Take the sweat out of riding with the best electric bikes, which can get you to your next destination with assisted riding. These motor-powered bikes allow you to get where you want to go without puffing, panting and sweating. It reduces the fitness element without taking it away entirely, making ebikes an ideal investment for fitness beginners as well as those who want to push cycling a bit further.
The most ideal e-bike for you, however, depends on what you’ll be using it for. Some powered electric bikes are engineered for performance, giving you an additional boost when traversing rough trails at 20 miles per hour, over rocky terrain, or climbing steep hills. For that, you’ll want an electric mountain bike or eMTB. Others are more commute-friendly, even if they’re not the most high-powered ones, and fold down for handy storage purposes.
Bear in mind that electric bikes are more expensive than traditional bikes, largely due to the cost of high-capacity batteries. It pays to be careful though; you might be able to find a super-cheap bike advertised online, but they might also use cheap components that may fail at high speeds. Safety is top priority so it’s wiser to invest in a well-established brand.
Our experts have ridden and tested loads of ebikes, some from known brands, others from less-established ones, using each one as our mode of transport for commuting to work, running errands, and leisurely rides in the countryside. So, we know which models actually make the cut, and ensure a smooth and safe ride. Whether you’re looking for the best folding e-bikes to the best cheap electric bikes, you’ll find something for our top picks below to fit your riding needs.
If your space and budget is really at a premium, it’s also worth checking our the best electric scooters. Those can fold away and be stored in almost any household cupboard if needs be.
Editor’s note: October 2022
Whether you’re getting into a healthy lifestyle or looking for a cheaper, eco-friendly way to commute, electric bikes can do a lot for you with a relatively small initial investment.
The Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 is our best all-rounder, but don’t discount the usefulness of a cheap folding bike like the MiRider One. And with Black Friday deals on the horizon, you might be able to find one cheaper than ever. We recommend keeping an eye on retailers like Dick’s Sporting Goods (opens in new tab) in the US and Halfords (opens in new tab) in the UK.
The best electric bikes 2022
(Image credit: Rob Clymo)
The best overall electric bike for any rider
Specifications
Weight: 24kg
Maximum range: 90 miles
Motor: 250W
Reasons to buy
+
Superb power delivery
+
Excellent tech features
+
Comfortable riding position
Reasons to avoid
–
Quite heavy
–
Fiddly battery connector
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Premium price
The Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 has received a redesign for 2022 that’s made it the best all-purpose e-bike you can buy today. Its high capacity battery means there’s plenty of power to tap into, and results in an extremely impressive range of up to 90 miles with pedal assistance.
Power assistance is delivered smoothly, and controlled through the superb MasterMind ride computer that allows for real-time tuning of power levels, lets you receive over-the-air software updates so you don’t have to take your bike to a service center, and can be locked and unlocked using a PIN.
The new Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 has a robust, practical build that makes it ideal for everyday riding in almost all conditions, with a comfortable upright riding position that’s well suited to navigating city traffic. Lights and fenders are fitted as standard, and there’s a front suspension fork to soak up bumps and potholes.
It’s not a cheap e-bike, and the generous battery means it’s quite heavy. During our tests, we found it a little bit of a challenge to drag around when not in the saddle, but a joy to ride and supremely practical in just about all riding conditions. Highly recommended.
View our full Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 (2022) review
(Image credit: Future)
The best budget e-bike, a folding commuter that’s built to last
Specifications
Weight: 17.2kg
Maximum range: 40 miles
Motor: 250W
Reasons to buy
+
Excellent value
+
Easy to fold and transport
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Smooth, comfortable ride
A folding e-bike is the perfect solution for commuters – small enough to fit on a train or under a desk, with an added boost of power to ensure you reach your destination fresh and ready to work. The MiRider One strikes a brilliant balance here, and does so for a remarkably affordable price.
Despite its small size, it gives a smooth and comfortable ride thanks to its robust build and a rear shock absorber that absorbs any minor bumps on your route.
The motor has five levels of power assistance compared to the usual three, giving you plenty of control, with a boost button plus a throttle control to help you get away quickly at crossings and junctions. We found the extra power levels useful, with a reassuring amount of control whether you want a gentle boost or a more powerful assist. It charges from flat in just two hours, faster even than the Ribble Hybrid AL e at no. 5, and gives you a maximum range of 40 miles before it needs topping up.
When you’re done, the MiRider One folds down in a matter of seconds ready to be stored in the included case. The best e-bike for commuters on a budget by a long stretch.
Read our full MiRider One review
(Image credit: Rob Clymo)
The best premium electric bike for commuters and city-dwellers
Specifications
Weight: 17.6kg
Maximum range: 40 miles
Motor: 500W US / 250W UK
Reasons to buy
+
Powerful new motor
+
Ingenious design
+
Excellent smartphone app
Reasons to avoid
–
One of the most expensive e-bikes
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Small wheels take a pounding
The Gocycle G4 is an ideal premium electric bike option for commuters, and in our opinion, it’s the best folding e-bike you can buy today if money is no object. Previous Gocycle bikes have impressed us with their smooth power assistance, and the G4’s new motor is its best to date. The bike has a very respectable range too, running for up to 40 miles on a fast charge, and you can use Gocycle’s well-designed smartphone app to tweak its performance to optimize power assistance and range.
The G4 folds easily for storage or carrying on public transport, but it feels reassuringly solid to ride. Gocycle has made clever use of different materials throughout the bike’s build to keep weight down (it’s 1kg lighter than the previous model) and ensure it’s well balanced. All cables are internally routed, there’s a chain guard to protect your clothing, and mudguards and lights are fitted as standard
The small wheels of a folding bike are inevitably less forgiving of potholes than full-size tires, but the small shock absorber under the seat helped soak up most of the bumps we encountered during everyday rides.
This is a premium e-bike, and has a price to match (if you need a more affordable option, the excellent MiRider One is well worth a look) but if it’s going to be your main bicycle for regular riding, it’s a justifiable investment.
Read our full Gocycle G4 review
(Image credit: Joseph Delves)
A super-sleek electric bike that’s ideal for new riders
Specifications
Weight: 18.9kg – 19.2kg
Maximum range: 43.5 miles
Motor: 250W
Reasons to buy
+
Very smooth and quiet
+
Practically zero maintenance
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Fuss-free setup
If you’re looking for an electric bike for city riding, the Cowboy 4 is impossible to ignore. 2020’s Cowboy 3 was an impressive machine, but the new model pushes things even further with an even more refined experience and a choice of step-over and step-through frames.
One of the Cowboy 4’s standout features is its simplicity. Even if you’ve never ridden an e-bike before, we found that the absence of gears, switches and other controls means we were riding effortlessly immediately, as it felt very intuitive. The motor kicks in automatically when you turn the pedal, adjusting the assistance depending on how much pressure you’re applying.
Maintenance is simple too, thanks to the internal cabling and carbon belt drive system, which doesn’t require oiling or tensioning like a chain. Lights and fenders are built in, and there’s even a charging port to juice up your smartphone (which provides easy navigation with smart route suggestions via the Cowboy app).
Although it was initially only sold in Europe, the Cowboy 4 is now available in the US as well. The company received €71 million in Series C funding in January 2022, so it seems likely that it’ll soon roll out in other countries as well.
Read our full Cowboy 4 review
(Image credit: Future)
The best hybrid e-bike for roads and gentle trail riding
Specifications
Weight: 13.1kg
Maximum range: 60 miles
Motor: 250W
Reasons to buy
+
Smooth power-assisted ride
+
Great looks
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Surprisingly affordable
With its road-inspired design and super smooth ride, the Ribble Hybrid AL e is a great electric bike and the best hybrid on our list. Whether you’re looking for something to take the sweat out of your daily commute, or a bike for long weekend rides, this electric hybrid could be just the ticket.
Electric bikes often aren’t particularly stylish, and their chunky frame-mounted batteries are common targets for mean-spirited vandals, but the Ribble Hybrid AL e could easily pass as a conventional push-bike. Its drive system weighs a mere 3.5kg, making the bike surprisingly light (it weighs less than some electric scooters), and only a discreet power button and slightly thicker than usual downtube give it away.
It can be charged from flat in 3.5 hours, and gives you up to 60 miles of power-assisted riding over mixed terrain. There are three levels of assistance to choose from (though in our experience the highest is the most fun), and the Ebikemotion companion app provides you with turn-by-turn navigation and live stats on your ride.
If that’s not enough, this is also one of the most affordable e-bikes available today. Highly recommended, and during our tests, it was simply hugely enjoyable to ride.
Read our full Ribble Hybrid AL e review
(Image credit: WAU)
A smart electric bike with remarkable range for weekend rides
Specifications
Weight: 22kg
Maximum range: 215 miles (with additional power pack)
Motor: 250W
Reasons to buy
+
Innovative integrated lights
+
Smart security features
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Impressive potential range
The WAU Bike is an electric bike with remarkable range – able to travel up to an incredible 215 miles with an additional power pack attached, so you can forget range anxiety even on long leisure rides. That longevity also makes it a solid choice for commuters, meaning you only need to charge it up on the weekend.
The rear hub motor is smooth to pick up, whichever of the five pedal-assisted modes you choose, and you can easily switch between them when facing a hill or a flat.
There’s also an eight-speed cassette on the rear, which provided just the right amount of adjustment during testing to prevent our legs free-spinning while travelling at high speeds.
There are also some carefully designed extras here, including an anti-tamper alarm, multi-function rear lights, and geo-fencing so the bike can’t be ridden outside a certain area.
View our full WAU Bike review
(Image credit: Rob Clymo)
The best electric bike for hitting the roads in style
Specifications
Weight: 13.7kg
Maximum range: 80 miles (120 miles with extender)
Motor: 240W
Reasons to buy
+
Striking design
+
Quality components
+
Excellent performance
Reasons to avoid
–
Launched at £7,500 (about $10,500 / AU$13,500)
The Specialized Turbo Creo SL Expert is one of the most stylish electric bikes around, delivering slick road stylings, with dynamic power assistance from its 240W motor when you need it.
The components are all top quality, with a carbon frame, Shimano Ultegra hydraulic disc brakes, 46T chainrings, Shimano Deore XT Di2 Shadow Plus, 11-speed rear derailleur, Shimano Ultegra Di2 Disc R8070 shift levers, Praxis Alloy Cranks and a Shimano XT, 11-speed, 11-42t cassette.
If you love long weekend rides, but find they leave you feeling broken at the end, this is the electric bike for you (provided your wallet can take the hit). Enough to convert even dedicated traditionalists.
Read our full Specialized Turbo Creo SL Expert review
(Image credit: Rob Clymo)
The best electric bike for transporting your shopping
Specifications
Weight: 36.5kgs
Maximum range: 74.5 miles
Motor: 250W
Reasons to buy
+
Powerful with good assistance
+
Good value for money
+
Great carrying capacity
Reasons to avoid
–
Big, heavy and bulky
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Tough to store
The Mycle Cargo is a big and beefy electric cargo bike with storage capacity on the rear and sides of the bike. Want to carry your shopping home regularly, or frequently moving equipment around? This bike is sure to fit the bill: it’s excellent value for money, powerful and well-designed, with an intricate frame to distribute weight more effectively and a second battery to boost range.
It’s not perfect, though: it’s big, bulky and very heavy, extremely difficult to store and at 1.87 meters, it’s not a recommended ride for first-timers. The length and footrests that are attached to the rear sides of the bike can catch you out if you’re slaloming through traffic. But, as a well-constructed cargo bike for a reasonable price, it’s an excellent choice.
Read our full Mycle Cargo review here.
(Image credit: Mark Knapp)
The best value mid-drive electric bike
Specifications
Weight: 25kgs
Maximum Range: 30-50 miles
Motor: Brose TF mid-drive
Reasons to buy
+
Competitive price
+
Hidden battery
+
Comes with plenty of accessories
The Ride1Up Prodigy is a good value mid-drive e-bike that multiplies the power you put in with the pedals. No throttle here: even though the assistance is excellent and makes for a comfortable ride, it’s still you doing all the work. The aim is to make your efforts become more powerful, and help you ride longer distances.
It offers an upright riding position that’s comfortable, and the sophisticated torque sensor does a good job responding to input. The range is respectable, with heavy use of its ‘turbo’ mode offering, when tested, 26 miles on a single charge.
There are better bikes out there, but mid-drives in this class tend to cost a lot more. It may be heavy at 25kgs, but when it comes to value for money, the Ride1Up punches well above its weight class.
Read our full Ride1Up Prodigy XR review here
(Image credit: Rob Clymo)
The best lightweight eMTB
Specifications
Weight: 18kgs
Maximum range: 3.5 hours, 5 with range extender
Motor: Specialized SL 1.1 motor
Reasons to buy
+
Lightweight
+
Solid engineering
Reasons to avoid
–
Pricey
–
Battery only supports 20mph
The Specialized Levo SL Expert Carbon is one of the best lightweight eMTBs we’ve ever tried, with incredible specs courtesy of a powerful Specialized exclusive mid-drive motor, top components from the likes of Fox and SRAM, and very responsive handling.
It’s got a full day’s worth of riding in a charge, providing you use it well and conservatively, with the motor supporting up to 20mph speeds, which is fine on trails, which this bike is made for. The wheel and suspension construction is excellent and will endure all the punishment you’re going to throw at it.
This is an electric mountain bike that is lightweight, with great gearing and a premium drivetrain to support the battery and electric motor too. The design is striking, but practical and agile, easily comparable to the old Stumpjumper models.
Read our full Specialized Levo SL Expert Carbon eMTB review
How we test electric bikes
We’ve ridden a wide range of e-bikes, so even if two models have comparable specs, we’ll be able to give you a full rundown of how they actually ride on the road. We always test electric bikes in real-world conditions so you know how each one will perform in day-to-day life, and put them through their paces on a range of terrains and gradients.
We test each bike’s full range of power settings, plus custom settings, and if the bike has a navigation system then we’ll also use it to plot and ride several routes. We’ll also compare the GPS tracking from the ride computer with the readings from a top-end sports watch, and if the bike has a mobile app, we’ll let you know just how easy it is to install and use – plus any hidden surprises you should be aware of, like the need to pay a subscription fee to download maps.
It’s always a good idea to test-ride any bike yourself before committing to a purchase, but our aim is to give you the most complete picture of the experience possible first.
