What is the best e-bike overall?
Electric bikes are in right now. However, there are a ton of options on the market, so finding one that fits your needs is tricky. A commuter e-bike may not be a good fit for those looking for electric mountain bikes, for example. After testing several popular models from top brands, CNET editors have picked the Aventon Soltera 2 as the best overall e-bike. The Soltera 2 offers an affordable price, a lightweight bike frame and a premium feel. You also get the standard safety features you’d expect on a bike, including brakes, signal lights and more. Although it tops our list, it might not be the best fit for every kind of biker. That’s why we have compiled a list of the best electric bikes, which reflects the diverse styles available, each tailored to suit different riders’ preferences.
Electric commuter bikes weren’t always as common as they are today. But the ability to zoom around the city or neighborhood without tiring yourself out has made these eco-friendly modes of transport popular. Plus, an e-bike is perfect for getting around campus without breaking a sweat if you’re in school.
Most of the bikes on this list were tested on a commute through sections of midtown Manhattan, bike paths around Central Park or on the West Side Highway bike path. Others were tested for suburban commutes and off-road when applicable. Note that these all fall into the category of “commuter bike,” and we don’t recommend trying to traverse rough terrain on one of these babies.
Also, if you do get into rideables and electric commuter bikes, be sure to be safe by keeping several guidelines in mind. Keep your battery charged and make it a habit to check your tires often. Leave enough space between yourself and both cars and riders on plain old human-powered bikes and scooters. Ride and pass with caution, because an electric bicycle will go faster than a traditional bike or scooter. Most importantly,wear a helmet every time you ride.
Best Electric Bikes for 2024
The entire Aventon lineup offers affordability and versatility. The $1,799 Abound is a cargo bike suitable for carrying passengers or groceries, while the $1,799 Aventure 2 is a multifaceted fat-tire bike ideal for all-terrain riding in any season. The Soltera 2 is more of an everyday e-bike that’s great for commutes, with a seven-speed cassette and a weight of just 41 pounds. Like the other Aventon bikes, the Soltera 2 features a sleek, detailed display, integrated signal lights, iOS/Android app compatibility and a throttle for assistance on hills.
The Fiido X is a compact folding e-bike perfect for shorter commutes and for small storage spaces like an average apartment. Its sleek design makes it one of the most attractive folding bikes available. You could easily store it in a car trunk, a closet or the corner of a bedroom. Whether it was part of my daily commute or on some trails in South Carolina, this bike held its own.
The Engwe L20 2.0 is the updated version of the L20 I previously reviewed and loved. The update has changed some things that have improved it, like the ability to fold the bike away and a more powerful 1000W motor to make acceleration smoother. The downside of having the fold in the center is the weight limit is reduced so I wouldn’t recommend riding with a baby seat like I used to on the 1.0 version. Aside from that the L20 2.0 is a great fat tire bike that my wife uses every day to ride around the neighborhood. — James Bricknell
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The Lectric XP 3.0 fat-tire folding bike is great for its portability, foldability and impressive capabilities. It’s robust and versatile, with a total payload capacity of 330 pounds, including a rear rack that supports up to 150 pounds. Furthermore, it offers a range of useful accessories and a key ignition, making it less attractive to thieves. The XP 3.0 also comes in a step-thru version for getting on and off of it easily. The XP was also tested in South Carolina and proved to handle well due to its 20-by-3-inch tires and front suspension fork. In addition to being foldable and durable, the XP 3.0 can hit a top speed of 28 mph, powered by a 500-watt motor.
Boasting a futuristic design, the Async A1 Pro looks as fun as it is to ride. Its cutting-edge features include a 5.5-inch display and Bluetooth connectivity with LTE, which means users can track the bike using a Find My Bike feature. Its off-road mode enables up to 35 mph speeds, providing an exciting riding experience. Though you can use pedal-assist to extend battery, this isn’t a bike you buy for exercise but for full-speed thrills, as it challenges the distinction between e-bike and motorbike.
My 6-year-old and testing partner has really enjoyed her time with the Gotrax V14 balance bike. It’s helped her learn how to balance correctly and she can zip around at an average speed of about 11mph. Every day we ride down to get her bus to school as well as ride to the local parks. The Gotrax is incredibly sturdy and easy to use with excellent braking and a simple electric on/off that my daughter picked up immediately. I would have liked it if the bike had two speed settings, low and full, so the kids can handle the acceleration better when they are starting out, but I would still recommend this for anyone who wants to use their electric bike with their child riding beside them. — James Bricknell
For folks who need pedal-assist without the bulkiness commonly associated with e-bikes, the Tenways CGO600 Pro is an ideal choice. It offers a smooth ride, with assistance on or off, and weighs about the same as a standard bicycle, at 37 pounds. The Tenways CGO600 Pro utilizes a carbon belt drive and hydraulic disc brakes, requiring minimal upkeep. Its design is so discreet that it’s nearly impossible to tell it’s an e-bike from a distance. The bike’s display is minimalistic, and the vehicle can be powered on via a user-set passcode.
The perfect bike for riding with young ones — so no more travel fatigue. The Woom Up e-bike, sized for either children or teens, features a premium design and three pedal-assist levels up to 12 mph. The bike includes a user-friendly app with straightforward assembly and provides a smooth, comfortable ride. Despite the initial cost, its build quality and components are exceptional, and this bike should hold some resale value by the time your little one outgrows it.