The Greatest E-Bikes of 2023

The e-bike industry experienced meteoric growth following the pandemic, leading to a dearth of options for the modern commuter. While the industry initially focused on electric assist cargo bikes, now you’re just as likely to see electric cruisers, mountain bikes, gravel bikes, fat bikes, and folding bikes cruising local roads and trails.

Our team spent 3 months and 5,000 collective miles putting 20 different e-bikes to the test, with 12 making the cut for our list of recommendations. We’re confident our time and effort will help you narrow your search and choose the right e-bike for your unique needs.

Listed here are our favorite bikes of the bunch. Each entry has been thoroughly ridden and tested, with special attention to fit and feel, maintenance, and build difficulty. We highlight the key aspects you need to consider when purchasing an e-bike, including range, top speed, and carrying capacity.

We also list the appropriate surfaces for each bike based on our experience. Use the links below to jump to the type of e-bike that piques your interest or scroll along and take in the full breadth of our review. Use our comparison chart for a side-by-side look at specs and features and be sure to read our buyer’s guide so you know what to look for when considering an e-bike.

The Best E-Bikes of 2023

E-Bike Comparison Chart

Why You Should Trust Us

We love bikes and rode a fleet of e-bikes for several months. The testing team is headed by Chelsey Magness, the current 24-hour mountain biking world champion, and includes many professional athletes as well as an entire neighborhood of moms, dads, bike commuters, bike mechanics, a few totally novice riders, and even one prolific DIY e-bike builder.

Most of the bikes were tested over the course of several months in Bend, Oregon with its nationally renowned bike infrastructure and culture that includes hundreds of miles of trails, dirt roads, gravel paths, and paved bike lanes. Additionally, we tested bikes in deep sand and washouts, horse-trails, and even in light snow coverage.

We used the bikes for a wide variety of purposes: school drop-offs, overloaded grocery runs, geocaching adventures, night-time commuting, pub crawls, and lots and lots of just riding for fun.

Unless indicated, all bikes were built up from the box (as delivered) as well as maintained by our team (a few of whom have some basic bike maintenance skill). Every bike that made our list was tested by at least four different people, and we took individual praise and/or criticisms into account in our final review.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose an E-Bike

As E-Bikes gain popularity and new brands enter the market, choosing the best model for you can seem daunting. Shopping for a standard human-powered bike is already a complex process of sifting through specs and comparing components. E-bikes — with their batteries, motors, and throttles — give potential buyers with a lot to consider.

In this comprehensive buyer’s guide, we break down all of the variables and terminology that you need to make an informed purchase. From wheels to wattage, this guide has you covered. Once you’re primary bike needs are met, check out our guides on accessories like bike lights and bike racks.

Key E-Bike Terms to Know

Range

An e-bike’s range is the total distance it will go before the battery is depleted. Numerous factors affect range, including battery capacity, terrain, air temperature, and manual input from the rider’s pedaling. E-bike ranges have improved in recent years, but the spectrum still tops out at just over 100 miles.

In reality, most e-bikes fail to live up to their advertised range. The manufacturer will claim a range of 80 or 90 miles, and though those numbers may be technically reachable under very specific conditions, you likely won’t manage them during real-world use.

Ultimately, an e-bike’s range entirely depends on how much the rider pedals. If the rider pedals at 100% effort all the time, the range will be much greater than if the rider relies on the motor to do most of the work.

High-end e-bikes don’t necessarily have better ranges than more affordable options. Larger, heavier batteries have greater capacity, but you won’t find them on lightweight performance-minded models. There are many styles of e-bikes — from cargo to gravel to commuter — and all of them must deal with the challenge of mounting a heavy battery onto a bike frame.

As a rough reference, a robust cargo bike with top-end battery capacity, such as the Xtra Cycle Swoop, will have an average range between 25 and 65 miles. A carbon-framed speed demon like the eRonin will get somewhere between 30 and 100+ miles per full charge.

Throttle

An e-bike throttle works much like a motorcycle or electric scooter. In most cases, the throttle is integrated into the right-hand side of the handlebar for easy access while riding. Throttles provide on-demand power with no pedaling required. The presence of a throttle is part of what determines an e-bike’s class — which we explain later in this guide. Most of the bikes on this list have throttles.

Display

Like the instrument cluster in a vehicle’s dashboard, an e-bike’s display informs the user of facts and figures related to their ride and their bike’s performance. Most e-bike displays are small 1-3″ screens with options for switching between settings and modes. Most displays read out MPH, total trip mileage, current modes, and remaining battery life. Some e-bikes — such as the eRonin gravel bike — don’t have on-screen displays. Instead, this bike has a series of small buttons and indicator lights on the top tube — which makes sense for a carbon-framed performance bike.

Pedal-assist

Pedal assist is the primary e-bike mode. Also known as PAS (pedal assist system) pedal assist combines the active engagement of analog cycling with the commuting efficiency of an electric scooter.

In pedal assist mode, e-bikes use a drivetrain sensor that monitors the revolution of the pedals and engages the motor accordingly. With battery-powered assistance, people are able to enjoy longer rides on more challenging terrain with less physical output. Pedal assist is like having a strong tailwind at your command.

Many e-bikes have various PAS settings. In most cases, the greater the setting or level, the more assistance you’ll get from the motor. Low settings will feel much like riding a traditional bike, and high settings will have the bike doing most of the work. As more pedal assist is activated, the battery will deplete faster.

Regenerative Systems

Some e-bikes have regenerative systems that can recharge the battery while you’re braking or vigorously pedaling. A bike that can recharge while coasting downhill theoretically has a greater potential range than one that cannot.

In truth, gradient-assisted braking systems are still in their infancy, and most bikes that have them only see minute benefits. In very hilly areas, regenerative systems hold some value, but in our experience, this technology is still mostly a marketing ploy in the e-bike world.

Types of E-bikes: What Bike Is Best For Your Riding Style?

Just like analog bicycles, e-bikes come in a variety of styles, each with a different kind of rider in mind. Every bike is built for an intended application, which in turn dictates its components and design. Some bikes — like the Specialized Turbo Vado SL — cross the boundaries and exist in multiple categories simultaneously. For the most part, e-bikes lean into the commuter, cargo, mountain, or performance categories.

Commuter E-bikes

Commuter e-bikes are built to carry their rider from point A to point B. These bikes tend to be comfortable, streamlined, and relatively lightweight. On this list, the ET Cycle F1000 and the Specialized Turbo Vado SL are great commuter options, Both bikes have at least 8 gears, a comfortable saddle, and a rear storage rack. Gears aren’t strictly necessary on an e-bike, but they do help to expand your range, and they’re quite handy in hilly areas.

Commuter e-bikes are defined by reliable components and utilitarian styling. In most cases, commuter bikes are designed for paved surfaces.

Cargo E-bikes

Gas is expensive, and many families are looking to e-bikes as a potential car replacement now that they’ve become reliable and affordable. Cargo e-bikes are the ultimate stand-in for a full-size vehicle. Bikes in this class offer storage for standard day-to-day errands. With the right cargo e-bike, you can make a run to the grocery store, pick up your laundry, and even take your kid to school.

On this list, the X Cycle Swoop and the Yuba Kombi E5 are standout family cargo bikes. Both models are available with modular accessories that can be customized to fit the rider’s lifestyle From two-seat kid haulers to large front racks, these bikes are viable alternatives to a car payment.

Because cargo e-bikes tend to be large and heavy, many have options for multiple batteries, which may be a good option if you’re planning to consistently haul a lot of weight. Cargo bikes won’t offer the speed of performance models or the off-road capabilities of mountain bikes, but that’s not what they’re made for.

Mountain E-Bikes

Mountain E-bikes prioritize recreation over day-to-day utility. Just like analog mountain bikes, e-bikes in this category are built for slashing singletrack and crushing cross-country circuits. Standard features include full suspension, dropper seat posts, and large rugged tires.

On this list, the Specialized Turbo Levo Comp Alloy is a beast of a mountain bike. It’s got all of the high-end components we’d expect from a $7,500 Specialized model, plus a reliable frame-integrated battery and a mid-drive motor that cranks out 90Nm of torque.

If you love mountain biking but could use a little help on the climbing segments, mountain e-bikes are a glorious solution.

Performance E-Bikes

The performance category is all about speed and serious cycling. These bikes have top-notch components such as all-carbon frames and wireless shifting. All of the nonessentials are cut away to decrease weight and maximize in-motion mechanics. You won’t find any externally-mounted batteries here. The whole assist system is integrated into the frame.

Classes of E-Bikes

E-bikes are grouped into three classes. The class system helps lawmakers legislate e-bikes and their specifications. There are fundamental differences between each class.

Class 1

Class 1 e-bike motors only engage when the rider is pedaling. Once these bikes hit 20 mph, the motor will stop assisting. Class 1 models are ideal for cyclists who want a more traditional sans-throttle experience.

Class 2

Class 2 e-bikes do have a throttle, but it tops out at 20mph. The pedal assist modes in this class will also cease at 20mph. In some jurisdictions, class 2 is the most powerful legal option. Class 2 models may also be a good option for riders that don’t wish to travel at high speeds.

Class 3

Most of the bikes on this list are class 3. Class 3 e-bikes have pedal assist and throttle-only capabilities. Motors on class 3 models will power riders up to 28 mph. In recent years, class 3 e-bikes have become increasingly popular as vehicle replacements.

Types of Motors: Rear Hub vs. Mid-Drive

The vast majority of e-bikes are powered by either a rear hub motor or a mid-drive motor.

Rear hub motors are housed in the hub of the bike’s rear wheel. When engaged, rear-hub motors create the sensation of being pushed along from behind. Most commuter and cargo e-bikes are equipped with rear hub motors. A slight downside: rear hub motors create complications if you ever need to remove the rear wheel

Mid-drive motors are mounted directly to the crankshaft and the drivetrain, which creates a natural feeling of assistance because the power comes from the same place as an analog bike. Many e-mountain bikes utilize mid-drive motors. Unfortunately, mid-drive motors create significant wear and tear on the chain and gears over time.

On this list, the Biktrix Juggernaut has a rear hub motor while the Specialized Turbo Levo Comp sports a mid-drive.

Portability: Folding E-Bikes and Vehicle Rack Compatibility

E-bikes are notoriously heavy, so any increased portability that’s worked into the design can be a major asset.

While some standard bike racks are compatible with e-bikes, many are not. Hitch-mounted platform-style racks tend to work better, but many e-bikes require special e-bike-specific racks. Check out our article on bike racks for more information on transporting an e-bike with your car.

To solve the portability problem, some e-bikes fold down into a trunk-sized package. While a folding frame doesn’t make sense for a high-performance bike, it’s a major asset in the commuter and cargo categories. On this list, the ET Cycle F1000 is a comfortable folding cargo bike with a step-through frame.

Fat Tire E-Bikes and Winter Riding

With the right tires and feature set, e-bikes can be capable four-season transportation. Fat bikes have been popular in snowy places for years now, and fat e-bikes are following suit.

If you’re seeking an e-bike for winter use on snowy and icy surfaces, four-inch (or wider) tires are a must. As for tread, the deeper and knobbier, the better. For a fully winterized ride, we also recommend studded pedals and extra bright lights. Keep in mind, lithium battery performance drops in cold temperatures, and your bike’s range probably will too.

E-bike Specs: Watts, Volts, Amps, and Torque

On paper, e-bike performance is determined by specs such as motor wattage and battery voltage. As a prospective buyer, it’s important to know that a motor’s “size,” or potential output, is measured in watts Voltage measures a battery’s ability to deliver power to the motor.

Battery capacity is also measured in amp-hours (Ah). Amperage is the rate at which electrical current flows. A battery with a capacity of 1 amp-hour can supply a current of 1 amp for 1 hour.

It’s easy to get bogged down in e-bike specs and power ratings. Ultimately, there are only a few key facts that shoppers need to know. On mostly flat terrain, a 750-watt e-bike will generally get you where you need to go without the need to pedal vigorously. In hilly areas, a 1,000-watt e-bike is a better choice.

If you’re a powerful cyclist and you don’t plan to use your e-bike to haul loads of cargo, you should be able to get by with something in the 250-500 watt range. If you’re going to be shopping and transporting other humans with your bike, at least 750w is the way to go.

For context, a 150-pound person can get by with a 500w e-bike equipped with a 36V 15 Ah battery for personal commuting use on moderate terrain.

Accessories and Features

Endless accessories and add-ons are available for e-bikes. Some models come with lights, horns, racks, and fenders. Others do not. Ultimately, included accessories add a lot of value, especially in the budget category.

On this list, the Biktrix Juggernaut Hub Duo comes with a rear rack, kickstand, and front and rear lights. The State 6061 is a bare-bones model — no rack, no lights, no stand, no water bottle cages. Then again, it only costs $1,000.

Accessories can always be purchased later, but you’ll often save money if you opt for included options. E-bikes tend to need a few upgrades from their stock feature set, so it’s a good idea to factor this into your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions