Electric hybrid bikes give riders the best of both worlds: the feel of an old school bike with the added power and capacity of an electric bike. These bikes can be used for commuting, trail riding, cruising, or whatever your heart desires. As hybrid bikes, they are designed to be a one-size-fits-all experience that checks all the boxes.
Best Electric Hybrid Bikes in 2022
When searching for an electric bicycle you’ll see the term “hybrid electric bike” thrown around quite a bit. What exactly is a hybrid electric bike? Simply put, an electric hybrid bike is a lot like a typical hybrid bike, except it is equipped with a powerful electric motor so that you can garner extra power to your pedaling action. Many will also offer pedal-assist features, to make riding uphill or on tough terrain even easier. These bikes can help you to move around quicker and with a greater degree of comfort.
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.
Ride1Up 700 SERIES
Get one of the most powerful ebikes available - the 700 series by Ride1Up - today! Transform your commute with clean, safe power like never before.
Ride1Up has been offering all types of ebikes for years. This North American company designs and ...
PROS:
- Hydraulic seat and breaks help diminish the bumps in the road for the rider
- The 1-year warranty keeps you and your bike protected
- Reach speeds that few other ebikes can reach via the pedal assistance alone
CONS:
- Some parts have come dented for customers
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
RadMission 1 Electric Metro Bike
The RadMission comes from the company Rad Power Bikes, a company that specializes in all sorts of ebikes from the city to offroaders. This North American bike company has been around since 2007, making many different types of ebikes, but focusing on ...
PROS:
- Decent mileage for an e-bike
- Sturdy, narrow tires make it great for any terrain
- 30% lighter than any other Rad Power Bike
CONS:
- One speed bike makes it difficult on hills
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.
RadMission 1 Step-through
The RadMission 1 is a fantastic type 2 ebike that can transform your commute. Weatherproof and ready for the trip, this bike is designed for the rider.
For five years, Rad Power Bikes has been designing and producing some of the best ebikes ...
PROS:
- A powerful type 2 ebike that can reach anywhere from 20-24MPH
- Designed and built to improve your city commute
- All wiring is waterproof and durable
CONS:
- This is a one-speed ebike which can feel restricting
CrossCurrent X: Electric Commuter Bike
Juiced Bikes is a well-loved California based electric bike company that strives to offer innovative products at an accessible price. Though every Juiced Bike is designed in San Diego, the bike parts are manufactured in China. They offer a full ...
PROS:
- Generous frame and color options
- Large 750-Watt motor with pedal assist
- Range of 45 to 70 miles
CONS:
- Pricier than similar commuter bike option from Rad Bikes
- At 65-lbs, the bike is quite heavy and difficult to store
Nakto 300W Ranger Mountain Electric Bike
The Nakto Ranger Mountain 300W 36V Electric Bike is one bike that answers all your dreams in an electric bike. This simple and easy to ride bike boasts a mountain bike design while tackling any type of terrain with effortless confidence. Designed by ...
PROS:
- Affordable price
- Trusted manufacturer
- Strong, light and hardworking
- Quality gear shifting system
- Easy to read LCD
- 250lbs load capacity
CONS:
- Portability is not a strong trait
Generally, you’ll find that there are two key types of hybrid electric bikes you can choose from commuter bikes and recreational bikes. Both offer up hybrid electric power capacity but often differ in suspension, speed, range, tire-size, and overall frame. The type of hybrid electric bike you choose will largely depend on how you wish to use the bike itself. All hybrid electric bikes offer that powerful electric motor that traditional bikes lack.
Why Buy A Hybrid Electric Bike?
With so many bike options in the world, why would you choose a hybrid electric bike over a traditional bike? Well, the major reason for picking up a hybrid electric bike is that they require less effort. Whether you are hitting the trails or commuting to work, a hybrid electric bike will allow you to travel further and faster without additional effort. They can also carry a greater degree of stuff than an old-school bike, meaning you can carry laundry, groceries, or even the kids. Many also use hybrid electric bikes as a replacement for driving a car.
Since operating an electric hybrid bike will cost less than $10 a year to run, those with more urban or suburban routes see these as a great alternative to running a car. Additionally, a hybrid electric bike allows you to get plenty of exercises regardless of your current fitness level since you are assisted in your pedaling. These bikes are far more accessible to a wider range of people because they don’t require you to be in great shape to get started. Hybrid electric bikes are also available in a wide degree of price points, meaning anyone can get started for as little as $500.
Hybrid Electric Bikes Vs. Commuting Electric Bikes
Hybrid electric bikes and commuting electric bikes are two of the most popular e-bike options on the market today. What’s the difference and what can suit your needs best? Generally, hybrid electric bikes and commuting electric bikes can be one and the same, as there are commuter versions of hybrid electric bikes.
A traditional electric commuter bike is optimized with urban travel in mind. It is ideal for casual safe travel in a more urban area. An electric hybrid bike that isn’t optimized as a commuter bike can also be ideal for casual travel, but may also double as an adventure or travel bike on the weekends.
A true electric commuter bike will also have very wide tires for additional stability and to support the weight of the more powerful motor and battery. A hybrid electric bike may not have wide tires unless specifically geared towards commuting. However, electric hybrid commuter bikes will have wide tires and the same sturdy frame with metal racks that a regular commuter electric bike will bear. Which is better?
For the most part, a hybrid electric bike is going to be more of a multi-purpose all-in-one kind of bike. You can use it for commuting, trail-riding, or just cruising around. An electric commuter bike is going to be designed with commuting in mind. While some models may allow for multi-purpose use, some aren’t going to be ideal outside of a more urban or suburban environment.
