Electric Bike Reviews, News, & Testing

Electric Bike Report

x
Menu
We are reader-supported. When you buy an e-bike or gear through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission that supports our independent testing. Learn how we test.
Sponsor

Michael Clark

Co-Owner, E-Bike Writer & Reviewer

Michael has been involved with many of the aspects of operating Electricbikereport.com. Figuring out how to test products and help consumers decide which e-bike is best for their personal needs is a passion. E-bike’s have the opportunity to completely change the way people move around, get outside, and get from one place to the next. Riding bikes is a daily thing around here, and man do we get to ride a lot of bikes!

Get to Know Michael Clark

Certifications

  • B.S. Accounting

Favorite Style of E-Bike

Commuters, Utility Bikes, and E-MTB’s

Favorite E-Bikes Reviewed

RadRunner 2, Globe Haul

Current Bikes You Ride/Own

Orbea Rallon, RadRunner 2, Lectric X-Pedition, Lectric XP Lite, DYU, Euphree City Robin X

Hobbies

Traveling around the world, Hanging out with my wife and kids, and growing our business.

Some links may be affiliate links. We may get paid if you buy something or take an action after clicking one of these.

Michael Clark

Best Electric Bikes Under $1,000 | 8 Best Options For 2026

Best Electric Bikes Under $1,000 | 8 Best Options For 2026
When you’re on a budget, it can be tough to find the right balance between an affordable electric bike and a quality electric bike — but it’s not impossible. To help you sort out the affordable gems from the cheap lemons, the Electric Bike Report team has compiled our list of the best electric bikes under $1,000.

To be fair, it’s not easy to make a quality e-bike under $1,000 (even before inflation), so we’ve resigned ourselves to raising that price cap a little here and there to include some great deals. These bikes are priced near enough to that mark – or we’ve seen them on sale often enough – that we consider them worth a mention.

With a majority of budget e-bikes being sold online, it can be difficult to judge whether the bike you’re looking at is worth your money. Lucky for you, the experts here at Electric Bike Report have ridden hundreds of e-bikes. We are extremely familiar with all the bikes on this list, and we’re confident they’ll serve you well.

Please note that over the past 12+ months, the e-bike industry has been affected by numerous tariffs. The prices noted here were under (or around) $1,000 at the time of writing, but they may change at any point.

Our Best Electric Bikes Under $1,000:

*Electric Bike Report aims to help consumers find the right electric bike for their needs. When you buy a product we recommend, we may earn a commission.

Sponsor

[Read more…] about Best Electric Bikes Under $1,000 | 8 Best Options For 2026

Best Electric Bikes 2026 – Don’t Buy Until You Read This!

Best Electric Bikes 2026 – Don't Buy Until You Read This!

If you want to purchase an electric bike this year, you likely have questions:

  • Which is the best e-bike for 2026?
  • Which is the best e-bike brand?
  • How do I know that the brand will support me if I have problems with my bike?

We receive these questions daily from our readers, which is why we have written this post. We want to make it easy for you to find the best electric bike for your riding style, interests, and needs.

The challenge for many riders isn’t a lack of options, it’s the opposite. With hundreds of models, wildly different price points, and new tech dropping every few months, sorting through the noise can feel impossible. We’re here to help cut through that clutter.

At Electric Bike Report, we have been reviewing e-bikes for over ten years now. In fact, as far as we can tell, we are the oldest website dedicated to testing and reviewing electric bikes.

In the past 12 months, we have tested over 130 e-bikes from almost every major manufacturer. Keep in mind that this number does not include the hundreds of bikes we’ve test-ridden at cycling trade shows like EuroBike, the Sea Otter Classic, China Cycle, and the Electrify Expos.

Our goal with the following list of recommended electric bikes is to help you find a good bike that will last a long time. As you go through this list, you will notice that we have hill-tested, brake-tested, range-tested, and ride-quality-tested each of these bikes at our team’s headquarters.

As such, if you have any questions about the recommendations below, please ask us. We have extensive knowledge and experience with each electric bike here, and we will respond to your questions.

Our picks for the Best Electric Bikes of 2026

Best High-End

*Electric Bike Report aims to help consumers find the right electric bike for their needs. When you buy a product we recommend, we may earn a commission.

Sponsor

[Read more…] about Best Electric Bikes 2026 – Don’t Buy Until You Read This!

Heybike Anniversary Sale 2026: Save Up to $600 on the E-Bikes We’ve Tested

Heybike is turning five, and they’re making it worth your while. Through May 24th, the brand is running its biggest sale of the year – and if you’ve been sitting on the fence about an e-bike purchase, the timing is good. We’ve tested four of their current models over the past year, so consider this your cheat sheet: here’s what’s on sale, what you save, and which bike makes sense for you.

Also, we want to give a big thanks to Heybike for sponsoring this article. Sponsors like these help us keep the lights on, feed John so he has the energy to ride bikes every day, and keep our content free for you!

Sponsor
Sponsor

What’s in the Anniversary Sale

The sale has a few layers, so here’s how it breaks down.

Heybike Anniversary Sale 2026

Flash Sale – May 20–24 Only

Two of Heybike’s most popular bikes drop to $1,399 for five days only, each with a free accessory bundle:

  • Venus – $1,399 (save $500) + free fenders and rear rack set included
  • Ranger 3.0 Pro – $1,399 (save $500) + free front and rear baskets included

These prices expire May 24th. After that, both bikes return to their regular $1,499 price.
Anniversary Sale Pricing (Ongoing)

  • Mars 3.0 – $1,199 (save $600) + free gift box + 2 free baskets
  • Omega Series Hybrid – $1,699 + free gift box
  • Ranger 3.0 Pro – $1,499 (save $500) after the flash sale ends
  • Venus – $1,499 (save $500) after the flash sale ends

Combo Deals
Buying for two? Heybike is offering some of the steepest combo discounts we’ve seen:

  • Ranger 3.0 Pro Combo – from $2,598 (down from $3,998)
  • Mars 3.0 Combo – from $2,198 (down from $3,598)

Win a Free E-Bike
Every order placed during the Anniversary Celebration is automatically entered into a grand prize drawing. Heybike is selecting five winners to receive a full refund on their purchase – no entry form, no extra steps. Buy a bike, and you’re in.

New Model: The Saturn
Heybike is also debuting the Saturn during the anniversary window. It’s an 1,800W peak power bike on a 52V system with a claimed range of up to 90 miles, launching at early-bird pricing: single battery (30–50 miles) for $999, or dual battery (55–90 miles) for $1,299. We haven’t tested it yet – a full review is coming – but those are aggressive launch prices for that level of motor output.

All bikes ship within 1–2 business days and come with a 2-year warranty and a 14-day free trial.

Which Bike Is Right for You?

We’ve put all four sale bikes through our full test suite – speed, range (both max and minimum power), hill climbing, and braking. Here’s the quick summary of the results, along with links to the full reviews to learn more about each bike.

Heybike Venus – Best for City Riders
Flash sale: $1,399 + free fenders and rear rack

Hey Bike Venus Pink Acion

The Venus is the lightest bike in the lineup at just over 54 lbs, and it’s built very well for commuting, running errands, and cruising around the neighborhood. Dual torque and cadence sensors keep the motor feel smooth, and the upright Dutch-style handlebars make it very approachable and comfortable. In our testing, it outperformed city cruiser category averages in both hill climbing and range (estimated ~75 miles at low power). The free fenders and rack that come with the flash sale also address one of our own critiques from the review – they should have been included from the start. [Read our full Venus review →]

Heybike Ranger 3.0 Pro – Best for Commuters Who Want Comfort
Flash sale: $1,399 + free front and rear baskets

HeyBike Ranger 3.0 Pro action path

The Ranger 3.0 Pro is the most comfort-focused folder in the lineup, with full suspension – an adjustable rear air shock and 65mm front fork – and a step-thru frame with a 14.5″ standover height. It’s smooth on any surface and genuinely easy to get on and off. Hill climbing was a standout in our testing, with a pedal time that beat the comparison group average. At 77 lbs it’s not the most portable folder, but for riders who leave it parked more than they carry it, the comfort payoff is worth it. [Read our full Ranger 3.0 Pro review →]

Heybike Omega Series Hybrid – Best for Long-Distance Riding
Anniversary price: $1,699 + free gift box

Heybike Omega Series Hybrid Green

The Hybrid is built for riders with range anxiety – and it genuinely delivers. We covered 104.7 miles in real-world testing at PAS 2, exceeding Heybike’s own 100-mile claim. The 864 Wh battery is the largest in the lineup, and the switchable torque and cadence sensor system gives it flexibility for different riding styles. Braking and hill climbing both came in above category averages in our tests. If you have a long commute or just never want to worry about running out of charge, this is your bike. [Read our full Hybrid review →]

Heybike Mars 3.0 – Best Value
Anniversary price: $1,199 + free gift box + 2 free baskets

HeyBike Mars 3.0 action

At $1,199, the Mars 3.0 is the deal of the group. Full suspension on a folding e-bike at this price is genuinely uncommon, and the 750W motor peaking at 1,400W with 95 Nm of torque gives it more punch than you’d expect. In our testing it matched the range and braking averages of comparable folders despite a smaller battery – a sign of solid efficiency. If you want the most performance per dollar, this is where to look. [Read our full Mars 3.0 review →]

Sponsor

Our Take on Heybike after Five Years

    We’ve been testing Heybike bikes for a while now, and our assessment is that the brand has improved quite a bit, especially this past year.

    Earlier models showed potential, but the bikes in this current lineup are more refined, better performing, and more competitive at their price points than anything we tested from them previously. Real-world range tracks the advertised numbers, the motors feel well-tuned, and thoughtful details – like torque sensors and thicker brake rotors – show up consistently across the lineup.

    With the improvements Heybike has made recently, we can’t wait to see what they do in the next five years.

    [Shop the Heybike 5th Anniversary Sale →]

Sponsor

Sponsor

SONDORS Returns? Shimano’s new autoshift system, an e-cargo conversion product | TWR Ep 34

Plus Safe Temps For Riding Your E-Bike, Aventure 3 Vs Nomad 2x On Hills, Paying For Features You Might Not Use & More!

This week’s e-bike news carries a familiar theme for the second week in a row: a comeback attempt from a brand many assumed was gone for good. SONDORS, once a major player in the e-bike and e-motorcycle space, is trying to stage a return with a new eMoto being launched on IndieGoGo. But it may face an uphill battle, as the company shuttered in 2023, leaving hundreds of customers out deposits for the never-delivered Metacycle.

There were also other product announcements. Shimano revealed a new automatic shifting system for its CUES drivetrain. The tech is housed in a self-powered rear hub that includes a dynamo, a self-charging lithium-ion capacitor, and sensors for speed, cadence, and gradient. Meanwhile, British startup Micro Mobility Labs is prepping the launch of an electric trailer designed to turn any bike into an e-cargo machine, offering powered assist up to 16 mph and a range of up to 19 miles.

And in the Q&A section of the video below, we tackle a few hot topics: safe weather temps for e-bike rides, hill climb comparisons between the Aventure 2 and Nomad 2X, and whether it’s worth buying a bike packed with more features than you think you need, just for the ride quality.

[Read more…] about SONDORS Returns? Shimano’s new autoshift system, an e-cargo conversion product | TWR Ep 34

Rad Power Bikes RadRunner Plus Review

Rad Power Bikes RadRunner Plus Review

Rad Power Bikes RadRunner Plus Review: Overview

The Rad Power BikesRadRunner Plus is a modern and intuitive Class 2 electric utility bike from Rad Power Bikes that combines a well thought out frame design with a powerful 750W motor and 48V, 14Ah battery.

If you’re looking for a clean and efficient alternative to your car, a good small cargo bike or you’re simply looking for an electric bike that will seat another person on the rear, the RadRunner Plus is a great choice.

During our RadRunner Plus review we put the bike through our hill climb test, brake test, circuit test and range test to give us a good idea of what the RadRunner Plus is made of. The Runner is a great bang for your buck e-bike with a lot of included quality parts and features, all while keeping the Runner around the $1,700 price point.

By the end of this review you should have a good idea of if the RadRunner Plus is the right Class 2 utility e-bike for you.

[Read more…] about Rad Power Bikes RadRunner Plus Review

Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 4 Review | The Iconic Cargo Ride

Now more affordable than ever, the faithful Rad workhorse offers great value for all your cargo needs.

Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 4 Review

The RadWagon 4 by Rad Power Bikes is a versatile cargo and commuter electric bike tailored for urban use. With a peak motor output of 750 watts, a 672 Wh battery, and a variety of available attachments, the RadWagon 4 is an impressively adaptable e-bike that could be an ideal solution for those looking to replace or reduce their reliance on a car. It’s a standout model, offering a different function and design compared to other Rad Power Bikes we’ve reviewed.

During our testing and review at Electric Bike Report, six team members collectively rode over 100 miles on the RadWagon 4. Without exception, every rider was pleasantly surprised by how much fun this e-bike is to ride.

At approximately 77 lbs, we initially expected a bike that would be difficult to handle and possibly underpowered. However, we discovered the opposite. The bike’s handling was excellent, even when loaded to its impressive 350-lb payload capacity with passengers and cargo. It tackled hills effortlessly, and the lower step-over height combined with the telescoping seat post made it accessible to riders of varying heights—from 5’4” to 6’5”.

Bottom line: If you’re in the market for a powerful, affordable e-bike capable of carrying cargo, passengers, and just about everything else, the RadWagon 4 by Rad Power Bikes is worth serious consideration.

[Read more…] about Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 4 Review | The Iconic Cargo Ride

Velotric Discover 1 Electric Bike Review

Velotric Discover 1 Electric Step Thru E-Bike Review

Velotric Discover 1 Review: Overview

The Velotric Discover 1 is a Class 2 electric step-thru bike that walks the fine line between commuter and cruiser. During the Velotric Discover 1 review we learned it has the upright and comfortable positioning of a cruiser while sporting the looks and handling of a commuter bike, taking the best aspects from both bike styles.

The Discover 1 comes with a 500W rear hub motor, and 48V, 14.4Ah internally integrated battery. The Velotric Discover 1 review was an interesting one, as we have tested numerous bikes with similar price points, and specs — we were eager to see how the Discover 1 stacked up to competitors bikes.

We conducted multiple tests to find out where the Discover 1 falls into the grand scheme of budget friendly Class 2 e-bikes, by the end of this write up you should have a good understanding of the Velotric Discover 1’s capabilities, strong suits and more.

The Velotric Discover 1 we tested was a pre-production model — which is something to keep in mind throughout the Velotric Discover 1 review write up and video. As of this writing for the Discover 1 review, Velotric is currently raising funds on Indiegogo, but will fully launch on their own website soon. Let’s jump in.

*Editor’s Note: Velotric no longer sells the Discover 1, but they do have it’s upgraded model the Discover 1 Plus. See the review here.

[Read more…] about Velotric Discover 1 Electric Bike Review

ZF Has a 48-Volt Mid-Drive Motor

The ZF CentriX Drive is a surprisingly lightweight system with up to 600W and 90Nm of power output, while offering powerful 48V circuitry.

ZF Has a 48-Volt Mid-Drive Motor

Most mid-drive motors operate on 36V systems. That’s because most mid-drive motors produce just 250W, nominally. The German company ZF has introduced a new mid-drive motor, the CentriX drive, that uses 48V circuitry to supply power more readily.

The ZF CentriX Drive is a mid-drive motor that can produce up to 90Nm of torque and a maximum power output of 600W. Those are solid numbers but what is even more impressive is that the CentriX Drive weighs just 2.5kg (5.5 lbs.). In fact, ZF makes two different versions of the CentriX Drive, the CentriX 90, which produces up to 600W and 90Nm of torque and the CentriX 75, which produces up to 450W and 75Nm of torque.

The motors can be configured with either a 504Wh or 756Wh battery. ZF also produces a controller, a color display, a top-tube-mounted power button and a smartphone app.

Sponsor
Sponsor
Based on the specs alone, the ZF CentriX Drives seem destined to be sought-after systems for eMTBs and lightweight road and gravel e-bikes. Low weight, high power output and a 33 percent increase in voltage should certainly get the attention of manufacturers.
Sponsor

Sponsor

2024 E-Bike Trends Predictions: How Are We Doing So Far?

2024 E-Bike Trends: How Are We Doing so Far?

At the beginning of the year (Where did those four months go?) we published our predictions for the coming e-bike year. We are far enough into the year now that we thought we should take a look at those predictions and see how we are doing. The e-bike market is in the most rapid evolution we’ve seen since e-bikes became a blip on the radar.

  • E-bikes to look forward to
  • Will new motors and systems emerge?
  • Battery breakthroughs?
  • Battery certification and recycling
  • More e-bike cars, and microcars?


    • E-bikes to look forward to

    2024 E-Bike Trends Predictions: How Are We Doing So Far?

    Van Moof

    The Dutch city bike maker was purchased out of bankruptcy and we recently reported that the new owner, Lavoie had discontinued the warranty-issue-plagued X3 and X3 and that they would add a full-suspension city e-bike and build a network of independent dealers.

    As of this writing, they still haven’t resumed selling e-bikes.

    More lightweight e-bikes and eMTBs

    2024 E-Bike Trends: How Are We Doing so Far?

    We noted that the launch of some lightweight mid-drive motors in 2023 should translate to an increased number of lightweight e-bikes. It takes about a year from when a new product hits the market before we see it spec’d on new or existing models.

    We are definitely seeing a rising number of lightweight e-bikes, particularly eMTBs. Two of our favorite examples from this spring are the Aventon Ramblas and the Canyon Neuron:ONfly. These are two eMTBs that their competitors are examining how to compete against, which is good news for everyone considering an eMTB purchase.

    Gocycle

    2024 E-Bike Trends: How Are We Doing so Far?

    The next product for Gocycle is to be a cargo e-bike. They announced the Gocycle G4, G4i and G4i+ at the end of 2023 and said it would be introduced in 2024, but as of yet, none of the G4 variants are available for purchase.

    Will new motors and systems emerge?

    2024 E-Bike Trends: How Are We Doing so Far?

    SRAM

    Since our January reporting on Amprio’s RMAG mid-drive motor, SRAM has purchased the company. This will speed up SRAM’s entry into the e-bike market. Considering SRAM’s product lineup focuses on more expensive enthusiast end of the market, it seems reasonable to expect that we will see the RMAG motors on eMTBs primarily.

    SRAM is simultaneously working on its Eagle Powertrain, which is based on a Bosch motor, shown above. The SRAM Eagle Powertrain has been spec’d on an ever-growing number of e-bikes including the Megawatt 297 from Nukeproof, the GASGAS ECC and MXC enduro and all-mountain eMTBs, the Transition Repeater PT and Propain Ekano.

    Pinion

    2024 E-Bike Trends Predictions: How Are We Doing So Far?

    While we have yet to see the Pinion MGU that combines both a motor and gearbox in a single unit, Lectric surprised everyone with their introduction of the ONE. It appears to be the only e-bike on the market in the $2000 price range equipped with the Pinion gearbox.

    Veer

    2024 E-Bike Trends: How Are We Doing so Far?

    Since our reporting on Veer’s 2-speed drivetrain for the Gates carbon belt drive, their crowdfunding effort on Start Engine has closed and they raised more than $300,000. Veer’s innovative drivetrain will appear on bikes and e-bikes from Phatfour, Detroit Bikes, Noko Bikes and Multicycle.

    Porsche

    While there’s no new word yet on the mid-drive motor that Porsche is developing, five models of the Rotwild-made eMTBs are available for purchase and they are taking preorders on six more models. The frame has a distinct visual language to delineate the Porsche models from Rotwild’s existing line.

    Hyena E-Road AIR System

    As of this writing, Hyena has removed the page for its E-Road AIR system for road e-bikes. The 2.9-lb. (1.3kg) AIR hub is listed, apparently available to OE manufacturers.

    Mavic X-Tend

    French wheel maker Mavic has teased a new, ultra-small mid-drive e-bike motor. The X-Tend is reported to produce a rather modest 39Nm of torque and is powered by a 250Wh battery. Other than the media reports that have been published, there is no mention of the motor elsewhere, including Mavic’s website.

    KMC

    2024 E-Bike Trends: How Are We Doing so Far?

    Chain maker KMC has announced an e-bike system called Kynamic that will give manufacturers a choice between a 250W hub motor and a 200W mid-drive motor. The system is powered by a 497Wh internal battery. So far, Whyte Bikes is the only company to spec the Kynamic system on an e-bike, its city e-bikes, the RHeO 2 and RHeO 3, which aren’t available online yet.

    Sponsor
    Sponsor

    Battery breakthroughs?

    2024 E-Bike Trends: How Are We Doing so Far?

    We are seeing battery technology improvements in 2024. Rad Power Bikes has introduced a new battery technology they call Safe Shield. With Safe Shield, the cells are “potted,” that is, they are encased in a resin that can dissipate heat should a battery cell heat up to a dangerous level, helping to prevent thermal runaway.

    Pedego recently announced three new models—a cargo e-bike, an e-moped and an e-trike—that will all be equipped with potted batteries. Though they haven’t followed that up with an announcement that they are changing over the batteries in their existing models, but it seems a safe bet to think that once they sell through their existing stock the next wave of product to arrive from Asia will have potted batteries as well.

    Battery certification and recycling

    UL certification for both batteries and systems has been on the rise. Rad Power Bikes has secured certification for both their electronics systems (UL 2849) and their batteries (UL 2271). Aventon and Denago have also secured UL 2849 and 2271 certifications for their e-bikes and batteries. One of the biggest brands in the market, Lectric, provides all of their e-bikes with batteries certified to UL 2271. These companies aren’t alone, either. The industry has embraced the need to instill confidence in consumers and we can expect to see all of the reputable manufacturers follow suit.

    A new law in Utah is the first to define unrestricted e-bikes as Out of Class (OCEV). There are some ambiguities to the law (particularly how it defines a 750W motor) that need to be clarified, but it is the first law in the country to address e-bikes and e-mopeds that can go faster than 28 mph.

    Sponsor

    More e-bike cars and more microcars

    2024 E-Bike Trends: How Are We Doing so Far?

    E-bike cars and microcars are an emerging new take on what an e-bike can be. There’s a need for delivery vehicles with a smaller carbon footprint than a typical delivery van and more payload capacity than a cargo e-bike. FedEx has announced new vehicles that will be used in high-density European cities.

    The Canadian company ENVO just announced a tadpole recumbent e-trike with an enclosure called the Veemo which is meant to address the reluctance of many drivers to give up the protection from the elements that their cars provide.

    Sponsor

    Sponsor

    Burley Nomad Review 2024

    Light, Nimble Touring Trailer, Holds up to 100 lbs of Cargo

    Burley Nomad Review 2023

    The Burley Nomad bike trailer is perfect for the touring cyclist who needs to carry cargo. This 16 lbs trailer offers 2.4 square feet of open space so can pack just about anything you want to bring with you, and also includes a rain cover. We tested out the Nomad to help you decide if it’s the right trailer for you – read all about it in this Burley Nomad trailer review!

    We were pleased to note that the Nomad’s hitch attached quickly and easily to our test bike using the axle nut, allowing us to hit the road in no time. The solidly built aluminum chassis remained stable during all of our rides, giving us the confidence that we could tow safely for many miles.

    [Read more…] about Burley Nomad Review 2024