Electric Bike Buying Guide

Electric bicycles come in a range of styles to suit different uses—everything from riding steep mountain trails to getting to and from work. But there are three general categories related to their electric propulsion systems. Each type applies electric power to the bicycle’s driven wheel in a distinct way, whether using input from the rider’s pedals or from a thumb or twist-grip-activated throttle. Deciding which one is best for you depends on how you plan to use the bike and how far you want to go.

Class 1 represents pedal-assist bikes, which power the electric motor as your feet apply pressure to the pedals. There’s no throttle control on the handlebars to get the bike going; the electric part works only when the rider is pedaling, and the e-assist cuts off at speeds above 20 mph.

Class 2 bikes have an electric motor that works up to 20 mph, either while the rider is pedaling (pedal-assist) or with electric propulsion alone, via a throttle control.

Class 3 limits an e-bike’s top speed to 28 mph. These faster, more powerful models might not be legal to ride in some areas, such as on bike paths.

CR has tested Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes but no Class 3 models. Prices range from about $600 to around $4,000, although most of the better ones cost at least $1,000. The highest-rated e-bikes tend to be the most expensive models in our tests, although none are anywhere near the $6,000 to $7,000 you might encounter at bike shops. (Prices can be much higher for certain specialty e-bikes.)

We’ve found that more selectable gears make for a better riding experience once the battery is drained and pedaling provides the only power. Single-speed bikes aren’t as versatile. Depending on the model, electric assist is applied either at the hub of the rear wheel or in what’s called a mid-drive, in which power is applied at the bottom bracket, where the pedals are located. Mid-drive models tend to be more responsive and typically route electric power through the bike’s gearing, which can help save battery power on hills and longer rides. Still, there are a number of hub-drive models that offer a reliable, satisfying ride.

Consumer Reports members can access our latest e-bike evaluations, including ratings on Class 1, Class 2, folding, and mountain bikes.

Take your time to find a model that fits you physically and will meet your long-term needs. If you’re in a hilly area, you may want one with a higher number of gear selections to save energy—both yours and that of the battery. Consult local regulations so that you know what, if anything, is required to ride an e-bike in your area, and where you’re allowed to ride one.

There are a number of newer brands that specialize in building e-bikes, like Rad Power Bikes and Blix Electric Bikes. You may be unfamiliar with them, but some of these are strong companies with innovative products and good customer support. Be wary of internet bike brands that might not be there tomorrow to offer customer service. Diligence is warranted if you stray from the long-standing name brands, including Cannondale, Specialized, and Trek.

We’re also not bullish on any type of bike sold through big-box stores. The salespeople are seldom bicycle experts. This can affect assembly and repairs, and you might wind up spending any money you saved trying to get a budget bike to work properly. Many bike retailers won’t even service models sold from big-box outlets because the quality is so poor.

Another option is to buy a bike from a direct-to-consumer manufacturer. But it will need some final assembly, such as fitting the handlebars, seatpost, and pedals. You’ll need some mechanical aptitude, and you might need specific tools such as a hex or Allen key and a torque wrench. You may find it challenging to set up a disc-brake model without the pads rubbing on the rotor. You can take the bike to a local shop for assembly, but it will cost you.

That said, most bike shops sell e-bikes, and the sales and service staff are typically quite knowledgeable about them. Plus, they can help you make a solid choice if you decide you want to buy one.

We always recommend test-riding any bike before buying it. You should get a sense of how it feels, brakes, and shifts. (A dealer can customize the fit for you.) Some dealers will also allow you to rent an e-bike, giving you a chance for an extended ride on the road or trail you plan to frequent. Even if it’s not identical to the model you want to purchase, renting lets you gain additional seat time to settle on the style of e-bike that works best for you.

Once you’ve selected the model you want, keep in mind that it can be—and should be—further customized. The handlebar tape or grips, the pedals, and especially the saddle are your points of contact and control. Your hands, feet, and butt have to perch comfortably, and all of the bike’s parts should be adjusted to fit you. For instance, a new stem can lift the handlebars closer to your torso. A dealer can also add features for you that might not come with a bike, such as a bell, head and taillights, fenders, water bottle holders, a phone mount, and even a luggage rack. But the key is getting the fit right.

If you haven’t purchased a new bicycle in a while, you might be in for some sticker shock. Bicycles—especially electric ones—can be a relatively big-ticket item. In addition, tariffs on imported bicycles and parts will also increase prices.

Some bicycle shops offer layaway plans, where you make a down payment and pay the bike off in installments. The store will hold on to the bike until you are fully paid.

There are buy now, pay later options, and these vary in how they’re set up. A large finance company, Affirm, offers some 0 percent options, but it can also charge interest rates between 10 and 30 percent. Klarna is a competitor, and it’s more likely to offer a “pay in four” plan that has 0 percent interest on a four-month loan. How do these banks make a cent on zero-interest loans? Simple: Merchants or exercise bike brands like Peloton, which has zero-interest loans through Affirm, are fronting the finance charges because moving inventory is more valuable to them than making a few extra bucks off the financing.

Our advice: Consider the possibility of high interest rates before signing up for any buy now, pay later plan. 

Although e-bike batteries and their electronics are generally very safe, a faulty battery or charging equipment can cause a major fire that could lead to injury or death. In New York City, where e-mobility devices have been in use for a while, lithium-ion battery fires associated with e-bikes and e-scooters are a growing problem, mostly due to the availability of batteries and related parts that aren’t properly tested. An investigation by CR found that these inadequately tested products were a major contributor to fire danger.

In choosing an e-bike, we strongly recommend considering only bikes (and replacement batteries) that have been tested by Underwriters Laboratory (UL) or another nationally recognized laboratory. (Otherwise, there can be serious safety risks.)

The New York City Fire Department has a number of safety tips related to e-mobility devices:

• Buy an electric bike that is certified by a qualified testing organization such as UL. The same applies to other devices powered by a lithium-ion battery.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging and storage.
• Always use the manufacturer’s cord and power adapter made specifically for the bike.
• Don’t leave an electric bike unattended while it’s charging, and don’t leave it charging overnight.
• If a battery overheats or you notice an odor, a change in shape or color, leaking, or odd noises, stop using it immediately.
• If the battery reacts in an alarming way, and it’s safe to do so, move the device away from anything that can catch fire and call 911.
• Keep batteries and devices at room temperature. Don’t place them in direct sunlight.
• Store batteries away from anything flammable.
• Don’t use aftermarket batteries.
• Don’t charge an electronic device under your pillow, on your bed, or near a couch.
• Don’t block your primary way into and out of your house, apartment, or building with an e-bike or other device.
• Don’t leave an e-bike in a child’s room (or bedrooms in general).
• Dispose of used batteries in accordance with state and local regulations.

We can’t stress enough that you should always wear a bike helmet. It’s the single most important measure you can take to prevent serious injury or death while riding an electric bicycle (or any bicycle, for that matter). Gloves can help absorb vibrations and protect your hands if you take a spill. Polycarbonate glasses can shield your eyes from bugs and errant pebbles. A water bottle is handy to have on long, hot-weather rides, too, so consider having a water bottle holder installed on your e-bike. High-visibility clothing can help others see you. Our guide to bike riding safety also covers why you should add USB-rechargeable lights for greater visibility—and how to ride to ensure both comfort and safety.

There are a lot of options when it comes to customizing an e-bike. A bike shop may swap certain components at little or no cost, but it’s important to factor this into your overall budget so that you have some funds left over after purchasing the bike for upgrades. Adding a bell, a headlight or taillight, a phone mount, or water bottle holders is quick and easy, and the shop may install it at no extra charge. But the cost of getting a new seat or stem can range from $30 to well over $200 even before you add in the cost for the shop to install it.