For years, electric bicycles were bulky, inconvenient, expensive machines with limited battery life. Slowly, that has changed. Ebikes are now lighter, more attractive, and more powerful than ever. You don't need to be physically fit to ride one. They get you outside, reduce traffic congestion, and shrink your carbon footprint. I ride one daily to take my kids to school. They're just fun.
Over the past few years, WIRED's Reviews team has tried almost every kind of Electric Bike, from the best heavy-duty cargo bikes to high-end mountain bikes. We review upward of 50 new ebikes a year by riding them on a variety of terrain for at least 40 miles over the course of at least two weeks. We test cargo bikes by hauling kids and groceries, we ride mountain and gravel bikes on trails, and we test commuter bikes while running errands on regular city streets (including up and down steep hills). In addition to our real-life testing, we evaluate specs like weight, tire size, battery life, motor power, and the sourcing of key components. If you don't see what you want, check back later (or drop me a note!). Once you buy an ebike, check out our Best Bike Accessories, Best Bike Locks, and the Best Ebikes for Elderly Riders. Not into pedaling? Read our Best Escooters guide for other transport options.
Updated June 2024: We added the Rad Power Radster Road, the Linus eDutchi, the Gazelle Eclipse, and the Aventon Ramblas. We also updated links and prices.
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