Oct. 07, 2024
Buyer's Guide To Electric Bicycles!
KingChe supply professional and honest service.
Electric Bicycles are the future of cycling for most people&#;.. but many don&#;t know it yet! If you are reading this Electric Bike Buyers Guide you are someone who for some reason has already realized that electric assisted power on your bicycle will somehow &#;improve&#; your riding experience. You are in for a real treat!
E-Bikes change lives and Energize your ride! Welcome to the Revolution!
These modern marvels are akin to your favorite two-wheelers and are equipped with battery-powered electric motors that help propel you, all or part of the time. E-bikes as they're often called, are popular because they're quiet, non-polluting, and can make cycling a lot more fun for a lot more people.
A helping hand
For example, they're ideal if you'd appreciate a little boost when climbing hills, fighting headwinds and riding for transportation or distance. Commuters find that the motor provides enough extra oomph to eliminate sweating. So, you arrive at work calm, cool and collected. Plus, the motor makes it easier to carry the extra weight of your work clothes and lunch, laptop, cell , etc.
Versatility
Electric bikes are wonderful for other uses, too. They'll let you keep up so you can enjoy riding with a significantly fitter person. They'll let you travel further with a lot less effort so you can consider biking places you used to drive to. And, they make it possible to do things you might not be able to without motorized assistance, for example, pulling a trailer with the kids or groceries in it. Once you go electric you're sure to find that it makes your everyday life easier and more convenient.
No special requirements
Because electric bikes are classified as bicycles, no license, registration and insurance are required, saving you a bundle (and there are no gas costs and only cheap, basic maintenance needs). What's more, these zippy (top assisted speed is about 28 mph) bikes let you sneak around traffic jams, are a breeze to park and the battery can be recharged in a few hours so the bike's always ready to roll. These advantages have prompted many city dwellers to buy electric bikes as a viable and hip transportation alternative to the automobile.
Great for fitness and fun, too
Don't think that you won't get any exercise buzzing around on your assisted steed, either. You're repaid for pedaling with longer battery life. Plus, it feels great to pedal when it's so easy to, so most e-riders actually pedal a lot. Many even ride their green machines as much for fun and staying in shape as they do for basic transportation. It's nice knowing that you can head out to parts unknown unconcerned that you might tire out and not be able to pedal home. No worries. Just let the motor assist lend a helping hand! The bottom line is that you exercise, placing your heart rate right where you are comfortable, making your ride more enjoyable than a normal bicycle. You get as much exercise as you want&#;&#; or don&#;t want!
Understanding the different Class/Types of E-Bikes
There are three basic Class/Types of electric bikes:
1) TYPE 1 E-Bike: Pedal Assist, is an electric bicycle on which you must pedal in order to use the motor. It's just like a conventional bicycle except that there's a motor that senses that you're pedaling and kicks in to aid the pedaling effort. It feels like you have the best tailwind of your life on a permanent basis. This class/type of E-bike may or may not have a throttle. (Pedal Assist, may or may not also have a throttle, Max. Speed 20mph, no need for driver&#;s license, no age limit.)
2) TYPE 2 E-Bike: Throttle Only, is an e-bike equipped with a motor controlled by a throttle. On these electrics, you don't have to pedal to benefit from the motor. When you want power, just crank the throttle and away you go. You'll be able to accelerate in the middle of a corner thus increasing traction. Of course, the less you pedal, the sooner you run out of juice in the battery. (Throttle Only, Max. Speed 20mph, no need for driver&#;s license, no age limit.)
3) TYPE 3 E-Bike: Pedal Assist 28mph. this Class/Type is the fastest &#;legal&#; E-bike with a maximum speed of 28mph. Still considered a &#;bicycle&#; and does not require a driver&#;s license, license plate, ect. It&#;s legally considered a bicycle&#;.. and man is it fun! By law a helmet is required. Typically this category would be best for someone commuting on their bike. (Pedal Assist, may or may not also have a throttle, Max. Speed 28mph, no need for driver&#;s license, must be 17 or older, helmet is required.)
What kind of Motor should I get?
E-Bike Motor technology has been evolving so rapidly over the last few years it&#;s been hard to know what is best&#;&#;&#;. Until Now! You will be happy to know the E-Bike industry has now pin pointed the future. There are only two motor types one should consider when buying an E-bike. Both motor types are extremely reliable, energy efficient and will be the future for the E-Bike industry.
1) Rear Hub Drive Motors: There are two types of rear hub drive motors;
Direct Drive:
Best for high speed flat commutes, good for climbing most hills, not &#;steep&#; hills, excellent for exercise, transportation and fun.Geared Hub:
Best for carrying heavy loads and steep hills! But work well for all applications such as commuting, exercise and fun. This motor pedals quite efficiently if the battery runs out.
2) Mid Drive / Center Drive Motors: Mid Drive / Center Drive Motors are the most efficient motors typically giving the longest range. They are excellent for all applications; hills, speed, distance, commuting, exercise and fun. These motors are lighter weight and have a much better center of gravity making for much better bike handling characteristics. The only drawback is that a Mid Drive / Center Drive Motor can be more expensive than a hub drive motor. But well worth the extra cost if you can afford it.
What E-Bike is best for Me?
The best way to choose the right E-Bike for you is to first, look at it like you are shopping for a regular bicycle. Once you know what category of bike is best for you, the rest will fall right into place because E-Bike manufactures of today know the motor/battery needs of each particular bicycle category. So if you have a bicycle that suits your needs, it will likely have the right motor/battery for that application. It really is that simple. Below are the most common bicycle categories and the features and benefits to help you choose the right bicycle category for you.
1) Comfort / Cruiser: This category is designed for the casual recreational rider that wants comfort and control. You will sit upright, have a super comfy saddle, positioned to see the sites and have a blast doing it! Perfect for getting some exercise or running a quick errand to the store. This category comes with two frame styles, the traditional diamond shaped frame and the &#;Step Through&#; frame. The &#;Step Through&#; frame makes is very easy to get on and off the bike. No need to lift your leg high to get on and off the bike. The perfect choice for anyone with a handicap that might prevent you from lifting your leg&#;&#;. Now you can just &#;Step Through&#;.
2) Hybrid / Commuter: This category is designed to go far and get there fast. Perfect for commuting to work, getting around town or just getting some great exercise without your heart popping out of your chest. These speedy bikes will typically have the longest range and some go as fast as 28mph! No more problems finding a parking space when you arrive at work and in some cases getting to work faster than you would in a car because you can weave right through traffic. Many of these models come equipped with a rack for carrying your laptop, groceries or even an extra change of clothes and bathroom supplies. And, on some models, you might find a lighting system integrated right into the electrical system on the bike, so, if your bike is on so is your safety light!
3) Mountain / Off-road: This category is designed for riding off road on trails taking you farther and faster with less effort than a traditional bicycle. These Off Road machines climb hills like a billy goat and make descending even more fun do to the acceleration you can get when you pedal. With the motor and the battery positioned low and to the center of the bike you will have even more stability, more control and more fun than you ever have before. E-Mountain Bikes take the &#;fun factor&#; to new levels. Ride with a friend or a spouse that&#;s more fit than you. Exercise? Oh yeah&#;. If you want to&#;..If you want to take it easy, you can do that too. You can climb steeper hills faster than ever and not suffer doing it!
FAQ
Can I ride an e-bike in the rain? Yes. Electric bikes come waterproofed right from the factory able to ride in the rain. However, water can still damage the motor or the battery if they are submerged. Also high water pressure can allow water to get into the circuitry inside the electronics causing problems. Like a normal bike, water is ok but should be avoided if you can. Water never &#;helps&#;.
How fast can I go on an electric bike? Most electric bikes have a top assisted speed of 18 to 28 mph. It will depend on the system. Above the high speed intended for the bike the motor will shut off. But, if you have the strength or if your going downhill you can go as fast as you can pedal.
How far can I go on one charge? Electric bike range varies from 15 to 60 miles by model. How far you go on a single charge will also depend on your weight, the weight of your cargo, the terrain, the steepness of hills and wind. How much you pedal and which power setting / mode you use also affect range.
How much does it cost to operate an electric bike? Based on the price of electric, it typically costs 6 to 14 cents a mile to charge and maintain. Compare that with a car!
Will a conventional bike keep me in better shape? Yes &#; but only if you use it as much as the electric bike. Many e-bike users find that the electric's benefit on hills and into wind eliminates their fear of riding and gets them out on the bike when they otherwise might not ride. Some are more fit because they ride more often.
We hope these tips help you understand electric bicycles more. Please visit our store for more information about the electric bicycles we carry. We can point out differences, answer questions, arrange for a test ride and demonstrate the features and benefits that are making these green vehicles the latest personal mobility craze. Join the revolution and Energize your ride!
The best electric bike for you will depend on the type of riding you want to do, so in this guide we'll cover the whole range of different electric bike types and recommend some of the best we've tested.
Electric bikes &#; or ebikes as they&#;re commonly known &#; are bicycles with an electric motor and battery that provides assistance as you pedal.
There are many benefits to riding an electric bike. Electric bikes make riding up hills easier and will enable most riders to travel at a higher speed over longer distances without arriving at their destination covered in sweat.
Despite common misconceptions, you can still ride an electric bike for fitness. Electric bike laws limit the power of an ebike motor, so you still need to pedal &#; there's no twist-and-go throttle here.
There is an electric bike for every type of riding. Electric folding bikes and electric hybrid bikes are great choices for cycling to work, electric mountain bikes will help you get to the top of the next trail so you can enjoy more descending, and electric road bikes and electric gravel bikes will enable you to take on longer adventures.
Making sense of how an electric bike works and how to choose the right one for you is a daunting task. Luckily for you, BikeRadar's team of expert testers have put in hundreds of hours riding more than 185 of the best ebikes across all categories.
Our testing is 100 per cent editorially independent and impartial, so you can always trust our recommendations.
In this in-depth buyer's guide to choosing the best electric bike for any rider, we'll talk you through the things you need to consider for each category of ebike. We also highlight the best ebikes we have reviewed, as selected by BikeRadar's expert team of tech editors, for each type of ebike, with links to our detailed buyer's guide for each category.
We also have a general buyer's guide to electric bike tech at the bottom of this article that answers common questions. For even more information, take a look at our ebike FAQs.
There&#;s a lot to cover here, so use the links below to skip to the section you need, or read on for every detail.
Scott Windsor / Our Media
Like a non-assisted hybrid bike, electric commuter bikes feature an upright riding position, flat bars and stable handling. They&#;re often the least expensive entry point into ebikes.
With lots of mounting points for accessories such as pannier bags and mudguards, electric hybrids are great if you&#;re planning to commute to work by bike, ride around town or want to go for leisurely rides on bike trails or through parks.
Electric commuter bikes can be quite heavy because they tend to use less sophisticated motor systems and the bikes are built for robustness. This is worth bearing in mind if you need to carry them up stairs.
Below is a selection of five of the best commuter ebikes as tested by our senior road technical editor, Warren Rossiter. For more recommendations, check out our full round-up of the best commuter hybrid bikes.
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The Specialized Turbo Vado SL 5.0 EQ is keenly priced and lightweight. -Scott Windsor / Our Media
The Specialized Turbo Vado SL 5.0 EQ won our Urban Electric Bike of the Year award, thanks to its slick, smooth ride.
While some electric commuting bikes can be heavy cruisers, the Turbo Vado is a fast flat-barred bike with a motor from EQ for extra assistance.
EQ&#;s motor balances power with a respectable range of between 32 and 42 miles in testing (depending on elevation), although some may want to go longer between charges.
The bike is keenly priced, and has mounts for mudguards and a rack, making it a practical choice.
Warren would change little about the bike, even if the brakes aren&#;t the best of their kind.
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The Tern Quick Haul P9 is a hugely adaptable electric bike. -Russel Burton / Our Media
The Tern Quick Haul P9 looks like a cargo bike at first glance, but its compact design means it isn't much longer than a typical electric hybrid.
With the option to fit a huge array of useful add-on accessories both front and back, Warren described the Quick Haul P9 as a "genuinely viable car replacement".
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The Compact Neo's design is based on Cannondale's famous Hooligan bike. -Scott Windsor / Our Media
If you&#;re looking for a fun yet practical ebike for getting around town, the Cannondale Compact Neo makes a great choice.
The bike is easy to like thanks to its upright ride position, wide bar, comfy saddle, rear rack and integrated lights. The tyres also inspire confidence, even if they&#;re not the quickest.
Elsewhere, the Microshift drivetrain and Tektro brakes are good performers and help keep this nifty bike at a reasonable price. The folding pedals and handlebar mean this bike can be packed away easily.
The small wheels and considered gearing, paired with the punchy rear-hub motor, make the Compact Neo nippy and nimble. Warren noticed the motor turned off quickly when he stopped pedalling.
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The Merida eSpresso CC 675 EQ has a generous range of up to 50 miles. -Scott Windsor / Our Media
The Merida eSpresso CC 675 EQ is a high-quality, comfort-oriented ebike with an excellent riding position, and a great saddle and grips.
The bike has a quiet Shimano motor that delivers generous assistance at low speeds. The bar-mounted remote makes controlling the motor easy.
There is a large 675Wh battery for cruising around town and taking on rural bike paths and forest trails. A suspension fork, suspension seatpost and tough tyres aid the bike&#;s off-road capability.
While the bike weighs 30kg (size large), Warren found it had a generous range of up to 50 miles.
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Rad Power's RadRunner 3 is a cost-effective alternative to premium utility bikes. -
Russell Burton / Our Media
The RadRunner 3 is a versatile and easy-to-ride electric hybrid bike that offers plenty of load capacity thanks to its built-in rack.
The power delivery from the 250W hub motor pushes the RadRunner along at a good pace and offers five levels of assistance, as well as a boost for getting up to speed.
Warren found it suffered on long steep inclines, with the motor struggling to shift the bike's weight.
He managed to get 37.5 miles (60.3km) with 628.55ft (191.6m) of climbing out of the 672Wh battery.
Oliver Woodman / Immediate Media
If you want to cycle to work or are just pressed for space to store your ride, a compact electric folding bike could be the answer.
Folding ebikes often have the battery hidden in their frames, or they may come with a removable battery to make carrying them on and off public transport a bit easier.
A removable battery also means you can take it somewhere where it&#;s easier to charge (at your desk, for example, if you use the bike to ride to work).
But the extra weight of the motor and battery means carrying a folding ebike on and off public transport, and up and down stairs, will be harder. The available range can be quite limited in some models too.
For more product recommendations, check out our round-up of the best folding electric bikes.
The GoCycle G4 is three bikes in one. -
Dave Caudery / Our Media
While pricey, the GoCycle G4 is a folder, commuter and electric bike in one. The ride and handling are far more assured than most folding bikes on- and off-road, thanks to the meaty tyres and larger wheels.
The bike folds in half at its centre, making it easier to roll than to carry and the removable battery in the front of the frame is accessed via the fold. At over 17kg, it's quite heavy though.
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The GB3 is an upgrade on the original MiRider One, with an accompanying price rise. -David Caudery / Our Media
The MiRider One GB3 is an upgrade from the original model we tested a few years ago. Unfortunately, that's resulted in a significant price hike, but the ebike is still a compact, nippy city commuter.
The belt drive is cleaner and lower-maintenance than a chain, there's good adjustability, and built-in rear suspension and wide tyres add comfort.
The GB3 design has three speeds, adding flexibility over the singlespeed predecessor, and you can change gear while stationary. We achieved a range of up to 50km.
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Ian Linton
An electric mountain bike will get you to the top quicker, particularly on technical, steeper climbs, and with more energy to enjoy the descents. Plus, getting up the ups more easily will give you extra range to explore further.
Recent improvements in eMTB performance mean handling is approaching that of the best mountain bikes without a motor, providing heaps of flat-out riding fun.
But, nevertheless, the extra weight can make handling more tricky on particularly technical sections, so it&#;s a good idea to ease off a bit until you&#;ve got the feel of the bike
This is a small selection of the best electric mountain bikes we have tested, as selected by our expert team of mountain bike tech editors, Alex Evans, Robin Weaver and Tom Marvin.
The Strive:ON won our eMTB Bike of the Year category. -
Laurence Crossman-Emms / Our Media
The Canyon Strive:ON CFR won our eMTB Bike of the Year award. It is a near-perfect electric enduro bike that delivers a confident ride, especially over the hardest and fastest terrain.
The bike uses Bosch&#;s Performance Line CX motor and 750Wh battery. The motor is powerful yet easy to control and Alex found the battery life to be brilliant, sometimes clocking over 2,000m of ascent from one charge.
The bike has an excellent spec, especially for the £6,699 price tag. But the gear shifting can be imprecise and you may want to switch Canyon&#;s firm grips for a set of the best MTB grips for some extra comfort.
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The Orbea Wild M-Team impressed us with its modern geometry and powertrain. -Olly Bowman / Our Media
Winning our Electric Mountain Bike of the Year award for , the Orbea Wild M-Team impresses with a balanced geometry that feels dominant whether the trail is going up or down.
The Fox Factory 38 fork features 170mm of travel, while the 160mm of rear travel is controlled by a Fox X2 Factory shock that does a great job of gobbling up rough terrain and finding grip on technical sections.
Alex found the punchy nature of Bosch's Performance Line CX motor gives the bike great climbing ability, with assistance feeling constant up until the cut-off speed.
Alongside the great spec list, Orbea has fitted the bike with downhill casing tyres, which means you can push the Wild M-Team to the extremes of its geometry with little worry.
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The Marin Rift Zone E2 is a well-specced full-suspension electric mountain bike. -The Marin Rift Zone E2 is a classy, comfortable full-suspension electric mountain bike with 140mm travel. It can take you beyond its trail-riding mandate, handling more technical descents well.
The Rift Zone ebike is well specced for its price, although the Shimano EP801 motor's 85Nm torque is a little less than competitors. We'd have preferred a smaller chainring than the 38t fitted for easier climbing.
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The Propain Ekano 2 CF Ultimate is a hoot to ride. -
Laurence Crossman-Emms / Our Media
The Propain Ekano 2 CF is a high-performance ebike that proves a hoot to ride.
The geometry, with its descent-ready 64-degree head angle, makes for thrilling yet controlled handling, and the generous suspension will eat up bumps on technical descents. The bike proves efficient on the climbs too.
The SRAM Eagle PowerTrain ebike motor is excellent. The Auto Shift gear changes won&#;t suit everyone, but the integration with the controls, shifting, dropper post and motor probably will.
This isn&#;t a cheap eMTB, but it&#;s certainly one of the best.
The Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo SL II is a masterpiece at pace. -
Ian Linton / Our Media
Specialized's S-Works Turbo Levo SL II has a large performance band that makes it feel at home on any trail regardless of the gradient.
Its Turbo SL 1.2 motor provides 50Nm of torque and 320W of peak power, giving the bike a punchy feeling up the climbs, while conserving battery levels well.
While the bike is priced at the very high end, the spec list reflects the asking price, with full Fox Factory Suspension and SRAM's new XX Eagle Transmission.
Specialized has once again produced one of the best ebikes on the market.
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Are you interested in learning more about electric street bikes for adults? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!
The Whyte Elyte 150 Works won our Lightweight eMTB of the Year award. -Laurence Crossman-Emms / Our Media
Weighing 19.6kg, the Whyte ELyte won our inaugural lightweight eMTB award in with Alex praising its &#;incredibly balanced ride&#;.
The bike is an excellent descender, thanks to its calm and composed handling and ride-smoothing suspension that feels more capable than the listed 142mm of travel.
The geometry figures, low weight and Bosch motor help you climb. But the large 36-tooth chainring and the motor&#;s desire for a high cadence can pose a problem on ascents.
These are small details, though, and there&#;s no denying that the ELyte is one of the best lightweight eMTBs.
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Russell Burton / Immediate Media
If you enjoy road cycling, but want a bit of help to keep your speed up or to get you up hills, an electric road bike could be the right choice for you.
Most e-road bikes use lightweight motor systems that provide less power than the motors used on electric hybrid or mountain bikes. This means they're typically a bit lighter too, with the very lightest models tipping the scales at around 11kg.
However, with many road riders achieving speeds on the flat of 15mph or above, you may feel you're carrying dead weight around, with the motor cutting out at that top-assisted speed, although assistance can continue to 20mph, or even in some cases 28mph in much of the USA.
Below are three of the very best electric road bikes senior road technical editor Warren Rossiter has tested to date.
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The handling is superbly balanced and it rides impressively well. -Russell Burton / Our Media
The BMC Roadmachine AMP One doesn't look much different from its non-assisted sibling; it's only the slightly expanded down tube, hiding a 350Wh battery, that shows there's extra assistance. The Mahle X20 motor is so compact it hides between the largest cassette sprocket and the disc rotor.
Warren found the ride similar to the non-assisted Roadmachine, despite the 12kg weight. Range is impressive, heading up to 160km, depending on the conditions. We'd swap out the tyres for winter use though.
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This third-generation Domane is Trek's best e-road offering to date. -Russell Burton / Our Media
The Domane+ SLR 6 offers a smooth and comfortable ride with direct steering and a quiet yet powerful TQ motor.
Trek has kept things similar to the non-assisted Domane, with the bike featuring an IsoSpeed rear end that helps smooth out bumps and road noise.
The electronic tech is well integrated, with the low-down weight of the motor helping when roads get curvy. However, the control points for the motor, that are positioned on the inside of the hoods, had a tendency to slip during testing.
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Orbea's Gain takes lots of design cues from the Orca road bike. -Russell Burton / Our Media
The Gain's ride outshines many of its contemporaries, with the Orbea-tuned Mahle X20 hub motor mirroring your inputs for natural assistance.
Warren was also impressed by the bike's range, riding 62.25 miles (100.18km) including 3,795.8ft (1,157m) of ascent with 45 per cent of the battery still remaining.
The Gain is based around the Orca road bike, with a more endurance-inspired geometry that provides quick handling and a balanced feel.
The M10i comes with a superbike spec list and price tag, which may be overkill for some, but there's no denying Orbea has pulled out the stops on the Gain.
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Russell Burton / Our Media
Electric gravel bikes mix the racy ride position and range of an electric road bike with a tamed-down version of the off-road capability of an eMTB &#; the same winning combination that makes the best gravel bikes so popular.
Electric gravel bikes may feature more powerful motors than e-road bikes, with some even including the same motors seen on electric mountain bikes. They also tend to feature lots of useful mounts for accessories and tons of tyre clearance for chunky gravel tyres, making them a very versatile option.
This is a selection of the very best electric gravel bikes, once again ridden, reviewed and rated by our senior technical editor, Warren Rossiter.
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The Topstone Neo Carbon 1 Lefty is a truly capable ebike. -Russell Burton / Immediate Media
Offering 30mm of suspension front and rear, the Topstone Neo is a tremendously comfortable and capable gravel bike that is loads of fun to ride on singletrack trails.
The top-tier SRAM eTap AXS mullet gearing gives ample range for steep climbs and the Bosch motor has loads of power on tap.
If you're after a slightly less punchy electric gravel bike, the Mahle ebikemotion-powered Topstone Neo SL could be worth a look.
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The Giant Revolt E has Shimano's GRX Di2 gravel drivetrain. -
Russell Burton / Our Media
The Giant Revolt E+ is powered by a Shimano EP8 motor, the same unit as used in many of the best electric mountain bikes. It gives an impressive 85Nm of torque to help you ride steep climbs, despite the bike's chunky 18kg weight.
The 500Wh battery powers not only the motor but the Shimano GRX shifting, which enables you to control the power level from the gear shift levers. It also gives plenty of range and we got up to 120km on a charge.
Russell Burton / Our Media
Electric cargo bikes mix load-hauling frame features with electric assistance enabling you to power up hills while carrying just about anything.
Electric cargo bikes usually use the most powerful electric motors, with some models featuring two batteries to aid with range.
They also tend to feature large racks with plenty of frame mounts to secure cargo to, while some will feature large buckets or baskets at the front.
This is a selection of the best electric cargo bikes ridden, reviewed and rated by our senior technical editor, Warren Rossiter.
The PakYak is fun to ride and has plenty of room for carrying. -
Russell Burton / Our Media
The Momentum PakYak E+ has fantastic handling and puts you in an ideal riding position when set up correctly.
Its Yamaha motor has plenty of power and Warren found the 500Wh battery gave it a good range.
The PakYak E+ also comes with quality accessories, including a rack, lights and mudguards.
Priced at £4,148.99, the PakYak E+ is more competitively priced than other e-cargo bikes.
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The Cannondale Cargowagen is relatively compact for an electric cargo bike. -Russell Burton / Our Media
The Cannondale Cargowagen Neo 1 offers plenty of versatility thanks to many well-considered features.
It carries itself well down the road, with good handling, ample power and plenty of range making it a joy to ride.
Warren liked the dropper post, which allows for easy mounting and dismounting when stopped at a set of traffic lights.
The Cargowagen Neo 1's steering stops make it tricky to turn in a small circle, but this doesn't detract too much from the bike's appeal
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The Longtail has good carrying credentials. -Russell Burton / Our Media
The Cube Longtail Sport Hybrid 725 has larger wheels than most electric cargo bikes, making it comfortable yet sprightly to ride.
A powerful Bosch Cargo Line motor is used and there's an option of carrying two batteries to increase the range.
The Longtail Sport Hybrid 725 comes with a lot of good accessories as standard, including a long rear rack, mudguards, integrated lights and a kickstand.
Although the Longtail Sport Hybrid 725 fits riders of different heights, Warren feels a dropper post would help shorter cyclists feel more confident when mounting and dismounting the saddle.
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BikeRadar has been an authority on bikes and cycling tech since its inception in , delivering the world&#;s best riding advice.
We have experts testing all types of bikes, parts, clothing and accessories, from road, mountain and gravel bikes to commuting, bikepacking and electric bikes.
Our reviews are always editorially independent &#; with no exceptions. Our reviewers comprehensively test all products in the real world, always reflecting on performance, value and the wider market when delivering their verdicts and review ratings.
We have more than 15,000 product reviews available at your fingertips, as well as expert buying, maintenance, training, skills, health and fitness advice.
Our annual Bike of the Year test is an industry benchmark and the BikeRadar team consists of some of the most experienced riders and testers in the business.
Russell Burton / Our Media
An electric bike is a bicycle where the rider&#;s pedalling input is assisted by an electric motor. This makes it easier to get along, particularly when moving off and when riding up hills.
Most electric bikes only provide assistance when the rider is pedalling and this is mandatory in the UK and EU. In the US and Australia, you can also use an electric bike that is throttle-operated, so that you don&#;t need to pedal for the motor to provide power.
Riders can usually choose from a range of levels of assistance and it&#;s usually possible to ride the electric bike like a normal bike without any assistance from the motor.
The motor gets power from a rechargeable lithium-ion battery mounted on the bike, which is charged using mains electricity when the ebike is not in use.
Electric bike motors are located in one of three places:
Nick Clark / Our Media
Many ebikes will have mid-mounted motors that sit next to the pedals at the bottom bracket and power the ebike through the chain. It&#;s a good position for the motor because it puts the extra mass low down and centrally in the frame, where it won&#;t affect the bike&#;s stability and handling.
It&#;s a particularly popular placement for electric mountain bikes, but is also found in many hybrid electric bikes and other electric bike types.
Russell Burton / Our Media
The rear-wheel hub is a popular place to put the motor, particularly on low-priced ebikes and lightweight ebikes, including electric road bikes.
Rear-hub motors are low down and since a lot of the rider&#;s weight is on the back wheel, handling and road grip are not too adversely affected by the extra weight and power.
Stan Portus / Our Media
An electric bike motor may be in the front hub. It&#;s a slightly trickier position because the motor unit can affect steering and because there isn&#;t as much weight on the front wheel, grip may be impacted.
It&#;s most often used for folding electric bikes and sometimes for electric hybrids.
Some electric bike conversion kits use a motor in the front hub.
Steve Behr / Our Media
A rechargeable lithium-ion battery will power an electric bike. Like the batteries in other electric vehicles, these are used for their low weight and performance, along with rapid recharging &#; typically charging to full capacity in a few hours.
In general, the more expensive the ebike, the larger the battery capacity, so the mileage you can get between charges increases.
Cargo bikes will often feature an external battery. -Russell Burton / Immediate Media
There&#;s a range of battery shapes, sizes and positions. Many ebike batteries are fitted to the top of the down tube is a popular option, while some electric hybrid bikes have the battery positioned below a rear luggage rack.
Some ebikes will have their batteries enclosed within the down tube or sometimes the seat tube, making for a more elegant (and invariably more expensive) solution.
Bottle-cage batteries are another way to provide power to an ebike and are often used as a back-up battery to increase range.
Most electric bikes will feature on-bike charging. -Steve Behr / Our Media
You can typically charge an ebike battery from a standard wall plug, either in situ on the bike via a port in the frame or with the battery itself removed from the bike. It&#;s very common to see removable battery packs that are secured with a key. Electric bike batteries are valuable items.
An electric bike will often have a controller and a range of sensors to control the level of assistance it provides.
Ian Linton / Our Media
You can usually adjust the level of assistance an ebike provides via a controller. The controller will often be on the handlebar close to your hands, with either a small screen or coloured LED lights indicating the current assistance level.
Some ebikes have a controller mounted on the top tube. Other flashy electric bikes, including the Trek Domane+ SLR, have tiny control buttons on the handlebar and transmit data on assistance level to a cycling computer.
A controller usually tells you the residual charge in the battery and sometimes the range you can expect. That&#;s often supplemented by location information and sometimes by maps.
Ebike displays can provide various functionalities, with range one of the most important. -Andy Lloyd / Our Media
It&#;s becoming more common for you to be able to lock the ebike using the controller, immobilising the drivetrain. One example is the Bosch Kiox head unit.
Often, there&#;s a smartphone app you can use to provide similar functionality.
While you&#;re riding, sensors on an ebike will measure your speed to ensure the motor&#;s input matches your needs. There will also be a sensor (on non-throttle operated ebikes) to determine when you are turning the pedals and cut off motor power when you are not pedalling.
More sophisticated electric bikes will measure how much turning force (torque) you are applying to the pedals and how fast you are turning them (your cadence), also helping to make sure the motor provides the right amount of power at the right time.
A few ebike systems have anti-lock braking built in.
Russell Burton / Our Media
Many electric bikes include front and rear lights powered by the central battery, so you don&#;t need to purchase these separately and worry about keeping them charged.
On some electric bikes, the rear light also serves as a brake light, while on others there are turn indicator lights.
To charge the battery of your electric bike, you&#;ll need to use the supplied charger to plug it into the mains.
Some electric bikes have a removable battery, making it relatively simple to take the battery indoors for charging. Other ebikes have a non-removable battery, so you need to be able to get your ebike close enough to an electricity supply to plug in the charger.
If you have a range extender battery, you can charge that off the bike then attach it to the ebike once it&#;s charged.
Make sure you use a charger that&#;s compatible with your ebike, in terms of voltage and amperage, because using an incorrect charger is a major cause of electric bike battery fires.
Although some electric bikes can give you 100 miles of range or more, around 50 is more typical and some electric folding bikes can have a range below 20 miles on a full charge.
A host of factors influence the range you&#;ll get from your ebike. The major one is the size of the battery, which is usually measured in watt-hours (Wh), although you may see an ampere-hour (Ah) figure quoted, which needs to be multiplied by the system voltage to give you a Wh figure.
The assist level you choose, how hilly your ride is, your weight and fitness level, wind and even the outdoor temperature can all influence electric bike range.
The speed of electric bikes is often limited, depending on where you live.
If you live in the UK or the EU, the motor on an electric bike used on public roads has to be speed-limited to 25kph (15.5mph). You can go faster, for example when travelling downhill or if you&#;re a fit rider, but you won&#;t get motor assistance. If the ebike isn&#;t limited at this speed, it&#;s considered to be an electric moped and you need to register, tax and insure it and wear a moped-style helmet.
In the USA, legislation varies between states, but in general, there are three electric bike classes:
&#; Class 1 electric bikes require you to pedal and are speed-limited at 20mph.
&#; Class 2 electric bikes are also speed-limited at 20mph, but can be throttle-operated so that you don&#;t need to pedal.
&#; Class 3 electric bikes can assist up to 28mph and must have a speedometer. You can reach this speed by pedalling, while in some states a Class 3 ebike can use a throttle up to 20mph.
Rules in Australia are different again, with pedal-assist ebikes speed limited at 25kph as in Europe. You can also ride a throttle-operated ebike up to this speed, although the law requires it to have a less powerful 200-watt motor.
Ian Linton / Our Media
There&#;s a wide range of prices for electric bikes, depending on factors such as the quality of the frame and components, the make of the motor, the battery capacity and the intended use.
An electric mountain bike or road bike will usually be pricier than an electric hybrid or an electric folding bike. Although many fall within the £2,000 to £5,000 price range, you can find budget electric bikes that cost around £1,000, while some premium electric bikes cost 10 or more times that price.
Electric bikes that use a throttle are not legally considered as electric bikes in the UK. All electric bikes require you to pedal for the motor to provide assistance.
You can ride an electric bike with a throttle, but it&#;s regarded as a moped and, as with electric bikes that provide support to speeds above 25kph, it will need to be registered, taxed and insured.
Stan Portus / Our Media
An electric bike conversion kit enables you to convert a standard bike to provide electric assistance. We have a detailed post on electric bike conversion kits, how they operate and our reviews of some popular models.
An electric bike conversion kit will need to conform to the electric bike laws where you ride. If you intend to convert a bike to electric power, make sure you buy a compliant kit.
Some kits are sold without batteries and if you purchase a battery separately, you need to make sure the battery is compatible with your motor and that the charger is too, to avoid the risk of fire or injury, or the ebike just not working.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit electric motorcycle under 5k.
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