Outdoors Gear The 9 Best E-Bikes of 2023 By Ashley M. Biggers Ashley M. Biggers Instagram Twitter Ashley Biggers is a journalist specializing in travel, culture, and art. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 01/06/22 Share Pin Email We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. The Rundown Best Overall: Rad Power Bikes RadRunner1 at Rad Power Bikes "With over 300 accessory combinations, the RadRunner1 has the makings of a go-anywhere, do-anything e-bike." Best Value: Aventon Pace 350 Step-Through Ebike at Aventon "The Aventon Pace 350 Step-Through Ebike offers quality features and reliability at a value price." Best Mountain Bike: Specialized Turbo Levo Comp at Specialized "Specialized made this e-mountain bike a standout by prioritizing trail bike design." Best Cargo Bike: Tern GSD S10 at REI "The Tern GSD S10 is the minivan of e-bikes—it’s built to carry two kids plus groceries." Best Cruiser Bike: Townie Path Go! 10D EQ Step-Through at Trek "This stylish bike has the vintage look and feel that cruiser bike fans love with the pedal-assist power of an e-bike." Best Versatile: Cannondale Quick Neo SL 2 Remixte at Cannondale "With a just-right price and a design that suits fitness rides, commuting, or leisure rides, this bike suits a variety of cyclists." Best for Teens: Tomasar Folding Electric Bike at Amazon "If you’re daydreaming of family e-bike rides, this bike is a sturdy and affordable option for teens." Best for Families: Urban Arrow Family at Propel Bikes "This bike is made from the outset with a kid-friendly bike trailer as part of the design." Best Folding: Rad Power Bikes RadMini Step-Thru 2 at Rad Power Bikes "This bike offers some of the top-reviewed features of e-bikes in a compact design." Whether you’re commuting to work, taking a casual ride around a resort, or pedaling the streets of Amsterdam, e-bikes are a fast, safe, and all-around fun way to get around. These bikes have an electrical power boost that’s offered either by increasing your pedaling cadence or fully powered propulsion—like a motorcycle or scooter. These days, there are models for every purpose, from short work commutes to fitness to hauling cargo and even bike-packing trips. Here are our favorite e-bikes for your next ride. Best Overall: Rad Power Bikes RadRunner1 Courtesy of Rad Power Bikes Buy on Radpowerbikes.com What We Like Up to 45 miles per charge Puncture-resistant tires Customizable What We Don't Like Not recommended for longer commutes With over 300 accessory combinations, the Rad Power Bikes RadRunner1 has the makings of a go-anywhere, do-anything e-bike. The bike features a top-of-the-line lithium-ion battery with up to 45 miles per charge. Because of the cargo-focus, the bike is good for running errands or taking a scenic ride. Sturdy puncture-resistant tires will keep annoying flats at bay. And the bike’s single-speed drivetrain and LED control panel make for easy riding and a very approachable bike, even for new cyclists. Where this bike really excels, however, is its ability to be customized. It’s the first e-bike to have a fully adjustable driver’s seat that can either sit flush with the passenger’s seat or be raised higher (like on a standard bike) for full extension pedaling. The integrated rear rack also allows you to attach a variety of panniers, platforms, baskets for cargo, or even a child seat. And all this comes in a relatively affordable package. Price at time of publish: $1,499 Best Value: Aventon Pace 350 Step-Through Ebike Courtesy of Aveton Buy on Aventon.com What We Like Has pedal-assist and throttle Up to 35 miles per charge Lightweight What We Don't Like Not recommended for longer commutes Affordability is all relative. In e-bikes, where batteries quickly make prices climb, finding a quality bike around $1,000 is a major win. The Aventon Pace 350 Step-Through Ebike offers quality features and reliability at a value price. Coming in multiple sizes and featuring five pedal-assist options or throttle on-demand, the Pace 350 is especially versatile for the price. This e-bike allows riders to go up to 20 miles an hour—fairly standard for an e-bike—but has a relatively meager average range of 35 miles. It will be a comfy 35 miles, however, with a cushy, wide saddle. An easy-to-read display on the handlebars helps you track speed, distance, and battery level. Plus, weighing in at 46 pounds, this bike is lighter than other models—it’s possible to load this bike onto a car rack or carry it upstairs. Price at time of publish: $1,399 Best Mountain Bike: Specialized Turbo Levo Comp Courtesy of Specialized Buy on Specialized.com What We Like Durable Multiple speeds Removable battery Great size range What We Don't Like Expensive Specialized made this e-mountain bike a standout by prioritizing trail bike design. It has all the features of a hardy mountain bike—an aluminum frame, full-suspension with 150 millimeters of travel, 29-inch alloy wheels, and a dropper seatpost—with an e-assist. The Turbo Levo has the 1 x 11-speed SRAM components and easily conquers hills and technical challenges, alike. The Rx Trail-tuned motor, complete with a rock guard, helps you get more pedal power. The battery has a 500-wattage hour capacity, and it seamlessly integrates into the frame. It’s also easily removable. Price at time of publish: $5,950 The 10 Best Places to Buy Bikes in 2023 Best Cargo Bike: Tern GSD S10 Courtesy of REI Buy on REI What We Like Large weight capacity Provides high visibility Up to 53 miles per charge Has pedal-assist What We Don't Like Cargo accessories sold separately The Tern GSD S10 is the minivan of e-bikes. It’s built to carry two kids plus groceries and can handle up to 440 pounds, making it a hauling heavy hitter. Since you may be carrying precious cargo, safety is a must. The bike also has a headlight that helps you see and be seen, and an always-on RearStop brake light helps you signal your stops to other drivers and cyclists. The GSD S10 maxes at 20 miles per hour with pedal assist, and has a range of 26 to 53 miles, depending on battery usage. Take note: While this bike is made for hauling, you’ll need to purchase all cargo accessories, such as children’s seats, separately. So, keep that in mind when price planning as the bike isn't exactly cheap at just over $5,000. Price at time of publish: $5,399 Best Cruiser Bike: Townie Path Go! 7D Step-Through Courtesy of Electra Bicycle Co Buy on Trekbikes.com What We Like Has pedal-assist Comes in various colors Flat foot technology What We Don't Like Doesn't have throttle The stylish Townie Path Go! has the vintage look and feel that cruiser-bike fans love with the pedal-assist power of an e-bike. Made for e-bike beginners and easy-going riders of all levels, this bike is perfect for beach cruises or rides to the farmers' market. Many cyclists appreciate the security of the e-bike’s Flat Foot Technology, which places riders in an upright position while enjoying full leg extension and an easy dismount. That stopping power is further enhanced with disc brakes. A cushy saddle and grips keep cyclists comfortable even on longer rides. Price at time of publish: $3,850 The 9 Best Beach Cruiser Bikes of 2023 Best Versatile: Cannondale Quick Neo SL 2 Remixte Courtesy of REI Buy on Cannondale.com What We Like Has pedal-assist Provides high visibility Up to 40 miles per charge What We Don't Like Cannondale app required for speed, battery monitoring With a just-right price and a design that suits fitness rides, commuting, or leisure rides, the Cannondale Quick Neo SL 2 Remixte suits a variety of cyclists. The pedal-assist bike offers a step-through design that’s comfortable for most cyclists, yet it can take a sporty turn when you’re looking for harder riding. If you do dial it up, the SAVE micro-suspension will absorb shocks and keep riding smooth, easy, and efficient. Details like reflective accents and mounts for racks make this a great choice for city riding also. The e-bike can reach speeds of 20 miles an hour and has a range of 40 miles. Price at time of publish: $2,575 Best for Teens: Tomasar Folding Electric Bike Courtesy of Amazon Buy on Amazon What We Like Durable Affordable Has pedal-assist and throttle What We Don't Like Limited color options If you’re daydreaming of family e-bike rides, the Tomasar Folding Electric Bike is a sturdy and affordable option for teens. This may also be a solid solution if you’re looking to get out of the carpool business. The bike offers both throttle-powered and pedal-assist modes. It has a range of 15 miles with fully mechanized riding and 30 miles with pedal-assist. In terms of safety features, the Tomasar offers mechanical front and rear disc brakes with an LED headlamp for night riding. The anti-slip, wear-resistant tires deliver smooth riding even in rainy or snowy conditions. This bike generally fits teens 14 years and older. Price at time of publish: $620 Best for Families: Urban Arrow Family Courtesy of Propel Bikes Buy on Propelbikes.com What We Like Large weight capacity Up to 50 miles per charge Limited warranty What We Don't Like Expensive The Urban Arrow Family bike is made from the outset with a kid-friendly bike trailer as part of the design. Of course, with this design, kid-hauling could easily turn into cargo-hauling of any kind, from groceries to dry cleaning. This bike is also a standout because it matches its motor to its purpose, offering a Cargo or Performance motor. With its Cargo Line Gen 4 Bosch motor, the Urban Arrow Family offers 400 percent more power than similar bikes. Price at time of publish: $7,999 Best Folding: Rad Power Bikes RadMini Step-Thru 2 Courtesy of Rad Power Bikes Buy on Radpowerbikes.com What We Like Adjustable handlebars Multiple speeds Up to 45+ miles per charge What We Don't Like Limited color options Rad Power Bikes RadMini Step-Thru 2 Review The RadMini Step-Thru 2 offers some of the top-reviewed features of e-bikes in a compact design. The RadMini has the lowest step-through height of any of the Rad Power Bikes, which makes it feel more like a scooter than a bike—and fits a variety of riders. The adjustable handlebar stem also makes this a suitable choice for a wide range of cyclists under 275 pounds. It features seven speeds for more torque when climbing and to maintain pedal authority when traveling at top speeds. Its twist-grip throttle keeps speed at the tip of your fingers. A best-in-class folding mechanism helps pack down all these features into a tidy package. Bonus: The folding mechanism has multiple safety redundancies to prevent unlatching and ensure the e-bike feels sure while riding. At more than 45 miles per charge, it boasts one of the longest ranges on the list. Price at time of publish: $1,599 Tested by TripSavvy Admittedly, I haven't taken this out onto any gravel trails during my testing period, but riding through New York City's streets proved the tires' strength to me as I rode over potholes, various dirt and debris, and, at one point (unavoidably), broken glass. I experimented with gears, pedal assist, and throttle and I found them intuitive to use in conjunction with one another. Increasing or decreasing the level of pedal assist is easy to do with up and down arrows on the control pad. For my rides along the flatter streets of New York City, I primarily kept it on level one to provide minimal assistance. When I encountered a steeper incline, I increased the pedal assist to two or three. I came across just a couple of minimal design hiccups on this bike. First, the quantity of spokes on both tires make for a tight fit for the pump's nozzle to reach the valve, and the motor on the back tire is another obstacle. Second, as someone with smaller hands, the display's buttons on the left side of the handlebar and the gear shift levers on the right are both just a bit too far from the grips. And while it’s fairly intuitive to fold this bike, it can be a little awkward and cumbersome since the bike is quite heavy at 69 pounds, especially if you're doing it alone. —Jamie Hergenrader, Product Tester TripSavvy / Jamie Hergenrader Final Verdict We love the Rad Power Bikes RadRunner1 (view at Rad Power Bikes) for its overall versatility and ability to be customized. If you’re a first-time e-bike owner, this bike is a great starter thanks to its ease of use and (relatively) affordable price. Once you’re out on the road, you may find yourself drawn to a more specialized bike—and there are plenty of options waiting if you are. What to Look for in an E-Bike Purpose Ritchie Rozzelle, co-owner and chief marketing officer at The Flying Bike e-bike tour and rental company in Asheville, North Carolina, advises that you should think about how you’d like to use your bike before purchasing. From Rozzelle: “Do you want to bike like you used to when you were younger? Use it instead of a car for errands? Get off-road on mountain bike trails or gravel roads? Or... go for a zippy but clean and quiet ride like a motorcycle-lite?” Your intended purposes will influence the style of bike you choose. Type of Assistance There are two broad categories of electronic assistance. A pedal-assist e-bike provides assistance only when you push the pedals and engage the motor. Pedal-assist bikes allow you to designate how much assistance you want from low to high. With a throttle e-bike, you propel the bike with throttle controls and there’s no need to pedal (unless you want to). For this type, propulsion is similar to riding a motorcycle. Ride Distance The distance you intend to ride regularly affects the recommended battery type for your bike. Because the battery accounts for a great deal of the price, it’s helpful to know the type you’ll need from the start. Warranty E-bikes’ batteries, wiring, and motor controls can quickly surpass the maintenance abilities of casual tinkerers. “While you can do the basic maintenance of oiling chains and fixing flats on your own, it's best to look for e-bikes that are backed by warranties, and even better, local and knowledgeable service,” Rozzelle says. Always look for the warranty options before purchasing your bike. Frequently Asked Questions Why choose an e-bike over a regular bike? E-bikes have several benefits over regular pedal bikes. E-bikes allow most to arrive at your destination faster and with less exertion than a regular bike. It’s easier to climb hills with less huffing and puffing on your part, and it’s easier on your hip and knee joints. Plus, they're a lot of fun. But, particularly, if you're carrying children, pets, groceries, or other heavy items, an e-bike is definitely an upgrade over your grandparents' ride. Do I need a license to ride an e-bike? No, as long as the motor is smaller than 750 watts (which wouldn’t allow it to go more than 20 mph). How can you ensure a proper fit on an e-bike? From Rozzelle: “To get the best fit, it’s a good idea to work with a local shop or consult an online seller's sizing chart. The great news is that the perfect e-bike fit is a little less critical than with regular bikes. With e-bikes, the hardest exertion is done by the bike, so as long as the range of your movement is comfortable you won't need to worry about the damage of extreme force on muscles and joints.” How do I maintain an e-bike? Bryan Dean, a salesman from The eBike Store, in Portland, Oregon, recommends keeping a clean and lubricated chain and proper air pressure in the tires to ensure the bike is running efficiently. Additionally, he recommends keeping the battery between 20 and 80 percent at all times. Topping up the battery to 100 percent stresses it and decreases longevity. So, unless you’re planning an all-day trip where a full battery is required, keeping the battery in this sweet spot is best for your e-bike long-term. Why Trust TripSavvy Freelance travel journalist Ashley M. Biggers has taken e-bike tours from the mountains of Arizona to the shores of Florida, and everywhere in between. The 10 Best Places to Buy Bikes in 2023 Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit Continue to 5 of 9 below. Continue to 9 of 9 below.