The 10 Best E-Bikes I've Tested for Every Rider and Budget

During my daily 12-mile round-trip commute, the Level 3 consistently impressed with its natural pedaling feel. That torque sensor makes a massive difference. Unlike cheaper cadence sensors that feel like on/off switches, this responds proportionally to how hard you're pedaling. On Sport mode, I maintained 22-24 mph on flat roads without breaking a sweat. Hills that used to slow me down? The motor ramped up smoothly, maintaining my speed without any jerky power delivery. After 500+ miles, I averaged 65 miles per charge mixing all three assist levels.

The GPS security system proved its worth when my bike was moved 50 feet from where I locked it. Got an instant alert on my phone, could see exactly where it was, and the remote motor lock meant the thief couldn't ride it. That alone justifies the price for city riders. The 80mm front suspension and suspension seatpost aren't trail-ready, but they smooth out urban potholes beautifully. Only real gripe? The bike's heavy enough that carrying it up stairs isn't fun, but most commuters won't need to.

The new torque sensor transforms this bike from the original version. I tested both back-to-back, and it's night and day. Power delivery now feels intuitive rather than abrupt. Loaded with 200+ pounds of kids and cargo, I climbed the steepest hill in my neighborhood (averaging 10% grade) without dropping below 8 mph. The motor's 1,310W peak power isn't just marketing; you feel it when starting from stops fully loaded. The 50mm suspension fork, new for Gen 2, makes a real difference smoothing out rough pavement with heavy loads.

During a three-week test period, I used this bike for everything: two-kid school runs, Costco trips, even hauling lumber from Home Depot. The dual battery version gave me ridiculous range: 170 miles claimed, and I actually got 130+ mixing assist levels. That means nearly two weeks between charges for typical family errands. The quick-release pedals initially seemed gimmicky, but they're handy for fitting two bikes on a car rack. Only downside? The narrow kickstand feet sink into soft ground, so I added wider aftermarket feet for $15.

I spent two full days at a bike park testing this against three other e-MTBs in the same price range. The Levo stood out for how confidently it handled everything. Climbing a 20-minute technical trail with loose rocks and roots, I maintained momentum where other bikes bogged down. The motor's power delivery is so smooth you don't feel distinct "levels", it just amplifies your effort naturally. On the MasterMind TCU, you can fine-tune assist in 10% increments, which helped me maximize battery life on all-day rides. Got 45+ miles mixing Eco and Trail modes.

Descending is where this bike really shines. The mullet wheel setup (29" front, 27.5" rear) provides incredible stability while keeping the back end playful. I hit jump lines, rock gardens, and fast open sections, and this thing stays composed. The adjustable geometry let me dial it in perfectly: slack and low for bike park days, slightly steeper for climbing-focused rides. After 300+ miles including crashes and rough terrain, everything still feels tight and rattle-free. The only bikes I'd choose over this cost $12,000+.

I pushed this bike harder than any other in this roundup. Full-speed rock gardens, 6-foot drops, and steep chutes covered in loose scree, the Rail+ just plows through it all with confidence. That 160mm of travel front and rear isn't just for show; it soaks up hits that would rattle your teeth on bikes with less suspension. The new Gen 5 Bosch motor is noticeably smoother and quieter than previous versions. On a particularly brutal 18-mile loop with 3,000 feet of climbing, I finished with 35% battery remaining, which translated to about 40 total miles of range in real-world conditions.

The adjustable geometry via Mino Link and headset cups let me fine-tune handling for different terrain. I ran it in Low/Slack mode for bike park days and switched to High/Steep for cross-country rides. One quirk: there's a big jump between Medium and Large frame sizes (40mm reach difference), which might leave some riders between sizes struggling to find the perfect fit. Build quality is solid Trek, and after dozens of aggressive runs, nothing's loosened up or developed annoying creaks.

Running this through my standard commute test of 12 miles each way with moderate hills, it handled everything competently. The motor isn't as refined as the Aventon Level 3's torque sensor setup, but the cadence sensor worked fine once I got used to its on/off character. On pedal assist level 3 (out of 5), I maintained 18-20 mph on flats without breathing hard. Hills required bumping to level 4 or 5, where I felt more motor assistance but also more battery drain. Averaged about 45 miles per charge mixing assist levels, which handled my workweek commuting.

Build quality exceeded my expectations for the price point. After two months and 500+ miles, I haven't had any mechanical issues. The integrated front light is bright enough for night commuting, and the rear rack handled 30-pound grocery loads without flexing. Honestly, my main complaints are nitpicks: the suspension fork is pretty basic and doesn't do much, the grips could be more ergonomic, and I wish it had a more robust security system. But for $1,499? These compromises make sense.

My typical use case: ride 3 miles to the train station, fold the bike in about 20 seconds, roll it onto the train like a suitcase, then ride 2 miles from the destination station to work. This routine revealed both the Brompton's brilliance and its limitations. The fold is genuinely impressive. No other e-bike I tested came close to this level of compactness. On the bike itself, the 16-inch wheels and upright riding position feel different from standard bikes, but I adapted quickly. The 300Wh battery got me about 20-25 miles per charge, which covered my daily needs but wouldn't handle longer rides.

Build quality justifies some of the premium price. The folding mechanism feels solid and precise even after hundreds of fold/unfold cycles. Everything is over-engineered in that very British way, so nothing rattles and nothing flexes weirdly. The front hub motor provides smooth assist, though it's not as powerful as rear hub systems. On steeper hills, I found myself pedaling harder than I would on more powerful e-bikes. But the trade-off for genuine portability? Totally worth it if that's what you need.

The first time I picked this up, I actually double-checked that the battery was installed. It's that light. For my urban testing, I rode it through San Francisco's hills, and here's the reality: moderate hills are fine, steep ones require serious pedaling. The 350W motor isn't going to carry you effortlessly up 15% grades. But that's missing the point. This bike excels at flat-to-rolling terrain where its nimble handling and light weight shine. I averaged 19 mph on my commute, faster than most e-bikes simply because I wasn't lugging around 60+ pounds.

Battery life was the wildcard. On assist level 3 (highest), I got about 20 miles. Dial it down to level 1, and I stretched it to 35 miles. The removable battery is a game-changer for apartment dwellers. Just pop it off and charge it at your desk. After 400 miles, I appreciate this bike for what it is: not a car replacement for hauling cargo, but a genuinely lightweight urban runabout that doesn't feel like you're pedaling a refrigerator. The single-speed drivetrain initially worried me, but the motor compensates enough that I rarely wished for gears.

I took this on a 50-mile gravel loop mixing pavement, hardpack dirt, and loose gravel climbs. The Grizl:ON handled all of it with confidence. The drop bars and more aggressive geometry feel different from upright e-bikes, you're leaned forward, which takes weight off the rear wheel on climbs but provides better handling on descents. The Bosch CX motor delivered smooth power even on loose surfaces where too much torque would spin the rear wheel. I finished with 25% battery remaining, suggesting a realistic 60-mile range mixing terrain and assist levels.

What impressed me most was how capable this felt on actual trails. I diverted onto some singletrack sections that would've been sketch on a pure road bike, and the Grizl:ON just rolled through. Those 40mm tires provide enough cushion and traction without feeling sluggish on pavement. The 1x11 drivetrain has a wide enough range that I never missed having a front derailleur. Only complaint? The 500Wh battery is smaller than I'd prefer for all-day adventures. Canyon offers a 625Wh option on higher-spec models that makes more sense for serious distance.

The handling is what separates this from cheaper cargo bikes. Even fully loaded with two kids (about 180 combined pounds), the GSD feels stable and predictable. The 20-inch wheels lower the center of gravity compared to 26-inch alternatives, making it easier to manage at slow speeds and stops. I regularly navigated crowded city streets and tight parking situations, and this thing turns on a dime for a cargo bike. The Bosch Cargo Line motor is tuned specifically for heavy loads, and it shows. Starting from stops with 200+ pounds? Smooth and confident every time.

Build quality is exceptional. After six weeks of daily use including rough pavement and curb drops, nothing's loosened or developed squeaks. The quick-release accessories are genuinely thoughtful. I swapped between kid seats and panniers in under two minutes. The Clubhouse+ fort accessory turned the rear into a weatherproof enclosure my kids loved. With the dual battery setup, I got 80+ miles of range with moderate loads. The parking mode that locks the rear wheel is perfect for loading kids without the bike rolling away.

My first impression: this is a LOT of bike for $1,099. The motor provided adequate power for my commute, though the cadence sensor means you feel that on/off sensation rather than smooth torque-sensor response. On pedal assist level 3, I maintained 18-20 mph on flat roads. Hills required level 4 or 5, where I got more assistance but also more battery drain. Real-world range hit about 45 miles mixing assist levels, which covered my weekly commuting between charges.

The folding mechanism works but isn't as refined as the Brompton's. Takes about a minute and leaves you with a bulky package, nothing you'd want to carry far. That said, it fits in my car trunk and stands upright when folded, which solved my storage issues. The 3-inch fat tires provide decent comfort on rough pavement, though they feel sluggish compared to narrower tires. After a month of testing, some minor rattles developed from the folding joints, but nothing affecting function. For the price? I can't complain.