There are two breeds of electric mountain bikes out there – ones that you can jump, high-speed turn, and generally abuse; and those that can cruise over mud, rock, and ice. In this article we will look at both types, including high-powered trail monsters but also a child’s electric mountain bike for introducing them to mountain biking.
We also cover a number of relatively affordable electric mountain bikes that will suit your needs for exploring the backwoods. Whatever you want from an electric mountain bike in 2023, there’s probably one for you here. Read on to find out more.
The Best Folding City E-Bike
G4i
50 mi
RANGE
20 mph
TOP SPEED
3.5 hrs
CHARGE TIME
37.7 lbs
WEIGHT
Front Hub
MOTOR TYPE
50 mi
RANGE
20 mph
TOP SPEED
3.5 hrs
CHARGE TIME
37.7 lbs
WEIGHT
Highlights
- Industry-leading technology offers the ultimate in city riding enjoyment.
- Motorsport inspiration delivers a light and nimble e-bike.
- Sleek design and ability to fold the bike up for simple storage.
Bottom Line
When we picture the ultimate city bike, we imagine a bike that’s nimble, comfortable, compact, and easy to fold up and store. If you’re on the same page, then we think you’ll love Gocycle’s latest offering, the G4i.
The G4i by Gocycle is powered by the G4drive front-hub motor, which ensures a smooth and quiet ride while packing a punch with plenty of torque. Its hydraulic brakes will help you bring the bike to a swift stop even while traveling at higher speeds.
The G4i draws inspiration from motorsports, including a futuristic dashboard the brand describes as an “F1-inspired rider cockpit.” The e-bike is built with a carbon fiber mid-frame — connecting to a hydroformed aluminum front frame — as well as a single-sided carbon fork to deliver lightweight and create a sleek, flowing visual profile.
Its 2.25-inch-wide MotoGP-inspired tires include a low-profile tread pattern and a silica compound to ensure traction and confident handling. The G4i also offers predictive electronic shifting to automatically change gears for the rider.
However, the most important feature may be the ability to fold the bike in half and store it away easily, making it ideal for home and office storage.
Gocycle G4i Accessories
The Gocycle G4i is packed with accessories to make your ride safer and more enjoyable. These include daytime running lights with four running modes. There’s also a GocycleConnect app that adjusts various ride settings.
You can add more Gocycle accessories to customize your ride, including:
- Lights and reflectors
- Lock
- Luggage rack
- Mudguards
- Rain cover
- Tool kit
- Travel case
Things to Consider
Whether you’re a seasoned urban cyclist or new to cycling into the office, the G4i will hit all the right notes. It continues Gocycle’s tradition of creating bikes that are convenient, look cool, and pack plenty of power.
However, Gocycle recommends a maximum load capacity of 220 pounds, including rider and cargo. The starting price of $3,999 may put some commuters off as well.
Most Comfortable City E-Bike
Rad Power RadCity 5 Plus
30 mi
RANGE
20 mph
TOP SPEED
7 hrs
CHARGE TIME
64 lbs
WEIGHT
Rear Hub
MOTOR TYPE
30 mi
RANGE
20 mph
TOP SPEED
7 hrs
CHARGE TIME
64 lbs
WEIGHT
Highlights
- Puncture-resistant tires ideal for traversing curbs and bumps.
- Battery delivers up to 50 miles of city riding on a single charge.
- Packed with features to boost usability and ride enjoyment.
Bottom Line
Rad Power Bikes designed the RadCity 5 Plus to help commuters conquer rush hour without breaking a sweat. The e-bike is powered by a 750W geared rear-hub motor with a twist throttle and five levels of pedal assist for speeding your way to work and climbing hills easily. It also has a semi-integrated 672Wh battery with up to 50 miles of range per charge.
The RadCity 5 Plus also features a front-suspension fork and 27.5″ x 2″ puncture-resistant tires that can tackle any bumps or cracks in the road you encounter.
Rad Power Bikes also offers a tailored service that ensures your e-bike is perfectly suited to your requirements, as well as the choice between a high-step or step-through frame.
RadCity 5 Plus Accessories
The RadCity 5 Plus comes with a rear rack for carrying your cargo, groceries, or even a small child or pet weighing up to 40 lbs. It also features built-in reflective striping on the tire walls and an LED headlight and taillight.
The bike’s built-in display includes a speedometer, odometer, and wattage meter to help you keep on top of your pace and mileage capacity.
Rad Power Bikes has an offer that allows customers to create a bundle with two accessories with any purchase of the RadCity 5 Plus. Accessories available from the company include:
- Mounted baskets
- Pannier bags
- Rad Mirror (rear-view mirror)
- ABUS Bordo Granit X-Plus 6500 Folding Lock
- GUB PRO-3 Phone Mount
Things to Consider
The RadCity 5 Plus is ideal for tackling the daily commute with ease. It offers decent power to help you go the extra mile and tackle any hills with ease. A range of up to 50 miles per charge (according to Rad Power) ensures most commuters can easily get to work and back without having to recharge.
However, the RadCity 5 Plus weighs in on the heavier side, which may not be the most easily portable for some riders. Rad Power Bikes’ city e-bike starts at $1,999, which offers decent value for the quality on offer.
The Best Compact Premium City E-Bike
Riese & Müller Tinker2
50 mi
RANGE
20 mph
TOP SPEED
5 hrs
CHARGE TIME
59 lbs
WEIGHT
Rear Hub
MOTOR TYPE
50 mi
RANGE
20 mph
TOP SPEED
5 hrs
CHARGE TIME
59 lbs
WEIGHT
Highlights
- Strong components deliver a premium e-bike.
- Compact design that’s ideal for busy streets and simple storage.
- Battery offers a range of 50 to 70 miles.
Bottom Line
The Riese & Müller Tinker2 offers everything you’d expect of a city e-bike, given that it’s compact and packs power. Riese & Müller designed the Tinker2 to be simple to transport and withstand daily commuting challenges. The most eye-catching feature is its compact frame, which was designed to deliver the same level of balance as larger bikes.
Its powerful Bosch Performance Line mid-drive motor offers pedal assist up to 20 mph and is powered by a 500W Akku Bosch PowerPack Frame 545 battery delivering up to 50 to 70 miles of range on a single charge.
Tinker2 Accessories
The Tinker2 comes fitted with front and rear lights, a bell, kickstand, and lock to keep you and your bike safe and secure. Riese & Müller also offers a cargo platform for the rear of the bike.
Things to Consider
Despite the positives, the Tinker2 comes at a starting price of $5,779, so this premium option is likely only for the most dedicated city e-bike aficionados. Also, the frame looks like it should be foldable, but isn’t. Nonetheless, this remains a very compact bike that’s easily stored away in tight spaces at home or in the office.
The Most Budget-Friendly City E-bike
Aventon Pace 500.2
48 mi
RANGE
28 mph
TOP SPEED
5.5 hrs
CHARGE TIME
52 lbs
WEIGHT
Rear Hub
MOTOR TYPE
48 mi
RANGE
28 mph
TOP SPEED
5.5 hrs
CHARGE TIME
52 lbs
WEIGHT
Highlights
- Powerful motor enables a top speed of 28 mph.
- Appealing tech, including a full-color display and stylish integrated lights.
- Customizable classic cruiser design will have you cruising the streets in comfort.
Bottom Line
The Aventon Pace 500.2 packs a surprising punch for its price tag with a 48V, 500W rear-hub motor, and eight levels of pedal assist that’ll take you up to 28 mph. Its 614Wh removable lithium-ion battery enables 25 to 48 miles of range on a single charge.
The e-bike features an appealing design with a classic cruiser frame and swept-back handlebars that make it ideal for cruising through the city. Its adjustable stem allows you to adjust the handlebar position for maximum comfort.
Aventon Pace 500.2 Accessories
The Pace 500.2 has integrated tail lights that ensure you can be seen in all conditions. It also has a full-color display that includes such data as distance, speed, and range, as well as pedal-assist monitors with an app to sync your smartphone and connect with the Aventon rider community.
Aventon also offers plenty of accessories for you to maximize your enjoyment of the Pace 500.2, including:
- Child trailer
- Fender set
- Phone holder
- Portable air pump
- Rear rack
- Suspension seatpost
Things to Consider
Aventon’s Pace 500.2 offers everything you need for the daily commute: comfort and style in a lightweight e-bike that enables you to easily put your foot down when you need to.
The so-called SoCal Sand color may not be to everyone’s taste, however. If that’s the case, there’s also a Midnight Black version available. But a starting price of $1,599 is certainly appealing for an e-bike brimming with power.
The Most Stylish City E-Bike
Orbea Vibe
40 mi
RANGE
20 mph
TOP SPEED
3 hrs
CHARGE TIME
33 lbs
WEIGHT
Rear Hub
MOTOR TYPE
40 mi
RANGE
20 mph
TOP SPEED
3 hrs
CHARGE TIME
33 lbs
WEIGHT
Highlights
- Very stylish design
- Subtle but effective power with a boost of up to 20 mph
- Extremely lightweight e-bike
- Long range
Bottom Line
It’s challenging to come into the office with good vibes after a hellish morning of traffic jams or a sweaty subway ride, but commuters can firmly put that right with the stylish Orbea Vibe.
The Orbea Vibe is one of the most attractive e-bikes on the market, with its motor and battery impressively well-hidden to the point that, at first glance, it looks just like a traditional bike. That’s because all cable routing is hidden through a proprietary ICR Plus internal system.
Orbea’s achieved that thanks to the Vibe’s 250W Mahle Ebikemotion rear hub motor being relatively small compared with its city e-bike compatriots. That said, it’ll still push you to the street limit of 20 mph.
Orbea has also fitted the Vibe with what it claims to be “the lightest, smallest, and most discreet unit on the market,” alongside a 10-speed Shimano Deore drivetrain and Magura hydraulic disc brakes.
Gocycle G4i Accessories
You can connect your Vibe to the Ebikemotion app, which provides detailed information about your ride data and e-bike settings.
The Vibe can also be personalized with Orbea accessories, including:
- Bottle cages
- Computer mounts
- Dropper seatposts and remotes
- Handlebars
- Stems
- Suspension remotes
Things to Consider
If looking good on your morning commute is a top priority, then the Orbea Vibe needs to go right at the top of your city e-bike wish list. The e-bike is ideal for tackling the city streets and traversing small hills with ease. It’s also a solid option for anyone looking to transition from a regular bicycle to an e-bike, as it requires some pedaling effort while also packing enough punch to manage more challenging roads.
The Orbea Vibe comes in two ranges, the H10 and H30, and prices begin at $2,899, which may put some casual commuters off.
