Choosing an electric bike can feel quite overwhelming, as the best electric bikes cover a wide range of styles and prices. In this guide, we've selected our picks of the best within different categories, but there are most options within each in our individual electric bike guides.
If you're looking for an electric bike for recreational use, you could consider the wide range of electric road bikes available as well as the best lightweight electric bikes, which can weigh a little more than a normal drop bar race bike.
Best electric bikes: Quick list
The Domane+ SLR is low in weight and, in the US, provides motor assistance up to 28mph.
The Specialized Turbo Creo 2's chunky gravel tyres allow you to ride off-road as well as on.
The Scott Fastlane 10 takes the skeleton of the featherweight road bike and adapts it in this suave electrically assisted version.
The Specialized Turbo Vado SL is a low-weight option for city riding with an integrated battery.
Brompton's neat folding mechanism makes for a compact package, with a separate battery pack.
Last updated on 24th April 2026 The intro has been edited for clarity, product selections have been changed and shortened to make the guide more concise and easier to follow. Product descriptions have also been updated in retained products.
Best electric bikes available today
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Best electric road bike
Trek's electric road bike, the Domane+ SLR 9, barely even looks like an e-bike unless you really squint at it. The clean lines and carbon frame still capture Trek's distinguishable road bike design, but with the benefit of TQ's mid-drive motor hidden above the bottom bracket.
The assistance level is chosen via two small buttons on the handlebar and the battery is hidden in the downtube. The 360Wh offering provides up to 60 miles of range from one charge, with an optional range extender able to extend that further.
Equipped with Shimano Di2 Dura-Ace, the Domane+ SLR 9 is a top-spec bike, and it can take tyres up to 40mm wide, too. Yes, it's pricey, but for those on a budget, the aluminium Domane+ AL is more affordable.
Best electric gravel bike
The Specialized S-Works Turbo Creo 2 is the replacement for the more road-focused Turbo Creo, and features an uprated SL1.2 drive system. This provides more power and torque than the previous generation, both of which can be fine-tuned through the Specialized app.
The Creo 2 comes fitted with gravel tyres, with the argument being that with the power on tap, the gravel tyres let you ride on or off the road without worry. The Future Shock 3.0 headset adds extra comfort too.
When Tom rode the Turbo Creo, he found it fun both on road and off, with enough power for an engaging ride on the road, while its reduced weight, more powerful motor and more relaxed geometry make it very capable off-road too.
Check out the Specialized S-Works Turbo Creo 2 first ride review if you want to read more.
Best lightweight electric bike
At under 11kg (claimed under 10kg in top spec), the Fastlane is one of the lightest electric road bikes you can buy. A contributor to the low weight is the lightweight mid-drive TQ HPR40 motor. It's not as powerful as other e-bike motors, only offering 40Nm of torque and 200 watts of additional power, but it saves 754g compared to the more powerful motor fitted to the Trek.
The battery is hidden inside the downtube, and Scott reckons you can get up to 160km from the 290Wh battery. If you need to go further, there is an optional range extender (160Wh). The battery isn't removable, but the charging time is quick, with Scott quoting only 3 hours to fully charge the battery.
The smaller motor and slim battery not only save weight but also allow Scott to easily hide the electronic components within the aero tubing. So if you are looking for an electric bike that flies under the radar, the Fastlane just looks like a normal bike.
Best electric hybrid bike
If you're looking for a lightweight hybrid electric bike, the Specialized Turbo Vado SL is more than capable. It comes with an impressive battery range of up to 90 miles and a good set of components on the bike. With an 11-speed 11-42 cassette, it'll tackle most climbs with ease.
Rolling on 700c wheels, the 38mm Specialized Pathfinder Sport tyres will take the sting out of potholes, while Tektro hydraulic disc brakes will stop sharply.
We were impressed by the refined power delivery and agile handling, which allowed us to weave through congested urban streets. This was enhanced by the low weight and helped by the Future Shock 1.5 front suspension, which offers a minimalist solution to increase comfort, although we reckoned that the system's performance didn't justify the extra weight, cost and complexity. Some specs omit Future Shock though, so there are alternative options.
If you want more support, the standard Turbo Vado has a more powerful motor and larger battery, but at the expense of a weight increase.
Best folding electric bike
Everyone thinks of Brompton when they think of folding bikes, and now they're taking the electric bike world by storm, too. This model uses a 250W front hub motor and a handlebar-mounted 300Wh removable battery pack. Brompton reckons you can get between 30-70km of range on one charge.
The bike only weighs 17.4kg too, which is on par with some non-pedal assist folders, with only seconds needed to fold down into a storage-friendly size. There's a huge range of luggage and accessory options tailor-made for the bike, so you can set it up for commuting, shopping or even longer trips away.
If you do want to pare some weight off your e-bike, Brompton has expanded its electric bike range with the lighter-weight Electric P Line, while the 20-inch wheel Electric G Line offers a wider-tyred, more versatile option that can take in some off-tarmac riding.
For more details, read our Brompton Electric C-Line review.
How to choose the best electric bike for you
As you'll see from our picks above, there are many different types of electric bikes and a whole range of prices from the inexpensive to the very pricy, so there are a range of questions to consider when looking for the best electric bike for your needs, that will help to narrow down your search. We'll go through them.
What kind of riding do I want to use my e-bike for?
The first thing to narrow down is the type of riding you expect to do on your electric bike. Are you predominantly riding it on road? Is that for recreation or commuting? Do you want a bike with drop bars or flat bars?
That's going to dictate whether you need an electric road bike or an electric hybrid bike.
If you're more interested in riding off-road, the same questions apply and you'll decide if you'll be better off with an electric gravel bike or an electric mountain bike. E-MTBs tend to have burlier tyres and suspension too, so they're more competent on more technical terrain. To muddy the waters, many electric hybrid bikes have wheels and tyres that make them suitable for gentler off-road use as well as on tarmac.
How much do I want to pay?
You can find electric bikes under $1,000 / £1,000, while premium electric bikes can cost ten times that amount. So setting your budget is a key step in narrowing down your choice of electric bikes.
As with non-electric bikes, many electric bikes are offered at a range of spec levels. You may be able to buy a variant of that $10,000 electric bike with less premium components for under half the price, while some e-bikes are made with alloy frames as well as carbon, which will again be more affordable.
How will I use and store my electric bike?
How far are you going to want to ride your e-bike? If you're just using it for commuting, the distance might be lower than if you're planning on recreational use. Sometimes a lower-priced electric bike will have a lower-capacity battery with a more limited range, so it's worth considering if the claimed range will meet your needs.
In general, electric bikes are quite heavy, so if you're going to have to carry your e-bike upstairs or onto public transport, it's worth looking for a lighter-weight model. Public transport options for non-folding bikes may be limited to specific hours when it's less crowded, so you might want to consider a folding electric bike.
Do you have electric power where you're going to store your e-bike? If not, you'll need to be able to remove your battery easily and take it somewhere to charge it. Conversely, you don't want it to be too easy to remove your battery if you're going to leave your e-bike in a public place. Batteries are pricy to replace if they're stolen and many e-bikes have locks on their removable batteries.
Frequently asked questions
Next we'll answer some of the main questions people have about electric bikes.
What are the regulations regarding e-bikes?
Regardless of whether your electric bike has a Shimano, Bosch, Fazua, or any other drive system, its output will be limited to comply with regional laws and restrictions. This will affect the maximum wattage, pedal-assist speed, and the need for licensing and insurance.
These vary depending on where in the world you reside and ride your e-bike, so here are the key things you need to know about regional restrictions in the UK, the US and Australia:
UK
In the UK, e-bikes are classed as regular non-pedal assist bikes provided the motor cuts out a 25kph, does not generate more than 250 watts of continuous assistance (although peak output can be greater), and does not kick in until the bike is already in motion. Riders must also be at least 14 years old. If your e-bike meets these criteria, you can legally ride it anywhere a bike can be ridden.
If your e-bike doesn’t meet these standards, it will need to be registered and insured as a motor vehicle, and you will need a licence and a helmet.
Australia
Australians love simplicity, and that is why e-bikes are split into throttle-operated and non-throttle-operated. Throttle-operated e-bikes must be limited to 200 watts and 25kph, while pedal assist can provide up to 250 watts of assistance but is limited to the same speed limit. In keeping with this simplicity, anything that doesn’t abide by the above is considered a motorbike by law and must be licensed and insured.
USA
The US is one of the more difficult countries to navigate e-bike regulations because the rules will vary depending on what state you live in, and even then, the laws are written in legalese that just about requires a member of your local bar association to translate.
According to federal legislation enacted by Congress in 2002, an e-bike is defined as, “A two- or three-wheeled vehicle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 h.p.), whose maximum speed on a paved level surface, when powered solely by such a motor while ridden by an operator who weighs 170 pounds, is less than 20 mph.”
Unfortunately, state laws surrounding e-bikes often supersede this legislation. Currently, 33 states have statutes that define an e-bike in some manner, while the rest lack a specific definition and may lump them in with another vehicle class. To make things even more confusing, in states like Mississippi, there is no mention of e-bikes in the wording of the laws, but a general opinion issued by the Attorney General says an electric bicycle should be classified as a regular bike. Thirteen states have taken up the three-tiered system outlined by The Bicycle Product Suppliers Association, which classifies electric bikes based on their maximum assisted speed:
- Class 1: the motor provides assistance only when the rider is pedalling and cuts out a 20mph
- Class 2: the motor can contribute regardless of pedalling, but is governed to 20mph
- Class 3: the motor provides assistance when the rider is pedalling but cuts out at 28mph and must be equipped with a speedometer.
Regardless of class, the motor can only generate a maximum of 750 watts, and the class must be labelled clearly.
In the 17 states that lump e-bikes in with other classes of vehicles, licensing and registration may be required to operate an e-bike.
If your head is spinning trying to keep these rules straight, our friends over at People for Bikes have a handy state-by-state guide.
Which e-bike motor and battery do I need?
The best e-bike motors can be located in several areas of the bike, depending on which brand and model you opt for. Options are a front-drive, mid-drive or rear-drive motor system, located in the front hub, bottom bracket and rear hub, respectively.
While any of the three options will serve you fine, the motor system location will often have an impact on the handling of your bike, so it's worth considering whether or not you would have a preference.
Generally, a mid-drive motor system is the best of the three, as it spreads the weight more evenly throughout the bike. Since the motor and battery are the heaviest parts, it's better to have that heft closer to the ground and between the wheels, so as not to throw off your centre of gravity. A rear hub motor is generally preferable to a front hub motor too, as you'll be sitting over it to give it traction, and it's unlikely to affect steering.
Battery capacity is measured in Wh (watt-hours). The larger the number, the further your battery will take you on a single charge, and the heavier it will be. Some motor systems let you purchase a separate range extender battery, which is often mounted to the bike in place of a water bottle. It plugs into the main battery, increasing range and, in some cases, doubling it.
What's torque and how much do I need?
With most electric bike motors being limited to 250 watts continuous power output, it's their torque figures that are more significant in comparing electric bikes. That's a measure of how much push the motor will give you as you ride.
In general, electric bikes start at around 40Nm torque. That's enough to give you a light push and help you up hills, but you'll need to put in quite a bit of your own effort. Electric bikes with this range of torque also tend to have smaller batteries, because they're not providing as much assistance, so they'll usually be lighter than an electric bike with a more torquey motor.
Many city hybrid electric bikes have a motor with around 60Nm torque output. That gives you more help with starts and when carrying loads, but results in a heavier bike and needs a larger battery.
The highest torque electric motors can provide around 100Nm and are usually reserved for electric mountain bikes and some electric gravel bikes, where you need the turning power to keep you moving up steep gradients. They're also found on electric cargo bikes and some electric city bikes, where the extra torque helps with stops and starts when loaded. These motors are usually paired with even larger batteries and add even more weight.
How we test the best electric bikes
When we review an electric bike, we'll ride it over several months to understand how easy it is to live with, what its capabilities and limitations are and everything that makes it one of the best electric bikes, before we recommend it to readers like you.
We'll keep a detailed score sheet for each bike across several factors and offer you a balanced appraisal, as documented in more detail in our guide to how we test.
