Taking one of the best electric bicycles around town – or anywhere else – gives you an extra boost when you need it, making it easier for you to ascend hills and travel greater distances.
Especially in sunny weather, electric bikes are a great alternative to driving a car.
Electric bike or bikes are available for just about everyone, from mountain bikes to commuter bikes to large cargo bikes, and while many are still quite expensive, their prices are coming down. They are also all quite enjoyable to ride.
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20 Best Electric Bike To Buy In 2022
1. Rad Power RadCity 5 Plus
For the vast majority of riders, the Rad Power RadCity 5 Plus will be the best electric bike. It has a comfortable design, plenty of power, and a multitude of mounting points for things such as baskets and child seats.
Plus, it comes with a rear rack and mudguards. Its 7-speed shifter, combined with three levels of pedal assistance and a twist throttle is more than enough to get you up even the steepest of hills.
We really enjoyed pedaling around on this bike, which is offered in both step-through and step-over models.
Its battery, while not fully integrated into the downtube, provides plenty of range, and can also be used to charge your phone (with the right adapter). At a starting price of $1,999, it’s reasonably affordable, too.
2. Aventon Soltera
The price of electric bikes is coming down, but many of the best electric bikes still cost more than $1,500. The Aventon Soltera is a much more modestly priced model that sacrifices little in the name of economy. In our tests, we found it very comfortable to ride, and it looks great, too.
However, the Soltera’s rear hub motor does feel a little underpowered, especially on hills, and if you want the least expensive version, you’ll have to go with a single-gear model. Still, if you’re looking for a low-cost electric bike to get you around town, this is definitely a model to consider.
3. Charge Bikes City
If you plan on commuting to work, Charge Bikes City may well be the best ebike for you. Not only does it come with features like full-fenders to keep the mud off and a rear rack for a pack or bag, but it does everything well for a very reasonable price. The Charge City has a five level power assist, as well as a full-power throttle button, should the need or hill arise. It comes with all the necessary bells and whistles a commuter is going to want, including the bell (actually a superior and very loud electronic horn).
The handle bars fold flat, for easy storage in an apartment or cubicle, and the City’s electric support is so smooth you’ll think you’re doing all the work yourself. We were able to do three days plus of typical city commuting before having to re-charge. At night, the bike’s lights sufficiently lit up the road and the throttle helped us zip around potential trouble when we felt out of gas. Founded by folks from biking icon Cannondale, Charge’s sui generis feature is that even newbies can assemble the bike right out of the box in 10 minutes or less. All you basically have to do is put the front wheel on.
4. VanMoof S3
With sleek, clean lines, the VanMoof S3 is sure to turn heads, but this electric bike is more than just looks. It has an electronic shifter that automatically changes your gears and a boost which provides you an uphill assist. Once you connect the bike to your phone via Bluetooth, you get a bunch of other features, too: You can change when the bike shifts gears, change the sound of its electronic horn, and more. Best of all, you can lock the bike using your phone, and get an alert if someone tries to make off with it.
We loved riding the VanMoof S3; it’s no speed demon, but it’s a great bike for cruising around. And you’ll look great doing it, too. An update in April 2021 now lets you use Apple’s FindMy app to locate the VanMoof S3 and X3 in case it’s ever lost or stolen.
5. Gazelle Ultimate C380 HMB
The Gazelle Ultimate C380 HMB is one of the smoothest-riding electric bikes we’ve tested. Thanks to a Gates belt drive and seamless Enviolo shifter that allows you to change gears in the middle of a hill, everything about this bike is effortless. Its low-step frame is topped with a Selle Loire Gel seat with an internal compression post to soften the ride. The aluminum frame also has an internal front fork suspension system and removable battery to keep the whole design as svelte as possible.
The Gazelle has full mud guards, a metal belt guard (to keep your pants clean), kickstand, lights front and back, a rear rack with a built-in stretch bracket, and even an Axa Defender lock that immobilizes the rear wheel when you snap it shut and remove the key. But, all of this will cost you: The Gazelle Ultimate is a steep $4,800.
6. Biktrix Stunner X
The all-weather Biktrix Stunner X is equally at home in the mud and snow as it is on pothole-dotted city streets, keeping the rider comfortable and in control no matter the terrain or conditions. It’s got enough of a kick to get you up a gravel hill, and enough padding so that your ride doesn’t turn into a torture test.
Its Bafang 750W mid-drive motor is surprisingly powerful, and can be used in pedal-assist as well as throttle mode, for when you want to give your legs a break. While not as nimble as purpose-built electric mountain bikes, it performed admirably on mud-slicked roads. Our only real critique is that the Bafang controller was a bit difficult to master.
7. Aventon Aventure
If you’re looking for a fat-tire electric bike that’s less than $2,000, the Aventon Aventure is hard to beat. It’s as good off-road as it is on pavement, has a beefy battery and a clear color display, as well as fenders that’ll save your clothes from getting too muddy.
The Aventure has both pedal-assist and throttle modes, and the battery and wires are neatly integrated into the frame. What’s more, the battery can be removed for charging. While not as capable as a dedicated mountain bike, the Aventure was able to get us up and over hilly terrain, though there was a minor lag in the power boost. Still, for the price, it’s a tradeoff that’s more than acceptable.
8. Swift Volt
The best electric bikes aren’t cheap; most models start at $1,500 and go up from there. If you’re looking for something more affordable, then the Swft Volt is worth a look. It’s reasonably powerful, has both pedal-assist and a throttle, and has enough range to get you a good distance. For better or worse, it doesn’t look like an e-bike, either.
However, this bike is not without its compromises: It only has one gear, its battery is not removable, and its display is rather basic. It also required a bit more setup than most other electric bikes we’ve tested. But, at this price, it’s a good alternative for those with a limited budget.
9. Yuba Supercargo CL
The Yuba Supercargo CL can haul an astounding 500 pounds, making it one of the heftiest electric cargo bikes in its class. Yet, it offers a surprisingly stable ride, thanks to its low center of gravity. Its cargo area is very customizable, letting you convert it from a place to carry groceries to a space to tote your tots to soccer practice.
Magna hydraulic brakes and a Bosch mid-drive motor were very responsive, though the relatively small 20-inch tires and lack of suspension did make bumps feel a bit jarring. The Supercargo CL starts at around $6,000, but is incredibly customizable; you can select from a range of accessories to adapt the cargo area to suit your needs.
10. Urban Arrow Family
While a lot of cargo ebikes can carry kids, the Urban Arrow Family is the best electric bike for the job. We really liked its stability and the ease with which we could start this massive bike from a dead stop. This is not a small bike: it’s 9 feet long and weighs 110 pounds, which is a good thing that it also has one of the best kickstands we’ve seen yet from a bike.
The cargo area is made of thick EPP foam, which is designed to absorb impacts. The seats — there are also adjustable seatbelts — are also fairly low, which keeps the center of gravity low. As you might expect from such a large bike, its range is fairly limited — around 31 miles — but the battery is removable. Overall, it offers an incredibly smooth ride for its size.
11. Giant Trance E + 1 Pro
Even mountain bikers can use a boost now and then. The Giant Trance E +1 Pro is a full-featured mountaineer that’s on the heavy side at over 50 pounds but does remarkably well getting tossed around on rocky routes. There’s no big display to tell you about power modes—just LEDs to indicate power levels. On the other hand, you should be keeping your head up looking for the next hillock so you don’t do a face plant anyway.
This best electric bike for mountain bikers includes Giant’s popular Maestro suspension package, which handles the extra weight with aplomb; and the big Shimano hydraulic disc brakes have plenty of stopping power to keep it all under control. The bike is also available in four sizes, so it should fit most riders. If you’re looking for help climbing rugged trails, this is your bike. Just don’t expect to easily pop it into the air very often.
12. Gocycle G4i+
The Gocycle G4i+ looks like something a supercar designer would build, which isn’t surprising given that it was conceived by former McLaren sports car engineer Richard Thorpe. Not only is this bike’s unique wheels-on-one-side and tapered body eye-catching, it is also able to fold up in a couple of minutes into a size small enough to get by security and into the office elevator. At 36 pounds, it’s one of the lightest folding electric bikes out there, too.
Despite that, this bike was a real pleasure to ride. Its electric shifter responded near instantly, as did the pedal assist and throttle. However, while the G4i+ has daytime running lights, you’ll have to pay extra for a legit headlight, as well as mudguards. Also, the G4i+ has a great smartphone app, but one of the flimsiest methods of holding your phone on the bike itself — a cheap solution for a bike that costs six grand.
If you’re looking for something slightly more affordable, GoCycle also sells the G4i ($4,999) and the G4 ($3,999).
13. Brompton Electric H6L
If you’re looking for something more affordable than the GoCycle, the Brompton Electric H6L is the best electric folding bike. It’s also very small and compact, weighing just 34 pounds, yet its 250W motor is strong enough to get you around with plenty of zip. Its battery, which comes in a removable bag that’s also great for storing other things, provides up to 45 miles of range — a good long way.
We also like that the H6L has a second pair of tiny wheels that make it a lot easier to roll the bike around when it’s folded. Just keep in ming that this commuter-focused bike has smallish 16-inch wheels, so it’s not meant to handle rougher roads.
14. Aventon Level
The Aventon Level is the sleeper car of city and commuter e-bikes. Similar to a Volvo V70 R wagon, the Level is practical, understated, but also packs a punch. The Level cuts the same profile as many other commuter-styled bikes on the market: upright geometry, full fenders, rear cargo rack, kickstand, and subdued graphics. It is not until you jump onto the bike, and give the throttle a blip, that you realize the Aventon Level has some serious muscle behind that reserved exterior.
Providing the Level’s muscle is a rear hub motor, which puts out 500 Watts of sustained, and 750 Watts at peak power. Feeding the motor is a 672 Watt hour lithium-ion rechargeable battery, housed cleanly inside the bike’s downtube. The 8-speed Shimano drivetrain clicks through gears effortlessly, the SR Suntour fork soaks up cracks in the pavement well, and the e-bike rated 27.5″x2.2″ Kenda tires rolled smoothly and without additional noise.
15. Aventon Pace 350 Step-Through
The $1,000 price level is where e-bikes can get sketchy: Lithium-ion battery technology is still pricey, so corners must be cut elsewhere to keep costs down. At $1,199, the Aventon Pace 350 is one such bike, but our test revealed it’s not too cheap to be quality. The Class 2 e-bike rolls on 27.5×2.2-inch Kenda Kwick Seven Sport tires, stops via Tektro mechanical disc brakes, and tops out at 20 mph, whether you get there by pedal-assist or a throttle.
A 7-speed Shimano Tourney drivetrain and five levels of e-assist provide you with various pedaling options. You don’t get fenders or integrated lights, but the Pace 350 felt totally viable for daily commuting. If you want to be more noticeable to motorists, go for the white frame, which looks sharp against the black components.
16. Charge City
One of the best e-bikes is Charge City. Charge City is a smartly equipped commuter. This Class 2 e-bike has a hub motor, five levels of pedal assist, and a throttle. But it also comes with fenders, a rear rack, and running lights (nice additions at this price). Anyone with space issues will appreciate the folding pedals and handlebar (a flip of a lever at the stem rotates it 90 degrees). The Charge is available with a low-step or standard frame and comes in four pleasing colors (red, blue, silver, and turquoise). and in one size only (it fits riders 5-foot-1 to 6 feet).
17. Cannondale Adventure Neo 4
The Adventure Neo 4 is a classy-looking, modern city, and commuter e-bike. The Neo 4 eschews some of the bulkier features—suspension fork, rack, and fenders—of the Neo 3 we reviewed for a lighter, zippier ride. The Bosch Active Line motor and 27.5″x2.2″ Kenda tires move the Neo along smoothly while the Shimano hydraulic disc brakes provide powerful stopping power.
18. Aventon Soltera
This affordable single-speed model from Aventon delivers simplicity and style that is tough to beat. The bike also comes as a 7-speed geared option, but we like the easy maintenance and convenience of this one-speeder. Simply push the throttle to get started and the brushless hub motor kicks in, assisting you more gently as you start pedaling.
There are disc brakes (on the 7-speed) or rim brakes (on the singlespeed) and an integrated light. The battery is hidden in the bike’s frame, a surprising feature compared to the bolt-on vibe of many bikes in this price range. Best for smoother roads and bike paths, the Soltera delivers the most essential features a city rider needs in a strikingly light 41-pound package.
19. Gazelle Ultimate C380
Nothing about this thoughtfully designed and equipped model looks or feels cheap. There’s a sleek, 500Wh battery in the down tube, a ring lock on the rear wheel, reliable hydraulic disc brakes, an adjustable dynamo-powered headlight, and a taillight cleverly integrated into the rear rack. Looks aside, a bike has to ride well, too. And the C380 does. Powered by a Bosch Performance Line 3.0 mid-drive motor, the bike steadily hums along paved and unpaved surfaces at up to 20mph, and its low step-through frame is pleasantly stable and balanced.
Busy people will love the low-maintenance belt drive and Enviolo Trekking Manual stepless gear system, which has all the gearing you want for typical urban—and suburban—hills. Add in comfort touches, like ergo leather grips, a squishy Selle Royal saddle, and a bit of suspension in the steerer tube and seatpost, and the C380 is a smart choice for riders who want an upscale downtown e-bike—and who want to feel good about their investment.
20. Trek Allant+ 9.9S Stagger
The Trek Allant+ 9.9S is a fully focused, I-have-someplace-to-be, don’t-get-in-my-way e-rocket ship with the aggressive geometry to match. It has a full carbon frame and fork, Shimano XT drivetrain and brakes, and a Bosch Performance Speed motor (that means it tops out at 28mph).
Even more good news for the dedicated commuter: It’s compatible with Range Boost, which lets you piggyback a 500Wh Bosch battery to the already frame-integrated 625Wh Bosch PowerTube, almost doubling your range.
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CONCLUSION
Electric bikes have an electric motor attached to a traditional bicycle frame to further assist you with pedaling, so they can deliver more propulsion than you can provide on your own. In other words, you don’t exert as much energy as you would if you rode a free-wheeling bicycle. This is especially true of hilly terrain, where an ebike can make a steep hill as easy as riding on flat ground. Depending on the model, some ebikes come equipped with a throttle so you don’t even need to pedal.
To summarize, electric bikes require less effort and are often faster than other modes of transportation.