Electric bikes are taking the world by storm at the moment. E-bikes offer a cleaner, safer, and cheaper way to commute across town. The best electric bikes on the market are also a ton of fun to ride on the road or on tricky trails. There’s nothing quite like that electric power boost to lift up your mood (and your speed too of course). Especially when it comes effortlessly by just pressing a button.
Sustainable outdoor fun without breaking a sweat? Count me in!
The electric bike market is fast evolving to match consumer demand, with a plethora of new brands popping up left and right. To help you sort the good from the bad, our editorial team reviews the absolute best e-bikes on the market right now.
In a rush? Here’s our selection of the top three best electric bikes available right now:
We’ve organised our round-up by categories to help you find the electric bike that’s best for you. We found the best premium and high-end e-bikes for you, of course. But we also uncovered excellent value options for every budget, including a few bikes under $1,000. You don’t have to spend a fortune on your e-bike to get a great model, thankfully.
We’re also listing the most important technical details under each model to help you quickly see what’s most relevant to your particular need. Understanding how the motor, the battery, and the range come together will probably be a deciding factor to find the best electric bike for you.
The 17 best electric bikes of 2021
| # | Model | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | RadCity 4 | Best overall |
| 2 | Ancheer 26 | Best value |
| 3 | Ride1Up LMT’D | Best premium |
| 4 | Lectric XP 2.0 | Best foldable |
| 5 | Ride1Up 700 | Most versatile |
| 6 | RadRover | Best fat tire |
| 7 | QuietKat Apex | Best mountain bike |
| 8 | Ancheer Hummer | Best for the road |
| 9 | Charge XC | Best for trails |
| 10 | RadMini 4 | Best for sand |
| 11 | QuietKat x Jeep | Best for snow |
| 12 | n+ Mercedes-Benz EQ | Best lightweight |
| 13 | RadRunner | Best Cargo |
| 14 | Ancheer Blue Spark | Best hybrid |
| 15 | Charge City | Best for commuting |
| 16 | Trek Domane+ | Fastest electric bike |
| 17 | Ride1Up Roadster | Best for the money |
Check our special electric bicycle buyers’ guide after the list to see exactly what you should pay attention to before purchasing an e-bike. We also share our editors’ methodology to test and review the best electric bikes of the year, so you can shop with confidence.
If you want something even more nimble for short distances, check our round-up of the best electric scooters of the year. Want something that can take you further? Check our selection of the best electric motorcycles or the best electric cars instead.
RadCity 4: Best overall electric bike
Smooth yet powerful ride. Easy on the road yet very capable on rugged terrain. The RadCity 4 Ebike easily wins over the overall best electric bike of 2021 category.
For its latest version, the RadCity 4 has been upgraded with a single 18.5” frame size to fit a wider variety of riders. Making it a great choice for a wide variety of riders and terrains. The updated handlebars are designed to keep you comfortable on longer rides.
Among the main highlights of this year, the RadCity 4 comes with puncture-resistant tires. A padded line of defence inside the tire provides extra protection against punctures from thorns, glass, and other small materials. The 7-speed gear gives you more torque when climbing hills and more speed when cycling on flat terrain. And an integrated rear brake light keeps you safe and visible on the road.
Check the full bike technical description on Rad Power Bikes’ website for more information and the latest price. We also have a dedicated Rad Power Bikes review of their most popular models if you want to compare their options and prices.
Best for: The RadCity 4 is ideal for your daily commute and general road cycling.
Motor: 750W brushless Shengyi direct drive hub motor with regenerative braking Battery: 48V, 14 Ah (672 Wh) with Lithium NMC Samsung 35E cells Range: Up to 45 miles per charge
Ancheer 26” Electric Bicycle: Best value electric bike
As the winner of our best value electric bicycle of the year, the ANCHEER 26″ Electric Mountain Bike comes in at a far more accessible price point than most on the market. But its low price should all but be ignored when it comes to the quality and versatility of this e-bike, which boasts a lightweight frame and robust design.
No wonder it’s currently the best selling electric bike for sale on Amazon!
The Ancheer 26” ebike comes equipped with a 350W high-speed brushless motor. That’s more than enough power for your daily commute, a cruise on the mountain, or a meander along your favourite trail.
On full ebike mode, the motor reaches an average speed of 20 mph. You can also select an assisted mode with four different power options, or a normal bike mode with the electric motor fully off. A small controller on the bike’s handlebar lets you easily change modes according to your needs.
The ANCHEER 20MPH Ebike has a 36V 10.4Ah Lithium-Ion battery attached to its frame. The battery is removable and can reach a range of up to 40 miles per charge. You can recharge the battery on or off the bike.
The entire bike is made of high-quality Aluminum Alloy. The frame is lightweight and easy to manoeuvre yet solid and durable. The rims are made of double-walled Aluminum Alloy to offer greater durability and a faster ride with less drag. On the front wheel, you’ll find a powerful suspension fork to ensure riding comfort across all terrain. Check our Ancheer electric bikes review to learn more about the brand.
Best for: everyday use at a great price.
Motor: 350W high speed brushless motor Battery: Removable 36V 10Ah Lithium-Ion Range: Up to 40 miles per charge
Ride1Up LMT’D: Best premium electric bike
We like to call the Ride1Up LMT’D “the Tesla of e-bikes”. With its powerful 1000W peak electric motor, upgraded LCD display, and high-quality materials throughout, the Ride1Up LMT’D is more than deserving the premium electric bike category title. You’ll be surprised that its price remains affordable for the segment, however. Ride1Up is indeed known for designing some of the best value electric bikes on the market, and the LMT’D is no exception.
The LMT’D was designed almost as a car replacement, offering up to 50 miles of pure electric ride on a single charge using the higher levels of pedal assist. It can reach speeds of 28mph. It’s a bike made with extreme attention to detail, with a similar setup to a motorcycle and fast acceleration to match.
Costing just a little over $1,000, it’s full to the brim with impressive features like a high-speed brushless motor and a battery capacity twice as powerful as most of the other bikes on the market. The large capacity Samsung Lithium battery is hidden inside the bike’s frame, boasting a stealthy look with no exposed wires.
The Ride1Up LMT’D’s body is made of a lightweight alloy, all the internal circuits are protected and the electronics are locked in. The ebike also comes with Schwalbe Super-Moto X tires, an RST Asteria air fork, dual-piston Tektro Hydraulic brakes, and a comfortable silicone saddle. It’s available in midnight grey or desert and sand.
Check our in-depth Ride1Up e-bikes review to help you compare their different models and see the latest prices.
Best for: Regular riders looking for the absolute best premium ebike on the market today.
Motor: 48V 750W Geared MXUS Motor Battery: 48V14ah Reention Eel Pro Samsung Cells Range: Up to 50 miles per charge
Lectric XP 2.0: Best foldable electric bike
Lectric XP 2.0 folding ebike offers everything you could want from an electric bike with the added bonus of it being easily portable. Lectric is a brand known for making some of the best selling electric commuter bikes online. With the Lectric XP 2.0, they’re applying their expertise to upgrading the best foldable electric bicycle with great effect.
It’s an incredibly easy bike to own, from its lightweight frame to its “neutral” balance, making it simple to carry up a flight of stairs. It’s a great starter bike for someone branching into the electric bike world who wants something easy to manoeuvre and equally as easy to ride.
The geometry of this bike means virtually anyone between 4ft 10in and 6ft 7in can ride it comfortably. You can also select a step-thru frame if you prefer.
Another bonus: The Lectric XP 2.0 is so compact that it comes pre-assembled. No need to figure out how to build it yourself. Unpack it and it’s ready to ride right away.
Best for: Daily commuting in the city.
Motor: 500W brushless geared rear hub Battery: Lithium Ion 48v 9.6ah Range: Up to 45 miles per charge
Ride1Up 700 Series: Most versatile electric bike
The Ride1Up 700 Series bicycle offers advanced electronics and a sleek design at the perfect price point. Priced in the middle of the range, the 700 Series is the best pick on the market for those looking for a strong allrounder electric bike.
The Ride1Up 700 Series offers smooth automatic shifting, hydraulic front and rear disc brake, and an 8-speed Shimano professional transmission system. Its edgy design is complemented by its tech-heavy features, with a monitor implanted into its crossbar, and integrated LED headlight and taillight, operated from the display.
Ride it in high-power mode to hit top speeds of 28mph with minimum effort or cycle without pedal assist fairly easily, despite the 62 lbs frame (which comes together with complimentary rack and fenders). It promises a range of up to 50 miles per charge, well above the industry standard. No wonder Ride1Up calls it their ultimate electric bike.
Best for: allrounder electric bike.
Motor: 750w geared hub motor Battery: 48V14ah Reention Rhino, 52x Samsung 35E Cells Range: Up to 50 miles per charge
RadRover: Best fat tire electric bike
Rad Power Bikes strikes again with the RadRover easily winning the crown for the best fat tire electric bike of the year.
Looking for the riding comfort of a fatbike with the assistance of an electric motor? Check the RadRover fat bike. With its powerful 750W electric motor, 4” fat tires, upgraded LCD display, and high-quality materials throughout, the RadRover fatbike easily wins our best fat tire electric bike award — no wonder the model is currently the best-selling electric fat bike in North America.
The RadRover was designed to ride effortlessly through snow, sand, or muddy terrain.
Costing less than $2,000, it’s full to the brim with impressive features like a 48V high-speed brushless motor and a Samsung battery capacity twice as powerful as most on the market. It’s heavier than average, at 69 lb (31 kg), but makes up for that weight with plenty of innovative elements.
Best for: All-terrain comfortable electric cycling.
Motor: 750W Geared Hub Motor Battery: 48V, 14 Ah (672 Wh) Lithium NMC Samsung 35E cells Range: Up to 45 miles per charge
QuietKat Apex: Best electric mountain bike
Not many electric bike manufacturers succeed at combining all of the top features of an e-bike with the agility and ruggedness of a mountain bike. But QuietKat’s electric mountain bike does just that. The QuietKat Apex combines all the featured you need in a top-quality mountain e-bike to enjoy the perfect ride.
With a selection of powerful electric motors ranging from 1500W, 1000W, and 750W and a class-leading range of up to 58 miles, the QuietKat Apex allows any mountain biker to sail through strenuous terrains, so you can focus on having fun.
It’s a popular choice on the market that’s known for its outstanding battery life, whisper-quiet motor and climbing performance. It offers great control on uneven terrain with a reputation for helping bikers climb uphill and descent back downhill with ease.
The low centre of gravity and the position of the motor allow for stability and agility when travelling downhill. The weight of the e-bike helps when cycling in particularly loose conditions too. The QuietKat Apex mountain ebike comes with premium 150mm inverted air-suspension forks to match your weight and riding style for more comfort. It’s available in a Midnight Green (shown above) or military camo.
Best for: easy riding on rough terrain.
Motor: 1500W, 1000W, or 750W Mid-Drive motor Battery: 17.5Ah/52V or 14.5Ah/48V Range: Up to 58 miles per charge
Ancheer Hummer: Best electric road bike
A smooth and quiet ride is exactly what you’ll get from the Ancheer 27.5” Ebike. Much like many other bikes produced by the brand, the focus is on ease of riding and low maintenance while offering a high-quality journey and a sleek look. Perfect for your next road trip!
The Ancheer 27.5” Ebike is a sporty e-bike that combines features from a mountain bike and a commuter’s bike. It’s a great allrounder that feels light when accelerating and is easy to peddle, even when doing most of the manual work.
The Aluminum alloy frame is a sturdy choice without being too heavy. Its central motor position allows for easy balancing and offers a lower centre of gravity.
It has 21-speed gears and can hit speeds of up to 22mph (35km/h).
Best for: Out of the city cycling Motor: 48V 500W high speed brushless gear motor Battery: 48V 10Ah Lithium-ion Range: Up to 38 miles per charge
Charge XC: Best for trails
Want an electric bike you can fully trust when cycling on tight or technical trails? The Charge XC is the best option on the market at the moment.
A rugged electric mountain bike from one of the best American electric bike manufacturers that can easily take you anywhere and be packed away easily too. With big, grippy, fat tires, tough shocks and a Shimano motor, the Charge XC E-Bike is your passport to new adventures on the trail.
The Charge XC electric bike features a powerful mid-drive motor that can flatten steep hills, handle gravel roads and dusty trails all day long. With up to 50 miles on a single charge, you’re set for long adventures on or off-road.
Best for: trustworthy riding on the toughest trails.
Motor: 250W power brushless Battery: 14 Ah/36V Range: Up to 50 miles per charge
RadMini 4: Best beach electric bike to ride on sand
Another winner in the fat tires category, the RadMini 4 is our favourite electric bike to ride on the beach or any other sandy surface.
With its powerful 750W electric motor and extra-large tires, the RadMini 4 is easy to ride on the road too if you want. It’s a great all-weather bike that can be used even throughout the winter in snowy conditions. Make sure to pull on extra layers to keep you warm, however, as you might get cold driving at 20+ mph on pure electric power.
On the handlebar, you’ll find an extra-large display to show your speed and the mode in which you’re engaged. You can easily switch between the three different assist modes with a dedicated button.
Best of all, the RadMini is also a foldable ebike, so you can easily fold it when you put it in your car’s booth and gain some extra room.
Best for: an easy ride on the beach.
Motor: 750W brushless geared hub Battery: 48V, 14 Ah (672 Wh) with Lithium NMC Samsung 35E cells Range: Up to 45 miles per charge
QuietKat x Jeep: Best snow electric bike
Jeep is one of the first names that comes to mind when picturing an off-road vehicle that can drive through the toughest terrains, including snow. So when we heard of an exclusive partnership between QuietKat and Jeep to design a brand new e-bike, our interest was immediately piqued.
The objective was simple: to create the most capable eBike on the planet.
We’re happy to report that they succeeded. The QuietKat x Jeep electric bike is built to conquer the roughest and most difficult terrain. This is a bike that you can trust all year long.
The Jeep E-Bike features an advanced, torque-sensor motor system that delivers either 750 or 1000W of nominal power, with a peak output of 1500 watts. The wide-range 9-speed drivetrain features an 11-42T cassette for maximum torque range to climb the steepest hills, while the 4-Piston Tektro brakes keep everything in control while descending. The full-suspension frame and inverted suspension fork are designed to maximize traction and comfort when the trail gets rough.
Best for: smooth off-road experience, even in the winter.
Motor: 750W or 1000W unlimited power (1500W Peak) Battery: 14.5AH/48V Range: Up to 58 miles per charge
n+ Mercedes-Benz EQ: Best lightweight electric bike
Mercedes-Benz’s EQ team is doing some amazing work releasing some of the best electric cars of the year. And you know the luxury car brand is picky when it comes to collaborating with other brands. So the fact that they partner with n+ to create their vision for the future of cycling says something about the quality of the bike.
Designed in partnership with Mercedes-Benz’s Formula E racing team, the n+ electric bike delivers style and performance in one ultra tight package. 65Nm of torque, Gates CDX Carbon belt drivetrain, Sturmey Archer 5 Speed transmission, and Kenda puncture resistance tires are just some of the features that make this ebike stands out from the competition. Not to mention its gorgeous look.
And it’s lightweight too, of course. The e-bike only weighs 18 kg (39.68 lbs) in total, including the battery, thanks to its Aluminium frame and fork. As a result, it’s also one of the bikes that offer the best range, with up to 62 miles (100 km) of range.
Best for: easy riding on rough terrain.
Motor: 250 W mid drive motor Battery: 7ah/36v Range: Up to 62 miles per charge
RadRunner: Best Cargo electric bike
With everything from a powerful 750W motor, large capacity battery, and a total of 330 accessory combinations, the RadRunner is an electric bike that’s become many a commuter’s best friend for it’s versatile cargo capacity. This smart, light bike runs smoothly on the road and has plenty of commuter-friendly features while remaining at an accessible price point.
With speeds up to 22 mph, you can ride in all-electric mode or use the electric motor to get an extra boost when powering through traffic jams.
Commuters stuck in their cars will look at you with envy.
The RadRunner is also the first electric bike to offer an adjustable driver’s seat that can either be completely flush with the passenger’s seat, so it’s awesome if you want to take a friend with you. Who said cargo couldn’t be for people too? The brand also sells tons of pouches and bags to let you expand the bike’s functionality exactly as you want them.
Best for: large cargo capacity or an extra passenger.
Motor: 750W brushless geared hub Battery: 14 Ah/48V with Lithium NMC Samsung 35E cells Range: Up to 45 miles per charge
Ancheer Blue Spark: Best electric hybrid bike
Hybrid bikes bridge the gap between standard bikes and mountain bikes. Add some electricity to the mix, and the result is an e-bike that can tackle almost every terrain. The best on the market is ANCHEER’s 27.5″. With great styling and an integrated battery, it’s a bike that’s not intimidating for beginners with a variety of driving modes.
It boasts a 30 miles range when used in assist mode. The hybrid nature of the bike means its brakes are incredibly responsive, and it’s a smooth and balanced bike to ride on long distances.
ANCHEER’s 27.5″ looks almost indistinguishable from non-powered counterparts, making it the perfect choice for anyone who would prefer to ride a more understated vehicle. It features one of the best LCD displays with an upgraded panel for more readability while riding.
Its inbuilt technology makes climbing hills an easy task, and the motor will cancel out any wind resistance when pedalling into a strong headwind. It reaches a maximum speed of 20mph and remains relatively easy to cycle once the battery runs out thanks to its lightweight frame.
Best for: full mechanical or electric cycling.
Motor: 350W brushless gear Battery: 36v 10.2ah Lithium-ion Range: Up to 30 miles per charge
Charge City: Best electric bike for commuting
Most people looking to buy an electric bike at the moment want first and foremost a new transportation mode for their daily commute to and from the office. If that’s you, look no further than the Charge City e-bike. The name says it all, the Charge City is designed with city commuting in mind.
This commuting electric bike is easy to handle, lightweight yet sturdy to navigate through the traffic, and extra-safe with bright lights back and front. We think it’s the perfect companion for your urban life.
Oh, and you don’t need to worry about changing clothes when you get to the office, the Charge City comes with full-length fenders to look clean and fresh, wherever you go. The bike is easy to store compactly too with folding handlebars and a lightweight design.
Best for: a sweat-free daily commuting companion.
Motor: 250W Bafang Hub Drive Motor Delivering 45 Nm of torque Battery: 11.6 Ah/36V Range: Up to 50 miles per charge
Trek Domane+: Fastest electric bike
If you’re all about speed and want an electric bike that can (nearly) rival the fastest cars in the world, look no further than the Trek Domane+. Entirely built from high-end carbon, this electric bike is designed for riders who seek the purest form of road cycling experience with an extra boost.
Just the look of the bike gives it away. The sleek and efficient design of the Trek Domane+ focuses exclusively on speed and riding experience. It’s designed from the ground up to look like a traditional road bike, with all the electronics and battery hidden away and connecting wirelessly. The electric drive system that’s so lightweight and efficient you almost won’t notice it until you flip the switch for a strategic boost of power.
But when you do switch it on, what a boost you’ll get. The Fazua Evation Ride 50 motor comes with a 250Wh battery that assists up to 20 mph.
Best for: absolute speed on the road.
Motor: 250W power motor Battery: 250Wh
Ride1Up Roadster: Best electric bike for the money
This is the cheapest electric bike from one of the best brands on the market. You couldn’t tell by the look of it that it’s just above the $1,000 mark though. The Ride1Up Roadster has been updated and improved to deliver a simple, fast, and fun experience. The design is as clean as it gets.
We think it’s also amazing value for money. It offers all the essential features you would expect from an expensive electric bike but at a fraction of the price.
First, you can buy with confidence knowing that the Ride1Up brand is the top-rated bicycle brand online. Reviewed by thousands of cyclists, Ride1Up’s bikes are among the best electric bikes on the market today.
With this model, you’re not sacrificing quality for the price, though. The bike is made of high-quality materials that are lightweight yet durable. With a completely concealed battery and a barely audible motor, your friends will think you have superpowers to climb those hills effortlessly.
Best for: flat surfaces and urban commutes Motor: 350w geared hub Battery: 36V 7.0ah Samsung 35e Cells Range: Up to 30 miles per charge
Which electric bike is best for your lifestyle?
Whatever your lifestyle demands, there’s an electric bike on the market for you. Perhaps you want an easily liftable bike for commuting or one that’s fast and can tackle hills without a problem.
When choosing the e-bike that’s perfect for you, take into account factors like:
- How often will you be using the bike? Daily? Weekly? Every so often?
- What will you primarily be using it for? Commuting? Exploring? Or something else?
- What speeds are you hoping to hit? With this in mind, make sure to research the maximum legal speed in your country.
- What sort of terrain will you be cycling on?
- Do you want a front or rear motor drive e-bike?
- Do you need a bike that folds and is easily portable?
Our methodology to select and rank the best electric bikes of the year
Although the best electric bike is the one that suits you and your lifestyle, there are a few different factors to take into consideration when choosing a list of strong contenders.
Firstly, we looked at the offerings of some of the most popular cycling companies in the world. Then, we branched out our search to take into account other companies that might not specialise in electric bikes but had released one or more highly ranked vehicles.
We also looked at the range and charging time of each e-bike, the quality and positioning of its motor, the variety of sizes and heights available and also the price of each bike.
Frequently asked questions about electric bikes
The best electric bike to buy in 2021 is the RadCity 4. Smooth yet powerful ride. Easy on the road yet very capable on rugged terrain. The RadCity 4 Ebike easily wins over the overall best electric bike of 2021 category.
The best electric bike for the money is the Ride1Up Roadster. This is the cheapest electric bike from one of the best brands on the market. You couldn’t tell by the look of it that it’s just above the $1,000 mark though. The Ride1Up Roadster delivers a simple, fast, and fun experience.
The most powerful electric bike of the year is the Ride1Up LMT’D with its 48V 1,000W (peak) Geared MXUS Motor and 48V14ah Reention Eel Pro Samsung Cells battery. It offers a range of up to 50 miles per charge and a top speed of 28 mph (45 km/h).
The electric bike with the longest range is the n+ x Mercedes-Benz EQ. A full charge offers a range of 65 miles (100 km). Our review of the e-bike also finds that it’s the best lightweight electric bike of the year.
