Pedal power: The best e-bikes for carefree commuting
Sign up to the benefits of biking without breaking a sweat with the best e-bikes
Gone are the days of bulky electric bikes. Heavy and inconvenient designs have been upgraded to lighter, faster models, and evolved into something much more aesthetically pleasing. The best e-bikes now come in all kinds of styles and shades so there’s something for every type of rider, whether commuting to work, exploring a new neighbourhood, or biking across the countryside on a weekend excursion.
Now, you may feel e-bikes are a bit like cheating when it comes to serious cycling, but it’s best to think of them as more of a helping hand. They certainly ease hefty inclines and prevent you from breaking a sweat on your morning ride to the office, but only up to a legal limit of 15 mph – so the speed still has to come from you. While a powerful assistant for getting from A to B, you’ll have to put in the effort and get your legs moving to go faster, so it can still be quite the cardio workout.
The kind of e-bike you need depends on what you’ll be using it for. Looking to commute through the city? An electric hybrid bike with flat bars, an upright ride position and practical accessories like mudguards and lights is the ideal option. For biking across rough country lanes, electric road bikes with dropped handlebars and lighter builds are great, while those short on storage space would benefit from a folding bike. Most e-bikes also come with a range of assistance modes to control the effort applied, from battery-saving modes to intense turbo modes.
Having firmly established themselves as a viable transport option, there are plenty of e-bikes to choose from but, being considerably more expensive than regular bikes, consider them an investment – like a classic watch or timeless suit – and put in the research to make sure yours makes the cycling experience more enjoyable and efficient. We’ve curated an edit of the best e-bikes on the market right now to help you make the right investment.
Cowboy Cruiser ST
The Cowboy Cruiser ST prioritises a clean, appealing space-age aesthetic – but not at the cost of a compromised riding experience. As intuitive as they come, this e-bike is stripped down to the bare essentials with no gears or external cabling. Fret not, the lack of motors doesn’t interfere with the bike’s assistance abilities as the on-board motor seamlessly delivers the exact amount of power you require – a powerful boost as you start that levels out gently until you need an extra kick to get up inclines.
The compact battery neatly slides in and out of the frame, while the upright seating and curved raised handlebars make it a great hybrid bike. Multi-task on your commute easier with a handlebar mount that wirelessly charges your phone as you ride and the Cowboy app, which can calculate the fastest cycle routes to work and estimate your remaining battery life so you never run out of juice.
Gocycle G4i
Designed by a former McLaren engineer, the Gocycle G4i is a great folding e-bike. The full-integrated battery powers a motor that is well-equipped to propel you through the city with ease. While the intuitive motor has a great range, Gocycle’s smartphone app can easily tweak the bike’s performance to suit your specific needs. With internally routed cabling, predictive electronic gear shifting, and mudguards and automotive-inspired Daytime Running Lights installed as standard, peak performance and safety on the road are guaranteed. The bike’s small wheels are more stable than they appear and aided by a shock-absorber under the seat for those pesky pot holes. The lightweight bike can be wheeled around using the saddle as a handle, making it truly portable.
Estarli eCargo Longtail
Weave through traffic with the Estarli eCargo Longtail. The e-bike’s powerful Bafang M400 mid-motor delivers 80nm torque while the hydraulic brakes and stepless shifting ensure a smooth ride. Its most compelling feature, however, is undoubtedly the impressive 210kg load capacity making it perfect for transporting goods and cargo. This e-bike comes with additional accessories including padded seats and steps along the rear axle to make the e-bike appealing for families looking to ferry the kids around.
Brompton Electric P Line Bike
The British-built Brompton P Line is the perfect electric bike to replace the rush-hour tube. The super lightweight folding e-bike comes with a four-speed gear system and a custom-built derailleur. With an easily-removable battery pack and a dual locking seatpost that allows you to steer the bike in the folded position, the Brompton P Line is a great choice for city travel. What’s more, you can fold the bike up in as little as 20 seconds.
Specialized Turbo Vado SL 4.0
The Specialized Turbo Vado SL 4.0 is the e-bike that doesn’t feel like an e-bike. Super lightweight with an aluminium alloy frame, a high-capacity battery is built into its downtube with a motor placed between the pedals offering multiple assistance options. The bike’s crossbar display allows you to view all information on the go making the Specialized Turbo Vado SL 4.0 an excellent option for those easing their way into electric bikes.
Canyon Spectral: ON CFR
The Canyon Spectral: ON CFR is the perfect companion for exploring rough terrain. The exceptional build is crafted with durable carbon fibres and comes equipped with a powerful 900wh battery or a 720wh battery on the smaller frame (avoid riding it on city roads as it greatly surpasses legal limits). The perfect mountain bike, it has a whopping 85nm of torque meaning quicker and easier acceleration. Fly up and down steep trails on this compact and sturdy e-bike as you log in all your miles with its GPS function.
Montague M-E1
When it comes to convenience, the Montague M-E1 tops the charts. The full-size bike with 700c wheels, front suspension and a Shimano Steps E6100 mid-drive motor ideal for taking on both the city and countryside. What’s more, it can also be easily folded to be stored and carried around. Choose between Eco, Normal and High Power assist modes on your rides, or try the Walk assist mode to push your bike uphill.
LeMond Dutch
Created by former professional road racing cyclist Greg LeMond, the LeMond Dutch is the perfect bike for casual rides around town. The lightweight frame is crafted from carbon fibre and rendered in an appealing matte finish and comes equipped with an 11-speed Shimano GRX drivetrain to help you take on any terrain. Turn your bike on with one press of a button and rediscover the joys of cycling for pleasure.
Volt London
The Volt London draws inspiration from its namesake city to present a bike that’s perfect for riders navigating the urban landscape. Offering a resolutely upright position for views of the traffic ahead, the single-speed and torque-sensitive motor takes the hassle out of gear changes on busy roads. Use the detachable porteur rack above the front wheel to carry work essentials for a day in the office or lug your groceries home with an additional pannier rack on the back.
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