Best Electric Bike for 2024 [CNET]

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Joseph Kaminski Senior Associate Technology Editor / Reviews

During my almost twenty years at CNET, I handled benchmark testing/methodologies for both Mac and PC systems and, sometime after, integrated testing for micro-mobility (e-bikes, electric scooters and EUCs), which is a passion of mine. Transitioning from a BMX background to this field was seamless. Despite testing numerous products, each new one brings the same excitement as my first.

CNET’s expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise.

See at Fiido

fiido-x.jpg

Fiido X

Best for short commutes (and small spaces) (Update: discontinued)

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$799 at Engwe

A pink e-bike on a lawn with trees behind it

Engwe L20 2.0

Best budget step through electric bike

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See at Async

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Async A1 Pro

Best for full-time throttle use (Update: discontinued)

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What is the best e-bike overall?

Electric bikes are in right now. However, there are a ton of options on the market, so finding one that fits your needs is tricky. A commuter e-bike may not be a good fit for those looking for electric mountain bikes, for example. After testing several popular models from top brands, CNET editors have picked the Aventon Soltera 2 as the best overall e-bike. The Soltera 2 offers an affordable price, a lightweight bike frame and a premium feel. You also get the standard safety features you’d expect on a bike, including brakes, signal lights and more. Although it tops our list, it might not be the best fit for every kind of biker. That’s why we have compiled a list of the best electric bikes, which reflects the diverse styles available, each tailored to suit different riders’ preferences.

Electric commuter bikes weren’t always as common as they are today. But the ability to zoom around the city or neighborhood without tiring yourself out has made these eco-friendly modes of transport popular. Plus, an e-bike is perfect for getting around campus without breaking a sweat if you’re in school.

Most of the bikes on this list were tested on a commute through sections of midtown Manhattan, bike paths around Central Park or on the West Side Highway bike path. Others were tested for suburban commutes and off-road when applicable. Note that these all fall into the category of “commuter bike,” and we don’t recommend trying to traverse rough terrain on one of these babies. 

Also, if you do get into rideables and electric commuter bikes, be sure to be safe by keeping several guidelines in mind. Keep your battery charged and make it a habit to check your tires often. Leave enough space between yourself and both cars and riders on plain old human-powered bikes and scooters. Ride and pass with caution, because an electric bicycle will go faster than a traditional bike or scooter. Most importantly,wear a helmet every time you ride. 

Best Electric Bikes for 2024

Abound is a cargo bike suitable for carrying passengers or groceries, while the $1,799 Aventure 2 is a multifaceted fat-tire bike ideal for all-terrain riding in any season. The Soltera 2 is more of an everyday e-bike that’s great for commutes, with a seven-speed cassette and a weight of just 41 pounds. Like the other Aventon bikes, the Soltera 2 features a sleek, detailed display, integrated signal lights, iOS/Android app compatibility and a throttle for assistance on hills.

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Citrine Yellow Soltera 2 

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Citrine Yellow Soltera 2 

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The entire Aventon lineup offers affordability and versatility. The $1,799 Abound is a cargo bike suitable for carrying passengers or groceries, while the $1,799 Aventure 2 is a multifaceted fat-tire bike ideal for all-terrain riding in any season. The Soltera 2 is more of an everyday e-bike that’s great for commutes, with a seven-speed cassette and a weight of just 41 pounds. Like the other Aventon bikes, the Soltera 2 features a sleek, detailed display, integrated signal lights, iOS/Android app compatibility and a throttle for assistance on hills.

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Fiido X is a compact folding e-bike perfect for shorter commutes and for small storage spaces like an average apartment. Its sleek design makes it one of the most attractive folding bikes available. You could easily store it in a car trunk, a closet or the corner of a bedroom. Whether it was part of my daily commute or on some trails in South Carolina, this bike held its own.

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The Fiido X is a compact folding e-bike perfect for shorter commutes and for small storage spaces like an average apartment. Its sleek design makes it one of the most attractive folding bikes available. You could easily store it in a car trunk, a closet or the corner of a bedroom. Whether it was part of my daily commute or on some trails in South Carolina, this bike held its own.

I previously reviewed and loved. The update has changed some things that have improved it, like the ability to fold the bike away and a more powerful 1000W motor to make acceleration smoother. The downside of having the fold in the center is the weight limit is reduced so I wouldn’t recommend riding with a baby seat like I used to on the 1.0 version. Aside from that the L20 2.0 is a great fat tire bike that my wife uses every day to ride around the neighborhood. — James Bricknell

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The Engwe L20 2.0 is the updated version of the L20 I previously reviewed and loved. The update has changed some things that have improved it, like the ability to fold the bike away and a more powerful 1000W motor to make acceleration smoother. The downside of having the fold in the center is the weight limit is reduced so I wouldn’t recommend riding with a baby seat like I used to on the 1.0 version. Aside from that the L20 2.0 is a great fat tire bike that my wife uses every day to ride around the neighborhood. — James Bricknell

Watch this: Best E-Bikes for Weekend Warriors and Daily Commuters

Woom Up e-bike, sized for either children or teens, features a premium design and three pedal-assist levels up to 12 mph. The bike includes a user-friendly app with straightforward assembly and provides a smooth, comfortable ride. Despite the initial cost, its build quality and components are exceptional, and this bike should hold some resale value by the time your little one outgrows it. 

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The perfect bike for riding with young ones — so no more travel fatigue. The Woom Up e-bike, sized for either children or teens, features a premium design and three pedal-assist levels up to 12 mph. The bike includes a user-friendly app with straightforward assembly and provides a smooth, comfortable ride. Despite the initial cost, its build quality and components are exceptional, and this bike should hold some resale value by the time your little one outgrows it. 

How fast can an electric bike go?

Before we can go into top speeds, we first need to go over e-bike classifications. There are three classes. 

  • Class 1 is an e-bike where the motor only supplies pedal assistance while the rider is pedaling and has a max assisted speed of 20 mph.
  • Class 2 follows the same pedal-assist top speed as class 1 but also has a throttle enabling the rider to get around without pedaling. 
  • Class 3 has a top assist speed of 28 mph and can be either pedal-assist only or pedal-assist along with throttle-assistance.

These classes are limited to 1 horsepower (750 watts). That said, some (air quotes) e-bikes can hit 50 or even 60 mph. But they are more like motorcycles with pedals. They are not optimized as traditional bicycles for pedaling from point A to B and do not legally fit into the class 1-3 category. Typically only class 1 and 2 e-bikes are allowed where traditional bicycles are. 

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Do I need a permit or license to operate an e-bike?

The short answer is no; however, riders must meet their state’s minimum age limit (which can vary). In New York, that’s 16. 

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Should I buy an electric bike or an electric scooter?

It’s frankly pretty fun to have one of each. But if you need a reason to pick one over the other, an e-bike can also be used as a traditional bike so riders benefit from getting a workout along with the fact you can travel further, even on a dead battery. In addition, most people I talk to feel better on bicycles because they’ve had more experience riding them.

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