Electric city bikes make surviving the urban jungle that much easier. You can quickly maneuver and navigate tight city streets or jammed traffic patterns with a bike that has been tuned with those situations in mind. Additionally, most are more comfortable to ride than traditional bikes, with the added power and comfort options.
Best Electric City Bikes 2022
Electric city bikes give riders the key benefit of an easy commute on a bike equipped to tackle the urban environment. Forget arriving at your destination sweaty and out of breath, these bikes do the work for you, with pedal-assist options that allow you to zip through city streets with relative ease. We test electric city bikes every day to test features such as tire width, range, suspension, and hauling capacity. The best electric city bikes are a great alternative to traditional bikes and e-bikes.
Ride1Up CORE-5
If you're looking for a dependable and durable ebike for your commute, then the Core-5 by Ride1Up is the device for you! A smooth, safe, battery assisted-ride for all.
The Core-5 is just one of many fantastic ebikes produced by the company ...
PROS:
- The 9-Speed shifter allows for a smooth transition between gears
- The powerful battery keeps you riding for miles before you need to charge again
- Durable and protective frame for the battery
CONS:
- Hardtail suspension restricts the amount of shock absorption
Schwinn Marshall 27.5 Step-Thru
The Schwinn Marshall is a great electric bike that feels good on the road and mild off-road trails. It is an attractive-looking bike that doesn't cost too much and has the added bonus of a throttle.
PROS:
- As the battery is integrated into the frame, you can benefit from many advantages. For example, the bike looks pretty sleek, and the battery is protected from damage and the elements.
- With the Marshall being a class 2 electric bike, you can ride it using the throttle without pedaling.
- The Microshift 7-speed drivetrain is precise, smooth, and easy to use, so you can quickly move through the gears when you need to.
CONS:
- The Schwinn Marshall is a class 2 electric bike, which means its top speed is limited to 20mph, but you can ride it pretty much anywhere legally.
- As the motor is only 250W, the throttle struggles a little with steep hills but is fine for small hills and flat ground.
Kent Step-Through
In this review you will find out everything that you need to know about the Kent Step-Through electric bike. If you have never heard of this brand before, well, we will be happy to tell you a short story. Kent International Inc. has designed ...
PROS:
- Powerful motor
- You can choose your preferred speed with 3 assist modes
- Great electric bike for less than $900
CONS:
- Only two color options
Ecotric City Vortex
San Francisco brand Ecotric was born of a simple idea: make great electric bikes that anyone can enjoy. Today, this USA based brand still manufactures all of its bikes right in their San Francisco facilities, offering a full range of electric bikes. ...
PROS:
- Long-range 30 miles per charge (similar models only garner about 21 miles)
- Fast charge time within 5-8 hours
- 26” inch tires for balance and speed
CONS:
- Much heavier than a traditional bike model (57 pounds)
- Limited color options
Schwinn Mendocino 26in Step-Thru
The Schwinn Mendocino is an excellent entry-level electric bike. If you are looking for a comfortable and quality electric bike for commuting and running errands that doesn't break the bank, the Schwinn Mendocino is a good choice.
PROS:
- The Schwinn Mendocino has a lightweight aluminum 6061 frame with quality construction. You will find that the design gives you a smooth and comfortable ride with an upright riding position, but it is also very user-friendly. The low step-through frame makes mounting and dismounting effortless no matter who you are.
- Schwinn Mendocino riders love how well-equipped their bikes are, thanks to the included fenders and a rear rack.
CONS:
- However, some people may find that the small motor lacks torque. It only has 30Nm, so those who live in hilly areas may find it underpowered. However, if you ride somewhere where only class 1 ebikes are permitted, this is a problem you will encounter with any electric bike.
Hurley Amped ST
If you want a no-frills but nice looking and easy to live with an electric bike, the Hurley Amped S.T. is a good choice. However, you may find it a little limiting when comparing it to slightly more expensive electric bikes.
PROS:
- One of the great things about the Hurley Amped S.T. is its frame. It is made from steel which is heavier than aluminum, but it is durable. It also has a step-through design, making it easy to live with daily, especially if you wear long clothing.
- The Amped S.T. is a great option if you want to spend more time riding your bike than fixing it. It is very simple thanks to its single-speed drivetrain and mechanical brakes.
CONS:
- However, if you want an electric bike with lots of features, you should look elsewhere. It doesn't have much in the way of accessories and exciting features, but you can't expect too much from an electric bike priced under $800.
SwagCycle EB5
The Swagcycle folding electric bike is a stylish and sturdy bike. With a single battery charge, you can reach up to 15 miles. This bike is an excellent choice for the cities and amazing countrysides. The Swagcycle folding electric bike weights only ...
PROS:
- Folds up to small size
- Highly adjustable
- Low price
CONS:
- No mudguards
- Battery is not removable
Ride1Up Prodigy
The Ride1UpProdigy is an excellent electric bike for fast commuting and off-road riding. You will be impressed by the ride quality and build quality while enjoying every ride.
PROS:
- When you compare the Ride1Up Prodigy with other electric bikes in this price range, they tend to have cheaper motors from China, such as Bafang. However, Ride1Up has fitted the Prodigy with a high-end Brose mid-drive motor from Germany. So you can be assured that your Prodigy will be reliable and high performing.
- All the electronics, including the battery, are fully integrated into the bike's frame. This creates a clean look and protects cabling and electrical components from the weather and damage.
- The Ride1Up Prodigy has impressive specifications for its price. Aside from its superb motor, it has powerful dual-piston hydraulic disc brakes, a 9-speed Shimano Alivio transmission, and included rear rack and fender set.
CONS:
- The only thing this electric bike is lacking is that it doesn't have a throttle mode for pedal-free riding.
Schwinn Coston CE 27.5 Step-Thru
The Schwinn Coston CE is a superb electric bike for its price. Owners love its built quality and how well it rides, and its user-friendliness. If you are looking for a comfortable commuter suitable for paved roads and bumpy surfaces, you should seriously consider the Schwinn Coston CE electric bike.
PROS:
- The main pro of the Schwinn Coston CE is what you get for the price. It has an impressive specification and a surprising amount of usability in one package.
- For example, it comes fully loaded with fenders and bright lights, one of them integrated into the battery, which is a nice touch. Therefore, you could ride your Schwinn Coston in any weather conditions, whether commuting or riding for fun or fitness.
- The user-friendliness is enhanced by the step-thru frame design, making it easy to mount and dismount no matter what you are wearing.
CONS:
- The trigger throttle is variable speed, so the further you press it, the more power you get from the motor. However, the selected assistance level determines the maximum power and speed offered. This may disappoint some riders who prefer to use the throttle to give them a little boost while pedaling. So to get extra speed, you need to increase the assistance level before triggering the throttle.
Rad Runner 1 Electric Utility Bike
Seattle based brand Rad Bikes has been on the forefront of electric bike innovation for years. They understand that electric bike riders demand just a little bit more, thus they strive to create products that stand the test of time. Every bike is ...
PROS:
- Four-levels of pedal assist
- Many extra accessories available
- 300-pound weight limit
CONS:
- No suspension on base model
- Passenger package is not standard
Why Buy An Electric City Bike
As the name implies, an electric city bike is designed to meet many of the unique challenges that an urban environment brings to the table. Most are built like a hybrid road bike, designed to be efficient yet comfortable and easy to ride. The design allows the bike to cut through city streets with total ease, stripping away the stress that manual peddling can bring. Why should you buy an electric city bike?
Consider buying an electric city bike if you live in an urban or suburban environment and want to commute via bicycle or simply get around town without a car. These bikes are also great for weekend joyrides. The average commuter will pedal 10-20 miles per day to and from work. That’s exhausting on a traditional bike, but fun and easy on an electric motor powered city bike. These bikes are made with the wheels of a road bike for traction and the handlebars of a mountain bike for quick maneuverability and total comfort.
Most also boast Shimano suspension for a smooth ride even as you weave in and out of traffic. Electric city bikes will also have a cargo hold area or rack for your things. Since they are electric-powered, you can carry far more stuff on an electric city bike than you ever could on a traditional bicycle. Some will also offer a more upright riding style and a step-through frame for easy mounting.
Electric City Bikes Vs. Electric Hybrid Bikes Vs. Electric Commuter Bikes
When it comes to urban life, there are three key types of electric bicycles you’ll come across: City bikes, hybrid bikes, and commuter bikes. What’s the difference between the three? Let’s start with electric city bikes. These are bikes designed for urban travel. They tend to be lightweight for transport and will typically boast a 25-45+ mile battery range. Most will also have great options for accessory add-ons and are quite sleek in appearance.
Hybrid electric bikes tend to offer the best of every type of electric bike. They can be used for commuting, trail-riding, joy-riding, or even cruising. They tend to have an adequate range and battery life but may lack some of the maneuverability of a city bike when it comes to urban travel. Many will also not bear storage or racks for carrying your things too and fro across a major metro area.
Electric commuter bikes and electric city bikes are the most interchangeable. They bear far more similarities than differences. Like an electric city bike, commuter bikes are optimized for urban travel, but can also double as adventure bikes on the evenings or weekends. They have wide tires for stability and a larger than average motor/battery. Commuter bikes can be a bit heftier than city bikes, as they often have a generous rack system and a sturdy frame. Many can even come in wagon form if you’re looking to transport pets or children.
Cheap Vs. Expensive Electric City Bikes
As is the case with any type of electric bike, city bikes come in at many different price points. While you can get a cheaper city bike for commuting, this is one bike where you’ll probably want to stick to the mid-range or expensive price level. The reason? Urban travel can be demanding, meaning you’re going to want the best motor, suspension, battery, and tires you can get for the money. Cheaper electric city bikes tend to utilize a lower grade of parts. While they are still adequate, they will not offer the performance of a mid-range model.
Additionally, these cheaper bikes may not hold up to the wear and tear of a daily commute, lasting less than two years on average. In contrast, mid-range bikes and higher will last between 3-5 years with proper maintenance, as they use high-performance recognizable components and the highest grade of parts. Most also come equipped with a nice warranty should you hit any snags along the way.
