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We purchased 13 of the best electric commuter bikes and measured their range, power output, ride quality, user interface, and more.
Our team, which boasts years of experience as bike shop owners, racers, and mechanics, unanimously felt the Ride1Up 700-Series e-bike is the best commuter e-bike. It goes 28 mph with pedal assist and has a class-leading range and solid braking.
If you are looking for a more utility-focused ride, get the Specialized Haul ST. It is a manueverable utility bike due to the short wheelbase but still can be loaded with serious cargo capacity, making it ideal for everything from shopping to dropping off the kids.
The Ride1Up 700-Series earned high marks and is the top-rated model in our electric commuter review. This competitively priced e-bike comes with a 750W geared hub motor that is plenty powerful with quick acceleration and supported speeds up to 28 mph using pedal assist and 20 mph under throttle power. This sleek-looking bike houses the battery inside the frame's downtube with a whopping 720 Wh of capacity, giving it a class-leading distance range in our testing. It rolls fast and stable on 27.5-inch wheels, and the girthy 2.4-inch wide tires and 100mm suspension fork provide a smooth, comfortable ride. It has responsive and predictable handling and comes equipped with quality components, including an 8-speed drivetrain and powerful hydraulic disc brakes that work very well. Comfort levels are also high, with a relaxed seated position, loads of handlebar, and seat height adjustability. It comes in two frame styles to suit varying needs, preferences, and user heights. Features like a rear cargo rack, fenders, and integrated lights make this bike ready for anything.
While we loved nearly everything about the 700-Series, its assembly process is a bit more involved than other bikes we tested. It takes more time and patience to assemble than most other models we tested. If you're unsure of your ability to do it yourself, we suggest bringing it to a bike shop. Fortunately, it only needs to be assembled once. At 63 lbs and 11 oz, it's also a fairly heavy bike, and carrying it up or down stairs and loading it onto a bike rack can be a chore. Those concerns aside, this bike is a standout performer and a fantastic value.
The Specialized Haul ST is a compelling entry to the bike market as a short-wheel-base commuter with vast cargo capacity. Its smaller size makes it easy to live with and fun to ride, darting around urban environments and easily finding parking. The large battery and heavy carrying capacity give it tremendous reach and utility. Smaller 20" wheels usually predict a rough ride, but the 3.5" wide Carless Whisper tires smooth the ride and give you just enough shoulder knob to take that shortcut. The bike offers a massive range of adjustments, allowing riders from 4'5" to 6'4" to enjoy its versatility. Riding the bike is enjoyable with its predictable ride quality and stable handling; it's a fun and effective tool for shorter car trips. A wide range of accessories available can dramatically expand its capabilities. The included rear rack, fenders, ultra-bright lights, and bell make it commute-ready. Add a few accessories, and you could be dropping a kid off at school, grocery shopping, or even taking it camping. With a 419-pound weight limit, there isn't much you won't be able to carry, and its 700W hub motor provides plenty of oomph, even when loaded to capacity. This bike is well thought out, with clear attention to versatility and usability.
The accessories cost more than we thought they should, and its short wheelbase won't allow for more than one kid, but if those aren't huge concerns, we have no reservations about recommending the Haul ST.
After 6 months of daily use, we can say that the bike has held up well to our all-weather use and abuse. Our battery charger needed to be replaced under warranty when it stopped charging at about 1100 miles, and we found that fixing a flat tire is a difficult and involved process. Other than those issues, the bike has been a delight.
The Lectric XP 3.0 Step-Thru is a compact, innovative bike that folds for easy storage or transport. This bike has impressive features and performance that can easily compete with more expensive models. Portability aside, the bike is fun to ride, versatile and powerful. It ships fully assembled and compact in its folded position; you only need to unpack it and ride. The bike boasts a powerful 500W (1092W peak) motor that delivers quick acceleration with the throttle and reaches Class 3 speeds up to 28 mph using pedal assist. Our test bike arrived in its Class 2 settings with a 20mph top speed but can be set up as Class 1 or Class 3. The removable 500 Wh battery is hidden within the frame, giving the XP a respectable distance range and clean design. The Step-Thru version we tested has a very low frame that makes it easy to get on and off the bike, with a recommended user height range of 4'10" to 6'3". Girthy 3-inch wide knobby tires offer a bit of dampening and help expand the bike's versatility to a wider range of surfaces. To complete this impressive e-bike, you'll find several premium features: a user-friendly display interface, bright front and rear lighting, smooth-riding suspension fork, responsive hydraulic disc brakes, protective fenders, and a heavy-duty cargo rack capable of hauling up to 150 pounds. Lectric offers a passenger kit with a seat, handlebars, and pegs for allowing you to haul a friend or a Yepp Maxi seat that turns it into a kid carrier. They offer many cool accessories, but don't get carried away; the maximum payload is 330 lbs.
There's a lot to like about the Lectric XP 3.0, but we do have a couple of gripes. The bike's shorter wheelbase and small 20-inch wheel diameter influence its handling. It never felt scary, but the bike felt nervous at speeds above 25 mph. While it performs well for a small wheel model, it can't match the stability or steady handling of bikes with larger wheels. Even with this bike's small size and folding convenience, it still weighs over 62 lbs, so carrying it up a flight of stairs or putting it in the trunk of a car can be somewhat awkward and challenging. We also didn't care for the folding pedals on this model; they felt unstable at times but could easily be replaced. This versatile and powerful folding bike is a great option for its portable/storable convenience, great performance, and incredible value. We always look for products that provide great value in their respective categories, and this bike is one of them.
Long-term review update: we added a passenger kit to this bike and have been using it as a light-duty cargo bike and taxi. It's been treated poorly, stored outdoors, and is covered in alkali dust, but it has far exceeded our expectations. We replaced the quick-release pedals with a more solid-feeling option.
Folding electric bikes let you take eBikes with you without needing a bike rack. You need good trunk space.
The Ride1Up Turris XR impressed us with its comfort, handling, and affordable price. Packing a 614Wh battery and potent 750W hub motor, the Turris quickly throttles to 20 mph or assists up to Class 3 speeds. Using 27.5" wheels and high-volume, knobby tires, the Turris enjoys more utility than most e-bikes in this class. While not a mountain bike, the bike does feel agile and fairly capable off pavement. The seating position is decidedly upright, giving riders a comfortable vantage point to take in the scenery. This budget-friendly bike has wide appeal and outperformed significantly more expensive bikes. Additionally, the bike is available (ST/step-thru and XR/step-over) frame styles.
The Turris XR has some great included features like a 100mm suspension fork, full fenders, a 60 lux headlight, touring tires, and a kickstand. Its upright design allows riders to feel comfortable and relaxed, allowing them to enjoy their surroundings. That upright design also makes this bike less sporty, with more weight resting on the saddle. The tires on this bike enhance its capabilities but also create noise and drag. Users sticking to the pavement could benefit from a tire upgrade. Overall, the quality of this bike is nicer than we would have expected at this price point. Hydraulic disc brakes and ergonomic touchpoints give the bike a refined feel; this is an excellent choice for those wanting to explore bike paths and beyond.
Ride1Up's Turris was well received by our testers. It's comfortable, powerful, easy to ride, and has an attractive price tag.
Credit: Joshua Hutchens
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We tested each bike in this review for several weeks, often riding them back to back for direct comparison.
Credit: Laura Casner
Why Trust GearLab
Over the last three years, we've tested almost 100 different e-bikes across multiple e-bike categories. For this review, we exhaustively researched the best electric bikes for commuting. This review focuses on our 13 favorites, and we show you how they compare in side-by-side testing. Our rigorous e-bike testing process started with assembling each bike before weighing them ourselves for consistency. Over the course of several weeks, we rode each bike for an extended period while performing a standardized range test, handling tests, and commuting and running errands around town. When our testing concluded, we rated each model on several predetermined metrics, including ride quality, range, power output, user interface, and ease of assembly. The cumulative scores helped us determine our best overall and other award winners.
Our testing of e-bikes is divided into five rating metrics:
Ride tests (25% of overall score weighting)
Range tests (25% weighting)
Power tests (25% weighting)
Interface tests (15% weighting)
Assembly tests (10% weighting)
Our e-bike test was led by Joshua Hutchens. Hutchens is GearLab's Senior Bike Review Editor and a lover of all things two-wheeled. He is a lifelong bicycle commuter and has a storied history in the bicycle industry. He commutes in all weather and has an appreciation for reliability and durability in commuter bikes. A resident of Lake Tahoe for more than a decade, Hutchens is proud to call the Sierra Nevadas home and enjoys the 400-plus miles of single track accessible from his house. His current commute includes bicycle paths, city roads, single-track, and gravel roads. A former racer, mechanic, shop owner, and bike park founder, Joshua now moonlights as a mountain bike coach. He's tested over 100 bikes for GearLab since 2017 and is obsessive about the details.
Testing for each model begins with assembly.
Analyzing range test data using the Strava application.
We use a GPS-enabled cycling computer during our range testing and for comparison against the readings on the bike's display.
Analysis and Test Results
To differentiate between the e-bikes in this test, we use quantifiable testing to make direct performance comparisons between the different models. We focus on several key performance attributes: ease of assembly, power output, range, user interface, and ride quality. In our scoring, we emphasized these metrics differently, with important characteristics like ride quality weighted more heavily than ease of assembly. Our side-by-side testing revealed the performance of each model and how they compare. These bikes are ridden for months to glean the differences and discover their nuances.
What's the Best Value?
At GearLab, we don't rate the products we test based on their price, but we appreciate a good value. Often, price and performance go hand in hand, but that isn't always the case. Sure, some of the more expensive options rate very highly in our performance metrics, but some more affordable models, like the Ride1Up Turris XR and Lectric XP 3.0, get the job done for less. For riders operating on a tighter budget, we've tested a group of lower-priced bike options in our Best Budget Electric Bike review.
We spend lots of time riding each bike to tease out the subtleties of their ride quality. The Aventon Level Step Thru is one of our favorites.
Credit: Jason Peters
Ride
The ride quality of a commuter bike plays a crucial role in determining your comfort and safety, influencing how frequently you ride it. All of the bikes in this review are somewhat different, and their comfort, features, components, and handling vary. A variety of factors, like wheel size and geometry, play a role in how a bike handles at speed or while turning. Seated body position, seat shape, grips, and seat and handlebar height adjustments help to dictate rider comfort. Meanwhile, included features like integrated lights, fenders, cargo racks, and suspension can enhance each model's user-friendliness and rider experience.
When it comes to a great ride, the LMT'D delivers. This bike has a balanced, smooth, stable, and comfortable demeanor. The 27.5-inch wheels roll fast, and the high-volume tires and 100mm suspension fork do wonders to take the edge off of cracks, bumps, and rough surfaces. A quality seat and grips and lots of handlebar and seat height adjustability provide a high level of comfort, plus it comes in two frame styles to suit your needs. It also comes loaded with features like fenders and integrated lights to ready it for commuting.
The RadRunner 3 is incredibly smooth for a bike with such a short wheelbase.
Credit: Joshua Hutchens
Also leading the pack with its excellent ride quality was the Ride1Up Turris XR. With 27.5-inch wheels, knobby tires, and a suspension fork, the Turris feels stable, smooth, responsive, and composed. Our only complaint about the Turris is that it's slightly lower range. Despite a similar look and features, the Aventon Level Step-Through has a notably different ride. With narrower tires and a smaller motor, the Level feels a little less capable but every bit as comfortable.
Ergonomics are important; the LMT'D V2 offers a relaxed hand position and an upright ride.
Credit: Joshua Hutchens
The Ride1Up Cafe Cruiser combines cruiser bike style with relaxed handling. It's super comfortable and has a smooth and stable ride thanks to an 80mm suspension fork and 3-inch-wide tires. This bike goes fast, but it's in no hurry.
The RadWagon's ride is decent, considering its large size and carrying capacity.
Credit: Jason Peters
Both the Blix Vika X and Lectric XP 3.0 have ride qualities dictated by their folding designs, compact geometries, and 20-inch diameter wheels. They feel noticeably less stable and steady than the larger wheeled competition, a tradeoff for their folding convenience. That said, both bikes come with relatively wide, knobby tires that work well on a range of surfaces, and both come loaded with useful features. At the other end of the spectrum, the Blix Packa Genie is a heavy and long cargo bike with a huge carrying capacity. It isn't exactly agile but scores well here for its high level of comfort, unflinching stability, smooth ride, and wealth of features.
The Ride1Up topped the charts in our range testing thanks in no small part to its large 720Wh battery.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Range
The range of an e-bike refers to how far it can be ridden on a single battery charge. The range of any bike varies significantly based on many factors, including (but not limited to) rider weight, battery storage capacity, terrain, temperature, rider input, and power output. E-bike manufacturers typically claim a range with low and high-end estimates of their bike's range, and in our experience, these claims are generally close to accurate. Regardless, we performed our own range testing for consistency to determine the low-end range of each bike in the test. To level the playing field, we performed our test on the same course, with the same rider, in the same weather conditions, using the same cycling computer to record the data. For the bikes equipped with a throttle, Class 2 and 3, we did the test using the throttle only with no pedaling input from the rider. Since our test selection also included some Class 1 models, it required us to tweak our throttle-only test just slightly. We rode the Class 1 bikes on the highest output setting with the pedals turning enough to trigger the cadence sensor and pedal assist, but without any effort on the part of the rider, so the motor does all the work.
Our testing revealed a large spread from the longest, 32.4 miles, to the shortest, 18.3 miles, ranges. In most cases, the size of the battery correlates pretty directly with the distance a bike was able to travel. Even the poorest performing bike in this test still went 18.3 miles, which is quite an impressive distance to ride a bike without pedaling. Our range test results represent the low end of each bike's range potential, and they could all likely be ridden further on perfectly flat terrain. in most cases, their ranges could easily be doubled or more, with some pedaling effort on the part of the rider.
The RadCity 5 Plus has you covered for long rides, going 30 miles in our range test without even pedaling.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Boasting a massive 720 Wh battery, the Ride1Up 700-Series rode away from the competition in our range test. It managed to travel an impressive 32.4 miles with just over 1,700 feet of elevation gain/loss, holding an impressive average speed of 17.2 mph in the process, and that's without even pedaling. If you have a long commute or want to avoid range anxiety, the Specialized Haul ST has you covered. Not far behind, the Ride1Up 700-Series posted an identical 32.4 miles of range on our test course. This isn't surprising, given their large-capacity batteries. Anyone who wants or needs a bike that can go the distance should consider either of these bikes.
With its 672 Wh battery, the Aventon Level Step-Thru went the distance with 28.4 miles and an average speed of 15.3 mph. Ride1Up's Cafe Cruiser also impressed with 27.9 miles from its sizeable 720Wh battery.
The Aventon Level is another bike that can go the distance and has you covered on longer rides.
Credit: Jason Peters
A surprise in our range test was the Blix Vika X. We didn't expect this compact folding model to impress, but its 614 Wh battery managed to propel us for 24.7 miles in our throttle-only test. Once you're done riding, you can also load it into the trunk of your car or RV for transport.
A bike's power is dictated primarily by the size of its motor. Even smaller motors give a significant boost to your pedaling efforts. What works best for you depends on your needs.
Credit: Laura Casner
Power
In the US, electric bikes fall into three classes. In all three classes, the motor size is limited to 750W. Class 1 e-bikes have pedal assist only and are limited to a top speed of 20 mph. Class 2 electric bikes have a throttle as well as pedal assist, and both are limited to 20 mph. Class 3 models also have a throttle and pedal-assist, but the throttle stays limited to 20 mph while the pedal-assist tops out at 28 mph. The speed limits of many electric bikes can be adjusted so they can be used in Class 2 or Class 3 configurations, and often, the throttle can be disconnected to configure it as a Class 1.
Be sure to check local and regional regulations regarding the use of the different classes of electric bikes where you live and ride.
We have a varied selection of test bikes encompassing all three e-bike classes with different motor sizes and power ratings. The power output of a bike is determined mainly by the size or wattage of its motor. Larger motors produce more torque and power. Additionally, the battery's voltage plays a crucial role in how much power the motor can generate. Our assessment of power is based on several tests that we conduct to analyze the throttle and pedal assistance. We compare the acceleration, range of pedal assistance, quality of output, and uphill speed and retention over time of each bike in addition to their top speed.
The Ride1Up Cafe Cruiser has a powerful 750W motor. This bike was quick off the line using the throttle or pedal assist, and it held power impressively well while going up gradual hills during our throttle-only range testing. This fast-moving bike comes in Class 3 settings, and it had absolutely no problem ripping along at 28 mph while using pedal assist. The Ride1Up 700-Series and Specialized Haul ST also boast strong 750W geared hub motors. These bikes are quick to accelerate using the throttle and maintain their speed impressively well. It's generally quite easy to achieve the top pedal-assisted speed of 28 mph. These bikes are fast, but you also don't have to ride them or any of the Class 3 models at top speed all the time. Having multiple levels of pedal assistance allows you to choose just how much help you want getting to the top speed. Too fast? You can decrease the top speed through the display or connected app.
The Aventure is one of the most powerful bikes we've ever tested. This bike can really move.
Credit: Laura Casner
The Class 3 Aventon Level Step-Thru also impressed us with its power and 28 mph top speed. While not quite as quick to accelerate using the throttle as the aforementioned models, its 500W (750W peak) motor felt robust, and it had no problem hitting and holding 28 mph on flat ground in its highest pedal assist level. Likewise, the small but mighty Lectric XP 3.0 surprised us with its power. This bike is quick to accelerate using the throttle, and the 500W (1092W peak) motor assists speeds up to 28 mph.
The frame closure mechanism gives the bike a solid feel that never felt flexy.
Credit: Joshua Hutchens
Boasting robust hub motors, the Rad Power RadCity 5 Plus and Specialized Globe Haul ST were among the most powerful bikes we tested. These bikes quickly accelerate to 20 mph with the throttle or while using pedal assist. We found the powerful motors to have no problem accelerating and holding speed while using the throttle going up hills.
Every model we tested has a different interface that consists primarily of the controls and display.
Credit: Laura Casner
Interface
The interface of each bike differs, and the ergonomics, user-friendliness, and intuitiveness of the models in this review vary. Riders will interact with their e-bikes through their display and controls. Although every system we tested was functional, some are advanced and show plenty of information, while others are more basic. Our preferred interfaces have controls that are easy to access while riding, with large, easy-to-read digital displays that exhibit various data fields at a glance. Some of the displays are the size of a watch face whille others approach the size of a modern cell phone, some even have charging ports and apps that allow you to use your phone as a display.
Most modern bikes come with advanced control and display systems, but several models stand out in this aspect. The newest Rad Power, Aventon, and Lectric models particularly impressed us with their large digital display screens, which are placed in the center of the handlebar for easy visibility. These screens provide a plethora of information, including your current speed, pedal assist level, distance traveled, time, and more. All of these bikes also have user-friendly control buttons located next to the left grip, making them easily accessible while riding. In addition to this, Aventon has taken an extra step with their Aventure.2 model, which is compatible with the Aventon companion app. This app enables you to synchronize with your bike's display and change settings, record rides, and share your cycling experiences with the Aventon community.
Both the Ride1Up Prodigy and the Turris XR models feature all-in-one units that contain the button controls and the display in a single unit mounted to the handlebar by the left grip. The displays show a vast array of data and are easy to read, although their smaller screen size and location make them a little less user-friendly than models that feature larger screens in the center of the handlebar.
Most bikes arrive looking something like this. Most of the assembly is complete, with just a few simple steps remaining.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
Assembly
Every bike in this test was shipped directly to us and required some assembly before being taken out for test rides. Most of the models arrived mostly assembled with only a few relatively easy steps remaining to get them ready to roll. People unfamiliar with bikes may want to have the assembly completed by a professional bike mechanic. However, the remaining assembly of every bike we tested can easily be finished at home with a little time, a few tools, and detailed instructions. Some bikes are easier and quicker to assemble than others, with fewer and/or easier steps to finish the job.
Two of the folding bikes we tested were clear winners in this metric because they arrived fully assembled. The Lectric XP 3.0 edged slightly in front, as the process was as simple as taking the bike out of the box, removing the packing materials, and unfolding/locking the bike into its riding position. The Blix Vika X was almost completely assembled, though the handlebar needed to be tightened and the pedals installed to finish the job, which was a very quick and easy process. Some of these bikes can claim no assembly required because they use quick-release pedals. In general, we're not a fan of these or the folding pedals, as they make the interface with the bike feel less stable.
No assembly required for the Lectric XP, just remove the packing materials and unfold it.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
The Charge City received high marks for its slick packaging and straightforward assembly process. This bike comes with the handlebar and pedals already attached, requiring only the front wheel to be installed. Assembling the Ride1Up Prodigy was also straightforward, a major highlight being the lack of styrofoam or plastic packaging. Once we installed the handlebar and pedals and set the saddle height, the bike was just about ready to ride.
There are loads of great e-bikes on the market for commuting, errands, or just getting outside.
Credit: Laura Casner
Conclusion
Whether for commuting, running errands, or simply riding for fun or fitness, a quality e-bike is a great way to get you there. With so many options on the market, we know there can be much to consider when choosing a new electric bike. Our rigorous testing process goes past the specifications and jargon and into the nitty-gritty details of how these bikes actually perform in the real world. We hope our detailed comparative analysis helps you find the right e-bike to suit your needs and meet your budget.
