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Ditch your car and make quick work of your commute.

While cycling can be a great way to get some fresh air and get your heart rate up, electric bikes offer those same benefits and more. Electric bikes are powered by a motor and battery to provide varying levels of pedal assist that propel you forward and make biking an easier and faster experience. With most e-bikes capable of reaching at least 20 mph, they’re more than just a fun way to get around town — they're a convenient way to commute to the office, run quick errands, pick up groceries or even save money on gas (much like electric cars) without having to break a sweat. "Pedal-assist e-bikes are wonderful, functional machines that give you ultimate flexibility, allowing you to calibrate to the desired level of fitness or efficiency needed in a given situation," says Good Housekeeping Institute Chief Technologist Rachel Rothman.

At the Good Housekeeping Institute, our experts test consumer tech and fitness equipment ranging from exercise bikes to commuter bikes to popular workout apps. Whether you’re looking for an electric bike to cruise around the park, one that can transport your little ones to daycare or a compact and foldable e-bike that'll squeeze into your apartment, our analysts, engineers and experts tested nearly two dozen electric bikes, assessing each one for performance, ride quality, safety and stability, ease of use and comfort.

After our picks, stick around to learn how we test e-bikes and what you should keep in mind while shopping for one. These are the top-tested and vetted electric bikes to get you around in 2022.

The edgy, all-black VanMoof looks nothing like your average e-bike; there’s no obvious display (just an interactive screen on the frame) and you’ll find only two buttons. Albeit mildly confusing at first, once we set up the VanMoof in the app we quickly understood how to operate the e-bike. Though you don’t need to use the app to ride the bike after initial setup, our pros agree that it’s a nice touch for tech-savvy riders who want to track their rides, check on battery power or fiddle with settings such as the bike’s integrated lights, gears, pedal assist levels and unique bell sounds.

When it came to the quality of our rides, this e-bike’s performance felt super zippy and responsive. Testers described their rides as smooth and seamless. We loved how the electronic gear shifter did the work for us on various inclines, and we found that the pedal assist provided the help we needed without taking over. “It felt like normal biking with an added boost. I didn’t need to think about adjusting anything and I felt totally in control even though I was going pretty fast,” says Senior Product Analyst Emma Seymour. Our experts were also impressed with VanMoof’s anti-theft system and integrated tracking technology. All it takes is a kick of a small button on the rear wheel to immobilize your bike and activate an alarm should anyone attempt to move it. If your bike does get stolen, built-in GSM tracking makes it easy for VanMoof to track it down.

• Battery: Built-in, 504 Wh • Charging time: 4 hours • Motor: 350W • Throttle: Yes • Top speed: 20 mph • Maximum estimated range: 37-93 miles • Weight: 46.3 lbs. • Frame: Standard

The Lectric XP Lite is one of the most affordable electric bikes you can get, and our pros were pleasantly surprised with its bells and whistles. It sports a large, clear display, five levels of pedal assist and even includes a throttle for when you need that extra push. We loved that this bike is super compact and folds up to a smaller size for easy storage in a crowded garage or small apartment. Our experts love that it's budget-friendly (it's nearly half the price of most e-bikes) and found that its performance didn't disappoint. "The Lectric has relatively fluid transitions, comfy handlebars and a smooth ride," says Chief Technologist Rachel Rothman.

While enjoyable, the Lectric wasn’t as seamless or stable as some of our other rides. “The bike had particularly jerky acceleration when using the throttle, and the single gear made for a very clumsy back and forth between the very powerful electronic component and manual pedaling,” says Lab Assistant Nikolas Greenwald. Though we wish there was gear shifting, we found this versatile bike extremely easy to use, convenient and suitable for both tall and petite riders. If you're looking for good value and a solid ride, this e-bike is it.

• Battery: Built-in, lithium-ion 48v 7.8ah • Charging time: 4-6 hours • Motor: 300W (720W+ peak) • Throttle: Yes • Top speed: 20 mph • Maximum estimated range: 40+ miles • Weight: 46 lbs. • Frame: Step-through

If you’re looking for a beach cruiser that’s easy to hop on and off, the EVRYjourney e-cruiser is as adorable as it is user-friendly. “I would recommend this bike to anyone living by the water. It's so gorgeous and felt easy to ride with the electric features or not,” says Seymour, who applauded the bike’s intuitive features and comfy cushion. “Usually, my butt is sore after biking, but this was a total game-changer.”

While some testers remarked that the bike felt a bit bulky, making it more difficult to make sharp turns, most found their rides smooth and enjoyable. When comparing the cruiser's brakes to other e-bikes, associate editor Jacqueline Saguin notes that “you have to put a bit more pressure on the brake controls to slow down or stop." She recommends the bike for lighter adventures around a calm park or beach boardwalk, as opposed to busy roads. Likewise, Rothman found the bike best on flat surfaces. "The acceleration was super jerky and almost too responsive," she says. Nevertheless, the cruiser remains a low-maintenance and beginner-friendly e-bike. “It’s aesthetically pleasing to look at with its pastel colors, faux-leather detailing and old-fashioned shape. Its wide, cushy seat felt super comfortable while riding, and I didn't feel like I needed to hunch myself over the handlebars,” says Saguin. • Battery: Removable, 500W, 48V 10.4Ah lithium-ion battery with charger • Charging time: 2-3 hours • Motor: 500W • Throttle: Yes • Top speed: 28 mph • Maximum estimated range: 20-40 miles • Weight: 64.8 lbs. • Frame: Step-through

Need a powerful e-bike that you can take out on rugged roads, rain or shine? Aventon Aventure’s 4-inch fat tire wheels cruised over potholes, gravel and uneven terrain with ease in our tests. It’s built with a suspension fork that helps absorb some of the shock when riding over imperfections in the road. “It had the feeling of a motorcycle but the true essence of a bicycle. The kick-up with the throttle was amazing, and I felt safe while I was on it," says one tester.

Though most testers pointed out that the bike felt heavy and would be hard to use if the battery died, they’d still recommend it. One tester tells us, "The ride was very soft and comfortable and the bike was incredibly stable.” Just keep in mind that the Aventure takes up a lot of space and won’t easily be squeezed into a tight corner, but thankfully its battery is removable to make charging easier. Whether you live in a hectic city or a rural area, this e-bike can handle it.

• Battery: Removable, internal lithium-ion 48V, 15Ah (720Wh) • Charging time: 4-5 hours • Motor: 750W, 48V brushless rear hub motor • Throttle: Yes • Top speed: 28 mph • Maximum estimated range: 45 miles • Weight: 73 lbs. • Frame: Step-through

While the Tern HSD S+ is one of the more premium e-bikes that we tested at the Institute, it’s also one of the most versatile and worth the extra expense if you’re serious about e-biking. Powered by a reputable Bosch battery and motor, this e-bike offers top-of-the-line performance and safety. Our experts loved that the bike itself can carry a max weight of 374 pounds, which includes up to 132 pounds on the rear rack, a perfect solution for transporting groceries or carrying a child as a passenger.

The Tern HSD S+ is an especially fantastic bike for commuters who need to go the distance, but also those that are seeking a smaller footprint (the HSD+ can be vertically parked by flipping it up onto its rear tire). It’s even built with adjustable handlebars that can be folded up to fit your bike into the car. Though some of our testers found the wheels smaller and more compact than average, we appreciated the automatic gear shifting and thought the ride felt smooth and enjoyable. “I'm a frequent cyclist, so I definitely noticed how much easier it was to resume riding from a full stop. It was simple to accelerate and decelerate with the intuitive +/- pedal assist buttons. I also liked that I didn't have to shift, and the brakes were very effective,” says Senior Editor and Analyst Sarah Wharton. A suspension fork contributes to the bike’s comfortable ride, and we also liked how the bike’s belt is more durable and requires less maintenance than a standard bike chain.

• Battery: Removable, Bosch PowerPack 500 Wh • Charging time: 3.5 hours (70 percent within 1 hour) • Motor: Bosch Performance (Gen 3) • Throttle: No • Top speed: 20 mph • Maximum estimated range: 74 miles • Weight: 58.9 lbs. • Frame: Step-through

Offered in five splashy colors and a cute, classic design, this e-bike is made for riding around town. Our testers found the bike extremely easy to get on, and the seat cushion was wide, supportive and comfortable. While we initially wished this e-bike had a more intricate display, we found ourselves appreciating the bike’s simplicity. We found that the small controller attached to the handlebar gave us all the information we needed, indicating battery life and the level of pedal assist. “It had fewer pedal assist settings than others, but the assist was still extremely helpful. The bike wasn't complicated to use — just the simple press of a button if you wanted more pedal assist. Shifting gears was also pretty easy,” says Test Engineer Alec Scherma. Everything about the Townie Go! felt intuitive and our experts found this humble, fairly affordable e-bike to be a great pick for newbies or anyone looking for an uncomplicated and comfortable ride.

• Battery: Built-in, Hyena 250Wh • Charging time: 2-4 hours • Motor: 250W motor • Throttle: No • Top speed: 20 mph • Maximum estimated range: 16-40 miles • Weight: 44-46 lbs. • Frame: Step-through

If you’re an avid cycler and want a quality, no-frills e-bike to help you get around, the GT Grade Current is an excellent choice. Not only does the e-bike look like a classic bike, but it’s exceptionally lightweight and a joy to ride, though you won’t find a throttle on this one. Though adjusting the pedal assist levels aren't quite as intuitive as other models, it’s a no-brainer once you get the hang of switching between green, orange and red-colored assist levels via a button on the frame.

“I generally don't like e-bikes, especially the ones that just take off as soon as you pedal or that have a throttle that doesn't require pedaling at all,” says one tester, who commutes 20 miles daily to the office. “This one felt like a cyclist's e-bike. The bike itself is exceptionally light, the operation of the motor was seamless and only seemed to kick in when I needed it going uphill. If I were in the market for an e-bike, it would be something like this that I consider, which doesn't interfere with the biking itself and just makes some of the tougher climbs a little easier.” The GT Grade Current may not be the most feature-rich choice on this list, but it struck most testers as a high-quality pick for those still looking for an e-bike that remains true to its traditional bike nature without weighing you down.

• Battery: Built-in, 250Wh • Charging time: 1-3 hours • Motor: MAHLE ebikemotion X35+ • Throttle: None • Top speed: 20mph • Maximum estimated range: 45 miles (or almost double with a 208 Wh water bottle battery range extender that can plug into the charging port) • Weight: 33 lbs. • Frame: Standard

The Gocycle G4 might look a little different than other e-bikes, but its foldable, sleek nature certainly has its appeal. Testers found the e-bike’s pedal assist to be responsive, kicking in when pedaling harder without aggressively jolting us forward. Though you can’t adjust the pedal assist settings on the bike itself (you’ll have to pick your preferences in the Gocycle app before you ride), we didn’t mind too much and appreciated the unexpectedly powerful throttle that helped us out when we didn't want to pedal.

“I really liked how fast and compact this bike was. Despite the awkwardness in sizing [with its low-step frame and small wheels], the frame felt light enough to commute with if you found yourself having to take it home via train or pack it into a car” says Greenwald. The quick three-hour charging time is another reason commuters might be drawn to the bike, as well as how easily it folds and opens up. Taller testers did point out that the seat felt relatively low at its maximum height, while Rothman commented that the brake handles were somewhat hard to reach and led to fatigue after a while. But despite minor drawbacks, our rides on the G4 were smooth and speedy even with the bike’s smaller wheels. • Battery: Removable, lithium-ion: 8.1Ah, 36V, approx 300 Wh • Charging time: 3 hours • Motor: Gocycle proprietary front hub motor, G4drive with traction control 500 watts US • Throttle: Yes • Top speed: 20mph • Maximum estimated range: 40 miles • Weight: 38.8lbs • Frame: Step-through

Rad Power bikes come with a powerful motor, an attractive design, an affordable price and they’re easily customizable. Though this RadCity model may not be as affordable as the brand's RadRunner 2 or able to carry as much weight in the rear (120lbs) as the larger cargo RadWagon, we think it’s a great in-between if you want a fast bike for transportation or carrying home a few items up to 60lbs. Unlike the RadRunner, the RadCity offers seven gearing options, the choice of a step-through or high-step frame as well as an upgraded motor, brakes and slightly more range. Most testers found their rides to be smooth and safe once they got going. “I liked how easy it was to accelerate and use the pedal assist. The acceleration was really nice because I was able to move about without pedaling at all,” says Parenting & Pets Reviews Analyst, Jamie Spain. However, “I was unable to bike without pedal assist because the bike felt unsteady when I wasn’t moving fast enough,” she says. As a result, she says she wouldn't feel comfortable taking a child on this bike but does suggest it for bigger, taller or more experienced bikers. Our pros also appreciated the responsive brakes, fenders that kept mud and dirt off our backs and the integrated lights for nighttime rides. But we do wish that the bike came with a single central display like the RadWagon. We found the secondary pedal assist display a bit difficult to see in bright sunlight. • Battery: 589-672 Wh • Charging time: 3-7 hours as described in this charging guide • Motor: 750W • Throttle: Yes • Top speed: 20 mph • Maximum estimated range: 28-50+miles • Weight: 65 lbs. • Frame: Step-through

As its name suggests, the Comfort Bike is all about getting you around quickly, comfortably and in style. Though the battery that sits above the rear wheel is large, we like that it’s removable for easy charging and that it comes with a rack sitting over it that can be used for transporting a backpack or purse. The e-bike also comes with an attached display, albeit small, to indicate one of five pedal assist levels and the remaining battery power. In addition to the bike’s attractive design, our pros liked that fenders come included to help keep you drier on rainy days, as well as integrated front and rear lights for safer cruising when the sun goes down. But while the bike is easy to get on and get going with the thumb throttle, we do wish there was a seat handle to easily adjust the height of the bike. • Battery: Removable, rechargeable lithium-ion battery with Samsung cells, 36V, 11.6 Ah (418Wh) • Charging time: 2.5-3 hours to reach 80% battery capacity and between 5-7 hours to reach a full charge • Motor: 250W Bafang hub drive motor delivering 45 Nm of torque • Throttle: Yes • Top speed: 20 mph • Maximum estimated range: 50 miles • Weight: 51 lbs. • Frame: Step-through

This compact, lightweight e-bike was one of the more unique picks we tested, and not just for its electric orange color. Unlike other e-bikes, the Brompton has a quirky design featuring smaller wheels and a battery pack bag that you can remove with a click. The bike is foldable, making it an excellent choice for city dwellers who aren’t traveling great distances. One tester who is a longtime Brompton owner found this e-bike's acceleration amazing: “Three levels of pedal assist give it some nice flexibility for different riding conditions. The kick was very impressive without being startling — as is often the case on assisted bikes — and was especially noticeable on the start and as hills grade up."

One tester found the brakes more responsive than expected, but said the bike felt a bit clunkier and heavier than standard Bromptons — "a downside for getting in and out of buildings quickly." We also noticed that the placement of the battery pack takes away from luggage or backpack storage on the bike, leaving commuters to carry their backpacks on their back. Other testers found the bike less comfortable and stable than others, but our experts appreciate that the seat height is adjustable to suit a wide range of riders. Though we wouldn’t take the Brompton out on extremely rough terrain and would be careful in slippery conditions, it's worth the splurge for someone seeking a compact, foldable e-bike.

• Battery: Removable, 300wh lithium-ion battery • Charging time: 4 hours • Motor: 250w hub motor • Throttle: No • Top speed: 15.5 mph • Maximum estimated range: 20-45 miles • Weight: 32 lbs. • Frame: Step-through

If you need a solid, nimble road bike to get from point A to point B, the Propella 7S is a wonderful lightweight pick that’s also easier on the wallet. Though the standard frame makes it more difficult for petite riders to get on, once you’re settled, this bike feels swift and easy to maneuver and comes with an easy-to-read display. “I would recommend it for inner-city rides because of the quick acceleration,” says one tester, who praised the bike’s zippiness but also admitted he almost wiped out on an all-terrain portion of his ride. “The bike's tires are very thin, which helped with speed but really made the bike unstable on any surface that wasn’t perfectly flat.” Nevertheless, if your main goal is to get around quickly and you plan on doing so on paved roads, the 7S is a reliable road bike that will provide the assistance you need. It also includes a removable battery (weighing 3.5lbs), which makes it one of the lightest e-bikes we tested when removed.

• Battery: Removable, 36V (250Wh) • Charging time: 2.5 hours • Motor: 250 watt • Throttle: No • Top speed: 18.5 mph • Maximum estimated range: 20-40 miles • Weight: 37 lbs. • Frame: Standard

The Flyer L885 is a monster of a longtail e-bike, but it looks sleek for its size. With a capacity of 400lbs, this bike can carry up to 150 lbs. on the rear rack alone — making it the perfect pick for transporting children or heavy groceries. We loved that the rear rack is compatible with accessories such as a versatile kid and cargo carrier basket or a Thule Yepp child seat. While our experts found the dual-leg kickstand frustrating to use — you have to lift the bike up to put it down — and the bike harder to move around than other lighter e-bikes, we appreciated the integrated lights, twist throttle and small display. “The pedal assist was super easy to use and really kicked in. The wheels of the bike are big so riding felt very stable, and the gears, throttle and pedal assist settings were easy to adjust,” says Scherma. While the Flyer has an impressive, estimated range for such a hefty bike, keep in mind that it’s not quick to charge and can take up to 10 hours according to the brand.

• Battery: Removable, 48V 15Ah (720Wh) UL-recognized lithium-ion with Samsung 50E 21700 cells • Charging time: Up to 10 hours • Motor: 500W brushless rear hub motor • Throttle: Yes • Top speed: 20 mph • Maximum estimated range: 30-50+ miles • Weight: 73 lbs. • Frame: Step-through

Reaching up to 27 mph in our tests, this e-bike is anything but slow. With sensitive controls and a reactive pedal assist, this bike propels you forward with just the slightest touch, making the throttle an almost unnecessary feature. While speed demons will have a blast on the Denago, we recommend it for more experienced bikers. “You can really feel the speed on this bike, which is both a good and a bad thing,” says Saguin. “At times, I got up to 20 mph in a quick jump. Just one pedal can really propel you forward.” Despite its quick speed, our testers found the bike easy to maneuver around crowds (both on and off the bike) and were comfortable braking. “It felt incredibly smooth on pavement and navigated easily around other bikers. Though the speed controls were a bit touchy, I found it offered great brake control,” says Saguin. Our pros also found the large display on the e-bike easy to read and the seat height quick to adjust.

• Battery: Removable, LG 48V, 13.6Ah, 652.8Wh • Charging time: 3-4 hours • Motor: Shengyi, 48V, 500W • Throttle: Yes • Top speed: 28 mph • Maximum estimated range: 20-40 miles • Weight: 53 lbs. • Frame: Step-through

While we wish the Cannondale came in a more enticing design and had a few more color options, this e-bike was one of the least intimidating we tested. It has a "comfy, ergonomic design," according to Rothman, who had no issues riding the e-bike after its battery died. This bike has that “familiar Cannondale feel and control when it comes to turning and general traction,” adds one tester. It actually resembles a normal bike more than an e-bike, especially with the built-in battery, and it feels safe, reliable and comfortable on the road. One tester points out that although he prefers an e-bike with minimal controls, “the controls were less intuitive than others, almost too vague to understand.” The display itself is comprised of only three buttons and your pedal assist level is indicated by a color, making it less intuitive to operate. Overall, our testers found the Cannondale to be an accessible, no-frills e-bike, ideal for someone looking for a trustworthy brand but who doesn’t need or want an aggressive pedal assist or throttle, just the occasional extra push.

• Battery: Built-in, 250 Wh • Charging time: 3-3.5 hours • Motor: Hyena MRC-250, 250W rear hub motor • Throttle: No • Top speed: 20 mph • Maximum estimated range: 47 miles • Weight: 38.8 lbs. • Frame: Step-through

The team of analysts and engineers at the Good Housekeeping Institute tested more than 20 electric bicycles in Central Park. We rode each bike multiple times over the course of several weeks, assessing the overall quality of each ride, how well the bike maneuvered and handled sharp turns as well as the bike’s response to smooth, paved streets versus uneven, rocky terrain and various inclines. We weighed key criteria such as each e-bike’s maximum estimated range, battery power (measured in watts per hour), estimated charging time and motor to determine each bike’s quality and how many miles it can go. We also assessed how quickly each bike responded to acceleration, either with the aid of pedal assist or the bike’s throttle. We noted when activating pedal assist felt seamless or when the motor jerked us forward or had a slight lag.

We invited consumer testers to meet us in Central Park and test each e-bike to provide feedback regarding its ease of use, comfort and build. We evaluated whether turning the e-bike on was intuitive, how easy it was to get on and off the bike and how it felt to move around and store. We considered whether the battery was removable or built-in for ease of charging and whether the seat height was easily adjustable. We scored each e-bike’s design for quality and attractiveness, while also assessing the overall comfort and cushioning of each seat and the bike’s frame (including the handlebar positioning, placement of brake handle and buttons, etc.). Lastly, we tested each e-bike’s safety features, including how responsive the brakes felt, the frame’s stability and whether a loud, clear bell or integrated lights were a part of the design.

While an e-bike certainly isn’t for everyone, they’re definitely worth considering if you cycle frequently, commute to work or don’t want to take out the car to run a quick errand. Not only do e-bikes help you get around faster, but they’re friendlier for the environment and a great way to stay active.

Just keep in mind that e-bikes are heavier, more expensive and require the same maintenance (if not more) as other bicycles, which can add up down the line. That’s why it’s so important to purchase an e-bike from a brand that picks up the phone and has great customer service should you ever have an issue. Check with your local bike store as to whether they’ll service your new e-bike before making a purchase, and always try to test out the bike beforehand to make sure it’s the right fit.

It’s also critical to always wear a helmet when cycling (like this one from ABUS that our testers liked), especially with some e-bikes capable of going up to 28mph.

Chris Nolte, the founder of Propel, one of the nation’s leading e-bike dealers with storefronts in Brooklyn, NY and Long Beach, CA, advises electric bicycle shoppers to consider why they're buying an e-bike before making a purchase. “Bikes are built for different purposes. If you’re commuting to work, consider a bike with fenders, lights and racks. If you’re riding leisurely or not carrying around cargo, get a bike without those features to save on cost and complexity,” he suggests. Below are some other essential factors to consider when shopping for an electric bike, according to bicycle experts.

✔️ Battery: “Most batteries are lithium-ion and will be specific to the bike,” says lead mechanic, rider support technician and certified bike fitter at Velofix, Jonathan Perry. Like a cell phone’s battery, power capacity will diminish over time. One of the most important things to consider is whether your battery is removable or built-in. Removable batteries come in handy when you need to lock up your e-bike outside (the battery is one of the most expensive components of your e-bike), enabling you to take it off and bring it with you. And when it comes to battery size, “think about how far you want to go and how much power you want to use,” says Nolte. The distance you plan on riding will determine how large of a battery you need. To determine how much power the battery has, he suggests looking at watt-hours (wH). “Most of the batteries will be at least 400 watt-hours.” Watt-hours are a measure of the amount of energy an e-bike's battery can supply in an hour. A bike with a 250W motor and 250wH battery can ride entirely unassisted by the rider for an hour before the battery dies. The rate at which one actually consumes the e-bike's battery will depend on the motor on the bike's power (wattage) and its use; heavy pedal assist and throttle use, for instance, will reduce your range more than the occasional boost. When it comes to batteries, also keep in mind that if you’re looking for a lightweight bike, a bigger battery can easily add on several pounds. Lastly, charging time is another factor to pay attention to as some e-bike’s take longer to juice up than others.

✔️ Estimated range: If you’re trying to get more range out of your bike, Perry suggests using your legs more. “Full pedal-assist or full throttle all the time use lots of watts,” subsequently draining the battery. “Pick a battery that is made for the range that suits your needs” and consider buying “a second battery you can always have charged to replace the depleted battery with."

✔️ Motor: “The main difference between a $2000 to $4000 e-bike is the type of motor,” says Perry. There are two main kinds of motors that power e-bikes. “Hub-type motors can feel rougher. Look for a company with good customer service and a warranty so that they will follow up with you if there’s an issue.” Crank-based motors, on the other hand, are “the more premium option and come from established brands like Shimano and Bosch, which are reputable companies that make a good product. These motors distribute weight better by being low and center of gravity on the bike” says Perry. They also generally offer a smoother operating experience.

✔️ Weight: E-bikes can weigh a lot, with some of the ones we tested clocking in at nearly 80 pounds. Before making a purchase, consider whether the bike is easy to take up and down stairs or move around. “E-bikes will always be heavy. The motors are heavy. The batteries are heavy. To keep the cost low on the bikes and to keep them sturdy, they’re often made of steel and sometimes aluminum. This is a heavier material and a bit more rugged,” says Perry. Consumers should consider handling the bike, or moving it around when not on it, advises Perry. “If it’s harder, get a lighter bike so you don’t worry about the bike tipping over and picking it up,” he says.

✔️ Class type: E-bikes come in three distinct classes.

✔️ Pedal assist: “Pedal assist is when you pedal you get an assist of a range of 0 to 5. You get to choose the amount of help you get from the motor,” says Perry. Nolte notes that "not all pedal assist is created equal. Some give you predictable and smoother experiences, whereas some are not as intuitive. Some systems replace your pedaling while some augment your pedaling. The difference is the sensors and how they work.” He explains there are various ways to activate pedal assist, the most basic being a cadence sensor that determines how fast you’re pedaling. This can sometimes result in a jerky motion. Better matched to your output is a torque sensor, which “senses how hard you’re pedaling.” For instance, when you’re going downhill you can be pedaling fast but you don’t actually need a lot of power, in contrast to pedaling uphill when you want the bike to provide power.

✔️ Throttle: Some e-bikes come with a throttle that allows the motor to propel the bike without pedaling. Whether you need one or not is a matter of personal preference and the kind of bike you’re riding. Perry advises that consumers looking for a cargo type bike to carry kids or a lot of weight consider an e-bike with a throttle, which is “helpful just to get going.” A throttle is also useful for consumers who simply don’t want to pedal right off the bat after a hard stop, especially when the bike is heavy.

✔️ Gears: Some e-bikes come with seven gears, while others have three or just one. “If you’re an active rider, get some gears on your e-bike,” suggests Nolte. “A bike with no gears will either pedal too fast or too slow, not a comfortable pace.” It’s also important to try bikes on various terrains to ensure you have the right number of gears for you.

✔️ Tires: Thin tires are generally lighter and best for paved, smooth streets. “In places like New York with rougher terrain, you want wider tires and suspension. It will slow you down a little but will give you more traction and comfort,” says Nolte. You can also head into your local bike shop, which can help you select the right tires for your area and market, advises Perry. Those riding a lot might need to consider a puncture-resistant tire to avoid flats.

✔️ Suspension fork: “Front suspension forks provides some shock dampening. When you hit something rough in the road, they [compress] upfront and almost bounce up. For most people, if you don’t intend on taking the bike onto off-road paths, gravel dirt roads or hiking trails, avoid a suspension fork. It will add weight to the bike,” says Perry. But if you think you'll be encountering a few bumps or potholes when riding, a suspension fork can certainly provide some extra comfort.

✔️ Brakes: E-bikes are typically equipped with mechanical or hydraulic brakes, explains Perry. In general, mechanical brakes are cheaper and require lower maintenance but sacrifice performance. They require the strength of your hands to brake. Hydraulic brakes, on the other hand, feel nicer, are more responsive and easier on your hands but you can expect higher maintenance.

✔️ Extra features: Though the least important of all, you should still consider any extra features your e-bike comes with. Do you like the display? Is it large enough to read and are the buttons easy to adjust? Does the bike have room for a basket in the front or in the back or any extra storage for carrying a purse, backpack or groceries? Does a bell come included, as well as integrated lights? Does the bike have fenders to protect you when riding over puddles? Since no e-bike is identical, pay attention to which features are must-haves or nice extras to improve your riding experience.

While biking always carries inherent risks and e-bikes can introduce more speed into the equation, there are a few things you can do to ensure your safety on an e-bike including buying a bike the right size, never going faster than your skill level can handle and, of course, wearing a properly fitting helmet. Here's what else to keep in mind: ✔️ Size and comfort: While many bikes are adaptable to different sizes, not all bikes are one size fits all. “Find one that fits you,” says Nolte, plain and simple. If your bike isn’t comfortable, you won’t want to use it very often. The ability to get on and off swiftly is extremely important. Step-through frames are oftentimes the easiest to get on, and useful for days when you’re wearing a skirt or dress. High-step or step-over frames are a bit trickier to get on and less comfortable, especially for petite riders. Also consider your ideal ride position, whether that’s sitting more forward in a sporty position or a bike that encourages an upright posture. Nolte finds relaxed, upright positions to be safer, more comfortable and able to offer better visibility for riders.

✔️ Pedal Assist Safety: In addition to always wearing a helmet, “if you plan on stopping at any point, make sure to turn the pedal-assist to zero or power the bike off,” says Perry. If you were to accidentally turn on the throttle when the e-bike is at a stop, it can soar forward and flip. He also recommends consumers always keep their hands on the brakes when at a standstill, just like you would with a car at a red light. Lastly, consider whether the battery of your e-bike has a UL certification, which can help avoid fires. Brands such as Bosch carry this certification as well as many household goods.

✔️ Assembly and maintenance: Most important of all, you should have your bike “assembled [and checked out] by a professional,” says Perry. “Call your local shop. If they say no, call another shop.” While local shops won’t be able to work on electrical components of the e-bike such as the motor, battery etc., they can still work on the bike. There are also companies such as Velofix throughout North America that are happy to help e-bike owners with servicing and repairs, even at their homes.

Media and Tech Reviews Analyst Olivia Lipski oversees product testing and covers everything from consumer electronics to appliances, health, home and fitness. With a B.A. from George Washington University and a Master’s in communications from Sciences Po Paris, Olivia has several years of experience writing about tech and trends. She continues to stay on top of the industry’s latest innovations and helps readers make better buying decisions by reviewing the best gadgets to hit the market. She strongly believes biking is one of the best ways to discover a new city and loves riding around her Brooklyn neighborhood in her cruiser.