So you’re interested in getting an eBike!? You’ve come to the right conclusion and I’d like to help you make the best decision you can. This is where I’ll update my current recommendations and thinking around buying an eBike.
If you’re considering buying an eBike, buy one and don’t think twice. Seriously if you have one in your cart, go press purchase.
There is value in buying your bike from a local shop with a physical location. Bikes are somewhat complex and can require tune ups- it’s always helpful to have a place you can take your bike to get it looked at. Some bike shops wont work on Direct To consumer (DTC) eBikes, so thats something to keep in mind.
Remember that almost all eBikes use the same components if they are under $2,000. Therefor, choose a bike based on price range and how you’ll use it, rather than specs. More money doesn’t always equal more quality when buying a bike >$2,000.
Consider the three class system:
-Class 1 bikes only deliver power when the pedals are spinning and have a top speed of 20mph. These bikes are allowed on most trails and bike paths.
Class 2 bikes deliver power by throttle or when the pedals are spinning. Class 2 bikes will only go 20mph when using the throttle, and max out at 28mph when pedaling. Most bikes under $2,000 are class 2.
Class 3 bikes will only deliver power when the pedals are spinning and have a top speed of 28mph. Class 3 bikes might not be allowed on some trails or paths due to its top speed.
Consider the type of drivetrain: there are two. Hub drive bikes house the motor in the hub of the wheel and are usually found on lower priced eBikes. They have few moving parts, are easier to maintain, and are most efficient when at a high speed. Hub drive bikes also typically come with a throttle, while mid-drive models will not. Mid-drive motors are housed in-between the cranks, are composed of gears and belts, and are most efficient at a specific pedaling cadence. This means your motor can always perform at its most optimal RPM, just like your car and it’s transmission. Mid-drive bikes typically cost a bit more and feel more like riding a real bike.
Think of your eBike as a replacement to your car, not as another bicycle. Seriously. 80% of car trips happen within 5 miles of home. By replacing one or two trips a week you’ll be saving money and depreciation from using your car.
Consider cargo space, bags, baskets, and racks! If we’re using our eBikes to replace our car, riding the bike is a means to an end. Consider the add-on racks that bike manufacturers might consider.
Are you hauling people? Certain eBikes are capable of hauling a full size adult, or multiple children. Rad Powerbikes has the Radwaggon which is the cheapest entry into long tail cargo bikes (which seem to a favorite when hauling children). Other bikes in this realm would be Tern, Urban Arrow, or Riese Muller.
Trick out your ride! I have found a lot of fun accessorizing my bike with bags, bells, lights, and pedals. This is where your bike -truly- becomes your own.
Budget eBikes
$999-$1,500
The Lectric EP Lite is $799 on Lectric’s website
The Aventon Soltera is currently $999 on Aventon.com.
These two eBikes are the cheapest eBikes that I can recommend. Both the Lectric and Aventon come with integrated lights and one single gear. This eBike price point is designed to get your foot in the door for the lowest cost. The people I’ve seen buy this level of eBike quickly want more, and end up buying their second eBike a few weeks later.
Aventon Pace 350.2 is a stellar option for someone who wants an upright (red:comfortable) riding position, a strong 500w motor, and gears to make getting up hills a bit easier than the options above. This bike has integrated front headlight and rear tailight- meaning you’ll always be visible on the road and you wont be left in the dark when your lights run out of battery. Aventon sells a rear rack for the Pace 350 and I would highly recommend buying that if you purchase this bike.
The Aventon Pace 350.2 is $1300 on Aventon.com
$1599
Rad Expand 5 is a moderately priced foldable ebike that comes with gears, a rack, and integrated lights for a very good price point. Lectric has a bike that is similar to this one, but it lacks the integrated rack and fenders. The Expand 5 is also compatible with Rad’s front rack system- having a front rack -and- a rear rack makes your bike more versatile and will enable you to do more things- ultimately leaving the car at home because you’ll enjoy your new ebike so much.
The Rad Expand 5 is $1599 on RadPowerBikes.com.
Mid-Range eBikes
$1,500-$2,000
The Rad Runner eBike is one of my favorites in this list because of its ability to cary two adults or one adult and two children. It’s a step-through model which makes getting on and off very easy. There is two versions of this bike available- a $1,499 model and this $1,899 model. One of the large differentiating factors between the two is the addition of a derailure and gears. This means added efficiency when riding up big hills! There are loads of accessories for this eBike from Rad Including handlebars for back passengers, front racks, or other storage options. If I were to spend my own money an en eBike- this would feel like a stretch but would probably be the best bike for my personal use case.
The Rad Runner 2 eBike is currently $1,499 $1,899 on RadPowerBikes.com.
Aventon Level is a dreamers budgert commuter. It is similar to the Aventon Aventure I once had in that it’s got top of the line specs including a 750w motor, 750Wh battery, torque sensor, integrated lights, and included rear rack. This is a bike that would conquer a 20 mile commute with ease- and will get you there without breaking a sweat. If I were trying to commute and still wanted a throttle, this is the top of the line bike you should be looking at!
The Aventon Level.2 is currently $1949 on Aventon.com.
Premium eBikes
$2500-$5,000
Tern specializes in long-tail cargo bikes that are extremely popular with people who like to use their bikes like an SUV. Tern has made a name for themselves as THE go-to for hauling kids and have a family of accessories that makes doing so easier. Not hauling a kid? The Tern series of bikes features a low center of gravity, a powerful mid-drive motor, and ability to customize how and where you carry your cargo. Some terns even stand tell on their rear wheel for easier storage!=
The model shown here is their Quick Haul, which is priced at 2,999.
The Vado is a mid-drive class 3 bicycle that comes ready to ride with racks, fenders and lights. The Specialized Vado is a cousin to the Turbo Tero, which I own and have been putting through its paces. The 2022 Specialized Vado is built around the same frame but adds some components that make the bike a much-better car replacement out of the box. I highly recommend name-brand eBikes from companies that work with small or local shops. Having a local bike shop to work on your bike is one of the most important things to consider when buying n eBike.
The specialized Turbo Vado comes in three trim levels ranging from $3,200 through $5,000.
VanMoof is a premium eBike Brand that is taking a left-field approach. Their bikes are custom from the ground up including new shifting gear boxes, belt drives, integrated lights, and built in 4G connectivity. The 4G connection is used to always identify where your bike is. If your bike is ever stolen VanMoof has a team of ‘bike recovery specialists who will recover your bike for you. If they are unable, then you get a bike free of charge. With a customer dedication like that- it would be an easy decision to get any of the Van Moof bikes, just to enjoy the premium build quality, physical features, and software features of this bike model.
The Vanmoof A5 currently sells for $3,498 on VanMoof.com
About the Author:
This list is evolving and will be updated periodically. The last update was made in November, 2022. Some links might include affiliate codes.