Walk through any metropolitan area and you’ll probably see a few electric bikes buzzing by.
An increasingly popular mode of transportation, electric bikes aren’t only convenient, but they’re a more sustainable solution to gas-guzzling cars–and a lot cheaper.
If you’re looking for a comfortable way to navigate around town without putting a dent in your wallet, then electric bikes are for you.
Keep reading to learn about our top five choices for the best electric bikes on the market.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Cyrusher XF900 All-Terrain Electric Bike
Budget Option
HeyBike Cityscape Electric Bike
Best Mini
Sailnovo Electric Bike
Best Overall
Cyrusher XF900 All-Terrain Electric Bike
The Cyrusher XF900 All-Terrain Electric Bike earns the top spot on our list of best electric bikes for its long-lasting battery, long distance riding, and terrain versatility.
As one of its most convenient features, this bike can cruise up to 62 miles on a single charge! You’ll always know how much battery is left and how fast you’re riding, thanks to a large LED smart screen. Equipped with a powerful motor and high-quality front-and-rear suspension, you can expect a smooth, controlled ride wherever you go. Choose from a 17Ah or 20Ah battery.
Another reason why this is one of the best electric bikes is because of its capacity to seamlessly transition between city and off-road cycling. You can use it as a commuter bike during the work week and explore off-the-beaten-path sights on the weekends! The bike even has a USB charging port on its side, so you can charge your phone and small electronics on the go.
Sleek and stylish, this bike is available in yellow, blue, and white. It’s suitable for riders between 5’7″ and 6’6″ and has a maximum weight capacity of 330 lbs. If you should encounter any difficulties, this bike comes with a two-year warranty. Conveniently, it also arrives 90% assembled for easy setup.
Pros
- Designed to use in cities and for off-road biking
- Long-lasting battery
- Carries a two-year warranty
Cons
- Not suitable for shorter riders
Most Budget-Friendly
HeyBike Cityscape Electric Bike
The HeyBike Cityscape Electric Bike is our pick for the best electric bike in the budget-friendly category. If you plan to use your bike mostly for commuting or if you’re just getting acclimated with electric bikes in general, this product is a great choice for you.
This electric bike has a carbon steel frame, 26″ puncture-resistant tires, dual shock absorbers, an adjustable seat, and a tail light. Its step-through geometry frame and wide swept-back handlebar make it easy to mount and dismount without trouble. To charge, simply plug its removable battery into a USB port.
One of the major reasons why it’s one of the best electric bikes is because it offers three working modes: manual, pedal-assist, and pure electric. The manual mode allows you to use the bike as you would a regular bike and power your way by pedaling. The pedal-assist mode will automatically kick in the throttle when needed to help you get where you’re going. Use the electric mode to whip around without pedaling at all.
Available in black or white, this bike is designed for citybike use only. Equipped with a 10Ah battery, riders can travel up to 40 miles per charge using pedal assist and up to 25 miles on pure electric. The top speed on this bike is 19 miles per hour. The recommended rider height is 5’4″ to 6’5″ and the maximum weight capacity is 264 lbs.
Pros
- Competitive pricing
- Three working modes allow you to pedal or use the throttle
- Charges easily with a USB charging port
Cons
- Designed for city use only; not to be used on rough terrain
- Rides up to 25 miles on pure electric; this range may be too short for some riders
Best Mini
Sailnovo Electric Bike
Not all electric bikes come in one standard size. Rather, there are some smaller options that you can use to whizz around town leisurely or to run quick errands. The Sailnovo Electric Bike is the best electric bike in the mini category to earn a spot on our list, and it comes complete with several functional details.
Like the bike mentioned earlier, this mini bike also has three riding modes: manual, pedal-assist, and electric. It has an aluminum frame, 14″ tires, rear suspension, an adjustable seat, a horn, and a bright LED headlamp for riding at night. An LCD screen displays the battery level and speed at all times, so you’ll never have to wonder how much power is left. Another great feature that makes it one of the best electric bikes is that it’s foldable!
The bike comes with a 10.4Ah battery and charger, so you can plug it into a standard wall outlet whenever needed. Just remember to make sure the bike is unplugged before riding! It can travel 20 to 25 miles on a single charge with a maximum speed of 18.6 miles per hour.
Made for adults and teenagers alike, this bike is suitable for riders between 4’10” and 5’10”, and has a maximum weight capacity of 264.5 lbs. Choose from four colors.
Pros
- Three working modes allow you to pedal or use the throttle
- Folding, travel-friendly design
Cons
- Not suitable for taller riders
- Rides 20 to 25 miles on pure electric; this range may be too short for some riders
- For city use only
Best for Shorter Riders
Cyrusher Ovia Step-Through ebike
Not every standard bike is designed to fit riders of all sizes. The Cyrusher Ovia Step-Through ebike deserves a spot on our list of best electric bikes, because it’s a top choice for shorter riders.
This bike has a low clearance frame that makes mounting and dismounting a breeze. Described as an “approachable” bike, it’s ideal for someone who wants to be comfortable traveling on and around sidewalks, bike paths, and light trails. However, it offers the added bonus of being able to tackle tougher trails if needed. The bike’s name, Ovia, reflects this. Ovia translates to “obvious” in Spanish and sums up the bike’s easy-to-use and navigational design.
It offers front and rear suspension, an adjustable seat, strong fenders, fat tires for gripping and cushioning, and a rack, as well as a 3.7″ LCD display. Available in red, gray, and white, it can travel up to 52 miles on a single charge. It’s suitable for riders 5’3″ to 6’6″ and has a maximum weight capacity of 330 lbs. Best of all and another best electric bike feature, it comes with a two-year warranty!
Pros
- Suitable for shorter riders and riders with limited mobility
- Comes with a two-year warranty
- For use in cities and rougher terrain
Cons
- Higher price point
Best For Taller/Heavier Riders
Cyrusher Kuattro Step-Through Electric Bike
The Cryusher Kuattro Step-Through Electric Bike earns a spot on our list of best electric bikes for being a top choice for taller and heavier-set riders. Comfort is key when selecting an electric bike, and this model has a taller frame and bigger tires; this provides the dual-purpose of added cushion that allows more types of terrain riding.
This bike features gripping fat tires, adjustable handlebars and seat, front suspension, and a big-screen smart display. It’s named after the Spanish word “cuatro,” meaning four, because its two fat tires feel like the support of four tires. With this bike, you’ll experience a smooth ride, even on heavy-duty, rough terrain.
With its 17Ah battery, this bike can travel up to 50 miles on a single charge. It’s suitable for riders 5’4″ to 6’6″ and has a maximum weight capacity of 330 lbs. If you should experience any issues, it comes with a two-year warranty on the bike and parts, and a one-year warranty on the battery. Available in cyan and white.
Pros
- Designed for riders with limited mobility to get on and off the bike easily
- Designed to support taller and heavier riders up to 330 lbs.
- Comes with a 2-year warranty
Cons
- Not suitable for shorter riders
Electric Bike Buyer’s Guide
When you’re looking to purchase one of the best electric bikes for yourself, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. These considerations include the bike classifications, the types of electric bikes available, and the added features.
Classifications
When you choose the best electric bike for you, it’s important to know that electric bikes fall under three categories: Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3.
Class 1 Electric Bikes
Class 1 electric bikes are pedal-assisted bikes. These bikes can’t move on their own and require the rider to pedal to get started. The motor kicks in only after the rider is already pedaling, and because these bikes don’t have full-throttle capabilities, the rider must always pedal to some capacity. The pedal-assist automatically shuts off once the bike reaches 20 miles per hour.
Class 2 Electric Bikes
Class 2 electric bikes have a throttle and motor. These bikes don’t require the rider to pedal because you can start moving using only the throttle. However, these bikes also allow the rider to switch to pedal-assist mode if they want more physical activity from their ride. Like Class 1 e-bikes, the pedal-assist shuts off automatically once the bike reaches 20 miles per hour.
Class 3 Electric Bikes
Class 3 electric bikes are similar to Class 2 bikes, but they have a more powerful motor and throttle. If you’re looking for the best of the best electric bikes, Class 3 is the choice for you. These bikes don’t require the rider to pedal. Class 3 e-bikes can go into pedal-assist mode, which will automatically shut off once the bike reaches 28 miles per hour. Because of their faster speed, however, Class 3 e-bikes aren’t legal to ride in some areas, like trails, bike paths, or bike lanes.
Types of Electric Bikes
Another detail you’ll want to consider when choosing the best electric bike for you, is the type of e-bike you’re looking for. There are different kinds of e-bikes available and all of them offer unique features. The kinds of e-bikes available include:
- Cargo bikes
- Commuter bikes
- Cruisters
- Folding bikes
- Mountain bikes
- Road bikes
Some electric bikes offer combined features. For example, it’s possible to purchase a commuter or mountain bike that’s also a folding bike. The best electric bike will have the functions to get you where you want to go, in the environment you’re in, i.e. city versus terrain.
Features
Functionality is key when you’re hunting for the best electric bike to accommodate your needs and style of riding. Some of the key features involve the bike’s battery and motor and are all matters of preference.
Motor
Some electric bikes have motors that are mounted in the bottom bracket and others have motors mounted in the rear hub. Motors are typically mounted in the bottom bracket, where the pedals are located, for pedal-assisted bikes. There is a benefit to having the motor mounted here: it allows a wider range of gears. Bikes with a motor located in the rear hub are limited in terms of the number of gears, which can affect the battery life of the motor. The superior choice when considering the best electric bikes, are batteries mounted to the bottom bracket.
Battery
An obvious benefit to electric bikes is that it’s a means of transportation that doesn’t require gasoline or even manpower. Nonetheless, you’ll still need to charge the battery. Some electric bikes have removable batteries and others have batteries that are built-in to the frame. With removable batteries, you have the ability to charge the battery away from the bike, such as at work. E-bikes with built-in batteries require you to plug in the battery while it remains in the bike.
Don’t Forget to Wear a Helmet!
Before you embark on an adventure with your electric bike, don’t forget to wear a helmet. Even if you have the best electric bike on the market, product quality doesn’t necessarily prevent bumps, falls, and collisions.
Electric Bike Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to know before riding an electric bike?
One of the most important nuances to know before riding an electric bike is that you’ll need to use your brakes early. Electric bikes are both heavier and faster than your standard bicycle, and these factors will influence the amount of time and distance it takes to stop the bike. You should remain constantly aware of your surroundings and give yourself more than enough time to brake when needed.
Should I leave my electric bike battery plugged in all the time?
No, you should not leave your electric bike’s battery plugged in all the time. Leaving the battery plugged in will not produce an overcharged battery. Once the battery is fully charged, the charger will stop doing its job.
Wrapping Up On The Best Electric Bikes
Electric bikes are a fun and convenient way to cruise around town or hit the trails and explore nature. Depending on the model you choose, e-bikes are great to bring with you on trips, whether you’re camping, hitting the beach, or peeping at the sights. When you’re ready for an e-bike, consider one of the best electric bikes mentioned in our list, like the Cyrusher XF900 All-Terrain Electric Bike.
Interested in checking out some of the best bike trails in Minneapolis? Check out our page, The Best Minneapolis Bike Trails: A Guide to Exploring the City on Two Wheels, to learn more!