Best Electric Bikes | E- Bike Review – Consumer Reports

Class 1 includes pedal-assist bikes, which power the electric motor as your foot applies pressure to the pedal. There’s no throttle control on the handlebar to get the bike going; the electric part works only when the rider is pedaling, and the e-assist cuts off at speeds above 20 mph.

Class 2 bikes also have an electric motor that works up to 20 mph, either while the rider is pedaling (pedal-assist) or with electric propulsion alone, via a throttle control. 

Class 3 limits an e-bike’s top speed to 28 mph. These faster, powered models might not be legal to ride in some areas, such as on bike paths.

The e-bike models CR has tested all fall within the Class 1 and Class 2 categories. We did not test any Class 3 bikes. We have also tested a range of e-bike styles, including commuter bikes and cruisers, folding bikes, and mountain bikes. Prices ranged from $480 to $4,000. The highest-rated e-bikes among those we tested tended to be the most expensive models, although none was anywhere near the $6,000 to $7,000 high end of the price range consumers are likely to encounter at bike shops.

More selectable gears made for a better riding experience once the battery was drained and pedaling provided the only motive power. Single-speed bikes aren’t as versatile, especially not with the added weight of a battery and an electric powertrain. Depending on the model, electric assist was applied either at the hub of the rear wheel or in what’s called a middrive, in which power is applied at the bottom bracket, where the pedals are located.

“Electric bikes tend to be more expensive than conventional bicycles, so most people will probably want a good all-arounder,” says Bernie Deitrick, the engineer who leads CR’s e-bike testing program. “We especially liked the middrive models that apply electric power where there would normally only be pedals. That setup, plus a bunch of gears to choose from, made for a bike that was almost as good without electric assist as with it. But for pure fun, it’s hard to beat a Class 2 electric bike. Without needing to shift gears, their throttle controls and acceleration ability make them exciting to ride.”

The full ratings from our latest e-bike evaluations are available to Consumer Reports members. Below, we have listed the highest-rated models in four categories from our testing program.