The Best Electric Bikes of 2026

The Best Electric Bikes
Full results from testing 19 top products are in our Product Comparison Table and Analysis & Test Results sections.

Best Overall Electric Bike
Aventon Level 3

No motor cut-off in the brake system

The Aventon Level 3 is a near-perfect electric commuter bike with a host of features that make it ideal for jaunts around town. Commuter bikes sometimes sacrifice their sportiness for utility, but the Level remains capable and fun to ride. The bike includes a rack, integrated lights with turn signals, fenders, and a built-in electronic lock. While less powerful than some of the other commuters we’ve tested, it’s light enough to fit on a bike rack and still has a real-world range of over 38 miles (without pedaling!) The bike’s hybrid-style design provides the rider with an upright position and excellent visibility for navigating urban landscapes. Aventon dialed this bike in for commuting, and the high-tech ACU (Aventon Control Unit) puts technology to work for you. The ACU uses 4G (wireless mobile network technology) and GPS to locate, navigate, and even geo-fence the bike through the app. You can lock the bike’s rear wheel or track the bike’s location using the Aventon smartphone app. The bike feels agile and sporty, making commuting a joy.

SPECIFICATIONS

Wheel / Tire size 27.5 x 2.2″ Battery Size 720 Wh Measured Distance Range 38.1 miles Weight Limit 300 lbs Average Hill Climbing Speed 14.5 mph Measured Power 859 Watts If it’s time to Level up your commute, this bike’s merits earned it top marks in our testing. Aventon offers the Level in two sizes and two different frame styles (step-over or step-through) to fit riders between 5’3″ and 6’4″. As a consumer-direct brand, they’re primarily sold online and priced competitively. Avoid if you place a high-value on test rides before making a purchase.

Read more: Lectric XP Lite 2.0 review

One of the best values we’ve seen in the ebike market, the XP Lite 2 is a winner.

Product Comparison Table

Could Owning an Electric Bike be Free?
While it’s hard to come across a free electric bike, replacing your car trips with an eBike will likely save you more in gas, maintenance, and depreciation on your vehicle than the costs of an eBike over 1-2 years. Read more in our free electric bike article.
How We Tested

Not all e-bikes are built for the same purpose, so we employ a multi-faceted approach to testing that considers the type of bike, its intended use, and what we believe matters most in each category. The most important metrics are ride quality, range, user interface, and power output. These apply to all e-bikes. From here, we delve deeper into the nuance of specific categories, evaluating ride quality, ease and speed of charging, adjustability, stability, and folded size for folding e-bikes. In addition to miles of methodical testing on and off the pavement, we build, tune, and maintain these bikes. Throttle-powered bikes are put on a modified Dyno-Jet motorcycle dynamometer to test their peak power and torque numbers.

Testing involves a lot of measurements, power, dimensions, tension and time are just a few of the metrics we record. Credit: Joshua Hutchens

The bikes are loaded, carried, and hauled around for months, traveling from garage to bike racks to trailheads. We measure angles, record their weights, and, the fun part, assess ride quality. We spend enough time with each bike to identify its best and worst attributes, even riding them outside their intended uses to see how versatile they can be, and disassemble them to inspect wiring and motor connections. Over the years, we have developed favorites that we hold onto, giving us a multi-year period to develop thoughts on their long-term performance and durability. We have been testing different styles of bikes since 2017, but our team of bike experts has been at it for a combined century.

Why Trust GearLab

Bike testing at GearLab began with mountain bikes in 2017, and we soon expanded to include over ten bike categories, adding electric bikes to our lineup in 2019. At that time, we purchased and extensively tested more than 100 of the best e-bike models across various categories. We’re constantly on the lookout for the latest and greatest e-bikes to compare to our favorites from testing. With more than 1,000 bikes and bike-related products tested, we’re here to help make sense of the bicycle market for you.

Joshua Hutchens: I am a lifelong cyclist and self-declared bike wonk. I had my first bike shop job in 1986, and as a meticulous mechanic, lifelong commuter, and athlete, I am deeply passionate about bicycles and how we utilize them. I have spent my life imparting my two-wheeled passion to others in various roles, including my current position as Senior Bike Review Editor at OutdoorGearLab. I have spent many years guiding cycling trips all over the world with Backroads. I owned and operated one of “America’s Top Bike Shops,” and I was also one of the founders of The Lumberyard Indoor Bicycle Park. I have raced nearly every cycling discipline and now spend my days testing bikes and coaching mountain biking through the local community college.

Jeremy Benson: I am a long-time Tahoe resident and occasional pro racer, and I use my biking experience to contribute to our e-bike and mountain bike reviews. I have been riding bikes for over 30 years and have authored multiple guidebooks, including a resource for the Lake Tahoe basin, Mountain Bike Tahoe.

Our multi-faceted hands-on testing process involves lots of real-world riding, handling tests, assembly, and an examination of each bike’s features.

Analysis and Test Results

To differentiate between the e-bikes in this test, we use quantifiable testing to make direct performance comparisons between the different models. We focus on these key performance attributes: ride quality, range, user interface, and assembly. In our scoring, we emphasize these metrics differently, with important characteristics like ride quality weighted more heavily than ease of assembly. Our side-by-side testing reveals the performance of each model and how they compare. We spend time talking about their strengths and weaknesses and identifying uses cases where each bike excels.

What’s the Best Value?

We don’t rate products based on their price, but we certainly appreciate a good value. Often, price and performance go hand in hand, but that isn’t always the case. While some more expensive options rate highly in our performance metrics, there are some affordable models, like the Lectric XP4, that get the job done for less.

Good luck beating the value from the Lectric XP Lite 2. Credit: Joshua Hutchens

Ride Quality

The ride quality of an electric bike plays a crucial role in your comfort and safety, and will undoubtedly influence how frequently you ride it. All bikes in this review are somewhat different, and their comfort, features, components, and handling vary. Various factors, like wheel size and geometry, affect how a bike handles at speed or while turning. Seated body position, saddle shape, handlebars, and cockpit layout all contribute to rider comfort. Meanwhile, the electronics play a role in how smoothly the bike accelerates, shifts between modes, and relays information to you. Suspension forks and seatposts can cushion your ride but add weight, while tire size, casing, and tread dictate how the bike reacts to the roadway. Accessories like integrated lights, metal or polypropylene fenders, and cargo racks can enhance the user-friendliness and rider experience of each model.

If you value ride quality above all else, the Segway Xafari and RadRunner Max deliver. These bikes have a balanced, smooth, stable, and comfortable demeanor. Wider tires, combined with the bike’s suspension, help smooth out the ride over cracks, bumps, and rough surfaces. Quality saddles, ergonomic handlebar shapes, and smooth acceleration provide a cloud-like comfort experience. While the Xafari and RadRunner aren’t lightweight, their powerful motors do a great job of masking their weight.

The Level 3 is a well-designed commuter that impressed us with its range, power, and comfort. Credit: Joshua Hutchens

The Radster Trail also provides an outstanding ride. An upright position, high-volume tires, a tunable suspension fork, and excellent software come together to give the Radster an unforgettable ride quality. We loved how well-engineered and safe this bike felt.

The Radster Trail is downright enjoyable to pedal. Credit: Joshua Hutchens

The Aventon Level 3 and Ride1Up Vorsa use 27.5″ wheels that feel noticeably more stable than smaller wheels with less feedback from the road. The Level has a refined feeling with hidden cables, suspension, and an excellent user interface. It comes with fenders, lights, built-in electronic locking, and GPS tracking. The Level looks less like an e-bike than most.

Real-World Range Test Results

Our testing revealed a large spread from the longest, almost 40 miles, to the shortest, 12.1 miles. In most cases, the size of the battery correlates pretty directly with the distance a bike can travel. Given the rider’s minimal input, even the poorest-performing bike in this test managed to cover a dozen miles without pedaling. Since our range test includes hills and we ride the bikes in their most powerful settings, our results represent the low end of each bike’s potential. On flat ground with a little help from your legs, you could ride these bikes significantly further. In most cases, their ranges could easily be doubled or more with a bit of pedaling input.

Boasting a massive 936 Wh battery, the Segway Xafari will alleviate your range anxiety. We rode the Xafari 38.2 miles on our test course, while climbing over 2000 feet without pedaling. This isn’t too surprising, but it doesn’t have the biggest battery in our test group. The Aventon Level 3 was right behind it with a distance of 38.1 miles using a significantly smaller (720Wh) battery. The Lectric ONE achieved an impressive range of 27.2 miles, most of it using Cruise Control, great numbers for such a compact bike.

A low step-through and user-friendly gearing makes the RadRunner Max stand out. Credit: Joshua Hutchens

Power

In the US, electric bikes fall into three classes. In all three classes, the motor size is limited to 750W. Class 1 e-bikes have pedal assist only and are limited to a top speed of 20 mph. Class 2 electric bikes have a throttle and pedal assist, both limited to 20 mph. Class 3 ebikes provide pedal-assist up to 28mph, and some may have throttles limited to 20 mph. In California, regulations state that a Class 3 bike can not have a working throttle. Many of the bikes in this review can be ridden in multiple classes. Switching between those classes can be done through the display or an app. The Segway Xafari is GPS-enabled, so when riding from Nevada to California, we found that the bike would automatically disable the throttle. Some bikes, like the Ride1Up Vorsa, can be unlocked to “Off-Road Mode” allowing for speeds of up to 37mph on throttle power alone.

Comparison of Power, Speed, and Range

Be sure to check local and regional regulations regarding the use of the different classes of electric bikes where you live and ride.

The power output of a bike is primarily determined by the size and wattage of its motor, as well as the voltage of the bike’s electrical system. Larger motors produce more torque and wattage, and higher voltage systems can deliver more power to the motor. Our assessment of power is based on several tests that we conduct to analyze the throttle and pedal assistance. We compare the acceleration, range of pedal assistance, quality of output, and uphill speed and retention over time of each bike, in addition to their top speed. We also tested the power and torque on a dynamometer to get exact figures for each bike.

The Lectric ONE has a powerful 750W motor. This bike was quick off the line, whether using the throttle or pedal assist, and it held power impressively well while climbing gradual hills during our throttle-only range testing. This fast-moving bike comes in Class 3 settings, and it had no problem ripping along at 28 mph while using pedal assist. The Lectric XP4 also boasts a strong 750W (0r 500W) geared hub motor. The XP4 quickly accelerates using the throttle and maintains its impressive speed. It’s generally quite easy to achieve the top pedal-assisted speed of 28 miles per hour. These bikes are fast, but you also don’t have to ride them or any of the Class 3 models at top speed all the time. Multiple levels of pedal assistance allow you to choose how much assistance you want to get to the top speed. Too fast? You can decrease the top speed through the display or connected app.

The RadRunner Max will make you seriously question the need for a car. Credit: Joshua Hutchens

The Class 3 Aventon Level 3 also impressed us with its power and a top speed of 28 mph. While not quite as quick to accelerate using the throttle as the models mentioned above, its 500W (859W peak) motor felt robust, and it had no problem hitting and holding 28 mph on flat ground in its highest pedal assist level. Likewise, the small but mighty RadRunner Max surprised us with its power. This bike quickly accelerates with the throttle, and the 750W (996W peak) motor helps reach speeds of up to 28 mph, even while cresting a hill.

The foldable Lectric XP4 is an incredible value and could make an excellent commuter, even for those who won’t utilize its folding feature. Credit: Joshua Hutchens

The most power came from the Segway Xyber, which pushed out 5230 watts on the dynamometer. Nothing else we’ve tested is remotely close to this. The second most powerful bike in our test is the Ride1Up Revv1 DRT that registered 1667 watts on the same machine. The Revv1 could effortlessly push us up smaller hills, but its battery had a hard time keeping up with the high power draw and it would slow down considerably on larger hills, suffering from voltage sag, where the battery can’t supply power fast enough. The Segway Xyber on the other hand, delivers tremendous power that was never deterred by the length or slope of an incline.

Every model we tested has a different interface that consists primarily of the controls and display. Credit: Joshua Hutchens

Interface

In general, this metric examines the interaction between the bike’s electrical system and its components, including the display, remote, battery, and charger, which are used to control and charge the bike. Most modern bikes have advanced control and display systems, but several models stand out. The newest Rad Power, Aventon, and Segway models particularly impressed us with their large digital display screens placed in the center of the handlebars for easy visibility. These screens provide a plethora of information, including your current speed, pedal assist level, distance traveled, time, and more. These bikes also have user-friendly remote control buttons next to the left grip, making them easily accessible while riding. Additionally, Aventon has taken an extra step with its newest models, featuring an ACU (Aventon Control Unit) that incorporates 4G (wireless mobile network technology) and GPS connectivity. This built-in computer is compatible with the Aventon companion app, enabling you to lock and track your bike from your smartphone, providing security and deterrence against theft. Using the app, you can fine-tune the bike’s settings, establish a geo-fence that prevents the bike from operating outside of, and remotely activate a lost bike alarm.

The Ride1Up Prodigy and the Roadster V3 models feature all-in-one units that combine button controls and displays in a single unit, mounted to the handlebars by the left grip. The displays show a vast array of data and are easy to read, although their smaller screen size and location make them a little less user-friendly than models that feature larger screens in the center of the handlebars.

The vibrant color display on the Lectric ONE is has useful data at a quick glance, and also.. cruise control. Credit: Joshua Hutchens

Assembly

Most of the bikes in our test are sold directly to the consumer, so they arrive partially assembled in a shipping box. The ease of assembly varies greatly, with some models taking just minutes and others requiring some mechanical expertise. The Trek FX+7S and Segway models are sold through a dealer network, and we picked them up from local bicycle shops fully assembled. Many consumer-direct brands have forged alliances with local bike shops, allowing you to have your bike shipped there and assembled. However, these bikes are mostly assembled and include clear instructions and tools, making home assembly easy for most people who are willing to follow a few directions.

The XP Lite 2.0 received high marks for its slick packaging and straightforward assembly process. This folding model simply needs to be unfolded and have the packaging material removed. You can be riding the bike 10 minutes after opening the box. The RadRunner MAX comes in a clever box with a lift-off top, revealing a mostly assembled bike that can be rolled (instead of lifted) out of its packaging.

“The Abound SR is my favorite new bike.” Credit: Joshua Hutchens

Other Notable Electric Bikes to Consider
Aventon Abound LR is our favorite cargo bike for good reasons. With the ability to haul up to 440 pounds, room for two kids, and 4G connectivity, you’ll find more reasons than ever to leave the car in the garage. This bike has an impressively stable ride quality, quality accessories, and more than a few tricks up its sleeve. A locking cargo box, lockable kickstand, and a powerful but efficient motor make this the best cargo bike we’ve tested yet. To top that off, it’s a great deal and ships almost completely assembled.

Refined and well-executed, the Abound LR is our top choice for several compelling reasons. The use of a quill stem and BMX handlebars gives the front end predictable and stable handling. Credit: Joshua Hutchens

Lectric XPedition 2.0 is the best value cargo bike we’ve come across, and their modular battery system allows you to buy just as much range as you want. With a 450-pound carrying capacity, tunable suspension, and a torque sensor, Lectric didn’t cut corners on the spec. The bike is incredibly convenient, and we love that it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. Even Lectric’s accessories are reasonably priced, giving you the ability to spec a custom cargo hauler for hundreds of dollars less than other brands offer.

The XPedition is an absolute bargain and a great way to escape urban traffic. Credit: Joshua Hutchens

Ride1Up CF Racer1 is an outstanding value for a full carbon gravel bike that just happens to be electrified. “At just over 28 lbs, you can hardly tell that the bike has a motor and battery. The build kit is impressive, and the overall ride quality is perfectly suited for extended days on old logging roads. While the bike is fantastic and incredibly well-priced, it only comes in two sizes with limited adjustability, so check your measurements carefully to see if it might work for you. If you need more range, consider purchasing this with the optional range-extender battery.

Quick, capable and a standout value, it would be hard not to recommend the CF Racer1. Credit: Matt Lighthart

Aventon Ramblas is a punchy mid-drive electric mountain bike for trail riding, but its versatility is winning it starring roles as a commuter and town bike. The Ramblas was a surprise hit from Aventon, and we weren’t sure whether to be more impressed with its performance or value. This is an outstanding bike that will let you explore far from the end of the pavement.

The Ramblas can slay singletrack all weekend and still has the utility to cruise around town during the week. Credit: Matt Lighthart

Specialized Turbo Levo 4 Comp is a seriously awesome electric mountain bike that will wow you with its incredible torque, brilliant software, and adjustable geometry. This is the benchmark for other electric mountain bikes to aspire to, and it makes you feel like a pro to rip uphill on single-track at 20 mph. Wildly capable and quite expensive, it’s not for the faint of heart. If pounding out a quick 30-mile mountain bike ride in 2 hours is your idea of a good time, this may be your new healthy escape.

The 4th generation of the Specialized Levo is a compelling, but heavy choice. Credit: Matt Lighthart

Ride1Up Portola – If space is tight or you’d rather not own a bike rack, the foldable Portola is an excellent option. Packed with features and capable of carrying a passenger, it makes a great final-mile vehicle or standalone utility bike with more versatility than most. You can easily stash it in the trunk of a car, and nothing about its ride quality would indicate that it’s a folding model. With lights, fenders, a rack, and exceptionally low step-through, the bike is easy to ride and ready for almost any conditions.

The Portola arrives with the majority of the assembly done for you. Putting this bike together took us less than 30 minutes. Credit: Joshua Hutchens

Trek FX+7S – If you want a commuter bike with some assistance that doesn’t look or feel like an e-bike, check out the lightweight Trek FX. This bike is powered by a compact yet powerful motor and a smaller battery than most, resulting in a quick and agile feel that excels in urban areas. This bike is low-key high-tech, featuring awesome app integration and a cool quad-lock phone mount that lets your phone double as a digital dashboard for navigation while it charges.

The FX+7S is an easy and efficient way to get around. Credit: Matt Lighthart

Lectric XPeak 2.0 has similar specs to our favorite fat-tired electric bikes with a lower price tag. The bike has tremendous capability and can take you far off the beaten path. Lectric offers two frame styles and two different battery configurations, so you don’t have to buy more than you’ll use. Equipped with a suspension fork, rack, fenders, lights, and a quality color display, the XPeak is an excellent budget choice.

Comfort on all terrain, the XPeak 2.0 is enjoyable to ride and quite capable. Credit: Joshua Hutchens

Aventon Aventure M – This bike uses a mid-drive motor to give the impressive Aventure a more balanced feel and robust pedal assistance. If you plan to propel yourself by throttle power, the Aventure.3 is probably a better bike, but this mid-drive is throttle compatible and can conquer almost any terrain with its 4″ tires and suspension fork. We loved the natural feeling assist while riding this bike on trails and look forward to putting in some miles on the snow.

Casually capable, the mid-drive Aventure M is feature-packed and fun to ride. Credit: Joshua Hutchens

How to Buy the Best Electric Bike for You

Deciding that you want an electric bike over a traditional one is the first step, but the decision doesn’t end there. Almost every bicycle has an e-bike equivalent these days, and with so many options, it can be tough to sift through the motor specs, weight limits, and other features to find what works best for you. However, it is possible!

Where Do You Want to Ride?

Three factors dominate e-bike selection: lifestyle, location, and budget. Start by asking yourself: Where do I want to ride? This single question cuts through the overwhelming options and points you toward the right category. Mountain trail enthusiasts should consider e-MTBs or fat-tire models. Urban commuters benefit most from sleek, lightweight city bikes built for daily office runs. Casual weekend riders heading to parks or beaches need bikes balancing comfort with affordability. Families transporting kids, pets, or cargo require models from the electric cargo bike category. Beyond use case, bike classification determines legal riding areas. Regulations vary across state, local, and regional jurisdictions, so it’s essential to verify that your chosen bike complies with local laws.

Simple, inexpensive, and delightful to ride, the XP-Lite is almost too good to be true. Credit: Joshua Hutchens

Classes of Electric Bikes

The 3-class system is becoming widely accepted as a way to regulate e-bike use, but laws and regulations vary by state and even by country. With some of the more powerful bikes riding the border between mopeds and e-bikes, and others simply adding a boost to your own leg power, a bike’s power and speed capabilities determine where you can legally ride them.

Some bikes can be configured to fit into several categories if needed. For example, the speed limit of many Class 3 bikes can be adjusted in the bike’s settings to have it top out at 20 mph or Class 2, and often, the throttle can be disconnected to fall under Class 1. Regardless of class, most e-bikes are limited to a motor with one horsepower (750W) or less.

Class 1

Class 1 e-bikes function purely through pedal assistance—the motor activates only during active pedaling. Electric support cuts off at 20 mph, requiring riders to power themselves beyond that threshold. These models typically enjoy the same trail and lane access as conventional bicycles, including bike paths and multi-use trails. The majority of electric mountain bikes fall within this category.

Class 2

Class 2 e-bikes share the 20 mph motor-assisted speed limit with Class 1 models (though riders can pedal faster under their own power). The defining distinction is throttle capability—Class 2 bikes feature a thumb lever or twist grip that propels the bike without pedaling, similar to an electric scooter. These bikes also offer pedal assist with adjustable power levels to suit rider preferences. Most jurisdictions permit Class 2 e-bikes in bike lanes and multi-use paths, though state and local exceptions exist.

Class 3

Class 3 electric bikes elevate performance with higher speed limits. These models may include throttle capability, pedal assist, or both—throttles cap at 20 mph while pedal assist extends to 28 mph. Motor assistance cuts off at 28 mph, though riders capable of exceeding that speed under their own power are welcome to try. Class 3 bikes face stricter regulations governing rider eligibility and access. Many jurisdictions mandate helmet use, impose age restrictions (often prohibiting minors from riding unless as passengers), and limit or ban access to bike paths. Local regulations vary significantly, so verify your area’s rules before riding. California recently enacted legislation prohibiting active throttles on Class 3 bikes, requiring manufacturers to disable throttle function on models sold in-state if buyers want the full 28 mph pedal-assist capability.

The Radster Trail makes an excellent companion for exploring off the beaten path. Credit: Joshua Hutchens

Types of E-bikes

Whatever your preferred riding style, there is likely an e-bike version to suit (if you can’t find one, it’s probably in development). While many of the features found on e-bikes are similar to those in the traditional bike world, a few motor or battery-specific details differ.

Cruiser Electric Bikes

Cruiser e-bikes focus on comfort, convenience, and straightforward operation, much like traditional cruiser bicycles. They feature a more relaxed, upright seating posture and are designed for leisurely rides along neighborhood paths or quiet streets that lead to the beach. Typically, these bikes come with an intuitive control system and often include a step-through frame, making it easier for most riders to get on and off. Equipped with wider and smoother tires, they are ideal for pavement rides. While they may not offer the same power or speed as some other e-bike types, they do enhance your pedaling experience, making rides enjoyable and comfortable.

Using these electric bikes for months helps us understand the nuances of their utility and durability. Credit: Joshua Hutchens

City/Commuter Electric Bikes

Commuter bikes are specifically designed for the urban environment with good visibility and features that enhance safety and security. They generally have lights for night riding and a rack to carry your belongings. If you have a long commute, consider a bike with a larger battery or a range extender to alleviate range anxiety. Additional features, such as fenders, help protect against road spray and keep you dry on wet roads. We have conducted detailed side-by-side tests of commuter ebikes.

The perfect urban solution for any weather riding. Credit: Joshua Hutchens

Folding Electric Bikes

As the name suggests, these bikes are designed to fold down, minimizing their size and maximizing portability. Folding electric bikes are designed for riders with limited storage space or those who need to transport their bike in a vehicle rather than on a bike rack. They are also perfect for those who prefer to bring their brand-new e-bike inside rather than leaving it chained to the bike rack outside (it’s a significant investment; we understand if you want to take care of it). People who travel with their bikes frequently, such as RVers, city dwellers, and office workers, are the most likely to benefit from this style of bike. The downside to this style of e-bike is that they often have less stable handling. This is a result of smaller wheels, tall handlebars, and geometries dictated by their folding designs.

Easy to stash in your trunk or hide in a closet, the Vika X is still full-featured. Credit: Joshua Hutchens

Electric Cargo Bikes

Cargo e-bikes offer the strongest car-replacement potential of any electric bike category. These bikes typically feature extended frames to support oversized rear cargo racks or incorporate box-style cargo areas positioned in front of or behind the rider. Dual kickstands are standard equipment, providing stable support during loading. Manufacturers offer extensive accessory ecosystems to customize cargo capacity, including front and rear baskets, bike trailer attachments, child seats, and mounts for favorite bike pannier bags. The trade-offs include challenging handling dynamics and substantial weight—even unladen. Their size and heft make them impractical for transport, best suited for riders who can store and depart directly from home. The chart below compares all cargo e-bikes we’ve tested.

All about convenience, the Abound can haul it all and still fit in a standard sized parking space. Credit: Natalie Kafader

Fat Tire Electric Bikes

Fat tire electric bikes sport extra-wide, often knobby tires mirroring their analog counterparts. These high-volume tires expand the contact patch, allowing them to float over soft surfaces like sand and snow while providing enough cushioning to eliminate the need for separate suspension systems. Tire widths range from 3.7″ to 5.2″, compared to the 1.75″ to 2.25″ standard on conventional bikes. While analog fat bikes move at a deliberate, steady pace due to their oversized rubber, electric motors transform this limitation into an advantage, propelling riders efficiently through diverse terrain and challenging surface conditions. (See our favorite non-electric fat tire bikes in our dedicated review.)

Off the beaten path, this bike seems to seek out adventures. Credit: Joshua Hutchens

Electric Mountain Bikes

E-mountain bikes are purpose-built for off-road terrain, tackling steep climbs and descents just like their analog mountain bike cousins. These models typically command premium prices due to their robust suspension systems, lightweight frames, aggressive tires, and trail-optimized geometry designed for challenging terrain.

Not just for mountain biking, electric mountain bikes offer a more rugged platform for exploration wherever you take them. Credit: Joshua Hutchens

E-MTB motors typically conform to Class 1 regulations, offering multiple pedal-assist levels with electric support capped at 20 mph. Proper protective equipment is essential—invest in a well-fitted helmet and sturdy knee pads before hitting the trails. Our electric mountain bikes lineup continues to expand with new models regularly.

Electric Road Bikes

Traditional road bikes (and gravel bikes too) feature aggressive, forward-leaning geometry, narrow tires, and lightweight frames engineered for speed and efficiency. E-road bikes maintain these characteristics but add unavoidable weight from the battery and motor. This creates an interesting dynamic: experienced riders on analog road bikes often surpass the 20mph electric assist cutoff on flat terrain and descents, effectively pedaling extra weight. In hilly regions, however, the pedal assist becomes invaluable. Premium carbon frames and performance-oriented components typically push e-road bikes into higher price brackets compared to other e-bike categories.

Electric Gravel Bikes

Gravel bikes bridge the gap between road and trail, earning their reputation as the Swiss Army knives of cycling. Electric motors amplify this versatility, extending your range across diverse terrain. E-gravel bikes prioritize low weight, typically providing moderate assistance to maintain an authentic riding feel. With multiple handlebar positions and a relaxed, upright geometry, these bikes excel at all-day comfort during extended adventures.