Electric bikes offer one of the lowest-impact and most senior-friendly modes of exercise. Their motors can help to take the edge off of hills that seniors using traditional pedal bikes might otherwise avoid. Yet, depending on the type of e-bike, they can still require enough physical effort to make for a great workout.

E-bikes have also been proven to help maintain cognitive and mental health among older riders; according to one study, low levels of pedal assistance from an e-bike can inspire confidence and improve self-esteem in older people who may feel limited by mobility issues.

Prospective senior cyclists often ask our team of reviewers for our opinion on the best electric bikes. To answer that question definitively, we decided to put our heads together and create this list of our favorites. There is something for everybody: from the most experienced cyclists to those picking up two wheels for the first time in years or even decades.

• Velotric Discover 2
• Aventon Pace 4
• Lectric XPress 750
• Ride1Up Portola
• Velotric Breeze 1
• Urtopia Carbon Joy
• Ride1Up Vorsa
• Aventon Aventure 3 ST
• Electra Townie Go!
• Rad Power Bikes RadKick
• Euphree City Robin X+
• Trek FX+ 1S
• Ride1Up Prodigy V2 ST
• Specialized Turbo Como 3.0
• Lectric XPedition2
• Lectric XP Trike2
• Rad Power Bikes RadTrike

From cruising traffic-clogged city streets to scooting a few blocks to the office and back, our staff of professional testers reviewed many of the best city and urban electric bikes on the market. But what makes a city bike a city bike?

Truthfully, this category of e-bikes is broad, and ultimately, any bike can be a city bike. For example, you could happily ride a full-suspension eMTB around the streets of New York City. You might, however, run into its limitations in that environment when riding through puddles or trying to carry it up a flight of stairs.

Generally speaking, city and urban e-bikes are a part of the larger commuter category, but they have certain characteristics that make them best suited for short-range commutes in densely populated urban environments.

They’re usually a little lighter, a little more nimble, and sometimes have a little less power and range than pure commuter bikes, though they may look extremely similar at first glance.

All of the bikes on this list have been put through the wringer by our team of experienced bike testers on the roads and bike paths of southwest Utah. We consider each to be equally comfortable in a dense urban environment.

If you’re seeking the best city e-bikes on the market, we think these are just too good to ignore.

• Ride1Up Roadster v3
• Tenways CGO600 Pro / Pro-C
• Lectric XP Lite2
• Aventon Soltera 2.5
• Velotric T1 ST Plus
• Trek FX+ 1S
• Rad Power Bikes RadKick (Chain Drive)
• Specialized Turbo Vado SL 2 6.0 EQ Carbon
• Trek FX+ 2
• LeMond Prolog

Cruiser-style e-bikes are the epitome of a good time! They’re designed to be comfortable, accommodating, and easy to ride, but a few other characteristics come standard as well.

While other types of e-bikes often pitch their riders forward, cruisers are known for their upright positioning (more like sitting on a chair than flying like Superman). They also typically have handlebars with some degree of curve, giving them a relaxed, ergonomic feel.

Finally, while some e-bikes deviate from the norm more than others, cruisers often feature motors with reserved, highly approachable power levels. This toned-down vibe encourages taking a slower pace and enjoying the scenery, making electric cruiser bikes ideal for leisure rides.

We’ve identified a handful of the best cruiser-style e-bikes from the hundreds our team of reviewers has tested. Cruisers come in two varieties that we have separated our selections into:

• Beach cruisers evoke the classic cars of the 1950s and 60s with curvy retro styling, soft colors, and shiny aluminum trim. Their handlebars are wide and swept back, with a feel similar to using a wheelbarrow.
• Dutch-style cruisers, on the other hand, are lightweight commuter hybrids that tend to be more contemporary in design; we like to call them “city cruisers.” They often have sleek, angular frames with brighter or bolder colors. While curved, their handlebars place their riders’ hands closer together in front of their bodies instead of tilted down and out to the sides.

Both styles are great for running errands or simply getting some fresh air. If you’re seeking a comfortable, stylish bike for casual rides or commuting, continue reading below for more information about our favorite cruisers!

Best Dutch Cruisers

• Velotric Discover 2
• Lectric XPress 750 ST
• Velotric Breeze 1
• Aventon Pace 4
• Specialized Turbo Como 3.0

Best Beach Cruisers

• Electra Townie Go! S
• Retrospec Chatham Rev+
• Retrospec Beaumont Rev 2

When discussing the two types of e-bike motors, the best mid-drive e-bikes and hub-drive e-bikes give riders a surprisingly different riding experience. With one, you only need to work as much as you want. With the other, you’re involved.

It’s a little more complicated than this, but I think it’s automatic vs. stick shift.

Most mid-drive motors use a torque sensor to judge when to turn the motor on and off. They also add an additional layer to the experience. By detecting how much pressure is on the pedals, they allow the motor to change how much it helps you pedal.

From the moment a rider pushes down on a pedal, the motor springs to life. Power addition and subtraction come in proportion to the rider’s effort. Furthermore, the proportion of power applied is determined by which PAS level the rider has selected.

While the experience of riding a mid-drive e-bike is natural and seamless, it also means that the rider is going to have to work harder to go faster. A Class 3 mid-drive e-bike, for example, won’t go 28 mph without the rider making some real effort.

We’ve tested a myriad of e-bikes with mid-drive motors and have selected a handful of options that we consider to be the best. Whether you want a relaxed city cruiser or a tough and active trekking bike, look no further for the best mid-drive electric bikes!

• Ride1UP Prodigy V2
• Aventon Ramblas
• Trek Allant+ 8s
• Aventon Aventure M
• Tenways AGO X
• Specialized Turbo Vado SL 2 6.0 EQ Carbon
• Specialized Turbo Como 3.0 IGH
• Specialized Turbo Levo Comp Alloy Gen 4
• Trek FX+ 7S
• Tern Quick Haul Long D9
• Trek Marlin+ 8

If you’re a speed demon, an adrenaline junkie, or simpy a fun-seeking rider searching for an e-bike with heaps of power and punch, you’re in the right place!

Whether used for cruising, commuting, or playing in off-road environments, moped-style e-bikes are as versatile as they are iconic. They borrow visual elements from motorcycles and dirt bikes, giving them an aggressive look that often matches their speed capabilities. In most cases, they’re also remarkably comfortable!

Also known as moto-style e-bikes, those in this category typically have thickly padded, nonadjustable bench seats. Some offer the ability to carry a passenger, commonly with the addition of a saddle extension, and many include motorcycle-grade suspension systems, durable tires, and lighting features such as full-on headlamps and turn signals.

Of course, moped-style e-bikes also include operable pedals, though we anticipate most riders will rely primarily on throttle power to motor around.

Our team of professional reviewers has tested hundreds of e-bikes of various styles, including moto- and moped-style e-bikes for on-road, off-road, and mixed use. If you’re seeking recommendations for a super speedy commuter or an off-road monster, see below for a list of our favorites!

• Ride1Up Revv 1 DRT
• Ride1UP Revv 1 FS
• EUYBike S4
• Ride1UP Revv 1 HT
• Retrospec Valen Rev+