The Best E-Bikes for Every Type of Cyclist
We are at the center of an international surge in e-bike sales. With so many companies making battery-powered bikes of all types—from big names in “analog” bikes like Trek and Cannondale to countless fly-by-night companies offering fake rides through the mail—it can be difficult to know where to start . So start here.
The bikes listed below have either received positive reviews from Lifehacker staff or are highly rated by reputable sources. Our focus is on affordable shared electric bikes; we’ll save the $10,000 superbikes for another time. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or for someone lucky on your list, there’s something here to suit your needs.
Best Overall
Aventon Pace 500.3 (currently $1,599)
No e-bike can be everything to everyone, but the Pace 500.3 comes close. It’s affordable, well designed and class 3, so it’s powerful enough to keep up with any e-bike on the bike path. This spirited commuter hits the bull’s-eye between “high performance” and “beginner-friendly.”
Read my full review of the Aventon Pace 500.3 .
Where to buy Aventon Pace 500.3
Best budget electric bike
Propella 7S (now $899)
The Propella 7S is a lightweight and stylish bike that is fun to ride even without the extra power of the engine. If you want to pay under a thousand for an e-bike for city riding that performs well and looks smart, this is the bike for you.
Read my full review of the Propella 7S.
Runner-up: JackRabbit OG ($999).
This tiny pedalless “micro-e-bike” expands the definition of the word “bicycle.” It weighs just 24 pounds, travels at 20 mph, and costs less than $1,000. As Eletrek puts it : “For the city dweller or college student trying to get around campus, the JackRabbit is the perfect vehicle.”
Best folding e-bike
Portola Ride1Up ($995)
Lifehacker’s Daniel Oropeza reports that Ride1Up’s Portola “fits my Toyota Corolla, which is amazing and very practical. It’s easy to fold and fits neatly in my living room. It’s great for people who like to take it with them on trips or for those with small apartments.”
Second place: Montague M-E1
A full-size bike with 28-inch wheels that folds easily enough to store under your bed, Wired says the Montague M-E1 is “pretty damn close to perfect.”
Best all-round e-bike
RadRunner 3 Plus ($2,299)
The RadRunner 3 Plus is the SUV of e-bikes. It will happily eat up suburban streets, gravel roads and everything in between. Powerful, easy to use, incredibly customizable and fun to ride, the RadRunner 3 plus is the best all-around e-bike in its class.
Read my full review of the Radrunner 3 Plus.
Second Place: Co-op Cycles Generation e1.1 (currently $898.93)
CNN said REI’s e1.1 generation is “a near-perfect all-around bike for first-time e-bike riders or those interested in electric and looking for a new affordable ride.” Alternatively, you can get it at your local REI.
Where to buy the Cycles Generation e1.1 cooperative electric bike
Best cruising electric bike
Electra Loft, go! 7D EQ ($2,000)
According to Wired , Electra Loft Go! The 7D EQ is the perfect all-around cruiser for beginners: “If you want to bike on the beach or around the neighborhood, but are scared of electric bikes—or even bikes in general, what the hell—this is a great place. begin.”
Where to buy Electra Loft Go! 7D equalizer
Runner-up: Ride1Up Cafe Cruiser (currently $1,195).
A comfortable, smooth cruiser that can easily reach speeds of nearly 30 mph, the Cafe Cruiser from Ride 1Up is not for beginners. But once you get used to the serious kick under the hood, the Cafe Cruiser is a cool-looking vehicle that will be as at home at the local coffee shop as it is on a long road trip.
Read my full review of the Ride1Up Cafe Cruiser.
Where to buy Ride1Up Cafe Cruiser
Best Commuter Bike
Aventon Pace 500.3 (currently $1,599)
If you want the most commuter e-bike for your money, I haven’t seen anything better than the entry-level Aventon Class 3 e-bike. The Pace 500.3 tops out at 48 mph but looks and rides like a friendly pacer, making it fun for beginners and riders alike. and experienced riders. Highly recommended.
Read my full review of the Aventon Pace 500.3.
Where to buy Aventon Pace 500.3
Runner-up: Heybike Cityscape ($679.99)
Popular Mechanics magazine gave Heybike’s Cityscape a 4.6 out of 5 rating, praising its step-through frame, swept-back handlebars, smooth shifting thanks to a seven-speed Shimano drivetrain, and integrated rear cargo rack.