Electric bikes — or e-bikes for short — are becoming an increasingly popular way to get around. Offering a unique riding experience, they are an environmentally-friendly alternative to cars and motorbikes.
Electric bikes open up a world of possibilities, whether you’re looking for an enjoyable leisurely ride, an efficient way to commute, or something new to do outdoors with friends and family.
There are e-bikes available for both children and adults. If you’re in the market for a solid adult e-bike, we’ve done the heavy lifting for you and analyzed hundreds of models to bring you this list of seven.
Best E-Bike for Adults with a Regular Commute
Trek FX+ 2
Highlights
- Integrated lights for safety and visibility
- Light-weight for ease of handling
- MIK-compatible rear rack
- Fenders keeps your clothes clean during inclement weather
Bottom Line
TREK has truly outdone itself with the TREK FX+ 2 e-bike. Whether you choose the step-over or step-through version, at just 40 lbs, you get a bike that is lightweight, manageable, and easy to maneuver.
The FX+ 2’s proprietary 250-watt hub motor ensures you can pull off an eco-friendly commute in no time. With a 9-speed Shimano shifter, hydraulic disc brakes, and fast road bike wheels, it delivers on performance too. Plus, it has integrated lights, a bell, and a kickstand for extra convenience and safety.
Overall, the TREK FX+ 2 is an excellent pick for road use, and though it isn’t recommended for off-roading, it gives you everything you need for your daily city commute
Things to Consider
The TREK F+2 is nice, clean, simple ride – but it is quite pricey, considering its lack of LCD display and throttle. Also, the battery isn’t removable, meaning you’ll have to park up near a power source to recharge.
Best All-Purpose Budget E-Bike for Adults
Nakto Camel
Highlights
- Supports both pedal assist and twist throttle
- Pedal assist improves the range to 35 miles
- 26-inch low-step frame
- 300-pound load capacity
Bottom Line
NAKTO’s Camel e-bike features both throttle-assist and pedal-assist modes with a six-speed Shimano transmission.
You can enjoy a stable speed of up to 18 miles an hour in throttle-assist mode or ramp up to 25 mph in pedal-assist mode. The 36V 10 Ah Lithium-ion battery offers a range of 22 to 28 miles when powered by just the throttle, which increases up to 35 miles in pedal-assist mode.
The NAKTO Camel has a beautiful gloss finish that gives it a clean, modern look.
At 68 Ibs, this e-bike is heavier than most electric bikes on the market due to its extras, such as a basket, a rear rack, and lights. However, it’s perfect for anyone who wants an e-bike at an affordable price point.
Overall, the NAKTO Camel e-bike is an excellent choice for daily commuters who want a reliable and affordable e-bike for everyday errands, though is not recommended for off-roading.
Things to Consider
The steel frame of the Camel makes this a particularly heavy e-bike, weighing in at 68 lbs. This weight, of course, not only makes it difficult to transport and store, but the bike can also struggle up steep hills. In addition, there is only one level of assist – so there’s no “eco mode” and you’ve got no choice but to use full power.
Best Overall Electric Commuter Bike
Cowboy 4 ST
Highlights
- Cowboy custom organic brake pads
- Low-maintenance and easy to assemble
- Built-in quad lock system
- Find My Bike app
- Wireless charging
- Intuitive assistance
- No gears
Bottom Line
The Cowboy 4 ST is a powerful, intuitive, and adaptable e-bike. Its motor delivers incredible torque up to 45 Nm in an incredibly compact, silent package.
Not only will you easily reach your desired speed, but the bike’s smart sensors adjust based on how you move to make the ride feel effortless. Just make sure to keep your Cowboy 4 ST updated with the latest wireless updates of its internal software.
At 42 lbs, the 4 ST is relatively lightweight but strong. It also comes with crash detection and theft detection with GPS tracking, security features you’d have to pay extra for on other e-bikes.
Overall, the Cowboy 4 ST is perfect for adult beginners. It is a great choice for those who want to explore the world at their own pace, and its intuitive design ensures novice e-bikers have a comfortable and enjoyable ride.
Things to Consider
This is a beautiful e-bike. However, there are a couple of issues that you should be aware of. First, the motor can be a little noisy – not deafening, of course, but certainly louder than other models. There’s also only one pedal assist level, and no onboard alarms or wheel locking. Finally, you should be aware that all phone mounts, racks, and kick stands are all separate purchases – so the price can quickly add up when kitting out this vehicle.
Best Fat Tire E-Bike For Adults
RadRover 6 Plus
Highlights
- Fat Kenda Juggernaut 26” x 4” tires for extra traction and stability with puncture-resistant liner
- Half-twist throttle
- Dual mechanical disc brakes for reliable stopping power
- Integrated tail light and brake light
- The pedal assist levels 1 to 5 with a 12-magnet cadence sensor
- Full coverage of front and rear fenders
Bottom Line
The Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus is a powerful and reliable e-bike, and it’s perfect for off-road adventures. Its fat tires provide plenty of traction and stability, while its powerful motor can reach top speeds of up to 20 mph.
Additionally, the RadRover 6 Plus has an LCD display, dual mechanical disc brakes, and a half-twist throttle for a comfortable and safe ride. The e-bike also includes integrated tail and brake lights, as well as full coverage front and rear fenders for extra protection against the elements.
Overall, this e-bike is perfect for adults who want a machine that’s easy to use and can take them off the beaten path. With its robust motor and intuitive design, the RadRover 6 Plus will provide you with a thrilling e-biking experience.
The only important thing to consider is that the RadRover 6 Plus is quite heavy, weighing in at 73.4 lbs. As such, you will need good physical strength and mobility to handle this bike.
Things to Consider
There are two main drawbacks to this bike. The first is that, out of the box, there are no mirrors, racks, or baskets. While these accessories aren’t strictly necessary, of course, they do add to the riding experience. The second drawback is the bike’s weight. At over 73 lbs this is a heavy machine, meaning if you know you’ll need to carry your bike around (up some stairs for storage, for example), then the RadRover 6 Plus probably isn’t for you.
Best Electric Mountain Bike for Adults
Trek Rail 5 Gen 2
Highlights
- Full-suspension eMTB frame for increased performance and comfort on rough terrain
- Bosch performance line CX motor
- Custom eMTB lite mode
- Removable integrated battery
- Active braking pivot
- Bosch Purion display
- Mino Link adjustable geometry
Bottom Line
The TREK Rail 5 Gen 2 is an excellent option for those looking for a powerful electric mountain bike that can handle any terrain. Its full-suspension eMTB frame provides increased performance and comfort on rough ground, while its Bosch Performance Line CX motor offers plenty of power with up to 85 Nm of torque.
The e-bike also features a custom eMTB lite mode for those who want to limit speed and power and an integrated removable battery that can reach up to 65 miles per charge. The Rail 5 Gen 2 even comes with an active braking pivot to increase efficiency and responsiveness, as well as a Bosch Purion display to help keep track of performance.
This e-bike is adjustable, with a Mino link geometry that allows you to customize the bike’s ride height and angles as desired. This makes it a suitable choice for riders of all sizes.
With such features and capabilities, the TREK Rail 5 Gen 2 is sure to provide you with an exhilarating e-biking experience, even if you’re just heading to the store.
Things to Consider
The TREK Rail 5 Gen 2 is a great bike – but it is expensive. Retailing at over $5,000, this is a serious investment. However, we don’t have any other complaints about this bike – so it will be money well spent.
Best Folding e-Bike for Adults
Montague M-E1
Highlights
- Folds in Less than 10 Seconds
- 3 Pedal Assist Modes, Eco, Normal, and High Power
- Integrated removable battery
- Full-size 700c wheels
- Front and rear lights
- Full-coverage fenders
- Integrated rear cargo rack
Bottom Line
Folding bikes are the perfect solution for those looking to fit a bike into a bag or who need to tuck it away on the train or bus. With Montague’s M-E1 e-bike, you can fold it in seconds, store it easily in your home or office, or take it with you on trips.
Montague didn’t sacrifice performance for foldable convenience, either. Powered by a Shimano E6100 mid-drive motor and three pedal assist modes (Eco, Normal, and High Power), this bike has plenty of power — up to 60Nm torque and a top speed of 20 mph.
It includes an integrated removable battery capable of reaching up to 70 miles per charge. That’s a much longer maximum riding distance to other compact e-bikes, including the JackRabbit on our list.
What’s more, with its adjustable full-size 700c wheels and adjustable handlebar stem, you can customize the height of your M-E1 to create a ride that’s comfortable for you.
Things to Consider
The main potential issue for some readers here is that the Montague M-E1 only comes in one frame size. This means that if you fall outside of the recommended 5’ 4” to 6’ 4” height range, you should consider a different e-bike. Also, though the pedals fold, which is handy, they are plastic, so not the best quality. In addition, though it comes with a headlight, it is mounted on the suspension fork arch, which means it tends to vibrate while riding, creating a kind strobe effect. Finally, at 54 lbs, this is still a heavy e-bike, even though it folds. As such, you’ll need some decent upper body strength if you plan to haul this machine on and off buses and trains.
Getting Started with Electric Bikes
With so many different options available, it’s necessary to know what to look for when picking the perfect e-bike for your needs. So, before we get into our list of best e-bikes for adults, below are some answers to common questions that we encounter from our readers.
Can a beginner ride an electric bike?
Yes. E-bikes come in many different formats and styles, and plenty are suitable for beginners. If you’re just starting out, we recommend looking for a model with a low-powered motor and adjustable speed settings. This will allow you to get used to riding at your own pace without feeling overwhelmed by too much power.
You may want to look for throttle-assist models, as these help you conserve energy (you don’t need to pedal!) on longer rides.
What is the most comfortable electric bike?
The most comfortable e-bike is the one that best suits your riding style and provides you with the perfect level of support. Comfort is highly subjective. However, e-bikes with a wide handlebar design, adjustable seat height, and adjustable stem length can help you find a ride that’s comfortable for you.
Also, consider e-bikes with suspension systems that can help absorb some of the bumps along the way.
Are e-bikes safe for older adults?
Yes. Electric bikes are very safe for older adults. They offer a low-impact form of exercise, it’s easy to control their speed, are they are equipped with safety features, including pedal and throttle-assist modes and anti-lock brakes. You can also look for e-bikes with bright LED headlights and other visibility features, so you are easily seen on the road.
Older adults who have limited mobility should also consider alternatives to traditional e-bike designs. For example, you can buy trike and recumbent e-bikes that are much less challenging to ride.
How much should I pay for an e-bike?
The cost of e-bikes can vary greatly depending on the quality of components, the brand, and the design. Generally, entry-level e-bikes start at around $1,000, while premium models cost several thousand dollars. We recommend looking for models that balance performance, comfort, and value.
Do electric bikes work without pedaling?
The answer is yes and no in this instance. It depends on the type of bike. Class 2 e-bikes come equipped with a throttle system that propels the bike forward without pedaling, while Class 1 and 3 e-bikes are pedal-assist only.
How durable are electric bicycles?
Electric bikes are generally quite durable and should last for several years with proper care and maintenance. Most e-bikes come with a warranty that covers any manufacturer defects, but it is always good to check the terms and conditions before you purchase.
What is the most dependable e-bike?
The most dependable e-bikes are those made by reputable brands with quality components. We recommend researching e-bike models on eBikes.org to find the best e-bikes for your needs.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of e-bikes?
The main advantage of e-bikes is that they provide a low-impact form of exercise, making them ideal for riders of all ages or those looking for an easy way to get around town. Further, e-bikes don’t require as much physical exertion as traditional bicycles, so you can cover longer distances without getting tired.
There are other indirect advantages to riding an e-bike. You could use one to reduce your carbon footprint if you ride one regularly to work, for example.
The main disadvantages of e-bikes are their cost, as they typically cost more than traditional bicycles and their maintenance requirements. Most e-bikes are easier to maintain, but they do include electrical components.
How long does it take to charge an e-bike battery?
It typically takes 2 to 6 hours to charge an e-bike battery, depending on the size and capacity of the battery. Most e-bike batteries have a lifespan of around 1,000 charging cycles.