Let’s face it, between subway delays, Uber surge pricing, and the daily cardio workout that is hailing a cab in Midtown (not to mention the expense!), New Yorkers are officially over it.
It might be time for you to join the e-bike community. Now, we’ve already tested the best electric scooters out there, but it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, especially if you want to feel more secure when riding through potholes and traffic. Learn everything there is to know about e-bikes and where to buy them below.
- Best Overall: Aventon Level 3 Commuter
- Most Affordable: Jetson Bolt Folding Electric Ride-On Bike
- Best Folding: Lectric XP Step-Thru 3.0 White eBike
- Best for Commuters: Himiway D5(Zebra) Premium All-terrain Electric Fat Bike
- Fastest: Radster Road Electric Commuter Bike
If you enjoy dodging gridlock on the way to the office or coasting your way in through a park route to the office, e-bikes are quickly becoming the city’s most stylish (and secretly practical) mode of transportation. They’re fast, quiet, and cost-efficient once you count in how much it costs to maintain a car, insurance and gasoline, or pay for a monthly transit card.
Before you swipe your credit card on the best e-bikes out there, there are a few things to keep in mind. Not all e-bikes are created equal; what’s perfect for a weekend cruise along the Santa Monica boardwalk might fall short on the streets of Fifth Avenue.
Some riders worry about range anxiety, others need a bike that’s easy to store, and some want big, flat tires to conquer rugged terrain. Whatever your riding style or needs, we’ve got an e-bike that’s ready to roll with you.
Best Overall: Aventon Level 3 Commuter
Pros:
- Long battery life
- Free shipping
- Integrated smart features like GPS tracking, auto-lock, and theft alerts
- Multiple sizing and frame options for all body types
- Class 2 bike
Cons:
- At times, the weight was hard to control
- Takes a long time to charge
New York Post Review: “Riding through streets battered by salt, heavy traffic, and relentless wear and tear, I felt surprisingly secure on the Aventon Level 3 Commuter. Even hitting potholes at 20 miles per hour, the bike’s suspension seat took on the impact, keeping the ride smooth and stable. No jolts, no bounce, just a calm, confident cruise that eased my worries about wiping out on rough city pavement.
Designed with city commuters in mind, this bike features an upright, relaxed riding position that’s perfect for navigating traffic and tight spaces. A rear rack makes hauling your essentials a breeze, while front and rear fenders protect your clothes from splashes and grime.
The battery offers up to 70 miles on a single charge, and the bike can handle riders up to 300 pounds. Aventon’s thoughtful sizing includes both regular (4 feet 11 inches to 5 feet 7 inches) and large (5 feet 7 inches to 6 feet 1 inch) frame options, so nearly everyone can find their fit.
Yes, charging takes a few hours, but worst-case scenario? It’s still a bike. You can always pedal home.
Besides feeling secure, the Level 3 offers an easier ride with pedal assist to suit your pace and preference. It’s a smart choice for anyone who wants to commute in comfort while cutting down on emissions or on physical effort. After all, showing up to work drenched in sweat isn’t exactly a great look, and Aventon clearly understands that, which is why it has made life so much easier.
Available in two frame styles and four colors, Sandstone and Glacier Mint for the step-through, or Black and Aurora for the step-over. Plus, it comes with a two-year warranty and a 14-day return policy.” – Emma Sutton-Williams, commerce reporter
Weight: N/A| Weight supported: 300 pounds | Range: Up to 70 miles | Motor: 500-Watt
Most Affordable: Jetson Bolt Folding Electric Ride-On Bike
Pros:
- 30-day returns when you buy from Amazon
- 6 colors available
- 7 levels of speed
- The bike is versatile because it’s foldable
- UL-2849 certified
Cons:
- A 350-watt rear wheel motor may not be great for long distances
Get the ultimate in urban mobility with this foldable electric bike, designed for city dwellers navigating tight spaces and priced lower than most competitors.
With thick 14-inch wheels built to absorb bumps and a convenient twist throttle for smooth, effortless riding, you’ll cruise through busy streets with ease. Built-in cruise control, along with an LED headlight and rear light, that not only keeps you visible to cars but also helps you spot potholes and street hazards at night.
This compact commuter bike is a smart, budget-friendly choice and is available in six colors and backed by a 30-day return policy when purchased from a trusted third party on Amazon.
Weight: 41 Pounds | Weight Supported: 265 pounds | | Range: 15 miles with motor, 30 with pedal assist | Motor: 350-Watt
Fastest: Radster Road Electric Commuter Bike
Pros:
- Two-year warranty
- Fast, free shipping
- Available in two different colors
- This bike was designed for riders between the height of 4 feet 11 inches to 6 feet 4 inches
Cons:
- Very heavy to hold up at 74.5 pounds
If you’re in the market for a fast e-bike, it’s essential to consider your city’s regulations. Most e-bikes are limited to a top speed of 28 miles per hour, as per Class regulations, which you can learn more about in our detailed article on everything to know about e-bikes. Bikes that exceed this speed, such as certain models from Yamaha, would be classified as motorcycles.
For safety reasons, we’re only recommending e-bikes that reach the fastest speeds allowed within regulations. Most e-bikes top out at 20 miles per hour, but the Radster pushes that limit with a top speed of 28 miles per hour and keeps with regulations.
Designed for all-weather riding, this e-bike is tough enough for rough terrain and built to last. It also offers peace of mind when it comes to theft protection, just lock it with a security code on the controls or use the included fob for quick access.
Additionally, the rear of the bike features a rack that can carry personal items or even a child, making it versatile for daily use.
Weight: 74.5 pounds | Weight Supported: 320 pounds | Range: 65+ miles | Motor: 750-Watt
Best Folding: Lectric XP Step-Thru 3.0 White E-Bike
Pros:
- Comes with a one-year warranty
- Provides an electric pedal-assist wattage regulation
- The battery is removable and weighs only 7 pounds
Cons:
- The weight was hard to control, so you need to be a strong person to hold it up
This e-bike is built for convenience and comfort, starting with its no-tools-required assembly, just unfold, charge, and ride. You can choose between a standard battery with up to 45 miles of range or upgrade to a long-range option that delivers up to 65 miles, perfect for short commutes or longer city adventures.
The front oil suspension fork smooths out rough roads, while the foldable design at both the handlebar stem and main frame makes it incredibly easy to store in small apartments, offices, or car trunks. Despite its compact build, it supports up to 330 pounds and features a powerful 1,000-watt peak motor for a strong, steady ride. You’ll feel comfortable with the wide tires for uneven terrain, so overall, we found this bike to be our top winner in the foldable category.
Weight: 57 pounds | Weight Supported: 330 pounds | Range: 45 miles | Motor: 1,000-Watt Peak
Best for Commuters and Adventurers: Himiway D5 (Zebra) Premium All-terrain Electric Fat Bike
Pros:
- Free shipping
- 15-day return policy allowed
- Comes with a 2-year warranty
Cons:
- The weight was hard to control, so you need to be a strong person to hold it up at 79 pounds
The D5 Electric Mountain Bike is the ultimate ride for adventurers seeking to conquer any road, trail, or sidewalk. Powered by a 750-watt fat e-bike motor and paired with 4.0-inch Kenda fat tires, it’s engineered to tackle everything from snow-packed trails to deep sand beaches and muddy mountain passes.
With an impressive 80-mile range powered by a high-capacity Samsung 48-volt battery, this bike lasts three times longer than most standard mountain e-bikes. So you can commute to work or scale steep inclines with the Shimano Altus 7-speed gears.
The D5 is built to handle extreme conditions, so it’s great for rough terrain from winter through summer.
Weight: 79 pounds | Weight Supported: 400 pounds | | Range: 80 miles | Motor: 750-Watt
How we tested
We didn’t take every e-bike on the market for a joyride through Manhattan. But we did personally test one standout, the Aventon Level 3 Commuter. See our full review here.
We rode it straight into Times Square, then cruised up to Central Park, weaving through traffic, potholes, and the occasional confused tourist. We pushed the Aventon across different assist modes, tested its e-bike battery range, braking power, comfort level, and just how fast it could actually go.
As for the other bikes featured in this guide? We did a deep dive into e-bike reviews, user feedback, spec sheets, and expert roundups. We compared motors, frames, features, e-bike accessories, and prices to help you figure out what’s legit—and what’s better left in the “wish” section of your shopping cart.
Whether you’re eyeing the fastest e-bike on the road, a versatile folding e-bike, or one of the more affordable options in the cheap e-bikes category, we read the fine print so you don’t have to.
FAQ
Are fat tire e-bikes worth it?
If your idea of a bike path includes sand, snow, or questionable city streets, a fat-tire e-bike offers killer stability and comfort. I’d say 100%, it might make the difference between death and life when you hit a bump and fall into traffic. Wider tires give peace of mind and a smoother ride. They’re also great for larger riders or anyone who wants to feel extra grounded.
Can I find a good e-bike on a budget?
You can! Less expensive e-bikes that don’t fall apart after three rides exist; you just have to know where to find them. We focused on models with reliable e-bike motors, decent battery life, and good warranty coverage. Other great places to look are Walmart, Amazon and Target.
How long does an e-bike battery last?
A quality e-bike battery typically lasts between 3 to 9 years, depending on how often and how well it’s used. Factors like battery type, riding habits, terrain, and maintenance all play a role in its lifespan. According to Tom Sweeny, Affiliate Marketing Specialist from Aventon, it’s important to remember that all bikes, including e-bikes, need regular maintenance from time to time, so it matters greatly how well you take care of them and how often you use them.
To help extend your battery’s life, avoid letting it fully drain regularly, keep it away from extreme temperatures, and store it indoors when not in use. Regularly charging the battery even when it’s not in use and keeping it clean and dry can also help maintain its performance over time.
What motor size do I need?
Commuters can get by with a 250-watt motor, but for real power, especially uphill, you’ll want 500 watts or more. The Aventon Level 3 Commuter, for example, packs a 500-watt motor that makes climbing or coasting feel like cheating (in a good way).
Read our full review here.
What are some other good places to consider when buying an e-bike?
You can also check out other great e-bike options from Trek, Walmart, Jasion, Jetson, Talaria, and Sondors, each offering something unique, from high-performance trail machines to budget-friendly urban cruisers.
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