Our tests show that the best electric bikes tend to cost more because they have higher-quality components and—in many cases—come from a big-name brand.
Because there are as many types of electric bikes as there are conventional ones—commuters, cruisers, folding bikes, road bikes, mountain bikes, and cargo bikes—it’s important to consider which variety will work best for you. There are also three classes of e-bike: Class 1, 2, and 3. Class 1 bikes require pedal effort to activate the electric motor, with e-assist topping out at 20 mph. Class 2 bikes have a hand-operated throttle lever that allows electric cruising without pedaling, and e-assist also tops out at 20 mph. Class 3 bikes are pedal assist-only, with electric power cutting off at 28 mph. CR doesn’t test Class 3 bikes.
