Best City and Urban Electric Bikes | 10 Light & Zippy Rides

The Specialized Turbo Vado SL 2.0 is the e-bike equivalent of what you might get if you crossed a high-end Lexus with a stealth fighter; this carbon fiber commuter is packed with premium tech and is made to deliver a top-tier experience. In fact, Specialized designed it to be a functional car replacement, and we think it largely lives up to the hype.

The bike features a custom Specialized 1.2 SL mid-drive motor that somehow feels natural and powerful at the same time. As a Class 3 e-bike, the Vado SL 2 can reach speeds of up to 28 miles per hour, and its lightweight construction allows it to accelerate quickly and maneuver easily through traffic. It’s an engaging experience that our team of testers found addicting.

While it’s relatively simple to use from the get-go, the Specialized app opens up many customization options and additional features that quickly became an essential part of the ride; users can tune the motor’s output in each pedal assist setting, track and sync ride data with popular fitness and health apps, and set up security features such as a lock and an alarm.

Additionally, Specialized built Apple’s Find My™ technology into the bike directly, allowing users to track the Vado SL 2’s location, engage the alarm remotely in the event of theft, and set the bike’s status as lost so it can alert nearby Apple device users.

To top off the Turbo Vado SL 2’s robust package of features, the 6.0 EQ trim model is equipped with fenders and an MIK-HD cargo rack with an impressive 59.5-lb capacity. Surprisingly, this rack can even be equipped with a child seat to make the bike even more versatile!

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We were big fans of the original version of the Soltera, but the bike and its cadence sensor felt somewhat mismatched. Now, after Aventon’s sweeping upgrade to torque sensors across their entire lineup, the Soltera.2 feels significantly more complete.

The bike’s 350W rear-hub motor with a torque sensor helps it to feel much like a “regular” bike. Its motor allows riders to accelerate faster and travel at higher speeds, of course, but the Soltera.2 still needs – and responds to – its rider’s effort.

This is a bike for those who enjoy a classic cycling experience but who also might want a bit more pep and fun in their lives!

With a relatively lightweight 46-lb frame and 700c x 38mm tires, the Soltera.2 handles well and feels highly nimble. It’s also easy to lift, whether you need to carry it up a flight of stairs or throw it on a bike rack.

We’re also thrilled about some of its additional features; the addition of turn signals helps with communication on the road, and Aventon’s selection of 4 PAS settings makes the bike feel user-friendly and intuitive. Add in some flexibility and breathing room with Class 3 speeds above 20 mph, and the Soltera.2 is one fantastic bike!

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The last-generation Ride1Up Roadster V2 landed a consistent spot on this list of the best city e-bikes due to its simplicity, affordability, and laser-focused utilitarian nature. With the updated Roadster V3, Ride1Up made a number of quality-of-life improvements, which took a great bike and made it even better.

For starters, the Roadster V3 sports a number of impressive specs and name-brand components we don’t often see at its price point. The bike is decked to the nines with Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, 27.5×1.5” Schwalbe G-One RS gravel tires, and your choice between a single-speed belt drive or a 10-speed Shimano Deore drivetrain.

While it’s a little heavier than its predecessor at 44 lbs, we found this to be a worthy tradeoff for some of its less-common features in its category. For starters, the V3 includes a fully integrated but removable battery instead of the sealed internal power source found on most city bikes. It is also equipped with a more powerful than average 500W hub motor with a torque sensor.

We loved the bike’s active pedaling experience and nimble handling, but we also took to its streamlined design and matte paint job. The bike’s tires lend it uncommon versatility among city bikes, allowing it to venture off the beaten path on gravel routes and dirt roads.

We were also pleased to see an uncommon element among Ride1Up models — the Roadster V3 is offered in three frame sizes to give riders of different heights a precise and comfortable fit!

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City and urban e-bikes are often relatively minimalistic in their design, prioritizing low weight, pedaling efficiency, and agility over comfort and customization. The Velotric T1 ST bucks this trend with its adjustable stem, uncharacteristically plush saddle, and color display with multiple riding modes.

We enjoyed the bike’s overall comfort level; its overall cushy feel kept our testers comfortable on extended Range Test rides. This was an especially important element of the ride, as the T1 ST exceeded the range of many of its peers; we surpassed the 70-mile distance Velotric advertises!

As with many similar models on this list, the T1 ST Plus pedals naturally, thanks to its relatively reserved 350W motor and torque sensor. We found the range of power levels within the bike’s pedal assist system appropriate for exercise, leisure rides, and speedy commutes. The bike ships as a Class 1 with pedal assist up to 20 mph but can be set to a max of 28 mph.

The T1 ST Plus is available in two frame sizes that can accommodate riders from 4’11” to 6’4”. It is UL 2271 and UL 2849 certified and also carries an IPX6 water-resistant rating. The bike also includes relatively unique security features; it incorporates Apple’s Find My™ technology, allowing its location to be tracked as long as it is in range of Bluetooth-compatible phones.

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As a relatively premium option, the Vvolt Centauri II features streamlined, lightweight construction, a mid-drive motor paired with a 3-speed internal gear hub (IGH), and fully automatic shifting.

Like a single-speed e-bike, this combination makes the Centauri extremely simple to hop on and ride while also granting it the versatility that comes with a multi-speed drivetrain. The bike also includes a Gates Carbon belt connecting the IGH with the mid-drive, making for an exceptionally quiet ride and a remarkably low-maintenance user experience.

With a lightweight frame and a total weight of 55 lbs, it blurs the line between a city bike and a commuter. The Centauri II has expectedly quick and agile handling, but unlike many urban e-bikes on the market, it features a removable 490 Wh battery. Additionally, Vvolt equipped the bike with a unique monoshock suspension system built into the fork.

The Centauri II includes commuter essentials such as lights, fenders, and a rear cargo rack. Seamlessly integrated into the down tube and head tube, the bike’s sleek headlight gives the bike a futuristic look while offering great low-light visibility.

Bottom line: Vvolt’s Centauri II is a seriously unique, high-tech e-bike made to stand out from the crowd while being impressively easy to use!

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The Tenways CGO600 Pro earned a place on this list with its great design, simplicity, and ride feel.

We were pleasantly surprised by how zippy and responsive it felt! As a Class 1 e-bike, the CGO600 Pro does not include a throttle, but its 350W rear-hub motor can assist you when pedaling up to 20 mph. Its torque sensor allows it to give you more power as you pedal harder – just like an analog bike.

Like some of the other models on this list, the CGO uses a simple and clean single-speed drivetrain. With a Gates Carbon belt instead of a chain, the bike’s drive system is much more durable, requires no maintenance, and does not require lubrication. We love not having to worry about getting our legs or pants greasy!

The absence of a full cassette may be limiting to some riders – especially on hills – but with no need to shift, we found the bike extremely easy to operate. Instead of the usual five pedal-assist settings, the CGO600 Pro uses just three, so finding the ideal power level was fast and straightforward.

We also really liked the bike’s overall visual appearance; it’s streamlined and contemporary, with unique color options like the “Avocado Green” on our test bike.

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We don’t often recommend e-bikes below $1,000 due to performance and quality concerns, but every model we’ve tested from Lectric has met (and often exceeded) our expectations. The Lectric XP Lite 2.0 lands on this list for its budget-friendliness but also for its portability; the bike folds to a compact size for storage and is “lite” enough to lift without an extra set of hands.

At 47.5 lbs, the bike’s low weight makes it nimble and maneuverable and also grants it quick acceleration. The 2.0 is “lite” enough to be carried up to a third-story apartment or easily managed on public transit—and its battery can be removed to shave off another 5 lbs.

To be clear, the XP Lite is basic but still highly functional, capable, and versatile.

For example, its single-speed drivetrain is cost-effective and requires little maintenance. Instead of shifting, riders can rely on the pedal-assist system to adjust speed and hill-climbing ability.

Additionally, while the bike’s 300W motor is modest, it can travel up to a Class 2 maximum speed of 20 mph through throttle or pedal assist.

Finally, although it lacks front suspension, the Lite’s knobby tires allow riders to venture beyond smooth, paved surfaces.

The bike is also compatible with plenty of accessories. Commuters looking for utilitarian accessories like fenders, a cargo rack, and pannier bags can add Lectric’s “Carry Package,” while those who want to maximize its functionality can add a front rack and cargo baskets with the “Cargo Package.” Lectric also offers battery and drivetrain upgrades at reasonable prices.

The Lectric XP Lite has a lot to love for budget-conscious riders, which is why we awarded it the Best Affordable City and Urban Electric Bike.

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With a simple, lightweight frame and plenty of high-tech features, the Vika X is an impressive folding e-bike geared toward city dwellers, commuters, and travelers seeking a trusty two-wheeled companion.

One of the most unique elements of the Vika X is its electronic shifting system, which includes an optional automatic shifting mode. While the bike’s derailleur is still cable-actuated, this system is quick and snappy. The automatic mode works in tandem with an automatic pedal assist setting that allows the motor to deliver a range of power levels based on rider effort.

Even when using the three standard assist settings, the Vika X has a responsive and natural-feeling ride thanks to its torque sensor. Once paired with the Blix Connect app, users can switch between Class 2 and 3 speeds or activate an optional automatic shifting mode that allows riders to enjoy a stress-free experience.

High-tech features aside, the Vika X is a highly practical folding e-bike. Its minimalistic frame is light yet sturdy, making the bike portable and easier to lift than the myriad of heavier folding bikes on the market. Additionally, the bike’s axles line up when folded and secure via a magnet, ensuring that it stays compact and manageable.

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With its light and simple step-thru frame, the Rad Power Bikes RadKick is an accessible and completely approachable urban commuter. The bike’s straightforward nature makes it easy to ride and operate, though it is well-equipped for comfort and the demands of daily use when traveling to work or school.

Rad offers the bike in both a single-speed and a 7-speed model. We tested the higher-priced single-speed option that includes a belt drive and a torque sensor. The torque sensor gave the bike a zippy and responsive feel, backed by the bike’s 500W hub motor. The durable belt drive is long-lasting and clean while making pedaling smooth and quiet.

The 7-speed model features a traditional chain and cassette, offering riders greater flexibility for climbing hills. It also uses a cadence sensor instead of a torque sensor to provide steady motor output while bearing a slightly more economical price.

We found the single-speed version to be plenty capable on hills, while providing an active and engaging pedal experience. Te RadKick felt safe and controlled with its throttle and pedal-assisted Class 2 limit of 20 mph. To ramp up the bike’s safety factor, it features the brand’s SafeShield potted battery technology, making the bike’s power pack fire resistant. Rad’s been leading the charge in battery enhancements and we feel this bodes well for the product’s longevity.

With included lights, fenders, a suspension fork, and a rear cargo rack, the RadKick is well-equipped and comfortable to ride. If you’re seeking a straightforward and trusty ride, look no further!

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The LeMond Prolog is one of the more unique e-bikes on this list, first, in its stunningly good looks. As a carbon fiber e-bike, it has the luxury of scrapping the usual preformed and welded aluminum frame members. Instead, it uses a clean and sculpted single-piece carbon fiber shell with internally-routed components and integrated lights.

Second, in shockingly low weight and great handling; the composition of its composite components results in an e-bike that weighs just 26 lbs! When riding, the frame can feel like it’s not even there, it’s amazingly easy to lift and carry, and its handling feels highly responsive with such a featherlight frame.

Third is its technology; the Prolog uses a high-end Mahle x35 drive system with a fully internal battery, a subtle 250W rear hub motor, and a single-button user interface instead of a display. Instead of a screen, this interface uses an intuitive, color-changing light ring to communicate battery charge level, current PAS setting, light system activation, etc.

As a Class 1 e-bike with such a slight motor, the Prolog will help you pedal up to 20 mph, but it’s made for riders who want to feel like they’re doing most of the heavy lifting. The bike’s interface is unique and effective despite its simplicity; it communicates pedal assist setting, battery charge, and light system activation through a full-color light ring around its button.

The Prolog offers a premium, hi-tech experience that needs to be felt to be understood; it’s a more performance-oriented e-bike than many on this list, but in many ways it’s also a work of art.

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There are an absurd number of e-bikes on the market today that come in all shapes and sizes for a variety of intended uses.

As such, we’re not going to kid you (or ourselves) by claiming this list is perfect. Instead, this list is a hard-debated and long-considered catalog of some of the best city and urban e-bikes on the market.

We know all of these bikes intimately; we’ve pedaled them hundreds of miles up hills, through traffic, and around our local bike paths. We’ve even put them through an array of standardized tests to fully understand how well they perform in the real world. These bikes stood out the most from the dozens of similar bikes we’ve tested.

We evaluated city and urban bikes based on a few key criteria, mainly:

• Range: How long will the battery last? City bikes typically need to cover shorter distances, but their batteries should be able to last for a solid day of riding.
• Weight: Could you carry the bike up a flight of stairs or lift it onto a bus? This is a tough bar to clear for most e-bikes, but we feel the cutoff for city and urban e-bikes is around 50 lbs.
• Maneuverability: Can the bike fit into tight spaces between cars? Is it quick enough to dodge pedestrians? City bikes are known for responsive handling and a high degree of agility.
• Comfort: Is the bike comfortable to ride for long periods of time? Urban e-bikes are typically less comfortable than cruisers as they prioritize functionality, but the bike’s positioning and geometry shouldn’t leave you sore.
• Accessories: How can the bike be customized? Many city bikes take a minimalist approach, but we appreciate the option to add useful accessories like lights, fenders, cargo racks, etc.

We update this list regularly as we test more bikes and identify new models that impress us, but there are too many being added to the market on a daily basis for us to keep up with them all. Do you have a favorite that you didn’t see here? Let us know what you ride!

We did our best to walk a mile in the average city-dweller’s shoes when making this list, but everyone’s needs are different.

The most important thing you can do when buying a new e-bike is to have a solid idea of what you want to do with it. When compiling this list, our team envisioned a person needing a reliable method of covering a modest distance while sharing the road (or path) with plenty of other people.

Maybe you want a bike to be lightweight and agile; maybe you want it to be stylish; and maybe you want it to be able to carry a little cargo (or a little human). If any of these options sound like you, you’re in the right place. If not, that’s OK too—we’ve got lots of other lists covering the best bikes in categories from commuters to cruisers and more.

Our advice when buying an e-bike: be real about the distance you need to cover each trip and what type of hills and obstacles you need to navigate—and get a bike that matches those needs.

If you’re new to e-bikes and need help understanding the difference between watts and motor controllers, we’ve got a guide for that. We’d also especially recommend checking out our list of the best commuter e-bikes, as many of those options are similar to those featured here.

Have a bike that you think would be a good contender for our best page? Let us know in the comment section below. At the very least, we always want to know what our readers are riding.