Best Electric Bikes (2026): Commuting, Cargo Bikes, Mountain Biking

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Featured in this article

Best Electric BikeTrek FX+ 1Read more $2,100

Trek

Best Mail-Order Electric BikeVelotric Discover 2Read more $1,999 $1,799 (10% off)

Velotric

Best Affordable Electric BikeLectric XP4 750 Electric BikeRead more $1,693 $1,299 (23% off)

Lectric

Best Electric Mountain BikeSpecialized S-Works Turbo Levo 4Read more $15,400

Specialized

For years, even the best electric bike was a bulky, inconvenient, expensive machine 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. You can use them to commute to work or to keep up with your fitter, faster pals on a mountain bike ride. 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.

Right now, my top pick is the Trek FX+ 1 ($2,100), but my personal electric bicycle, the Tern GSD ($7,999), also got a pretty big upgrade last year. If you don't see what you want, check back later (or drop me a note!). Need more bike gear? Don't forget to check out our guides to the Best Bike Lights, Best Bike Helmets, or Best Bike Locks.

Updated January 2026: We've added the Velotric Discover 2, the Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo 4, the Lectric XP4 750, and the GoTrax Mustang. We also updated links and prices. We are currently testing the Momentum Vida E+.

Best Electric Bike
Photograph: Adrienne SoSave to wishlistSave to wishlist
Trek
FX+ 1
$2,100
Trek
Searching for your first ebike? I strongly suggest going with an established manufacturer with a large support network of affiliated retailers and shops, so you can test a few and not have to assemble or fix it yourself.
Almost every major bike manufacturer now makes an entry-level commuter electric bicycle. Trek has two new offerings in the commuter line, with the entry-level FX+ 1 as the most affordable version with the lighter Hyena motor, and the FX+ 7S (9/10, WIRED Recommends) with the silent, smooth TQ HPR50 motor as the upgrade. There are a few notable upgrades to the FX+ 1: First, it has a throttle in addition to pedal assist, which makes it a Class 2 ebike. Second, it has Trek's new EasyMag charging system, which is nuts. It's like MagSafe but for an electric bike, and just putting your charger on the top tube is so much easier than trying to align a bunch of little pins. It also has dedicated buttons for turn signals, which is fun. However, I am getting much less than the advertised 50 miles of range, so I'd keep a charger at work if you're commuting.
SpecsMotor: 250-watt Hyena rear hub | Battery: 250/540 Wh | Recommended Height: 4'10" to 6'6" | Total Payload: 300 pounds
Best Mail-Order Electric Bike
- Photograph: Stephanie Pearson
- Courtesy of Velotric Bike
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Velotric
Discover 2
$1,999 $1,799 (10% off)
Velotric
The Velotric Discover 2 follows a new trend in electric bicycles. While technically it is a Class 2 electric bike, there are workarounds that let you, the rider, change its classification depending on where you want to ride. You can even slap on different compliance stickers to indicate which class you choose.
The Discover 2 is at once comfortable and powerful. It has a huge, comfy saddle with two coil shocks underneath, an upright cockpit, and a huge 750-watt motor with 75 newton-meters of torque. You can also toggle between natural-feeling torque sensors or powerful, consistent cadence sensors to calibrate the amount of assistance you want. The accessories are also incredible. It has a huge display screen, left- and right-turn signals, and even cruise control—a first for ebikes. Really, the only thing we didn't like was that it's still a hefty 63 pounds. You'd better keep it charged, because pedaling this home without a motor is murder.
SpecsMotor: 750-watt rear hub | Battery: 48V | Recommended Height: 4'11" to 6'4" | Total Payload: 440 pounds

Best Affordable Electric Bike
- Photograph: Michael Venutolo-Mantovani
- Photograph: Michael Venutolo-Mantovani
- Photograph: Michael Venutolo-Mantovani
- Photograph: Michael Venutolo-Mantovani
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Lectric
XP4 750 Electric Bike
$1,693 $1,299 (23% off)
Lectric
$1,664 $1,299 (22% off)
Best Buy
Not only is the Lectric XP line the most popular electric bike, different sales reports also note that it is the third-most-popular electric vehicle of any kind, preceded only by Tesla's Model Y and Model 3 cars. The Lectric XP4 750 is also the bike that I see most often around my neighborhood—the base model XP4 retails for a mere $999 (with standard battery), and for an additional $300 you can upgrade to the XP4 750 with more range and power.
Lectrics are notably the easiest bikes to assemble—reviewer Michael Venutolo-Mantovani only took 20 minutes to put it together—and it's foldable, portable, and very attractive, especially in this forest green color. It has a powerful 750-watt motor, and even though it had to carry 225 pounds of human reviewer, the battery life lasted well over 50 miles in the first week, even on the ups and downs of hills in North Carolina. There were two downsides—the handlebars are a little narrow if you're on the bigger side, and the flimsy, one-sided kickstand is an afterthought. But if you want an affordable ride out of the box, this is your best bet.
SpecsMotor: 750-watt rear hub | Battery: 17.5 Ah | Recommended Height: 4'11" to 6'3" | Total Payload: 330 pounds
Best Electric Mountain Bike
- Photograph: Stephanie Pearson
- Photograph: Stephanie Pearson
- Photograph: Stephanie Pearson
- Photograph: Stephanie Pearson
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Specialized
S-Works Turbo Levo 4
$15,400
Specialized
One of the best use cases for electric bikes is if you loved mountain biking but no longer have the muscle to power after your fitter friends on the trails, and the Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo 4 lets you do exactly that. We normally cap our reviews at around 1,000 words, but reviewer Steph Pearson insisted that she would need all the ones in War and Peace (587,287) to describe just how silky-smooth it feels.
The Turbo Levo 4 has substantial cushioning; a powerful, intuitive motor; and a lightweight and comfortable carbon frame. It's a mullet bike—the front wheel is larger than the back to facilitate easier downhill travel—but you can also adjust the headset angle for cross-country riding. It has beefy brakes and accommodates Specialized's proprietary on-bike storage system. It's also extremely quiet. The bike's standout feature is how intuitive it is. The bike's high-performance torque sensors instantly “feel” what you're doing and amplify it while maintaining control, traction, and precision. Just switch it into Auto mode and pretend you're back to being your buff twentysomething self all over again.
SpecsMotor: 720-watt mid-drive Specialized motor | Battery: 840-Wh | Recommended Height: 5'2" to 6'4" | Total Payload: ~240 pounds

Best Cargo Electric Bicycle
- Photograph: Adrienne So
- Photograph: Adrienne So
- Photograph: Adrienne So
- Photograph: Adrienne So
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Tern
GSD S10 (3rd Gen)
$7,999
Clever Cycles
$7,899
Electric Bike Attack
This is the updated version of my own electric bike. The newest Tern GSD (9/10, WIRED Recommends) has a couple of significant upgrades—it's the first bike I've ever tested with ABS brakes, which I understand seems slightly overkill. It also didn't seem to make that much of a difference, even when I loaded up the panniers with wood and mulch and went up and down the biggest hill in my neighborhood.
However, I know it will feel much different if you're a year-round biker and have to bike up and down hills in the rain. All the components—like the kickstand, rear racks, and brakes—are all tested to the DIN 79010, which is the only existing safety standard for cargo bikes. Its child-friendly accessories are also the most extensive and best I've seen. Tern sets the gold standard if you're biking with small children, although I must note that one battery does not provide a lot of range, so opt for the double battery.
SpecsMotor: Bosch Cargo Line mid-drive | Battery: 545 Wh | Recommended Height: 5' to 6'5" | Total Payload: 463 pounds
Best Ebike for Commuting
Photograph: REISave to wishlistSave to wishlist
REI Co-op Cycles
CTY e2.1 Electric Bike
$1,799
REI
Outdoor retailer REI sells a few versions of its city commuter line. The most bare-bones version is the CTY e1.1 ($1,038), but I think it's worth upgrading to the REI Co-op CTY e2.1, which is still well under $2,000 and goes on sale often. It's a class 1 ebike with a 250-watt Suntour HESC motor, a 418-Wh battery, and a whole host of commuter extras, like front suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, big 2-inch-wide tires, gel grips, lights, and a hefty kickstand.
It's not the fanciest bike out there. It weighs a hefty 54 pounds and has a little less torque than some of our other picks, so it might not have quite enough oomph to get you up some of the bigger hills. But you don't need an app to use it, and it's reasonably priced. If you live near an REI, the store shop will assemble it and offer discounts on maintenance and free tubes, and you have a 365-day return policy.
SpecsMotor: Suntour HESC 250-watt rear hub | Battery: 418 Wh | Recommended Height: 5' to 6'3" | Total Payload: 300 pounds

Best Folding Electric Bicycle
Photograph: Courtesy of BromptonSave to wishlistSave to wishlist
Brompton
Electric G Line
$3,500
Brompton
The Brompton Electric G Line (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is the best folding electric bike. Bromptons fold to an unbelievably one-third of their full size and are as irresistible as little candy M&Ms. It has undergone several updates since I first reviewed the electric line in 2021, the most significant being that this is a burlier bike meant for trails.
I really like parts of the design, which include a removable battery pack that you clip onto the handlebars. My UK colleague Chris Haslam noted that the steering has gotten better, and the bike absorbs every bump with ease. The geometry has been tweaked to make it more comfortable to ride, as well. While it is considerably bigger than the lightest non-electric Brompton, it's in line with what other electric bikes weigh. The company has even included new bearings on the rolling wheels, so you can push it smoothly instead of carrying it on public transport.
SpecsMotor: 250-watt rear hub | Battery: 345 kWh | Recommended Height: 4'7" to 6'8" | Total Payload: 242 pounds
Best Comfy Cruiser
- Courtesy of Priority
- Photograph: Ryan Waniata
- Photograph: Ryan Waniata
- Photograph: Ryan Waniata
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Priority
Current Plus
$3,299
Priority
The Priority Current Plus (8/10, WIRED Recommends) looks like Priority’s easygoing, entry-level sit-up cruiser bikes, but it comes with tons of upgrades. These upgrades include a more powerful mid-drive motor that classifies the bike as a Class 2 hybrid that converts to a Class 3, a Carbon Gates drive belt, a powerful 720-Wh battery, and options to swap in an Enviolo hub.
SpecsMotor: 500-watt mid-drive | Battery: 720 Wh | Recommended Height: 5' to 6'3" | Total Payload: 275 pounds

Best Utility Ebike
Photograph: SpecializedSave to wishlistSave to wishlist
Specialized
Globe Haul ST
$2,700
Specialized
I've been waiting for a major bike manufacturer to release an affordable, reliable daily driver that can be a car substitute. The Specialized Globe Haul ST (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is the company's first light cargo ebike, and it's a winner. It fits a wide variety of heights. The powerful 700-watt motor relies on an IPX7-rated battery with a remarkable range of well over the stated 60 miles. The display is intuitive, and the pedaling feels natural. The compact 20-inch multi-terrain wheels are maneuverable and feel stable on roads, dirt, and gravel.
The proprietary accessories utilize partners like Fjallraven and are attractive and versatile. But I have two small qualms: There's no suspension, which can make a difference if you're carrying a lot of things and people; and there's no belt drive. However, Specialized uses quality components and has a large network of affiliated shops to get routine maintenance. This is the bike that everyone in my family—me, my husband, and my two kids—asks to ride whenever we leave the house.
SpecsMotor: Globe 700-watt rear hub | Battery: 772 Wh | Recommended Height: 4'5" to 6'4" | Total Payload: 419 pounds
Safest for Battery Fires
Photograph: Rad Power BikesSave to wishlistSave to wishlist
Rad Power Bikes
Radster Road
$1,999 $1,599 (20% off)
Rad Power Bikes
If you want an electric bike, do not be put off by fears of battery fires—new legislation and new technology make each iteration of electric bike safer than the one before. For example, Seattle-based Rad Power Bikes recently introduced a new technology called Safe Shield, in which the batteries are encapsulated in heat-absorbing resin to extinguish a fire, much like the batteries in an electric car. If you're concerned about electric battery fires, one of the bikes in the new line-up, like the Radster Road (8/10, WIRED Recommends), would be your best pick. (It's also worth noting that every bike in our roundup has UL certification, which means it meets the safety requirements of a top third-party testing agency.)
The Radster Road is a long-distance commuter that is UL-certified, with big, efficient 29-inch Kenda tires, an IPX6-rated 750-watt rear hub motor, and a 720-Wh proprietary semi-integrated battery. It has a truly ridiculous range (I put about 30 miles on it and only wore the battery down halfway) and comes with a ton of stuff at a very reasonable price. For example, you can switch between ebike classes on the computer, and it has a new torque sensor that makes pedaling feel infinitely more natural. It's also a lot quieter than other bikes at this price. It does weigh almost 75 pounds, though.
SpecsMotor: 750-watt rear hub | Battery: 720 Wh | Recommended Height: 4'11" to 5'8" | Total Payload: 320 pounds

Best Ebike for Road Racers
Photograph: Will MatsudaSave to wishlistSave to wishlist
Santa Cruz Bicycles
Skitch
$6,799
Backcountry
$6,199
Mike's Bikes
If you're a road cyclist who wants the lightest bike around so that you can commute 15 miles to work and pop through a park on your way home, the bike you're looking for is the Santa Cruz Skitch (9/10, WIRED Recommends). It has an extremely light carbon fiber frame, with an equally light but powerful Fazua 60 motor and a 430-watt-hour battery. It's a class 3 ebike and also the lightest electric bike I've ever tried. My tester came with all the fixings, including a dropper seat post and a very fancy SRAM button transmission that let me click through gears easily and seamlessly, with no exposed cabling. I cackled with glee as I tried to race a Dodge Challenger home in my neighborhood and swung through a cyclocross course.
It does cost $6,000, which puts a damper on your gleeful commuting—one does not simply leave a Ferrari parked and unattended in front of the 7-Eleven at midnight. But if you have a 10-mile commute and access to a locked garage, this would be my pick.
SpecsMotor: 450-watt mid-drive | Battery: 430 Wh | Recommended Height: 5'1" to 6'6" | Total Payload: n/a
Best Cheap Cargo Ebike
Photograph: AventonSave to wishlistSave to wishlist
Aventon
Abound LR
$1,999
Aventon
Aventon updated the popular Abound cargo ebike and made two versions. The Aventon Abound LR is the long-tail, while the Abound SR ($1,899) is shorter and slightly cheaper. I tested the Abound LR, which is an excellent little cargo ebike that comes with a built-in rack, fenders, lights, and a surprisingly nimble 750-watt rear hub motor.
This class 2 ebike has up to 60 miles of range (or more like 30 with my 210-pound, 6'2" frame), and it rides much like the commuter bikes you might be familiar with, just with smaller wheels to accommodate the rack on the rear. I love how affordable this bike is, at less than $2,000, and I love the rigidity offered by Aventon’s newer dual-walled frame. The fact that the Aventon downstem for the seat comes with a built-in shock absorber that you can adjust with a bike tool is also awesome. This bike feels sturdy enough to haul up to a 440-pound payload, and remains comfortable while you’re doing it. The only downside? The gearing is odd; you’ll have to pedal like mad to keep up with the 20-mile-per-hour speed you’ll easily achieve with the throttle. —Parker Hall
SpecsMotor: 750-watt Shengyi rear hub | Battery: 733 Wh | Recommended Height: 4'11" to 6'3" | Total Payload: 440 pounds

Best Electric Bike Made by a Car Manufacturer
Photograph: Stephanie PearsonSave to wishlistSave to wishlist
Ford
Bronco Electric Bike
$4,500 $4,000 (11% off)
Ford
When reviewer Steph Pearson took the Ford Bronco electric bike (6/10, WIRED Review) for a spin, she noted that it's part of a trend—car manufacturers want to get in on that sweet, sweet ebike action. (Rivian also recently announced a new ebike company.) It has a powerful 750-watt motor, Pirelli tires, an integrated cockpit with an analog speedometer, and an enormous, 2,000-lumen headlight. It looks a bit like a motocross bike or an enduro bike, but it also looks like a Bronco. (You can get a custom Bronco paint job for an additional $390.)
Pearson noted that the Bronco is a powerful, lively ride, if a bit cramped for someone who is 5'9". It has four modes—Eco, Normal, Sport, and Baja—but Pearson noted that it feels like you're supposed to lean back and ride it at full power, like on a Ducati. It's fabulously fun, but the battery has a shorter range than you might expect for such a heavy bike. Still, if you're nostalgic for a Bronco, this might be a bargain.
SpecsMotor: 750-watt rear hub | Battery: 720 Wh | Recommended Height: 5'4" to 6'5" | Total Payload: 400 pounds
Best Mini Electric Bike
Photograph: JackRabbitSave to wishlistSave to wishlist
Jackrabbit
Pro Micro-Ebikes
$1,650
Jackrabbit (OG2 Pro)
$2,250
Jackrabbit (XG Pro)
Reviewer Matthew Korfhage described the Jackrabbit OG2 (8/10, WIRED Recommends) as “a wee scooter that looks like a bicycle.” While it's marketed as an electric bike and looks like an electric bike, it has footrests instead of pedals, and you power forward via the throttle. It's completely tiny and completely adorable. (I reviewed the original Jackrabbit when it debuted in 2021 and also noted that everyone loves it, especially in its bright candy colors.) A micro ebike is also incredibly convenient for urban living, as you can stash it in a restaurant, car trunk, or apartment pretty easily as you're moving about the city.
At 6'1" and 200+ pounds, Korfhage pushed the limit on the OG2's stated specs. But it's worth noting that the Jackrabbit is easily customizable, with optional RangeBuster battery extenders ($400). It's also a bit expensive compared to the previous model, and only having rear brakes is nerve-wracking at top speed. Still, it is a tiny, customizable, and adorable ebike. Korfhage might not be a “Jacko,” as Jackrabbit’s devoted users call themselves, but he is a fan.
SpecsMotor: 500-watt rear hub | Battery: 360 Wh | Recommended Height: 4'9" to 6'2" | Total Payload: 275 pounds

Best Tricycle
Photograph: SixThreeZero Bike Co.Save to wishlistSave to wishlist
SixThreeZero
EvryJourney Tricycle
$2,200 $1,300 (41% off)
SixThreeZero
If balancing upright is your top priority, you might want to consider a tricycle. SixThreeZero's bike keeps you in a comfortable, upright position without having to balance on a leg to keep it upright. It has a 250-watt motor with 40 miles on a charge and a top speed of up to 15 mph when you use the throttle. A big rear basket fits a load of groceries or even your puppy. However, it does weigh over 70 pounds and is pretty bulky; you'll need a garage to store it. As our reviewer Stephanie Pearson says, three wheels can be almost as fun as two.
SpecsMotor: 250-watt rear hub | Battery: 374.4 Wh | Recommended Height: 5' to 6'2" | Total Payload: 300 pounds

Other Ebikes We Like

Image may contain Bicycle Transportation Vehicle Machine Spoke Plant and Tree

Bike Friday All-Day

Photograph: Adrienne So

Bike Friday All-Day for $5,600: Bike Friday bills the irresistibly tiny All-Day (7/10, WIRED Review) as the world's lightest Bosch-powered ebike, and it's true. You can customize all the colors and components of this folding electric bike, and it has a surprisingly powerful motor for its size. The Brompton above is more widely available and easier to use, but I love this little bike a lot.

Radio Flyer Via Pro for $2,900: Editor Julian Chokkattu could not have had a better experience than this easy-to-use and easy-to-assemble class 2 electric cargo bike. For more info, check out our guide to the Best Electric Cargo Bikes.

GoTrax Mustang for $1,799: We liked the Mustang, which is a surprisingly punchy little bike for just the right price. However, it only comes in one size, so you should try it if you can before you buy it.

Aventon Level 3 for $1,899: The Aventon Level 3 is an easy-to-ride ebike that features a clean, step-through design and every feature you could want in a standard-size ebike for riding around town. There are built-in fenders and lights, and a big color display shows you how much of the up to 70 miles of advertised range you have remaining. I have ridden it up to about 25 miles at a time with my heavy 6'2" frame, easily ending my rides with 20 percent of battery left. The frame feels comfortable and sturdy, thanks to a double-walled construction and improved Shimano gears and brakes. The front suspension fork and semi-hidden suspension seat post add to comfort relative to other bikes I’ve tested in this price range, and I like that the Aventon app lets you set up things like remote locking and geofencing, so you can keep an eye on your expensive bike from afar. The built-in turn signals, which use the bike’s rear lights, are another bonus when riding in cities at night. —Parker Hall

Tenways CGO800S for $1,799: This is a budget step-through city ebike. It boasts up to 50 miles of battery life, and I got more than 30. The torque sensor is smooth and responsive to pedaling at various speeds. However, there's no throttle, and because this bike is meant to fit riders of a huge range of sizes (they say 5'1'' to 6'3''), the frame was not as comfortable to pedal for me (5'11") as some large-size bikes. —Martin Cizmar

Aventon Ramblas for $2,899: Aventon made a mountain bike! It's a lot of bike for an affordable price, but just a little too heavy to take out for its intended use case. It makes a nice, rugged commuter, however.

Linus eDutchi for $1,799: Need a comfy cruiser? The Linus eDutchi is a comfy class 1 ebike with beautiful colors and loads of proprietary accessories.

Electra Loft Go!

Photograph: Electra

Electra Loft Go! for $960: I also love the Electra Loft Go! (7/10, WIRED Recommends), which is another comfy sit-up beach cruiser, but the Priority has a slightly more powerful motor for the same price.

Xtracycle Estoker for $4,499: This is probably the bike that I see most often in my Portland, Oregon, neighborhood. It has a durable, sturdy Chromoly steel frame and larger 24-inch wheels, along with a Shimano mid-drive motor that makes it perfect for more grueling conditions. Unfortunately, you do have to be over 5'6" (which I am not) to ride it.

Gazelle Eclipse for $6,399: If you want to know just how great the Bosch system can be, the Eclipse (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is the more expensive version of the Radster Road above. It has a nicer shifter, a smarter motor—even the paint job is nicer. It's just much more expensive.

The Gocycle G4I+ for $5,999: Gocycle's high-end, fast-folding luxury bikes are designed by a former McLaren engineer. This quieter, lighter iteration has better torque, a new carbon-fiber front fork, and an even more painful price.

The Bunch Original Electric Cargo Bike for $6,499: I didn't care for the Bunch (5/10, WIRED Review), but my family did. It's a standard, if slightly expensive, box bike as you might see in Europe. It'll work well if you live in a flat area and don't have to go very fast.

Bikes We Dislike

Pass on the left.

The Retrospec Jax Rev

Photograph: Retrospec

The Retrospec Jax Rev for $1,100: We wanted to love this sleek, stylish folding bike, but we couldn't help worrying about its durability.

Niu Electric Bike BQi-C3 Pro for $999: Commerce director Martin Cizmar tested this bike and had a litany of complaints. The riding position is too aggressive, and the bike frame doesn't fit common components like a water bottle and his pannier. The disc brakes weren't suited to stopping it from 28 mph.

FAQs

How Does WIRED Procure Ebikes?

Bike companies reach out to me, and I request testers in my size. Once I have finished testing, I either return the bikes to the manufacturer, the shop that assembled them, or donate them to nonprofit organizations.

How Do You Secure an Ebike?

Many ebikes have removable batteries, displays, or built-in wheel locks that make securing your bike much easier. Other bikes, like the Specialized Turbo Vado SL 2, are also compatible with Apple Find My. Check out our Best Ebike Locks guide for more options.

Should I Build My Own Bike?

Many affordable bikes now come direct-to-consumer—meaning that they are pre-tuned or partially assembled in a box. As Peter Flax recently noted in Bicycling magazine, these bikes do not get nearly the testing or vetting that bikes from a bigger manufacturer get. Unless you're not riding much or for many miles, or are experienced with modifying your own bike, I recommend working with an established manufacturer that has a dealer network.

What Terrain Do You Live On?

If you live in a flat area, you're probably fine with a 250-watt motor, which is the European speed standard. However, if you live near hills or haul a lot of stuff, you might want to consider a 500-watt or 750-watt motor and a few extras, like hydraulic disc brakes, which will help prevent you from skidding into traffic.

How Do I Prevent Bike Fires?

The idea of your garage suddenly setting alight is terrifying, but don't worry—the batteries that manufacturers use today are much safer than those of yore. We only write about bikes that have been certified safe by a third-party organization. Also, exercise a bit of common sense. Do not leave your bike battery charging overnight in a boiling hot garage. Don't use aftermarket accessories to charge your bike. And don't plug in a battery that has deformed or smells weird, or try to turn on a bike with a cracked display or computer.

Follow Some Basic Safety Tips

Not sure where to start? The biking advocacy group PeopleForBikes has a safety education program, E-Bike Smart, which it created in collaboration with the League of American Bicyclists and Bicycle Colorado. Do not let your children ride your bike unsupervised. An 80-pound child should not be piloting a 65-pound bike, even if the motor makes it possible for them to do so. And always wear a helmet, but you already know that. Right?

How We Test

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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 also evaluate specs like weight, tire size, battery life, motor power, and the sourcing of key components.

It Costs What Now?

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Whenever I talk to anyone about a possible ebike purchase, the biggest deterrent is usually the price. If this is you, check out our guide to the Best Cheap Ebikes. But I do want to say here that these are vehicles, not toys. When I'm carrying my kids to school or flying down a hill at 25 mph, I want the safest possible ride, and I think you should too.

Reasonable auto financing options are the only reason a $2,000 electric bike can feel prohibitively expensive while a $6,000 beater gas-powered car has easy monthly payments. Many states now feature incentive programs that offer rebates or tax credits for ebike purchases. Some bike manufacturers and retailers offer financing through companies like Affirm or PayPal. Your bank might cover ebikes under its vehicle loan program, and I also recommend looking at eBay locally, Craigslist, or local Facebook groups. You probably have more options than you think.

Ebike Classifications and Rules

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Before you buy your electric bike, make sure you can actually use it! Many cities and states have laws regulating when and where you can ride an ebike. Check out our guide on the three classes of ebikes. At least 22 states now use this three-class system, and they may restrict when and where different classes of ebikes are used, depending on whether they have a throttle or can assist above 20 mph. Cities may also have laws about whether mountain ebikes are allowed on single-track trails. If your state classifies ebikes under the same laws governing motorcycles and mopeds, you may need a license to ride one.

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Adrienne So is a senior commerce editor for WIRED, where she reviews health and fitness gear. She graduated from the University of Virginia with bachelor’s degrees in English and Spanish and runs, rock climbs, and sings karaoke in her free time. She lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband, two ... Read MoreSenior Commerce EditorTopicsShopping electric bikes buying guides Bicycles outdoors The Best Electric Mountain Bikes to Get You Farther, FasterA glorious swooping downhill glide on one of these electric mountain bikes will make you feel like a kid again.Adrienne So The Retrospec Judd Rev 2 Electric Folding Bike Is Easy to Store and RideRetrospec's affordable folding electric bike is refreshingly free of unnecessary bells and whistles.Michael Venutolo-Mantovani The Momentum Vida E+ Electric Bike Has Quality Components and a Comfy SeatMomentum’s latest electric commuter bike feels luxurious and natural to ride. It’s also heavy.Adrienne So These Premium Soundbars and Wireless Speakers Compete With Fancy Wired SetupsSoundbars just keep getting better, but some rise above the rest. These are the best high-end soundbars and wireless A/V speakers I’ve tried.Ryan Waniata The Best Mesh Wi-Fi Systems so Your Phone Stops Dropping OutForget about patchy internet connections and dead spots in the house. These WIRED-tested multiroom mesh systems will get you online in no time.Simon Hill 15 Design-Forward DIY Tools Worth Upgrading to This YearHack your hardware with these top picks for home-improvement heaven.Chris Haslam A Backyard Pizza Oven Is the Biggest Thing Missing From Your SummerPizza is universal. And it is perfect. But you’re going to need a better oven. These are the best outdoor pizza ovens on the market.Matthew Korfhage Kick Back and Watch the Robot Mower Do Your Yard WorkThese smart mowers are expensive alternatives to some good old-fashioned yard work, but they’re finally good enough to consider if you’d rather sip an iced tea and watch the robot go by.Simon Hill The Porsche Cayenne Electric Is a Phenomenal SUV, but Is That Enough?Porsche’s latest electric SUV is its most capable yet, and its most powerful street car ever. But should you wait for the hybrid instead?Alistair Charlton Brompton's Electric T-Line Is a Gorgeous Folding Ebike, but It Has a Speed LimitBrompton's latest folding electric bicycle is beautiful, genuinely portable, and doesn't quite go fast enough.Chris Haslam What Are Gravel Running Shoes?This new-ish hybrid between trail runners and road runners is designed for less technical terrain and the occasional road run.Kieran Alger The Garmin InReach Mini 3 Plus Lets My Mom Send Me Panicked Pings When I’m Off-GridGarmin’s newest satellite messenger offers helpful safety features, but the fees are only worth it if you’re regularly off the grid.Kieran Alger