- Begin with the journey, not the bike
- The motor: hub or mid-drive
- The battery decides your range
- Brakes, tyres and the parts that keep you safe
- Rules, insurance and security
- Names you'll see on most shortlists
- Try it before you commit
- Fit, comfort and weight
- Looking after it
- Costs people forget
- Is an electric bike right for you?
- Frequently asked questions
The best electric bike depends on your journey. Pick the type first, then compare motor, sensor, battery, brakes and local service. Brands below are listed alphabetically, not ranked.
An electric bike can replace a car for short trips, make a hilly commute possible in work clothes or get you back on a bike after a long break. It's also a big purchase with a lot of jargon, and the right model for a courier in a flat city is wrong for someone who wants to ride muddy trails at the weekend. This guide is written as a buyer's checklist, not a test report. I haven't ridden these bikes for this page, so you won't find scores or personal verdicts. You'll find the questions that decide the choice, the three components that matter most and the checks worth doing before you pay.
Begin with the journey, not the bike
Write down the ride you'll do most often. Distance, hills, luggage and where the bike will be stored decide more than any brand name. The table below turns common journeys into a starting type.
| Your main journey | Type to look at | Why it fits |
|---|---|---|
| Daily commute on mixed roads | Hybrid or city e-bike | Upright position, mudguards and racks are often built in |
| Small flat or train travel | Folding e-bike | Folds for stairs, lifts and trains, though the wheels are small |
| Family shopping or school runs | Cargo e-bike | Carries children or loads without strain |
| Weekend trails and hills | Electric mountain bike | Suspension and strong motors for rough ground |
| Long road rides | Electric road or gravel bike | Lighter and faster, with a smaller motor |
| Mixed use for the whole household | Step-through hybrid | Easier to get on and off for riders of different heights |
The motor: hub or mid-drive
The motor sits either in the middle of the bike, near the pedals, or in a wheel hub. Each has strengths.
- Mid-drive motors push through the bike's gears, which helps on steep hills and feels natural. They often cost more to build and the chain wears faster.
- Hub motors sit in the front or rear wheel. They're simpler and quieter, and they often appear on lower-priced bikes. They can feel less natural on steep climbs.
Alongside the motor, check the sensor. A torque sensor measures how hard you pedal and adds power in proportion, which feels smooth and natural. A cadence sensor simply notices that the pedals are turning and adds power at a set level, which can feel jerky. If you plan to ride a lot, try both.
The battery decides your range
Range figures on a product page come from ideal conditions. Your own range will be shorter if you're heavy, carrying cargo, riding up hills, riding in cold weather or using high assistance. Think about it this way: how far is your longest regular ride, and would you be happy to charge every day, every few days or weekly?
- Look for a battery you can remove and charge indoors, since it makes charging easier in a flat or an office.
- Check the warranty on the battery, which is the most expensive part to replace.
- Find out how long a replacement takes to arrive and whether it's sold separately.
- Buy a bike with a battery from a well-known manufacturer, tested to recognised safety standards, and charge it with the charger supplied.
Brakes, tyres and the parts that keep you safe
A faster, heavier bike needs better brakes than an ordinary bicycle. Hydraulic disc brakes give more consistent stopping, especially in wet weather. Tyres with puncture protection save a lot of time and trouble on a daily commute. Lights, mudguards and a bell are not extras on a commuter bike, so check whether they're built in or you'll have to add them.
Rules, insurance and security
Rules for electric bikes differ between countries, states and even towns. They usually limit the motor power and the speed at which the motor helps, and they may set age limits or helmet rules. Read your local rules before you choose a model, particularly if you're considering a fast or imported bike.
- Check whether your home insurance covers the bike, and whether you'd need a separate policy.
- Buy a strong lock, and a second lock if you leave the bike in public places.
- Record the frame number and keep photos of the bike.
- Store the battery indoors if you can, as cold and heat both affect it.
Names you'll see on most shortlists
These makers appear in many buying guides, from city bikes to mountain bikes. They're in alphabetical order to help you start your research and are not ranked. Models vary hugely within each brand.
- Aventon: city and commuter e-bikes.
- Brompton: folding bikes with electric versions.
- Cannondale: road, gravel and city e-bikes.
- Giant: a very wide range across all types.
- Rad Power Bikes: utility and cargo-friendly e-bikes.
- Specialized: road, mountain and city e-bikes.
- Tern: folding and cargo e-bikes.
- Trek: hybrid, mountain and road e-bikes.
Also look at local bike shops and independent makers, because service matters as much as the bike. A shop that can fix the motor on a Saturday is worth more than a lower purchase price from a seller you can't visit.
Try it before you commit
- Ride at least two types of motor if possible, one mid-drive and one hub.
- Take a hill you know and see whether the assistance feels smooth or abrupt.
- Check you can lift or manoeuvre the bike into the place you'll store it.
- Ask about service: who fixes the motor and battery, and how long does it take?
- Check the warranty period for the frame, motor and battery separately.
- Ask which accessories are included: lights, mudguards, rack, kickstand and lock.
A test ride exposes things no review can, such as handlebar reach, saddle comfort and how the display looks in sunlight.
Fit, comfort and weight
Electric bikes are heavy, often much heavier than an ordinary bicycle, so how a bike fits you and how you'll handle it matter. Stand over the frame and check you can reach the ground comfortably. A step-through frame is easier if you have limited flexibility or you carry loads. Think about the weight when you lift it into a car, up steps or onto a rack, and check the rack or train rules if you plan to travel with it.
Comfort features add up on longer rides: a suspension seatpost, wider tyres, a saddle that suits you and handlebars you can adjust. A good shop will set these up with you, which is one more reason to buy where you can ask for help.
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Looking after it
- Keep the chain clean and lightly oiled, and check the tyres before each ride.
- Don't pressure-wash the motor, battery or display, and follow the maker's washing advice.
- Charge the battery away from anything flammable and don't leave it plugged in for days.
- Book a service once a year, or sooner if you ride daily, and ask the shop to check the brakes.
Costs people forget
- A good lock and lights
- A helmet and clothing suited to your journey
- Insurance for the bike
- Servicing, including brake pads, tyres and chains, which wear faster on a heavier bike
- A replacement battery after several years of use
Add these to your budget before you decide, so the bike doesn't become a bigger purchase than you intended. Some employers offer cycle-to-work schemes, so ask your employer and check the rules where you live.
Is an electric bike right for you?
| You are | Fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| A commuter facing hills or long trips | Strong | Arrive less sweaty and ride more often |
| Someone returning to exercise | Strong | Assistance eases you back in |
| A parent doing school runs | Strong, with a cargo model | Carries children and bags |
| A rider who wants a workout | Good | You can lower the assistance and still get exercise |
| Someone with no safe storage | Weaker | Heavy bikes and batteries are a theft and storage risk |
If you'll carry a laptop on the commute, my guide to the best travel backpack explains how to choose a bag that stays comfortable on longer trips.
Make an electric bike or cycling product? See how to get it featured on this list.
If you're looking at ways to save on travel for work as well, my business trip packing list covers the carry-on side of a work trip.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best electric bike?
It depends on your journey. Choose the type first, such as city, folding, cargo or mountain, then compare the motor, sensor, battery, brakes and the service you can get locally.
What is the difference between a hub motor and a mid-drive motor?
A mid-drive motor sits near the pedals and uses the bike's gears, which suits hills. A hub motor sits in a wheel and is simpler and often found on lower-priced bikes.
How far can an electric bike go on one charge?
It varies with battery size, rider weight, hills, weather and assistance level. Product page figures come from ideal conditions, so expect less in everyday use.
Do I need a licence or insurance for an electric bike?
Rules differ by country, state and town. Check your local laws on motor power, speed and age, and ask your insurer whether the bike is covered.
Can I ride an electric bike in the rain?
Most are built to cope with wet weather, but you should check the maker's guidance on washing, storage and charging. Good brakes and mudguards matter more in the wet.
How long does an electric bike battery last?
Batteries wear gradually with use and age. Check the warranty, ask about replacement, and follow the maker's advice on charging and storage.
