The Top 5 Electric Bikes
Ready for some fun in the great outdoors? Electric bikes use a combination of pedal-assist technology and rechargeable batteries. And with speeds up to 30 MPH, you’ll get to where you’re going faster as well. For urban dwellers seeking an alternative to public transportation, high-emission cars, gas prices, parking fees and traffic, the electric bike is a godsend. So, we stuck some cards in the spokes, attached our front baskets and rode around the greater metropolitan area to test out a wide variety of models. Here you'll find the fruit of our labor: a ranking of the five best electric bikes.
Nakto City Electric Bicycle
Rock Down To Electric Avenue
Perhaps the best thing about the Nakto City electric bike is that it looks like a bike and not something out of a Star Wars movie. With a high-strength carbon steel frame, adjustable seat, front-load basket and rear-position carrier, you’d think the Nakto was a regular cruiser bike – until you see the removable 36V lithium cell battery. Hitting a top speed of 26 miles per hour with a range of 33 miles using pedal assist, the Nakto gives you a smooth riding experience on inclines with its powerful but quiet anti-skid motor. The cushioned seat with shock absorbers makes it super comfortable to ride as well.
Pros:
- 1-year warranty on some parts
- Built-in headlight and horn
- Comes with bike lock
Cons:
- Durability makes it heavy
- Not for rugged or steep terrain
Swagtron Swagcycle EB5
Get Your Swag On
An electric bike can be a major investment, but the Swagcycle EB5 by Swagtron provides all the perks of a cool electric bike for people on a budget. With a lithium battery that charges to maximum in only 4.5 hours, you can travel a full 15.5 miles by toggling between manual pedaling and power assist. The frame, handlebars and pedals fold up in three different ways for easy storage, but are durable enough to carry adults up to 265 pounds. An adjustable seat and handlebars mean the bike can fit almost any height. This makes fr a perfect solution for the rider wanting to get started with electric bikes.
Pros:
- Comes pre-assembled
- Available in both black and white
- Battery indicator on handlebar
Cons:
- Back tire rim wiring different from front
- Battery not accessible for replacement
eAhora AM100
Climb Every (Electric) Mountain
Contending with hills and rocky terrain creates special demands on an electric mountain bike, but eAhoroa rises to the challenge. Featuring an adjustable air-front suspension fork with a sturdy but lightweight aluminum alloy frame, the AM100 is rugged enough for the harshest terrain. With 9 gears (instead of the typical 7 found on mountain e-bikes) and a powerful 48-volt battery (as opposed to the 35-volt models found in urban e-bikes), even the steepest hills are a breeze. Better still, the exclusive E-PAS motor system sends a charge back to the battery when speeds exceed 13 MPH, extending battery life up to 55 miles, which is critical when you’re riding so far from a power source.
Pros:
- Front & rear hydraulic brakes
- Waterproof LCD display screen
- Weighs only 60 pounds
Cons:
- Not foldable or collapsible
- Some assembly required
Ecotric Fat Tire Electric Bike
When Fat Tires Will Do The Trick
Fat tires aren’t just for mountain bikes anymore. Though the added cushioning is perfect for rugged trails, more and more riding enthusiasts are using fat tire bikes for everyday use. We like the Ecotri Fat Tire Folding Bike for its versatility in all-terrain settings. Featuring a seven-speed gear system and powerful 500w motor, the Ecotric reaches a max speed of 20 MPH and can cruise up to 23 miles on a single charge. Though the frame is designed to be compact, both the seat and the handlebars are adjustable, making the bike suitable for most body types.
Pros:
- Pre-assembly available
- Comes in white or blue
- Battery lock and power lock functions
Cons:
- Eight hours for a full charge
- Shorter range in steep terrains
Trekpower Folding Electric Bike
Big Power/Tiny Package
Urban riders using their e-bike to commute to work know how important it is to have a lightweight, compact solution. That’s why Trekpower created their folding electric bike. With a strong but lightweight aluminum frame that can be folded into a cube barely 2-feet tall and 29-inches long, the 40-pound Trekpower is perfect for storing in the office or cubicle. Packing the same kind of 38v battery found in most e-bikes, a single charge can get you a full-throttle cruise of 20 miles, while the lighter weight of the bike makes it easier to get around under full pedal-power. All in all, this is one of the best urban electric bikes on the market.
Pros:
- Available in four colors
- Comes pre-assembled from a U.S. warehouse
- 1-year warranty
Cons:
- 250-pound max capacity
- Not for taller riders
Frequently Asked Questions
My e-bike battery won’t hold a charge anymore. Can I get a replacement?
Typically, yes. You’ll need to contact the manufacturer directly to purchase the replacement. We recommend purchasing a bike with an accessible, removable battery pack for this very reason. You can also purchase a second battery for “stand-by” purposes – keep one at the office and one at home, fully charged and ready to go. Finally, most e-bikes come with instructions on how to maintain a long battery life. It’s important to read these instructions and follow them closely to maximize your battery life.
What’s the deal with fat tires? I see them everywhere now.
The idea behind fat tires (both front and back) on both standard and e-bikes is to provide a more stable and comfortable ride. By extending the surface area of the tire, the wheel provides more cushion and creates greater shock absorption. In addition, the expanded surface area of the tire makes it ideal for traveling on terrains like snow or sand, as they provide more balance. For this reason, fat tire bikes are especially popular on the beach.
If I pop a tire on my e-bike, do I need to order a special replacement?
No. The tires (and inner tubes) used on electric bikes are the same ones used on standard bikes, so you should be able to get easily-available replacement parts from your local bike store. In fact, most of the parts are the same between the two types of bikes, including brakes and gears. However, if you have to do maintenance on any electrical part of your e-bike, we recommend you take it to a professional bike mechanic to avoid any potential of electric shock.
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.