13 Best Electric Bikes of 2025, According to Testing

The use of electric bikes continues to grow. And all types and ages of riders are getting e-bikes. Whether you need an e-bike for commuting, riding the bike path, getting around town, or mountain biking, there is an electric bike for you.

Many factors contribute to the rapid expansion of e-bike use—better batteries, more efficient motors, and lower weights—but the biggest reason is electric bikes are a blast to ride. The pedaling assistance provided by e-bike motors makes going up hills easier, allows riding longer distances, and enables riders to carry more cargo. With riding season just around the corner—and many brands and dealers offering sales and discounts on popular e-bike models—now is a great time to buy an electric bike.

Shopping for an e-bike can be confusing. There are many e-bike categories, options, and prices; sometimes it’s hard to know which e-bike is right for you. Electric bikes are priced from under $1,000 to well over $10,000. Through ride testing and research, we found many great e-bikes priced between $1,500 and $3,500. These are our favorites in the lower- and mid-price models—most of which you can purchase online directly from the brands. Many excellent e-bikes are also available through bike shops.

Brands like Aventon, Ride1Up, and Lectric offer affordable models you can buy online that performed well in our ride testing and evaluations. If you want to purchase an electric bike in person, test ride before you buy, or are uncomfortable assembling a bike, a bike shop is a great option. Established players like Specialized and Trek offer many types of e-bikes and have hundreds of dealers nationwide. Additionally, REI has locations nationwide offering its Co-op brand e-bikes and models from popular brands like Cannondale and Tern.

Check out Bicycling’s 2024 Bike Awards for more bikes rigorously vetted by our editorial team.

Our experienced bike test team evaluates each model included here on its overall quality, safety features, handling, motor, and battery life. We also assess whether the components and features add to the overall quality of the ride. Bicycling editors tested these bikes on local roads, commuting to and from work, using them to stock up on groceries and beer, and running their batteries down to see how long they last on one charge.

Deputy editor Tara Seplavy, the author of this article, also worked in bicycle product development for two decades and led product management for major bike brands. Plus, she commutes to Bicycling’s headquarters daily on an e-bike.

While we rode most of the e-bikes in this story, sometimes we can’t get our hands on a great electric bike. In those cases, we rely on the expertise of our test team, interviews with product managers, and rigorous research to compare the bikes’ value and performance against similar models we’ve tested.

A big reason to consider Lectric’s One, according to Test Editor Dan Chabanov, is its Pinion drivetrain. The German brand manufactures high-end and fully enclosed gearbox units—like internally geared hubs except mounted at the bottom bracket. Pinion products are typically found on pricey and niche bicycles. So, this system on a $2,400 commuter e-bike is exciting, especially since it’s a part usually reserved for bikes triple that price.

We were impressed with the Pinion system’s smooth feel and precision and Lectric’s hub motor in our testing. While the improved cadence sensor was better than others he’s used, Chabanov notes it was still very much a cadence sensor. “Like most cadence sensor-equipped bikes, the One feels disconnected from the motor,” he says. “This feeling is from a combination of lag (though very slight in this case) and because the force put into the pedals does not relate to the motor’s output. Both factors result in a slightly unnatural motor response.”

Still, it didn’t take Chabanov long to get used to how the One delivers its motor assist. The One is an ideal option for riders who seek a dependable, low-maintenance, all-weather commuter bike with the bells and whistles of a bike that usually costs much more.

Until now, the Aventon Level 2 was Bicycling’s Best Overall e-bike. It reigned for two-and-a-half years, and judging by the number of Levels we see on the roads, bike paths, and rail trails, many riders are fans of Aventon’s highly functional and sharply priced commuter e-bike, too.

However, a new bike now claims the Best Overall Electric Bike title—Aventon’s Level 3.

Aventon’s updates to the Level focus largely on comfort, aesthetics, and usability. Some changes are quite visible while others, like the electronic wheel lock, are almost entirely hidden. The third-gen Level receives two notable rider comfort updates compared to the Level 2. One is a suspension seatpost to smooth the ride and add some cush’ for the tush. The other is an adjustable-rise stem with up to 90 degrees of angle adjustment. Aventon’s most significant update is one that many riders may gloss over when shopping for an e-bike but some users might find it quite useful. Introduced last year on the brand’s Abound SR cargo bike, the Level 3’s new ACU (Aventon Control Unit) adds several smart features to the already well-equipped platform. The wheel lock and motion sensor alarm are passive theft deterrents when you stop for a mid-ride coffee or run into the post office. A 4G chip in the ACU provides GPS tracking from Aventon’s mobile app so you can find your bike if you forget where you locked it. 4G connectivity also allows you to set geofence restrictions on your Level 3 for teens or housemates.

Even without the connectivity features, the Level 3’s frame, comfort upgrades, and improved brakes make it surpass the Level 2 with ease as our Best Overall E-bike. The tracking, custom power settings, lock, geofencing, and alarm add to the bike’s usability in daily life without added cost.

None of this, however, diminishes the quality of the Level 2. If you don’t need the connectivity features and are looking for a great deal on a solid e-bike, the Level 2 is now on sale for $300 less than the Level 3.

READ FULL REVIEW LEVEL 3 STEP-OVER READ LEVEL 2 REVIEW

Best Fat-Tire E-Bike

Aventon Aventure.2 Electric Bike

 

 

Now 15% Off

Credit: Trevor Raab

Key Specs

Power	750W
Weight	77 lb.
Top Speed	28 mph

Compared to the original Aventure, the second-generation model rides more smoothly. Aventon’s new torque sensor allows more control over the acceleration of Aventure’s 750W rear hub motor. Lighter-weight testers found the previous model to have too much torque but the latest Aventure remedied this fault. Additional updates include a new head unit interface, integrated turn signals, a front light, a rear rack, and fenders for keeping clean.

The Aventure.2 is an excellent fat-tire e-bike for commuters—especially on snowy days and gravel pathways. Off-roading, it excels on doubletrack trails, but with this burly bike’s weight and components, it has limited functionality on singletrack and more aggressive mountain trails.

MORE OF THE BEST FAT TIRE E-BIKES

Best Trek on Sale Now

Trek Dual Sport+ 2 Stagger

 

 

Key Specs

Power	250W
Weight	38 lb.
Top Speed	20 mph

Trek’s excellent Dual Sport+ 2 Stagger is on sale now and is a steal at $1,500. Weighing a scant 38 pounds, it boasts a sleek integrated battery and an optional range extender—though with a range of up to 35 miles you’re unlikely to need more. This lightweight city bike is a rare find at this price. While hub drive motors aren’t as smooth or powerful as their mid-drive counterparts, the Dual Sport+ 2 Stagger excels in other areas: 650b wheels and 50c tires make for a comfortable ride over rough city roads and hydraulic disc brakes provide ample stopping power. Integrated lights are a convenient feature for any hybrid bike, and the bike has mounts for front and rear racks and fenders. However, you will have to buy racks and fenders separately, if you want them. You can purchase the bike online and have it shipped directly to your home, or opt to have it ship to your local Trek dealer for assembly.

The Medeo T9 is one of the best commuter e-bikes we have ridden. It comes from Gazelle, one of the world’s leading makers of commuter bikes. Based in the Netherlands, the brand manufactures the Medeo in a country renowned for its bicycle commuting culture and infrastructure. And the Medeo T9 is equipped perfectly for commuting with the smooth-running Bosch Active Line Plus mid-drive motor and dependable Shimano drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes. Normally priced at $2,799, the Medeo T9 has the features and ride quality of much more expensive e-bikes and a price competitive with consumer-direct brands.

Commuter-ready out of the box, the Medeo has a rear rack rated to carry up to 55 pounds, aluminum fenders, and integrated front and rear lights. We also love the suspension fork that takes the edge off rough city streets. Though not intended for extended unattended periods, the Meteo has a built-in rear wheel lock for quick coffee shop breaks or convenience store stops. Additionally, the Medeo’s low-step frame and four sizes make it a great choice for seniors or riders unable to step over the top tube of traditional frames.

If you need to carry it all, go with our 2023 Bike of the Year: Specialized’s Globe Haul ST. With a cargo capacity of a whopping 419 pounds, it’s good for a range of riding tasks, from grabbing groceries to dropping Fido off at doggy daycare.

Specialized designed this bike with the average commuter in mind, motivating riders to swap those short- and medium-distance car trips with a bicycle instead. The result is a well-designed short-tail cargo bike with wide 20- x 3.5-inch tires that can eat bumps while keeping you stable and low to the ground. It’s also a blast to ride.

Our test editor Dan Chabanov says it feels much more like a traditional bike than a souped-up e-cargo, which is to say, it’s actually fun. “If you haven’t ridden an e-cargo bike, you might take this for granted,” he says. “But the reality is that even some of the more compact e-cargo bike options out there often don’t ride like a typical bike, or worse, they simply ride poorly. As a cyclist, one of the Haul ST’s most enamoring traits is how much it rides like a ‘normal’ bike. Well, that and the ability to carry a week’s worth of groceries on it.”

READ FULL REVIEW

Best New Cargo Bike

Tern GSD S10 Electric Cargo Bike

 

 

Pros

• Insane GVWR of 463 lb. and rear rack that can hold 220 lb.
• Compact is design makes it easier to live with in tight spaces

Cons

• Expensive

Tern practically invented the compact cargo bike category when it launched the first Tern GSD some seven years ago. The latest version refines an already proven design, making it an even more viable alternative to a car for urban and suburban dwellers. It features a one-size-fits-most configuration, and after years of testing various GSD models, we can confirm that this holds true. The low standover height of the step-through frame and upright riding position make it easy to balance heavy loads, whether stopping at a light or maneuvering through city streets. And with a massive GVWR of 463 pounds—220 of which can be carried on the rear rack—you can really load this thing up.

Tern likes to refer to it as a minivan on two wheels, which almost undersells its versatility. With countless front and rear rack configurations, plus the ability to carry two kids in either child seats or a bench seat, it handles family duty with ease. But it’s also incredibly adaptable—you can drop the seat and fold down the stem for transport in a vehicle, and while it has a sturdy kickstand, you can also store it vertically by tipping it onto its rear rack.

And the features don’t stop there. The Bosch Cargo Line motor with a dual battery system, suspension fork, integrated lights, ABS brakes, and even a tow bar make it a seriously compelling alternative to a car. Yes, the price is steep—but compared to motor vehicles it’s an absolute steal.

Best Fat-Tire Commuter E-Bike

Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus Electric Bike

 

 

Key Specs

Power	750W
Weight	74 lb.
Top Speed	20 mph

Brawny, big, and bold, the RadRover 6 Plus is powerful at its best and sluggish at its worst. With its 750W rear hub, 4-inch-wide tires, and 60mm travel RST suspension fork, it’s cushy and stable enough to tackle potholes on city streets and the occasional dirt, rocks, and snow.

Compared to its predecessor, an updated display and solid hydraulic disc brakes make the RadRover 6 Plus a more comfortable and relaxed ride. It is reasonably priced at about $1,300, making it a good option for many riders.

If you need a do-it-all bike to help get you to and from work or the grocery store and frequently battle the elements while doing it, or if you have a lot of land you’d like to tear up, the RadRover 6 is your beast. However, with its hefty 74-pound weight (without a rack), we wouldn’t dare to roll this e-bike upstairs into an apartment. Anyone living in a small space might have trouble storing this bike.

READ FULL REVIEW

At $2,000, the Abound is Aventon’s priciest bike. But it’s also the second-most affordable bike on this list. The Abound looks fantastic and well-prepared for the designated assignment. The bike’s squat appearance and stout frame practically beg you to load it up with every possible parcel, payload, or accessory. Also included in the Abound’s base price are a sturdy rear rack, footboards for a passenger, a center-mount kickstand, and an SR Suntour suspension fork.

The bike also comes equipped with a dropper seatpost. Commonly found on mountain bikes, this post allows the saddle to raise or lower when riding the bike (via a switch lever under the nose of the saddle). The dropper enables riders to get on or off the Abound when it has a full cargo load.

READ FULL REVIEW

Thanks to a 500-watt rear hub motor and folding mechanisms in the downtube and stem, the Vika Flex goes fast, folds fast, and stows well. Its 614Wh battery delivers up to 70 miles of range, and a throttle provides on-demand blasts of oomph—helpful on steep climbs or when leaving stop lights.

It comes with a seven-speed Shimano Tourney drivetrain, a rear rack rated to carry up to 60, integrated LED lights with brake indicator and turn signals, a bell cleverly integrated into the left brake lever, front and rear fenders, ergonomic grips, and 2.4-inch tires. And the new version uses hydraulic disc brakes, an upgrade over the previous version’s rim brakes.

READ FULL REVIEW

For less than $1,900, the Discover 2 is better equipped and more powerful than some bikes double its price. With its low step-through frame, 440-pound maximum capacity (bike + rider + cargo), and torquey motor, this Velotric is great for around-town use, commutes, and running errands. Additionally, Velotric offers baskets and racks to expand the bike’s cargo-hauling abilities—perfect for those weekend rides to the farmers’ market.

Velotric offers the Discover 2 in four colors and two sizes. Our 6-foot test rider found the size large fit well for her height. Additional highlights included the suspension fork with lockout, 8-speed Shimano drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes, and an adjustable cockpit. The Discover has a bright and easy-to-read color display that allows easy customization of the bike’s assistance levels and speed limit.

We found the Discover has plenty of pep on flatter roads but, due to its weight, it can bog down on steep hills if using only throttle assist. The Discover 2’s biggest issue is some front wheel wobble. This is something many step-through e-bikes experience. It is only noticeable with both hands off the bar but is something that may concern some riders

Sometimes, you want a classic cruiser to take out on the weekends. If casualness is your style then Ride1Up’s Cafe Cruiser is your best bet. Equipped with a built-in rack, front and rear lights, a 750W motor, hydraulic disc brakes, a decent suspension fork, and 3-inch-wide tires, this upright bike is stable enough for newer e-riders, and with an added passenger kit, a friend, too.

Our testing found that the bike had plenty of oomph to climb short hills despite its weight and laidback geometry. But, like several wide-tire bikes, it has some handling issues. It’s capable of speeds up to 28 mph (and 20 mph using the throttle), which is more than enough power to get you where you need to be.

Best Cheap E-Cargo Bike

Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 4

 

 

Now 17% Off

Credit: Trevor Raab

Key Specs

Power	750W
Weight	73 lb.
Top Speed	20 mph

If a $1,800, fully loaded e-cargo bike seems too good to be true, we’re hear to tell you it is that good. A 750-watt direct-drive hub motor provides powerful pedal assist at a much quieter hum than the mid-drive motors used on most e-cargo bikes; its only disadvantage is there’s not quite as much torque, but we only noticed that on steep hills.

A throttle lets you ride the bike like a scooter, and we had no problems with the 7-speed Shimano Altus drivetrain or the Tektro mechanical disc brakes. Lights, fenders, and a kickstand are standard. Despite its length, the RadWagon isn’t difficult to maneuver: We thrashed it around an abandoned golf car path and didn’t scrape the rear foot platforms against the ground—a good sign for low-speed handling. It’s a lot easier to charge $5,000 or more for an e-cargo bike when you market it as a car replacement, but the RadWagon proves you can render your car mostly obsolete for the price of an e-bike, not another car.

For $600 more, we also love the RadWagon 5. Maximum speed bumps to 28 mph., range increases to 60 miles, and cargo capacity gets a minor bump to 375 lb. But what we’re most excited to see is the suspension fork and hydraulic brakes.

READ FULL REVIEW

A Few E-Bike Terms to Know

Torque

 

Watt Hours

 

Locking Battery

Trevor Raab

Many e-bike brands seamlessly integrate batteries to make the bike look sleeker (and more like a traditional non-assist bike). Most batteries lock to the bike and come with a key that lets you unlock and remove it, which serves multiple purposes: You can remove the battery and charge it off the bike, plus a locked battery deters (and hopefully prevents) a thief from stealing it. An e-bike with the battery removed is safer for hauling on a bike rack and lighter for carrying up steps.

Stability and Control

Maegan Gindi

Since e-bikes can maintain higher speeds for longer than standard bikes, you want extra control when riding. Wider tires provide better traction and the freedom to leave the pavement with little penalty, and a suspension fork will help tame some of the rougher roads you might explore. Good disc brakes are a must, too, for slowing a heavy bike at high speed. This is not a place to skimp.

Integrated Lights

Maegan Gindi

Some e-bikes have an integrated lighting system that turns on when you power up the bike. While this is a great feature, it’s not a deal-breaker if your bike doesn’t come equipped this way. It’s just as easy to attach your own since so many great bike lights are available.

Warranty and Service

Trevor Raab

E-bikes need regular maintenance and repair to stay in good working condition. Because they’re heavier and go faster than non-assist bicycles, e-bikes often require more regular service on parts like brakes, tires, and drivetrain components. We recommend having a good relationship with a local bike shop experienced in e-bike repair to keep your equipment running smoothly.

E-bikes use electronics for their motors, batteries, and displays. These parts are often proprietary to bike brands or even specific e-bike models, making replacement more difficult than parts on non-electric bicycles. Make sure to use the correct electronic replacement parts to avoid damaging your e-bike (or it catching fire).

Established brands usually (but not always) have a good supply of these parts for replacement, even for years after a bike goes out of production. Bosch and Shimano are two e-bike motor manufacturers with some of the most compatibility between bikes and stock parts for previous generations of systems.

Look for e-bikes from brands that offer at least a one-year warranty on electronic components (many brands’ warranties are longer) and make items like replacement batteries for your bike. These parts are usually not cheap (sometimes up to half the cost of a new bike), but it’s the difference between having an e-bike that can be repaired or becomes a bicycle-shaped paperweight if something goes wrong.

Certification

UL Solutions

Following a dramatic increase in fires caused by the lithium-ion batteries used in electric bikes, there is a push from local officials, regulatory agencies, and advocacy groups across the U.S. for improved safety certification of e-bikes, batteries, and motor units. On September 16, 2023, a New York City law took effect requiring that any e-bike sold in the city “has been certified by an accredited testing laboratory for compliance with Underwriters Laboratories (UL) standard 2849”. In November 2023, Amazon announced it ceased illegal battery sales to New Yorkers.

However, just because something is marketed as UL 2849 compliant, tested to UL 2849, or even “certified to UL 2849” does not mean it is UL Safety Certified. Ibrahim Jilani, UL’s Global Director of Consumer Technology, notes: “Certification is always earned by a manufacturer and not a given when they undergo a product submittal. The UL Mark, or any authorized certification mark, can only be issued upon successful demonstration of meeting the requirements of the safety standard.” You can find UL’s updated list of products Certified to UL 2849 here. You can cross-reference OSHA’s Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories for a deep dive into the topic.

The Three Classes of E-Bikes

After determining which style of bike is right for you, the next consideration is which class of e-bike best fits your needs. In the U.S., there are three e-bike classifications. These are defined by the type of assist and how fast the motor will propel you. Most electric bikes are class 1 or 3. Class 1 bikes have a motor (max 750W) that assists while pedaling up to 20 mph. Class 3 (sometimes known as “speed pedelec”) can have up to a 750W (aka 1-horsepower) motor but can assist you up to 28 mph. Both are allowed in most states and cities without needing a license.

Maegan Gindi

Class 2 models have become more popular with riders, especially at lower prices. These models have a throttle that can propel a bike up to 20 mph without needing continuous pedaling.

Some bikes blur the lines. Aventon’s popular Pace 500, for example, is technically a Class 3 e-bike in that it reaches speeds up to 28 mph, but it also has a throttle that tops out at 20 mph (the maximum legal speed for a throttle).

Several manufacturers offer kits to add pedal assistance to a non-electric bike. We purchased a few popular conversion kits, fitted them to bikes, and rode them. We do not recommend most of these kits for use. While converting an old bike to an electric assist sounds good in theory, it rarely makes practical sense. Plus, it can lead to rider injury or failure of the bike.

Manufacturers do not design non-electric bikes to accommodate the extra weight and forces incurred when adding an e-bike motor, battery, and control equipment. This puts more stress on the bicycle frame and other components and can lead to breakage or failure of the bike.

David Monk

The Clip e-bike motor is an effective conversion option for short-distance commutes.

A particular conversion device we like is the Clip friction-drive motor. This sub-10-pound motor mounts to the front wheel of most commuter, city, road, or gravel bikes (basically, bikes without suspension forks) and provides up to 15 mph pedaling assistance. The Clip attaches (and removes) quickly from your bike and is ideal for urban commuters who lock their bike outdoors. It doesn’t have a super long range (up to 12 miles claimed on the $600 Explore version) but features regenerative braking that helps enhance the range (especially if your commute includes bridges, overpasses, or small hills).

David Monk

David Monk

Bicycling Senior Motion and Graphics Editor David Monk tested the Clip on his singlespeed and gravel bike for several months commuting to our office in New York City and around his neighborhood in Queens, New York. Monk said, “The Clip is more intuitive to use than expected.” He also noted it is “great for my commutes” and “the Clip fits under my desk, which makes charging easy.”

While the Clip is not an e-bike, it’s perfect for riders needing something lightweight and portable or who only occasionally require pedal assistance. And as Monk noted, “The Clip sure beats lugging a 65-pound e-bike up a few flights of stairs.”

Trevor Raab

Converting a bike to e-assist isn’t as easy as it sounds.

Selecting most conversion kits requires knowing the fitment details of your bike and might require specialized tools for installation. Many do not have a straightforward installation process, and it can be a challenging project for novice mechanics. If you want a shop to install a conversion kit, check with the shop before purchasing it. Since most non-electric bikes are not engineered to accommodate electric conversions, many shops will not install these kits.

Many economical e-bikes do not cost much more than the total price of a conversion kit plus the installation cost. We recommend buying a purpose-built e-bike for the best and safest experience.

Good quality e-bikes can cost a lot of money; purchasing a pre-owned bike is one way to save some cash and get a better model. If you want to shop for a used e-bike in person, some bicycle stores offer refurbished units. Shopping in person allows you to check the integrity and condition of the bike before you buy it. When purchasing from a shop, make sure that the retailer is experienced with e-bike service and that the bike includes the proper charger and battery.

If purchasing a used e-bike directly from another owner on a third-party site, it’s wise to get the bike inspected by an experienced e-bike shop or mechanic before handing over your money. E-bikes experience higher wear-and-tear than non-assist bicycles, and many e-bikes use proprietary parts or require special tools to service or update software.

With the boom in e-bike sales, a few websites—like Upway—have sprung up selling reconditioned and certified e-bikes. Often, these e-bikes have low mileage or were sales floor samples at shops—some are even brand new or are new old stock of a previous model year. While it costs more than purchasing from an individual seller, buying a used bike from these sites usually means you have some warranty on your e-bike and ensures that it was inspected properly.

As Deputy Editor, Tara Seplavy leads Bicycling’s product test team; after having previously led product development and sourcing for multiple bike brands, run World Championship winning mountain bike teams, wrenched at renowned bicycle shops in Brooklyn, raced everything from criteriums to downhill, and ridden bikes on six different continents (landing herself in hospital emergency rooms in four countries and counting). Based in Easton, Pennsylvania, Tara spends tons of time on the road and trail testing products. A familiar face at cyclocross races, crits, and bike parks in the Mid Atlantic and New England, on weekends she can often be found racing for the New York City-based CRCA/KruisCX team. When not riding a bike, or talking about them, Tara listens to a lot of ska, punk, and emo music, and consumes too much social media.  

Bill Strickland is the Rider-in-Chief of Bicycling. His equal passions for cycling and writing have led to the books Ten Points: A Memoir; Tour de Lance: The Extraordinary Story of Cycling’s Most Controversial Champion; Mountain Biking: The Ultimate Guide to the Ultimate Ride; and The Quotable Cyclist. His Bicycling story, “100 Pedal Strokes” won a National Magazine Award for Interactive Feature in 2008. In 2009, he assigned and edited the story “Broken,” which won the National Magazine Award for Public Interest. “The Escape,” the December, 2011, edition of his Bicycling magazine column The Pursuit, was named a Notable story by The Best American Sports Writing. Various editions of his books have been translated into Dutch, German, Hebrew, and Japanese. He uses commas by rhythm and sound, which is a terrible way to do it but makes him happy.