With the greatest electric bikes and a helper, you can travel without breaking a sweat to your next location. With the help of these motorized bikes, you may go without wheezing, gasping, or perspiring. E-bikes are a great investment for people who are new to fitness as well as those who want to get a little more into riding because this lessens the element of fitness without completely eliminating it.
What you plan to use the e-bike for will determine which one is best for you. When riding challenging 20 mph routes, rocky terrain, or ascending steep hills, certain power-assisted electric bikes are performance-engineered to give you that extra boost. You’ll need an electronic mountain bike, or eMTB, to do this. Even though they aren’t as powerful, some are more portable and fold flat for simple storage.
Remember that the expense of high-capacity batteries is a major factor in why electric bikes cost more than conventional bikes. You can find a very cheap bike marketed online, but you should exercise caution because they can also utilize low-quality parts that can break at high speeds. Because safety is so important, it makes more sense to spend your money on a reputable brand.
Our experts have tested and used a range of e-bikes, some from well-known companies and others from unrecognized brands, for commuting, running errands, and taking leisurely rides around the countryside. In this approach, we are able to identify the models that offer the safest and smoothest rides. Find some of our top options below to meet your riding needs, whether you’re looking for the best folding electric bikes or the most affordable electric bikes.
The greatest electric scooters are worth looking into as well if your space and finances are truly limited. They may be folded and kept in practically any closet at home, if necessary.
The 10 best electric bikes for 2023
The top 10 electric bikes for 2023 are shown below.
- Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0
- MiRider One
- Gocycle G4
- Cowboy 4
- Ribble Hybrid AL e
- WAU Bike
- Specialized Turbo Creo SL Expert
- Mycle Cargo
- Ride1Up Prodigy XR
- Specialized Levo SL Expert Carbon
1. Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0
| Pros | Outstanding power delivery Great technological characteristics A relaxed riding position |
| Cons | Weighty Expensive Fiddly battery connector |
| Weight | 24kg |
| Maximum range | 90 miles |
| Motor | 250W |
With its revamp for 2022, the Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 is now the best all-around e-bike you can buy right now. Due to the enormous battery capacity, an extremely amazing range of up to 90 miles can be achieved when using the pedal.
Smooth and controlled by the outstanding MasterMind computer, the power management assistance lets you change power levels in real-time, download software updates wirelessly to avoid having to take your bike to a shop and lock and unlock your bike with a PIN number.
With an upright seating position that is comfortable for city driving, the new Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 boasts a tough and practical design that makes it excellent for everyday riding in practically any weather. Standard features include fenders and headlights, and the front suspension fork cushions potholes and bumps.
The huge battery means that it is fairly hefty, and it is not a cheap e-bike. During testing, we discovered that slogging off the saddle was something of a difficulty, but that it was still enjoyable to ride and incredibly useful in practically any riding situation. Highly suggested.
2. MiRider One
| Pros | Outstanding value Simple to fold and carry A comfortable and smooth ride |
| Cons | A little noisy |
| Weight | 17.2kg |
| Maximum range | 40 miles |
| Motor | 250W |
A foldable e-bike is the ideal commuting option because it is small enough to fit on a train or under a table and has additional power to get you to your destination feeling energized and ready to go. The MiRider One achieves an excellent balance in this area at a surprisingly low cost.
Despite its diminutive size, it provides a smooth and comfortable ride because of its durable build and rear shock absorber, which smooths out any minor road imperfections.
In addition to the boost button and throttle control that let you accelerate rapidly at crossings and junctions, the engine has five power boost levels as opposed to the typical three, providing you more control. With a reassuring amount of control whether you desire mild acceleration or more forceful assistance, we found the additional power levels to be helpful. Even more quickly than the Ribble Hybrid ALe. 5, it charges from the battery in just two hours and has a maximum range of 40 miles before requiring refueling.
When finished, the MiRider One folds up quickly and is prepared for storage in the provided case. The ideal electric bicycle for thrifty tourists.
3. Gocycle G4
| Pros | Strong new motor Creative design Fantastic smartphone app |
| Cons | Expensive Small wheels sustain damage |
| Weight | 17.6kg |
| Maximum range | 40 miles |
| Motor | 500W US / 250W UK |
The Gocycle G4 is the best folding electric bike you can get right now if money isn’t an issue. It is the ultimate commuter premium electric bike alternative. The smooth power support of previous Gocycle bikes pleased us, and the new G4 engine is the greatest one yet. The bike’s range is also extremely respectable, reaching up to 40 miles on a single quick charge, and you can adjust its performance using the well-designed Gocycle smartphone app to maximize power and range.
The G4 feels sturdy as you ride, but it folds up conveniently for storage or transportation on public transportation. It weighs 1 kg less than the previous generation thanks to the creative use of various materials throughout the bike’s design to reduce weight and maintain balance. All cables are run inside, a chain guard is present to shield your clothing, and mudguards and lights are included as standard equipment.
A small shock absorber under the seat helped smooth out most of the bumps we encountered on our daily commute, despite the fact that compact folding bike wheels are inherently less tolerant of potholes than full-size tyres.
It’s a high-end e-bike with a price to match (if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly choice, check out the fantastic MiRider One), but if it ends up being your primary bike for frequent commuting, it’s an investment worth making.
4. Cowboy 4
| Pros | Very quiet and smooth Little to no upkeep Effortless setup |
| Cons | Limited manual controls |
| Weight | 18.9kg – 19.2kg |
| Maximum range | 43.5 miles |
| Motor | 250W |
The Cowboy 4 is unavoidable if you’re seeking an electric bike for city riding. The Cowboy 3 from the 2020s was a powerful machine, but the new model takes it a step further with a more tuned ride and a selection of stepped and thru-frames.
The simplicity of Cowboy 4 is one of its most notable qualities. Even if you’ve never ridden an e-bike before, we discovered that it was fairly intuitive and that the lack of gears, shifters and other controls made riding easy right away. When you press the pedal, the motor immediately switches on and adjusts the assist based on how firmly you do so.
Internal cable routing and a carbon belt drive mechanism that doesn’t need oil or tensioning like a chain make maintenance simple. There are built-in fenders and lights, as well as a plug for charging your smartphone (making it easy to navigate with smart route suggestions via the Cowboy app).
Cowboy 4 is now sold in the US, despite initially only being marketed in Europe. The company received 71 million euros in series C funding in January 2022, so it’s expected that it will soon be made available in additional nations.
5. Ribble Hybrid AL e
| Pros | Effortless power assistance Good looks Unexpectedly affordable |
| Cons | Apps need some improvement |
| Weight | 13.1kg |
| Maximum range | 60 miles |
| Motor | 250W |
The Ribble Hybrid AL e is the best hybrid on our list and a terrific electric bike with a road-inspired appearance and a really smooth ride. This electric hybrid can be the perfect option for you if you’re looking for something to keep you dry on your daily commute or a bike for extended weekends.
The Ribble Hybrid AL e may easily pass for a standard scooter, unlike many electric bikes that aren’t particularly stylish and have large batteries installed on the frames, and are frequently targeted by cunning thieves. The bike is incredibly light thanks to its 3.5kg drive system (it weighs less than some electric scooters), and its only telltale features are a covert power button and a downtube that is slightly thicker than usual.
You may travel up to 60 miles with the booster over mixed terrain, and it can be charged from the apartment in 3.5 hours. You can pick between three levels of assistance, and the Ebikemotion companion app provides turn-by-turn directions and ride statistics. However, in our experience, the greatest level of support is the most enjoyable.
Not only that, but this e-bike is also among the most reasonably priced models on the market right now. Highly regarded, and during our tests, the ride quality was really fantastic.
6. WAU Bike
| Pros | Cutting-edge integrated lighting Innovative security measures A staggering potential range |
| Cons | One frame size only |
| Weight | 22kg |
| Maximum range | 215 miles |
| Motor | 250W |
With an auxiliary battery pack connected, the WAU Bike’s exceptional range allows it to travel up to an amazing 215 miles, so you won’t have to worry about running out of juice even on lengthy vacations. Because of its longevity, it’s a wonderful option for commuters because you just need to charge it on the weekends.
You may effortlessly switch between the five pedal-operated modes when looking uphill or flat, and the back-geared motor operates smoothly regardless of which one you select.
Also included is an eight-speed cassette, which during testing gave us the necessary adjustment to prevent our feet from spinning while riding at fast speeds.
Additionally, there are some considerate extras like tamper prevention, multipurpose taillights, and geofencing that prevent riding the bike outside of a specific area.
7. Specialized Turbo Creo SL Expert
| Pros | Stunning style Exemplary elements Outstanding performance |
| Cons | Expensive |
| Weight | 13.7kg |
| Maximum range | 80 miles |
| Motor | 240W |
One of the most fashionable e-bikes in the world, the Specialized Turbo Creo SL Expert offers smooth road style and dynamic 240W motor support when you need it.
The carbon frame, Shimano Ultegra hydraulic disc brakes, Shimano Deore XT Di2 Shadow Plus, 11-speed rear derailleur, Shimano Ultegra Di2 Disc R8070 shifters, Praxis Alloy, and Shimano XT cranks are all of the highest calibers. 11-42t cassette, 11-speed.
This electric bike is for you if you enjoy taking long weekend rides but often find yourself feeling overwhelmed (assuming your wallet can take the hit). sufficient to persuade even ardent traditionalists.
8. Mycle Cargo
| Pros | Powerful with excellent support Value for the money Outstanding carrying capacity |
| Cons | Big, heavy, and bulky Hard to store |
| Weight | 36.5kgs |
| Maximum range | 74.5 miles |
| Motor | 250W |
A huge and strong electric cargo bike with storage on the back and sides is called the Mycle Cargo. Do you want to move equipment frequently or carry groceries home on a regular basis? This bike definitely fits the bill: it is powerful, well-made, and affordable. It also has a second battery for a longer range and a clever frame for improved weight distribution.
It is not flawless, though; it is enormous, cumbersome, extremely heavy, difficult to store, and not advised for novices because of its 1.87-meter height. If you’re weaving through traffic, the length and footrests on the back of the bike may catch you off guard. But this is a fantastic option if you want a sturdy cargo bike at a fair price.
9. Ride1Up Prodigy XR
| Pros | Affordable price Concealed battery Includes a lot of extras |
| Cons | Heavy No throttle |
| Weight | 25kgs |
| Maximum range | 30-50 miles |
| Motor | Brose TF mid-drive |
A mid-range, reasonably priced e-bike that multiplies the force you use to the pedals is the Ride1Up Prodigy. There is no throttle in this situation, so even while the help is great and the ride is nice, you are still in charge of everything. The objective is to increase the effectiveness of your efforts and enable you to travel farther.
The advanced torque sensor has a comfortable vertical fit and effectively responds to input. With frequent usage of the “turbo” mode, the range is decent, giving 26 miles during testing.
Better bikes are available, although mid-range bikes in this class typically cost significantly more. Even though it weighs 25 kg, the Ride1Up is the best value in its weight category.
10. Specialized Levo SL Expert Carbon
| Pros | Lightweight Solid engineering |
| Cons | Expensive The battery only supports 20mph |
| Weight | 18kgs |
| Maximum range | 3.5 hours, 5 with range extender |
| Motor | Specialized SL 1.1 motor |
One of the greatest lightweight eMTBs we’ve ever tested, the Specialized Levo SL Expert Carbon offers incredible performance owing to a strong, proprietary mid-drive motor from Specialized, the best parts from Fox and SRAM, and extremely sensitive handling.
If you utilize the battery wisely and sensibly, it will last you the entire day of riding, and the engine can manage speeds of up to 20 mph, which is good for the trails this bike is built for. The suspension and wheels are superbly made, and they can withstand any abuse you want to give them.
This electric mountain bike is lightweight, has great gearing, and has a top-notch transmission to support the battery and electric motor. The styling is eye-catching yet functional and quick, and it is unmistakably similar to the early Stumpjumper versions.
How we test electric bikes
Even if two models of e-bikes have similar performance, we will be able to give you a complete image of how they actually ride on the road because we have driven a wide variety of e-bikes. To give you an idea of how each electric bike will perform in real-world situations, we always test them in realistic scenarios. We also measure their speed on various surfaces and slopes.
Each bike is being tested with its entire range of power settings as well as custom settings, and if it has a navigation system, we’ll also utilize that to create and explore a number of different routes. If the bike has a mobile app, we’ll tell you how simple it is to install and use as well as any unintended costs you should be aware of, such as a monthly subscription price or a card download fee. We’ll also compare trip computer GPS monitoring to top sports watches.
Although it’s always a good idea to test any bike out before buying it, our objective is to first provide you with the most thorough overview of the experience.
How to pick your ideal electric bike
The finest electric bike for your needs—and your budget—must be considered first. A folding e-bike like the MiRider One is ideal for you if you’re sick of using the bus or the car to work and want a quick, easy, happy, and affordable alternative.
Any road-worthy electric bike is suitable for commuting, but since bikes are expensive, locking them up can result in theft, even with our best bike locks. Folding bikes can be brought to work to keep them secure or connected to trains to shorten commuting times.
On the other hand, you’ll need an electric mountain bike, or eMTB, like the Specialized Levo SL Expert Carbon if you’re searching for an electric off-road bike. Standard road cycles are made to operate efficiently on flat terrain, but eMTBs need more power to compensate for the heavier tyres and additional drag, as well as improved suspension to manage jumps and bumpy rides. eMTBs tend to be more expensive because of these additional design complexity, and the only other acceptable low-cost choice is a standard pedal-powered MTB.
However, a road bike like the Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 is a terrific purchase if you just want to extend your mileage, lessen your commuting strain, or even earn additional money delivering meals in the evenings. You can easily sprint around the city or drive tirelessly all weekend long to distant regions.
In addition to your budget and driving habits, you’ll need a battery that works for you. Regularly assess the distance you are traveling to calculate the required range. Long-distance travelers need to make sure the battery will survive their adventures, whereas city dwellers who rarely travel more than a few miles at a time may afford to forgo battery capacity.
