Imagine trading your gas-guzzling car and stuffy stop-and-go commute for a zippy electric bicycle. It’s happening every day in cities around the globe, and by the time you finish this article, you might be tempted to join the fun with one of our picks for the best electric bikes.
The global electric bike market is projected to grow from about $43 billion in 2023 to nearly $120 billion by 2030. E-bikes are all the rage for good reason: In the past 10 years, they’ve become lighter and less expensive and go faster and farther on a single charge. Some can even carry a week’s worth of groceries. You should expect to pay $1,000 to $3,500 for a quality electric bike, but before balking at the price, consider how much you’ll save in gas and wear-and-tear on your vehicle — not to mention the health and environmental benefits of riding a bike daily.
If you’ve been considering an electric bike but aren’t sure where to start, we have good news. We’ve researched, tested and rated the best electric bicycles on the market, from commuter and cargo e-bikes to mountain e-bikes and even electric tricycles and dirt bikes. We evaluated value, build quality, motor and battery size, foldability, tire quality and extras such as headlights, turn signals, cargo baskets and fenders. Here are the best electric bikes of 2024, according to Yahoo editors.
April McCormick/Yahoo
Cost: $2,799 | Type: Foldable all-terrain | Motor: 1,200W NeoBlade Motor (2,000W peak) | Battery: 52V 19Ah | Distance on a single charge: 70+ miles | Top speed: 34 mph | Foldable: Yes
The Jet Current Pro from Juiced Bikes was one of the last e-bikes we tested, and that’s a good thing because it changed our expectations of what an e-bike can do and include.
It boasts the largest, most powerful motor of all the electric bikes we tested and a go-for-days battery that delivers 70 miles on a single charge. But what struck us the most were enhanced safety features, including stop-on-a-dime disc brakes, a superbright headlight and taillight, turn signals, an automotive-grade horn and an antitheft alarm loud enough to wake the neighbors.
The ride is smooth and zippy, and even though this e-bike is foldable, you may forget that because it’s much sturdier than others that can be thrown in the trunk with ease. The Jet Current Pro was an instant favorite among the entire family, and it’s the one my husband and son were ready to barter all their worldly possessions for.
- Foldable
- Loads of safety features
- Top-of-the-line motor, battery
- For some, it may require two people to fold and place in trunk
April McCormick/Yahoo
Cost: $2,219 | Type: Commuter | Motor: Bafang Sutto 750W rear hub-motor (1310W peak) | Battery: Standard or long-range 48V lithium-ion | Distance on a single charge: 45 to 60 miles | Top speed: 30+ mph | Foldable: Only the handlebars
Lectric has dominated the e-bike world, with many models billed as the first to do something or feature something, and the One is no exception. What sets it apart: a maintenance-free design with a smart-shifting pinion gearbox and Gates carbon drive belt instead of a chain. That’s unheard of in e-bikes under $6,000. We didn’t come across another bike like it, and at this price point and probably won’t again for some time.
The standard city tires feature a reflective strip with not-so-standard Hippo Skin and slime to prevent flat tires. Couple that with hydraulic brakes and brake-activated taillights, and the One offers an incredibly smooth, safe ride. The e-bike comes in at 50 pounds, and its handlebars and seat can be folded and dropped down, respectively, to fit in your trunk.
We loved riding this e-bike. The gearbox produced one of the easiest, smoothest rides of all the bikes we tested. It’s also one of the zippiest we rode, easily getting to 25-plus mph in seconds. From beginner to advanced cyclists, this bike ticks many boxes: The size is great for all ages; it’s not too heavy; the safety features are outstanding; and the maintenance-free design means it’s built to last.
- Maintenance-free design
- Upscale features include a Pinion gearbox and Gates carbon drive belt
- Quiet, smooth ride
- Lightweight at 50 pounds
- Only handlebars fold down
- Not an all-terrain bike
April McCormick/Yahoo
Cost: $3,295 | Type: Cruiser | Motor: Bafang 350W mid-drive torque sensor | Battery: 550Wh | Distance on a single charge: 75 miles | Top speed: 20 mph+ | Foldable: No
Bluejay is an electric bike company that only sells pedal-assist Class 1/3 bikes — no throttles to be found. Bluejay’s founder, Jen Cohen Bogan, tells me safety is top of mind for Bluejay, so forgoing the throttle was a conscious decision meant to provide a safe ride for all.
When the Premiere Edition Cruiser e-bike arrived, we were impressed by how beautiful, well-equipped and sturdy it was. Highlights include a Dutch-style cruiser build, top-of-the-line Bafang mid-drive torque sensor motor, 550Wh battery, built-in cargo basket, back cargo rack and fenders. This is an e-bike that’s built to last and give you a lot of bang for your buck, not to mention a standout nostalgic look.
Equally impressive as the build is the fact that the battery provides up to 75 miles of cruising between charges — the most on our list. There’s also a control panel with a USB charging port that displays your speed, remaining battery life and mileage. Add in five levels of pedal assist with a 10-speed Shimano gear hub and you have an e-bike that is a pleasure to ride.
I could reach 23 mph nearly effortlessly in less than five seconds — impressive for an assisted-pedal-only e-bike. For each full pedal rotation I completed, it felt like the bike propelled forward as if I had made five full rotations. And if the ability to cart goodies home is important to you, between the built-in basket and back rack — along with some supercool basket add-ons available at Bluejay — you’ll be able to carry your cargo in style.
If you want to stick to throttle-free pedal-assist bikes, Bluejay deserves a spot on your shortlist. The company offers three throttle-free styles: The Premiere Edition Cruiser (shown above), a Sport all-terrain e-bike and the Bluejay Wild for kids (Class 1 only to keep the kiddos safe).
- Sturdy build
- Goes up to 75 miles on a single charge
- Top-of-the-line Bafang motor
Aventon
Cost: $1,799 | Type: Cargo commuter | Motor: 750W | Battery: 48V 15Ah | Distance on a single charge: Up to 50 miles | Top speed: 20 mph
Aventon is synonymous with electric bikes, and the brand can be found at more than 1,800 bike shops nationwide. Its newest offering is the Abound cargo e-bike that has a 440-pound payload capacity — the most of all the bikes we tested. It also comes with infinitely more cargo accessories than any bike we tested, including everything you see in the photo above.
The Abound is a Class 2 e-bike with a throttle and top speed of 20 mph. It can go up to 50 miles between charges, depending on how much you’re hauling and how fast you’re going. We found the range was closer to 35 miles with about 275 pounds’ worth of people and cargo. It also has integrated headlights, taillights and turn signals to help you stay safe and visible at night.
Something that sets Aventon apart from its competitors is its integrated app that syncs with your bike and LCD display. You can share your ride with friends and family, track your stats and, most of all, track your bike in case anything untoward happens to it.
- Hefty 440-pound payload
- Comes with loads of cargo accessories
- Goes up to 50 miles on a single charge
- Max speed is lower at 20 mph
Sixthreezero Electrified
Cost: $1,199 | Type: Electric tricycle | Motor: 250W | Battery: 374.4Wh | Distance on a single charge: 10-50 miles | Top speed: 15 mph | Foldable: No
A budget-friendly vintage cruiser electric tricycle that’s customizable to your cargo needs may sound too good to be true. Fortunately, the Evry Journey from Sixthreezero Electrified is the real deal.
The 250-watt motor is ultra-quiet and tops out at 15 mph with the throttle or pedal assist. So while it’s technically a Class 2 with a throttle, it’s every bit a Class 1 for speed and pedal assist. Its battery will net you between 10 and 50 miles, depending on how fast you go and how much you are carrying (there’s a 300-pound capacity). It only takes about two to three hours to recharge, so you can quickly juice up between destinations if needed.
The e-trike also has a large, easy-to-read LCD display so you know the distance traveled, speed and how much battery life you have left. The 26-inch tires are best kept on paved roads. It doesn’t fold, so you’ll need the space to store it safely.
- Pedal assist or throttle option
- Plenty of customization options
- Inexpensive for an electric tricycle
- Does not fold
- Distance on a single charge is low compared with competitors
April McCormick/Yahoo
Cost: $1,699 | Type: Cruiser | Motor: 350W Hub drive | Battery: 375Wh | Distance on a single charge: 20-45 miles | Top speed: 20 mph | Foldable: No
The Alpha II from Vvolt is one of the most unusual e-bikes we tested. While it packs all the benefits of a great e-bike with a solid motor, efficient battery, sturdy build and extras such as a headlight, taillight and large LCD display, Vvolt really went the extra mile with its design. For starters, at 44 pounds, this is one of the lightest e-bikes around (to put that in perspective, a basic mountain bike weighs about 35-40 pounds). The e-bike is also well-equipped with reflective touches throughout, from the puncture-resistant tires with reflective sidewalls to little reflective dots all over the bike. Another feature that sets this e-bike apart is the maintenance-free carbon belt drive that can last four times longer than a standard bike chain.
I loved riding this bike and often reach for it first for a quick ride around the neighborhood. It’s smooth, easy to control and offers both pedal-assist and throttle modes. I also appreciated that the box it came in is designed to hold the bike in place while you put on the tire and pedals. The Alpha II is an excellent choice for teens and those who want a very light e-bike thanks to its three sizes — small, medium or large — that accommodate riders from 5 feet tall to 5-foot-11. The throttle can also be easily removed to turn the bike into an assisted pedal-only bike.
- Very lightweight at 44 pounds
- Zero-maintenance belt drive
- Throttle can be removed for assisted-pedal only
- Does not come with fenders or basket
- Cannot be unlocked to Class 3 speeds
Lectric
Cost: $1,399 | Type: Off-road | Motor: 750W rear hub-motor (1310W peak) | Battery: Removable 48V 14Ah lithium-ion battery | Distance on a single charge: Up to 50 miles | Top speed: 30+ mph | Foldable: No
Lectric knocked it out of the park with its all-terrain XPeak High-Step e-bike. It’s the only electric bike in its class with a premium RST Renegade front fork that sits on puncture-resistant knobby fat tires — that means no flat tires and an ultra-smooth ride on even rough terrain. It also comes with hydraulic mineral oil brakes for ultra-fast stopping. Depending on how hard you push the battery, you can get close to 50 miles on a single charge, which is impressive for a bike of its size and ability. The backlit LCD will track your trip and speed and let you know how much juice you have left.
The XPeak comes assembled, so all you have to do is take it out of the box, attach the quick-release pedals and install the front wheel. Easy assembly is something we certainly appreciate, especially since one e-bike took our tech editor three hours to put together. My husband was very fond of this bike, calling it “a beast on wheels.”
You can zoom to work on the XPeak in the morning, then take the trails home afterward if you need to blow off steam. The 330-pound payload capacity also makes for a great cargo bike when the basket is attached. If you’re looking for a supersturdy, go-anywhere e-bike with a ton of power, the XPeak is a solid choice.
- Can handle rougher terrain
- Higher 330-pound payload
- Can be Class 1, 2, or 3
- Premium RST Renegade front fork
Amazon
Cost: $269 | Type: Mountain | Motor: 350W brushless motor | Battery: 360Wh | Distance on a single charge: About 30 miles | Top speed: 20 mph
With nearly 800 five-star reviews, the Jasion EB5 is one of the most popular e-bikes on Amazon. At under $300, it might be hard to go wrong with this one if all you’re looking for is a basic bike that can deliver 40 miles worth of throttled riding on one full charge.
While this e-bike’s motor and battery are half the size of the other picks on this list (that are twice the price), it still delivers the fun of an assisted pedal bike with a throttle, which is all many buyers need in an electric bike. It’s also just under 50 pounds, so it’s not too heavy either.
If you buy an electric bike on Amazon, be mindful of shipping costs. Many e-bikes are not eligible for free Prime delivery, so make sure you understand how much shipping will add to your bottom line. In the case of the Jasion EB5, shipping is $180, so the real price is $449. Still, if you’re looking for no frills but plenty of thrills for under $500, this is an e-bike worth a place on your shortlist.
- Affordable
- Lightweight at under 50 pounds
- Extra cost for shipping
- May not be as sturdy as more expensive options
Target
Cost: $999 | Type: Mountain | Motor: 500W hub drive | Battery: 540Wh lithium ion | Distance on a single charge: 35 miles | Top speed: 20 mph | Foldable: No
If you’re looking for a classic mountain bike equipped with all the thrills an electric bike has to offer, Schwinn’s Roanoke may be for you. The Roanoke combines Scwhinn’s dependability, next-level mountain biking and affordability.
It surprised us out of the box thanks to its simplicity and a relatively lightweight 55-pound aluminum frame. When you’re on the trails, the last thing you want is a bunch of extras like fenders, mirrors, lights and a rear rack banging around. Instead, the e-bike’s design focuses on what’s important to a mountain biker: an SR Suntour suspension fork that absorbs rough terrain, wide mountain tires for grip and mechanical disc brakes that stop fast on wet or dry trails. Add in the seven-speed drivetrain for easy manual pedaling, assisted pedaling up hills, or all-out throttle when you’re nearing the end of the ride and your energy reserves, and you have a mountain bike that can take on any trail with ease.
My son especially enjoyed riding this bike with his friends since he could go from street to trail and back with ease. He also said the suspension fork did a great job of absorbing bumps, boasting that his hands and shoulders didn’t hurt like they do on his regular mountain bike. It also fully charges in about four hours, which is especially nice when kids forget to plug things in after use.
- SR Suntour suspension fork
- Great for wet and dry trails
- Charges quickly
- No headlight, taillight or fender
April McCormick/Yahoo
Cost: $2,399 | Type: Fat tire | Motor: 1000W | Battery: G2 52V 19.2Ah | Distance on a single charge: 70+ miles | Top speed: 28 mph+ | Foldable: No
Juiced is championing the fast, fun, fat-tire e-bike game with its RipCurrent S — yet another of their e-bikes I’ve tested and loved right out of the box. It packs an insanely powerful 1000-watt motor and a go-for-days battery that can give you 70-plus miles on a single charge depending on how hard you push it. It hits 30 mph with ease and can take on any terrain with puncture-resistant knobby fat tires. There’s torque pedal assist for the cruiser and a thumb throttle for the speed demon. Stop-on-a-dime hydraulic disc brakes, a rear rack, fenders, front and back taillights and ergonomic grips round out this well-built, well-equipped e-bike.
I loved taking this bike through back trails and joked that I could probably get a speeding ticket on it. The knobby tires and smooth-shifting transmission made it a joy to ride. If you’re looking for an e-bike that can get you to work on time when you’re running late or help you keep up with the kids, look no further.
- Powerful 1000-watt motor
- Goes 70-plus miles on a single charge
- All-terrain puncture-resistant knobby fat tires
- Only fits riders 5’4″ and up
Rick Broida/Yahoo
Cost: $5,996 | Type: Off-road | Motor: 10,000W | Battery: LG 72V 45Ah | Distance on a single charge: 60 miles | Top speed: 60 mph+ | Foldable: No
What do you call an electric bike that has no pedals? An electric motorcycle, which puts the Solar E-Clipse 2.0 is in a slightly different class than the rest of the bikes here. That means, among other things, you’re likely to need a motorcycle license and registration if you want to hit the road on this baby.
Of course, with these knobby 19-inch tires, you’re more likely to want to hit the trails. (Solar also offers the bike with 16-inch road tires if that’s your preference.) You can definitely do that thanks to the adjustable suspension and IP67 water/dust-resistance rating.
I struggled quite a bit with assembly, in part because the E-Clipse is heavy and in part because the print instructions are terrible. Solar’s assembly video is much more helpful, but even that left me confused in a few areas.
Once it’s done, however, you’re in for some serious fun. The E-Clipse is easy to ride, surprisingly comfortable and crazy-fast when you switch out of Eco mode. If you want the thrill of a motorcycle mixed with the benefits of an e-bike, this is worth a look.
- Absolutely gorgeous
- A blast to ride
- Wireless key fob
- Regenerative-braking option
- Expensive
- Very heavy
- Difficult to assemble
- Requires motorcycle registration
How we chose the best electric bikes
We spent nearly three months riding every kind of electric bike imaginable. We started by speaking with e-bike experts and visiting local bike shops to see which manufacturers made the best models and which bikes the owners and employees particularly liked. We researched the various types of e-bikes: cargo, commuter, cruiser, trikes and trail bikes. We compared costs, battery and motor power, distance on a single charge, brakes and displays, and gave extra points to bikes equipped with enhanced safety features and bells and whistles. We then ordered our favorite 20 e-bikes and rode them as hard as we could to test their durability and see whether the batteries and motors performed as promised.
In the end, we were all e-bike experts and converts. I can honestly say that my e-bike will be covering exponentially more miles this summer than my gas-guzzling car.
Classes of electric bikes
If you’re new to electric bikes, the first decision you should make is which class of e-bike is best for you. The different classes, championed by PeopleforBikes.org and widely adopted by bike manufacturers and governments, help everyone from beginners to e-bike experts find a bike to fit their needs.
Class 1 electric bikes: Pedal assist up to 20 mph
A Class 1 electric bike requires you to pedal to engage the motor and keep the bike moving. Once the motor is engaged, it “assists” in pedaling up to 20 mph. Of course, you can go faster on these bikes, but the pedal assist cuts off at 20 mph.
For those who simply want to cruise around town or climb hills with ease, a Class 1 bike is a great choice. These bikes are also perfect for beginner cyclists, including beginner mountain bikers. They’re also ideal if an e-bike with a throttle sounds too intimidating.
Class 2 electric bikes: Throttle up to 20 mph
A Class 2 bike is likely what comes to mind when you think of an electric bike, and the majority of e-bikes fall into this class. They’re equipped with a throttle that will take over when you’re tired of pedaling. The Class 2 regulation means the throttle will max out at 20 mph (which is quite fast when you consider 25 mph is the standard speed limit on most neighborhood and secondary roads). This class is ideal for commuting, running errands and traveling longer distances or if you like the idea of a trade-off between pedaling yourself and having a motor do the work for you.
Class 3 electric bikes: Pedal assist with or without a throttle up to 28 mph
Most local governments more strictly limit Class 3 e-bikes because of their higher top speeds. Class 3 bikes can be pedal assist or pedal assist with throttle, but the key is the top speed of 28-plus mph. These bikes are usually required to have a speedometer and, depending on where you live, they may be banned from bike paths, trails and some highways. Class 3 bikes are great for daily commuters or as a substitute for a car since they will get you from place to place with very little or no work on your part.
Class 4: 28 mph with a motor over 750 watts (.75kW or 1 horsepower)
Class 4 e-bikes are essentially electric mopeds or motorcycles with pedals. They can go well over 28 mph — we even reviewed one that went 60-plus mph! Most states consider Class 4 e-bikes to be motor vehicles, so they require proper licenses, registration and documentation. In most states, you must be at least 16 to operate a Class 4 e-bike.
What you should consider when buying an electric bike
Cost: Electric bikes run from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. For a well-built bike, you should expect to spend between $1,000 and $3,000. The lower end will get you a basic e-bike with a motor and battery that will get you where you need to go. The higher end will get you a more powerful motor and battery that can go faster and last longer, plus enhanced safety features and better-quality parts that should stand the test of time.
Class: Decide whether you want a pedal-assist bike that goes no more than 20mph (Class 1) or 28-plus miles an hour (Class 3). Or you may want an e-bike with a throttle that will do the work for you that tops out at 20 mph (Class 2) or goes 28-plus mph (Class 3). Finally, you may want a superfast electric dirt bike or electric moped (Class 4).
Foldable: If you need an e-bike that is easy to transport, you’ll want to stick to foldable options. Make sure you also consider durability, weight and tire size.
Weight: An e-bike can weigh anywhere from 30 pounds up to 200 pounds for heftier cargo e-bikes and trikes. The average weight is about 50 pounds. To put that into perspective, a basic nonelectric mountain bike is about 30 pounds.
Motor: Most e-bike motors start at 500 watts, which will get you up to around 20 mph. If you are looking for more power and speed, you’ll want to look for motors that are 750 watts or more.
Battery size: The size of your e-bike battery is as important as motor size if you’re looking for a bike with long-range distance or one that can hold a heavy payload or perform consistently at high speeds. The higher the watt-hour or voltage, the longer the bike will perform at optimal levels. A good rule of thumb: Look for a battery with a minimum of 350 watt-hours or 48 volts.
Distance on a single charge: When looking at distance specifications, keep in mind that the real number will vary based on how much you weigh, the terrain and how hard you push the bike. If you’re of average height and build and just plan on cruising around town, you can take the advertised distance at face value. If you plan to push the bike to its limits, you’ll likely go half — or less than half — of the advertised distance.
Top speed: Speed and class go hand in hand, but when you get to Class 3 and Class 4 e-bikes, speed can become a little vague. If you don’t want a fast bike, stick to Class 1 or 2 bikes.
Safety features: Do you plan to ride at night? Make sure there’s a headlight and taillight. Do you plan to ride on the road in traffic? Look for a bike with turn signals. If you plan to hit the trails extra hard, look for a rugged fork and puncture-proof tires. Also consider whether you need an antitheft alarm or tracking software to protect your investment.
Electric bike FAQs
What’s the best electric bike?
There is no single best electric bike that will meet every person’s needs. Some will want a bike that folds to fit in their trunk, while others will want a cargo bike or tricycle. The best electric bike for you will fit your budget, go as fast and far as you want, and carry extra people or cargo if you need it to. Test a few bikes to find one that suits your height, weight, budget and needs.
Do you still have to pedal electric bicycles?
Class 1 pedal-assist-only bikes do not have a throttle and will require you to pedal the entire time. Many Class 2 and Class 3 bikes do not require you to pedal to take off, but, generally, you will want to pedal a few strokes to ensure you have your balance before hitting the throttle.
How much do you have to spend to get a good electric bike?
While you can get an electric bike for a couple hundred dollars from Amazon or Walmart, you’ll find that those bikes are not as well made or equipped as bikes that cost at least a few hundred dollars more. If you want an e-bike that is built to last with a powerful motor, a longer-range battery and features such as headlights, taillights, fenders and cargo baskets, expect to spend between $1,000 and $3,500.
Can I ride my electric bike on city streets and park trails?
Laws vary, so it’s important to check local city and state laws governing e-bikes. Also check in with the Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service and National Forest Service for their regulations.
Olivia Martin celebrates the art of living well in her lifestyle articles. She explores topics ranging from travel and fashion to home decor and culinary delights, offering inspiration for readers seeking a balanced and enjoyable lifestyle.
