Best E-Bikes and Scooters to Give for the Holidays in 2023 – CNET [CNET]

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Rev up your gifting game with the hottest e-bikes and scooters of the season.

Russell Holly mirror selfie
Russell Holly mirror selfie

Russell Holly is a Managing Editor on the Commerce team at CNET. He works with all of CNET to assemble top recommendations as well as helping everyone find the best way to buy anything at the best price. When not writing for CNET you can find him riding a bike, running around in Jedi robes, or contributing to WOSU public radio’s Tech Tuesday segment.

Expertise 7 years experience as a smartphone reviewer and analyst, 5 years experience as a competitive cyclist Credentials

  • Author of Taking your Android Tablets to the Max

james-headshot
james-headshot

James Bricknell Senior Editor

James has been writing about technology for years but has loved it since the early 90s. While his main areas of expertise are maker tools — 3D printers, vinyl cutters, paper printers, and laser cutters — he also loves to play board games and tabletop RPGs.

Expertise 3D printers, maker tools such as Cricut style vinyl cutters and laser cutters, traditional paper printers Credentials

  • 6 years working professionally in the 3D printing space / 4 years testing consumer electronics for large websites.

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img-2733

Desiree DeNunzio is the gift guide editor for CNET’s Commerce team. When she’s not writing and editing, she’s either hiking through the redwoods or curled up with a good book and a lazy dog.

Expertise Desiree has been a writer and editor for the past two decades, covering everything from top-selling Amazon deals to apparel, pets and home goods. Credentials

  • Desiree’s previous work has appeared in various print and online publications including Search Engine Land, PCWorld, Wired magazine and PBS MediaShift.

When it comes to gift shopping, scooters and e-bikes are hot items to keep an eye on. If you’ve got a friend or loved one on your list who’s in need of some new wheels, we’ve curated a top-notch roundup of the best e-bikes and scooters to give for the holidays. There are options for every type of rider, from the adventure-loving teen to the commuting spouse and even that friend who needs an extra nudge getting over hills. 

If you decide to splurge on the perfect rideable for your loved one or friend, make sure to check the model’s specifications, age recommendations and class — and read over the local laws to see if there are any restrictions that apply to your area. 

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heybike-ranger-s-hero

Russell Holly/CNET

There are a few safety-oriented “must haves” for an e-bike you’re going to be riding around a city, but when you start shopping for folding bikes, a few of those features quickly become optional. Unless, that is, you buy from Heybike. The Ranger S foldable bike not only comes with a great headlight and a surprisingly good integrated horn, but it’s also got integrated turn signals and an easy release mechanism for the battery so it can be changed even when the bike is locked outside. The rear rack makes it great for hauling groceries or gear from the office, and the folding mechanism makes it easy to tuck the bike away when not in use. It’s a great bike for just about any environment, but for a city rider, this frequently my first and last recommendation.

— Russell Holly 

Read our Heybike Ranger S review.

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Lectric eBikes XP Trike

Lectric

The Lectric XP Trike takes Lectric’s award-winning XP series and adds a third wheel, bigger battery and hydraulic brakes to create the industry’s first fully foldable, fully assembled e-Trike, retailing at $1,499. Accommodating a wide range of abilities, XP Trike offers the increased stability of a third wheel with the lowest standover height Lectric’s offered to date at 13.8 inches. Mobility, balance and age are no longer factors when pursuing adventure, providing newly electrified riders the confidence to get on or off a bike. The XP Trike comes fully equipped with a 1,092-watt peak rear hub motor on an open differential rear axle system for improved turning stability. Shop Lectric’s XP Trike holiday sale and get $304 worth of free accessories.

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SixThreeZero

Cruiser bikes are their own unique experience. You’re not riding for the most intense workout or to get somewhere as fast as possible, and you’re not flinging yourself down a mountain for thrills. Cruisers are for the love of roaming, and when you add an e-bike motor to an already great cruiser, you get the SixThreeZero Ride in the Park Electrified. A 500-watt motor with a rear-mounted 48-volt battery (an integrated battery model also exists) can reach 20 mph if you really need to go fast, but it’s clear from the extra comfortable seat and large display that this is a ride for savoring the experience. And by coming it at just under $1,000, it’s an experience you don’t need to take out a loan to enjoy.

— Russell Holly

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Engwe M20 e-bike in the grass

James Bricknell/CNET

The M20, especially the green and brown version, looks almost exactly like a motorbike from World War II, with the two gas tanks being replaced with batteries. It’s not exactly a bike for long-distance riders — the seat isn’t designed for that — but it is a constant joy to ride on small trips as well as off-road. The suspension is good and the 750 watts can get you across just about any terrain. Oh, and the double battery version easily does 75 miles on throttle alone. If the person you’re giving it to loves to have fun, I’d recommend the M20.

— James Bricknell

Read our Engwe M20 review.

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TurboAnt

There are a lot of scooters out there and most of them are fun to ride. The Turboant X7 Max is fun, but it’s also large enough to feel more stable for a big guy like me. The range is around 25 miles when an adult rides it, but the top speed of 20 mph works for either kids or adults. My middle schooler rides this to school every morning and loves it, and I ride it whenever I want to have fun on my trips to the gym. 

— James Bricknell

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Super73

The Super73-Z Adventure Series is a top choice among older teens and young adults thanks to its undeniable cool factor. With its rugged looks and powerful 600-watt motor, it feels almost like riding a stripped-down motorcycle. This e-bike can tackle most terrains at impressive speeds. One drawback is that if you’re going over rough trails, you’ll probably notice its lack of full suspension. The front fork and fat tires help, but it can still be a bit of a bumpy ride. The comfortable seat is a welcome addition, and it’s long enough to fit an extra rider in the back. 

Yes, CNET gave its sibling, the Super73-R, a lackluster ranking — don’t go for this brand if you’re looking for a pedal-friendly bike — but the Super73-Z listed here has a lower price while still maintaining the Adventure Series’ head-turning aggressive design and ease of control over speed. Build out of the box is relatively easy, but keep in mind that you’ll likely need to tune it up after breaking it in.  

— Desiree DeNunzio

More holiday gift ideas