Best Electric Bikes for Women | Top 11 Options We’ve Tested
Many products in this world don’t need to be gender-specific: TVs. Computers. Baseball caps. However, many other items do need to be made to the specific proportions of one gender or the other: Clothes. Multivitamins. And, yes, bikes and e-bikes. Human anatomy is a fascinating thing.
Within each gender, there is wild variation in sizes and even proportions. Consider Laurel and Hardy. Despite all that variation, themes and trends do emerge. As a (very) general rule, for a given height, men will have shorter legs and a longer torso, plus longer arms. Also, on average, men are taller than women. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the average man in the U.S. is 5 feet 9 inches, while the average woman in the U.S. is 5 feet 3.5 inches.
Because most of all bikes and e-bikes are bought by men (What’s up with that?), the majority of all one-size e-bikes are made for a man’s proportions. Practically speaking, what this means is that while many women will be able to adjust the saddle height on an e-bike to suit their needs, they will be left with a long reach from the saddle to the handlebar that will force them to lean forward more than may be comfortable. The more a rider leans forward, the harder it becomes to control the e-bike and to maintain enough comfort to ride for more than a short time.
We’ve selected a collection of e-bikes that cover a gamut of uses, everything from cruisers and commuters to special-use e-bikes including eMTBs and even a road/gravel e-bike. Almost all of these e-bikes feature step-thru frames to make them easy to mount and dismount, while a few of these fit with more traditional expectations of what constitutes a woman’s design.
Only one of these e-bikes was specifically made for women; that’s more a reflection of the fact that we’ve chosen to focus on e-bikes priced in the $1,000-$2,000 range than what is available. The fact is, the more you’re willing to spend, the more options women are afforded. Yes, that’s sadly sexist; our job is to help point out the best opportunities we see.
No matter what sort of riding you want to do, there are options to suit your needs.
Wehn you visit a manufacturer’s site, take some time to look at their sizing recommendations. The broader the range they suggest, the less likely the e-bike is to work at the extremes of that range. Few e-bikes can really fit a range of heights broader than 5 inches. Would you want to buy a pair of pants that comes in only one size? The more different sizes a manufacturer offers, the more likely you are to find a size that fits you.
We’ve assembled a terrific collection of e-bikes; let’s dig in.
*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.
Our Picks Best E-Bikes For Women of 2024
- Best City Cruiser: Aventon Pace 500.3
- Best Comfort: Euphree Stellar Falcon
- Best Cruiser: Specialized Turbo Como
- Best Deal: Lectric XP Lite 2.0
- Best Customization: Electric Bike Company Model S
- Best Cargo: Lectric XPedition
- Best Commuter: Velotric Discover 2
- Best Fat Tire: Rad Power Bikes Radster Trail
- Best Full Suspension eMTB: Liv Intrigue X E+ Pro
- Best Hard Tail eMTB: Aventon Ramblas
- Best Road/Gravel: Ride1UP CF Racer
Aventon Pace 500.3
Best City Cruiser
We’ve chosen to lead off our collection of the best e-bikes for women with the Aventon Pace 500.3, a stylish cruiser that combines plenty of power and range with a great feel and handling and a frame that comes in two sizes. With its step-thru frame, it is easy to mount and control, even for more petite riders.
Aventon says the regular size of the Pace 500.3 will fit riders from 4 feet 11 up to 5 feet 7, and while that range might be a little generous, the regular is definitely a good choice for people between 5 feet and 5 feet 6. They say the large size fits riders from 5 feet 7 up to 6 feet 1; again, a little generous, but definitely great for taller folks. Aventon did a great job with the geometry of the Pace 500.3 by actually giving the two different frames both a different length of seat tube and different reach.
Other features we like about the Aventon Pace 500.3 are the hydraulic disc brakes and the wide-range 8-speed Shimano drivetrain. The adjustable stem can be adjusted to help reduce the reach to make the reach from the saddle to the bar as comfortable as possible.
Aventon has taken the step to make sure all of their e-bikes conform to the highest safety standards, and the Pace 500.3 is certified to UL 2849, which governs the entire electronics system.
- A torque sensor gives the Pace 500.3 a natural feel and helps to extend its range
- The tail lights operate as both brake lights and turn signals
- With its upright position and adjustable stem, it offers riders a very comfortable position
- The 500W brushless, geared hub motor provides plenty of zip and even performs well on hills
- For those looking to get around quickly, the Pace 500.3 can be unlocked for Class 3 riding
- The rear brake tends to lock up under hard braking, making the rear wheel slide
Euphree Stellar Falcon
Best Comfort
The Euphree Stellar Falcon gets our nod as the most comfortable e-bike for women for a few different reasons. First, there are the big tires on 27.5-in. wheels. Next, there’s the 110mm-travel fork. And, as if those weren’t enough, there’s the suspension seatpost that makes it feel like the saddle is on top of a pillow.
Euphree’s Stellar Falcon is a commuter with a step-thru frame and all of the necessities to make it ready for your trip to work. It comes with front and rear lights, a rear rack, fenders, and a heavy-duty kickstand. For those who have a longer commute, we’re pleased to report that the 750W Bafang hub motor has the power necessary to reach Class 3 speeds, cutting your commute time. Eurphree estimates the 720Wh battery can offer as much as 70 mi. of range on a single charge. The electronics are certified to UL 2849.
Let’s dig into the comfort it offers. The 2.8-inch-wide tires are wider than we typically see for this size wheel it rolls on. Then there’s the 110mm-travel air-spring fork, which puts most forks on other commuters to shame in terms of comfort. Finally, the suspension seatpost makes the saddle feel like it’s riding on a cushion.
Those big tires are knobby, so for the rider who might want to take their e-bike off-road or on multi-use trails, not only will the Euphree Stellar Falcon be comfortable, it will offer terrific traction and control. Euphree rounds out the parts pick for the Stellar Falcon with an 8-speed Shimano drivetrain and Tektro hydraulic disc brakes.
- With a 110mm-travel fork, a suspension seatpost and tires nearly 3-in. wide, this is one comfortable-riding e-bike
- Thanks to the 750W Bafang hub motor, it an be ridden as a speedy Class 3 e-bike with a top speed of 28 mph
- The electronics are certified to UL 2849, the industry’s highest standard for safety
- Comes ready for commuting with front and rear lights, fenders, a rear rack and kickstand.
- The decision to spec an actual air-spring fork is a decidedly premium feature
- We liked that they included both a cadence sensor and a torque sensor, but found the torque sensor wasn’t the smoothest we’ve tested
Specialized Turbo Como
Best Cruiser
A big segment of the market falls somewhere between $1,000 and $2,000; it’s a price range that is chock full of value, but there are a host of features these e-bikes don’t include in order to hit their price point. So, what happens when you step outside of that range? Just what do you get for your money? Well, the Specialized Turbo Como gets our nod for the best cruiser thanks to a number of premium features.
For starters, the Specialized Turbo Como is different from the other cruisers and commuters in this collection in that it features Specialized’s 2.0E motor, a 250W mid-drive motor powered by a 540Wh battery. Thanks to the motor’s torque sensor, power is both immediate and pronounced; it quickly accelerates to top speed. This is a Class 1 e-bike with a top assist speed of 20 mph and no throttle. The advantage to a Class 1 e-bike is that it is legal anywhere e-bikes are permitted, while not all Class 2 or Class 3 e-bikes are.
The Enviolo Continuously Variable hub is different from derailleur drivetrains because just a slight twist of the shifter keeps you in the perfect gear; think volume knob, not gear shift. Hydraulic disc brakes offer plenty of stopping power and excellent control over speed.
The combination of Specialized’s MasterMind and smartphone app give riders an unusual degree of control over their e-bike; you can adjust a number of motor performance details and the app-operated Turbo System Lock allows the owner to disable the motor and with it the crank, to give a level of security few other e-bikes can match.
The Turbo Como comes in three sizes, fitting riders from 5 feet up to 6 feet 3. This is especially good for more petite riders who may struggle to find an e-bike that fits their proportions. The 14-in. standover height makes mounting and dismounting especially easy.
- The quality of Specialized e-bikes is stellar; their 250W Specialized 2.0E mid-drive motor is both powerful and smooth in operation
- Comes in three sizes, so it really can fit riders from as petite as 5 feet up to 6 feet 3
- 530Wh battery would be small in other e-bikes but with the 250W mid-drive motor, it is estimated to offer as much as 56 mi. of range on a single charge
- Unusually secure thanks to the Specialized Turbo System Lock, which can disable the motor (and cranks) through the smartphone app
- Enviolo internally geared hub features a “continuously variable transmission” meaning you’re always in the right gear
- The rest of this e-bike outclasses the SR Suntour Mobie A32 fork; we would love to see it replaced with an air-spring fork
Lectric XP Lite 2.0
Best Deal
Sometimes, when shopping for an e-bike, the question isn’t which features you most want but whether or not you can afford the purchase. The Lectric XP Lite 2.0 is not only the least-expensive e-bike in this roundup, it is the most affordable e-bike we’ve ever given our thumbs up. At less than $1,000, few e-bikes balance this level of quality with such affordability.
For some riders, the e-bike’s weight can be a big factor in their ability to feel comfortable and control it as it is in its size. At just 47.5 lbs., this is one of the lightest sub-$1,500 e-bikes we’ve reviewed.
To keep the XP Lite 2.0 affordable, Lectric gave it a single-speed drivetrain, which will be most apparent when starting and on hills. They did not, however, sacrifice the rider’s safety; it is equipped with hydraulic disc brakes, which is a surprise, considering its price.
Lectric says the sizing range for the XP Lite 2.0 ranges from 4 feet 8 up to 6 feet 2, an awfully generous spread. We would caution riders at the shorter end of that range to keep in mind the 22-in. standover height of this folding e-bike.
To keep the XP Lite 2.0 as affordable as possible, Lectric did not include fenders or a rear rack, but they offer a diverse assortment of accessories which you can add on later.
- The XP Lite 2.0 is the least expensive e-bike we’ve ever given a thumb-up; it redefines affordability
- Folds up into a compact package that is easy to transport and store
- At just 47.5 lbs., this is one of the lightest e-bikes in this collection
- Hydraulic disc brakes are a pleasant surprise on such an affordable e-bike
- The full-color display is bright and easy to read
- Getting started can require some effort due to the combination of one gear and a slow-to-respond cadence sensor
Electric Bike Co. Model S
Best Customization
The Electric Bicycle Co. Model S is the company’s take on a cruiser, but one that doesn’t carry the cookie-cutter identity common to so many e-bikes that come in just one or two colors. With the Model S, Electric Bike Co. gives the buyer the opportunity not just to customize the color (41 choices for multiple parts) but also to make choices that personalize the e-bike beyond just style.
Buyers face four different choices for range, which maxes out with two 864Wh batteries. More petite riders can choose 24-in. wheels instead of the standard 26-in. wheels, which lowers the standover height and makes the e-bike easier to mount. Buyers can also choose between one of four different handlebars, which can better accommodate the rider’s needs. They also offer three different saddles (in two colors), and one includes a backrest for anyone who needs some back support.
Don’t want to tackle hills with just one gear? No problem; one of the options is to replace the single gear with a 7-speed drivetrain. Want a little extra comfort for your tush? They offer two different suspension seat posts. Want instant power instead of the pause that comes with cadence sensors? You can order yours with a torque sensor.
EBC has also made the switch to an MIK-compatible rack in the rear and that means having a wide array of different baskets and bags that can be attached to the rear rack. Prefer a basket up front? That’s an option as well.
EBC’s sizing estimates for the Model S are overly optimistic at the upper end, but the good news is that riders who need to worry about standover height won’t have to work very hard to find comfort if they order the 24-in. wheels.
- The ability to choose the color of nearly every component is what grabs attention, but the real benefit to this level of customization is to make choices to match the e-bike to your needs
- Includes one of the best warranties in the industry—10 years on the motor and 2 years on the battery
- Comes standard with a 672Wh battery, but can be upgraded to 864Wh
- 500W brushless, geared hub motor provides smooth acceleration and strong assistance on hills
- While the frame looks like a traditional cruiser, it has a lower standover height (18 in. or 19. in., depending on wheel size)
- Our 864Wh battery fell far short of the 100 mi. range estimate, though the 65 mi. range we did get is respectable
Lectric XPedition
Best Cargo
We’ve shown some great commuters and cruisers, but what about the mom who may want to commute by e-bike, but still needs to drop Billy and Bonnie at school? That’s where the Lectric XPedition comes in. This is one of the lightest, most compact cargo e-bikes on the market—not to mention one of the most affordable—which makes especially well suited to women.
The Lectric Xpedition can be ordered with either one or two 672Wh batteries and it is driven by a 750W brushless, geared hub motor that produces 85Nm of torque, which will come in handy when getting started with a load, or when hauling that load uphill.
At 75 lbs., the Lectric XPedition weighs a good 10 lbs. less than many other cargo e-bikes, which makes it easier to handle in general. As a long-tail design, it keeps the load behind the rider, making it easier to handle overall. Standover height sits at 18.75 in., which will make mounting and dismounting easier.
Lectric chose to go with 20 in. wheels, rather than a larger size and that pays dividends in a couple of ways. First, 20 in. wheels help keep the center of gravity low, which improves stability, while simultaneously keeping it maneuverable.
On the score of brakes, pairing 20 in. wheels with 180mm rotors is a powerful setup that will bring mom and two kids to a stop promptly.
Whether you have one kid or two, Lectric offers a diverse array of accessories to set up the rear rack to suit your needs. And if you’re concerned about how to load up kids and then get going, don’t be. Lectric gave the XPedition a motorcycle-style dual-leg kickstand that will hold the e-bike upright while the kids get seated.
- Arguably the most affordable cargo e-bike on the market
- Can be ordered with two batteries to extend range for those carrying heavy loads or kids
- 7-speed Shimano drivetrain offers a roughly 250 percent gear range (11-28t freewheel)
- Hydraulic disc brakes paired with 180mm rotors offer terrific stopping power
- Rear rack can hold up to 300 lbs., more than enough for two kids
- Certified to both UL 2271 (battery) and 2849 (full system) for industry-standard safety
- Can be a tight fit for two kids in the back unless they are still pretty small
Velotric Discover 2
Best Commuter
When shopping for an e-bike to commute to and from work, there are a few features that cause certain e-bikes to find favor with us. The first is solid range. The second is a motor powerful enough to deliver you to Class 3 speeds. And the third is a package of commuter’s essentials that will allow you to ride in a variety of conditions.
In our testing, the Velotric Discover 2 covered 85.6 mi. in PAS 1, exceeding Velotric’s own estimates; that doesn’t often happen. In PAS 5, we covered 34 mi.—enough to allow you to get there and back for a few days, provided home and work are in the same area code. The 750W brushless, geared hub motor produces 75Nm of torque—enough to make hills easy, even when using the throttle.
Other features we like about the Velotric Discover 2 include the hydraulic disc brakes, the 8-speed Shimano drivetrain and the 27.5 x 2.4-in. puncture-resistant Kenda tires. Contributing to the Discover 2’s good riding manners is an 80mm-travel suspension fork to smooth those bumpy roads.
Velotric included a comprehensive package of commuter accessories: front and rear lights, fenders, a rear rack and heavy duty kickstand. Also, the electronics system is certified to UL 2849, plus the battery is also individually certified to UL 2271.
Thanks to a 15.3-in. standover height and a reach of just 14.6 in., the Velotric Discover 2 is well-suited to riders of modest stature.
- Features a low standover height (15.4 in.) and a short reach (14.7 in.) to accommodate riders of modest stature
- Thanks to 27.5 in. wheels and 2.4-in.-wide tires, it offers a smooth, stable ride
- 8-speed Shimano drivetrain includes an easy-to-use trigger shifter and offers a wide (almost 300 percent) gear range
- 750W brushless, geared hub motor produces 75Nm of torque for great acceleration and power for hills
- 706Wh battery provided 85 mi. of range in our testing, exceeding their own estimate
- The two frame sizes aren’t sufficiently different; they offer the same 14.7-in. reach
Rad Power Bikes Radster Trail
Best Fat Tire
The fat tire e-bike category is dominated by e-bikes with 4-inch-wide tires. These bikes give something of a magic carpet ride thanks to the combination of those big tires and suspension fork. However, those e-bikes can be sluggish in their handling. We are giving the Rad Power Bikes Radster Trail our nod for the best fat-tire e-bike for women for a couple of reasons, one of them being their decision to spec 3-in.-wide tires, which gives it a maneuverability that makes for a more enjoyable ride overall.
The Radster Trail is part of a new generation of e-bikes from Rad Power Bikes that feature a 750W brushless, geared hub motor that produces 100Nm of torque. This is the best-performing motor from Rad Power Bikes by far, and it makes the Radster Trail a terrific performer on hills. It also features Rad’s new Safe Shiled battery, a 720Wh unit in which the cells are “potted”—surrounded by a thermal resin that absorbs the heat produced, keeping the battery at a safe temperature, no matter how demanding the riding is.
Another terrific feature of the Radster Trail is the 8-speed Shimano Acera drivetrain with a 310 percent gear range (11-34t cassette), which gives a wide enough range for both going up and down hills. Stopping duties are handled capably by Tektro’s proven E350 hydraulic disc brakes paired with 180mm rotors. The Kenda Havok tires feature a knobby design that will provide great traction on dirt and multi-use paths, but the knobs aren’t so big that they make for an unpleasant ride on pavement. It’s a nice balance. The 80mm-travel SR Suntour suspension fork will help smooth rough roads and multi-use paths alike.
For the rider who wants to take advantage of the new motor’s power, Rad has enabled the Radster Trail to be set for Class 3 operation, with a maximum-assist speed of 28 mph and the 50 x 11t top gear will absolutely allow someone to pedal those speeds without having to windmill their legs.
The Radster Trail is produced in two different sizes—regular and large—and the regular features a reach short enough (15.2 in.) to be friendly to more petite women, though their estimate of it fitting women as short as 4 feet 11 is optimistic.
- Rad’s new 750W brushless, geared hub motor produces a whopping 100Nm of torque, making it the best motor we’ve ridden on one of their e-bikes; steep hills are no problem for the Radster Trail
- Rad’s new Safe Shield battery “pots” the cells, encasing them in a thermal resin that makes this arguably the safest battery found in an e-bike, and it’s certified to UL 2271
- Obviously 3-in.-wide tires aren’t as cushy as 4-in.-wide tires, but they help to make the Radster Trail more maneuverable than other fat tire e-bikes
- We were surprised to get 75 mi. of range out of the 720Wh battery; that exceeded Rad’s estimate of 65 mi. of range
- We loved locking and unlocking the Radster Trail with the proximity key fob, just like many cars
- The short fenders don’t make a lot of sense; in wet conditions, they aren’t long enough to keep a rider as dry as longer fenders will, and in the event of mud, the lack of clearance means it may pack up with mud
Liv Intrigue X E+ Pro
Best Full Suspension eMTB
The Liv line of bikes made by Giant are more than Giant bikes with different paint jobs. These are bikes and e-bikes made specifically for women riders. While components such as the drivetrain and brakes are no different than what you would find on men’s models, the Liv lineup features designs built around women’s proportions. From frame geometry to bar width, this e-bike is meant for women.
The Liv Intrigue X E+ Pro eMTB is a full-suspension design with 150mm of travel in the fork and 140mm of travel in the rear. It comes in four sizes (XS-L). The S, M, and L feature 29-in. wheels, while the XS moves to 27.5-in. wheels to offer appropriate fit and handling. The four sizes fit riders from 5 feet up to 5 feet 11, a range broad enough to cover most adult women.
The Intrigue X E+ Pro is built around a 250W mid-drive Giant Syncdrive motor. The Syncdrive is a collaboration between Giant and Yamaha; Yamaha produces the motor, but it runs on software configured to Giant’s specs to give the ride quality they want their e-bikes to have. Powering the Syncdrive motor is a 625Wh battery. Our rule of thumb for battery capacity is that we want to see capacity at least equal to the motor’s nominal wattage rating. This battery is 2.5 times the battery’s power, and Giant estimates that riders may achieve as much as 134 mi. of range on a single charge.
Of the e-bikes in this collection, this is the most specialized of the bunch, kinda like a serrated bread knife; you’re not gonna cut the Thanksgiving turkey with that. It has the ability to make a trip to the bike park a life-changing, grin-implanting event.
Full Review Coming Soon | Video Review Coming Soon
- Giant’s 250W mid-drive Syncdrive motor is produced by Yamaha but runs on software configured to Giant’s specs
- 12-speed Shimano Deore XT/XTR drivetrain features a 510 percent gear range (10-51t cassette) to make short work of steep hills
- 4-piston Shimano Deore XT hydraulic disc brakes with 203mm rotors provide powerful control over your speed
- With 150mm of travel in the fork and 140mm of travel in the rear, this eMTB can handle the roughest terrain you’ll encounter
- Giant estimates the 625Wh battery will offer as much as 134 mi. of range on a single charge
- This is not the e-bike to buy if you want something to double as a commuter
Aventon Ramblas
Best Hardtail eMTB
Of the many types of e-bikes on the market, the eMTB is the easiest to get wrong. Why? Because it carries more technical requirements that must be met in order to perform on the technical terrain they are meant to tackle. No other type of e-bike climbs hills as steep or rolls over surfaces less suited to wheels. Singletrack trails are, in a word, demanding. The upshot is that “affordable” and “eMTB” are two words that don’t often appear in the same sentence.
The Aventon Ramblas aims to change that, and for the person who wants an eMTB and needs to stick to a lean budget (relatively), few options can measure up to what the Aventon Ramblas offers.
Many trail systems don’t allow e-bikes; of those that do, the great majority only permit Class 1 e-bikes with no throttle and a maximum assist speed of 20 mph, which is what the Aventon Ramblas is. It’s equipped with a 250W mid-drive motor that generates 100Nm of torque, which is very high for a mid-drive motor. To put this in perspective, this is more torque than any Bosch or Shimano motor produces. It’s powered by a 708Wh battery, which is huge for a mid-drive e-bike. In our testing, the Aventon Ramblas covered 47.5 mi. in PAS 5! In PAS 1, it covered 107 mi., a positively stunning result.
An eMTB needs a wide-range drivetrain for steep hills, and Aventon gave the Ramblas a 12-speed SRAM drivetrain with a 450 percent gear range. They also gave it SRAM DB8 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes with 200mm rotors for excellent stopping power on soft surfaces. A Rock Shox fork provides 130mm of travel—enough to handle technical terrain.
More than with other types of e-bikes, riders really do need an eMTB to fit and Aventon took a step that is rare for most consumer-direct companies: They produce it in four sizes. The small will accommodate riders 5 feet 1 and up.
- 250W mid-drive motor produces more torque (100Nm) than most competing motors
- Because it is offered in four sizes, it fits a far broader range of riders than one-size e-bikes
- The 12-speed SRAM drivetrain gives riders a broad 450 percent gear range, ideal for off-road riding
- 4-piston SRAM DB8 brakes with 200mm rotors lend terrific braking power and control
- Aventon included dropper post, which is an indispensable part of descending technical terrain
- Though the tires can be run tubeless, the rims are not tubeless ready, which will hold this e-bike back some
Ride1Up CF Racer 1
Best Road/Gravel
The Ride1Up CF Racer 1 is an e-bike for folks who might not have been considering an e-bike. This drop-bar e-bike splits the difference between road and gravel disciplines. Made from carbon fiber, the CF Racer 1 weighs just 29 lbs., making it easy to handle and light enough to capitalize on its 250W brushless, geared hub motor.
The 252Wh battery would seem woefully small were it not for being appropriately matched to a 250W hub motor. In our testing we got 15.3 mi. in PAS 5 and nearly 50 mi. (47.6 mi.) in PAS 1. A small motor and a small battery can do a lot in a light e-bike.
The road version comes with 32mm-wide tires—big by road standards—and an 11-36t cassette for a 330 percent gear range, while the gravel version comes with 40mm-wide tires and an 11-42t cassette for a 380 percent gear range.
Both versions come in two different sizes, though their size range estimates are overly generous. That they only offer two sizes wouldn’t be a big problem if the bar and stem weren’t integrated into a one-piece unit. An important part of fitting a drop-bar bike or e-bike to a rider often means swapping out the stem for one of a different length. The bar/stem combo also routes the brake hoses and derailleur housing internally, further complicating the ability to size the e-bike to the rider.
While the sizing issue means this e-bike won’t work for just anyone, it will work for a number of riders, and the value this e-bike offers is so good that anyone looking for a drop-bar e-bike should take a long look at the Ride1Up CF Racer 1 before looking at a similar model from a brand such as Trek or Specialized.
- At just 29 lbs., this is one of the lightest e-bikes on the market
- We were impressed that the 250W brushless, geared Bafang hub motor could deliver riders to 28 mph
- Just looking at the parts spec and the fact that the CF Racer 1 features a carbon fiber frame and fork, we would expect it to be substantially more expensive than it is
- SRAM Rival 11-speed drivetrain lends the range necessary to tackle big hills
- SRAM hydraulic disc brakes offer plenty of stopping power as well as terrific modulation for speed modulation in turns
- The integrated bar and stem look cool but they make it impossible to change the stem length in order to better fit the CF Racer 1 to the rider
How we chose the best e-bikes for women
Performance can take a few different forms. The first is what it is meant to do. We evaluated each of the bikes relative to how they perform their intended mission. In the case of commuters, the option to ride it as a Class 3 e-bike was important, just as having a dropper post on an eMTB was critical.
Next we considered their sizing. We looked at whether they came in a step-thru design as well as whether the model came in multiple sizes.
We also considered both stack (how high the handlebar is above the ground as well as reach (the distance from the saddle to the handlebar) and gave weight to those e-bikes that also come with adjustable stems.
Weight was another consideration. An 80-lb. e-bike is noticeably tougher to manage than a 60-lb. one, no matter how big your arms are.
There were other, softer considerations we factored in such as color options (it’s nice to have more options than black and gray) and what the brand’s reputation is for reliability and supporting their products.
A Final Word
If you’re not certain of how you’ll use your e-bike beyond recreation and the odd errand, don’t feel compelled to get spendy. Over the years, we’ve heard from a number of readers who purchased their first e-bike and realized that they only wanted to commute on it or never wanted to commute on it. The resale market for e-bikes is brisk.
E-bikes such as the Rad Power Bikes Radster Trail and the Euphree Stellar Falcon offer a greater degree of versatility and are idea for the person who might want to veer offroad on occasion.
While our list has prioritized the value end of the market and direct-to-consumer companies, don’t underestimate the value of visiting a brick-and-mortar bike shop to do a test ride. There’s no better way to find out what you like—or don’t—than while in the saddle.