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2023 Trek Domane+ e-road bike review: Ultra-quiet, ultra-stealthy

Flagship model weighs just 12.21 kg, and us-spec bikes get a genuinely useful 45 km/h cutoff from the new tq mid-drive motor..

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Trek has today announced the third generation of its Domane+ e-assist road bike, and it’s quite the change from the one that came before. There’s a new motor from German company TQ, a brand-new carbon fiber frame with more advanced carbon fiber content and construction, more tire clearance, and in general, a sleeker and lighter total package that looks and feels more like a “regular” road bike.

It sounds like quite the complete package on paper, and it mostly is in reality – with some caveats, of course. 

The lightning pace of e-bike motor development 

Trek clearly isn’t shy about switching motor suppliers. Each generation of the Domane+ has used a different brand of motor: Bosch on the first generation one, Fazua on the second iteration, and now TQ on this latest third-generation model. 

Why the switch, you wonder? Because it seems like quite the advancement in a number of key areas.

First and foremost, the TQ HPR-50 motor is legitimately tiny, so much so that in profile, you almost wouldn’t guess at all that the Domane+ is an e-bike. Unlike the previous Bosch and Fazua units, the TQ is hidden completely inside a painted-to-match shroud at the bottom bracket with little on the outside to give anything away. Of course, a closer look reveals clues such as the cooling port on the underside of the cover, but even the battery is fully integrated inside the down tube.

Trek is also touting the HPR-50’s unusually quiet operation, which comes about thanks to a unique interior configuration that does away with the usual array of reduction gears and/or belts, and is claimed to reduce internal friction, too. Trek’s official press materials also make mention of the lower Q-factor as compared to the Fazua unit, but don’t get too excited; it’s only down 2 mm in total, and the 163 mm figure is still about 12 mm wider than what you get with Shimano GRX, or 17 mm wider than most dedicated road cranks. 

Be that as it may, the specs of the TQ HPR-50 motor are impressive. The official maximum power output is 300 W (or 50 Nm of torque), and it’s powered by a 360 Wh Li-ion battery in the down tube that Trek claims is good for “up to” 145 km (90 miles) in Eco mode. An optional range extender battery tucks into a water bottle cage for another 160 Wh, and the system can even run on just the range extender battery alone should you want to fly with your new Domane+ and need to tuck in under typical airline battery size restrictions.

Three levels of e-assist are available, each of which can be customized using the Trek Central smartphone app. Switching between the three assist levels is literally at your fingertips thanks to convenient remote buttons positioned next to the brake lever hoods, while the various mode screens on the high-resolution LCD panel on the top tube are accessed directly on that panel. Among the available screen pages are windows for remaining battery life (expressed numerically as both a percentage and time to empty, and visually with bars), current power output, speed, and distance – and when you’re charging the system, the display even gives you a precise countdown to when the battery is full. 

Frame design implications

The bigger benefit of switching to the TQ HPR-50 motor is arguably how it affects the latest Domane+’s frame design. Trek sought to have this version look as much like a non-powered bike as possible, and aside from some generally inflated proportions, that goal seems to have been met.

The motor’s smaller form factor makes for a more normal-looking bottom bracket area, and although the down tube is notably bulbous given the internally housed battery, the whole frame looks surprisingly proportional. The Q-factor may not have changed much, but the more typical chainline has allowed Trek to switch to a standard 142 mm-wide rear hub in place of the “Road Boost” 148 mm one on the previous-generation Domane+, which is a great move for wheel compatibility.

The 2023 Domane+ marks the first time Trek has used its top-end OCLV 800 carbon fiber content. Combined with the integrated down tube battery – meaning there’s no need for a large hatch – Trek claims to have lopped 450 g from the previous Domane+ chassis. Claimed weight for an unpainted 56 cm frame is around 1,250 g. Adding to that is 1,850 g for the motor, 1,835 g for the 360-Wh battery, plus a few more grams for mounting hardware.

That claimed frame weight includes the latest version of Trek’s IsoSpeed pivoting seat cluster concept. This incarnation isn’t adjustable, but it does use a conventional (albeit proprietary) telescoping carbon fiber seatpost instead of the integrated seatmast of previous IsoSpeed-equipped bikes. 

All in, my 52 cm flagship sample with a SRAM Red eTap AXS wireless electronic 1×12 groupset and Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37V carbon clinchers tips the scales at a comparatively svelte 12.21 kg (26.92 lb).

Save for a 10 mm increase in chainstay length – a consequence of the TQ HPR-50’s motor casing size – frame geometry is the same as the non-powered Domane, down to the millimeter. Stack and reach figures are more upright and relaxed as compared to the Madone or Emonda, but both are still pretty sporty overall, and trail figures in the low-60s across the board are intended to provide fairly nimble handling manners. 

Despite those virtually identical dimensions, the Domane+ is approved for tires up to 40 mm-wide, whereas the non-powered Domane tops out at 35 mm. Keep in mind those are Trek’s official ratings, which account for a minimum of 6 mm of space all around. Actual maximum tire sizes will almost certainly be bigger, though that’ll depend on your comfort level for potential frame rub. 

Either way, adding fenders to the hidden front and rear mounts will drop that maximum tire size by 5 mm. 

Naturally, cabling is fully hidden, although the manner in which Trek has gone about it for the new Domane+ isn’t nearly as maddening as it could have been. Lines are run externally on the handlebar before being routing alongside the underside of (not through) the stem and then into ports in the dedicated upper headset cover. Keeping things visually tidy are a cosmetic cover bolted to the bottom of the stem and profiled headset spacers that are also split for easier bar height adjustment. 

Models, availability, and pricing

Trek will offer the new Domane+ in six different build kits, all using the same frame and motor package. There are only three price points, though, with each one offering a SRAM and Shimano variant. Interestingly, all SRAM-equipped bikes will come with 1×12 drivetrains and 40 mm-wide Bontrager gravel tires, while Shimano bikes are set up with 2×12 drivetrains and more tarmac-oriented 32 mm-wide slicks. As usual for Trek’s premium models, Project One custom builds are available in most models, although whichever way you slice it, the prices are awfully high.

Topping the list is the Domane+ SLR 9 eTap P1 (US$13,000 / AU$n/a / £12,900 / €14,500), built with a SRAM Red eTap AXS 1×12 electronic groupset, 25 mm-wide Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37V carbon clinchers, and 40 mm-wide Bontrager GR1 Team Issue gravel tires. Claimed weight is 12.15 kg (26.79 lb).

Sitting alongside that is the Domane+ SLR 9 P1 (US$13,000 / AU$n/a / £12,500 / €14,000), equipped with a Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 2×12 electronic groupset, 21 mm-wide Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37 carbon clinchers, and 32 mm-wide Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lite slicks. Claimed weight is 11.75 kg (25.90 lb).

The middle child is the Domane+ SLR 7 eTap P1 (US$10,000 / AU$n/a / £9,750 / €11,000) with a SRAM Force eTap AXS 1×12 electronic groupset, 25 mm-wide Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3V carbon clinchers, and 40 mm-wide Bontrager GR1 Team Issue gravel tires. Claimed weight is 12.50 kg (27.56 lb).

Alternatively, the Domane+ SLR 7 P1 (US$10,000 / AU$n/a / £9,450 / €10,600) comes with a Shimano Ultegra Di2 2×12 electronic groupset and the same wheel-and-tire package. Claimed weight is 12.20 kg (26.90 lb).

There’s also a slightly less expensive non-Project One Domane+ SLR 7 (US$9,500 / AU$14,500 / £8,900 / €10,000).

Looking for the fancy TQ motor on a “budget”? The Domane+ SLR 6 eTap P1 (US$9,000 / AU$n/a / £8,900 / €10,000) is equipped with SRAM’s Rival eTap AXS 1×12 electronic groupset, 25 mm-wide Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3V carbon clinchers, and 40 mm-wide Bontrager GR1 Team Issue gravel tires. Claimed weight is 12.60 kg (27.78 lb).

If you prefer Shimano, there’s the Domane+ SLR 6 P1 (US$9,000 / AU$n/a / £8,890 / €9,600) with the same wheel-and-tire package, but Shimano’s latest 105 Di2 2×12 electronic groupset. Claimed weight is 12.40 kg (27.34 lb).

Finally, there’s the non-P1 Domane+ SLR 6 (US$8,500 / AU$13,000 / £8,340 / €9,000).

All of the new Domane+ models are supposedly available for ordering and/or purchase starting today.

Like an ever-present hand on your back

I should first point out in this review that your own experience on the new Domane+ will vary greatly depending on where you are. In the US, the TQ HPR-50 motor is allowed to operate at full power up to 45 km/h (28 mph). However, the cutoff in Europe is just 25 km/h, while most other countries will be at various points in between. I did this test in the United States, so take my commentary with a grain of salt if you live in a different region. 

It’s also important to remember that there are essentially two major categories these days: so-called full-power ones such as what you normally see from brands like Bosch and Shimano, and lightweight models such as this new Domane+. Full-power ones are usually rated for around 250 W or so of power (and around 85 Nm of torque), but keep in mind that’s a nominal figure. Peak outputs are usually much, much higher – often more than 800 W. 

But like other e-bikes in this “lightweight” category, the output of the TQ HPR-50 motor is far more modest. It’s rated at 300 W, but that’s the most you’ll ever get out of it (give or take a few watts). Likewise, maximum torque is capped at 50 Nm. The benefit of that reduced output is a huge weight advantage for the motor and battery itself, plus everything else on the bike can be made lighter as well.

That all said, while I know opinions are definitely mixed out there with respect to e-road bikes, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have one heck of a good time testing this thing.

Those full-power e-bikes are undoubtedly fun (so much power!), but the experience can also be so far removed from purely human-powered pedaling that it can almost seem like something other than bike riding. But this Domane+? It’s more like you’ve always got a hand on your back, or the feeling you get when you’re having a really, really (really) good day. 

Trek intends for the Domane+ to feel like a regular road bike, and for the most part, I’m inclined to agree. Power from the TQ motor doesn’t come suddenly like a kick, but more like a building wave. It’s surprisingly subtle, so much so that when you rise out of the saddle to sprint, it almost seems like nothing’s happening – but then you look at your speed and your times, and it’s pretty clear that isn’t the case.

The way that power comes on is interesting, though. It’s not simply a direct proportion of your own output, but a more complex calculation that also takes other factors into account like speed and cadence. From what I can tell, it’s almost like the system has two goals.

One is helping you maintain your speed. For example, when casually cruising at 150 W (and with the highest-power setting selected), there are times the system is putting out 200 W or more. At other times, it’s kicking out almost nothing. But in either case, how much power the system produces depends on how much help it thinks you need, and it does an uncannily good job of figuring that out. 

It’s also pretty impressive when flirting with that 45 km/h cutoff. One of the main drags heading back into town is mostly flat, but with some small rollers and often just enough of a tailwind that you can really build a head of steam. The Domane+ was more than happy to give me a nudge to get me to that magical 45 km/h mark, and then just barely enough power to let me stay just shy of that figure so as to not trigger the cutoff. And when I did cross that line, the cutoff is remarkably gentle, so much so that I kept peeking at the top tube display to see if the system really wasn’t doing anything.  

It’s when climbing that the TQ HPR-50 comes into its own. There, the motor doesn’t seem to just want you to maintain your speed; it wants you to feel like a superhero (at least in full-power mode). Needless to say, the feeling of climbing like that is addictive, but it also highlights the power limitations of the system. Say you’re climbing steady at 200 W and the system is kicking out another 300 W. But if you put down more than that, it’s still topped out at 300 W. Granted, that’s still an awful lot more than I can maintain on my own, but proportionally speaking, it’s more noticeable that the system is cutting power than when you’re hitting the speed limit. 

But it’s still fun.

Unfortunately, there’s another limit to that fun, and Trek’s range claims strike me as a bit ambitious (which isn’t surprising). Granted, range claims are always more than a little fuzzy, and the mountainous terrain of my local stomping grounds certainly has a lot to do with that. One ride in particular covered just 38 km (23.5 miles), but almost 800 m (2,600 ft) of elevation gain – all at maximum power assist (have I mentioned how much fun this bike is?). But when I got back home, the battery capacity was down to a middling 27%. Granted, I could have done that same ride on a lower power setting, but where’s the joy in that?

Here’s where that lightweight vs. full-power thing comes in again. While lightweight models like this Domane+ indeed feel more like non-powered bikes most of the time, there’s no substitute for watt-hours. To put that into perspective, I played around with a Canyon Grail:On gravel e-bike a couple of years ago, which is equipped with a full-power Bosch system and a much bigger battery. One ride I did on that bike covered more than 47 km (29.5 miles) with just shy of 1,200 m (3850 ft) of elevation gain – and there was enough juice left at the end that I almost could have done that ride twice. 

Granted, that bike was more of a bruiser than this Domane+, which does really feel a lot like a good, non-powered road bike in many respects. While it’s fun to blast around in full-power mode, kicking things down a notch or so dramatically extends battery life. There’s some noticeable friction in the TQ motor when pedaling without power at all – more from the bearing seals than parasitic mechanical losses, from what I can tell – but it’s not bad at all, and it certainly pales in comparison to what the motor is putting out.

Aside for the extra weight, the Domane+ genuinely feels pretty normal – certainly enough so that you don’t feel like you have to be in full-power mode all the time. And just as promised, the TQ HPR-50 motor is remarkably quiet so you’re not always audibly reminded what you’re riding, either. There is a whir that grows proportionally louder with pedaling cadence, but even at its loudest, you can barely make it out from the hum of your tires. At higher speeds, it’s drowned out entirely by wind noise. It’s easy to forget about it.

About that speed cutoff

As I mentioned earlier, your experience on an e-road bike will vary greatly depending on where you’re riding it (or perhaps more specifically, where you’ve purchased it). Although I found the Domane+ to be incredibly entertaining, it would have been very different had the motor cut out at 25 km/h as it would in Europe. There, the Domane+ would still be a blast when climbing, or perhaps more as a dedicated light-duty gravel rig with those 40 mm-wide tires. However, I’m not sure how much fun it’d be otherwise (and I know CyclingTips senior tech editor Dave Rome agrees on this one ).

Kudos to Trek and TQ for so thoroughly engineering the motor assist cutoff when you do bump up against that mandated speed limit. Unlike many other e-bikes I’ve ridden, the power drops off gently and seamlessly, rather than feeling so abrupt that you wonder if a wire has suddenly come loose. 

But even then, the 25 km/h cutoff that much of the world would see on this thing also severely cuts into its utility. It’s virtually guaranteed that someone riding a Domane+ wouldn’t be able to enjoy a bunch ride with friends since they’d essentially be dragging an ineffective anchor all the time, and even more gradual climbs would likely be frustrating as the motor continually cuts in and out. It’d still be a boon for longer climbs if you’re ok with taking it a bit slower, and certainly on steeper ones. But aside from that, I’d urge anyone considering their first e-road bike purchase to seriously ponder the effects of that speed limit. 

What about the non-motorized bits?

Handling mostly feels like the regular Domane (and you can expect a review of the new non-powered Domane SLR from me shortly, too), although there are some caveats. I find it interesting that Trek equips the Domane+ models with such a broad spread in tire sizes, as it does affect the steering. I first tried my test bike with the stock 40 mm-wide Bontrager GR1 Team Issue gravel tires, and it was… ok. The steering felt heavy off-center, and the bike wasn’t nearly as eager to initiate turns as I would have expected. But when I switched to 35 mm-wide Schwalbe G-One RS tires, the handling instantly became much more natural, easily diving into turns and flowing through corners as it should. 

Switching tires also highlighted another downside. Although the stock Bontrager gravel tires are quite grippy on hardpack and tarmac, they’re also surprisingly slow-rolling. With those Schwalbes installed, the bike felt much faster and alive (and I’m sure there’s a positive impact on battery range, too). 

Ride quality improved with the tire change, too, but it still couldn’t completely mask the imbalance between the front and rear ends. Trek’s IsoSpeed feature continues to work brilliantly, offering an incredibly smooth and compliant feel that (at least for me) never feels overly bouncing or intrusive. But even with the bigger Bontragers fitted, the front end is dramatically stiffer. Even medium-sized impacts jar your hands, and trying to attack washboard sections of packed dirt is absolutely brutal. My guess is the massively oversized down tube has a lot to do with this, which is something I’ve noticed on other e-bikes with similar proportions. 

There are some other quirks, too.

One of the TQ display screens is supposed to separately show your output and that of the motor. The motor figure seems believable enough, but the display of your output seems dramatically low. Granted, I didn’t verify this with a separate power meter, but I know what 200 W feels like, and when I see 150 W on the display, something seems off.

Aside from the tires, I don’t have much to complain about regarding the spec. The 10-44T cassette and 42T chainring offer plenty of range, and shift quality is very good. The jumps between sprockets are still a little bigger than I’d prefer for group road rides, but it’s fine when out solo. And kudos to TQ for powering the rear derailleur directly by the main system battery. It’s clean and convenient, and one less battery to worry about (although that also means if the system is totally, completely dead, you now can’t shift, either). 

The Bontrager finishing kit is generally excellent. The snub-nosed Verse Pro saddle is comfy, the Aeolus RSL 37V wide-format carbon wheels are fantastic, and kudos to whoever at Trek specified this wonderfully grippy and squishy bar tape. But the handlebar underneath that tape? I’m sure someone likes it, but it’s definitely not my cup of tea. The short reach and deep drop are an odd combo, and I was never able to find a remotely comfortable position for my hands in the drops. Thankfully, Trek’s solution for concealed cabling allows you to use any bar with a 31.8 mm clamp diameter.

Super fun, but keep the limitations in mind

Trek’s move to the TQ motor platform is interesting, if for no other reason than its longstanding relationships with other (and much better established) motor suppliers. However, the company clearly sees advantages in what the TQ HPR-50 provides, and after riding it myself, it’s hard to argue with Trek’s decision: it looks better, it’s quieter, and while TQ’s long-term reliability still needs to be proven, the simpler mechanical layout at least bodes well since there’s less to go wrong in there.

As promised, the Domane+ does feel a lot like a regular road bike in a lot of ways, and it’s undeniably fun to ride. But as I mentioned earlier, the experience will vary greatly with where you’re riding it. Although I found the bike incredibly entertaining, it would have been very different had the motor cut out at 25 km/h as it would in Europe. There, the Domane+ would still be a blast when climbing, but I’m not sure how much fun it’d be otherwise.

Either way, those looking for the more visceral thrills of a full-powered e-road bike won’t be blown away by the TQ motor’s modest specifications, but if you’re after more of a traditional feel with a little bit of a boost – and live in the right country – this seems like a bike well worth considering. 

More information can be found at www.trekbikes.com .

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vine, kras, quinn sustain fractures, rogli\u010d escapes with no broken bones\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"mathieu van der poel untouchable at paris-roubaix with 60km solo raid","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/paris-roubaix-van-der-poel-unmatchable-with-60km-solo-raid\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/paris-roubaix-van-der-poel-unmatchable-with-60km-solo-raid\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"mathieu van der poel untouchable at paris-roubaix with 60km solo raid\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/paris-roubaix-van-der-poel-unmatchable-with-60km-solo-raid\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"mathieu van der poel untouchable at paris-roubaix with 60km solo raid\"}}\u0027>\n mathieu van der poel untouchable at paris-roubaix with 60km solo raid\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"jonas vingegaard undergoes surgery in spain, with recovery time \u2018not yet clear\u2019","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/jonas-vingegaard-undergoes-surgery-in-spain-with-recovery-time-not-yet-clear\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/jonas-vingegaard-undergoes-surgery-in-spain-with-recovery-time-not-yet-clear\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"jonas vingegaard undergoes surgery in spain, with recovery time \u2018not yet clear\u2019\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/jonas-vingegaard-undergoes-surgery-in-spain-with-recovery-time-not-yet-clear\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"jonas vingegaard undergoes surgery in spain, with recovery time \u2018not yet clear\u2019\"}}\u0027>\n jonas vingegaard undergoes surgery in spain, with recovery time \u2018not yet clear\u2019\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"police called to scott sports headquarters as corporate drama roils brand","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/news\/police-called-to-scott-sports-headquarters-as-corporate-drama-roils-brand\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/news\/police-called-to-scott-sports-headquarters-as-corporate-drama-roils-brand\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"police called to scott sports headquarters as corporate drama roils brand\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/news\/police-called-to-scott-sports-headquarters-as-corporate-drama-roils-brand\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"police called to scott sports headquarters as corporate drama roils brand\"}}\u0027>\n police called to scott sports headquarters as corporate drama roils brand\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"paris-roubaix rewind: cool kopecky, magnificent mathieu, and jury drops hammer on tarling, van dijke","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/paris-roubaix-rewind-cool-kopecky-magnificent-mathieu-and-jury-drops-hammer-on-tarling-van-dijke\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/paris-roubaix-rewind-cool-kopecky-magnificent-mathieu-and-jury-drops-hammer-on-tarling-van-dijke\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"paris-roubaix rewind: cool kopecky, magnificent mathieu, and jury drops hammer on tarling, van dijke\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/paris-roubaix-rewind-cool-kopecky-magnificent-mathieu-and-jury-drops-hammer-on-tarling-van-dijke\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"paris-roubaix rewind: cool kopecky, magnificent mathieu, and jury drops hammer on tarling, van dijke\"}}\u0027>\n paris-roubaix rewind: cool kopecky, magnificent mathieu, and jury drops hammer on tarling, van dijke\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"bike check: lotte kopecky\u2019s paris-roubaix winning specialized tarmac sl8","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/lotte-kopeckys-paris-roubaix-winning-specialized-tarmac-sl8-full-gallery\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/lotte-kopeckys-paris-roubaix-winning-specialized-tarmac-sl8-full-gallery\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"bike check: lotte kopecky\u2019s paris-roubaix winning specialized tarmac sl8\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/lotte-kopeckys-paris-roubaix-winning-specialized-tarmac-sl8-full-gallery\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"bike check: lotte kopecky\u2019s paris-roubaix winning specialized tarmac sl8\"}}\u0027>\n bike check: lotte kopecky\u2019s paris-roubaix winning specialized tarmac sl8\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"\u2018not my specialty but i\u2019m going to try\u2019: can mathieu van der poel pip pogacar at li\u00e8ge-bastogne-li\u00e8ge","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/not-my-specialty-but-im-going-to-try-can-mathieu-van-der-poel-deny-pogacar-at-liege-bastogne-liege\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/not-my-specialty-but-im-going-to-try-can-mathieu-van-der-poel-deny-pogacar-at-liege-bastogne-liege\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"\u2018not my specialty but i\u2019m going to try\u2019: can mathieu van der poel pip pogacar at li\u00e8ge-bastogne-li\u00e8ge\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/not-my-specialty-but-im-going-to-try-can-mathieu-van-der-poel-deny-pogacar-at-liege-bastogne-liege\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"\u2018not my specialty but i\u2019m going to try\u2019: can mathieu van der poel pip pogacar at li\u00e8ge-bastogne-li\u00e8ge\"}}\u0027>\n \u2018not my specialty but i\u2019m going to try\u2019: can mathieu van der poel pip pogacar at li\u00e8ge-bastogne-li\u00e8ge\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"photo essay: the drama of paris-roubaix, by chris auld","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/photo-essay-the-drama-of-paris-roubaix-by-chris-auld\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/photo-essay-the-drama-of-paris-roubaix-by-chris-auld\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"photo essay: the drama of paris-roubaix, by chris auld\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/photo-essay-the-drama-of-paris-roubaix-by-chris-auld\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"photo essay: the drama of paris-roubaix, by chris auld\"}}\u0027>\n photo essay: the drama of paris-roubaix, by chris auld\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"paris-roubaix tech gallery: big tires and gravel bikes","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/paris-roubaix-tech-gallery-big-tires-and-gravel-bikes\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/paris-roubaix-tech-gallery-big-tires-and-gravel-bikes\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"paris-roubaix tech gallery: big tires and gravel bikes\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-gear\/paris-roubaix-tech-gallery-big-tires-and-gravel-bikes\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"paris-roubaix tech gallery: big tires and gravel bikes\"}}\u0027>\n paris-roubaix tech gallery: big tires and gravel bikes\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"belgian waffle ride utah: sofia gomez villafa\u00f1e and pete stetina solo to the win","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/belgian-waffle-ride-utah-results-sofia-gomez-villafane-and-pete-stetina\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/belgian-waffle-ride-utah-results-sofia-gomez-villafane-and-pete-stetina\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"belgian waffle ride utah: sofia gomez villafa\u00f1e and pete stetina solo to the win\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/belgian-waffle-ride-utah-results-sofia-gomez-villafane-and-pete-stetina\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"belgian waffle ride utah: sofia gomez villafa\u00f1e and pete stetina solo to the win\"}}\u0027>\n belgian waffle ride utah: sofia gomez villafa\u00f1e and pete stetina solo to the win\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"power analysis: how mathieu van der poel eviscerated paris-roubaix","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-training\/power-analysis-mathieu-van-der-poel-paris-roubaix\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-training\/power-analysis-mathieu-van-der-poel-paris-roubaix\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"power analysis: how mathieu van der poel eviscerated paris-roubaix\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-training\/power-analysis-mathieu-van-der-poel-paris-roubaix\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"power analysis: how mathieu van der poel eviscerated paris-roubaix\"}}\u0027>\n power analysis: how mathieu van der poel eviscerated paris-roubaix\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"\u2018we have to rethink the way we race\u2019: vingegaard, evenepoel\u2019s tour de france plans in balance after brutal itzulia basque crash","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/itzulia-basque-country-vingegaard-evenepoels-plans-in-balance\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/itzulia-basque-country-vingegaard-evenepoels-plans-in-balance\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"\u2018we have to rethink the way we race\u2019: vingegaard, evenepoel\u2019s tour de france plans in balance after brutal itzulia basque crash\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/itzulia-basque-country-vingegaard-evenepoels-plans-in-balance\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"\u2018we have to rethink the way we race\u2019: vingegaard, evenepoel\u2019s tour de france plans in balance after brutal itzulia basque crash\"}}\u0027>\n \u2018we have to rethink the way we race\u2019: vingegaard, evenepoel\u2019s tour de france plans in balance after brutal itzulia basque crash\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"riders\u2019 association president calls for further action relating to hookless tires and rims","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/riders-association-president-calls-for-further-action-relating-to-hookless-tires-and-rims\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/riders-association-president-calls-for-further-action-relating-to-hookless-tires-and-rims\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"riders\u2019 association president calls for further action relating to hookless tires and rims\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/riders-association-president-calls-for-further-action-relating-to-hookless-tires-and-rims\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"riders\u2019 association president calls for further action relating to hookless tires and rims\"}}\u0027>\n riders\u2019 association president calls for further action relating to hookless tires and rims\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"\u2018as bad as 2021\u2019: paris-roubaix cobblestones caked in mud ahead of weekend races","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/as-bad-as-2021-paris-roubaix-cobblestones-caked-in-mud-ahead-of-weekend-races\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/as-bad-as-2021-paris-roubaix-cobblestones-caked-in-mud-ahead-of-weekend-races\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"\u2018as bad as 2021\u2019: paris-roubaix cobblestones caked in mud ahead of weekend races\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/as-bad-as-2021-paris-roubaix-cobblestones-caked-in-mud-ahead-of-weekend-races\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"\u2018as bad as 2021\u2019: paris-roubaix cobblestones caked in mud ahead of weekend races\"}}\u0027>\n \u2018as bad as 2021\u2019: paris-roubaix cobblestones caked in mud ahead of weekend races\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"\u2018the sport is definitely more dangerous now\u2019: double winner sean kelly welcomes changes to paris-roubaix","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/the-sport-is-definitely-more-dangerous-now-double-winner-sean-kelly-welcomes-changes-to-paris-roubaix\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/the-sport-is-definitely-more-dangerous-now-double-winner-sean-kelly-welcomes-changes-to-paris-roubaix\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"\u2018the sport is definitely more dangerous now\u2019: double winner sean kelly welcomes changes to paris-roubaix\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/the-sport-is-definitely-more-dangerous-now-double-winner-sean-kelly-welcomes-changes-to-paris-roubaix\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"\u2018the sport is definitely more dangerous now\u2019: double winner sean kelly welcomes changes to paris-roubaix\"}}\u0027>\n \u2018the sport is definitely more dangerous now\u2019: double winner sean kelly welcomes changes to paris-roubaix\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"\u2018the riders all call it a death trap\u2019: why the peloton pushed back on paris-roubaix dangers","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/the-riders-all-call-it-a-death-trap-why-the-peloton-pushed-back-on-paris-roubaix\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/the-riders-all-call-it-a-death-trap-why-the-peloton-pushed-back-on-paris-roubaix\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"\u2018the riders all call it a death trap\u2019: why the peloton pushed back on paris-roubaix dangers\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/the-riders-all-call-it-a-death-trap-why-the-peloton-pushed-back-on-paris-roubaix\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"\u2018the riders all call it a death trap\u2019: why the peloton pushed back on paris-roubaix dangers\"}}\u0027>\n \u2018the riders all call it a death trap\u2019: why the peloton pushed back on paris-roubaix dangers\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "}]' > >", "name": "footer-menu", "type": "link"}}'>advertise >", "name": "footer-menu", "type": "link"}}'>privacy policy >", "name": "footer-menu", "type": "link"}}'>contact >", "name": "footer-menu", "type": "link"}}'>careers >", "name": "footer-menu", "type": "link"}}'>terms of use >", "name": "footer-menu", "type": "link"}}'>site map >", "name": "footer-menu", "type": "link"}}'>my newsletters manage cookie preferences privacy request healthy living.

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Electric road bikes are similar to the e-bikes you know and love, but they’re lighter, faster and designed to deliver a real road bike experience over longer distances. Just like road bikes are generally more performance-orientated than traditional city bikes, these drop-bar e-road bikes are generally more high-performance than traditional city e-bikes. You can use an e-road bike for your daily commute, but they really shine on fast-paced group rides, long solo rides and epic weekend adventures.

What is an e-road bike?

E-road bikes have an electric assist system that boosts your own power so you can ride faster, climb with ease, ride through headwinds and cover greater distances. They’re designed for riding primarily on the road, but many models are also great on mixed surfaces and gravel.

How do e-road bikes work?

Our e-road bikes are pedal-assist, which means that the electric motor helps turn your pedals while you’re pedalling. The motor amplifies your own power for a natural ride feel that lets you enjoy everything you love about road riding, and nothing you don’t.

Why you’ll love your e-road bike

E-road bikes supercharge your legs you so you can focus less on catching your breath and more on soaking up the sights and spending time with friends.

Push any pace

Ride with faster groups, power through headwinds, and take the scenic route while still saving time.

Adventure without limits

Legs heavy? Wind howling? On an e-road bike, you can leave limits behind thanks to an extra boost that helps you power through the toughest parts of a ride.

Fly up hills

The extra power helps you make short work of any climb, leaving you with more energy to enjoy the ride, clock more miles and hit more hills!

Where to ride your electric road bike

You can ride your e-road bike on tarmac, gravel and bike paths. Regulations vary by country, region and city, so check out PeopleForBikes’ resources or contact your local authorities for more details.

We’re your e-bike experts For over 40 years, we’ve created all kinds of bicycles, from cutting-edge performance bikes that win the world’s biggest races to fun, reliable bikes loved by thousands across the globe. And in 2001 we started making electric bicycles to give riders like you the power to do more on two wheels. These decades of hard-earned product knowledge and development experience are why you can feel confident choosing a Trek electric bike. Creating outstanding bikes is what we do – it’s the heart, soul and focus of our company. We know e-bikes are an investment, and you can count on us to be with you on every ride, now and long into the future.

• Find a shop near you

Wherever you are – we’re there, too

We have a worldwide network of certified e-bike retailers and service centres, so you’ll always be able to find a qualified mechanic who understands electric bikes.

We’ll take care of you

We’re proud to have the best warranty programme in the industry to help you get back on the road doing what you love. Every Trek e-bike is backed by a lifetime frame warranty and a two-year battery warranty.

Best-in-class electronics

We only use pedal-assist e-bike drive systems that meet our incredibly high standards of quality, reliability, serviceability and ease of use, so you can worry less about your bike and more about whether or not you packed enough snacks.

Domane+ SLR

The Domane+ SLR is our lightest and fastest e-road bike, weighing in at just ~11.8 kg with 25 km/h assist for your biggest adventures. You'll enjoy our highest-level 800 Series OCLV Carbon, smart frame design, compact and whisper-quiet e-system, and newly refined road-smoothing IsoSpeed.

Our highest-value electric road bike lets you take the scenic route without breaking the bank. The Domane+ AL features a light and strong aluminium frame and premium features like an integrated top-tube display and hidden mode control buttons on the top.

Free shipping and professional assembly

Order your bike online and we’ll ship it to the Trek shop of your choice to be professionally assembled. All you have to do is pick it up!


30-Day Unconditional Guarantee

If for some reason you’re not 100% happy with your purchase, you can bring it back within 30 days for a refund – no questions asked.


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Best Electric Road Bikes of 2024: Ride Farther and Faster with Less Effort

Image: Cannondale.com

An eRoad bike, or electric road bike, is a road bike with an electric assist motor fitted either in the hub of the rear wheel or in the bottom bracket. Otherly known as hub motor, or mid-drive.

Usually, the motor doesn’t power the bike fully but provides enough assistance that pedaling is easier, especially when going uphill.

E-Road bikes have taken longer to be accepted by the cycling community than other electric bikes due to the competitive nature of road cycling. To use electric assistance is seen by many as negating the purpose of road cycling, which is meant to be a tough form of exercise.

However, more and more people are now adopting electric road bikes to improve their training sessions, reduce joint impact, and increase their daily distance. 

Best Electric Road Bikes of 2024

1. Trek Domane+ AL 5 2. Santa Cruz Skitch GX AXS 3. Ride1UP CF Racer1 4. Salsa Confluence 5. Trek Domane+ SLR 6 6. Cervelo Rouvida 7. Santa Cruz Skitch CC Apex

Alternatives:

8. Gazelle Ultimate C380+ 9. Ride1UP Gravel Roadster v2 10. State Bicycles Co. 6061 Ebike Commuter 11. Giant FastRoad E+ EX Pro

1. Trek Domane+ AL 5

Weight – 31 lbs |   Battery – 250 Wh | Range – 110 mi | Motor – 250W | Torque – 40Nm

MSRP: $3,500

• Class 1 e-bike
• Frame – Aluminum 
• Brakes – Shimano 105 hydraulic disc brakes
• Gears – Shimano 105 R7000

Trek bikes are easily recognizable by their signature high-quality build and finish, and the Domane+ AL 5 e-road bike is no different.

Looking much like your traditional Trek road bike, it has only a slightly fatter downtube to fit the battery and more modern frame geometry. The rear hub Hyena motor has several power modes, assisting you up to 20 mph and the 250 Wh battery provides up to 110 miles of range per charge.

Hop on and it feels just like riding a standard road bike, with hardly any resistance from the motor and mild, smooth electrical assistance when going uphill.

Top-quality parts like a Shimano 105 R7000 groupset make it feel just like a pro bike, so competitive riders will feel at home. All the class and quality of a traditional Trek steed, with some added electrical horsepower.

Buy from Trek Bikes

2. Santa Cruz Skitch CC GX AXS 

Weight – 30 lbs |   Battery – 430 Wh | Range – 60 | Motor – Fazua Ride 60 | Torque – 60 Nm

MSRP: $7,299

• Class 3 e-bike
• Frame – Carbon
• Brakes – SRAM Rival AXS
• Gears – SRAM GX Eagle AXS T-Type

The Santa Cruz Skitch GX AXS is one of the best e-bikes for long-distance road and gravel cycling. While it is categorized as a road, gravel, and adventure bike, the geometry and 700 x 45c tire size make it an irreplaceable companion as an all-road bike.

With a max-assisted speed of 28 mph, the Fazua Ride 60 motor is among the most compact and innovative, while the integrated 430 Wh e-bike battery is hard to spot. The level of components and the 60-mile range allows you to go farther in altitude and distances while saving a ton of energy.

The Skitch GX AXS is best suited for someone who knows how to appreciate the nice blend of components mixed into one, from a truly high-end carbon electric road bike.

Buy on evo.com     Buy on Mike's Bikes

3. Ride1UP CF Racer 1

Weight – 28.6 lbs |   Battery – 250 Wh | Range – 40 mi | Motor – 250W | Torque – 42 Nm

MSRP: $2,295

• Frameset – Carbon
• Brakes – SRAM Rival hydraulic discs
• Gears – SRAM Rival 1×11-speed 

The Ride1UP CF Racer1 is an electric road and gravel bike that performs perfectly on the road thanks to high-power electronics and a lightweight carbon frame.

It comes with a powerful 250W geared rear hub motor that pushes out 42 Nm of torque, more than enough to help you with those steep hills or long rides.

The 250 Wh battery can last up to 40 miles, which is perfect to power up your long-distance rides.

The Ride1UP CF Racer1 is the ideal, comfortable gravel or road electric bike for riders on a budget. In addition, it’s available in a gravel and road build, so you can choose whichever suits your riding style better. 

It’s hard to believe that you can get a full-carbon electric road bike that weighs just 28 lb for only $2,295, but Ride1UP did it somehow.

Buy from Ride1UP

4. Salsa Confluence

Weight – 33 lb |   Battery – 250 Wh | Range – 45 mi | Motor – 250W MAHLE X35+ | Torque – 40 Nm

MSRP:   $2,999

• Frame – Aluminum
• Brakes – Tektro Mechanical disc brakes
• Gearing – SRAM Apex 1×11

The Salsa Confluence electric road bike is designed to give more people the feeling of comfort and pedal assistance.

The Confluence combines traditional all-road bike traits with a cutting-edge, lightweight motor that helps keep the bike lightweight. It has multiple power-assist modes so you can manage exactly how much extra boost you need while still getting in some solid training.

With a 250 Wh battery that can help you ride 45 miles on a single charge, you’ll be able to explore high mountain passes that were previously inaccessible.

The high-quality SRAM Apex 1 drivetrain and mechanical disc brakes finish off this Salsa bike with a high-performance feel.

It’s the perfect bike for weight-conscious cyclists who’ve always thought eBikes are too heavy. 

Buy from REI.com

5. Trek Domane+ SLR 6

Weight – 27.34 lbs |   Battery – 360 Wh | Range – 60 miles | Motor – TQ Mid-drive |   Speed – 28 mph

MSRP:   $8,500

• Brakes – Shimano 105 hydraulic
• Gears – 1×11
• Rear derailleur – Shimano 105 Di2 12-speed

The Domane+ SLR 6 is a Trek electric road bike with gravel capabilities, combining an aerodynamic, lightweight frame with 32 mm tires and a powerful motor. The result is an all-road beast that will tackle the tough conditions of nature with ease and speed.

The Trek Domane+ SLR 6 is a lightweight and stable ride thanks to tailored geometry, providing control and confidence even at high speed.

The 250W TQ motor will assist you up to 28 mph, helping you sail up hills with ease. Finally, you have 360 Wh battery integrated inside the down tube that offers 60 miles of range.

6. Cervelo Rouvida 

Weight – 27.3 lb |   Battery – 430 Wh | Range – N/A  | Motor – Fazua Ride 60 | Torque – 60 Nm

MSRP: $6,200

• Brakes – Shimano GRX hydraulic
• Gears – 1×12
• Derailleur – Shimano GRX RX822

The Cervelo Rouvida is a unique all-road/gravel electric bike with a carbon frame and fork, and trusted Fazua electronics. 

The Rouvida boasts a Fazua Ride 60 rear hub motor that delivers 60 Nm of torque and a 430 Wh battery that will provide you with a decent range in Eco mode.

With a range of pedal-assistance modes available, you can push out as much or as little effort as you like, ensuring that you get in all your training while reducing strain and impact on your joints.

The wide-ratio Shimano GRX drivetrain allows you to take on steep climbs, and the GRX hydraulic disc brakes will make sure you descend safely as well.

The Cervelo Rouvida also comes with interchangeable dropouts which lets you change the geometry of the bike from a road setup to a gravel setup and vice versa. Therefore, by buying it, you get two bikes in one.

Buy from Mike's Bikes

7. Santa Cruz Skitch CC Apex

Weight – 30 lbs |   Battery – 430 Wh | Range – 60 miles | Motor – Fazua Ride 60 | Torque – 60 Nm

MSRP: $6,299 ( Mike’s Bikes / evo.com )

• Frame – Carbon fiber
• Brakes – SRAM Apex
• Gears – SRAM Apex Eagle 12-speed

Santa Cruz Skitch is a gravel electric bike that feels just as impressive on paved roads, with a highly efficient and lightweight Fazua Ride 60 motor and 430 Wh battery. This means you can use the Skitch as a gravel bike or as a normal electric road bike.

With quality SRAM Apex Eagle gears and SRAM Apex hydraulic disc brakes combined with a lightweight carbon frame with stable geometry and 700 x 45 mm Schwalbe G-One tires, it’s clear this is a bike for long-distance rides.

It comes with all the bells and whistles of Santa Cruz’s top competitive bikes with just that added bit of power when you need it.

Buy from Mike's Bikes     Buy from evo.com

Alternatives to Consider

8. gazelle ultimate c380+.

Best flat-bar electric road bike

Weight – 55 lbs |   Battery – 500Wh | Range – 80mi | Motor – 250W | Torque – 75Nm

MSRP: $5,000

• Frame – 6061 Aluminum alloy
• Gears – Enviollo 380 Trekking Hub

The Gazelle Ultimate C380+ is an excellent flat-bar road bike with commuter components, perfect for those who spend a lot of time cycling down dirt or gravel roads.

It has thicker tires than most at 47mm and a powerful engine with a long-lasting battery. The Ultimate C380+ is ideal for getting out into the countryside and spending a full weekend exploring your surrounding nature.

Gazelle has included an impressive Bosch Performance Line Speed eBike system and a 500Wh battery to deliver 80 miles of range. Not the cheapest e-bike on the market, but what a lovely ride!

9. Ride1UP Gravel Roadster v2

Weight – 33 lbs |   Battery – 252 Wh | Range – 20-30 mi | Motor – 350W | Torque – 40 Nm

MSRP: $1,345

• Class 3 eBike, 24 mph
• Single-speed belt drivetrain
• Tektro Aries mechanical disc brakes
• 700 x 42c tires

The Ride1UP Gravel Roadster v2 is a great alternative to traditional gravel and road electric bikes that you should consider.

Ride1UP electric bikes are known for offering a high value-to-money ratio, with modern design, affordable components, and solid real-world performance.

The Gravel Roadster v2 is powered by a 350W rear hub motor combined with a single-speed belt drivetrain that requires minimal maintenance—perfect for dusty gravel rides. 

The 250 Wh battery offers a 20-30-mile range, which is not too much, but it’s enough for a day’s worth of riding for most cyclists. 

Finally, the 700c x 42 mm tires are versatile and not too wide, so you can comfortably use the Gravel Roadster as a flat-bar electric road bike. 

10. State Bicycles Co. 6061 Ebike Commuter

Weight – 38 lbs |   Battery – 360Wh | Range – up to 100 miles | Motor – 250W |   Speed – 20 mph

MSRP: $1,500

• Brakes – Mechanical disc brakes
• Gears – Single-speed
• Tires – 700c x 40 mm

The State Bicycle Co. 6061 electric road bike combines a lightweight 250W motor with a single-speed drivetrain to deliver a versatile flat-bar road bike.

Paired with the motor is a 360 Wh battery that is fast-charging and long-lasting, so you can expect up to 100 miles of range in PAS 1, or 18-24 miles of range in PAS 5.

Finally, the fact that this bike comes with 700c x 40 mm tires makes it an incredibly versatile and comfortable electric road or gravel bike. 

Buy from State Bicycles

11. Giant FastRoad E+ EX Pro

Class – 3 |   Battery – 500 Wh | Speed – 28 mph | Motor – 250W | Torque – 80 Nm

MSRP: $4,300

• Gears – 10-speed, Shimano GRX 400

Giant is the biggest cycling brand in the world and the FastRoad E+ is their flat-bar commuter road electric bike. We’re including it on our list because it offers excellent components and accessories for the money.

This electric commuter road bike uses Giant’s SyncDrive Pro 80 Nm motor and 500 Wh battery to provide a long range and PAS speeds of up to 28 mph. 

The aluminum frame comes equipped with front and rear fenders, a rear rack, front and rear lights, and even a kickstand, so you have all you need for year-round commuting on paved and street roads. 

The Giant FastRoad also boasts a 10-speed Shimano GRX 400 drivetrain with Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes, so it rides as nicely as any other road bike out there.

What to look out for in an electric road bike?

When choosing an e-Road bike, the main points to look out for are the 1. Discipline (endurance, race, gravel), 2. Correct size, and 3. Level of components. Luckily, all of the e-road bikes lister are made of high-quality components, oftentimes designed for e-Road specific geometry and components.

Why get an electric road bike?

There are many good reasons to get an eRoad bike but trying to cheat in a cycling race is not one of them. The large batteries and visible motors make eRoad bikes instantly recognizable, so you won’t be fooling anyone.

Many eRoad bike buyers simply want to get to work without breaking a sweat or keep up with their younger, fitter mates on weekend rides. 

If you struggle with arthritis or knee pain , an electric road bike could mean the difference between hanging up your helmet for good or enjoying several more years in the saddle. Maybe you simply want to see more of the world in a day and your legs aren’t taking you as far as you’d like to go.

Despite the electrical assistance, some research has found that eBikes actually improve fitness because riders spend longer periods in the saddle.

And lastly, the most obvious reason is that eBikes are super fun to ride. The constant assistance is very convenient on both flat and hilly roads.

What is the average cost of an electric road bike?

Make no mistake, electric road bikes are not cheap so you may need to consider your needs carefully. Most electric road bikes cost upwards of $3,000, with some top-range bikes costing $6,000 or more. However, if you currently drive to work or use public transport, an eRoad bike could pay for itself in a few months by saving on petrol or train tickets.

Disadvantages of e-road bikes?

Most electric road bikes are heavier and more expensive than traditional bikes. They also have more complex parts and as such are likely to need expensive repairs more often.

Which is the best electric road bike brand?

Cannondale has produced the widest variety of eRoad bikes on the market, while their main competitor, Specialized, has also a line of high-end bikes on their fleet. When you are after a road-specific brand, consider Look electric road bikes.

Are electric road bikes worth the money in 2024?

Any bicycle that gets you cycling outdoors, breathing fresh air, and improving your fitness is worth the money. For many people, an e-bike gives them the power to cycle to work, saving money on fuel or transport, and paying itself off in the long run.

Over the years, motor and battery technology has gotten cheaper, making e-bikes more affordable now than ever before.

Which is the best electric road bike groupset?

Electric road bikes use the same groupsets that normal road bikes do, but with more pressure being put on the gears, it’s best to have a high-strength set like Shimano Ultegra or GRX. Some ebikes with rear-wheel motors use built-in gears like the Shimano Nexus or Rohloff system, both of which are very good.

What is the lightest electric road bike?

At only 23.7lbs (10.75kg), the Scott Addict eRIDE is probably the lightest electric road bike in the world.

Which is the best budget electric road bike?

Unfortunately, the term ‘budget’ is not often seen in the road bike industry and is not as common in the electric bike industry as well. We couldn’t find any cheap electric road bike under the $2,000 and even the $3,000 mark so please hold on few more years and let’s hope to see better deals by then.

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About the Author

Mark Hartley

12 thoughts on “ best electric road bikes of 2024: ride farther and faster with less effort ”.

I am looking for a small e-bike. Prefer road, but size appears to be a limiting factor — I am about 4-10 …

Also cycle longish distances – 75-100 miles. Don’t use the electric all the time, looking for strategic boosts.

Brands? Are there US brands, should I look to Europe?

Hey Danita,

Considering your height and requirements, I recommend checking out Specialized’s Turbo Creo SL models in XS size or Canyon’s Precede:ON models, also in XS size. I think both would fit you well and meet your needs, though you may need to install a shorter stem on the Turbo Creo SL to shorten the reach (if the standover height fits you to begin with).

Hope this helps!

Trek makes awesome e-bikes both road & mountain. I have the Trek Domane+ HP7 with their Project One Cosmic Pearl paint scheme. It is a great bike and regularly complimented on its looks and performance. For some reason Trek has decided not to make this bike any more and has gone with most other manufactures with smaller motors and smaller batteries for lighter bikes. That is fine for somewhat younger lighter riders doing mostly shorter flatter rides but for older people like myself who like riding longer and hiller rides these lighter bikes don’t cut it. I believe Trek is losing out on a significant market share of the ebike business and should reconsider reintroducing the Domane+ bike.

These revues are useless as a comparison between the bikes chosen. What’s needed is how the different bikes feel when ridden for an extended period. BTW, your statement that e bikes over 28mph require a license is incorrect. The law requiring e bikes to be limited to 20mph in assisted mode applies to these as well. Assisted speeds of more than 20mph can only be used off-road. I liked your comment that e bikes tend to get more people out riding more miles is good.

Hey Peter, thanks for the comment! That’s why I wrote “would legally need a license to ride on the road “. You can go as wild as you like off-road, though, unless you’re riding on public trails!

Great article on ebikes. I am in the market and I am a retired bike shop owner. The article helped alot.

I’m happy to hear that, Gina! Have fun on your e-bike!

What is the meaning of “Class” in the list of features of each bike. Most are Class 1 e-bikes, but I note that a few are listed as Class 3 e-bikes. What is the difference?

Hi Peter. E-Bikes are categorized in 3 legal classes. Each state in the US has their own set of rules regards to age limit and helmet compulsory when riding an e-bike. Class 1 eBikes are equipped with pedal-assist motor only, with a max speed of up to 20mph. Motor power in Class 1 is limited to 750W. Class 2 eBikes come with the throttle as a standard, while there are many variations that have pedal assistance as well. The speed of Class 2 eBikes is limited to 20mph on both throttle and pedal-assist mode. Same goes for motor power that is limited to 750W.

Class 3 eBikes have a maximum assistance of 28mph. Anything over 750W or 28mph would legally need a license to ride on the road. Those bikes are considered as Class 4 eBikes as long as they have pedals.

We’ll be updating a post about eBike laws this week. Stay tuned!

I’m with you David. I’ve owned one for six months and no regrets. The Domane HP+7 rarely gets mentioned at the “top” because it has it all at this point and no competition. If the reviewers were to say that, they would be frozen out by the manufactures. Nothing competes with this bike with its features, money aside. it’s a no-compromise bike and no one else makes anything resembling it. Our secret.

I’m wondering why there is no mention about the Trek Domane+ HP7. It is truly a top of the line endurance class 3 28 mph road bike with Di2 shifting. Amazes me it didn’t make your list much less get #1 spot.

The best electric bikes make cycling more accessible to people at large and allow families or groups of riders with varying fitness levels to ride together and experience the comradery that comes with heading out with others. Plus, they are just plain fun to ride. From a pure transportation perspective, e-bikes mean you can commute without sweating through your work clothes, or haul a load of groceries or kids from point A to point B without having to push 1,000 watts to get over that super steep hill in your neighbourhood.

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Electric Bikes

Best Electric Road Bikes: 7 Picks for All Budgets in 2024

By Kevin Glenton

Updated Jan 02, 2024

This post may contain affiliate links, which help to keep Discerning Cyclist rolling. Learn more .

Close your eyes and imagine what an e-bike looks like and your mind probably won’t be drawing a road bike. You’ll probably think of a hybrid, a cargo-bike or mountain bike.

Road bikes joined the mass e-volution of electric bikes slightly later. Perhaps there was less need for pedal assistance as road bikes might have been seen to represent the pinnacle of human-powered transport.

But road bikes are great e-bikes, especially for long rides, for going up hills you might never have considered and generally riding further, not necessarily harder. Their design has moved closer to the traditional looks of the road bike than at any time previously. This guide should help you find the best road electric bikes .

Best Road E-Bikes

Trek’s most comfortable road-riding platform

Trek Domane+ AL 5

A rear hub-drive alloy e-bike with built in slick controls, fender and rack mounts.

Carbon chassis from race-bred S-Works stable

Specialized Turbo Creo SL Comp Carbon

A pedal-drive motor built on a lightweight carbon frame and a 1x drivetrain.

Aluminium entry-level racer

Ribble Endurance AL e – Sport

Mahle X35+ hub-drive motor and sleek design with no-nonsense entry level components.

Full proprietary e-interface

Orbea Gain M30

Deliberate power profiling for an e-road bike that pays attention to riding without assistance.

Great groupset and finishing kit

Ribble Endurance SL e – Enthusiast

A carbon frame and Shimano’s wireless 105 Di2 groupset with excellent Mavic rims.

Mahle X20 hub-drive gives most natural feel

BMC Roadmachine AMP TWO

Fine-tuned hub drive motor reduces any lag when pedalling on a super endurance frame.

S-Pedalec speeds and power

Cannondale Topstone Neo 5

Higher top speed and torque with gravel components and specced for multi-terrain riding.

What is a Road Electric Bike?

A road e-bike is a road bike designed and engineered to offer electric pedal assistance when a rider requires it. Road electric bikes have featured somewhere down the queue in terms of sales, research and development. This might be because there are other, more suitable, egalitarian uses for electric power when it comes to bikes.

Sure, the road bike might possess more ‘thoroughbred’ kudos than other bikes. The perception is that road bikes are used by those riders who prioritise fitness and goals over outside assistance. And roadies have the reputation of being lycra-clad weekend warriors for whom pounding the roads with pedal power might be their only exercise. The road bike might not be their main form of transportation – for work or for commercial purposes.

Other bikes like commuters , city bikes, Dutch-style bikes and of course mountain bikes, have called for electrical support first. But a road electric bike has loads going for it. If you want to cycle further than before, tackling more and steeper hills whilst benefitting from all the fitness perks and speed of road riding, then an e-bike might be for you.

And road electric bikes are slimmer and more hidden than they ever have been. Super-sleek batteries slip inside the bike’s down tube or in some cases are camouflaged as a water bottle!

Many of the batteries we’ve seen on road e-bikes cannot be removed without removing the bike’s bottom bracket. So that’s great for security but will require more specialised kit and effort for maintenance and servicing.

Buttons and controllers are minimised so as not to affect the aerodynamics and manufacturers are clearly committed to mimic the styling and aesthetic of a regular road bike.

Charging can be as straightforward as other electric models although there is more call for road bikes with their hidden batteries to be fully plugged into the wall – bike and all. You don’t often see monstrous 500Watt or 1,000Watt motors strapped to a road e-bike, despite their huge potential for torque.

The electric road bike shouldn’t necessarily need these big boosts of power. Pedal-assisted speeds are limited in the UK / Europe to 15mph with the motor only operating during pedalling and 20mph or 28mph in the USA . For that reason, you might expect to see more road e-bikes with a rear hub motor than the crank-based version more often seen on commuter and city bikes , where more torque is needed.

A small rear hub creates a more natural feel than a crank-based system and helps the aesthetic, weight and balance of a road bike. It’s fair to suggest that you might spend more time on a road bike out of the pedal-assist mode and so having a similar feel to an acoustic bike sensation will be important.

Components elsewhere on the bike are just the same as their ‘analogue’ siblings in the same range. As you’ll see, the major worldwide global road bike brands have been quick to adopt electric versions of their entire range of road bike models.

Who Are Road E-Bikes For?

Anyone who wants one. You will get most of the same aerodynamic features and weight saving of the standard road bike. Visually, you could be forgiven for finding it difficult to spot the differences between the two types. And that’s no accident.

Many of the design, engineering and sportier riding positions for road bikes will be the same on the e-version. They might weigh a little bit more and the handling might not be as finely tuned and responsive. But most of us aren’t Tour de France pedigree racehorses and all of our exercise regimes could be enhanced by an e-bike.

The tech on the bike is sleek with many controllers and displays built into the frame, which reduces cabling and drag. Most of the e-bikes on display here will have an app for your smartphone which can variously measure your cadence, remaining charge and some offer turn-by-turn guidance.

The power mode of your motor can be selected from your phone as well as your top tube or controller. They’ll be a great place to log your rides too.

If you love riding along country roads for hours and tackling long climbs in your area or have commutes over 20 miles/32 kilometres each way all along roads without needing to carry much on your back, then you might already be considering an road e-bike.

Road Electric Bikes Pros + Cons

• total weight is lower compared to other e-bikes
• design and engineering closely shared with non-electric versions
• best bike for consistent speeds and maintaining fitness levels
• really close to the same feel as a traditional road bike
• more expensive than their standard cousins
• higher potential for chipping away at motivation for improving fitness
• might (still) make other road cyclists a bit sniffy

Best Road Electric Bikes

1. trek domane+ al 5.

Prices are approximate

Weight: 14.06 kg (31lb) for 56cm model

Wattage: 250 W (250W in UK & EU) 

Max. Range: 55  miles (90 km)

Gears: 2 x 11 speed 

Wheel Size: 700c x 21mm inner width

Max Load: 125 kg (275lb) – combined mass of bike, rider and cargo

Removable Battery: ❌ – housed inside down tube

Throttle: ❌

Fenders: mounts for optional installation

Pannier Rack: mounts for optional installation

Built on the brand’s most comfortable, all day road-riding platform. Lightweight alloy frame with carbon fork and the Shimano 105 drivetrain is very reliable. Adaptable and flexible for commuting, using wider 32mm tyres, carrying and riding longer distances. Three pedal-assist modes accessed from a button near the hoods. Good range and simple in-built design and housing of the battery and controls.

• Stable and comfortable ride geometry
• Option to double battery range to 110 miles with a frame-mounted add on pack
• Rear hub motors promote a more natural ride feel
• If you are fit enough, you might rarely need the pedal assistance

2. Specialized Turbo Creo SL Comp Carbon

Weight: not included in technical specifications

Wattage: 240W (240W in UK & EU) 

Max. Range: 80 miles (129 km)

Gears: 1 x 11 speed 

Wheel Size: 700c x 20mm outer width

Max Load: not included in technical specifications

Removable Battery: ❌  – housed inside down tube

Pannier Rack:  mounts for optional installation

A race-pedigree full carbon chassis is lightweight and has been paired with the proprietary SL 1.1 motor. This is a pedal-drive motor built to deliver consistent torque from 60 – 110 rpm. The range is impressive for a 240W motor. A 1x system, Shimano GRX and dampened steering should get you off the road as well as dealing with urban potholes easily. This is bike is designed with harder training in mind.

• In-house motor designed for wide torque range
• Lightweight carbon frame with some endurance tweaks
• Discounted price may not be available in your size, colour or region

3. Ribble Endurance AL e – Sport

Max. Range:   not included in technical specifications

Gears: 2 x 10-speed 

Wheel Size: 700c x 22.5mm outer width

Fenders:  mounts for optimal installation

Pannier Rack: ❌

A great entry into the world of road bikes and e-bikes. Mahle’s X35+ system is selected with a hub-drive system with enough torque for club rides and regular hills on training rides. The Shimano Tiagra system is reliable for an entry level bike without being the lightest on offer. Ribble is a brand which attracts awards for design and has adopted many fans of its pricing.

• good price point
• reliable motor/battery combination
• same geometry as acoustic model
• need to price up for hydraulic discs

4. Orbea Gain M30

Weight: 12kg (26.5lbs)

Wattage: 248 W (248W in UK & EU) 

Max. Range: 60 miles (97 km)

Wheel Size: 700c x 22.7mm outer width

Orbea has concentrated its efforts in creating a single interface allied to a Mahle Ebikemotion X35 motor and battery. The rear hub-drive contains a sensor which monitors the pedalling input to control the flow of power. Shimano’s 105 R7000 groupset is incredibly reliable and the finishing is high quality mid-range kit. This bike is aimed at enthusiastic trainers and athletes.

• thoughtful interface promises easy charging and selecting power
• carbon monocoque frame and fork is fast
• built-in lights and finishing kit
• relying on one interface requires very reliable tech and wiring

5. Ribble Endurance SL e – Enthusiast

Weight: 11.94 kg (26.26lb)

Max. Range: not included in technical specifications

Gears: 2 x 12-speed 

Moving up from Ribble’s AL range is the SL model. A full carbon endurance frame and fork is paired with Mahle’s X35+ motor. Shimano’s newest 105 Di2 groupset offers precise electronic shifting with hydraulic brakes. Mavic provide some great Ksyrium S rims. This is amplified riding aimed at sporty training rides. The carbon fibre frame and fork brings the weight down.

• Outstanding low-to-mid range groupset
• ‘Barely there’ motor and battery aesthetic
• Wireless shifting
• it might only suit those more confident, aggressive training rides

6. BMC Roadmachine AMP TWO

Max. Range: 87  miles (140 km)

Gears: 2 x 12 -speed 

Wheel Size: 700c x 25mm outer width

Max Load: 120 kg (265lb) – combined mass of rider and bike

A lightweight carbon frame is combined to a Mahle X20 motor hub-drive set up. This has been developed to remove any lag in the pedal motion when riding with pedal assistance and delivers smooth torque through the process. SRAM RIVAL and FORCE components with wireless eTap shifting. Endurance geometry and racing cues with up to 20mph pedal assistance (where legal) makes this a fast racer.

• Mahle X20 system feels natural
• Balanced and low centre of gravity
• Excellent groupset

7. Cannondale Topstone Neo 5

Weight: not included in technical specifications but M model reviewed at 18.37kg / 40.5lbs

Max. Range: 70 miles (113 km)

Gears: 1 x 11 -speed 

Wheel Size: 700c x 27.5mm

Max Load: not specified in technical specifications

Removable Battery: ✅

Fenders: Mounts for optional installation

Pannier Rack: Mounts for optional installation

This bike suits your more adventurous side and is gravel focused. The higher torque Bosch Performance Line Speed will provide pedal assisted speed up to 28mph (where legal). The drive system is crank-powered. The groupset is Shimano’s GRX range so you are dialled in to a gravel experience. Wheels and tyres are multi-terrain oriented.

• Torque will flatten mountains
• less race-focussed than other road e-bikes

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Best electric road bikes | 10 ebikes for a boost on road climbs plus buyer's guide

The best electric road bikes reviewed by the BikeRadar test team

Russell Burton / Immediate Media

Paul Norman

The best electric road bikes are tailored to riding fast and covering plenty of ground while being tuned for fast descending, while still getting a helping hand from the motor on the uphills.

It wasn't so long ago that the world of electric bikes was dominated by electric hybrids and electric mountain bike models. Alongside electric gravel bikes, electric road bikes are increasingly popular and, in some cases, look very similar to non-motorised machines.

Some road ebikes will have carbon-fibre frames and lightweight wheelsets , bringing their weight down to under 12kg – not a lot more than some unpowered bikes.

As with any electric bike motor , an e-road bike’s electric assistance will be limited to speeds below 15mph/25kph as per electric bike laws in the UK, EU and Australia. The limit is 20mph in the US. That’s more than enough for climbing – you’ll be able to climb much quicker than on a regular road bike – but could limit an e-road bike’s appeal on flat roads if riding in a fast group, for example.

For more advice on what to look for in an electric road bike, our full buyer’s guide is at the bottom of this article .

Best electric road bikes in 2024

Orbea gain m10i.

• £9,299/$9,999/€9,999/AU$17,999 as tested
• Pros: Clever system; low weight; great range
• Cons: Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 might be excessive

The Orbea Gain M10i is arguably one of the best e-road bikes to date.

Its s ride feel outclasses many other bikes due to how Orbea has tuned the Mahle X20 hub motor. The motor mirrors your input, never feeling like it's shoving you along.

The battery also provides an impressive range, racking up 62.25 miles (100.18km) with 3,795.8ft (1,157m) of ascent on our tester's first ride, with 45 per cent of the battery charge left.

Orbea has based the Gain's geometry on its Orca OMR road bike frames, tweaking it slightly for an endurance focus, and creating a balanced feel with quick handling in the process.

The superbike build and price – thanks in part to the Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 groupset – might be overkill for some, but there's no denying the Gain M10i sets a high bar.

• Read our full Orbea Gain M10i review

Scott Addict eRide Premium

• £8,349/$9,299 as tested
• Pros: looks like a normal road bike; rides like a non-assisted bike too
• Cons: non-removable battery

Scott’s Addict eRide borrows heavily from the Addict RC aero lightweight bike , with similar geometry and Scott’s top-spec HMX carbon.

It’s powered by the Mahle ebikemotion rear-hub motor, with its fully enclosed battery in the down tube, for a really clean look.

Power assistance is smooth, both in delivery and when it cuts out, so that you’re supported as you ride, rather than the motor taking over.

The eRide is available in a range of builds. The top-level Premium spec has a Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 groupset, a fully-integrated Syncros Creston SL bar/stem and Syncros Capital carbon wheelset, for a sub-11kg weight – about as light as electric bikes come.

• Read our full Scott Addict eRide Premium review

BMC Roadmachine AMP One

• £7,600/€7,999 as tested
• Pros: Clever assistance; smooth ride; impressive range
• Cons: Tyres not ideal for winter

Our tester judged the BMC Roadmachine AMP One "simply one of the best e-road bikes available".

Its geometry and silhouette closely match those of its non-assisted sibling.

However, it packs in a Mahle X20 motor and a 350Wh battery for an impressively lengthy range aided by clever assistance management.

The handling is well balanced and The SRAM Force AXS groupset shifts with precision. Braking is excellent too.

The Vittoria Rubino tyres gripped and rolled well on dry roads, but wouldn't be the best choice for more hostile winter conditions.

• Read our full BMC Roadmachine AMP One review

Bianchi Aria E-Road

• £4,500/$6,500 as tested
• Pros: Stealthy assistance; great handling; sleek looks
• Cons: The price

The motor-equipped Bianchi Aria E-Road aero bike is blessed with the same great handling offered by its unassisted sister bike, the Bianchi Aria .

The Aria E-Road also uses an ebikemotion motor unit at its rear hub, while the 250W/h battery that powers it is concealed within the frame’s down tube. This makes for a road bike that appears unassisted, at least to the untrained eye.

Despite its appetite for speed, the Aria isn’t a bone shaker on rougher surfaces, thanks to its 28mm tyres.

The best compliment we can pay the Aria is it would work well as a non-assisted bike – it just happens to have a 250-watt boost on tap.

• Read our full Bianchi Aria E-Road review

Bianchi Impulso E-road

• £4,400 as tested
• Pros: Ideal for those who aren’t as fit or flexible; punchy motor with impressive range; mudguard and rack mounts
• Cons: Looks are left wanting

Unlike the racier Bianchi Aria E-Road, the Impulso electric road bike isn’t as much of a looker, but we were still very impressed with the ride.

More relaxed geometry and a higher front end make it a good choice if you’re a rider who is less flexible, recovering from injury or looking to keep up with fitter riders.

The Polini bottom-bracket mounted motor system of the Impulso was another pleasant surprise, with plenty of power and an impressive real-world range.

Mounts for mudguards and racks mean this one will also make a great commuter bike .

• Read our full Bianchi Impulso E-Road review

Cannondale SuperSix Evo Neo 2

• £5,000/$6,500 as tested
• Pros: Great ride feel; impressive range
• Cons: Tyres

Another ebike that uses the Mahle ebikemotion rear-hub motor, the Cannondale SuperSix Evo Neo is based on our 2020 (non-assisted) Bike of the Year, the SuperSix EVO .

It's inherited both that bike's looks and its race-bike ride quality and responsiveness. There's a long reach and low stack, as well as short chainstays for a performance ride feel.

Quality finishing kit includes Cannondale's aero bar and stem, a Prologo saddle on a carbon seatpost, and Cannondale RDe alloy wheels, for a bike weight of 12.1kg in size large.

We managed 122km with 1,124m of climbing elevation on a single charge, comfortably beating the 75km claimed range. Above all, we were impressed by how well the motor worked with us, rather than dominating the ride.

• Read our full Cannondale SuperSix Evo Neo 2 review

Focus Paralane² 9.7

• £4,999 as tested
• Pros: Modular Fazua motor can be removed; clearances for large tyres
• Cons: Controller is clunky

The Focus Paralane² was born out of the prototype Project Y electric bike, and makes use of a removable Fazua motor. This minimal motor/battery system weighs only 3.5kg.

Remove the Fazua system and attach the included cover and the Paralane² effectively becomes a standard road bike, with minimal resistance from the gearbox buried in the bottom bracket. Without the motor, it weighs around 11kg.

The USP for the Paralane² is that the motor is designed to work in tandem with you. The result is unobtrusive power delivery with a feel that puts you in control rather than letting the bike take over.

We’d rather see tyres larger than the 28mm specced as standard, particularly seeing as this frame can accept 35mm tyres without issue, making it a great option for year-round riding or dabbling in light gravel.

• Read our full Focus Paralane² 9.7 review

Specialized S-Works Turbo Creo SL

• £10,999/€12,499/$13,500/AU$19,000 as tested
• Pros: High spec; smooth, nimble ride
• Cons: Motor noise

You're paying a superbike price for the Specialized S-Works Turbo Creo SL, one of the most expensive electric bikes available. But the high-spec frame and top-drawer specification, including Roval CLX50 aero carbon wheels, Dura-Ace Di2 shifting and a built-in power meter, help justify the outlay.

Ride quality feels like the Roubaix endurance bike and the Turbo Creo SL even comes with the FutureShock 2.0 headset damper fitted to that bike. The motor weight sits low down to ensure stability and it's nimble despite its 13.7kg weight.

The claimed 130km range from the internal battery is increased to 195km with the included range extender, although we didn't quite match these figures.

• Read our full Specialized S-Works Turbo Creo SL review

Trek Domane SLR 6

• £8,400/$9,000 as tested
• Pros: Powerful motor, stable; fast charging
• Cons: Remote control brackets slip

The Trek Domane SLR 6 is a comfortable and smooth ebike with great handling and a powerful but quiet TQ motor.

On the road, the bike rides very similarly to the non-assisted Domane with the IsoSpeed rear end soaking up bumps and the low-down weight of the motor helping with fast, twisting descents.

The battery consistently provided enough juice for distances around 100km. The charge time of the TQ system took only 2 hours and 10 minutes to fully charge.

There are control switches for the motor on the inside of the hoods, but unfortunately, these slipped in testing.

• Read our full Trek Domane ALR 6 review

Wilier Filante SLR Hybrid

• £11,800/€12,300 as tested
• Pros: Lightweight; sporty; range
• Cons: Expensive compared to competition

Weighing 10.47kg in a size XL, the Wilier Filante SLR Hybrid is one of the lightest e-road bikes ever, making it feel more like a high-performance endurance road bike than an ebike.

It's easy to ride the bike with the Mahle X20 turned off, but turn it on and you'll speed up hills in a way that doesn't feel unlike a non-assisted bike.

The range of the motor system is decent, too, with our tester racking up 113.4 miles/182.5km with 5,085ft/1,550m in one ride.

While the Filante Hybrid SLR is a brilliant example of the next generation of electric road bikes, the price is exceptionally high, putting it out of sight of most riders.

• Read our full Wilier Filante SLR Hybrid review

Buyer's guide to electric road bikes

E-road bikes share much in common with their non-assisted counterparts, but there are subtle differences, beyond the addition of a motor

You’ll get the gear range to ride faster and to tackle hills, plus narrower road bike tyres for more rapid progress on the road.

As with any road bike, reducing weight is important, although not usually at the expense of battery capacity and range. Electric road bikes will always be heavier than their conventional counterparts.

A road ebike will have drop handlebars and a more sporty riding position than a hybrid – just like a conventional, non-assisted road or gravel bike .

Electric road bike motors explained

Electric road bike drivetrains are sleeker and more covert than ever, with low-profile batteries often fully enclosed in the bike’s down tube or disguised as a water bottle.

Electric road bike motors tend to be compact and hidden away in the bottom bracket shell or the rear hub – a far cry from the bulky units of old – while controllers are often small, with a tiny button in the front of the top tube being an increasingly popular placement, although you’ll also find bar-mounted controls. That can lead to a bike that at first glance is hard to distinguish from a conventional road bike.

Fazua and ebikemotion motors are a popular choice seen on many e-road bikes thanks to the progressive power delivery well-suited to road riding, although Bosch units and own-brand motors from the likes of Specialized can also cut a minimalist silhouette.

Electric road bike batteries explained

Most electric road bikes have a battery enclosed in the bike’s down tube. Again, that leads to an unobtrusive look. In the case of Fazua, you can drop the battery pack out of the down tube for recharging, or remove it to take it indoors closer to an electric plug. You can even remove it completely and ride the electric bike like a non-assisted road bike.

Other batteries such as ebikemotion’s are more firmly lodged in place, though, so you need to be able to get the bike to a socket to add some juice.

Typical battery capacities are around 250W/h – usually enough for 60km or so of range, although you should be able to get more than that on flatter ground with judicious use.

How much does an electric road bike weigh?

The lightest electric road bikes tip the scales at 12kg or less, which isn’t a lot more than some unpowered bikes. That’s achieved by having a frame and fork made of carbon fibre, often accompanied by carbon-rimmed wheels. That tends to be a pricey menu.

Weight is important, though. On the flat, many road riders will be managing over the 15mph/25kph legal limit (or 20mph in the US) at which the motor cuts out, making the motor and battery a dead weight above those speeds. Keeping the bike’s weight low will make riding without assistance easier, adding to performance and enjoyment.

On the other hand, a more robust, heavier build could be an advantage if you’re aiming to mix in gravel riding . Weight is also less of an issue if you plan to predominantly ride within the legal limit for motor assistance.

Electric road bike wheels and tyres

With more power delivered to the road and a heavier bike weight, electric road bikes tend to have wider tyres than standard road bikes. Many pair that with beefed-up wheels with alloy rims, although higher-spec models may come with aero carbon hoops.

Tyre width on electric road bikes tends to start at 28mm. That’s not unusual on a pedal-powered road bike now though, and provides a more comfortable ride, with additional versatility for rough roads or dabbling on light off-road trails.

Can you convert a road bike to an electric road bike?

While less common than, say, an electric hybrid conversion, it is perfectly possible to convert your road bike to an ebike.

Check out our in-depth guide on how to convert a bike to electric power for more info.

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Trek Verve+ 2 Low-step Ebike review: A well-behaved city ebike

The trek verve+ 2 is an easy ebike with for commuters who only want a little extra help getting to work.

Tom's Guide Verdict

The Trek Verve+ 2 is a light and well-balanced electric bike with a responsive Bosch mid-drive motor. However, its relatively limited power assistance and high price makes it a tough sell among equally capable but lower cost ebikes.

Good balance and handling

Solid components

Responsive motor

Not much power assistance

No full-throttle mode

Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.

Battery: 400 Wh Max estimated range: 60 miles (Eco mode) Max assisted speed: 20 mph Motor: Bosch Active Line 250-watt mid drive motor Gearing: Shimano Alivio 9-speed Wheel diameter: 27.5 inches max Weight: 52 pounds

Most riders will find the Trek Verve+ 2 a little underpowered, especially compared to some of the best budget electric bikes from the likes of Rad Power, Juiced Bikes, and Aventon. On the other hand, for those who think those ebikes are somehow outre and want something subtler, this mild-mannered ebike may be just the thing.

Designed to be a daily commuter and weekend daytripper, the Trek Verve+ 2 doesn't make any radical design statements or excessive power moves. This road bike is for those who want a no-hassle, low-maintenance easy rider with reliable components. Indeed, the low-step version of the Verve+ 2 we tested even makes it easy to climb aboard.

Trek Verve+ 2 Ebike review: Price and availability

Founded in the '70s in Wisconsin, Trek has a reputation for solid construction and reliability — a reputation for which the company hopes shoppers are willing to pay a premium. Sold through retailers, Trek offers an extensive line of bikes, ranging from $13,000 carbon fiber road racers to full-suspension mountain bikes, as well as a full line of ebikes. 

The $2,849.99 Verve+ 2 sits somewhere in the middle of the company's ebike line. Compare, for example, Trek's Domane+ ALR, which is a more serious distance road bike that starts at $5,049.99 and the Townie Go 8D EQ Step-Over bike for Sunday beach bathers that starts at $2,449.99.

Trek's bikes are not available directly online but are rather ordered through retailers. The benefit is that you won't have to skin your knuckles assembling it yourself.

Trek Verve+ 2 Ebike review: Design

The Trek Verve+ 2 is designed for casual riders and commuters. It's available in sizes from XS to L, the largest of which will accommodate riders just over 6 feet tall. The bike has an aluminum frame with steel forks and wide straight handlebars for commuter comfort. You won't find mountain-bike style front shocks on the Verve+ 2, but a foam Bontrager seat with a suspension seat post takes the edge off of potholes.

Trek also includes a neat chain guard that runs nearly the full length and ensures you're not going to get a nice pair of pants or skirt mussied up in the gears. Furthermore, the essential power and brake wiring is fed through the down tube to keep things tidy and reduce the chances of damage. For convenience, front and rear quick release wheels are included.

To provide power assist, the Verve+ 2 uses a Bosch Active Line 250-watt, mid-drive motor to deliver smooth support and eliminate surprise surges of power. The bike has a top pedal assist speed of 20 mph and includes a Bosch controller and a 9-speed Shimano drivetrain with a 400Wh removable battery. Rounding out the feature list are hydraulic disc brakes, puncture-resistant tires, a kickstand and front and rear lights, plus metal fenders.

The Verve+ 2 also comes with a rear rack that uses the Racktime clip-on system, which makes it easy to use with compatible panniers and bags. One missing item: a bell or horn is not included, though it does have a headlight and taillight.

Trek Verve+ 2 Ebike review: Performance

The Trek Verve+ 2 offers smooth electric pedal assist performance and predictable handling. Its relatively light weight (52 pounds vs. 70 pounds for some ebikes) also makes it more maneuverable so riders will feel like they're in control of the bike — rather than vice versa.

Although there's no full-throttle mode, on city streets the mid-drive motor, which uses a torque sensor, is very responsive. The instant you apply pressure to the pedals you'll receive some electric assistance. That makes it more seamless than many rear-hub motor models, which tend to suffer from a delay or turbo lag. Consequently, the Trek Verve+ 2 helps you start off from a dead stop, and it's whisper quiet compared to rear motor designs. To bring everything to a halt, the bike's hydraulic brakes are responsive without being too touchy.

Taking the Trek for trips in the countryside presented more of a challenge. The mild power assist even in the top Turbo mode may feel insufficient in helping me climb hills. And if you get caught in the wrong gear on an incline, you'll find yourself getting up out of the saddle. So if you're looking for help on the hills in San Francisco or Asheville, look elsewhere.

One advantage of the Verve+ 2 is that you can use it in full manual mode. Electric support is not necessary. Compare that to big gravel bikes like those from Aventon or Biktrix, which are so heavy you'll never want to be stuck somewhere without power.

The Bosch controller for the electrics displays speed, range, amount of electric assistance selected, and the battery level. There's also a button for walk mode, but you're unlikely to need it unless you're pushing the bike up a steep hill. 

We also found that the front headlamp could be brighter for daytime visibility (initially, we didn't realize it was on).

Trek Verve+ 2 Ebike review: Battery life and range

The Bosch controller on the Verve + 2 is a basic LCD display that allows you to choose between four power assist modes: Turbo, Sport, Tour, and Eco. As the nomenclature might suggest, you'll get the most range out of Eco mode--up to 60 miles, according to Trek--and then in descending order less distance the more electric push you ask for with Turbo mode rated for 25 miles.

Because we didn't find the lower power modes much of a help on hills, we primarily used Turbo mode during our weeks of testing. Facing significant hills and with a 170-pound rider aboard, we got an average of 23 miles out of Turbo mode. That's a reasonable result, given the challenging terrain. But depending on where you ride, how much you weigh, and how much electric assistance you prefer, your mileage may vary.

Trek Verve+ 2 Ebike review: Competition

If you're looking for an ebike for between $1,400 and $1,900, there are a raft of choices from reputable but relative newcomers, including the Rad Power Rad City5 Plus , and the Charge Bikes City , both of which cost $1,799. In this end of the market, you'll get more power for your money, but the bikes typically use a less-desirable rear hub motor and are heavier, intended for gravel and occasional off-road use.

If you're considering the more suburban Trek Verve+2 and have the $2,800 to spare, there are plenty of choices from other established brands. Cannondale, for example, offers the Adventure Neo 4 for the same price and boasting nearly the identical powertrain and feature set. However, Cannondale's model has more style than the Trek bike, concealing the battery as part of its downtube, for example.

And if you want a truly no-fuss, sophisticated ebike commuter, our first choice is still the Gazelle Ultimate C380 HMB, although it's considerably more expensive ($4,249).

Trek Verve+ 2 Ebike review: Bottom line

It's difficult to make a value case for the Trek Verve+ 2. Among the best electric bikes and best budget electric bikes , there are many available with comparable abilities and much more power — for a lot less money. On the other hand, lighter casual riders will find the Verve+ 2 more manageable and maneuverable than many of those less expensive models. Furthermore, Trek is sold through traditional brick-and-mortar retailers versus models that are only sold directly online, so buyers don't have to face the annoyance of putting the bike together themselves.

John R. Quain has been reviewing and testing video and audio equipment for more than 20 years. For Tom's Guide, he has reviewed televisions, HDTV antennas, electric bikes, electric cars, as well as other outdoor equipment. He is currently a contributor to The New York Times and the CBS News television program.

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Best electric bikes - Assisted bikes for road, gravel, commuting and more

A roundup of the best electric bikes from all disciplines of pedal-assisted cycling

Best electric bikes under £1,000 / $1,000

Best electric bikes under £2,000 / $2,000, best electric commuter bikes, best electric road bikes, best electric gravel bikes, how to choose the best electric bike for you.

The best electric bikes cover a bewildering range of different styles and prices. If you're not looking to spend too much, we've found a selection of the best electric bikes under £1,000 / $1,000 , and the best electric bike under $2,000 / £2,000 , but you can pay over £10,000 / $10,000 for the best lightweight electric bikes which can weigh little more than a normal drop bar race bike.

As well as drop bar electric bikes, there's a wide range of flat bar hybrid electric bikes, designed for commuting and leisure use, while for a trip to work via public transport or if space is limited, riders might be best served by the best folding electric bikes .

You'll find our picks of the best electric bikes by price point and by type below, or head to the bottom of the page for our buyer's guide to how to choose the best electric bike for your needs.

Best electric bikes available today

You can trust Cyclingnews Our experts spend countless hours testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

First of all, we've broken down our choice of the best electric bikes by price. But electric bikes come in a variety of different types. Just like pedal-powered bikes, you can find e-bikes designed for commuting, for performance road use and for gravel biking, so we've got our picks in these categories too.

If you're looking for the best electric mountain bikes , check out our sister site Bike Perfect for all things MTB.

Rad Power Bikes RadMission 1

Specifications, reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The RadMission Electric Metro bike is an e-hybrid designed for getting around town, to work, and taking on leisure rides at the weekend. With mounts galore for all the accessories you can think of - mudguards/fenders, a rear pannier rack, bottle cage and a basket, you can customise this bike to suit your needs.

With an internal hub motor and single-speed gearing, the RadMission is relatively low-maintenance, with fewer drivetrain components exposed to the elements. Having a single gearing reduces the complexity for those who aren't used to using them, and the grip-twist throttle (making this a US Class 2 e-bike, see below for more on this) will make it easy to get up hills when you need to.

It's US only though.

Sixthreezero EVRYjourney

Different people have different needs. If you live somewhere where the regulations allow for a Class-III bike then this might be worth considering. When you've got to mix with vehicle traffic the max 28mph might feel safer. If that all sounds like it's speaking to your needs and you want the style of a beach cruiser then Sixthreezero has a bike for you. The Sixthreezero EVRYjourney 500W is a 7-speed bike with twist grip shifting and mechanical disc brakes. The battery is removable for charging and if you don't want to pedal at all you can use full-electric power up to 20mph.  

Pure Flux One Electric Hybrid Bike

The Pure Flux One is an electric hybrid bike that looks like a regular bike frame with a hidden motor in the back wheel and a battery that sits where a bottle cage would normally be, helping it to blend in. If you don't want to ride something that stands out as an electric bike, this could be the one for you.

Thanks to the Gates belt drive in place of the usual metal chain, there's no oil or lubricant to worry about when you're tinkering, meaning you won't get your hands (or clothes) dirty.

Finally, at 18kg, the Pure Flux One is extremely lightweight for an e-bike at this price point, and represents excellent value for money. It's only sold in the UK though.

Carrera Crosscity folding bike

If you have limited space for storing bikes in your office or need to take your bike on a train at any point, then this bike is an ideal choice for you. When you consider that this has a motor and a host of great features, the value is incredible.

The rear hub motor has a range of up to 30 miles and can push you up to speeds of 25km/h, which should make light work of any commute. The discreetly hidden battery has a recharge time of six hours, which will take longer than most here, but you can still fully charge it at the office before heading home again. Plus, it even has a USB port that can be used to power lights or charge your phone. The motor is controlled by a mini LED display on the handlebars which allows you to choose from three assistance levels. 

Elops 120 E Step Over Classic

This traditionally styled electric bike from Decathlon comes with a whole host of features that make it perfect for getting about town on. First and foremost, it comes with a removable battery that can power you for between 20 and 50km depending on how much assistance you choose to have. This is all controlled by a simple console on the bars which also shows you the remaining battery life. The power is intelligently pedal-assisted, so it’ll kick in naturally when you start to cycle and switch off when you come to a halt. There’s even a walk mode to help you push your bike when you need to do so. 

It comes with six gears to keep you rolling both on the flat and uphill, and front and rear lights and mudguards already installed to keep you riding during the winter months. To finish it off, 45mm tyres and a wide saddle mean you’ll be as comfortable as possible when cycling.

Decathlon doesn't sell the Elops 120 in the US, but it's available Europe-wide.

Rockrider E-ST 100 Electric Mountain Bike

Another Europe-only option from Decathlon, the Rockrider E-ST100 is a well-equipped trail mountain bike with 100mm of front suspension travel in a Suntour fork and 2.2-inch all-terrain tyres. It comes complete with 720mm wide bars for close control on the bike, and 180mm disc brakes for impressive stopping power. Although it doesn’t come with tubeless tyres fitted, the wheels are tubeless compatible; a perfect upgrade to make should you wish to do so. 

Alongside the eight-speed gears, electrical power is delivered via a pedal assist of up to 250w of power helping you to get to the top of trails with ease. The motor has three power modes and if there is a bit of trail you can’t pedal up, the walk-assist feature makes sure you can walk the bike uphill with ease. The average battery life of 2.25 hours means should get plenty of time out on the trails.

Schwinn EC1

The Schwinn EC1 is a bike that will give you the joy of riding a classic cruiser but with little of the effort normally involved. Whilst the bike might not have any top-of-the-range components, it does have a 250W electric motor and offers fantastic value for money. 

The bike will assist you up to 20mph in its top power mode, but if you use the motor in its eco mode, you’ll be able to get almost 40 miles of assisted riding. The bike comes with wide tyres for a plush ride on the road, or if you’re feeling more adventurous, they should handle some loose ground, should you wish to head down the bike path.

Co-op Cycles CTY e1.1 Electric Bike

Over the last few years, REI has been making some of the best bikes in their categories under the Co-op brand name. The bikes have a reputation for being better than their price and the CTY e1.1 follows the pattern. It's a Class-I bike without a throttle and powered by a Bafang rear hub motor. The battery is removable for charging and shifting through the seven gears uses Shimano components.

The CTY e1.1 is marked as REI members only, but membership only adds £30 to the price.  

Aventon Level Commuter

Most low-cost electric bikes fall into a range of a few styles. The Aventon Level is for the commuter, meaning it's a do-it-all kind of city bike. Being a class III bike, it will feel comfortable mixing with traffic if you ride at rush hour and there's a throttle  when you need it. 

The included fenders are quality alloy pieces and the frame has a lifetime guarantee. There's even a dealer network if you want to see how the bike feels before having one sent your direction. 

Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 4

Rad Power bikes is a go-to name in the marketplace. If you are looking for a low price and high quality, they are tough to beat. The Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 4 is the bike that makes it possible to haul two kids and a load of groceries all while staying within budget. 

Total payload capacity comes in at 350lbs and the rear rack can take 120lbs. Other cargo centric features include a sturdy double-sided kickstand and a low standover height. The long slender rear rack does lend itself to passengers over cargo but pick up a few accessories and you can carry as much as a car.  

Electra Townie Go! 7D Electric Cruiser Bike

Trek is one of the largest bike brands in the world. It is well known, has a large dealer network, and is easy to deal with. If you like the idea of sticking with a trusted brand name like Trek then it makes sense to take a look at the electric bikes it produces. Electra is the brand name that covers the most stylish cruiser electric bikes Trek has available. 

The Townie Go! 7D is a low-cost class I bike that might be mistaken for a standard pedal bike. It looks great and makes it easy to enjoy a day on the boardwalk.

Raleigh Array

The Raleigh Array makes for a great entry-level e-bike, thanks to its simple and user-friendly build, as well as its affordable price tag. Available in three different frame shapes - a low step-through, a staggered top tube, or a horizontal top tube - there's something to suit most people's abilities and preferences.

Off the shelf it's ready to roll straight into its commuting and carrying duties, thanks to the inclusion of front and rear mudguards, a rear pannier rack, a kickstand and integrated front and rear lights. Just throw on your helmet and go.

Plus if you want a bike that looks good, it's hard to deny the fun and retro style of this bike from Raleigh, with its classic tan-coloured tyres and matching saddle and grips. 

Meanwhile the Suntour e25 Hub Drive motor system at its core offers three different assist levels, combined with seven gears to help you conquer your local landscape.

Eovolt City Four

Leaving the car at home to commute by bike is great for your health and for the environment, however it's not always practical for those who live too far away to make it feasible. Combining cycling with catching a bus or train certainly makes it more achievable, but doing so with a full-sized bike can be incredibly frustrating (or even impossible) thanks to some train companies' policies.

That's where a folding e-bike really gets to shine. You have all the benefits of riding a pedal-assisted bike to work, and you can also fold it down in mere seconds to hop on a train before finishing your journey on two wheels. Eovolt's folding mechanism is said to be so fast and user-friendly, you can fold it down in 10 seconds.

The City Four is ready for your commute, with a full set of mudguards, a rear rack and integrated front and rear lights. Its 16 inch wheels are shod with chunky, puncture-resistant tyres to help you tackle potholed streets, while the brand's proprietary motor offers five levels of assistance and up to 50km range.

Specialized Turbo Vado SL

Our expert review:

With an upright riding position, robust alloy frame, integrated lights and a lightweight design, the Specialized Turbo Vado SL 4.0 is a great option for the everyday commuter and urban cyclist running errands by bike. The drive system is the brand's own and sees a 320Wh battery integrated into the frame. 

The mid-drive motor system makes the bike a 1x design but that only simplifies shifting, and coming with the 11-speed 11-42 cassette it can mountain goat up many a city climb. Rolling on 700c wheels, the 38mm Specialized Pathfinder Sport tyres will take the sting out of kerbs and potholes and when you need to drop the anchors, Tektro hydraulic disc brakes and 160mm rotors will stop you on a dime. 

Cube Kathmandu Hybrid Pro 625

Available in standard, dropped top tube, and step through versions, the Cube Kathmandu Hybrid Pro is a commuter bike built for riders of all shapes and sizes. Using Bosch’s fourth-generation GX drive unit and Cube’s Modular Battery system, the Kathmandu hides the battery behind an easy-access cover on the down tube, which not only protects it from the elements but also leaves space should you want to slot in a bigger battery. 

Instead of the typical bolt-on racks you find on most commuter bikes; Cube has opted to make the Integrated Carrier 2.0 over the rear wheel a permanent fixture of the bike. This provides a more stable platform for whatever you may be carrying, and makes for a clean, integrated look. 

At the front, the bike sees a tapered head tube and 100mm SR Suntour fork. The cables are routed internally, and shifting duties are looked after by a Shimano Deore 10-speed drivetrain. 

Brompton Electric

Whether you live in a small apartment, use multiple forms of transport on your commute, or your destination doesn’t have secure bike storage, a folding bike might just be your best option. Brompton has long been the gold standard in folding bikes, and its electric version takes the origami bike you know and love, and adds pedal assist. The bike still gets a choice of handlebars, six-speed wide range gearing, and even the rear damper to improve ride comfort. 

It uses a 250-watt front hub-based motor and a handlebar-mounted 300Wh removable battery pack, that Brompton says has enough juice for between 30km and 70km, and takes four hours to recharge. What’s most surprising is Brompton says the bike only weighs 17.4kg, which is on par with some non-pedal assist folders

Have a read of our Brompton Electric C-Line review to find out more.

Specialized S-Works Turbo Creo

The Specialized S-Works Turbo Creo SL looks almost identical to a standard road bike, and thanks to the nifty SL1.1 drive system it isn't all that much heavier. Specialized worked with Brose to design its own motor, which is claimed to weigh just 1.96kg and produce 240 watts of assistance. Integrated into the downtube is a 320Wh battery, which Specialized says weighs 1.8kg. There's a 60Wh range extender available that fits into a bottle cage should you be headed out for an epic adventure. 

Specialized has integrated its e-bike system with its Mission Control App, which allows you to run diagnostics and customize how much pedal assist is on offer.

The S-Works Turbo Creo SL is the brand's top-tier model and sees a top spec Fact11r carbon frame and the Future Shock 2.0 with tunable dampening. The frame uses thru-axles front and rear and is kitted out with a SRAM Red eTap AXS drivetrain with a 10-44T cassette.

Trek Domane + LT

The Trek Domane LT platform takes almost everything we love about Trek’s endurance road bike and gives you a bit of extra oomph to get you up any climb. The frame is made from 500 Series OCLV carbon, features the brand’s IsoSpeed decoupler, clearance for up to 38c tyres, and sees a nearly identical geometry to the non-assisted version. 

Using a Fauza drive system, the motor can output 250W and is powered by a 250Wh removable battery stored in the downtube, which means you don’t have to charge your entire bike, but also that you can ride the bike without the battery if you want.

The Domane + LT sees almost all the bells and whistles the non-pedal-assist version offers including the dual IsoSpeed decouplers, although it doesn't get the downtube storage as that is where the battery is located. 

Bianchi E-Impulso

The Bianchi e-Impulso takes advantage of the Mahle ebikemotion drive system and is one of the most stealthy-looking electric bikes on the market. The power button on the top tube gives the game away; the 250Wh battery is hidden inside the downtube, and the rear hub-based motor provides up to 40Nm of torque at full bore. 

The aluminium frame is mated with a carbon fork, while the bike sees an 11-speed Ultegra drivetrain, Vision Velomann tubeless-ready wheels finished in 32mm Vittoria rubber, and Velomann finishing kit. 

It's a road bike at heart, but Bianchi also makes the bike with a gravel-friendly build that will tackle the rough stuff. 

Cannondale Topstone Neo Lefty 3

Cannondale's Topstone Neo is a spiritual descendant on steroids of the venerable Slate. Based on the chassis of the carbon Topstone Lefty, the 30mm KingPin pivot based rear suspension is matched with the Lefty Oliver single stanchion fork, offering 30mm of air-spring suspension. The Lefty fork is a bit of an engineering marvel, and is one of the stiffest forks on the market, and sees hydraulic damping and lockout. Suspension on a gravel bike always induces eye-rolls from drop bar purists, but the fact is it adds considerable improvements to both comfort and grip. 

In the middle of the triangles is Bosch’s Performance Line Speed motor and removable 500Wh battery. With up to 250 watts of assistance and 85Nm of torque on tap, the Bosch drive unit will help you crawl up that impossibly steep fire road, while a bar-mounted Purion display keeps all the vitals at your fingertips. 

Ribble CGR AL e

Our favourite thing about Ribble is the way it sells its bikes. Its Bikebuilder platform allows you to customise every component from drivetrain to wheels, tyres and touchpoints. The CGR AL e is the brand's alloy e-gravel platform. The alloy frame will take both 700x35c and 650bx2in wheels and tyres with mudguards, and sees rack and fender mounts too.

Taking advantage of the Mahle ebikemotion system, the motor is rear hub-based, and the 250Wh battery is integrated into the downtube. This system is lightweight and doesn't change the frame's silhouette, but most of all is friction-free when the motor is not in use. The Ribble CGR AL e is also one of the most affordable e-gravel bikes, with stock builds including a SRAM Apex version and a less expensive Shimano Tiagra build, although here the rear derailleur is not clutched. 

Canyon Grail:ON

With room for 50mm tyres, the eclectic hover bar, and a Bosch Performance Line CX motor, the Canyon Grail:ON e-gravel bike is anything but vanilla. Based on the ever-successful Grail, the geometry has been tweaked ever so slightly for a more upright riding position. While Canyon’s other drop bar e-bikes utilised the sleeker-looking Fauza system, the brand says it opted for the Bosch motors for the additional torque on offer, which is what you need to get up and over those steep techy features. 

With the new geometry, the wheelbase is a tad longer to increase stability and make room for mudguards and the balloon-like 50mm tyres. The Grail:ON CF7 sits in the middle of the pricing spectrum and comes equipped with a Shimano GRX drivetrain and an FSA carbon crankset with a 44t chainring at the front and 11-42 cassette out the back.

As you'll see from our picks above, there are many different types of electric bike 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 tyre 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 will 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 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 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 up stairs 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 some e-bikes have locks on their removable batteries.

What are the regulations regarding e-bikes?

Regardless of whether your electric bike has a Shimano, Bosch, Fazua, or any other drive system, it 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 whereabouts in the world you reside and ride your bike, so here are the key things you need to know about regional restrictions in the UK, the US and Australia:

In the UK, eBikes are classed as regular non-pedal assist bikes provided the motor cuts out a 25kph, does not generate more than 250 watts of assistance, and does not kick in until the bike is already in motion. Riders must also be at least 14 years old. If your bike meets these criteria, you can legally ride it anywhere a bike can be ridden. 

If your eBike doesn’t meet these standards, it will need to be registered and insured as a motor vehicle, and you will need a license and a helmet.

Australians love simplicity and that is why eBikes are split into throttle operated and non-throttle operated. Throttle operated eBikes 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. 

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 eBike 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 eBikes often supersede this legislation. Currently, 33 states have statutes that define an eBike 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 eBikes 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 divides electric bikes up 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 eBikes in with other classes of vehicles, licensing and registration may be required to operate an eBike. 

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, and generally consist of 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 described 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 plugs into the main battery, increasing range, in some cases doubling it.

What's torque and how much do I need?

With most electric bike motors being limited to 250 watts 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 up to 95Nm 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.

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Mildred joined as Reviews Writer for Cyclingnews and BikePerfect in December 2020. She loves all forms of cycling from long-distance audax to daily errand-running by bike, and does almost everything on two wheels, including moving house, and started out her cycling career working in a bike shop. For the past five years she's volunteered at The Bristol Bike Project as a mechanic and session coordinator, and now sits on its board of directors.

Since then she's gone on to write for a multitude of cycling publications, including Bikeradar, Cycling Plus, Singletrack, Red Bull, Cycling UK and Total Women's Cycling. She's dedicated to providing more coverage of women's specific cycling tech, elevating under-represented voices in the sport, and making cycling more accessible overall. 

Height: 156cm (5'2")

Weight: 75kg

Rides: Stayer Groadinger UG, Triban RC520 Women's Disc, Genesis Flyer, Marin Larkspur, Cotic BFe 26, Clandestine custom bike

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All about electric bicycles and more

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Trek Electric Bikes Review

eBicycles score

In terms of principles, Trek is firmly grounded in producing bikes with high-quality craftsmanship, aiming to bring the joy of cycling to a broader audience. The fact that the company has four electric bikes speaks for itself. 

Trek started back in 1976 as a subsidiary of Roth Corporation, an appliance distributor based in Milwaukee. The founders, Richard Burke and Bevil Hogg, began to manufacture steel touring frames with the aspiration to rival Japanese and Italian-made bicycles that were dominating the market at that time.

Just as its name suggests, Trek is fully committed to bringing its riders to great adventures and even promises to take them to the edge of the horizon.

It’s also fitting that their place of origin, Waterloo, is home to the Waterloo Driving Park Association, where spirited residents gather for some old-time tough and gritty bicycle racing.

Throughout its long history, Trek has been fueled by its determination to provide the best and the most rugged bicycles for the adventurous spirits that form part of their heritage.

Overview of Trek Electric Bikes

Trek Bikes produce premium quality bikes all around the world.

Trek was founded with an established goal of building high-end bikes for the United States. Back in the day, all the good bikes came from European brands. This inspired Richard Burke and Bevil Hogg to take matters into their own hands. The solution? To make their own brand of bicycles.

Three years after its foundation, Trek sales came close to the $2,000,000-mark.

Now, Trek Bicycle Corporation is one of the world’s biggest bike companies.

The company offers models designed for Road, Mountain, and Urban biking. Trek is also renowned for making the bikes that Lance Armstrong rode to his number of victories in Tour De France.

In terms of their electric bike portfolio, Trek covers a wide range of frames, from amiable town bikes to more powerful road bikes and mountain bikes. Currently, the company sells 24 of these bikes with a price range between $1,500 to $12,000.

What We Like About Trek Electric Bikes

It is a given that Trek is very well-known when it comes to building bikes. However, this doesn’t mean that every giant company doesn’t have kinks in its armor.

This section will talk about the pros and cons of Trek e-bikes. Here to highlight the things we like about them and the points to consider before buying their e-bikes.

Reasons to buy:

• Trek produces high-quality bikes that can handle any type of weather and terrain .
• Most models are available in five different sizes for an optimal fit for each rider.
• Aside from their magnificent designs, Trek bikes boast high-quality frames and components .
• Massive collection of e-bikes span from hybrids, mountain bikes, and road bikes.
• The Bosch motor boasts top-notch performance while keeping its size and weight minimum.

Reasons to avoid:

• Some bicycles are overly expensive for an everyday e-bike.
• Some key components don’t come with the complete bike and are sold separately .

Popular Trek E-Bike Models

The company has a ton of bicycles underneath its belt and a compelling product line, market value, and spec sheet.

Trek has been in the biking industry for a long time, but it didn’t hold back on innovating the e-bike scene. Here is a brief overview of Trek’s e-bike categories and what you can expect to see in each one.

Hybrid & Commuter Trek E-Bikes

If you’re looking to commute by e-bike, run errands around town, or just go for a leisurely ride with friends and family, Trek’s hybrid and commuter e-bikes are for you.

They’re split into three categories (City & Hybrid, Commuter, Recreational) and consist of multiple model lines:

• Dual Sport+
• Electra Go! E-Bikes

FX+ and Dual Sport+ model families are what you would call typical hybrid electric bikes with Class 1 speeds and rear hub motors. They are available with step-over and step-through frames and provide dynamic performance and upright riding positions.

Related post:  Trek Verve+ 2 Review

On the other hand, Verve+ and Allant+ model lines are better-equipped city commuter bikes that cost a bit more but offer more in terms of features and speeds. They consist of Class 1 and Class 3 models powered by mid-drive motors and equipped with lights, fenders, rear racks, and even suspension forks on some ebikes.

Finally, Trek also offers Electra Go! electric bikes (Trek’s sister company), which consist of mid-drive and rear-hub drive e-bikes that fall into cruiser, city, and urban categories.

Shop Trek Hybrid E-Bikes

Trek Mountain E-Bikes

Trek’s electric mountain bikes provide ‘endless adventure’, as Trek puts it. The category consists of hardtail and full-suspension mountain e-bikes that will fit all different types of riders.

The selection includes XC bikes, trail bikes, and even enduro bikes. There are four model families you can choose from:

All of Trek’s mountain e-bikes are powered by trail-tough Bosch mid-drive motors and integrated batteries with up to 625 Wh of capacity. They have Class 1 capabilities and the batteries typically last up to 5 hours of continuous use.

The only downside of Trek’s e-mountain bikes is the pricing, as they typically cost between $6,000 and $14,000, though the Powerfly models are priced in the $3,000-$4,000 range.

Shop Trek Mountain E-Bikes

Trek Road E-Bikes

Finally, Trek makes some of the best electric road bikes on the market, but also some of the most expensive ones.

They are famous for providing a natural riding experience and only supplementing power instead of taking over. Therefore, you’ll be able to ride further and enjoy road biking just as you would on a traditional road bike.

Domane+ is the only model family in this category, though it comes in around a dozen variations, including road and gravel capable builds.

These are Class 1 and Class 3 capable e-bikes with Fazua Evation or TQ e-bike systems. All models are built around lightweight carbon frames, come with drop bars, 1x and 2x Shimano and SRAM drivetrains, and powerful hydraulic disc brakes.

Therefore, if you want to explore more or keep up on fast group rides, one of Trek’s road e-bikes is for you, if you can afford it.

Shop Trek Road E-Bikes

Trek E-Bike Classes, Motors, and Batteries

These bikes offer a lot of power and range from both their motor and battery.

The principle which the company is built upon is simple. That is to create a bicycle brand that is on par or even more significant than its European and Japanese counterparts back then. Now, they are one of the biggest bike companies in the whole world, so their grit and drive really paid off.

Trek is all about creating reliable bicycles that could take their customers to the next level of fun and enjoyment.

The company’s formula to success lies at their rigid standard of quality when it comes to their bikes. It ranges from steel, alloy, and carbon fiber, ensuring that it can take on any punishment it might receive when riding. They also didn’t hold back in choosing each component, as evidenced by their top-notch Bosch electric motors and Shimano parts.

When it comes to selling, the company won’t have any problems catering to your needs as they distribute their bicycles worldwide. What’s more? They even have 1,700 dealers in the U.S. alone. Their website also allows you to see the store closest to you, where you can view, test, and purchase their bikes.

Reliability and Durability

Trek Bikes use only the best quality materials so that their products can handle extreme terrains and any kind of weather.

Trek began with a vision from the two founders to build the best bicycles that the world had ever witnessed.

Thus, the company’s strict observance of the highest possible craftsmanship quality was born.

The company’s collection of bicycles typically receive rave reviews for their build quality. This applies to even their entry-level bikes, which at the price tag they’re sold at, isn’t always known to have the most premium components. Even if their price range generally makes their bikes a luxury, everything about it feels premium and durable when you get your hands on it.

As a testament to their bike’s quality, one Quora user shared that he almost managed to travel across Canada by riding an entry-level 1993 Trek 820 Antelope. This devotion to their founder’s vision endeared many cycling enthusiasts to the company and brand.

Frequently Asked Questions

If there’s anything that remained unanswered, here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding Trek e-Bikes.

• Are Trek e-Bikes any good? 

Yes, Trek e-bikes follow the standard set by their conventional siblings. The excellent quality is a given. What makes it even better is that Trek is supported by a vast network of dealers to ensure that parts and maintenance are readily available.

• What happens if Trek e-bikes run out of battery?

If the battery on your Trek e-bike dies, you can no longer use the throttle, nor will you have the benefit of the pedal assist. However, you can still pedal the bike on your own, just like any regular bike.

• Where are Trek e-bikes manufactured?

Trek’s headquarters itself is located in Waterloo, Wisconsin. Still, the manufacturing happens outside the U.S., in countries such as the Netherlands, Taiwan, Germany, and China.

• How do I buy my own Trek e-bike?

Buying a Trek bike is an easy process. You can find the dealer or retailer closest to you using Trek’s Store Finder on their website. Alternatively, you can order them online and have the bike delivered to your address.

• What is the motor used on Trek e-bikes?

All of Trek’s e-bikes use Bosch electric motors . These are mid-drive pedal-assist electric motors meant to mimic a natural, consistent feel while pedaling.

Bottom Point — Who Are Trek E-Bikes For?

Trek Bikes provide the best e-bikes out there. Not only do they have sports bikes like mountain bikes, but they also provide high-quality city and hybrid bikes.

Trek creates their bicycles with the sole purpose of providing reliable vehicles for adventurous spirits. However, the company also caters to those who only want to get from point A to point B without hiccups.

The company offers a lineup of electrical bikes consisting of road bikes, commuter bikes, mountain bikes, and hybrid bikes. Sure, the price may prove to be high for some, but it will all pay off as soon as you see and feel the quality of each part of the bike.

Shop Trek Electric Bike Models

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How it stacks against others

Compared with others, all about electric bicycles.

eBicycles.com aims to cover all topics related to electric bicycles. Our goal is to serve as the hotspot for e-bike lovers by providing value through reviews, how-to articles, and detailed guides. Stay up-to-date with the world of e-bicycles and share your passion with us.

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Is an Electric Bike Right for You?

What you need to know about choosing an e-bike

By Benjamin Preston

Pedal-powered bicycles and electric bikes have been in high demand since the pandemic, when sales surged due to more people working from home. Despite sales experiencing a slight leveling off over the past year, electric bicycle sales are still up 231 percent over 2019 levels, according to the NPD Group, a market research company. And no wonder: Electric bikes have great versatility and appeal.

Getting Started

If you’re thinking about buying an electric bike, commonly known as an e-bike, first consider how you intend to use it. There are almost as many types of electric bikes as there are pedal-powered bicycles, and many of them do specific things very well. A big factor in your decision will be where you live , because climate, the presence (or lack) of bike lanes, how far you want to ride on a regular basis, and how your locale classifies and regulates e-bikes will affect how you can use one.

More than half of U.S. states recognize e-bikes as a type of bicycle, depending on how fast they go and how power is applied (for example, through the pedals or a hand control). But a few states treat electric bikes like other motorized vehicles and require riders to have an operator’s license to use one on public roads, depending on the type.

Currently, there are three general electric bike classifications (PDF), and some gray areas.

Class 1 covers pedal-assist bikes, which power the electric motor as your foot applies pressure to the pedal. There’s no throttle to get the bike going; the electric part works only when the rider is pedaling, and the e-assist cuts off at speeds above 20 mph. (It’s possible to get even conventional bicycles moving faster than that on a steep hill.)

Class 2 bikes also have an electric motor that works up to 20 mph, either while the rider is pedaling (pedal assist) or with electric propulsion alone via throttle control.

Class 3 limits an electric bike’s pedal assist to 28 mph and requires a speedometer.

Where you can ride an e-bike varies based on location, so it’s best to check local regulations before using one on a bike-only trail. (Powered bicycles could be prohibited.) It’s also strongly recommended that electric bike riders wear helmets even if the locale doesn’t require it.

There are also more powerful electric bikes that are supposed to be ridden only in designated off-road areas. These electric bikes can look like bicycles but functionally are more like motorcycles. For the purposes of this guide, we’ll focus on the three classes that most resemble a conventional bicycle.

Why Buy an Electric Bike?

There are many reasons people buy an e-bike, but we found after talking to experts and riders that the main ones are for commuting, recreation, and hauling light cargo. For many during the pandemic, bicycles were a transportation alternative for urban and suburban commuters wishing to avoid using public transportation. Beyond social distancing, they can also be great for exercise and recreation, even with help from the electric motor.

Performance road bikes prioritize speed, aerodynamics, and lightweight construction. They're the type used in pro races, although electrified versions aren't allowed in conventional bicycle races.

Photo: Trek

“There’s no one demographic that rides an e-bike,” says Sarah Johnson, a cycling expert and advocate who used to own a bicycle shop in Omaha, Neb., that sold electric bikes. “It’s young people who don’t want a car; it’s older people who want a little help so they can still ride a bike; it’s commuters who don’t want to get all sweaty on the way to work.”

According to the Department of Transportation, nationwide survey data show that more than half of the trips people take are 3 miles or less . And 72 percent of those are made by car; less than 2 percent are made on a bicycle. The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) says that distance is feasible for bicycles, particularly e-bikes.

Electric Bike Pricing

Prices for e-bikes range from less than $500 to thousands of dollars. For most consumers, the higher end of the scale will be about $6,000 to $7,000. According to the NCSL, the average price for an electric commuter bike is $2,000 to $3,000, compared with $1,000 for a conventional midrange commuter bicycle.

Electric bicycles come in a variety of styles to serve different needs.

Photo: Rad Power Bikes

Micah Toll, who digs into the particulars of electric bikes and other battery-powered personal transportation for Electrek , a website focused on everything electric, says budget is an important consideration for e-bike shoppers.

He advises consumers to avoid the extreme low end of the electric bike range, where cheaper components can affect the overall quality. He also says first-time buyers might not want to get the most expensive models, to give themselves time to figure out whether or not they like riding one. He says that although there are so many options for every price range as the number and type of e-bike models continue to proliferate, $1,500 is generally a sweet spot in terms of price. You may find cheaper alternatives from no-name manufacturers that pop up on Amazon and other online sales venues, but quality e-bikes tend to start in the $1,000 to $2,000 range.

“There are more players than ever in the industry, and the options have really expanded on both the low and high ends of the market,” Toll says. “Manufacturers are making good-quality bikes but aren’t using top-shelf components. It’s a good balance for people who don’t want to spend a fortune but also don’t want the bike to fall apart after a year or two.”

Commuter Electric Bikes

Commuter bikes come in a variety of styles but are meant to serve as practical transportation. For many consumers, e-bikes represent a much more cost-effective alternative to expensive, fossil-fuel-dependent automobiles, or, at the very least, a way to cut down on the number of cars in the driveway. Many people like the fact that they can commute on an electric bike without getting too sweaty on the way to work and that they aren’t as likely to get stuck in grinding car traffic.

Commuter bikes provide easy, trouble-free service as daily transportation.

Steve Volkers, who lives in suburban Maryland and commutes several miles over rolling hills, says he actually gets to work a little faster on his electric bike because he doesn’t have to sit in the Washington, D.C., area’s notorious car traffic.

Glen Mayenschein, who works several miles from his home in northern New Jersey, has been commuting exclusively by bicycle for 20 years, and, at age 62, decided to buy an electric bike.

“I have a bad knee, so I figured I’d make it easier on myself and get an electric bike,” Mayenschein says, noting that he rides a hilly route to and from work. “I like riding a bike, and I still ride regular ones from time to time, but now I mostly ride the electric one.”

Commuter bikes vary from the type with narrow tires and straight handlebars that city dwellers are used to seeing in conventional form to beefier models with fat tires and thicker frames.

Experts say fat-tire bikes—which can be difficult to get going on pedal power alone—are gaining in popularity as electric versions have become more widely available. There are also folding electric bikes that are easier to stow in a tight storage area or aboard a train or bus.

Recreational Electric Bikes

The bulk of the pandemic bicycle sales boom has been for enthusiast bicycles like road and mountain bikes, according to NPD. Road and mountain biking were already popular recreational activities, and the addition of electric motors has expanded their appeal.

Multiple studies show that e-bikes, while a less intense form of exercise than conventional bikes, still provide exercise benefits. A study conducted in 2021 and published in  Translational Journal  concluded that compared with a regular bicycle, riding an e-bike for a simulated 3-mile commute resulted in lower metabolic, cardiovascular, and perceived effort that nevertheless met the intensity level associated with healthy physical activity recommended by the World Health Organization and the American College of Sports Medicine. (The ACSM recommends at least 150 minutes per week of moderate cardiovascular exercise.)

Cruiser bikes are designed for comfort.

Photo: Trek Bicycle

As with conventional bicycles, there are several types of e-bikes, each with a special purpose, whether it’s riding mountain or forest trails, taking long rides on the open road, or cruising around at a leisurely pace near home. Some conventional cycling purists knock electric bikes because of the greater ease of pedaling, but some converts have told us they love them.

The extra boost from a battery and an electric motor has also opened up cycling to people who might not otherwise have been able to ride. Sarah Johnson, the Omaha cycling advocate, says she faced having to give up cycling when medical problems made it difficult for her to pedal a conventional bicycle.

“I used to be an e-bike hater, but when I realized that it was e-bike or no riding, I realized how great they are,” she says. “I’m feeling better, but I don’t think I’ll ever get rid of my e-bike.”

Performance Road Bikes The defining characteristics of a road bike are usually a lightweight frame, skinny tires, and drop-down handlebars that help the rider maintain an aerodynamic riding position. It’s not unusual to see a cluster of bright-shirted cyclists pedaling furiously down a bike trail or along the side of the road on lightweight speed machines.

Like their pedal-powered counterparts, electric road bikes feature slimmer, lighter components and require an aerodynamic riding position, both meant to increase efficiency over long distances. The assistance offered by an electric motor makes it possible to cover longer distances and handle steep grades with less of the fatigue associated with conventional bicycles.

Even though they’re fast and relatively light, performance bikes still aren’t for everyone, because the aggressive riding position can be uncomfortable for some riders.

Mountain Bikes With beefier frames, bigger tires, and sometimes long-travel suspension components, mountain bikes are built to handle trails, large rocks, logs, and other rough terrain and obstacles. A spin through mountain bike racing videos on the internet reveals that their riders sometimes expect the bikes to handle much more than that—big air jumps and rough terrain, among other demands.

Of course, the fun part is the faster, more effortless downhill portion. Getting there usually involves a demanding pedal up steep grades on loose terrain. Adding an electric motor to a mountain bike makes a lot of sense for someone who wants to experience the thrill of downhill riding but may not have the fitness to handle the grueling uphill slog.

The e-bike segment makes bikes with larger tires—which are more difficult to pedal using leg power alone because of the increased weight and rolling resistance that comes with their beefy wheels and tires—more appealing, and also makes it possible to do more riding in a day because of reduced fatigue. Electric mountain bikes aren’t permitted on some trails, so be sure to check state and local regulations. Also, as CR’s testers found, it’s important to buy an electric mountain bike with brakes that can handle the extra weight of the battery and electric motor.

Hybrids and Cruisers Hybrids offer a combination of road bike efficiency and the more upright riding position preferred by mountain bikers and commuters. They usually have straight handlebars. This type of bicycle can be a good all-around setup for those who seek the best of both worlds.

Cruisers offer a relaxed, comfortable upright seating position, and often a softer ride because of bigger tires and cushier seats. Look for swooping handlebars that keep a rider’s arms a relaxed distance from the body. The addition of an electric motor to either of these configurations makes it possible to use a thicker frame and wider tires to soak up bumps in the road. Volkers, the Maryland commuter, bought this type of e-bike because he can ride it on light off-road trails and paved roads with ease.

Cargo Electric Bikes

Cargo bikes are built to haul cargo and extra passengers. With strong frames, fatter tires, and robust components, they’re the industrial beasts of the two-wheeled world. Pedal-powered cargo bikes have been around for a while. They can be configured with rear-mounted seats or cargo racks, or front-end cargo boxes supported by one or two wheels. Bicycle taxis can also be included in this group; those two-wheeled models are popular for urban delivery services and for ferrying children.

Adding electric power to a frame designed to haul heavier loads offers an obvious advantage, and electric propulsion can be a game-changer for anyone who wants to use a bicycle as an alternative to a car, such as to run errands and carry large loads of groceries, packages, or passengers. E-bikes—although not necessarily the heavy-duty cargo variety—are also popular among food delivery riders who want to avoid car traffic and double-parking.

Folding Electric Bikes

Think of the folding bike as a more portable version of the commuter bike. Folding bikes typically have smaller wheels and long handlebar stems and seat posts, as well as hinged frames and other parts that allow the bike to be folded into a more compact shape. This type of bike might be appealing to someone who needs a bicycle but has to pack it into a car’s trunk, take it on a bus or train, or has limited storage space at home. There are several folding electric models on the market, but it’s worth noting that the ones with the most powerful motors tend to be heavier, and therefore more difficult to fold, carry, and stow. That said, CR tested one model that offered a bit of e-assist in a lightweight package that folded very small for easy packing or storage. (See CR’s roundup of the best folding bikes .)

Electric Bike Safety Considerations

E-bikes can travel at speeds similar to conventional bicycles, and they carry the same safety risks. But models that can travel at 20 mph or more add another level of risk to the equation.

Higher speeds mean the rider has less time to slow down or stop. Whether riding a bicycle or a motorcycle, the results of even low-speed crashes—especially when cars and trucks are involved—can be painful and even fatal. A 2019 study in the journal Injury Prevention found—based on an examination of emergency room records—that electric bike riders were more likely to suffer internal injuries than those riding conventional bicycles.

The easiest and most obvious way to avoid a serious head injury is to wear a bicycle helmet. A review of bicycle helmet research published in the journal Injury Prevention in 2007 says that wearing a helmet can reduce the chance of serious head injury by 63 to 88 percent. Wearing bright clothing and adhering to traffic laws can also help.

Another important safety factor for cycling is the availability of dedicated—and specially protected—bicycle lanes. If you must ride in the road with cars, take into account the prevailing speed and flow of traffic. Motorists may be distracted or driving too fast to see cyclists.

There are aftermarket devices that can be added to any bicycle with features similar to those in the active driver assistance systems (ADAS) found on cars and trucks . They include blind spot warning and crash detection.

There hasn’t been a lot of academic study yet about the injury risks to children posed by the newest electric bikes, but it’s best to exercise extreme caution when addressing the needs of any new or inexperienced cyclists. As anyone who fell off a bicycle when they were young can recall, even low-speed crashes and tip-overs can result in injury.

Because most e-bikes use lithium-ion batteries, there’s also fire risk to consider. It’s important to use the correct charger and charging cord, supplied by the manufacturer that built the bike you own.

If you end up having to replace the battery for some reason, use only a UL-listed battery approved by the bike’s manufacturer. Don’t leave the bike unattended while it’s charging, and don’t charge e-bikes in sleeping areas, or where they can block entry or egress to a room or building. Lithium-ion battery fires are rare, but they can be violent. They are often related to improper charging or storage.

Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. CR does not endorse products or services, and does not accept advertising. Copyright © 2024, Consumer Reports, Inc.

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. How we test gear.

The Enve Fray Obscures the Line between Race and Endurance Bikes

The Fray looks and rides like a race bike—but it also fits 40mm wide tires.

Enve returned to its boutique roots in 2021 with a product that few outside the company saw coming—a custom carbon road frame manufactured at Enve’s Ogden, Utah headquarters. Then, in 2022, Enve launched a production model road bike called the Melee . A year later, in 2023, Enve launched its MOG gravel bike . And in 2024, the brand releases the Fray.

The distinction between Enve’s first three bikes is clear. The Custom Road is a boutique frame that emphasizes ride quality and craftsmanship. The Melee is best described as a production road race bike similar to a Specialized Tarmac or Cannondale Super Six Evo .

The Fray is more difficult to define than Enve’s previous models. It fits somewhere between the MOG and the Melee. It’s a space many brands have previously played, some with success but others with real misses. First, let me assuage any concerns. The Fray is not a miss—it’s a wonderful bike that checks many boxes and will be the right bike for many riders.

What Does “Endurance Bike” Mean Anymore?

Bikes that fill the space between dedicated road and gravel bikes are often termed all-road or endurance bikes. But other names for this style of bike pop up every few years or are proposed by brands’ marketing teams. As my colleague Matt Phillips describes, when Specialized launched its first Roubaix models in 2004 (arguably the first production endurance bike), someone at the Bicycling termed it “plush road.” The basic premise of the category over the last two decades has essentially been to take a road bike, add a bit of tire clearance, give it lower gearing, and tweak the geometry to make it somewhat more upright and comfortable.

It sounds simple and appealing enough, but as road bikes became more capable (with increased tire clearance, disc brakes, and wide-range gearing) over the years, the appeal of this middle ground has diminished for many. The main drawback of these all-road or endurance category bikes is that brands stripped away too much of what I liked and wanted from a road bike in a quest for versatility.

That’s precisely why I am so smitten by the Fray. Here is a bike optimized around 31 to 35mm tires but with clearance for up to 40mm (in a 1x configuration, max 2x clearance is 38mm), which honestly feels conservative. It’s also impressively light at 17 pounds with tires measuring 38mm and deep-section Enve aero wheels. While these numbers are impressive, the two things that clinched the Fray for me were how it rode, which is like a road bike—Confidence-inspiring, precise, and dynamic.

The Fray looked so much like the Melee that, from a distance, the bikes were virtually identical. The only visual giveaways are the top tube and down tube mounts, the internal storage hatch, the fork brake mount using an adapter plate, and some very minor tube shaping differences that honestly wouldn’t be perceptible unless you had the two bikes next to each other.

Appearance is subjective, and if you didn’t like how the Melee looks, you probably won’t be into the Fray. But I think it’s good that Enve matched the styling of the two bikes. After all, there is a desire from consumers to ride what the pros are racing, it is why race bikes are so popular, even among riders who don’t compete.

Fray-me Details and Pricing

Fray’s feature list reads like a wish list for riders seeking a do-it-all dropbar bike. The full carbon frame and fork are pleasantly free of dumb standards . The front end is fully integrated using Enve’s IN-Route system, the same system used on Enve’s three other bikes and several other brands. This means riders have a broad range of choices for handlebars and stems. Enve also ships a “by-pass” spacer with the Fray, allowing riders to set up a cockpit that runs the hoses externally of the bar and stem. The seatpost is the same D-shaped post that is used on the Melee.

As previously noted, the Fray clears a 38mm tire with a 2x drivetrain and a 40mm tire if set up 1x. Based on my test bike with 38mm (measured) tires, this sizing is conservative, with 8mm of space to spare.

The Fray is compatible with electronic groupsets (except Campagnolo EPS) and with Shimano mechanical 2x and 1x drivetrains . The frame is incompatible with SRAM or Campy 2x mechanical systems due to the frame needing continuous cable housing to the front derailleur (but any 1x mechanical drivetrain will work just fine). Enve continued using the T47 bottom bracket standard for creek-free performance and nearly universal crank compatibility.

The Fray uses a SRAM UDH rear derailleur hanger, which makes replacement hangers easy to find. However, the Fray is not compatible with a SRAM T-Type mullet setup because SRAM recommends a minimum chainstay length of 425mm, while the Fray uses lengths between 415 and 420mm.

For carrying capacity, the Fray uses the same Enve Cargo Bay that features on the MOG gravel bike. It has a total carrying capacity of 36 cubic inches, spread out over two neoprene bags that can be used to carry tools or flat repair supplies. Additionally, the frame has mounts for a top tube feed bag and a third bottle cage under the down tube.

Enve sells the Fray as a chassis for $5,500 in three colors and seven frame sizes. That price includes the frameset, stem, handlebar, and seatpost. To help riders dial in their fit and pick the appropriate stem length, spacer stack, and seatpost offset, Enve offers a widget called the “ Best-Fit Calculator ” on its website. Riders can measure an existing bike or start with a professional bike fit.

The Fray’s Geometry

Compared to the Melee race bike, the Fray has a 20mm higher stack, a 6mm shorter reach, and a 16mm longer wheelbase. But when you compare the Fray to other bikes in the endurance category—such as the Specialized Roubaix SL8 , Trek Domane , Giant Defy, Cannondale Synapse , and Canyon Endurace —it becomes apparent that while the Fray shares a similar stack height (except for the Roubaix which is the tallest of the bunch by far), it’s just a hair longer than all of these bikes.

These differences might seem trivial, but modern road bike geometry is a game of millimeters.

Enve offers the Melee in seven frame sizes, from 47cm to 60cm. What’s most notable here is that Enve used five different fork rakes across the size range. This detail ensures that riders of the smallest and largest sizes get the same handling characteristics as riders in the middle of the size range. Most brands avoid using this many different forks for their bikes (to save cost or development time) and use the same model across entire size ranges.

I also give Enve kudos for including not only one trail figure but four on its geometry chart (for various tire sizes). It’s a nice detail and a handy reminder to riders that they can tune the handling of their bike by changing to a larger or smaller tire size.

Ride Impressions

All-road or endurance bikes—whatever you call them—tend to have one big drawback for me: They feel slow. Sometimes, it’s caused by brands unnecessarily burdening the bikes with gizmos (like the Roubaix with the Future Shock or the Cannondale Synapse with the integrated lighting system). Other times, in the quest for comfort or compliance, endurance bikes start to feel lazy through corners. This often results in needing more rider input to avoid a bit of understeer and a wider-than-desired line.

While I think there are riders out there who want a more forgiving bike with relaxed handling and a plush ride, I also think there are riders out there who simply want a race bike with heaps more tire clearance— a bit more comfort, a whole lot of versatility, and tons of performance. The Fray is a bike for that second group of riders.

After riding Enve’s race bike, the Melee, and the Fray back-to-back, the difference in “feel” between the two is very minor. A size 56 Fray has a 0.7º slacker head tube, 16mm longer wheelbase, and 20mm more stack, compared to the Melee. The differences are certainly there, but on the road, even with very plump 35mm tires (labeled 35mm but measuring 38mm) on the Fray, it just felt like a typical road bike.

I had to push the Fray to my limit in the corners to glean its differences from the Melee. Using the same tires and wheels in the Melee for comparison, the differences were similarly minor. The Melee feels a hair faster initiating a turn and needs slightly less input to hold my desired line. The bottom line is that I would still prefer to race a crit on the Melee, but I certainly wouldn’t be held back that much doing one on the Fray.

From an aerodynamic perspective, you hardly give up any performance in choosing the Fray. Enve tested its new bike against the Melee in the Mercedes GP Wind Tunnel at a more humane 25mph (most aero tests are done at 28mph). Averaged across 0º to 15º wind angles, the Fray (with a rider) was slower by just 4.4 watts. According to Enve, most of the aerodynamic loss comes from the Fray’s taller geometry. This geometry results in the rider being positioned more upright, creating a greater frontal area to the wind.

If aerodynamics is your primary concern, opt for the Melee or a dedicated aero bike like Cervélo’s S5 . But on rolling and flat terrain, the Fray feels incredibly efficient. It doesn’t quite give you the forever tailwind feeling of an S5, but I never felt like I was working hard to get the Fray up to speed, either.

Uphill, the Fray’s performance is excellent. The bike’s massive down tube, bottom bracket, and chainstays provide the power transfer you’d expect from a top-tier race bike. Even the tiniest injection of effort into the pedals resulted in an immediate surge forward.

My favorite thing about riding the Fray was how often I was tempted to take a dirt cut-through or see if a random trail would connect to the fire road I wanted. The big, 38mm (measured) slick tires constantly turned my rides into little adventures—even when most rides were paved. The Fray also can turn even the roughest asphalt into a magic carpet ride. This makes sense as I praised the Melee for being exceptionally comfortable when I reviewed it in 2023; with the extra-large tires, the Fray turns that up to another level.

The Value of Buying a Frameset

The Fray’s biggest downside is that Enve does not offer it as a complete bike. The brand could stand to make the Fray purchasing processes more consumer-friendly. To purchase a bicycle, you must work with an Enve dealer to buy a Fray chassis and then select the component group, wheels, and all the small bits that go into a complete bike. This process (though somewhat more time-consuming and potentially more expensive) has its advantages.

Building a bike from a frameset has upsides on integrated bikes like the Fray since riders can select the stem length, bar width, and seat post seat back that meets their sizing needs (as well as personal details like bar tape and saddle). This should be standard practice when buying a complete high-end bike in 2024, but surprisingly, few big brands offer this service. This can force riders to spend even more to achieve proper fit and comfort on a bike. Kudos to brands like Factor , Ritte, and BlackHeart for offering complete bikes with fully customized options.

Enve’s pricing puts the Fray near the peak of modern high-end production road bikes. And it’s not a coincidence that the $5,500 price tag matches that of a Specialized S-Works frameset. Although the S-Works frames only come with a seat post, you get an Enve bar and stem for the same money when you go with a Fray. That doesn’t make the Fray a killer deal, but it’s in the same general ballpark as its competition.

Giant’s Defy Advanced SL probably comes closest to the Fray’s positioning. It’s ultra-light, with ample tire clearance and no gimmicky compliance features that add weight to the frame. Giant offers the Defy Advanced SL as a frameset for $3,700 and a complete bike with SRAM Red and Cadex wheels for $12,000. Fortunately, Giant offers several complete builds of the Defy, and riders can opt for a 105 Di2 version for $4,300. There is even a mechanical 105 build of the Defy for $3,200. But the Defy does miss a few features of the Fray, such as internal storage, fender compatibility, plus the extra top tube and down tube mounts.

Final Thoughts

Other endurance and all-road bikes offer similar features to the Fray, but few come close to absolutely nailing what I want from an endurance bike—a fast road bike with ample tire clearance. It should be a simple enough formula, but many brands overcomplicate their endurance bikes. This results in bikes that feel under-equipped off-road or overbuilt for paved rides.

I could have happily ridden (or even raced) the Fray like a road bike—it’s certainly light and responsive enough. But the extra tire clearance also means the Fray can handle almost any unplanned detour. While the Fray may not be for every rider, it is the perfect bike for a growing crowd of cyclists.

Test Editor Dan Chabanov got his start in cycling as a New York City bike messenger but quickly found his way into road and cyclocross racing, competing in professional cyclocross races from 2009 to 2019 and winning a Master’s National Championship title in 2018. Prior to joining Bicycling in 2021, Dan worked as part of the race organization for the Red Hook Crit, as a coach with EnduranceWERX, as well as a freelance writer and photographer. 

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The Best Bikes for Women

• Author: Ashley Mateo, certified running coach

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This shouldn’t have to be said in 2024 (and, yet, here we are), but women’s bikes are not just smaller, pinker versions of men’s bikes.

Sure, men may still be the dominant gender in cycling, but of the 103 million people who rode a bike in 2022, 27 percent were female and about 40 percent were male, according to a recent survey conducted by the PeopleforBikes Foundation —which means women are starting to close the gap. And all women deserve bikes that are specifically designed to support female anatomy and biomechanics, whether they’re riding to work, cruising around town or competing in an endurance race.

Of course, finding the right bike depends on your personal preferences: road or mountain biking, cruiser or electric bike . And while nailing down the perfect fit may take a little more effort than scrolling the internet—like visiting a local bike shop for a proper fitting and testing out different models—this list of the best bikes for women, along with insights on what types are available and what features to consider, can help get you up to speed.

Our Picks for the Best Bikes for Women:

Best hybrid bike for women: diamondback division 1 urban bike, best e-bike for women: aventon level.2 commuter e-bike.

• Best Cruiser Bike for Women: Electra Townie 7D 24 Step-Thru

Best Mountain Bike for Women: Trek Top Fuel 7

Best road bike for women: specialized tarmac sl6.

• Best E-Mountain Bike for Women: Trek Powerfly 4

Best Step-Thru Bike for Women: Public Bikes C1

Best rail trail bike for women: trek dual sport 1 gen 5.

Performance Bike

Key Features:

• Price: $835
• Bike type: Urban/commuter bike
• Sizes: Small, medium, large, extra large
• Weight: Not listed
• Frame material: Aluminum
• Drivetrain: 1x, rear derailleur

City riding can be notoriously difficult on your bike—and body, as anyone who’s ever ridden full-speed over a pothole knows. The Diamondback Division 1 Urban Bike was designed for commutes, running errands, or just riding around, with 27.5-inch tubeless tires that promise traction while absorbing the impact generated by most obstacles (they’re also very unlikely to pop a flat). And thanks to the lightweight aluminum frame, you’ll have no problem hoisting this bike up any number of stairs.

• Tires are especially grippy in wet conditions
• 1 x 8 speed drivetrain is easy to maintain
• Features high-quality Shimano drivetrain and Tektro mechanical disc brakes
• Disc brakes are more difficult to maintain
• Shifting components don’t quite match the price point

• Price: $1,799
• Bike type: Commuter e-bike
• Sizes: Regular, large
• Weight: 54 pounds
• Drivetrain: Hub

If you don’t want to work up a sweat while commuting to and from the office, Aventon’s Level.2 Commuter E-Bike packs a lot of power into a design that mimics the look of a traditional city cruiser. It even feels like a more traditional bike, thanks to the integration of a torque sensor that allows for more efficient battery use (translation: the bike can sense how hard you’re pedaling and deliver additional power via the 500W motor as needed). With 27.5-inch tires that eat up the road—a full charge gives you a range of 60 miles—you can push this bike up to 28 miles per hour using pedal assist (using just the throttle, you’ll top out at 20 miles per hour).

• Torque sensor creates a more natural riding experience
• Available in four color options
• Comes with preinstalled fenders and a rear rack
• This version isn’t as powerful as the first in the name of preserving battery power
• Not meant to be ridden in prolonged rain

Best Cruiser Bike for Women: Electra Townie 7D EQ Step-Thru

• Price: $729.99
• Bike type: Step-thru/recreational
• Sizes: 26-inch wheel
• Weight: 31 pounds
• Frame material: aluminum
• Drivetrain: derailleur

It doesn’t get more classic than the Electra Townie 7D EQ Step-Thru, which is the best-selling bike in the U.S. It’s also a great beginner option, allowing you to sit upright and flat-footed—with the pedals positioned farther forward—so you can easily step off the pedals and onto the ground if needed. The nearly two-inch wide tires also ensure stability and security while on the road (and can even handle gentle trails). Despite the retro look, the Townie is built with modern components like Shimano Revo shifters and a Shimano Tourney drivetrain, puncture-resistant Bontrager tires, and an ergonomic saddle.

• Very safe and comfortable for newer riders
• Fully charges in under five hours
• Can easily attach a rear rack and baby seat
• Has a longer frame than a standard town bike, which makes it bulkier
• Upright position makes standing tough, which can be challenging for uphills
• Maximum weight capacity is only 250 pounds

• Price: $3,629.99
• Bike type: Mountain bike
• Sizes: S, M, M/L, L, XL
• Weight: 32.7 pounds
• Drivetrain: Derailleur

If you’re serious about mountain biking, the Trek Top Fuel 7 is the kind of machine that moves with you—fast—as you tackle the toughest terrain. The full suspension system was designed to react to acceleration and braking forces independently, so you have more control over the bike as a whole, while the hydraulic disc brakes allow you to be more precise with your braking power. For even better handling, Trek’s Mino Link feature allows you to make small adjustments to the frame geometry, depending on the terrain; for example, a steeper angle at the front of the bike allows for quicker steering, which is great at slower speeds, but a slacker angle is more stable at high speeds.

• Smaller sizes have a top tube that dips down for a lower standover height, which accommodates shorter riders
• Has internal storage for tools
• Very expensive
• 120mm of suspensive travel can be jarring

Specialized

• Price: $2,700
• Bike type: Road
• Sizes: 44, 49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61
• Weight: 16.6, 16.82, or 18.36 pounds
• Frame material: Carbon

The Tarmac was designed to go fast—like, really fast (it’s used by pro racing teams). Not only can you lift the lightweight carbon frame with a single hand, it’s actually 20 percent lighter than the previous iteration, a drop in weight that translates to speeds 30 seconds faster over the course of 25 miles. Plus, Specialized works with Retül, a company that collects and analyzes data to inform bike fit, a partnership that allowed the brand to build seven different size options—in a unisex fit—that each use specific measurements to ensure you’ll feel 100 percent comfortable in the saddle, no matter how long you’re riding.

• Enough clearance for tires up to 30mm if riding on rougher terrain
• Power saddle is very comfortable
• Very responsive
• Carbon frame can be easily damaged

Best E-Mountain Bike for Women: Trek Powerfly 4 Gen 4

• Price: $3,649.99
• Bike type: Electric mountain bike
• Sizes: XS, S, M, L
• Weight: 51.53 pounds

If you want to get out in the wilderness but don’t want to rely on your own leg power to tackle the gnarliest climbs, an affordable electric mountain bike like Trek’s Powerfly 4 can help you cover more terrain without wearing yourself out. This one is equipped with a removable Bosch PowerTube 500Wh battery; Bosch high-performance CX 250W motor; and a smooth-shifting Shimano drivetrain, all of which help you reach speeds of up to 20 miles per hour on the trails. Plus, the bike’s intelligent eMTB mode automatically adjusts the amount of assist it gives you based on the terrain—without you having to do a thing.

• Compatible with different rack mounts
• Battery is encased for protection
• Battery lasts a little as 15 miles in Turbo mode, depending on circumstances

Public Bikes

• Price: $550
• Bike type: Step-thru/cruiser
• Sizes: S/M, M/L
• Weight: 30 pounds
• Frame material: Steel
• Drivetrain: Single speed

How cute is this city cruiser? Little design details go a long way, like fenders, a chain guard and painted rims that match the high-quality steel frame. The upright geometry is similar to that of the Electra Townie, complete with the same step-thru design that makes getting on and off super easy—features that beginner and casual riders alike will appreciate. Cruisers have a reputation of veering toward the heavier end of the weight spectrum, but at 30 pounds, this one isn’t a pain to push or lift if need be.

• Available in five colors
• Front and rear rack mounts are standard
• Affordably priced
• Single-speed drivetrain can make riding uphill more challenging
• Not as durable as more expensive options

• Price: $749.99
• Bike type: Hybrid
• Sizes: S, M, L, XL
• Weight: 30.61 pounds
• Drivetrain: 2 x 8

Trek’s Dual Sport 1 falls somewhere between a road and trail bike, which makes it a versatile option for riders—both on the weekdays, for commuting, and the weekends, when you’re out for fitness or recreation. With a lightweight aluminum frame and light gravel tires, you’ll be able to pick up the pace on pavement while the 27.5-inch tires are wide enough that you’ll feel more in control when navigating potholes or easy trails; wherever you are, there’s a wide range of gearing options so you're never spinning your wheels or working too hard.

• Frame is compatible with racks, a kickstand, fenders, lights and more
• New mounting points pair with Bontrager Adventure Bags to secure bags without straps and bungees
• Wider tires offer good grip on multiple types of terrain
• Mechanical disc brakes aren’t as high-performing as hydraulic disc brakes
• No built-in accessories

The Benefits of Biking

Cycling is a versatile form of cardiovascular exercise. Varying the intensity at which you ride can temporarily increase your metabolism, which allows you to burn more calories, including while at rest , according to a 2020 study in Movement and Sports Sciences . At the same time, it helps build strength in your lower body, 2017 research in Physiological Reports confirmed—without adding impact to your joints, like running. It also improves flexibility and helps with coordination and balance , says the Cleveland Clinic.

It can even help prevent heart issues such as stroke, heart attack, and high blood pressure, and—if done consistently over at least five years— decrease your mortality rate by 35 percent, 2021 research published in JAMA Intern Medicine reported.

Beyond the physical benefits, cycling improved cognitive functioning and well-being and lowered stress levels in a 2019 study published in PLoS One . And as a commuter option, biking decreases your carbon footprint by 67 percent compared to taking a car, according to 2021 research published in Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment .

How Are Women’s Bikes Different from Men’s Bikes?

The main difference between women’s and men’s bikes is the fit, which shows up in the geometry of the frame. Women are generally shorter than men, so women’s bikes often have shorter stack heights, AKA how tall the front of the bike is; women also generally have shorter torsos than men, so women’s bikes have shorter reach lengths, AKA the distance between the saddle and the handlebars. A few other features to keep in mind for a women’s bike: A shorter stem (the part of the bike that connects your handlebars to the frame), a shorter but wider saddle, shorter crank arms (the levers attached to the pedals), more accessible brake levers, a narrower handlebar and an adjusted suspension system to handle lighter weight.

Of course, the best bike for you is the one that best fits your body—whether it’s designed for a specific gender or not. Getting properly fit at a bike store can go a long way in helping you find the right bike for you; the bike store can also make adjustments and swap out components if need be after you’ve purchased a bike.

What Types of Women’s Bikes Are There?

There’s a wide variety of bikes for women. You’ll find road bikes, which are designed for speed; mountain bikes, built for off-road riding; hybrid bikes , which can handle multiple types of terrain; electric bikes, which use a motor for more power; and cruisers, for comfortable, recreational riding; all designed to accommodate female riders.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Women’s Bike for You

Intended use.

How you’re going to use a bike is probably the most important thing to keep in mind when researching options. If you’re mostly using it for fitness, think about where you’ll use it: Riding on the road is easiest and fastest with a bike like Specialized Tarmac SL6, while trail riding necessitates a mountain bike like the Trek Top Fuel 7. If you just want to cruise around town, a bike like the Public Bikes C1 or Electra Townie 7D EQ Step-Thru will suffice. If you’re a commuter, opting for an electric bike like the Aventon Level.2 Commuter E-Bike can help you maximize your time.

Frame shape and material

A bike’s shape, or geometry, will affect your position on the bike and how you can handle it. On a road racing bike, for example, you’ll be in a longer, lower position that’s more aerodynamic. On the opposite end of the spectrum, a cruiser puts you in an upright position, almost like you’re pedaling while seated in a chair, to help you feel safe and in control. A bike can also have a step-over frame, which has a straight top tube (the part of your bike frame which sits between your legs) that you literally step over in order to mount the bike, or a step-thru frame, which eliminates that feature to make mounting and dismounting easier.

Bike frames can be made from a number of different materials. Steel is durable and affordable, but aluminum has become more popular due to its light weight and stiffness. Carbon and titanium are even lighter, but those materials are generally reserved for high-end road and mountain bikes; they’re strong and stiff, but can be damaged more easily (titanium is the more durable of the two). The material a bike is made of plays a big role in how expensive a bike is, but the added cost of a higher-end material may be worth it for performance purposes.

Electric assistance

The e-bike market is expected to grow by over 10 percent between 2022 and 2027, according to market reports . With more options available, more and more people are using e-bikes as a commuting option or just a way to get around town. For what it’s worth, e-­bikes don’t do all the work—most offer pedal-assist modes that allow you to still burn calories but cover more ground (without getting quite as sweaty). If you’re in the market for an e-bike, consider these specific features: watts (the higher the number, the longer you can go on the battery charge); voltage (a higher voltage battery is more efficient); and battery (most batteries are removable for charging, and the more assistance you need, the more battery power you’ll use up).

Wheel size and tires

For general riding, all you need to know is that most bike wheels are measured in inches, and a 26-inch wheel has long been the standard wheel size for most American bikes. It’s an especially popular size in mountain biking, as it’s wide enough to support the bike on uneven terrain. A 27.5-inch wheel, like you’ll find on the Diamondback Division 1 Urban Bike or the Trek Dual Sport 1 Gen 5, can provide a little more stability, while a 29-inch wheel is standard for most modern road bikes (however, that size is called 700c when it’s on a road bike).

The size of the wheel generally doesn’t matter for more casual riders, but you may need to pay more attention to the width of the tires. Tire widths range from very narrow (less than 20 millimeters) to very wide (over 4 inches), but the most common widths for road bikes are between 23mm and 32mm, while mountain bikes typically have wider tires ranging from 2.0 to 2.5 inches. Generally, the narrower the tires, the faster you’ll be able to go—which is why they’re great for road bikes—but the less traction you’ll have on the ground; wider tires, on the flip side, provide more grip, especially on rougher surfaces, but also generate more resistance, which can slow you down.

If you’re buying your own tires, make sure to check whether the width is compatible with your bike's rims and brakes. And if you’re totally confused by all of this, talk to someone at your local bike shop.

There are a couple of different types of bike brakes available. Rim brakes are the most common, and work by pressing rubber brake pads against the rim of the wheel. Disc brakes are another popular option, especially on mountain bikes, and work by pressing brake pads against a rotor attached to the wheel hub. Coaster brakes are commonly found on cruisers, and work by pedaling backward, which engages a brake inside the hub of the rear wheel.

A bike's gears allow you to change your cadence, or pedaling rate, on different terrains. For example, low gears are used when climbing hills while high gears are used on flat ground or speeding downhill. These gears are controlled by shifters on the handlebars, and a bike can have anywhere from a single gear to over 30 gears. The drivetrain on a bike will affect the way the gears work, and some common options are a derailleur system (which uses a front and rear derailleur to move the chain between different gears), an internal gear hub (which houses the gears inside the rear wheel) and a belt drive system (which uses a carbon-fiber belt instead of a traditional chain).

Features and accessories

Many of the bikes on the list include features like fenders, which cover your tires and protect your back from wet or muddy streaks; integrated lights for visibility; reflective features so other cars and riders can see you in low-light conditions; and racks for storage or mounts that allow you to attach your own mounts. You can also invest in your own accessories, like bike bags, a bike rack for transporting your bike, a bike computer and, of course, a good helmet .

There’s a huge range in bike prices, but you should expect to spend somewhere between $500 and $1,000 for a quality entry-level or casual use bike. The more specialized a bike, the higher the price will be, and e-bikes generally start between $1,500 and $2,500. You can absolutely find bikes at lower prices, but you may be sacrificing quality and longevity if you go for the cheapest option on the market.

Compatibility with child seats and trailers

If you’re planning on toting a kid or trailer behind you, it’s super important to make sure your bike's frame is compatible with the type of child seat or trailer you plan to use. For example, Trek’s Dual Sport 1’s included rack is not compatible with a child’s bike seat, but it is compatible with a bike trailer. There are also multiple ways to attach child seats and trailers, so check that the attachment method of your chosen child seat or trailer is compatible with your bike's frame and components. Finally, make sure to check the weight limit of your bike and the child seat or trailer you plan to use; exceeding that can cause safety issues or damage your bike.

How We Chose the Best Bikes for Women

Not only did we review dozens of bikes from reputable brands, we leaned on nearly a decade’s worth of personal testing experience to create a diverse list of bikes with a number of different features to suit various needs. We also compared features like weight, materials, style, technology, gears, tires and more to narrow down our picks for the best women’s bikes.

How to Tell What Bike Size You Need

If you’re not sure what size bike you need, the best thing you can do is go into a local bike shop for a fitting. Then, you can consult a bike company’s sizing chart. The most important measurement to start with is your inseam; that number corresponds with a bike’s standover height. The standover height is the distance from the ground to the top of the top tube, which is essentially where you would stand over (get it?) the bike when mounting or dismounting. If you’re actually straddling a bike, your feet should be flat on the floor and there should be one to two-plus inches of clearance between your body and the top tube.

In the saddle, you should have a slight bend in your legs when each foot is at the bottom of the pedal stroke. You can generally adjust the ​​height of the saddle via the seatpost. While pedaling, your knee should be aligned over your forefoot when your foot is at a three o’clock position and your shin will be tilted slightly forward. As for your upper body, there should be a 45-degree angle between your torso and your hips, and a 90-degree angle in your arms on a road bike, while other bikes allow for a more upright and relaxed position.

What’s the difference between men’s and women’s bikes?

Because men are generally larger than women, women’s bikes tend to have a slightly different frame geometry that accommodates a smaller, lighter size. However, some women may feel better on a men’s bike or a unisex one; finding the proper fit regardless of gender is important.

How much should I spend on a women’s bike?

A good-quality bike usually starts between $500 and $1,000, while e-bikes start between $1,500 and $2,500. But how much you spend on a bike really comes down to your personal budget and what kind of cycling you intend to do.

What type of bike is easiest for women to ride?

There's no easy answer for this, because the right bike for you will depend on what type of riding you prefer as well as your physical proportions. However, step-through bikes are designed for easy mounting and dismounting, which makes them a little more accessible.

Final Thoughts

There are so many benefits to cycling, whether you’re riding for fitness, using two wheels to explore new places, or investing in an e-bike as a more sustainable travel option. No matter what type of bike you’re looking for, there are plenty of options to choose from that can fit your budget and fitness goals. And if you’re not sure where to start, heading into your local bike store to try some options and get advice from the pros can help you narrow down your online search.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.

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Green Deals

Lectric xpedition e-bike bundle hits $1,599 ($2,311 value), worx trimmer and edger $45, and more.

With spring in full bloom and summer on the horizon, outdoor excursions and explorations alike have officially begun, with today’s green deals being led by the Lectric XPedition Dual-Battery Cargo e-bike for $1,599 – and it also comes with $306 in free gear . It is joined by a 1-day discount on the WORX 5.5A 15-inch Electric Grass Trimmer and Edger at $45 , as well as the EcoSmart 3.5kW Electric Tankless Water Heater for $161 . Plus, you’ll find all of the other day’s other best Green Deals below.

Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course,  Electrek ’s best EV buying  and  leasing deals . Also, check out the new  Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories .

Lectric XPedition Dual-Battery Cargo e-bike hits $1,599 low with extra $306 in free gear

Lectric e-bikes is offering its  XPedition Dual-Battery Cargo e-bike for  $1,599 shipped  along with  $306 in free gear . Down from its $2,005 price tag, this particular model hasn’t seen many discounts like some of its counterparts, with costs being dropped to $1,599 at the lowest as far as we have tracked. Today’s deal comes in as a 20% markdown off the going rate, beating our previous mention last month by $190 and returning costs to the all-time lowest price we have tracked. Along with your purchase of the e-bike, you’ll also receive two plush rear rack cushions, snap-in running boards for passenger support, an extra large rear basket for large packages or children, and a 6L storage bag – all of it valued at $306 for a combined total of $712 in savings! You’ll also receive the same bundle package when purchasing the  single-battery model for  $1,399 shipped .

The  XPedition e-bike  was designed for those who are always on the go – especially folks like parents dropping off and picking up their kids from school or delivery drivers who need long travel ranges. It comes equipped with an upgraded 750W rear hub-motor (1310W peak) alongside dual 48V batteries that carries the e-bike up to 150 miles on a single charge (75 miles with the single battery), hitting speeds of 20 MPH using only the throttle and up to 28 MPH with the five levels of pedal assistance. It comes with a variety of features to enhance your ride: the integrated cargo rack, custom puncture-resistant tires, hydraulic mineral oil brakes paired with 180mm rotors, a headlamp, taillights, fenders on both wheels, and a backlit LCD display that gives you all the real-time performance data.

WORX 5.5A 15-inch Electric Grass Trimmer and Edger now $45 for today only

Best Buy is offering the  WORX 5.5A 15-inch Electric Straight Shaft Grass Trimmer & Edger for  $45 shipped  through the end of the day. Down from its $60 price tag, it has only seen a handful of discounts over the last year, with half of them repeating the same discount to $45. Since the new year began we’ve only seen one previous discount to a slightly higher $49, with today’s deal coming in as a solid 25% markdown off the going rate to return costs to the best price we have tracked since 2020.

This  hardwired trimmer and edger by WORX  sports a light, six-pound design while also featuring an adjustable handle and telescoping shaft, making this easy and comfortable to use for people of varying heights. It has a 15-inch cutting swath with a multi-position handle alongside a 90-degree pivoting head so you can tackle sloped and incline areas as effortlessly as flat areas – and with a simple twist of the shaft you can go from trimming to edging and back again. It’s equipped with an automatic line feed system that refreshes the trimmer’s string whenever needed, stopping itself at the perfect length.

EcoSmart 3.5kW Electric Tankless Water Heater at $161

Amazon is offering the  EcoSmart 3.5kW Electric Tankless Water Heater for  $161.21 shipped . Normally fetching $200, this device has seen numerous discounts over the last year alone, with most of them falling by small increments and only a handful dropping in large amounts at once. While we have seen this particular model sell for as low as $105, it has been nearly five years since costs have fallen so low. Today’s deal comes in as a $39 markdown off the going rate that lands at the third-lowest price of the last two years – ultimately $56 above the all-time low from 2019.

This  3.5kW under-sink tankless water heater  is designed to provide a steady supply of instantaneous hot water to a single point-of-use. Its 6-inch by 11-inch by 3-inch size makes it easy to fit in tight under-counter spaces, and its low 0.5 GPM activation flow rate even works perfectly for commercial low-flow faucets. It should be noted that if you live in the colder climates of North America, this model may not be the right fit to handle lower inlet temperatures. It will require one 30A breaker, a wire gauge of 10 AWG, and a 1/2-inch NPT connection.

Spring e-bike deals!

• Super73 RX Electric Motorbike: $2,999 (Reg. $3695)
• Lynx All-Terrain e-bike: $2,999 (Reg. $3,999)
• Juiced’s HyperScrambler 2: $1,999 (Reg. $3,499)
• Aventon Aventure.2 All-Terrain e-bike with free extra battery: $1,799 ($2,499 value)
• Aventon Abound Cargo e-bike with $372 in free accessories: $1,799 (Reg. $2,199)
• Heybike Brawn Fat-Tire e-bike: $1,449 (Reg. $1,800)
• Electric Bike Co. Model J e-bike: $1,299 (Reg. $1,499)
• Velotric Discover 1 e-bike: $1,099 (Reg. $1,599)

Other new Green Deals landing this week

The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.

• Take the OKAI Ranger e-bike off-road with 45-mile range at 20 MPH for $1,400 (Reg. $2,000)
• Save $1,378 on Hover-1’s blue Altai Pro R500 e-bike with 60-mile range at new $922 low
• Z GRILLS’ latest 450A Pro wood pellet grill covers your backyard cookouts for $368 (Reg. $499)
• ALLPOWERS R600 BEIGE 299Wh power station offers 7 ports and wireless charger for $199 low
• Pit Boss 440 Deluxe wood pellet grill offers 518-square inch cook space for $360 (Reg. $450)

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

How to travel by bicycle in Russia: ideas and suggestions

• April 15, 2021
• Last updated: April 19, 2021
• Adventure , Destinations , Outdoor , Russia

Home » Travel Blog » How to travel by bicycle in Russia: ideas and suggestions

Day trips in Russia

Newcomers can test their “strength” on a one-day trip – the roads should not be complicated and the distances should not be too long. For first-time riders, study the route carefully, taking into account not only the length of the road, but also the conditions: there should be no long climbs and no high mountain passes. The flatter the road, the better. Do not ride close to crowded and busy large traffic lanes, even if conditions permit.  Also, make sure carry your Russian invitation letter with your visa . 

Route: Levutov – Pavlovsky town

Distance: 65 km

From Reutov (metro station “Novokosino”) outside Moscow, via Saltykovsk, Zheleznodorozhny, Fedurnovo, then turn to Biserovo, to Staraya Kupavna, then to Elektrostal via Ivashevo, and finally to Pavlovsky Posad via Subbotino, the intercity electric train This is a good route for newcomers to the town of Pavlovsky Posad (Vokhna or Pavlovsky Posad station).

This route is good for beginners: the terrain remains almost unchanged throughout the route. It’s mainly asphalt, but it’s quiet, with a rural landscape and few cars. Also, there are many intercity train stations along the way – if you get tired, you can take the train back to Moscow.

For the uninitiated, there are plenty of suitable roads around Moscow. The entire Moscow region is dotted with railway lines, so it is not necessary to make a circular route. You can take an intercity train to one station and back from another. There are many convenient route options around most Russian cities. You can make your own route, or take the advice of experienced travelers and use an already prepared route map.

Two-day trips in Russia

If you can travel 60-70 km per day, it’s no problem and you’ll be able to ride for two days. First of all, you need to solve your overnight problem: will you stay in a hotel, borrow a private house or pitch your own tent? Be sure to take the weather into account and take extra things that will keep you warm or heated.

When choosing your route, add some “hills” on the way, but not too steep.

Keep an eye on your bike. Ideally, it should be carefully checked and tested two days before departure; if you don’t know much about bike parts, you should have a full “car check” at a good mechanic’s shop to remove all faults in time.

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Route: ride along Nizhny Novgorod and rest on the Volga

Distance: 140 km

This is a self-guided route with picturesque Volga forests, where you will have to pitch a tent on the road overnight. You don’t have to think about the schedule of electric trains or buses, even if you are delayed on the way, don’t worry.

From Nizhny Novgorod, you will pass through the town of Bor (you can cross the Volga by cable car). Next, head to Ivanovskoye. On the way, note the unique, interlocking bi-level railroad: it is no longer in use, but the original structure is still there. Then go in the direction of Yurasovo, where you will turn to Maloye Utkino, then to Beryozovka, to Vypolzovo, then to the Volga River, to Apraksino, passing through the hill fortress with its ancient earthen embankment. Hillfort, which retains its ancient earthen berm.

After that, follow Orlovo, Belkino, Yamnovo, Zavrazhnoye, Selishi. After passing through Zhukovka, you can go straight through the forest to the bank of the Volga River and find a place to pitch your tent.

The next day, go in the direction of Pumra, then through Vagankovo, Orekhovo, Markovo, turn left at Matveyevka, go to Vatoma, then through Put’kovo and back to the banks of the Volga, then to the town of Pol, and then to Nizhny Novgorod.

There are many suitable two-day rides in the Volga Valley, around the Voronezh region, around the cities along the Golden Ring and in the Crimean steppe.

Multi-day rides in Russia

Riding for several days in a row is a very serious matter and you need to be physically prepared. For the first time, choose a route that is not too difficult and not extreme, because riding a few days in a row is not at all the same as riding 100 km in a week. Please estimate that it is more comfortable to travel 70-80 km per day on the plains and with much less hills.

Check to see if there are any settlements along the way – it depends on whether you’ll be carrying a lot of food, or if you can buy all your food along the way. But whenever and wherever you go, make sure you have drinking water on you. Please do not forget to constantly replenish your supplies and have an emergency reserve – about 1.5 liters of water per person. 

Route: “Crimean coast: from Kerch to Alushta”

Distance: 270 km , 5-7 days

We have intentionally divided the trip on this route into several days, as it depends a lot on your fitness and desire to visit the sights – which will be seen on the way, and quite a lot of them. There will be some mountain passes – if you feel tired as you pass them, it is always possible to set up camp early and prepare for an overnight stay. Almost the entire road runs along the coastline. If you don’t want to pitch a tent, you can easily find a place to spend the night in the resort.

Get off the ferry to Kerch and head directly to the Feodossia steppe. Pass through the town of Ordzhonikidze and head to Koktebel. Be prepared for a long and tiring uphill climb. If you don’t want to tire yourself out that much, then sacrifice some of the scenic views and take a different route – along the Simferopol highway.

From Koktebeli there is a difficult mountain road leading to Sudak. The strongest will can cycle to the town of “Novyi Svit” in one day, while the rest of the people should go to the village of Morske and then to Alushta via Rybache and Malorichens’ke. From Alushta, you can take a bicycle and a trolleybus to Simferopol, from where you can return by plane or return to Kerch by bus or taxi.

Pack & travel:

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Guest Contributor

• Published: April 15, 2021

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