As the weather starts heating up our attention turns from the cozy comforts of home to the call of the great outdoors, one of the best ways to explore this beautiful planet — whether that’s journeying through the urban jungle or climbing high into mountain apexes — is via electric bicycles, aka eBikes. These days there are nearly limitless options available, but after testing dozens we selected five of our favorite models on the market across a wide spectrum of uses, features and price points.
SPECIALIZED S-Works Turbo Levo Pro eMTB
What sets electric mountain bikes (i.e. eMTBs) apart is their ability to extend the range for even experienced riders, enabling exploration of even more remote locales and conquering steeper inclines with electric assistance. Little surprise that Specialized, revered as one of the world’s best bicycle manufacturers, would shine with its flagship S-Works Turbo Levo Pro. Crafted to excel on various off-road terrains, from flat trails to rigorous hill climbs, this eMTB boasts superior design to conquer all sorts of challenges. As their halo offering Specialized’s S-Works Turbo Levo comes loaded with the best components available — its Fox Factory 36 fork and DPX2 rear shock absorbing up to 150mm of terrain variation, the Eliminator Grid Trail tires enhancing comfort and the thoughtfully engineered geometry of its carbon fiber frame (available in five sizes) optimizing rider enjoyment. Unlike most eBike makers Specialized builds its own motors, and the category-leading Turbo Levo Pro offers 90 Nm of torque and 565 watts, its 700Wh battery providing up to five hours of dirt-eating fun. As for security the Specialized Mission Control app allows you to lock the motor remotely, so the bike cannot be ridden without your personalized pin number.
$12,750
GOCYCLE G4i
There are a ton of folding eBikes options out there, but without question the best we’ve ever tested is the GoCycle G4i. This thing is nothing short of brilliant: unbelievably light (38 pounds), super easy-to-fold via twin hinge technology (which “fast-folds” in 10 seconds), and simply gorgeous to look at. You can thank its genius to founder Richard Thorpe, a former engineer at McLaren Racing who dreamt up his creation when trying to figure out a superior urban mobility solution to cars. After five generations and 14 years of improvements the G4i conquers all: McLaren hypercar materials like a carbon fiber fork and midframe — along with copious titanium, aluminum and magnesium throughout — allow for its featherweight mass, while a compact 500-watt front hub motor and 36V/300 lithium ion battery provides up to 40-miles of range. It also features both torque and cadence sensors, easy-fix PitstopWheels, hydraulic disk brakes, patented automotive-inspired Daytime Running Lights (DRL) and a USB port phone charger. This is the perfect eBike for apartment dwellers, as you can fold the G4i up in seconds and carry it with you to the safety of your flat, workspace or favorite cigar bar.
$4,999
SMALO LX2
Arguably the most tech-forward eBike on the market, the debut Smalo LX2 model uses a proprietary “G2” Artificial Intelligence to simplify your life. What Smalo’s AI technology does is analyze the personality and habits of its rider, learning their riding and effort patterns, and then employs it to simulate his or her mindset. Without the rider having to make any decisions the LX2 instantly and automatically shifts between its seven gears to offer just the right amount of resistance, while applying just the right amount of pedal-assist. It’s also loaded with integrated tech like automatic head and brake lights, a sharp LED display bright enough to read easily even in daylight, a horn and Shimano MT200 disc brakes. Its 375Wh battery hidden in the aluminum frame offers 73 miles of range, and can be fully charged in under four hours thanks to its included 4A fast charger. Of course the future-forward Smalo comes with an app that offers plenty of performance data, and can remotely lock and locate your bike and map the shortest distance to your destination. There’s a slightly cheaper and smaller PX2 option that doesn’t shift gears, but for only $100 more go for the LX2.
$2,980
SUPER73 R Adventure Series
When the debut SUPER73 first hit the scene, the single-gear eBike instantly created its own category that has now spawned many an imitator. With retro looks, fat knobby tires and BMX-like tube frame, the thumb-throttled SUPER73 was essentially a light electric moped that let you pedal only when you wanted to. Their latest R Adventure Series modernizes things up a bit by adding seven more gears, and making its longer motorcycle-inspired saddle standard. The Rugged Runner also adds a ton more previously optional gear standard, such as front and rear suspension, McFly handlebars and LED head and tail lights. Its 960Wh and 750w motor can reach speeds of 28 mph, although that’s only legal off-road.
$3,595
VVOLT Alpha II
New Portland eBike brand Vvolt aims to offer an affordable, convenient and easy-to-upkeep commuter eBike for those who want to keep things simple. The no frills Alpha II features some top-tier components while capping things relatively cheap, such a Gates Carbon belt drive that requires much less fuss and maintenance (no oiling required) than a chain option, Shimano hydraulic disc brakes and five pedal assist levels. Its integrated 375Wh battery provides up to 40 miles of real-world range, and can be quickly removed for both security and easy charging. It’s also shockingly light: coming in at 44 lbs, the Vvolt weights about half that of the SUPER73 above, making the the Alpha II one of the lightest e-bikes in the segment.
$1,699
