Top Ten E-Bikes
Can’t decide? Did the specifications get the best of you? Relax—we got this. We compiled this handy guide to help you narrow down your choices and find the best bike. Even if your budget is tight, you may have yet to consider the various options and ways to fit your budget. Fortunately, we have done a lot of work for you. When considering our Top Ten, we evaluated reliability, warranty, features, serviceability, cost, functionality, handling, and ride comfort.
One topic that has had a lot of press lately is battery safety. Our shop has a strict battery safety process, and we suggest that consumers educate themselves on battery safety. Safe battery charging, storage, and disposal are essential considerations and should be reviewed for your evaluation.
Here is your step-by-step buying guide:
CHOICES
Where. Narrow down your search by the most common place you will ride. Consider the types of surfaces you’ll be riding on most often. If you are on paved roads, a road bike might be suitable, while off-road trails require a mountain or gravel bike. Ride difficulty increases after you leave the paved road. Also, consider how technical the terrain is, and find a bike that will handle those conditions.
Price. Plan a price range you want to budget. Prices for e-bikes break at a few typical levels. Set a budget for your bicycle purchase. Different types of bicycles come at varying price points, so it’s important to balance your budget and the features you need. Avoid bikes under $300 because they have poor quality and cheap batteries.
How Often. Estimate how often you will ride. The more you ride, the greater the demand for maintenance on worn items like the battery, brakes, and chain. If you expect to ride more often, consider a higher budget. Casual riding is a few times per month. A more active schedule, like three times per week, will stress an inexpensive bike.
How Far. Estimate how long and how far you will ride. Most customers ride for less than one hour and less than five miles. Although you may ride infrequently, quality could impact your decision to go out for a ride. A better bike could be a wise choice for starting an exercise program. If you plan to ride over an hour or more than ten miles, you probably should consider bikes priced over $1,500.
Tech Specs. Pick the technology you prefer. Some off-brand components are of good quality and work very well. However, they may suffer from the availability of repair and replacement parts. Higher quality components are more reliable, with predictable performance over their lifespan. Mainline brands are well supported at local shops, too. Bosch, Yamaha, Shimano, Brose, Specialized, SRAM, Fox, RockShox, Magura, and others make prominent and reliable components.
Skill. Match your skill level to the bike you select. If you have a high skill level, you may be disappointed by a less expensive e-bike. Then again, spending a lot on the tech you may never use could also be frustrating. Most customers look for a bike that matches their skill or aspiration levels. A $1,000 bike may be just fine for a beginner, while an expert rider may want to hit the $3,000 range.
Subjective. Our last criteria are personal. Ask if this is a bike you would enjoy the look and feel of. Does the bike speak to you? After all, if you hate how it looks, you may ride and enjoy the bike very little. Surprisingly, most people don’t realize the bike’s appearance is a big part of their decision. It’s not all analytical.
THE BIKES
Have you got a vision? Picture yourself on a typical ride: A sunny day—a cool breeze—and a scenic landscape. If it feels right, you are ready to find your bike. By far, the essential step is to ride the bike before you buy. This lets you try different models and feel the differences. Each category has unique characteristics and is designed to excel in specific riding conditions and purposes. Riders can choose the type of bicycle that best suits their preferences and intended use. And, don’t forget to check out all the e-bike specials. There are bikes on sale for more than 50% off! Look down the Top-Ten list and see if you find a good match for your needs.
Urban Cruiser & Hybrid Bikes
Hybrid e-bikes are our best-selling bike type. This style is an excellent choice for all-around use. Urban e-bikes run in price from toys for $300 to mid-drive models that run up to $6,000. The best bikes for reliability and functionality are over $1,500. The key factors of the most common urban e-bike are:
· Best suited for easy and novice terrain
· Most are priced under $2,000 for a reliable bike
· Best for casual riding
· Set up for shorter, more relaxed, moderate rides
· Characterized by low-tech
· Are best for a beginner and novice rider
Bikes in this category tend to be hub-drive models focusing on functionality. You will find these in step-over and step-through frames. Cruisers, like the Aventon Pace, are known for their upright riding position and comfortable style. Cruiser bikes are often used for casual, leisurely rides on flat terrain. They have wide tires, swept-back and raised handlebars, and a relaxed riding position. Hybrid bikes combine the features of road and mountain bikes, making them suitable for a mix of paved and light off-road riding. Most hybrids have a more upright riding position and wider tires and often include features like fenders and racks. Often, hybrids, like the smaller profile Troxus Lynx, Another trendy brand, include a suspension fork to improve comfort and handling.
Hybrid and cruiser bikes usually come with larger tires (2.0 to 4.5). This lets you navigate uneven terrain better. Larger tires also add to riding comfort. The big fat tires (3.0 to 4.0) are great in sand, loose dirt, gravel, and snow.
Our Number One Urban e-bike choice is the Aventon Level.2.
There is no dispute that Aventon dominates this category. The Level style outsells every bike we have. The Aventon Aventure Fat-Tire, like the Level, is better suited for varied terrain with its 26×4 tires but has features similar to those of the smaller profile Level. The Level is the most popular Aventon model because of its versatility. It comes with hefty, durable tires (27.5 x 2.1) that instill confidence on any terrain, from paved to graded dirt roads. Although it is a sturdy model, the 750-watt motor (28mph PAS top speed), coupled with a big U.L. Listed battery (48v 14Ah), provides all the smooth power you need to make this bike ride like a Cadillac and go the distance (range is estimated at 40 to 60 miles, depending on conditions).
The Level has all the goodies: Step-Through or Step-Over design, easy access battery, fenders, headlight, taillight/brake light, powerful hydraulic disc brakes, and even a rack. The LCD display is high contrast, day or night, and shows battery level, speed, power level, and more. It has a powerful, reliable motor and a removable battery. Aventon has a good track record of reliability at an attractive price. And, unlike some direct-to-consumer brands, Aventon has a network of dealers, such as Archer’s Bikes, ready to help when you need maintenance or repairs.
Mountain Bikes
Built for off-road trails and rugged terrain, mountain e-bikes cover a vast spectrum of applications and prices. E-MTBs can be found for as little as $1,000. Some exceed $13,000. The most popular style we sell is characterized by:
· Are best suited for novice and skilled terrain
· Most are superior-priced, around $4,000
· Best for the active and enthusiastic rider
· Set up for longer distances, and the moderate or dedicated rider
· Characterized by mid-tech and high-tech
· Are best for a novice or even expert rider
E-MTBs feature sturdy frames, wide and knobby tires, suspension systems (either front suspension, a hardtail, both front and rear suspension, or full suspension), and flat or short-rise handlebars. Although there are a few hub-drive E-MTBs, they are either for special purposes (like hunting) or are made for budget-conscious buyers. Hub-Drive designs could be better suited for mountain biking due to their heft and poor weight distribution. The advantage of a mid-drive motor is its ability to transfer power and torque more efficiently to the rear wheel. It feels and handles like a pedal bike. Balance, weight distribution, and geometry are better on a mid-drive design. Once you have your Mountain Bike, make sure to avoid costly repairs with regular MTB maintenance.
Our Number One Mountain bike choice is the Giant Stance E+ (or the Liv Embolden E+)
Giant has long been known for making the highest quality bikes. E-MTBs are no exception. Every detail, from the motor (Yamaha) to the EnergyPak (Panasonic) and U.L. Listing on the battery, is the highest grade. Environmentally responsible, Giant includes paid recycling for the battery on every e-bike.
Everything about the Stance and the Embolden typifies industry-leading geometry and frame design with Maestro suspension technology. This means that every E-MTB in the lineup gets the same motor and suspension geometry considerations for a superb ride, no matter your budget. For most of us, $4,000 is a big investment. It is nice to know that with Giant, performance is guaranteed with design, warranty, and service throughout the bike’s life.
Commuter Bikes
Bike to work! Commuter e-bikes are built for speed and distance. Hub drive models are most common for total bike durability and lower cost. Hub-drive setups place less strain on the drive train, resulting in longer service intervals. The profile of the most popular commuter e-bike is:
· Best suited for easy terrain (paved or graded dirt roads)
· Most are priced around the $3,000 reliable range
· Best for casual riding and speed (28mph)
· Set up for moderate rides, typically less than ten miles
· Characterized by low-tech
· Are best for a beginner or novice rider
For commuting, 28mph/Class 3 and throttle are a must. A larger battery is recommended, like the Trax 30Ah, 750w model, so you can cruise at top speed on the throttle or pedal the entire commute. A robust, rugged frame is best for durability. Bigger tires than a road bike are typical to avoid puncture and road hazard failures. A relaxed upright riding position with a suspension seat post and fork is preferred, adding to your ride comfort.
Our Number One Commuter bike choice is the Troxus Trax Plus
The Troxus Trax lineup (LT, Trax, and Plus) comes ready to ride. And, at under $2,000 for the Trax LT version, it is a perfect car alternative. Essentials, like a rack, hydraulic brakes, battery size options, large color display, up to 120-mile range, 28MPH, hydraulic disc brakes, front suspension, and super durable 27.5X2.2 tires with a reflective stripe, make this our Number One choice.
The best part of the Trax, is you can get the entry-level, budget-friendly model without breaking the bank. Troxus e-bikes are built to resist water – which is essential for commuting. It’s OK to ride your e-bike in the rain. An aluminum frame is rust-proof and holds up to rugged road conditions. Reliability is the focus of a commuter bike. The Trax meets all the commuter goals at an excellent price point.
Road Bikes
Designed for smooth, paved roads and high speeds. Road e-bikes have lightweight frames, skinny tires, drop handlebars, and a more aggressive riding position. Riders choose a road e-bike to enhance their distance, provide a little help in the wind or uphill, and increase overall ride enjoyment. The profile of our most popular road e-bikes is:
· Best suited for easy terrain (paved or graded dirt roads)
· Most are Top-Shelf, priced around $6,000
· Best for the active and enthusiastic rider
· Set up for longer distances, and the moderate or dedicated rider
· Characterized by high-tech
Road e-bikes universally have drop bars, smaller motors and batteries, small profile high-pressure tires, are the lightest e-bikes, focus on long rides, and have options for extended-range batteries. They are usually mid-drive, Class 3, and no throttle.
Our Number Road bike choice is the Specialized Creo SL
We picked the Specialized Creo SL mainly because it looks, feels, and rides like a high-tech pedal bike. There are lower-priced alternatives; however, they gravitate toward the Gravel bike genre. Most of our road e-bike riders want a fast, light bike. The Creo SL is the lightest e-bike in its class – literally kilograms lighter than the competition. Not only does the lightweight and stiff, premium E5 alloy frame inspire dancing on the pedals and diving into corners, but it also reduces overall system weight and increases the range.
The lightweight SL 1.1 motor doubles your effort with as much as 240 watts of silent and powerful assistance to amplify your ride. The motor’s responsive torque curve delivers power perfectly in tune with your normal riding cadence and leaves no resistance when riding unassisted. Comfort is premium, especially in the drops. With 20mm of rough-road-taming travel, the Future Shock 1.5 delivers a smoother, more comfortable ride, reduces fatigue, and increases speed over harsh terrain.
Admittedly, it does cost more than some rivals, but the performance is unparalleled—smooth, reliable, predictable, and fun. We picked the Creo because, in this segment, it is priced competitively and outperforms all the other bikes in its class.
Touring Bikes
Touring bikes are Designed for long-distance travel and, when loaded with gear, can hold up to long rides. Touring e-bikes have durable frames, multiple mounting points for racks and panniers, wider tires, and a comfortable riding position. Durability is the primary focus. Not a cargo bike and not a gravel bike, touring bikes are meant to hold your gear low for stability, with lots of options to mount bags and accessories. The profile of our most popular Touring e-bike is as follows:
· Best suited for easy terrain (paved or graded dirt roads)
· Most are superior quality, priced around $4,000
· Best for the active and enthusiastic rider
· Set up for longer distances, and the dedicated rider (28MPH)
· Characterized by mid-tech
Go beyond city limits and find new adventures. Touring (or Trekking) e-bikes give you the power to ride farther with assistance when needed. Longer range is achieved through integrated power levels to regulate your assistance for more range. Smooth suspension and larger tires make a highly capable trekker for smooth roads, gravel, or graded dirt roads.
Our Number One Touring bike choice is the Giant Explore E+ (or the Liv Amiti E+)
Giant has long been known for making great touring bikes. The Explore and Amiti complement the Giant tradition. Two features stand out that make these commuting/touring models number One. First is a mid-drive power system. A mid-drive provides the best power transfer in a very reliable and controlled manner. Known for high efficiency, this setup yields the best torque and power-to-the-ground while maximizing distance and overall reliability. The second is a sturdy frame with front suspension. Both are critical features that make a perfect touring bike.
The Ride Control EVO’s onboard navigation helps riders find their way, and smartphone connectivity makes it easy to charge the phone. Hydraulic disc brakes provide excellent stopping power when fully loaded, especially on long descents.
Budget-Priced E-Bikes
Not everyone can afford a $2,000 e-bike. But buyers should beware: a $300 e-bike may not last long, and the battery systems may be unreliable. Toys dominate the $300 price bracket. There is little or no warranty or repair support. In any case, our recommendation is to stay over $800. The profile of our most popular budget-priced e-bike is:
· Best suited for easy terrain (paved or graded dirt roads)
· Most are affordably priced around $1,000
· Best for the casual rider
· Set up for short distances, and the beginner rider
· Characterized by low-tech
Budget-priced e-bikes are usually smaller and lighter, have smaller motors and batteries, all-terrain tires, focus on urban commutes, and have space-saving designs. They are hub-drive, Class 2 or Class 3, and a throttle. Once you hit the $1,000 mark, these e-bikes are generally safe and reliable.
Our Number Budget e-bike choice is the Lectric XP 3.0
Lectric is known for being the best main-stream e-bike at an affordable price. The new XP 3 sports a quieter motor, increased torque, better brakes, longevity boosters, and added suspension are a few of the many notable upgrades with this epic eBike design. Best of all, brand-new optimized gearing makes riding at higher speeds smoother than ever before.
The XP 3 balances weight, convenience, and durability for the perfect balance of price versus performance. Clearly, Lectric has achieved its goal of providing the best value at the market’s most affordable price.
If you are on a budget and looking for a light portable e-bike, the Lectric is a great choice. It is easy to store and fun to ride.
Gravel Bikes
Ideal for a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces, gravel bikes have wider tires and a more relaxed geometry and often come with extra mounting points for accessories. The newest gravel bike designs distinguish between a heavy mountain bike and a lightweight road bike. Road bikes fail to handle unpaved roads, while mountain bikes are designed for heavy-duty offroad use. You should expect a gravel bike to be comfortable on paved surfaces, light and agile on graded dirt roads, and competent on mixed trail use. The profile of a quality e-gravel bike is:
· Best suited for moderate terrain (paved or graded dirt roads or groomed dirt trails)
· Most are expensive, priced at just under $10,000
· Best for the serious rider
· Set up for long distances, and the dedicated advanced rider
· Characterized by high-tech (dominated by carbon fiber tech)
Durability, agility, minimal weight, disc brakes, a carbon fiber frame, and tubeless gravel-specific tires are the hallmarks of a performance-grade electric gravel bike. For most buyers, budget is not a principal factor. Performance is the dominant driving consideration.
Our Number One Gravel e-bike choice is the Specialized Creo 2 Comp
Road or Gravel? 5 miles or 5 hours? Climb or Descend? Suffer or Smile? More power or less weight? Creo 2 isn’t about having to choose. It’s about having it all. With more power, big range, lightweight, huge tire clearance, and Future Shock 3.0, it’s category defying, making previously impossible rides possible.
– SUPERNATURAL AMPLIFICATION: The all-new TURBO SL 1.2 system delivers industry-leading efficiency for a range of up to 5 hours. It creates 33% more power (320 Watts) than its predecessor and delivers that power across an ideal pedaling cadence for a supernatural feel. With 43% more torque (50Nm), the power comes on instantly—making quick work of the steepest hills. But less is more when it comes to noise, so we reduced dBs by 40%. It’s literally whisper quiet.
– RE-TIRED FOR CONFIDENCE: 700 x 47c Tires Spec’d but up to 29″ x 2.2 Tire Clearance. The big tire volume delivers a smooth and confident ride on the roughest of terrain. And with the Creo 2’s power, you can take all that tire volume to the road with no penalty for a next level silky ride.
– FUTURE SHOCK 3.0: The Creo 2 features Future Shock 3.0 with 20mm of smooth travel at the handlebars that reduces impacts by 53%. Future Shock helps keep your hands and bars steady for a smoother ride with more control to stay fast, safe, and confident—all while helping reduce fatigue over long days in the saddle.
– THE GEOMETRY OF CAPABILITY: The Creo 2 boasts our most progressive geometry yet that will have you ripping everything from wide open roads to dicey gravel tracks with ultimate confidence. A more ergonomic endurance position feels great, with the power to ride all day.
– TUNE IN, TURN ON, DROP ‘ER DOWN: Lower your center of gravity with the dropper post for enhanced cornering and control in any terrain.
– LOAD UP, HEAD OUT: Take a little or a lot on any ride. Creo 2 accepts a variety of front, rear, and low-rider racks. Who says you can’t take it all?
– YOU’RE IN CONTROL: Our most advanced and intuitive e-bike control unit. Connecting the bike, the Turbo OS, the Specialized App, and the rider, all in a protected and easily visible display. With MicroTune, fine-tuning power output levels in real-time is at your fingertips, optimizing your range management and performance.
– MASTERMIND TCU: The MasterMind TCU is the brain of the bike. Displaying all relevant info about your ride, it allows real-time tuning of support levels, enables over-the-air updates so that your bike gets better over time, and seamlessly integrates with the Specialized app for advanced tuning, on-trail diagnostics, customizable display, and more.
– ALL-NEW SPECIALIZED APP: The Creo 2 integrates fully with our Specialized App and lets you personalize your motor characteristics. You can record your rides, personalize your screens, track your data, sync with other apps, and even thwart would-be thieves with Turbo System Auto-Lock.
Cargo Bikes
The name says it all. Surprisingly, there are a ton of choices in this genre. Some are more like a pedicab, while others are no more than a longer touring bike with fat tires. Cargo e-bikes, as you would expect, have a heavy-duty carrying capacity, usually over 300 pounds. The profile of our most popular cargo e-bike is:
· Best suited for novice terrain (paved or graded dirt roads)
· Most are priced around the $3,000 reliable range
· Best for casual and active riding
· Set up for moderate rides, typically less than ten miles
· Characterized by low-tech but well-equipped for carrying a load
· Are best for a beginner or novice rider
For urban commuting or trips around town, a cargo e-bike is a customizable electric bike with speed, power, range, and stability to get you wherever you need to go with whatever you need. With myriad mounting options, you can bring the kids, a kayak, and a stop on the way home for groceries. Don’t sweat it getting dark on you, either. Integrated front and rear lights will have you dialed from dawn patrol to golden hour. Cargo e-bikes have larger batteries and bigger tires to take the extra punishment of heavy loads.
Our Number One Cargo bike choice is the Specialized Globe Haul
We picked the Haul primarily for its versatility, reliability, and warranty support. The unique single-size frame fits riders comfortably all over the size spectrum. The adjustable fit was designed to be perfect for you. Make it longer here and shorter there, and you’re ready to ride comfortably. The low center of gravity means it’s easy for a newcomer or a pro to handle, loaded up, or loaded down. Able to handle 419 pounds, adjust for riders 4’5″ to 6’4″, an unbelievable, Specialized factory 2-year warranty, UL listed 772Wh battery on 20X3.5 tires, illustrates why we would pick the Haul as our Number One Cargo bike.
Better yet, accessories are abundant. You can find front and rear panniers, baskets, even a rear rider seat for the kids. There is a long wheelbase version too, providing extra cargo space and additional carrying capacity.
Our final consideration is for you to ride your bike choice before you buy. Visiting any of our four Arizona shops will allow you to test ride or rent your bike or style. Look, touch, sit and ride. Options are a good thing.
Archer’s Bikes – Arizona’s largest e-bike dealer.
Thanks for reading. Wear a bike helmet when you ride. Stay safe.
Copyright 2024 Randy Archer
