ideal outdoor companion.
Introducing Fat Tires
When you look at this electric bike, your eyes are naturally drawn to the tires. The fat tires have a width of 4 inches and 26 inches in diameter. These oversized tires are what make this electric bike ideal for offroading.
The increased size provides better traction and stability on soft and unstable terrain. This will include the beach, mud, sand, and snow. As fat tires do not have to be inflated as much as other tires, they also offer greater comfort when you ride.
The comfort offered by the tires includes softening bumps in the terrain. The low psi of the tires will absorb shocks working as a built-in suspension. If you are not confident on a bike, fat tires will also help you balance.
To compensate for the fat tires, the bike has a rigid and solid frame. The frame is made from aluminum alloy making is lighter than carbon steel bikes. This bike has a weight of 55 pounds with the battery and can carry a maximum load of 260 pounds.
The size of the frame makes the bike ideal for a wide rider height range. The handlebars are not adjustable, but you can adjust the height of the seat. This can make the bike slightly uncomfortable for taller people who need to bend when riding. However, as this is an outdoor bike and not a city bike, the riding position makes more sense.
The battery powering this bike is a 36V lithium battery. This battery is removable and you can charge it either on or off the bike. It is a high capacity battery offering a travel distance of up to 25 miles on a full charge.
To fully charge the battery, you will need to wait for 5 to 8 hours which is more than some other batteries. To tell if the battery is fully charged, there is a green light that turns on. The battery has a lifespan of 400 to 600 cycles.
The battery powers the brushless geared rear hub motor. This is a very powerful 500-watt motor capable of speeds of up to 23 mph. The power of the motor is important when you are off road. You can easily take on big hills with little pedal power.
To keep up with your speed, the bike comes with an LCD display panel. The panel allows you to set a speed limit for the bike. This will stop you from going to fast.
The Riding Modes
As with other electric bikes, this one comes with 3 riding modes. The first is pedal-powered where you do all the work. The second is throttle work where the battery and motor do all the work.
The last mode is pedal-assisted. When you use this mode, pedaling will be easier and you can go further on a single battery charge. To change between modes, you will need to use the throttle to engage the motor.
All riding modes are helped by the Shimano Acera 7-speed rear derailleur. This is ideal for the casual rider as well as someone who wants to push the bike. The number of gears also helps you achieve the right ride for the conditions.
While speeding forward is important, braking on unstable terrain can be a challenge. This is not too hard with the dual brakes this bike offers. The are front and rear Tektro Novela mechanical disc brakes. There is also an outage braking system that gives extra force if you need to bring the bike to a sudden stop.
Everything in this bike combines to make it an outdoor monster. That is why it is disappointing that fenders are not included. The fat tires of this bike are more likely to kick up sand, stones, mud, and water. Without any fenders, this will all end up on you which can be a nightmare. You will either need to purchase fenders separately or wear protective cycling clothing.
If you are prone to heading off the beaten track, the ECOTRIC Fat Tire electric bike is the best option. The fat tires cushion you and stabilize the bike on unstable terrain. You also get a powerful battery and motor to charge through any weather and terrain.
According to New York State law, fully motorized electric bikes are illegal. This means electric bikes like the ANCHEER AN-EB005 cannot be used in NYC. Any electric bike that does not need you to pedal is illegal, but pedal-assist electric bikes are legal.
The best electric bike for the city will be one that you can boost with a motor, but still needs you to pedal. Most electric bikes will fall into this category. Beyond this, you should consider what you want from a bike and which one offers the most comfortable ride.
How Fast Can an Electric Bike Go?
The speed achieved by electric bikes will vary depending on the battery and motor. The weight the bike is carrying will also impact the speed. The more powerful the battery and motor, the faster the bike is going to go.
If you use the bike in pedal-assist mode, the bike will go as fast as you can pedal. Most electric bikes are will stop providing assistance when a speed of 20 mph is achieved. If you use the bike in pure throttle mode, a speed of 25 mph on average can be achieved.
How Long Does an Electric Bike’s Battery Last?
The lifetime of an electric bike battery is usually calculated in number of recharge cycles and not years. The most powerful batteries will have a lifespan of 1000 charges. The more common lithium-ion batteries will have a lifespan of approximately 800 cycles.
This number of charges will generally translate to a lifespan in years of 4 years. The lifespan will be shorter if you recharge the battery more often.
What Should I Look for When Buying an Electric Bike?
There are a lot of things to consider when buying an electric bike. One of the most important is the battery followed by the motor. This will affect how powerful the bike is and how far you can travel on a single charge.
You should then look at the usual considerations when buying a bike such as the size of the bike. The stability of the frame and any other features you need should then be considered. After all, you do not want to get a standard bike if you need one that can fold.
Are Electric Bikes Safe?
Electric bikes are safe as long as they are used correctly, but this is the same as a non-powered bike. Of course, there are some dangers that only apply to electric bikes, but many of them can be mitigated. One of the most commonly cited dangers is the battery catching fire. Almost 80% of the documented battery fires could have been prevented with proper care of the battery and battery enclosure.
Too much acceleration from a stop is another danger related to electric bikes. This can be mitigated by due care. Understanding how the bike works and when to apply the throttle will prevent any accidents from this danger.
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