Best Commuter Electric Bikes to Power Up Your Ride to Work

Driving a car has been the most convenient way to get to work for a long time, but as the number of cars increased, so did the need for a more sustainable alternative. Thanks to recent advancements, which have made innovative technology more available than ever today there are many different means of personal transportation designed to maximize the efficiency, convenience, and sustainability in urban areas. Millions of commuters around the world are happy to make the switch from fuel dependent cars to greener alternatives, like electric bikes.

The electric bicycles have quickly become very popular as a green solution for lengthy commutes. You can pedal them just like you would with your regular bike, or you can let the electric motor do the hard work for you. Best electric commuter bike allows you to get as much exercise as you would like when you want, and at the same time, you don’t have to think about bringing an extra set of clothes as you probably would if you were commuting by a regular bicycle.

There is no simple answer to the question which is the best electric bike overall, and it all comes down to what fits your specific needs. There is a lot to take into consideration: price, size, how far from your workplace you live, do you need something portable, something you can fold, or a comfortable ride for a longer distance. Below you can read brief reviews for all of our top electric bikes; we have included types for every kind of cyclist.

What we liked

• High-quality construction
• Great value for the money
• Very comfortable

What we didn’t like

• Heavy, weighing over 55 lbs

Ride1Up wanted to create a sleek, fast, quality electric bike that will still be affordable, and they managed to do just that with their 500 Series. This is definitely the best bike you can get at around $1000 price point. It is solidly built, comfortable, rides beautifully. It features 500W motor, and more than decent removable 48V LG lithium battery, which will give you enough power to get to the top speed of 26 mph in PAS mode, and plenty of juice to go 50+ miles on a single charge. It’s got all the features you would expect from your commuter bike, and then some.

This bike is designed for the everyday long-distance rider and it features very nice frame geometry that promotes a comfortable upright riding position. Swept-back cafe style handlebars provide better comfort over longer distances, so you won’t tire yourself out even before you get to work.

There a twist and a thumb throttle, and also 3 levels of pedal-assist, or 9 levels with an optional LCD screen. Other features include an integrated LED headlight, removable battery with two keys, and a heavy duty kickstand. All Ride1Up electric bikes are covered with fantastic customer support.

What we liked

• Powerful motor and big battery
• Multiple frame sizes and color options
• 28 mph top speed
• Hydraulic disc brakes
• Comes with 3A quick charger

What we didn’t like

• Some assembly required
• No USB charging port

Aventon Pace 500 is a nice entry-level bike, designed for those that enjoy relaxed ride on a cruiser style bike, but still want to up the speed when you need to. While it may seem that this bike has a pretty basic setup, taking it for a spin will assure you that it’s equipped with everything you need for your everyday commute.

Pace 500 features a powerful 500W motor capable of hitting speeds up to 28 mph, with 5 levels of pedal assist to choose from. Powered by a 48V integrated into the frame, you will be able to travel up to 50 miles on a full charge in lower levels of pedal assist. Hydraulic disc brakes provide quick responsive stopping power. Due to its max speed this is a Class 3 electric bike, so be aware of the regulations that limit using this bike in certain areas.

This bike features a big LCD display that provides a lot of good info and allows you to tweak tons of settings. There is no suspension fork, but 2.2” Kenda Kwick Seven Sport tires dampen the road very well. There are not too many accessories that come with this bike, only a bottle holder that can be mounted to the frame

The real strongpoint of this bicycle is it beautiful design and amazing attention to details. Smooth line, build quality, unique way of frame production and three different color options make Aventon Pace 500 bike look much more expensive than what it actually costs. If you want to learn more about Aventon Pace 500 read a full review here.

What we liked

• Great acceleration
• 2 Driving modes: e-bike & PAS (pedal assist)
• 250 lbs weight capacity

What we didn’t like

• Power significantly drops when going uphill
• Heavy, especially if you have to carry it up the stairs

This is a lightweight, basic Class 3 electric mountain bike, featuring a 350W hub motor. It’s got enough power to get to the top speed of 19 mph, and 36V 8.8Ah Li-ion will give you up to 28 miles of electric-assisted ride out of it.

Merax mountain e-bike features a 7 speed Shimano gear system, aluminum alloy frame, front fork suspension and CST Jet brand tires. The hard seat and handles can be easily replaced and you can get more than a decent bike for an amazing price.

This bike is absolute great value for the price, although it does not come fully assembled and it does take some time to get the disc brakes sorted and the shifting tuned. But directions provided were accurate, tools are provided, and you will be able to take it out on trails or around town in no time.

What we liked

• Fully adjustable seat and handlebars
• Lightweight and compact
• Comfortable

What we didn’t like

• Underperforms on hills
• No suspension, gears or cruise control

Swagtron EB5 is the smallest in the Swagtron folding electric bikes line-up. The maximum speed is on throttle mode is 15.5 mph and the range around 15 miles. There is a PAS mode as well, but frankly it is a bit difficult to pedal this bike, though pedal assist makes it significantly easier, but once the battery dies out, you are in trouble. However, if you ride in PAS mode, the range you will get on a full charge is much longer.

Ride is pretty comfortable – soft saddle and thick tires provide enough cushioning over potholes and cracks in the pavement. It’s got one speed mode, but the gearing ratio is so low, you won’t have problem climbing hills. Though, with only one level of pedal assistance, you may wind up going too fast, so be careful.

The bike is fully adjustable; you can adjust the seat height, as well as the handlebars. The EB5 is among the most compact folding bikes. So compact you can fit two, or even three of them into a car trunk. It is not heavy, weighing 37 lbs, but the downside is that it can’t be rolled around when folded, so you will have to carry it.

What we liked

• Sturdy frame
• Affordable

What we didn’t like

• Not very adjustable

Aceshin Mountain Bike is definitely one of the cheapest e-bikes, and it is basically the same as Ancheer Power Plus. So it’s clear that this is not a premier quality bike, but you’re getting plenty for the price.

It is powered by 250W high-speed brushless motor, which is more than enough power for your daily commute. Pedaling uphill will be easy with the electric assistance, and to give your legs need a well-needed break, just twist the throttle and go on motor-only mode.

The 36 V, 8 Ah battery delivers a range of 31 miles, even more if you use pedal assist. Nice feature is a removable battery, so you can take it ti the wall outlet in your home or office to charge.

You get everything you need in a commuter bike, for a quarter of the price of some other electric bikes. The front fork is high-strength carbon steel with comfort shock absorption, double layer aluminum alloy rims with very good 26″ tires, front and rear mechanical disc brakes, and some extra features like the bright LED headlight, horn, and LED power indicator…

There are so many different ways to travel to work that it is impossible to find a commuter ride that is perfect for any rider and any situation. Instead of making a list of different types of electric bikes and biking styles, we have decided to focus on few things that might not be the first thing to come to mind when buying an e-bike, but will definitely help you make the right decision.

The length of your commute

The length of your trip should have the biggest impact on what your requirements for the commuter electric bike should be. If you find yourself riding less than three miles per day, any bike will fit your needs. At six miles you need to pay special attention to your seat and the height of your commuter bike, in order to have the most comfortable ride. If you ride nine miles and above, look for something designed for speed and efficiency. Investing in an electric bike with large capacity battery and a torque sensor is a very good idea, if it is your main form of transportation. Remember: ride smarter, not harder.

Cycling conditions on your route

Most commuters want to make the trip between work and home as quick and painless as possible. Opting for a road bike with large, skinny tires will make you faster, provided that the weather is warm and dry.

If you live in an area that experiences high levels of precipitation through the year, ensure the tires on your electric commuter bike can stand up to puddles and slick spots. In addition, keep in mind that fat tires will ride over things like tram tracks more easily.

Suspension is the awesome thing you can do without

A bike with a suspension system usually gives you a smoother, more enjoyable ride. Suspension systems are designed to take the bumps and shocks that come with tougher road conditions. However, some manufacturers opt to keep the weight and the price of the electric by crossing off the suspension system on the list of features. This is actually a very smart decision, as having no suspension is much better than having a one of poor quality. Make sure your bike is well-built, even if it has a solid fork frame instead of suspension fork.

It’s a good idea to check the regulations

In the USA, there is an active effort to regulate the use of electric bikes, and make them accessible to more people. The consumer product safety act HR 727 defines an e-bike as:

• Two or three wheels
• Fully operable pedals
• 750 W maximum
• Maximum speed of less than 20 mph on the motor only (on level ground, with a 170 pound rider.)

Also, there is a three-class system that defines types of e-bikes based on their function and speed (we’ve covered more of this topic in our article about electric mountain bikes.) Your best approach is to go directly to your states motor vehicle department website, and get a copy of your local state vehicle codes. Also, you should definitely consider your very local laws. Counties, Parishes, Towns, Cities and even park managers, can also regulate bikes, e-bikes, mopeds, etc. at the local level. Also, make sure to check all the rules and regulations considering required safety gear, especially wearing bike helmet.

Don’t underestimate the importance of comfort.

If it’s worth saying once, it’s worth saying twice: find a bike you think is comfortable. A bike can be fancy or well-engineered, but the one that you love riding is you perfect match. Find something comfortable to ride first and foremost before worrying about squeezing professional-level performance out of it.

The freedom of transport, the lack of stress from traffic and parking garages are just some benefits that make e-biking so attractive. You can carry more while sweating less because your bike will go faster then a traditional bicycle with little effort required! While there is no one bike that’s perfect for everyone, but there is the perfect bike for each person. Remember that when you’re shopping around, especially when it comes to commuter bikes, and make sure to go through the features to find your perfect match.