How We Review City E-Bikes
Our commitment is to offer you the most precise insights, and that’s why we take to the streets (or bike lanes) to run every bike through its paces.
Our assessments include specific tests for features crucial in city environments, such as quick acceleration and responsive braking, yielding unbiased and practical data. This valuable information forms the basis of our ratings, measured against a consistent 5-star scale.
In cases where we can’t get our paws on a physical model, our adept team of researchers springs into action. These researchers aren’t virtual assistants; they’re seasoned industry professionals with an extensive background in e-biking.
Take a deeper dive into the expertise behind our evaluations and methodologies.
Reviews of the Best City Electric Bikes You Can Buy Now
Urban landscapes are constantly evolving, and as they do, the demand for eco-friendly and efficient commuting methods is on the rise. City e-bikes are becoming the go-to choice for many, offering a harmonious mix of ease and eco-conscious travel.
Join us as we explore the top city e-bikes we found to revolutionize your city riding experience in 2024.
- Best Lightweight City E-Bike: Tenways CGO600 Pro
- Best Folding City Electric Bike: Gocycle G4i
- Most Comfortable City E-Bike: RadPower RadCity 5 Plus
- Best Budget City Electric Bike: Aventon Pace 500.2
- Best Fat-Tire Electric Bike for the City: Himiway Zebra
- Best Cargo E-Bike for the City: Xtracycle Swoop
- Best Class 2 E-Bike for the City: Mokwheel Asphalt
Best Lightweight City E-Bike
Tenways CGO600 Pro
What We Like
- Incredibly lightweight at 35.2 lbs
- Maintenance-free Gates Carbon CDX belt drive
- Impressive 52-mile range with efficient battery use
- Sleek and minimalist design that doesn't scream e-bike
- Ultra-smooth ride feel
What We Don't Like
- Not a powerhouse for steep hill climbs
- Focused on pedal-assist, may not suit those wanting more motor reliance
Overview of the Tenways CGO 600 Pro
The Tenways CGO 600 Pro, pronounced “CEE-GO,” is a testament to modern e-bike design. It stands out as one of the market’s lightest e-bikes, boasting an aerospace aluminum frame that’s both svelte and sturdy. The e-bike’s Gates Carbon CDX belt drive is a highlight, promising a maintenance-free experience without the usual hassles of chain oiling or derailleur adjustments.
A clutched rear-hub motor and a torque sensor contribute to its 52-mile range. Despite the minimalist design, the CGO 600 Pro doesn’t compromise on performance, offering a blend of urban sophistication and functional prowess. It’s a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on quality.
The CGO 600 Pro’s belt-driven system is a huge relief from the typical maintenance woes of chain drives. At the same time, the integrated headlight adds an extra layer of practicality for city commuting, especially during night rides. Weighing a mere 35.2 lbs, riding through crowded city streets is an absolute pleasure and provides an extremely agile and enjoyable city e-biking experience.
Bottom Line
The Tenways CGO 600 Pro is a standout choice for a lightweight, efficient, and maintenance-free city e-bike. It’s ideal for commuters and city dwellers who prioritize ease of use, comfort, and a hassle-free riding experience.
While it may not be the top choice for steep hill climbs or high-speed pursuits, its focus on efficient, smooth, and intuitive riding makes it the number-one pick for the best lightweight city e-bike.
Be The First To Know
Best Folding City Electric Bike
Gocycle G4i
What We Like
- Ultra-lightweight and modern folding design
- Automatic transmission system for a smooth pedaling experience
- Rolls on its wheels when folded
- Multiple configurations to suit riding needs via Gocycle app
What We Don't Like
- This is a sophisticated e-bike and as such there’s a lot to learn and understand
- Doesn’t come with a standard rack, requiring you to use a backpack or make an extra purchase
Overview of the G4i
The Gocycle G4i stands out as an ultramodern, tech-packed folding electric bike, a gem in the bustling cityscape. Unlike its rivals, it’s designed from scratch as an e-bike, sporting a unique combination of a carbon frame, a hydroformed aluminum fork, and a magnesium rear. At just 37.7 lbs, this bike is impressively lightweight.
Tech-wise, it’s a dream. With a predictive automatic transmission system, riding feels effortless, akin to a traditional bike but with the perks of electric power. The Gocycle G4i isn’t just about function; its style is unmissable. The single-sided fork and carbon monocoque frame give it a futuristic look, enhanced even more by an integrated LCD screen. And, if you’re a tech lover, the Gocycle Connect app lets you tweak and tune settings from your phone.
Bottom Line
The Gocycle G4i is more than just an electric bike; it’s a statement of style and technological advancement. Its lightweight design, cutting-edge tech, and user-friendly features make it ideal for city dwellers who value efficiency and flair.
While it may come with a higher price tag, its convenience, comfort, and aesthetic appeal make it a top contender for the best folding city e-bike of 2024.
Flyer™ Folding Cargo E-Bike
The Flyer™ Folding Cargo E-Bike by Radio Flyer, a commendable runner-up in the Best Folding City E-Bike category, second only to the Gocycle G4i, skillfully combines the convenience of a foldable frame with the utility of a cargo bike. This innovative e-bike is an ideal solution if you’re seeking both space efficiency and cargo capacity. It’s particularly well-suited for urban dwellers with limited storage space or adventurers who frequently travel with their bikes.
The bike’s design accommodates a broad range of riders, thanks to its adjustable stem and seatpost, and features an integrated rear rack capable of holding up to 80 lbs, making it versatile for almost any hauling need you can think of, including the kids!
Most Comfortable City E-Bike
Rad Power RadCity 5 Plus
What We Like
- Powerful 750W rear hub motor, great for hill climbing
- High payload capacity (275 lbs) for rider and cargo
- Good range of about 30 miles
- Comfortable riding position and well-padded saddle
- Standard accessories like a rear rack, fenders, and lights
What We Don't Like
- Heavier at 64 lbs which could make lifting or maneuvering tough
- One-year warranty is less competitive compared to other brands
Overview of the Rad Power RadCity 5 Plus
The Rad Power RadCity 5 Plus is an extremely well-rounded and affordable e-bike that packs a punch with utility and comfort. It’s perfect for daily commutes, casual city rides, or even a quick grocery run. With its 750W rear hub motor, it’s got plenty of power to tackle hills, and its battery life is pretty solid, too, offering around 30 miles on a single charge, which is more than enough for most city escapades.
What sets the RadCity 5 Plus apart is its ability to carry heavy loads, supporting up to 275 lbs. This makes it a fantastic option for those who need to carry extra gear. It’s a Class 2 e-bike, capable of reaching up to 20 mph speeds with both throttle and pedal assist options. And, the ride is silky-smooth and comfortable, thanks to its 27.5” x 2” tires and a 50mm-travel suspension fork, which means even on rough roads, you’ll have a comfy ride.
Bottom Line
The Rad Power RadCity 5 Plus is an excellent choice if you’re on the hunt for a comfortable, versatile, and affordable city e-bike. While it’s a bit heavier and lacks a fancy warranty like other higher-end models offer, its combination of power, comfort, and practicality make it the top pick for the most comfortable city e-bike of 2024.
Whether you’re commuting, running errands, or just exploring your city, the RadCity 5 Plus has got you covered.
Best Budget City Electric Bike
Aventon Pace 500.2
What We Like
- Integrated brake lights for added safety in traffic
- Adjustable stem for a comfortable riding position
- Powerful yet light 500W rear hub motor
- Impressive 28 mph top speed on pedal assist
- Large 27.5” wheels and 2.2” tires for smooth riding on mixed surfaces
What We Don't Like
- No suspension fork, which might affect your comfort on very rough roads
- You're getting basic components, but it is a budget bike
Overview of the Aventon Pace 500.2
The Aventon Pace 500.2 is a budget-friendly e-bike that doesn’t skimp on features. It’s an update from the well-received original Pace 500. The bike’s design focuses on comfort and safety, with an adjustable handlebar stem and a comfortable Aventon Selle saddle. Every ride on the Pace 500.2 is pleasant.
Its 2.2” road tires handle various surfaces like a champ, from city roads to light off-road paths. Despite being a Class 2 e-bike with a throttle, it can reach up to 28 mph using pedal assist, offering an ultra-quick and efficient ride, while the 500W rear hub motor provides ample power for most riding conditions.
The integrated brake lights are an important feature, boosting safety by signaling to car and truck drivers when you’re slowing down. The ability to adjust the stem for a comfortable riding position is another thoughtful addition, unique among Aventon e-bikes.
Bottom Line
The Aventon Pace 500.2 strikes an outstanding balance between affordability, comfort, and performance. It’s an excellent choice for a reliable and stylish e-bike without decimating your bank account. With its robust build, thoughtful safety features, and impressive power, it stands tall as the best-budget city e-bike of 2024.
Best Fat-Tire Electric Bike for the City
Himiway Zebra
What We Like
- 750W motor is perfect for urban biking and light off-road use
- Long range of 60-80 miles, ideal for longer trips or commutes
- High load capacity of 400 lbs, accommodating larger riders or extra cargo
- Comfortable riding position with an option of a step-thru frame
- ntegrated features like brake lights, headlight, and USB port for convenience
What We Don't Like
- While it looks like an off-road bike, it's better to keep it on the pavement or gravel paths
- It's heavy at 79 lbs, which may affect city maneuverability
Overview of the Himiway Zebra
The Himiway Zebra is an upgraded version of the popular Cruiser model, offering several enhancements for urban and light off-road biking. It has a powerful 750W motor and a large 48V 20Ah Samsung/LG battery that delivers a substantial range of 60-80 miles per charge.
Designed to accommodate a variety of rider sizes, the Zebra boasts a sturdy 6061 aluminum frame capable of supporting up to 400 lbs. The option of a step-thru frame makes it super easy for shorter riders to mount. In contrast, the standard frame comfortably fits taller individuals up to 6’4”. The 26″ x 4″ Kenda fat tires provide a cushioned ride and traction on many types of terrain, including sand, snow, or mud.
Safety and convenience features such as integrated brake lights, a rear rack, and a USB charging port add to the already stellar appeal of the Zebra. The hydraulic disk brakes are another significant upgrade from the mechanical disk brakes of its predecessor, providing better performance and riding safety.
Bottom Line
The Himiway Zebra stands out as a quality fat-tire e-bike if you’re on the search for a powerful and comfortable urban commuter with the capability for light off-road adventures. It’s the perfect balance of power, comfort, and practicality at a reasonable price.
While it may not be the best choice for intense off-road use and has a slightly dated look, the Zebra’s range, load capacity, and integrated features make it the number-one contender for the best fat-tire e-bike for the city in 2024.
RadRover 6 Plus
The Rad Power RadRover 6 Plus is the runner-up for the Best Fat-Tire E-Bike for the City, just behind the Himiway Zebra, and for good reason. This bike is a versatile and robust option for city commuting and light trail riding, with a great blend of power, comfort, and utility.
Its 750W rear hub motor provides enough torque to tackle various terrains, making it suitable for all-weather commuting and light trail riding.
With a range of 45 miles, the RadRover 6 Plus is a good choice for city commutes or weekend adventures, while the bike’s 26” fat tires and 60 mm front suspension ensure a smooth ride over bumpy city roads.
Best Cargo E-Bike for the City
Xtracycle Swoop
What We Like
- Impressive load capacity of 470 lbs for heavy hauling
- High-quality components ensuring durability and reliability
- A variety of cargo accessories, including child seats and cargo racks
- Comfortable riding position with an upright posture
- Good range of 30-60 miles, considering its cargo-carrying capabilities
What We Don't Like
- Higher price point, but justified by its long-term utility and features
- Long charge time (10.2 hours for a full charge)
Overview of the Xtracycle Swoop
The Xtracycle Swoop is a top-tier cargo e-bike, tailor-made for families and serious haulers. It’s a robust and reliable alternative to a car, designed to adapt to various family needs and cargo requirements. With a load capacity of up to 470 lbs, it’s perfect for carrying the kiddos, groceries, and much more. The Swoop features a 4130 Chromoly steel frame, providing the strength and stability you need, even when fully loaded. There was no wiggle or wobble in the frame when hauling over 200 lbs of cargo.
Its wheel configuration, with a 26-inch front and 20-inch rear wheel, allows for a larger rear rack, supercharging its cargo-carrying powers. The Schwalbe Super Moto-X tires provide excellent traction on all terrain, and the Tektro hydraulic disc brakes deliver strong stopping power.
The Swoop features a Shimano 630 Wh battery and EP8 mid-drive motor that offers smooth and efficient power assistance, making it easier to transport heavy loads or navigate moderate hills. With top-quality components, including an 11-speed SRAM GX cassette and rear derailleur, the Swoop promises long-lasting and reliable performance.
Bottom Line
The Xtracycle Swoop is the best cargo e-bike for city use, offering a blend of functionality, durability, and extreme adaptability. It’s an investment in a sustainable and versatile mode of transportation, ideal for families seeking a practical and eco-friendly alternative to a car.
Think of the Swoop as a long-term solution for a wide variety of transportation needs. It’s a top choice if you want to make cycling a more significant part of your daily life.
TREK Fetch+ 4
The Trek Fetch+ 4 is a strong runner-up in this category because it offers everything you need from a cargo e-bike, but it does come at a cost of 165 lbs. Yes, we know that’s massively heavy, but the pros to this cargo bike are that it has a low center of gravity and a wide cargo box in the front which allows you to seat two kiddos side by side, or haul massive cargo loads like a dump truck.
The Bosch Performance Cargoline motor and 750Wh battery helps to move this rig along and provides about 30 miles of range, which is plenty for use around the city. It’s not likely that you’re going to be riding the Trek Fetch+ 4 on a cross-country trip.
Even though it doesn’t take the top spot, we are in love with the Trek Fetch+ 4, not only for its looks, but because it performs well.
Best Class 2 E-Bike for the City
Mokwheel Asphalt
What We Like
- Affordable price under $1,500
- Full-coverage fenders, powerful integrated lights, and a loud horn greatly enhance rider safety
- Sturdy rear rack adds to its utility
- Efficient torque sensor and large battery for extended range
- Robust frame construction ensures durability
What We Don't Like
- Assembly is not difficult but can be a bit time-consuming
- The heavier weight and larger frame size might not suit everyone, especially shorter riders
Overview of the Mokwheel Asphalt
The Mokwheel Asphalt is an urban warrior, blending affordability with a host of practical features for city riding. Its robust frame, integrated brake lights, and loud horn are designed for safety in traffic, while the efficient torque sensor and substantial battery capacity ensure you can cover impressive distances. The Asphalt’s unique swept-back handlebars are not just for looks; they are remarkably comfortable.
We recommend having this assembled by your local mechanic because it took us a while to get it together. From the solid frame to the reliable Shimano drivetrain and Tektro hydraulic brakes, every aspect of the Mokwheel Asphalt screams durability and functionality. The 27.5” x 2.4” tires are perfect for city terrain, providing a smooth and stable ride.
Bottom Line
The Mokwheel Asphalt stands out as a top pick for those seeking a practical and comfortable city e-bike that doesn’t break the bank. Its sturdy frame, essential safety features, and comfortable riding position make it an excellent choice for everyday urban commuting.
While its size and weight might be a drawback for some, its overall performance and value make it a smart buy for city riders who seek quality and practicality in an affordable package.
Aventon Level.2
The Level.2 just misses the top spot, but is nearly identical to the Asphalt. We would love to give them both the win, but not everybody gets a trophy here. The Aventon Level.2 is a great choice for a Class 2 city e-bike, but is edged out due to it’s slightly heavier weight, and lower range.
What we do like about the Level.2 is the strong 500W motor (peaking at 750W), 672Wh battery, integrated brake lights, and affordable price. It’s a great option if you’re looking to replace your car, or get around in the city.
City E-Bikes 101
City e-bikes aren’t just regular bikes with a battery slapped on. They’re fine-tuned for the city riding. So, when you’re out shopping for one, here’s what makes them tick and what you should keep an eye out for:
- Agile and Compact: They’re built to weave through traffic, sneak into small parking spots, and handle sharp corners with ease.
- Powerful Brakes: City rides are full of surprises like a pedestrian suddenly crossing the road. Strong brakes are a must, and city e-bikes deliver, letting you stop quickly and safely.
- Comfort is Key: Expect a smooth ride with comfortable seats and grips that feel good to hold. It’s ideal for daily commutes or leisurely rides through town.
- Lights and Visibility: City e-bikes often come with lights and reflective parts. This isn’t just to look cool; it’s to ensure you’re seen in low-light conditions.
- Theft-Proof Features: City e-bikes often have anti-theft features, like integrated locks or GPS tracking, to keep your ride safe from sticky fingers.
- Practical Add-ons: Many city e-bikes come ready with racks for your gear, mudguards to keep your clothes clean, and chain covers to protect your outfit.
Remember, these aren’t for extreme off-road mountain e-biking. City e-bikes are tailored for navigating and thriving in the city’s unique environment. Whether you’re dodging traffic, hopping curbs, or parking in tight spots, they’re the perfect sidekicks.
FAQs About City E-Bikes
Q: How far can I go on a city e-bike on a single charge?
A: The range you’ll get from a city e-bike on a single charge depends on factors like how big the battery is, how many hills you need to climb, how much you (and the e-bike) weigh, and how much you’re using the pedal assist. But, on average, you can expect to go about 20 to 80 miles before recharging.
Q: Do I need a license to ride a city e-bike?
A: You don’t usually need a license to ride a city e-bike. But it’s a good idea to check out the rules and regulations where you live, just to be sure.
Q: Are city e-bikes good for commuting?
A: Yeah, they’re awesome for commuting! City e-bikes let you cover more ground without getting super tired, which makes them a solid choice if you’re looking for a quick and green way to get to work.
