Picture a Sunday morning ride on an extended weekend getaway. It’s sunny, the air is cool, and a gentle breeze tousles your hair. You don’t have to be at work tomorrow, so you’re relaxed and enjoying every minute.
That’s the vibe of a cruiser e-bike.
This category includes old-school beach cruisers with retro styling as well as new-school city cruisers with a clean, streamlined design. The two might look different—but they feel and function similarly.
Cruisers are known for their comfort and ergonomics; they usually feature wide, thickly padded saddles and an upright, natural-feeling riding position. They’re also defined by their characteristic handlebars that range from huge, sweeping beach-style bars to narrower, forward-placed Dutch-style bars (and anything in between).
While not necessary to be placed in the cruiser category, many e-bikes of this style also feature step-thru (ST) frames that maximize accessibility. Riders need only to lift a leg and step through the frame instead of swinging a leg over the saddle. This makes cruisers an excellent choice for aging cyclists and those with limited range of motion.
Of course, styles vary, and there are e-bikes with every conceivable combination of features. Some share similarities with lightweight urban bikes, many overlap with the commuter category, and others venture into fat tire territory.
Regardless of their style, we liken the ride of most cruiser electric bikes to the feel of your favorite recliner. When you’re looking for a bike for casual evening rides around the park or to the boardwalk, no other style will help you unwind and relax quite like a cruiser.
We have presented numerous cruiser e-bike reviews below for you to peruse until you find one that catches your eye. Alternatively, we’ve highlighted the “best of the best” cruiser-style e-bikes in a separate list. Whichever model strikes your fancy, bon voyage!