Bikes have always been a great mode of transportation. Now, with the rise of electric bikes, you get added speed and convenience. E-bikes continue to take over bike shops as their popularity climbs, and they’re a great option for commuting without breaking a sweat and with tons of styles to choose from. With Black Friday deals upon us, now is the perfect time to shop. You can finally snag the bike you want (or want to gift) at a better price.
To help you find the best option, CNET’s editors tested commuter and all-terrain e-bikes from Aventon, Fuell, Himiway, Mod Easy, Segway, Velotric and Vvolt. We focused on real-world scenarios, such as city commuting, with some models tested on suburban routes and light off-road terrain. We evaluated each bike’s handling, motor performance, range, safety features and overall value to bring you the most reliable recommendations.
What we updated: November 2025
Added to my picks are the Velotric T1 ST Plus, Segway Xafari, Velotric Summit, Mod Easy 3 with Sidecar, Himiway Cobra Pro, Fuell Folld 1 and Vvolt Centauri II. Coming off are the Letric XP 3.0, Tenways CGO600 Pro and Fiido X.
What is the best e-bike overall?
CNET’s editors have crowned the Aventon Soltera 2.5 as the best overall e-bike. The Soltera 2 offers an affordable price, a lightweight (41 pounds) bike frame and a seven-speed cassette, alongside iOS/Android app compatibility and a throttle for assistance on hills. But there are plenty of other good options for those specifically after a folding e-bike, one that can carry heavy cargo or something for kids and teens rather than full-grown commuters, and you’ll find the full suite of our favorite electric commuter bikes below.
Best Electric Bikes for 2025
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The entire Aventon lineup offers affordability and versatility. The $1,799 Abound is a cargo bike suitable for carrying passengers or groceries, while the $1,699 Aventure 2 is a multifaceted fat-tire bike ideal for all-terrain riding in any season. The Soltera 2.5 is more of an everyday e-bike that’s great for commutes, with a seven-speed cassette and a weight of just 41 pounds. Like the other Aventon bikes, the Soltera 2 has a sleek, detailed display, integrated signal lights, iOS/Android app compatibility and a throttle for assistance on hills.
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Joseph Kaminski
If you want a bike that still feels like a traditional pedal bike but offers a little assistance when needed, the $1,399 Velotric T1 ST Plus is a solid choice. It weighs just 39 pounds — light enough to carry up a few stairs — and offers pedal assist up to 28 mph. There’s no throttle, which keeps it closer to that classic riding experience, but the eight-speed derailleur gives you plenty of range to handle city streets, bridges and weekend paths without feeling limited.
You’re still going to be pedaling and putting in some work, but the torque sensor and quiet motor do a great job of stepping in at the right moments. Whether you’re fighting a headwind, climbing a long hill or just trying to take some pressure off on a longer ride, the assist kicks in naturally without ever feeling like too much. It evens out the harder parts of the ride while still maintaining that true pedal-bike feel.
It also connects to Apple Health, allowing your ride data to sync automatically with your iPhone without any extra steps. And just like the Summit, which also made this list, it supports Apple Find My, giving you a reliable way to keep track of the bike wherever you park it.
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The $1,799 Segway Xafari isn’t the lightest bike out there, but it makes up for the extra bulk with features you rarely see bundled together. It supports Apple Find My, so if it ever goes missing, you can track it instantly. You also get proximity unlock through the app (AirLock Keyless), letting you walk up and ride without fumbling for keys. And once it’s locked, the rear wheel stays secured — nobody’s rolling off with it.
On the performance side, the Xafari moves. It goes from 0–20 mph in 5.2 seconds and uses a 750-watt motor that puts out 80 newton-meters of torque, giving you strong acceleration and plenty of push on hills. Powering everything is a robust 936-watt-hour battery, providing solid range for commuting or weekend rides. You can switch between pedal assist and throttle, with assist speeds topping out at 28 mph. The bike also incorporates Segway’s smart sensor suite, including its Smart Cockpit, full app access and control, smart lighting and built-in web-connected security, a technology rarely seen bundled together at this price.
Comfort-wise, it features an 80/70mm dual-suspension setup, which smooths out uneven city pavement far better than most commuter bikes. A clean, easy-to-read display keeps all your stats front and center and the overall design stands out without being impractical. Charging is also faster thanks to a four-amp fast charger, and Segway backs the Xafari with a limited two-year warranty.
The Xafari blends comfort, speed and innovative tech into a single package, making it an ideal choice for commuters who want more than just a basic e-bike.
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Velotric has a strong lineup of e-bikes, but the $1,999 Summit easily ranks among my favorites. It’s designed to handle just about anything — city streets, gravel paths and light off-road trails — without feeling out of place. It also comes in two frame sizes to accommodate a wider range of riders. You get a front suspension fork that smooths out bumps, hydraulic disc brakes for confident stopping power and a smooth-shifting multi-gear drivetrain that makes climbing or cruising feel effortless.
The Summit utilizes a combination of torque and cadence sensors, which helps the motor respond more naturally to your pedaling style. The pedal assist modes are customizable, allowing you to adjust the level of assistance according to the terrain or your preference. You can hit speeds up to 28 mph through pedal assist or throttle, so whether you want to put in the work or just glide, the bike has you covered. And like the T1 ST, it includes Apple Find My support, giving you a reliable way to keep track of it wherever you leave it.
I was invited to a Velotric event and was honestly impressed by how much goes on behind the scenes. Its entire current lineup uses UL-certified batteries, which meet strict safety standards and are safe to keep in your home. Its batteries are also IPX7 waterproof, meaning they can withstand full submersion. To prove the point (and please never try this yourself), they actually submerged a battery in a fish tank, wiped it off, installed it on a bike and powered it right up.
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When I first came across the Mod Easy, it immediately hit me with a wave of nostalgia. The design has a timeless, vintage vibe, especially when paired with the sidecar. The battery is tucked into the top tube and shaped to look like an old-school gas tank and the rear rack comes with a tote bag for carrying whatever you need. The sidecar, fittingly called “the boat,” is a sturdy, molded shell with a seat cushion and seatbelt, capable of safely holding up to 150 pounds — perfect for kids or pets. The bike itself can reach speeds of up to 28 mph with pedal assist.
I also had the opportunity to speak directly with customer service, and what stood out to me was how refreshing it was to reach an actual person when I called. Everyone I talked to was polite, knowledgeable and seemed to genuinely care, which is a rare experience these days, when most brands push you to fill out forms or wait for email replies.
The Mod Easy 3 is a true head-turner, a fun, eye-catching ride that makes it easy to share the experience with someone you care about.
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One thing I really appreciate about this bike is that it has a 1,000-watt motor and supports riders weighing up to 400 pounds. Not many brands build with that kind of inclusivity in mind, and it matters. Many people who’ve wanted to try an e-bike finally have something that actually meets their needs. Yes, it’s priced on the higher side, but you’re getting serious power plus full front and rear suspension.
That inclusivity hits home for me because, during the pandemic, I gained weight and it quickly became obvious how many e-bikes and scooters are designed for smaller riders, usually capped at 220 or 265 pounds. That’s fine if you’re not carrying extra gear or a backpack, but it’s not realistic for everyone.
The Cobra Pro doesn’t just support bigger riders; it still has power to perform. It delivers a 60–80 mile range, powered by a 48-volt, 20-amp, 960-watt-hour Samsung/LG battery, and charges with a US standard three-amp fast charger. You also get a 10-speed Shimano derailleur and massive 26×4.8-inch super fat tires that grip just about anything you roll over. It reaches speeds of up to 28 mph with pedal assist and offers a thumb throttle for effortless cruising.
It’s built to fit a wide range of riders. The bike weighs a hefty 88.6 pounds with the battery, but considering the power, components and off-road capability, that weight is expected. Overall, it’s a rugged, go-anywhere machine built for riders who need a little more from their e-bike, and finally have an option that meets them where they are.
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If you’re short on storage but still want a bike that can handle more than just flat city streets, the Fuell Folld 1 is definitely worth a look. This 20-inch fat-tire folding e-bike is designed for all-terrain riding and has ample power to take it on. You get five levels of pedal assist, a Shimano Altus eight-speed drivetrain and a throttle (US only) for those times you just want to sit back and cruise.
The bike frame is constructed from a magnesium alloy, making it lightweight, durable and sleek. Up front, you get a Mozo Fatman fork with 80mm of travel, and in the rear, a Fastace ZXC01 shock with 125mm of travel, giving the Folld 1 real suspension for rougher terrain. It rides on mag wheels, so you never have to worry about truing spokes. The wide saddle also adds extra comfort on longer rides.
The bike’s color display keeps your essential stats clearly visible at a glance. For stopping power, the Folld 1 uses Tektro HD-E 350 hydraulic brakes with 180mm rotors in both the front and rear, with plenty of strength for a bike of this size and power. There’s also a rear rack for hauling groceries or gear.
Powering everything is a removable 48-volt, 720-watt-hour battery hidden inside the frame, which can be charged with its standard two-amp charger. It takes about four hours to reach 80% and around six hours for a full charge. The 750-watt motor delivers up to 85 newton-meters of torque, providing a range of 30 to 70 miles, depending on the assist level.
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The Centauri II is an auto-shifting e-bike, but unlike a lot of bikes where automatic shifting feels awkward or gets in the way, this one actually gets it right. The torque-sensing mid-drive motor and automatic three-speed hub work together to deliver a ride that feels quick, natural and genuinely intuitive. It’s easily one of the best self-shifting setups I’ve tested.
The AutoShift transmission quietly shifts at speeds of around 12 and 20 mph. Additionally, it has a Gates CDX carbon belt drive instead of a traditional chain. This results in almost zero maintenance, with no grease, no mess and no chain slap. Just a smooth, silent drivetrain that lasts longer than a typical chain system.
Vvolt equips the Centauri II with a 350-watt mid-drive motor (peaking at 650 watts), producing 120 newton-meters of torque, supported by internal torque, cadence and speed sensors. Translation: It responds immediately to how you pedal and provides power exactly when you need it.
The frame has a clean, streamlined look, and the 30mm front suspension surprised me. It smooths out city streets without adding bulk or extra weight, unlike a traditional mountain-bike fork. Paired with cushy tires, it’s excellent for both city riding and light off-road trails.
You get a 490-watt-hour UL2271-tested removable battery with a real-world range of up to 60 miles, and the bike is Class 3, capable of reaching speeds of up to 28 mph with pedal assist. The weight ranges from 50 to 56 pounds, depending on the frame size, which is relatively light for a full-power mid-drive electric bike.
Vvolt also adds a nice touch with the Boost button: Hit it, and you get 4 seconds of maximum motor assist while pedaling between 5 and 20 mph — perfect for quick starts or powering through tough sections. Overall, the Centauri II keeps things low-maintenance, modern and incredibly smooth. The result is a smart, stylish e-bike that takes the hassle out of shifting, allowing you to simply enjoy the ride.
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The Engwe L20 2.0 is the updated version of the L20 that CNET editor James Bricknell previously reviewed and loved. The update has improved some things, like its folding capabilities and a more powerful 1,000-watt motor to make acceleration smoother. The downside of having the fold in the center is that the weight limit is reduced, so he wouldn’t recommend riding with a baby seat like he used to on the 1.0 version. Aside from that, the L20 2.0 is a great fat tire bike that his wife uses every day to ride around the neighborhood.
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CNET’s James Bricknell’s 6-year-old and testing partner really enjoyed her time with the Gotrax V14 balance bike. It’s helped her learn how to balance correctly, and she can zip around at an average speed of about 11 mph. Every day, they ride down to catch her bus to school as well as ride to the local parks. The Gotrax is incredibly sturdy and easy to use, with excellent braking and a simple electric on/off that his daughter picked up immediately. He would have liked it if the bike had two speed settings, low and full, so the kids can handle the acceleration better when they’re starting out. But he still recommends this for anyone who wants to use their electric bike with their child riding beside them.
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The perfect bike for riding with young ones, meaning no more travel fatigue. The Woom Up e-bike, sized for either children or teens, has a premium design and three pedal-assist levels up to 12 mph. The bike includes a user-friendly app with straightforward assembly and provides a smooth, comfortable ride. Despite the initial cost, its build quality and components are exceptional, and this bike should hold some resale value by the time your little one outgrows it.
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How fast can an electric bike go?
Before we can go into top speeds, we first need to go over e-bike classifications. There are three classes.
Class 1 is an e-bike where the motor only supplies pedal assistance while the rider is pedaling and has a max assisted speed of 20 mph.Class 2 follows the same pedal-assist top speed as Class 1 but also has a throttle, enabling the rider to get around without pedaling.Class 3 has a top assist speed of 28 mph and can be either pedal-assist only or pedal-assist along with throttle-assistance.
These classes are limited to 1 horsepower (750 watts). That said, some (air quotes) e-bikes can hit 50 to 60 mph. But they’re more like motorcycles with pedals. They’re not optimized as traditional bicycles for pedaling from point A to B and do not legally fit into the class 1-3 categories. Typically only Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are allowed where traditional bicycles are.
Do I need a permit or license to operate an e-bike?
The short answer is no. But riders must meet the minimum age limit (which can vary) in their state. In New York, that is 16.
Should I buy an electric bike or an electric scooter?
It’s frankly pretty fun to have one of each. But if you need a reason to pick one over the other, an e-bike can also be used as a traditional bike, so riders benefit from getting a workout along with the fact you can travel further, even on a dead battery. In addition, most people I talk to feel better on bicycles because they’ve had more experience riding them.
Can you ride an electric bike without pedaling?
Some electric bikes might offer a throttle as an alternative to pedaling. However, most require you to pedal in order to engage the battery and motor and offer assistance.
Do electric bikes charge as you pedal?
Most electric bikes do not include pedal charging as a feature and require you to plug them in to charge.
