Riding a bike is a great way to relieve stress and experience nature. And we’re not just talking about the kind of bike riding that makes you sweat—electronic bikes are a great option to get out and enjoy the outdoors without the sweat. Electric bikes also reduce traffic, save money since they don’t require gas to operate, and are environmentally friendly. Plus, they’re fun to ride.
Considering the Cost of an Electric Bike
The cost of an electric bike is often the biggest challenge people share when they’re thinking about purchasing one, and issues related to COVID-19 and supply chain issues haven’t helped. However, if you consider the price of an unreliable vehicle that might still cost you a few thousand dollars compared to a reliable electric bike that will cost around the same amount or less, it can be an investment worth making. Also, many companies offer financing options for electric bikes, some banks provide financing options under vehicle financing, and some local communities and utility companies offer incentives for using a bike instead of a vehicle for transportation.
The Best Electric Bikes
Here is a breakdown of seven of the best electric bikes available, based on the need and rider.
1. The Overall Best Electric Bike for Most Newbies
The Trek FX+2 is an entry-level commuter electric bicycle that’s reasonably priced and suitable for most people. Here are some of its specs:
- It comes in a step-through and step-over version.
- It’s light at 40 pounds.
- It comes with Trek’s 250-watt hub motor that is proprietary, along with a 250-watt-hour battery.
- The bike offers the standard nine-speed Shimano shifters.
- It comes with hydraulic disc brakes and fast road bike wheels.
- There are fun extras, like a bell, fenders, a rear rack, integrated lights, and a kickstand.
2. Another Solid Electric Bike for Newbies
The Cowboy 4 ST is a great option for beginners. It offers a lot of great features at a relatively low price point for those starting out.
- This bike offers a beautiful style.
- It’s low-maintenance and easy to assemble.
- You can utilize an app to check the battery level.
- The battery pops easily in and out of the frame for inside charging.
- Lights turn on automatically when it becomes dark.
- Offers a carbon belt drive, which is great at this price point.
- It might not have enough power to get up hills due to the low 250-watt power output of the rear hub motor.
- The bike is optimized for those who are 5’6” or taller.
- Offers a high-top tube and a step-through version.
- You have to have an app to unlock it.
3. The Best Electric Bike for Families
Urban Arrow Family Electric Cargo Bike
The Urban Arrow Family Electric Cargo Bike is perfect for families, with its cargo space that allows for children and the necessities you might need to bring along on your ride. Here are some of the benefits and considerations for this option:
- Offers maneuverability and comfort.
- Its variable shifters allow you to downshift even if the bike is standing still.
- It has a walk assistance that allows you to push the bike to a stopping point, which you can then downshift once stopped.
- You can pedal upward at the power level and torque of your choice.
- It has a powerful Bosch Cargo Liner motor. It can also be purchased with a Bosch Performance motor when in stock.
- It’s best used on smoother roads and streets since it lacks suspension.
4. The Best Electric Bike for Road Racers
The Prolog is a daily commuter perfect for those who want a sense of luxury while racing down the road. The benefits and considerations of the Prolog are:
- It’s made of reliable components from well-known, high-quality manufacturers, making it easy to repair when needed.
- It offers a Shimano gravel-specific gearing system.
- The bike comes equipped with Panabaker gravel tires and a one-button Mahle drive system.
- You can go really fast as it’s extremely lightweight.
- It’s a nice-looking bike with fancy fenders and a matte paint job.
5. The Best Electric Bike for Ease of Storage
Montague M-E1 Folding Electric Bike
It is possible to purchase an electric bike that folds, which allows for easy storage. Sometimes, people steer clear of a folding bike due to its smaller nature, but the M-E1 doesn’t present that issue. Here are some of the benefits and considerations for this option:
- It’s full-size, like a non-folding bike
- It has reliable manufacturers.
- It offers a comfortable seat and Shimano hydraulic disc brakes.
- The M-E1 offers lots of bells and whistles, including fenders, integrated lights, an easy-to-read display, and a removable battery.
6. The Best Ebike for Mountain Riders
Though some feel people should avoid using electric bikes on trails in the wild, others disagree. If you’re looking for an ideal mountain rider, here’s why the Canyon Spectral: ON CFR might be for you:
- It offers a larger 29-inch front wheel with a smaller 27.5-inch back wheel.
- The bike comes with a full-carbon frame with rear and front suspension.
- You have the option of a 720- or a 900-watt-hour battery
7. The Best Quality Affordable Ebike for All Riders
The Propella 7-Speed is the best bike you’ll get for close to $1,000. It’s very difficult to find a quality electric bike that’s reliable. Here’s why you might opt for the Propella 7-Speed:
- It comes with trustworthy components, including Shimano disc brakes and a Samsung battery.
- You get cool accessories, like a suspension seat.
- The bike ships directly to you, so you can avoid the bike shop.
- Because it’s a direct-to-consumer bike and Propella tends to update its bikes regularly, your local bike shop might have challenges repairing it.
Final Words on Buying an Electric Bike
If you’re considering your first electric bike, it’s probably best to buy one from a local bike store vs. direct-to-order. You’ll want to test out the bike to know how it feels when you ride it, and you can only do that in the store. That way, you can try out a few options and price ranges to see which will work for your needs.