The best electric bikes (2023)

How to find the best electric bike when you don’t know anything about it AND for less than €2000 ($2200)? After having helped thousands of people choose their electric bike, we have set up a method that allows us to eliminate 99% of the electric bikes on the market.

Ranking of the best electric bikes

Choosing the right electric bike is far from simple! It’s an investment so it’s better to avoid bad surprises! The best electric bike we have tested is for us the Dakota Urbanbiker. It combines everything you look for in an electric bike for a very affordable price.

The motor is powerful enough to help us in all situations and has 5 levels of assistance. The battery has a very very long autonomy (more than 62 miles!) which is rare on this type of electric bike. The riding comfort is just excellent and we owe it to well thought technical choices. I speak for example about the front suspension which allows to absorb well the shocks without weighing down the bike, but also about the 21 speed derailleur from Shimano and the Maxxis all-terrain tires (a reference!).

In short, a very good electric bike adapted to the city and for off-road.

Displayed at around €2000 ($2200), the hybrid Moustache Saturday 28.1 bike offers an unbeatable quality/price ratio. Indeed, Moustache makes strong with this electric bike which mixes a comfortable position, a powerful engine and a dynamic behavior as we like them.

Equipped with a Bosch Active Line 250W ultra quiet motor, it will allow you to reach 15.5 mph easily. With its 9 speeds and 5 assistance modes (eco, sport, turbo, tour, off) – the movements are fast, fluid and pleasant.

On the braking side, we find Shimano with hydraulic disc brakes that offers a great responsiveness to the bike. Similarly, its battery, a Bosch Powerpack 400W, offers a range of about 56 miles for daily use.

Finally, this bike is comfortable thanks to its royal saddle, its raised handlebars and its Suntour front fork that absorbs vibrations and shocks.

In addition, the bike will come with practical accessories. There is a mudguard, a luggage rack and a Bosch Purion meter that shows you the speed, the assistance mode and the charge level of the bike battery.

In short, the Moustache Samedi 28.1 hybrid bike is ergonomic and versatile. Very well equipped for this price range, it has nothing to envy the bikes more “high-end”.

In third place in our ranking of the best electric bikes, we find not a bike, but a service: Upway and its crazy discounts ! Upway is THE specialist of reconditioned bikes in France. Its credo: “Mobility will be electric, circular and accessible.”

The company seeks to democratize the electric bike with a policy of affordable prices while being environmentally friendly, via a system of reconditioning electric bikes. But what is a reconditioned electric bike? Each used bike recovered by Upway is subject to a detailed analysis by mechanics. They then make mechanical and electronic repairs if necessary. Each bike is then adjusted (brakes and derailleur) and cleaned and inspected before being put on sale.

With Upway, you’ll enjoy discounts of up to 60% off on a wide range of products, promising low-priced bikes. Moreover, the bikes are delivered directly to your home, in just a few days. You can also take advantage of a 14-day trial period and if you are not satisfied, then you have the option to return your product.

Also, each electric bike is guaranteed for 1 year. The ambition of the French company is to give a second life to electric bikes rather than throwing them away in order to “make mobility truly virtuous”.

With Upway, you do good for the planet by reducing electronic waste while doing good for your wallet. If you’re not sure which electric bike to buy, check out our electric bike guides (the hybrid electric bike guide, the speed bike guide or the electric cargo bikes guide).

The Viena Urbanbiker is the best value for money in terms of hybrid bike. Suitable for both men and women, it offers impressive features for a really affordable price as often with the manufacturer Urbanbiker.

We like its 95 miles autonomy, the quality of the Samsung lithium ION batteries (the best!), but also the 50Nm torque of the motor which allows to climb all the slopes. The assistance is soft and progressive, and the safety is there: hydraulic disc brakes, Hutchinson tires. In short, a great hybrid bike that we recommend without hesitation and which is part of our ranking of the best electric bikes for seniors !

A good folding electric bike must meet several criteria: be light, fold quickly and easily, and have good performance (motor and battery).

After analyzing dozens of electric bikes, the Hitway BK2 (250W) is currently the top in the family of folding. It meets all our requirements for portability, which is why it is now #1 in the ranking of the best folding electric bikes.

We also particularly like its design: suspensions, ergonomic seat, removable battery, disc brakes, rear luggage rack. In short, everything you need to make it a good standard. Bonus: the price is currently in the low middle range.

The Rich Bit Top 022 is for us the best electric bike for off-road use. It is an electric mountain bike of type fat bike, i.e. that it has large wheels. They provide significant advantages such as a very good compromise between comfort and technique, especially for mountain biking on “complex” trails.

The bike is equipped with front suspension and all the necessary equipment to make riding a pleasure. We also like the mechanical disc brakes, the autonomy big enough to make long outings, and the power of the engine that allows the bike to climb any hill.

An electric bike can also be built by yourself from any bike thanks to an electric bike kit. Our favorite is the BBS02 from Bafang. It is the brand that equips most of the electric bikes on the market. Transforming your bike into an electric bike is an ecological and economical choice. To put it simply, it costs about 2 to 4 times less than buying an electric bike.

Looking for an electric bike for the city? You will find it at the famous brand Biwbik with its latest model: the Biwbik Gante. This bike has everything you are looking for in an urban environment: an impeccable comfort, a motor with a good pedaling assistance, disc brakes for a maximum safety and very practical accessories to carry a bag and errands (basket in the front, luggage rack in the back).

Other electric bikes that might interest you (depending on your use)

• Gravel Windee

How to choose your electric bike?

Now that you know the best electric bikes of the moment, here is all you need to know to make your choice.

If you are like most people who are about to buy their electric bike, you are looking for the best quality/performance/range/price ratio because YES, an electric bike is an investment and it is better not to make a mistake. The problem is that there is 750+ models and dozens of technical options with complicated names.

So maybe you’re one of those people who went to the store thinking that a bike can only be bought in a store and you came across someone who knew less than you and/or someone who wanted to sell you a bike for €6700 ($7400). I know this situation well, because I too have experienced it.

That’s why I’ve spent the last 2 years comparing electric assist bikes and developing a ranking of gems under €2000 ($2200) that compete with €6700 ($7400) bikes.

An electric bike adapted to your use

To begin with, note that the terms “e-bike”, “electric bicycle” or “electrically assisted bicycle” are synonymous. A first way to orientate your choice when buying an electric bike is to look at your main need, i.e. the use you will have of the bike 80% of the time.

Electric folding bikes

The portability of this type of bike is one of its best assets It’s simple, you can take it anywhere! Thanks to its foldable design, it also takes up very little space in terms of storage, which makes it easy to park. If you’re a city dweller and you’re looking for a practical bike for your daily commute, this is a folding electric bike that you need!

Electric mountain bike

Electric MTB are perfect for off-road use (mountains, fields, forest) although they can be just as effective in the city. Electric mountain bikes can be equipped with full suspension, front suspension or not equipped at all. The latter allow you to tackle the trails faster for extreme sports enthusiasts. If you’re looking for a mountain bike with a more aggressive look for use on rough terrain, look to the electric fat bikes.

Electric city bikes

Road bikes or “electric city bikes” include racing and leisure bikes. They have rather narrow tires and their shape is inclined towards the front. The saddles are also quite narrow. They are light, which makes them easy to ride, but they are not recommended for rough roads and off-roading.

Electric beach cruiser

If you are looking for style and comfort, this is the right choice for you. It’s ideal for casual, everyday use. Some of its most common features include a wide seat and high handlebars that tilt toward the rider for a somewhat reclined position. They are generally quite bulky and heavier than other types of electric bikes. The ideal type of EAB for leisurely rides if you’re not looking for speed.

Electric cargo bike

As its name suggests, the cargo bike is used to transport goods, even heavy ones. It is often equipped with accessories to easily carry children’s carriers and luggage racks.

Do you already have a great non-electric bike?

Have you considered the electric bike kit option? The idea is to add a motor to your favorite bike to turn it into an electric bike. It’s an economical and eco-friendly choice, provided you know how to do a little DIY. Visit our electric bike kit guide to learn more.

Which motor for your electric bike?

When you choose your electric bike, you must consider the type of motor that powers it. This has a direct impact on the performance of your bike and as you will see, this differs completely depending on the location of the motor.

Center drive motor (or “bottom bracket motor”)

In this type, the motor is located in the middle of the frame, at the bottom bracket. Since the motor is not part of the wheel, this has the advantage of being very quiet. The motor is also located in the center of gravity of the bike, which will give you a more natural feel every time you pedal.

In-wheel electric motor (or “hub drive motor”)

There are two types: the front hub motor and the rear hub motor. This type of motor is often the preferred choice for many people because of its simplicity and affordability. Note that having the motor in the rear wheel gives the feeling of being “pushed”. It is very comfortable and fun to ride, but it may take a few hours to get used to the feeling.

Choosing the right battery for your bike

Source of its power supply (and also of its power), the electric bicycle battery is a subject that should not be taken lightly. If the bike requires more power to operate, it also means that you will need a more powerful battery so that its performance is not compromised. There are different considerations for choosing the right battery:

Autonomy

The higher the Wh, the longer the battery will last. Try to average your usage to find the number that best suits your needs. To avoid frustration, choose a bike with a lithium-ion battery (the best!) that will last all day.

Location

The location of the battery can also be a criteria, for weight and also for aesthetics. It is often located in the down tube or seat tube, which is good if you want a better center of gravity. This results in a more balanced ride compared to batteries that are mounted near the wheel. It also gives the bike a more compact appearance, as it is space saving.

Charging time

It is also crucial to determine how long it takes to charge the battery before it is 100% full. Believe me, there is nothing more depressing than having to wait for ages before you can use your EAB. In the case of most batteries, it takes 3 to 5 hours before you can recharge it once it is empty. Keep in mind that the higher the capacity of the battery, the longer the charging time. You will soon get into the habit of charging it at night. 😉

Number of batteries

Some electric bikes have 2 batteries. They work a bit like a relay: when the first one is discharged, it fills up with the energy contained in the second. If the bike you have flashed on has only one battery, no problem: you can add a second one yourself later.

Durability over time

Pay close attention to the recharge cycle, which is the number of times you can fully recharge the battery. Most bikes have a battery with 500 recharge cycles, which is roughly equivalent to two years of average use.

Different conditions will impact this time, including the weight of the rider and the soil conditions. If you use it in off-road conditions, the battery may not last as long.

Safety: The crucial point!

Safety is a major consideration when riding an electric bike, so pay attention to the features that ensure a safe and healthy ride.

The braking mode is one of the most important. Excellent brakes are a must, as most electric-assist bikes can travel at high speeds and support heavy riders. If the brake is of inferior quality, your safety may be compromised. We recommend that you use disc brakes.

Some bikes are equipped with a motor brake. This saves the battery every time you press the brake. Another safety feature is lighting. Yes, you need imperatively Be seen when you are on your bike. Many electric bicycles have built-in lights, which is convenient when you use the bike in the evening or at night.

Want comfort?

The best electric bikes are packed with features that ensure you’re comfortable on every ride. For the bike to be comfortable, it is important that it is easy to get on and off, so it is light! Consider the size and height of the bike so you don’t have any storage problems.

Also consider the type and construction of the seat. It should have a heavy cushion to absorb the shock of each ride. The size of the seat should also be appropriate for your height and weight. The height of the seat should be low to avoid strain on the hips and knees.

It is also essential to consider the position of the handlebars, which you should be able to reach comfortably. Grip and shape are also important. Make sure that you don’t have to lean forward too much. Otherwise, not only is it uncomfortable, but it also shifts weight in front of the bike, compromising your safety.

Some options that deserve your attention

• The tires : In addition to having different grip on different surfaces, tires can affect speed, suspension and handling.

• An LCD display/meter Most electric mountain bikes have a backlit, handlebar-mounted LCD display. It displays the distance and speed at which you are riding.

Why buy an electric bike?

Some people turn to electric bikes because they want to go farther or faster than their fitness level allows Or because they want to carry difficult loads on a conventional bike. I have a friend who now does all her shopping on an electrically assisted cargo bike, which allows her to live without a car in Paris.

Others choose electric bikes because they’re great for getting to the office without breaking a sweat, or because they’re just not as fit as they used to be, but want to stay active.

While there are almost as many uses as there are users, there’s one thing everyone agrees on: riding an electric bike is a lot of fun. It starts with the quick start offered by the assistance that makes you feel like a professional club cyclist. Basically, a few pedal strokes get you up to 15.5 mph faster than most cars. It’s like having a superpower!

Then there are the climbs. Instead of struggling to make your way up the hills, you climb without breaking a sweat thanks to the engine, and that’s a big plus.

Conclusion

The best electric bikes (those with excellent longevity, like the ones we’ve featured at the top of this page) offer huge environmental benefits because they don’t emit toxic gases that endanger both humans and the environment. A good electric bike could be a real alternative to a second car – and much more fun to start. In time, it might even replace your primary car, who knows?

Choose a style that suits your needs. Consider power, performance, comfort and safety. Above all, don’t limit yourself to taking the cheapest to ensure the highest level of satisfaction and superior quality that will last over time.