The Best Electric Bikes: Upgrade Your Commute For A Sustainable Ride

We’ve been lucky over the past four years to test and review some of the best electric bikes on the market. From the top electric commuter bike to fat tire e-bike, folding bikes, and eMBX — if you can name it, we’ve most probably tried it. When testing the most popular electric bike brands, we follow strict testing guidelines to make sure that we can compare e-bikes objectively (more on that below).

What does it mean for you?

Well, if you’re here, I’m guessing you want to understand the different ebike options available today and figure out which electric bike is best for your particular use case.

If that’s you, you’re in the right place.

This is the fourth year in a row that we update our ranking of the best electric bikes. We’ve organized our list by bike category (e.g., city bike, cruiser, mountain bike, etc.). We’ve also shortlisted the top three overall best ebikes that we think will be great options for most people.

In a rush? No problem! Here’s our shortlist of the absolute best options available right now:

	Best overall: Ride1Up LMTD	Best Premium: LeMond Prolog	Best Value: Ancheer Commuter
Our rating	4.5/5	4.6/5	4/5
Price	$1,595	$5,495	$479
Our verdict	An all-rounder packed with smartly designed features for a very competitive price.	The Apple of electric bikes – a champion in minimalist design and functionality.	A great ebike for the money, perfect for occasional use.
Craftsmanship	90%	100%	80%
Design	80%	100%	80%
Function	100%	100%	80%
Impact	80%	80%	60%
Value	100%	80%	100%
	Get best deal	Get best deal	Get best deal

Why you can trust Luxe Digital? We’ve been regularly updating our ranking of the best electric bikes since 2019. We started by testing only high-end ebikes. Those were expensive, premium options at the time. But since then, we’ve broadened our ranking to also include more affordable ebikes across multiple categories as the market itself has evolved.

We personally ride as many of the bikes in this ranking as possible to give you our unique point of view and hands-on experience. If we were unable to get our hands on a particular model but thought it was worth being included on our list for your consideration, we performed detailed online research to give you the best recommendations possible.

The 11 best electric bikes of this year

Here’s the full list of the best ebikes of the year. You can directly click on the category that you’re most interested in:

• Overall best electric bike: Ride1Up-LMTD
• Best premium ebike: LeMond Prolog
• Best value electric bike: Ancheer Commuter
• Best foldable ebike: Lectric XP 3.0
• Best cargo & utility ebike: Specialized Haul ST
• Best city commuter electric bike: RadCity 5 Plus
• Best electric cruiser bike: Flyer Cruiser
• Best mountain bike: Specialized Turbo Levo Expert
• Best fat tire electric bike: Ride1Up RIFT
• Best road electric bike: Specialized Turbo Creo
• Best electric trike: Lectric XP Trike

Methodology: Our approach to testing and ranking the best electric bikes

At Luxe Digital, we rate every product against the values that are important to us:

• Craftsmanship: How is it made? Is the brand using high-quality materials and expertise?
• Design: How does it look and feel? Is it aesthetic and timeless?
• Function and purpose: How well does it perform? Does it achieve its stated claims?
• Impact: Does the brand have a positive impact on your daily life and the planet?
• Value for money: Is it worth its retail price? Is the price justifiable?

Learn more about our testing and rating methodology.

Things you should pay attention to when buying an electric bike

Let’s quickly go through the things you should take into consideration when shopping online for an electric bike.

There are really only two factors to consider when comparing electric bikes: What you’ll do with your ebike and how much you’re ready to spend on it.

That’s it. 

We told you it would be quick 😉

Okay, there’s a little bit more to it once you get into the details, but these are the two important questions you should start with to keep your search for the best ebike focused and relevant.

Once you’ve defined your use case and budget, you can start comparing technical specs and features for the different electric bikes that are most relevant to your needs.

We’ll do that in a second, but first, let’s briefly talk about the three different types of electric bikes available today. There are categorized into three classes.

The three legal classes of e-bikes

First thing first, you should understand the class of ebike you want. There are three legal classes of electric bikes on the market in the US:

• Class 1 electric bikes: The easiest and safest to start with, class 1 ebikes use a pedal-assist motor to support your ride. You need to pedal in order to engage the electric motor. The motor will disengage as soon as you reach 20 mph.
• Class 2 electric bikes: These ebikes are equipped with a throttle motor that you can engage without pedaling. The throttle is usually a grip-twist or a button. Type 2 ebikes are also limited to 20 mph.
• Class 3 electric bikes: This is the fastest class of e-bikes with a pedal-assist motor that can reach a top speed of 28 mph. While you don’t need a license to ride them, it’s highly recommended.

Check our dedicated guide to electric bike classes to learn more about the system and see examples for each type. Check also your local rules and regulations to know where and how you can ride each class of ebike. For example, the city of New York enacted a law in 2023 prohibiting the sale, lease, or rental of electric bikes that fail the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) standard 2849.

Next, let’s see what you want to use the bike for.

The eight categories of electric bikes

Based on our experience riding electric bikes for several years, we’ve broken down this guide into eight categories of ebikes. These categories are based on different use cases and terrains. It’s important to choose a bike that suits how and where you want to ride to get the best experience possible.

Here are the eight different categories of electric bikes you should consider:

1. Folding electric bikes: They are designed for portability and can be stored in small spaces. Folding bikes are ideal for travelers, RVers, city dwellers, and office workers who want to easily store their bikes. Just keep in mind that their design usually makes for a less stable ride.
2. Utility cargo electric bikes: These bikes offer a large cargo capacity and can be customized to your needs, which makes them perfect to replace your car for most trips. Cargo ebikes are heavier, however, and thus best suited for riding out straight from your garage to school to drop your kids or to the store.
3. City commuter electric bikes: These are great if you primarily want to ride to and from work. Commuter bikes are designed for city use and can replace your car. They have quick power output, higher speeds, and features like brake lights to improve your visibility on the road.
4. Cruiser ebikes: This type of bike is built for comfort and ease of use. They are perfect for long slow rides on dedicated bike lanes or by the beach.
5. Mountain electric bikes: Purposefully built for off-road use with rugged suspension systems, light frames, strong tires, and frame geometry that make them well-suited to riding trails.
6. Fat tire electric bikes: Specially designed for off-road and rough terrain. They have wide tires that provide traction and stability, and a powerful motor that helps you to move quickly over different surfaces.
7. Road electric bikes: Ideal for riders who want to go faster and farther on well-paved roads. Road ebikes are lighter and come with narrow tires to improve traction and speed.
8. Electric trikes: These three-wheelers are a category on their own. They offer additional cargo space (ideal for children or groceries) with a comfortable and stable ride.

We’ve selected a winner for each category in our ranking below.

Now let’s look at the technical specifications to consider when comparing ebikes.

Technical specs to consider when comparing ebikes

You’ll see a lot of technical jargon on manufacturers’ websites when comparing electric bikes online. But really, we think you can narrow it down to only two essential elements:

Motor power output: The speed and electric assistance you need.

The electric motor determines how fast you can go and how much electrical assistance you will get while pedaling. Electric bike motors are measured in Watts and typically range from 250W to 750W—the higher the number, the most powerful the motor. Powerful electric motors will deliver more torque to carry heavier weights. They also accelerate faster and can reach higher speeds (although your top speed will be limited depending on your bike’s class).

Another thing to consider with the electric motor is its placement on the bike. There are two common options on the market: hub-drive motors, delivering power to one of the wheels, and mid-drive motors, delivering power to the pedal crank.

Hub-drive motors are cheaper and easier to maintain, but they’re less efficient and make tire replacement more complicated. On the other hand, mid-drive motors are more expensive but also more efficient and offer a more balanced weight distribution.

Battery capacity: The distance and duration of you ride.

Your ebike’s battery determines how far and how long you can ride. Batteries are measured in watts per hour (Wh)—the higher the Wh number, the more power storage. Higher Wh batteries are generally also heavier, however, so you’ll need to find the right balance between the overall bike’s weight, your own weight, and what you want to do with your bike.

Another thing to look out for is the option to remove (or not) your ebike’s battery. Some models offer a removable battery, which might be more convenient for you to recharge or store. Removable batteries are also easier to change if your battery gets old.

Now that you understand the two most important technical specifications related to electric bikes, let’s look at a few extra elements to consider:

1. Weight: the battery and motor can add significant weight to your bike. Understand how that might affect your ride quality, speed, and distance.
2. Tires: depending on your use case, you’ll want appropriate tires for the terrain.
3. Step-over vs step-through: this refers to the height of the bar in the middle of the frame. Step-over bikes have a high bar that provides more balance and rigidity to your ride. Step-through bikes have a lower bar that makes it easier to get on the bike. I generally recommend step-over for most scenarios, but a step-through is a good option short distance commuting.
4. Safety features: look for options such as integrated lights and capable breaks. Break lights are especially important if you want a city bike to ride in the traffic.
5. Warranty: we only recommend ebikes from reputable manufacturers, but you should always check what the warranty is like and the quality of the brand’s customer service.
6. Additional features: a few extra things to consider depending on your use case is the type of suspensions and the electric bike’s interface (for example, does it come with an app).
7. Payment plan: there are so many options available on the market this year that you’re bound to find an electric bike that suits your budget. Many states and brands offer attractive financing plans, vehicle loan programs, or cash incentives to help support your purchase. We’ll mention them in our review below whenever possible.

One more thing before we get to the main course: you should check our selection of the best electric motorcycles if you want more speed and comfort while riding. And if you’re looking for a cheaper and lighter alternative, we have a detailed guide to the best electric scooters too.

Now, let’s get to the most interesting part of this article: our ranking of the best electric bikes of the year!

Overall best electric bike: Ride1Up LMTD

We’re using the step-over version of the bike in midnight grey and absolutely love riding it across town or the backcountry. It’s smooth and easy to use yet powerful whenever you need that extra push. The Ride1Up LMT’D easily wins over the overall best electric bike of the year category.

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’s a Class 3 ebike that can reach a top speed of 28mph.

The ebike is 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.
Check our in-depth Ride1Up e-bikes review to help you compare their different models and see the latest prices.

Best premium ebike: LeMond Prolog

We had the pleasure of extensively riding LeMond’s Prolog for our hands-on review of the bike, and we absolutely loved it! If money is no object, and you don’t need a specialized bike like the ones listed below, this is the one to get.

First off, note that this is a Class 1 electric bike. This means that there’s no throttle option. You’ll have to start pedaling in order to engage the electric motor assist. We think this is an advantage if you want an everyday bike that’s lightweight and nimble to use across a range of situations. 

But it’s not perfect in every situation.

For example, you might want to look at our pick for the best electric cargo bike or even the best electric trike if you want to take your kids with you or use the bike to do your grocery shopping.

We tested the Prolog on paved roads and backcountry trails. It performs superbly on both. The lightweight carbon-fiber frame and smaller rear hub motor are precise and agile. We quickly forgot about the tech inside the bike and just focused on enjoying the riding experience.

The lighting system and all the electronic components are integrated inside the bike’s frame for that sleek and minimalist look we love here at Luxe Digital. You can choose from three different colors and three different sizes. There’s also a step-through version available if you prefer that type of frame.

Best value electric bike: Ancheer Commuter

As the winner of our best value electric bicycle of the year, the Ancheer Commuter strikes the perfect balance between price and quality. It’s the cheapest ebike in our top three but it doesn’t cut any corners when it comes to build quality.

The Ancheer Commuter ebike comes equipped with a 500W hub-drive motor that’s specially built with commuting in mind. The electric motor delivers 73Nm of torque to give you that extra help you need when climbing up a hill. That’s more than enough power for your daily commute or even a cruise on a mountain trail.

As a Class 2 ebike, the throttled top speed is capped at 26mph. You can also select a pedal-assisted mode with three different power options. A small controller on the bike’s handlebar lets you easily change modes according to your needs.

The Ancheer Commuter is relatively lightweight at 52 lb (23.6 kg) so you can lift it when necessary. For less than $500, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more versatile electric bike on the market.

Best foldable ebike: Lectric XP 3.0

We wouldn’t recommend a foldable bike as the first option for everyone, but if you do need a bike that can easily fit into smaller boots or be stored away in the office, the Lectric XP 3.0 is the best option for you.

This is the third iteration of the brand’s best selling electric bike. This version delivers more performance in every way with a more powerful motor and bigger battery, while retaining the ebike’s compact form factor.

Pro tip: the ebike is also available in a long-range version that costs $180 more than the standard XP 3.0. but delivers 20 more miles (from 45 to 65 miles per charge).

We haven’t tried the updated version yet, but we did ride the previous model that’s very similar to it. Check our hands-on review if you want to learn more about it.

Best cargo & utility ebike: Specialized Haul ST

If you’re serious about using your electric bike as a utility vehicle (or just to do your groceries), then look no further than the Specialized Haul ST. This ebike was built from the ground up to deliver a powerful and stable platform to carry stuff around.

We’re talking about serious cargo capacity here. Up to 419 pounds of cargo (including the bike itself) for a range of up to 60 miles!

We tried RadPowerBikes’ RadWagon and really liked it (check our review here), but Specialized takes things up a notch with the Haul ST by offering more storage options and a higher cargo weight limit.

If you want an electric bike to bring your kids along with you, we think an electric trike will be a safer option (but more expensive and cumbersome too). For everything else, the Specialized Haul ST is the best choice on the market this year.

Best city commuter electric bike: RadCity 5 Plus

Let me start by saying that we think the Ride1Up LMT’D is an overall better option for most people. It’s lighter, cheaper, and better looking than the RadCity 5 Plus. But there’s one area in which Rad Power Bikes shines: customization and accessories. And that’s enough for the RadCity 5 Plus to win the top spot as the best electric city commuter bike of the year.

The ebike comes with a step-through or a high-step frame and three pre-built kits to help you customize the bike to your needs. The “daily commuter kit” gives you extra storage space on the back for your groceries or daily essentials. The “haul it all kit” offers a large front basket. And the “take the kiddo kit” comes with a smartly designed children’s backseat. 

That’s just the beginning of your customization journey, however. Once you’ve picked your starter kit, you can choose from another 21 other storage options and accessories, such as rearview mirrors for extra safety.

While this will quickly get pricey, keep in mind that you might be entitled to subsidies depending on where you live. RadPowerBikes also offers attractive financing options if that’s of interest to you.

Best electric cruiser bike: Flyer Cruiser

Radio Flyer manufacturers excellent bikes, but our favorite in their collections has got to be the Flyer Cruiser. With its gorgeous vintage look and superb ride quality, we think this is the perfect electric cruiser bike for those looking to wander and explore.

We’ve chosen the step-over version for the image above (model 850), but the bike is also available as a step-thru (model 851) with a range of beautiful colors to chose from.

The platform is fully customizable so you can add more storage options if you want, including two options for child seats at the back.

Best mountain bike: Specialized Turbo Levo Expert

Before you read this, take a closer look at the Specialized Turbo Levo Expert picture above. Do we really need to say more?

This bike is expensive, and it’s most definitely not for everyone. In fact, I would even say this ebike is only for a selected few. But if you’re in that group, looking for the best electric mountain bike, rejoice. You’ve just found what you were looking for.

Built from the ground up solely to deliver the eMBT experience possible, Turbo Levo Expert comes with a powerful motor that can be precisely adjusted at the touch of a button on the handlebar. You can personalize the bike’s with six different geometry settings to match your riding style and the terrain.

Crucially for mountain biking, the Turbo Levo Expert comes with super responsive suspensions that can also be adjusted to your preference. In fact, Specialized manufactures a range of mountain bikes, each with different balance to meet your needs.

Best fat tire electric bike: Ride1Up RIFT

If you like to ride on rugged terrains but want the precision and reliability of a finely-tuned machine, the brand new Ride1Up RIFT is for you.

You know you can trust Ride1Up to deliver excellent quality for a fair price, and this electric fat tire bike is no exception. The RIFT brings a powerful 500W rear hub motor supported by a large capacity 672Wh battery to delivery a comfortable ride across pretty much any terrain.

It’s a Class 3 ebike, so you can kick start it just with the throttle, no need to start pedaling. And that’s a good thing considering the bike’s weight. Once you get going, however, you’ll barely notice its weight.

The frame is available as a step-over or a step-thru in a range of colors. You can also purchase a basket, a front rack, and a passenger seat for extra cargo capacity.

Best road electric bike: Specialized Turbo Creo

Another outstanding option from Specialized. The Turbo Creo series is purposefully designed to speeding on paved roads and gravel tracks. And it does so superbly.

We’ve picked the SL Comp E5 model here, as it’s their best-selling and most affordable option in the line-up, but you can chose from a range of lightweight alloy and setups to meet your exact requirements.

Just be aware: the most expensive model in their lineup will cost you just shy of $15,000.

But you really get what you pay for with it comes to Specialized ebikes. The brand doesn’t cut any corner when it comes to its manufacturing processes. The brand has a long history of designing some of the highest performing road bikes in the world with advanced technology.

The Creo is the latest iteration in that prestigious lineage, and, for our exerpience with the electric road bike, it’s amply stepping up to the task.

The bike brand offers a full return policy, so give it a try and you’ll be conquered just like we were.

Best electric trike: Lectric XP Trike

Frankly, we debated within our team if we should add an electric trike to this list. But after testing the Lectric XP Trike, we unanimously agreed that it was worth a place on our ranking of the best electric bikes of the year.

As with all the other category winners on our list, this bike isn’t for everyone, but if you want an electric trike, this is simply the best option you can get. And at a great price too!

First off, the obvious: with three wheels, you get more stability and comfort. That’s great if you want to ride with your kids in a trailer or carry additional cargo. Taking this one step further, Lectric also gives you the option to get the trike with a support seat. That’s a proper saddle with a supportive backrest, so you can really relax while riding.

The trike comes with two powerful rear hub motors, one on each side, so you’ll never have to sweat too much. And it’s surprisingly lightweight considering all it can do.

Oh, and also, because it’s a Lectric, it’s foldable, so you can easily store it away and place it in your car’s boot.

Really, what more could you ask for?