As our thoroughfares become increasingly crowded with automotive traffic, more cities are making biking around town safer and more accessible to citizens. Needless to say, these massive city planning efforts are showing plenty of return on investment. From 2000 to 2010, the number of bicycle commuters increased by 40 percent across the United States, and these numbers were as high as 77 percent in some cities, according to Forbes.
In recent years, the biking industry has boomed as manufacturers look to capitalize on increasingly nuanced styles. It should come as no surprise then, that the electric bike movement has seen a massive rise in popularity lately, as individuals look to add a little pedal-assistance to their daily commutes and casual weekend outings. However, an ebike tends to be a rather steep initial economic investment. But when you consider it alongside the annual costs of fueling, insuring, and maintaining an automobile, an ebike literally pays for itself over time. Here are five of the best electric bikes currently on the market — and one “just for fun” pick.
Our pick
Specialized Turbo Vado 6.0
Why should you buy this? The Turbo Vado 6.0 is one of the most capable ebikes we’ve tested.
Who it’s for? Anyone looking for more than a casual commuter.
How much will it cost? $4,800
Why we chose the Specialized Turbo Vado 6.0:
On a trip to Palo Alto last year, we had the chance to test Specialized’s pedal-assisted Turbo Vado and the model is still our pick for top ebike on the market. Utilizing a 350-watt motor and 604-watt-hour lithium-ion battery, the Turbo Vado is capable of traveling up to 80 miles on a single charge, which should be more than enough for your daily commute and then some.
Built by a company that’s made cycling equipment for over 40 years, the Vado feels more like a traditional bicycle than almost any other ebike. Its frame and components have been tuned to provide a familiar experience, making it easy for new and long-time cyclists to just jump on and start pedaling. Specialized’s heritage shines through nicely, helping to separate itself from the competition in an increasingly crowded ebike market.
On the road, it takes just only a few turns of the pedals to activate the Vado’s motor and get it up to speed. In Turbo mode — the bike’s highest level of pedal-assist — the Vado reaches speeds of up to 28 miles per hour, after which the electric drive system automatically shuts off to conserve power (and abide by local law). A built-in LED readout on the handlebars allows riders to monitor battery life, check current speed, and track calories burned while also being able to glance at distance traveled. The Turbo Vado Mission Control app (iOS/Android) also connects to the bike via Bluetooth and allows riders to further tune their ride and adjust the bike’s settings.
We ran the Vado through the gauntlet — including some of the steepest hills in Palo Alto — and the bike easily handled everything we threw at it, maintaining a steady 20 miles per hour even on the most daunting of ascents. The bike also handles well on downhills and is both nimble and quick on city streets and paved trails. It’s even comfortable to ride for extended distances, which is vitally important for any bike built for urban settings.
It’s important to note that the Vado is custom-tuned for city riding, making it a great choice for daily commutes to and from the office or running errands on the weekend. That said, if you’re looking for an ebike for more difficult terrain, there are other options on this list better suited to that task.
Read more about the Specialized Turbo Vado
The best mountain bike
Haibike SDURO HardNine 4.0
Why should you buy this? Relatively lightweight, affordable, and capable, this is a great all-around mountain bike.
Who it’s for? Year-round mountain bike enthusiasts.
How much will it cost? $2,600
Why we chose the Haibike SDURO HardNine 4.0:
Electric mountain bikes have garnered a lot of attention for their ability to help riders go higher, further, and faster on the trail. As a result, there have been some impressive new eMTB models to hit the market in recent years, making it easier than ever to head off-road. Our favorite is the Haibike SDURO HardNine, which comes equipped with a 350-watt Bosch Performance CX drive and a 500 watt-hour battery. This gives it a range of up to 70 miles, along with a top speed of 20 mph, which is plenty fast on singletrack.
Haibike ships the HardNine with 29-inch tires, 180-millimeter hydraulic disc brakes, a 100-millimeter front suspension fork, and a nine-speed Shimano shifting system. The bike’s LCD readout is affixed to the handlebars and displays the current speed, level of charge, remaining range, and current pedal assist mode. The company says the battery can be completely recharged in just four hours, minimizing downtime between rides.
Fast and fun on the trail, the SDURO HardNine handles rough terrain with ease, while its large tires roll over most obstacles without missing a beat. The pedal assist makes for quick, energy-saving climbing and the bike descends surprisingly well, too. Its front suspension provides a nice level of cushion on bumpy trails and while we missed having a full-suspension on this model, that would have added additional weight and costs.
Priced at just $2,600, the Haibike SDURO HardNine 4.0 is easier on the pocketbook than most other e-mountain bikes, while still delivering great performance. That makes it easy to recommend as an all-mountain ride for a wide variety of mountain bikers.
The best commuter
Raleigh Redux IE Diamond Frame
Why should you buy this? Built for the urban commuter, this bike is fast, comfortable, and features great range.
Who it’s for? Inner city commuters.
How much will it cost? $2,699
Why we chose the Raleigh Redux IE Diamond Frame:
Another bike that comes our way courtesy of a traditional bike maker, the Raleigh Redux IE Diamond Frame was built from the ground up for urban commuting. With its clean, simple design, this is an electric bike that doesn’t look like an ebike, yet still delivers impressive performance on the road.
Powered by a 250-watt Brose Centerdrive system, the Redux is capable of reaching speeds of up to 28 mph, which comes in handy when dodging traffic. Its 36-volt lithium-ion battery provides enough juice to give the bike a range of up to 80 miles between recharges, making it a great option for daily commuters. Raleigh even outfitted the bike with wide tires which provide stability and traction, even when the road gets wet. Other key features include a 10-speed Shimano crankset and shifters and a built-in LCD screen that displays all the usual information.
The Redux’s stealthy design manages to hide the bike’s battery in the downtube, which helps conceal the fact that it’s an ebike on first glance. This gives it a more traditional look that should appeal to riders who aren’t overly enamored with the chunky style of other ebikes. It also helps make the bike a bit more nimble, too.
The best road bike
Giant Road E+1
Why should you buy this? The Giant Road E+1 is an elegant touring option.
Who it’s for? Road bike enthusiasts.
How much will it cost? $4,130
Why we chose the Giant Road E+1:
While the idea of a pedal-assisted road bike may seem counterintuitive, during lengthier training sessions, a touch of added power helps prevent overall muscle fatigue and injury. Similarly, individuals looking to enjoy longer scenic routes will appreciate the general boost an electric drive provides. With a top speed of 28 mph, the Road E+1 uses three power modes to give you ultimate control over your ride and assistance level. A four-point sensory system monitors the pedaling force allowing the motor to amplify your movements seamlessly.
One of our favorite features with the Road E+1 is the ergonomic Ride Control EVO command station. Unlike other control centers, this display is mounted onto the handlebars front-and-center, keeping the controls literally at your fingertips. At higher speeds, balance is key and this module enables control over the system and the fork at all times.
Giant didn’t skimp on traditional cycling components for the E+1, either. The bike comes equipped with an 11-speed Shimano crankset, hydraulic disc brakes, and a lightweight aluminum frame. It also features an aggressive geometry designed for road riding and ships with a fast-charger to keep the electric motor powered up.
The frame itself incorporates a series of mounts allowing you to easily trick-out the Road E+1 with a rack, fenders, or panniers to more aptly meet your touring requirements. Again, most touring purists will certainly scoff at the mere notion of pedal-assistance, however, individuals looking for more of a guided tour and less of a tour de force will swoon over the Road E+1.
The best budget option
Espin Sport Black
Why should you buy this? The Espin Sport is a solid economic ebike option.
Who it’s for? Those looking to test the ebike waters without breaking the bank.
How much will it cost? $1,888
Why we chose the Espin Sport Black:
Purchasing an ebike can be a rather hefty initial investment, and there are dozens of worthy makes and models to choose from. That said, some individuals may desire a solid pedal-assistance model without a bevy of extra frills and the Espin Sport is our top budget-specific pick.
Overall, the Epsin has a no-nonsense, blue-collar build we absolutely love. It utilizes a 20-inch diamond frame that looks and feels like a traditional road bike. A sturdy, rear-mounted luggage rack stows up to 55 pounds of cargo, which should be more than enough for a trip to the store, commute to the office, or a short day trip.
The Espin is powered by a 350-watt motor that’s rated for trips up to 50 miles (depending on the terrain and assist level). Once depleted, the battery fully charges in roughly five hours. Thankfully, Espin makes it easy to remove the battery, allowing you to quickly recharge it at home or in the office between trips. A backlit LCD control hub displays your basic metrics and battery life while in transit and LED headlights add a touch of light when needed.
Yes, there are less expensive ebike models on the market, but most come with some serious caveats. The Espin Sport delivers on the full promise of an electric bike, but in a more affordable fashion. This bike isn’t going to tow you around for a 60-mile round-trip endeavor but those seeking their first ebike will get plenty of bang for their buck from this model. Read more about the Espin Sport here.
The best eco-conscious off-road bike
Cake Kalk
Why should you buy this? If you enjoy getting out in nature on two wheels and you’re concerned about the environment.
Who’s it for? Serious off-road riders who are looking for a silent ride.
How much will it cost? $14,000
Why we chose the Cake Kalk:
The electric bike revolution has officially crossed over into the realm of off-road motorbikes. If you like riding out in nature, Cake introduces a product that allows you to be respectful of the environment and other riders around you. Cake’s Kalk is a silent off-road motorbike that releases no emissions into the atmosphere. The electric motor means no gear changing or clutching — a silent motorbike that won’t detract from the experience of others. The best part? Cake avoided any sacrifice in performance. Kalk reaches speeds of fifty miles per hour and features three distinct driving modes.
The first mode is called Discover and is ideal for those just getting their feet wet. The second is its Explore mode, designed for longer, more exciting rides. The third is Excite mode, which allows for optimum power and acceleration, perfect for executing wheelies and performing tricks.
In addition, Kalk weighs under 155 pounds — less than half of traditional motorbikes. Cake customized parts of the drivetrain and implemented an interior permanent magnet (IPM) motor. On a single charge, the bike travels up to 50 miles. As a bonus feature, maintenance is minimal due to the fact there are few moving parts thanks to its lack of a combustion engine. The Cake Kalk is currently available for pre-order.
Editors’ Recommendations
Published at Thu, 05 Apr 2018 18:45:09 +0000
