Electric Bike Buying Guide
Electric bicycles make riding easier and more appealing to an ever-broadening array of people. They’re both a healthy recreational outlet and a frugal means of transportation when compared with cars. It’s no wonder they’ve become so popular over the past few years. With many people looking for the best electric bike for their needs and budget, shoppers now have Consumer Reports’ expert guidance on a range of models, including our recommendations. CR’s e-bike ratings are based on each model’s electric range, performance, and features, as well as factors specific to each type of bike. If you’re thinking about buying an electric bike, dig in and do some research first. There’s a lot to know before you choose a model. For starters, regulations differ from state to state, with some requiring an operator’s license for more powerful models and/or helmets to use e-bikes on public roads. Climate and terrain are other important considerations. Are there hills where you live, and is the weather good for riding? Eleven percent of Americans have ridden an e-bike over the past year, according to a recent nationally representative survey conducted by CR of 2,035 U.S. adults (February 2024). The survey also found that, among those who had ridden an e-bike or an e-scooter in the past year, fun and leisure activities were one of the reasons 71 percent chose to ride an e-bike or e-scooter. E-bikes tend to be more expensive than conventional bikes, so it pays to make sure a model will work for you before spending the money to buy one. A big part of that is taking the model or models that interest you for a test ride to ensure good fit and comfort. CR’s evaluations of several different models break down their characteristics into the areas that are most likely to affect the rider: range, acceleration, hill climbing, speed control response, and how the bike performs on just pedal power when the battery is out of juice.
E-Bike Classifications
Electric bicycles come in a range of styles to suit different uses—everything from riding steep mountain trails to getting to and from work. But there are three general categories related to their electric propulsion systems. Each type applies electric power to the bicycle’s driven wheel in a distinct way, whether using input from the rider’s pedals or from a thumb or twist-grip-activated throttle. Deciding which one is best for you depends on how you plan to use the bike and how far you want to go. Class 1 represents pedal-assist bikes, which power the electric motor as your feet apply pressure to the pedals. There’s no throttle control on the handlebar to get the bike going; the electric part works only when the rider is pedaling, and the e-assist cuts off at speeds above 20 mph. Class 2 bikes have an electric motor that works up to 20 mph, either while the rider is pedaling (pedal-assist) or with electric propulsion alone, via a throttle control. Class 3 limits an e-bike’s top speed to 28 mph. These faster, more powerful models might not be legal to ride in some areas, such as on bike paths. CR has tested Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes. We have not tested any Class 3 models. The prices range from about $600 to around $4,000, although most of the better ones cost at least $1,000 to buy. The highest-rated e-bikes tend to be the most expensive models in our tests, although none is anywhere near the $6,000 to $7,000 end of the price range consumers may encounter at bike shops. (Prices can be much higher for certain specialty e-bikes.) We’ve found that more selectable gears make for a better riding experience once the battery is drained and pedaling provides the only power. Single-speed bikes aren’t as versatile. Depending on the model, electric assist is applied either at the hub of the rear wheel or in what’s called a mid-drive, in which power is applied at the bottom bracket, where the pedals are located. Mid-drive models tend to be more responsive and typically route electric power through the bike’s gearing, which can help save battery power on hills and longer rides. Still, there are a number of hub-drive models that offer a reliable, satisfying ride. The full ratings from our latest e-bike evaluations are available to Consumer Reports members. These include ratings on Class 1, Class 2, folding, and mountain bikes
Types of Electric Bikes
Find the right e-bike for you.
Commuter Bikes
Commuter bikes are built to serve as practical transportation. They come in a variety of styles, including models with narrow tires and straight handlebars, others with bigger tires and thicker frames, and folding e-bikes that make them easier to stow on a bus or train. For many people, e-bikes represent a much more cost-effective alternative to gas-powered scooters or even a car. Many people like the fact that they can commute on an e-bike without getting too sweaty on the way to work, thanks to the electric assist, and that they aren’t as likely to get stuck in grinding car traffic.
Pros: Designed with versatility and comfort in mind, these e-bikes can be outfitted with fenders, lights, and other accessories to make them a viable alternative to a car for around town errands and work commutes.
Cons: With sturdy construction aimed at weathering the punishment of daily use, commuter bikes tend to be a little heavier than some types of recreational models, especially with an electric motor and a battery added into the mix.
Cruisers
Built for comfort, cruisers often share many of the same attributes as commuter bikes. They offer a relaxed, comfortable upright seating position and often a softer ride because of bigger tires and cushier seats. Look for swooping handlebars that keep a rider’s arms at a relaxed distance from the body. The addition of an electric motor to either of these configurations makes it possible to use a thicker frame and wider tires to soak up bumps in the road.
Pros: Plush seats, wider tires, and a relaxed upright seating position make for a comfortable ride. They’re great for leisurely cruises around town.
Cons: Cruisers might not have the gear selection of more utilitarian or sport-oriented models, meaning they’re usually not as well suited for longer distances.
Performance Road Bikes
Road bikes usually have a lightweight frame, narrow tires, and drop-down handlebars that help the rider maintain an aerodynamic position. Like their pedal-powered counterparts, electric road bikes feature slimmer, lighter components to increase efficiency. The assistance offered by an electric motor makes it possible to cover longer distances and handle steeper grades with less fatigue than with conventional bicycles.
Pros: Lightweight and built for speed, these bikes can cover longer distances with ease. The electric motor and battery mean you can travel even farther—or climb steeper hills— than on a conventional road bike but still get a workout.
Cons: These models tend to be expensive, and the aggressive riding position can be uncomfortable for some riders.
Mountain Bikes
With beefier frames, bigger tires, and sometimes long-travel suspension components, mountain bikes are built to handle trails, large rocks, logs, and other rough terrain and obstacles. The fun part of mountain biking is the faster, more effortless downhill thrill rides, but getting there usually involves a demanding pedal up steep grades on loose terrain. Adding an electric motor to a mountain bike makes a lot of sense for someone who wants the fun without as much fatigue.
Pros: Electric mountain bikes can help riders maximize trail time and quicken the pace of the uphill portions of a ride. They can also expand access to mountain biking to people who might not have the fitness to handle the more grueling parts of off-road riding.
Cons: While conventional pedal-powered mountain bikes are allowed at more places than ever, their electric counterparts might not be permitted on some trails. Be sure to check state and local regulations first.
Cargo Bikes
Their strong frames, fat tires, and robust components make cargo bikes the industrial beasts of the two-wheeled world—purpose built to haul bulky items and extra passengers. Pedal-powered cargo bikes have been around for a while, and the electric versions make it even easier to transport a lot of weight on two wheels. Like their pedal-only forebears, cargo e-bikes can be configured with rear-mounted seats, cargo racks, or front-end cargo boxes supported by one or two wheels. Bicycle taxis can also be included in this group; the two wheeled models are popular for urban delivery and for ferrying children.
Pros: Adding more weight to anything makes it more difficult to move around, and electric propulsion can be appealing to anyone who wants to use a bicycle as an alternative to a car, such as to run errands and carry large loads of groceries.
Cons: Cargo bikes are larger and heavier than most other types of bicycles, and adding a battery and an electric motor makes them weigh even more.
Folding Bikes
Although they come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and styles, folding bikes probably fit most neatly next to the commuter bike category. Depending on the model, they can also fit neatly in the trunk of your car or in the luggage compartment of a commuter train. Typically, though, these practical bikes feature a frame that folds in half and, on many models, smaller wheels and folding handlebars and pedals. Not all folding bikes are created equal, so you should make sure any model you’re looking into buying has what you need. Because features vary so widely in this category, you’re just as likely to find a folding bike with fat tires (better for bumps) and a wide, plush seat as you are to find one that keeps parts small and lightweight to aid portability. Electric assist can help those who want to avoid getting sweaty while pedaling.
Pros: If you need to carry your bicycle in a car and don’t have or want a bike rack, the right folding bike will probably stow in your trunk, along with a lot of other stuff. Folding bikes also tend to be easier to carry. They can often be taken on buses and trains, and they can be stored in small apartments and other places with limited space. After all, if you need to get around quickly and don’t want to walk, drive, or take the bus, having a folding bike is better than having no bike at all.
Cons: Lighter-weight models that pack down smaller and are easier to stow and carry also tend not to ride as smoothly as larger, heavier bikes with thicker, more sturdy frames and bigger wheels and tires for absorbing bumps. Electric assist, while helpful in the pedaling department, also adds a significant amount of weight, making the bike more difficult to lift and carry.
How to Buy an E-Bike
Take your time to find a model that fits you physically and will meet your long-term needs. If you’re in a hilly area, you may want one with a higher number of gear selections to save energy—both yours and that of the battery. Consult local regulations so that you know what, if anything, is required to ride an e-bike in your area, and where you’re allowed to ride one. There are a number of newer brands that specialize in building e-bikes, like Denago and Buzz. You may be unfamiliar with them, but these companies have strong businesses, innovative products, and good customer support. But be leery of internet bike brands that might not be there tomorrow to offer customer support. Diligence is warranted if you stray from the long-standing name brands, including Giant, Specialized, and Trek. We’re also not bullish on any type of bike sold through big-box stores. The salespeople are seldom bicycle experts. This can affect assembly and repairs, and you might wind up spending any money you saved trying to get a budget bike to work properly—or upgrading later. Many smaller bike retailers won’t even service models sold from big-box outlets because the quality is so poor. Buying a bike from a direct-to-consumer manufacturer is another option, but the bike will probably need some final assembly, such as fitting the handlebars, seatpost, and pedals. You will need some mechanical aptitude, and you might need specific tools, such as hex wrenches or a torque wrench. You can take the bike to a local shop for assembly, but it will charge you to perform the work. That said, many local bike shops now sell e-bikes, and the sales and service staff are typically quite knowledgeable about them. Plus they can help you make a solid choice when you decide you want to buy one. We always recommend test-riding any bike before buying it. You should get a sense of how the bike feels, brakes, and shifts. (A dealer can customize its fit for you.) Some dealers will also allow you to rent an e-bike, giving you a chance for an extended ride on the road or trail you plan to frequent. Even if it’s not identical to the model you want to purchase, renting lets you gain additional seat time to settle on the style of e-bike that works best for you. Once you’ve selected the model you want, keep in mind that it can be—and should be—further customized. The handlebar tape or grips, the pedals, and especially the saddle are your points of contact and control. Your hands, feet, and butt have to perch comfortably, and all the bike’s parts can be adjusted to fit you—for instance, a new stem can lift the handlebars closer to your torso. A dealer can also add features for you that might not come with a bike, such as a bell, lights, fenders, and a luggage rack. But the key is getting the fit right.
Consider the Extras
We can’t stress enough that you should always wear a bike helmet. It’s the single most important measure you can take to prevent serious injury or death while riding an electric bicycle (or any bicycle, for that matter). Gloves can help absorb vibrations and protect your hands if you take a spill. Polycarbonate glasses can shield your eyes from bugs and errant pebbles. A water bottle is handy to have on long, hot-weather rides, too, so consider having a water bottle holder installed on your e-bike. High-visibility clothing can help others see you. We recommend adding USB-rechargeable lights for greater visibility—and how to ride to ensure both comfort and safety.