With a 750W motor and a top pedal-assist speed of 28 mph, the Juiced CrossCurrent S2 would make you smile too. Frankly, most bikes come with good control and display systems these days, and multiple models are tied for top honors in this metric. Most of the assembly is complete, with just a few simple steps remaining. Since our test selection also included some Class 1 models, it required us to tweak our throttle-only test just slightly. However, the remaining assembly of every bike we tested can easily be finished at home with a little time, a few tools, and detailed instructions. They lost a bit of ground to the Class 3 competition for their limited pedal-assisted top speed of 20 mph. Fenders, rear rack, front and rear lights, 50mm travel suspension fork, ..? The CrossCurrent S2 is indeed a fast electric bike, and we feel it is best suited for those who are looking to get places in a hurry. Every model we tested has a different interface that consists primarily of the controls and display. They roll fast, stable, and smooth, plus they have sharp, responsive handling. A bike's power is dictated primarily by the size of its motor. GearLab is reader-supported. The XP 2.0 is quick to accelerate and can reach speeds up to 28 mph using pedal assist. The Ride1Up 700-Series scored high marks across the board and is the top-rated model in our electric commuter review. With a large 673Wh battery, the CrossCurrent was among the top performers in our distance range testing, with a high average speed to boot. Still, with a 750W geared hub motor, this bike is plenty powerful with quick acceleration using the throttle or pedal assist or making those hills all but disappear. In our scoring, we emphasized these metrics differently, with important characteristics like ride quality weighted more heavily than ease of assembly, for example. This weight makes it less than ideal if you need to carry it up or down a flight of stairs, and it can be challenging to load onto a bike rack. The Rad Power RadWagon 4 is one of the most popular electric cargo bikes on the market. The top-rated model in our budget selection, this bike easily outperforms many more expensive competitors in this review. While we loved nearly everything about the 700-Series, its assembly process is a bit more involved than other bikes we tested. Brian Hamilton is a Geologist, Adventure Athlete, Photographer, and Overlander. It is important to understand that our range test results represent the low-end of each bike's range potential, and they could all probably be ridden further on perfectly flat terrain and in most cases, their ranges could easily be doubled, or more, with some pedaling effort on the part of the rider. His years of experience have helped him develop an especially critical eye and the ability to identify and analyze important performance differences in the products he tests. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. It wasn't just its speed that was impressive, however, as this bike had a very refined feel to its power delivery thanks to its combination of cadence and advanced torque sensors. We found it to be impressively stable, yet its handling remains quick and responsive. With a powerful motor, great range, comfortable and smooth ride, and lots of features, the RadCity 5 Plus is an excellent Class 2 commuter. Aventon, a California-based eBike company, today announces that the rapidly growing brands eBikes will be available in-store at a selection of Best Buy locations across the United States as well as online at BestBuy.com. As electric bikes rise in popularity, there are new models and styles becoming available all the time. BEST BUY, the BEST BUY logo, the tag design, and MY BEST BUY are trademarks of Best Buy and its affiliated companies. The Aventon Level is another bike that can go the distance and has you covered on longer rides. Aventon - Soltera 7-Speed Step-Over Ebike w/ 40 mile Max Operating Range and 20 MPH Max Speed - Onyx Black, Aventon - Aventure Step-Over Ebike w/ 45 mile Max Operating Range and 28 MPH Max Speed - Camouflage Green, Aventon - Level Commuter Step-Through Ebike w/ 40 mile Max Operating Range and 28 MPH Max Speed - Earth Grey, Aventon - Soltera 7-Speed Step-Over Ebike w/ 40 mile Max Operating Range and 20 MPH Max Speed - Citrine, Aventon - Soltera 7-Speed Step-Through Ebike w/ 40 mile Max Operating Range and 20 MPH Max Speed - Seafoam Green, Aventon - Aventure Step-Through Ebike w/ 45 mile Max Operating Range and 28 MPH Max Speed - Electric Red, Aventon - Aventure Step-Over Ebike w/ 45 mile Max Operating Range and 28 MPH Max Speed - Fire Black, Aventon - Aventure Step-Through Ebike w/ 45 mile Max Operating Range and 28 MPH Max Speed - Camouflage Green, Aventon - Aventure Step-Through Ebike w/ 45 mile Max Operating Range and 28 MPH Max Speed - SoCal Sand, Aventon - Pace 500 v2 Step-Over Ebike w/ 40 mile Max Operating Range and 28 MPH Max Speed - Midnight Black, Aventon - Sinch Step-Through w/ 40 mile Max Operating Range and 20 MPH Max Speed - Moss Green, Aventon - Soltera 7-Speed Step-Through Ebike w/ 40 mile Max Operating Range and 20 MPH Max Speed - Lilac Grey, Aventon - Pace 500 v2 Step-Through Ebike w/ 40 mile Max Operating Range and 28 MPH Max Speed - Ghost White, Aventon - Pace 500 v2 Step-Through Ebike w/ 40 mile Max Operating Range and 28 MPH Max Speed - Celeste, Aventon - Aventure Step-Over Ebike w/ 45 mile Max Operating Range and 28 MPH Max Speed - SoCal Sand, Aventon - Level Commuter Step-Over Ebike w/ 40 mile Max Operating Range and 28 MPH Max Speed - Stone Grey, Aventon - Sinch Step-Through w/ 40 mile Max Operating Range and 20 MPH Max Speed - Bonfire Red, Aventon - Pace 350 v2 Step-Through Ebike w/ 40 mile Max Operating Range and 20 MPH Max Speed - Plum Purple, Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability. Sleek frame with great battery integration, Available in 2 frame styles and 2 drivetrain configurations, Rigid frame and skinny tires - slightly harsher ride, Mid-sized battery - mid-sized distance range. You'd hardly know it's even there, but the 504Wh battery gives it a surprisingly good distance range. The 750W motor is quite powerful, but it also emits a little more noise than the motors on some of the more expensive competition. With a rigid frame and lower volume tires, the Soltera is quick and agile, but it isn't the most forgiving over rough surfaces. We don't think this bike will be for everyone, but those who dig the style and appreciate the integrated security and tech features will find a lot to like here. For more information, visit www.aventon.com. The Juiced CrossCurrent S2 is a fast and powerful model. The Rad Power and Aventon models, Lectric XP 2.0, Magnum Metro, and the Blix Packa impressed us the most with large digital display screens centered in the middle of the handlebar in an easy-to-see location. We tested the bikes in this review head to head to find the best. They also come equipped with user-friendly features like front and rear lights, fenders, and sturdy cargo racks. At 64 lbs and 11 oz, the RadCity 5 Plus is pretty heavy. The range of an e-bike refers to how far it can be ridden on a single battery charge. The displays show several data fields and are relatively easy to read, although their smaller screen size and location make them a little less user-friendly to view than our top-rated models. The two folding models we tested were the clear winners in this metric because they arrived fully assembled. While it performs well for a folding model, it can't quite match the stability or steady handling of non-folding models with larger wheels. Rad Power's most recent frame designs have a cleaner and more streamlined look with the semi-integrated 672Wh battery that gives it one of the best distance ranges of all the models we tested. Sure, some of the more expensive options like the Aventon Aventure and the Rad Power RadWagon 4 rate very highly in our performance metrics, but some of the more affordable models, like the Ride1Up Core-5, Lectric XP 2.0, and the Aventon Soltera get the job done for less. Both the Ride1Up 700-Series and the Core-5 models as well as the Juiced CrossCurrent S2 feature all-in-one units that contain the button controls and the display in a single unit mounted to the handlebar by the left grip. Of course, it also comes equipped with useful features like integrated lights, fenders, and a rear cargo rack, and Rad Power sells lots of accessories so you can customize your ride. E-bike manufacturers typically claim a range with low and high-end estimates of their bike's range, and in our experience, these claims are generally close to accurate. Over the last three years, we've tested 45 different e-bikes across multiple e-bike categories. What works best for you depends on your needs. We chose to focus on several key performance attributes: ease of assembly, power output, range, user interface, and ride quality. The Step-Through version we tested has a low-slung frame, a comfortable seated position, plus it comes in two sizes to fit riders between 4'11" and 6'2". In most cases, the size of the battery correlates pretty directly with the distance a bike was able to travel. It has a city-bike look and feel, but the riser handlebar helps keep the seated position from being too aggressive. This bike can really move. The Aventon Aventure Step-Through is an adventure-ready e-bike that's equipped to take you just about anywhere. The security hardware on the axles will likely deter bike thieves, but we are also concerned about the difficulty of replacing a tube if you get a flat out on a ride. How can we improve GearLab? The Rattan Folding was also completely assembled, though removing the protective packing material proved to be a bit of a chore, and some spray foam ended up leaving residue on our brand new bike. It rolls fast and stable on 27.5-inch wheels, and the girthy 2.4-inch wide tires and a 100mm suspension fork provide a smooth, comfortable ride. A powerful motor, excellent range, comfortable ride, and lots of included features make the 700-Series a top performer while the competitive price makes it a great value. Despite these concerns, we feel this is a great option for anyone seeking a quality Class 2 electric commuter. The Lectric XP 2.0 edged slightly in front, as the process was as simple as taking the bike out of the box, removing the packing materials, and unfolding/locking the bike into its riding position. Aventoncontinues to launch more innovative products andis knownas a leader in quality, precision engineering, and efficient manufacturing. We rode the Class 1 bikes on the highest output setting with the pedals turning enough to trigger the cadence sensor and pedal assist, but without any effort on the part of the rider so the motor does all the work. Boasting a sizeable 673Wh battery, the Juiced CrossCurrent S2 also proved that it is a contender with 27 miles and 1,400 vertical feet of elevation gain in our test. The Lectric XP 2.0 is not only reasonably priced, but this Class 3 folding model is powerful, has a solid range, and comes loaded with user-friendly features. Aventon eBike models are available online at BestBuy.com for delivery or store pickup and can be found in select Best Buy stores this coming Spring/Summer of 2022. If your adventures take you off the pavement, the Aventon Aventure and its 4-inch wide knobby tires provide a smooth and comfortable ride on a wide range of surfaces. It also comes a little less assembled than some other bikes, and you need to install the fork and drive side crank arm yourself, adding a couple of steps and time to the process. This isn't too surprising as it has a 672Wh battery, one of the biggest in the test. With so many models on the market, it can be a challenge to find the right one. When paired through your smartphone, the app allows you to record rides, share your adventures, and easily make changes to the bike and display settings (adjusting the speed limit between Class 2 and 3 settings, for example). This bike has 4 levels of pedal assist and it makes automatic changes while you ride, and it also has a turbo button that provides a major power boost when you press it. Those concerns aside, we feel this bike is a standout performer and an excellent value. They aren't quite as easygoing or forgiving as the abovementioned models, a trade-off for their sportiness and agility. There's a lot to like about the Lectric XP 2.0, but we do have a couple of gripes. The headlight is a nice touch, but you'll have to spring for things like fenders and a cargo rack if you want them. Benson is GearLab's Senior Mountain Bike Review Editor and a lover of all things two-wheeled. This sleek-looking bike houses the battery inside the downtube of the frame with a whopping 720Wh of capacity giving it a class-leading distance range in our testing. Otherwise, we feel this quick and agile model is an excellent option for commuting, ripping around town, and getting places quickly. The bike's folding design and small, 20-inch wheel diameter directly influence its handling. If you want to go places quickly, the CrossCurrent has you covered. Those services include adjusting brakes, seat height, and handlebars, Aventon is honored to partner with Best Buy, a company that clearly recognizes the importance of the eMobility movement and the potential of eBikes to change how we live, commute and recreate, said Adele Nasr, Chief Marketing Officer, Aventon. The 350W motor happily pushes you along at 20 mph using the throttle, with 5 levels of pedal assist to support your efforts. The RadWagon 4 is a great electric cargo bike for transporting the kids, running errands, commuting, or just having fun. The ride is super stable and smooth with a suspension fork, 27.5-inch wheels, and 2-inch wide tires that roll fast and take the edge off rough surfaces. This comfortable bike has a somewhat relaxed seated position, a quality seat and grips, and lots of seat height adjustability, plus it comes in two frame styles (ST/step-thru and XR/step-over) to suit varying preferences and user heights. After researching the top models on the market, we purchased 17 for side-by-side testing and comparison. It accelerates quickly, and its power delivery feels refined and consistent thanks to its dual cadence and torque sensors. Finishing the job only required attaching the front wheel, handlebar, pedals, and adjusting the seat height. While every system we tested was functional, some are advanced and show loads of information while others are much more basic. Plus, you can customize and carry lots of cargo. Aventon has slowly been expanding their range of electric bikes, and the Soltera is a reasonably priced Class 2 city-style model. Girthy 3-inch wide knobby tires provide a bit of dampening and help expand the bike's versatility to a wider range of surfaces. Privacy | Cookies | Terms, We tested electric bikes from Rad Power, Aventon, Ride1Up, Juiced, Lectric, and others to find the best. Both bikes felt impressively smooth and quiet while riding with suspension forks and high-volume tires. We rode it for 29.7 miles with over 1,500 feet of elevation gain/loss at an average speed of 15.4 mph. Due to its length, the RadWagon has a super stable and smooth ride quality with relaxed but predictable handling. The multiple levels of pedal assistance allow you to choose how fast you want to go, and you can also decrease the top speed through the display. Likewise, the smaller 346Wh battery corresponds to a shorter range in our testing, but realistically, it's probably adequate for most people's needs. This city/commuter style bike comes with fast-rolling 700c wheels and tires, and it has sharp, responsive handling and unflinching stability at higher speeds. The bike itself is very stable with quick handling and a sturdy feel, plus it is notably quiet with little noise coming from any of the parts or the motor. The speed limits of many electric bikes can be adjusted, so they can be used in Class 2 or Class 3 configurations, and often the throttle can be disconnected to configure it as a Class 1. That said, we feel the Soltera is a great, reasonably priced option for those seeking a sporty city-style e-bike. It also has a relatively tall front end and handlebar, and while the stem is adjustable, the seated position is quite upright. Our testing revealed a pretty large spread from the longest, 32.4 miles, to the shortest, 18.3 miles, ranges. Read review: Aventon Aventure Step-Through. That said, we feel this affordable, versatile, and powerful folding model is an excellent value. In fact, it looks a lot like a non-electric single-speed city bike. Anyone who wants or needs a bike that can go the distance would be wise to consider either of these bikes. Additionally, features like a rear cargo rack, fenders, and integrated lights make this bike ready for anything. Most of the models arrived mostly assembled with only a few relatively easy steps remaining to get them ready to roll. At GearLab, we don't rate the products we test based on their price, but we do appreciate a good value. All of the bikes in this review are somewhat different, and their comfort, features, components, and handling naturally all vary as a result. Our side-by-side testing revealed not only the performance of each model but how they compare to each other. While not quite as quick to accelerate using the throttle as the aforementioned models, its 500W (750W peak) motor felt robust, and it had no problem hitting and holding 28 mph on flat ground in its highest pedal assist level. The Cannondale Quick Neo SL 2, RadMission, Aventon Soltera, and VanMoofS3 were among the most straightforward models to assemble. The cumulative scores helped us determine our best overall and top pick award winners. Also leading the pack with its excellent ride quality was the Aventon Level Step-Thru. Fenders, front and rear lights, app compatibility, IPX4 rated???? This upright position lends itself to an easy-going ride feel, and that translates into the bike's more relaxed handling as well. A fair price combined with class-leading performance across the board make this our favorite electric bike, This bike checks all our boxes and is one of the best we've ever tested, This feature-packed Class 2 model boasts a powerful motor, impressive range, and a smooth ride, Versatile and well-rounded, this is among the best we've tested, With a clean design, powerful motor, large battery, loads of features, and fat tires, this bike is ready for adventure, This well-rounded Class 2 model offers a competitive performance at a reasonable price, A Class 3 city/commuter e-bike with a need for speed, The best electric cargo bike we've tested, Affordable and high performing, we think you'd be hard pressed to find a better bike at this price, The best folding model in the test also happens to be the quite affordable, This folding electric bike has a great distance range and is offered at a reasonable price, Modern design and high tech permeate every aspect of this unique bike's looks and performance, This Class 2 utility/cargo bike is a great option for transporting kids or other cargo, A sporty Class 2 city-style model with responsive handling, sleek battery integration, and a reasonable price, This affordable Class 2 model is a sleek, simple, and effective electric city bike, A lighter-powered Class 2 commuter that stands out for its slim, storable profile, With stealthy looks and a light weight, this Class 1 model is best suited for commuting and exercise. Geek Squad can safely assemble and help customers fine-tune their bikes, at the convenience of the customers own home, for $99.99. When it comes to a great ride, the Ride1Up 700-Series delivers. The slick packaging and straightforward process to complete the remaining assembly of the Charge City earned it high marks in this metric. 75mm suspension fork, front and rear fenders, rear cargo rack. Our selection of test bikes falls into all three of the e-bike classes and come with varying motor sizes. Often, price and performance go hand in hand, but that isn't always the case. This competitively priced e-bike comes with a 750W geared hub motor that is plenty powerful with quick acceleration and supported speeds up to 28 mph using pedal assist and 20 mph under throttle power. While it can potentially replace your car, you've got to spend additional money to customize it with aftermarket accessories to really unlock its cargo carry potential. The Dutch brand has given the S3 a somewhat retro European but futuristic style that we find very pleasing to the eye, with clean lines, in-frame battery integration, mostly internally routed cables, an enclosed drivetrain, and a very uncluttered one-piece handlebar/stem. This bike is fast, but you also don't have to ride it or any of the Class 3 models at top speed all the time. Comes in two frame styles and multiple color options. Its sporty geometry requires a more athletic body position that further enhances its fast and racy feel. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support. Our only complaint about the Level is that it doesn't come with lights. The app is also where you configure the various integrated security features (alarm, lock/unlock, personal passcode, Find My), so you can deter theft or track your bike if it gets stolen. The display is also quite different, and it has an LED matrix integrated into the top tube of the frame. Once we put the handlebar and pedals on, we were finished. The S3 seamlessly integrates with the user-friendly VanMoof app where you can make changes to settings (bell sound, lights, gear shifting, pedal assist levels, etc) and track your rides. Fat tires work on a wide range of surfaces. The Panga DryBags and SideKick Dry Gear Case are fully submersible, waterproof vaults aredesigned to keep your valuables bone-dry through high tide and low. Meanwhile, included features like integrated lights, fenders, cargo racks, and suspension can enhance the user-friendliness and rider experience of each model. Its more aggressive city-bike geometry and stiffer seat may not be ideal for those who prefer a more relaxed ride. They feel noticeably less stable and steady than the larger wheeled competition, a tradeoff for their folding convenience. A strong 750W geared hub motor has no problem moving this heavyweight bike along at 20 mph while using the throttle or pedal assistance, and its large 672Wh battery helps to give it an impressive distance range. Riders interact with their e-bikes primarily through their display and controls. This app allows you to sync with the bike and display to change settings, record rides, and share adventures with the Aventon community. Class 3 models also have a throttle and pedal-assist, but the throttle stays limited to 20 mph while the pedal-assist tops out at 28 mph. Due to the heavier weight of the Metro, however, removing it from the box is a task best suited for two people. No assembly required for the Lectric XP, just remove the packing materials and unfold it. Check out this link to see all the Aventon eBikes that Best Buy has to offer! Considering its very reasonable price, our testers were extremely impressed with the Ride1Up Core-5. While the battery integration is very streamlined, it can't be removed for charging, so you'll need to get the entire bike within the charging cord's reach of an outlet. To offer a high-performing Class 3 electric bike at this price point, Ride1Up had to make some sacrifices, and the Core-5 is notably light on included features. The Timeless Quality Of Filsons Oil Finish Tin, Filson Celebrating 125 Years of Unfailing Goods, YETIs NewTan Panga Family Has Your Back When. Class 2 electric bikes have a throttle as well as pedal assist, and both are limited to 20 mph. GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. For several weeks we rigorously tested each electric bike in this review while examining their range, power output, ride quality, user interface, and ease of assembly. The Ride1Up 700-Series also boasts a strong 750W geared hub motor. With massive 4-inch wide knobby tires making it suitable for riding on dirt roads, smooth trails, and loose surfaces, the Aventure is ready to tackle any adventure. High volume knobby tires increase surface versatility, Less stable/twitchier handling than non-folding models. With massive 4-inch wide knobby tires and 80mm of front suspension, the Aventure smoothes over rough terrain and is capable of riding on pavement, dirt roads, smooth trails, and loose conditions. Many people don't need or want a bike that can go faster than 20 mph, and that's who this model is made for. The RadCity 5 Plus has you covered for long rides, going 30 miles in our range test without even pedaling. This unique tech-forward bike makes automatic changes to the pedal assistance and has limited controls, really just a bell and a turbo button, as a result. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. While the Aventure is indeed an excellent bike, it is not without fault. No ads. He is the founder of Skyblue Overland and resides in Boulder, Colorado. Aventons New Foldable Sinch Step-Through Electric Bike: A First Look, Aventons New Soltera E-Bike: A First Look, Aventons Next Generation Pace 500 & 350 Have Arrived, Lensrentals Provides All The Photography Gear You Need For, Born from the need to protect against thorns and briars in the rain-soaked Pacific Northwest, Filsons oil finish Tin Cloth is relied on by loggers, foresters, sportsmen and tradesmen. In-store pricing may vary. Even the poorest performing bike in this test still went 18.3 miles, which is honestly quite an impressive distance to ride a bike without pedaling. 2022 Best Buy. Despite its diminutive stature and folding design, the Rattan was a top performer in our range test. All rights reserved. Be sure to check local and regional regulations regarding the use of the different classes of electric bikes where you live and ride. This utilitarian model has a 350 lb weight limit, a large rear platform, and is designed to work with a huge array of aftermarket baskets, seats, and racks, so you can configure it to meet your cargo carrying needs. Whether for your daily commute, getting around town, or spending more time outside, e-bikes are a fun and environmentally friendly alternative to vehicular transportation. This bike is quick to accelerate using the throttle and it holds its speed impressively well up hills. Not surprisingly, one of the fastest and most powerful bikes was the Juiced CrossCurrent S2 with its large 750W rear hub motor. Like the Aventure, it is very easy to get up to its top pedal-assisted speed of 28 mph.