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Top 10 Best Electric Bikes for Adults [Buyer’s Guide 2019]
So it’s time to get yourself one of those fancy new electric bikes that are passing you by. You came to the right place. Whether you want a reliable electric bike to commute to work or just something for trips to the corner store, our Best Electric Bikes For 2019 buyer’s guide will keep you in the right lane. Hybrid bikes are getting pretty common on the road because they’re much better than electric skateboards and hoverboards. They also beat your feet.
If you want in on the latest in E-Vehicle technology, I’m here to make sure that you spend your money on a good model and not a lemon.
What features matter when buying a best electric bike?
To find out which electric bike was the top-rated on the market of 2019 (our top picks for the latest adult scooters is also a great guide), we rounded up a ton of data on all of the latest models. Then we axed any that had poor to horrible consumer reviews and the ones that weren’t safe were thrown out as well.
We analyzed the factors of cost, speed, and range of all of these vehicles, which helped us to narrow our list to the best of the best.
Price. Our list of electric bikes ranged in price from $250 to $3000, with our top pick costing $3000 and our #2 pick costing $998.99. Range. At the top end of the price range, you get a max range of 90 miles and a respectable 20 mph speed. Speed. The slowest e-bike on our buying guide is 15 mph, while the shortest range is 15.5 miles.Our Winner
After 17 hours of research and 23 hours of testing on over 40 different electric bicycle models on the market today, we are very happy to announce that the Elby 9-Speed Electric Bike is the best electric bike for 2019. It’s on the higher end of the price tag, but it has all of the best features, as well as a great range, great motor, battery, build quality and speed. Our #1 pick soared past the Merax 26” Aluminum Electric Mountain Bike (our #2 pick), thanks to its insane range, better battery, and more powerful electric motor. It’s a reliable choice for commuters and the company just threw everything they had into it. Despite an expensive price, we had to include it and hold it up as the measuring stick that all other bikes should aspire to.
Electric Bike Brands & Market Growth
Electric bikes have been around for years, but are just now gaining wide acceptance with the public. Brand names include Schwinn, Ancheer, Nakto, Swagtron, X-treme Ebike, Merax and many more. This market is forecasted to hit $23,831 million by the year 2025.(R) In some areas, these vehicles are even taking money away from the Taxi industry.(R) Proof that the number of E-bikes on the road will only increase.
Electric Bike Comparison Chart
Our chart below ranks the best electric bikes, and if you continue reading we review them in detail before providing you with a buyer’s guide, comparison chart and FAQ section. Whether you’re an adventure biker or city road warrior, you can confidently get your ride on with one of our top picks.
#1 Elby 9-Speed Electric Bike Best E-Bike for 2019
Pros:
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The Elby 9-Speed Electric Bike is our top choice because it is loaded with features, has a quality build and an outstanding 90-mile range on a full battery capacity when you pedal a bit to assist it. Welcome to the modern bike world.
This is a quantum leap ahead of the rest of our picks because we wanted to show you the absolute cream of the crop and use it as a standard to judge other bikes against. It can handle a maximum load of 280 lbs so heavy riders aren’t left out. It is a superb performer with its 500W motor. The maximum speed is a comfortable 20 miles per hour. It has 9 gears, so if the battery dies you can ride it like a plain old bike. That battery takes 5 hours to charge. Other features include LED lights in front and in the back, a color screen(You can put your phone in its place running the Elby app), hydraulic disc brakes, heavy-duty kickstand, rails for saddle bags, USB charging and style to spare. The bottom bracket on this bike moves smooth.
Elby is the clear winner with so many features and that quality build for durability makes it like a tank. It’s on par with the popular Trek Super Commuter, the Specialized Turbo Vado or even the Izip E3. It’s a bit heavy at around 50 pounds so you won’t be taking this up and down stairs, but this bad boy will get you where you are going and let me tell you, it is a joy to ride. And it doesn’t even have a mid drive motor. It is not exactly an ebike sport bike, but it is the perfect electric commuting bike.
#2 NAKTO Fat Tire Electric Bicycle – Best Fat Tire E-Bike
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NAKTO E-bikes has a very simple slogan, “Having Fun Riding for Everyone!”. It never really resonated with me until I tried out the NAKTO Fat Tire Electric Bicycle. The company sells directly to consumers to keep prices low and create happy customers. Online user reviews indicate that it’s a winning strategy. This Fat Tire E-Bike has a carbon steel frame, premium shock absorption, and a multi-function LED digital dashboard. All features that we loved, but there’s much more here. It has a weight limit of 300 lbs, a max speed of 28 MPH and a range of up to 42 miles. The 500 Watt brushless motor drive system makes it a powerhouse that performs great on snow, sand, and other off-road conditions. This model has a removable and Waterproof 48V Lithium Water Bottle Battery that offers a recharge cycle of over 1000 times. Rounding it all out are the Dual Disk Brakes, front headlight, LCD display and horn. It uses 3 modes: Pedal, Twist Throttle, Power Assisted.
Whether climbing the steep streets of SanFrancisco or biking along the beach, this fat tire e-bike has the power and the mileage to get you to your destination. It offers a smooth ride thanks to an amazing suspension. The brakes on our model were a little screechy at times, but honestly, that’s very minor. There’s a lot to love here. Work or play, this e-bike will put a smile on your face.
#3 Merax 26” Aluminum Electric Mountain Bike – Best Electric Mountain Bike
Pros:
Powerful 28-mile range Great For Mountainous TerrainCons:
If you have some mountainous terrain that you’d like to conquer, this is this is the bike for you. The Merax 26” Aluminum Electric Mountain Bike outperforms it’s E-Mountain Bike competitors with solid power, decent speed of 20 mph and a 28 mile range on a full charge. While it might be a tad heavy to ride just pedaling, at 48.5 pounds, it handles rugged terrain and steep hills beautifully. It packs in a powerful 350W high-speed motor, while a 36v battery charges you up in about 5 – 6 hours. The Shimano shifter makes pedaling easy with a 7-speed transmission system. The 26 inch wheels make for a comfortable ride. It has two modes: E-Bike & PAS. You can use the thumb throttle and let the motor do the work or change between 5 levels of pedal assist mode. The hub gear and drive move smoothly and quietly.
The Merax 26” Aluminum Electric Mountain Bike has the power, ease of use and performance that you want in a mountain bike. Our only complaint is that, given the range and speed, we wish it charged a tad faster, but we can live with that. This is the best mountain bike experience. Period. Uphill, downhill, it’s all the same to this very capable beast.
#4 ANCHEER Folding Electric Bike – Best Electric Folding Bike
Pros:
Light And Durable 25 MPH Top Speed Great Shock AbsorptionCons:
Charge Time is 4-6 Hours Headlight Seems Like It will Break EasilyAncheer is a popular choice in the electric road bikes market and is making some serious waves in the industry.(R) They always get high marks for performance and reliability. This ANCHEER Folding Electric Bike is no different. It’s another excellent product. This bike hits a top speed of 15 miles per hour thanks to its removable 36v lithium battery and delivers 30 miles on a single charge. It is the perfect bike for commuting and then stowing in an office closet, or for packing it up and taking with you on vacation, thanks to its ability to fold up.
Other features include a front and rear mechanical disc brake with a premium 7 speed Shimano transmission mechanism, a high-strength carbon steel front fork, premium shock absorption, double layer aluminum alloy wheels, headlight, adjustable seat post and an easy to use display. On board is a 250-watt motor that is one of the powerful hub motors often found in these rides. It has 2 modes: E-bike and Assisted level. So it can do all of the work or you can pedal and help. It has a rear rack, making it one of the best cargo bikes in its class.
The ANCHEER Folding Electric Bike is the best folding bike that we tested. We love that the bikes battery can be removed. It performs great, has a comfortable speed, decent range and is light and durable. The only minor issues we had are that the headlight is made cheaply and for the speed/range we felt that it should charge just a bit faster. However, the bottom line is that anyone looking for a collapsible ebike is going to love this little powerhouse. It’s easy enough for anyone to use is built with great attention to quality that will wow you.
#5 ECOTRIC 20″ Fat Tire Folding Electric Bike – Best Fat Tire Folding Bike
Pros:
Powerful 500W Motor Fast 20 Mile Per Hour Speed 20 Mile RangeCons:
Seat Is Not Adjustable No Rear LightIf you’re looking for a folding ebike that can fold up for travel or storage, look no further than the ECOTRIC 20″ Fat Tire Folding Electric Bike. This tough customer will handle anything you can throw at it. A sheer pleasure to ride, this model has nice heavy duty tires and a rear-hub motor with 500W of power. Sure, there are e-bikes that go faster, but the extra power here is what helps it tackle off-road conditions and support riders that weigh up to 260 pounds.
It also has a nice feature list that includes a 36v battery, front and rear disc brakes, aluminum frame, variable speed control, a 1/2 Twist Throttle, Shimano 7 Speed gear and a charging time of 6-8 hours. This model has 20″ front and rear wheels.
We found the LED 810 Display Panel to be easy to read with a nice layout and as for the ride itself, it’s a very comfortable one that handles all terrain. Twigs, sticks, thick grass, snow, or sand won’t stop this bad boy. It should have a rear light for safety, and some riders might not like that the seat is not adjustable, but having said that, we just fell in love with the experience of the ride. So much so that it is our “Best fat Tire Folding Bike”.
#6 ECOTRIC Fat Tire 500W Electric Mountain Bike
Pros:
500W Motor Powerful Brakes Comfortable RideCons:
8 Hour Charge Time Battery Position Is WeirdThe ECOTRIC Fat Tire 500W Electric Mountain Bike is another E-Bike made for adventuring over rough terrain and it does a great job. That powerful motor and 36v battery give it amazing performance off-road. It has a pedal assist and a throttle only mode that lets you reach a top speed of 23 mph easily. It delivers a range of 20 miles on a full charge. And since it has a weight limit of 260 pounds even large riders can get off-road. The Shimano 7 Gears Shifting System(R) makes it a breeze to ride even if the battery dies. Ecotric has some added safety in this model since the brakes have motor inhibitors that cut the power supply to the motor when you press the brakes, which is great for emergency situations.
This is a very capable mountain bike that just about anyone can ride and enjoy. It has great suspension, a smooth ride, and amazing tires that grip everything. The charge time and the battery’s odd position on the frame are our only gripes, but those things aside, you can’t argue with the power and quality of this fat electric bike. It makes a heck of a beach cruiser. You’ll love everything from the front hub to the back hub.
#7 Tomasar Power Electric Bike – Best Value E-Bike
Pros:
Durable Thick Tires FoldableCons:
If you want an electric bike that can handle both off-road conditions and take you to work every day, the Tomasar Power Electric Bike is your choice for an all-around great performer. The 36v battery propels this workhouse to speeds of up to 21 miles per hour and delivers a 31 mile range. It charges in 4-6 hours. The 21-speed Shimano professional transmission system makes it easy to ride without battery assistance. It also has front and rear disc-brakes. You can use it in electric mode or assisted mode. And lastly, the fact that it is foldable offers great convenience. The high-strength carbon steel suspension fork offers great shock absorption.
The Tomasar Power Electric Bike is a great choice whether you want to travel mountain roads or streets. It is a solid performer with some great style. And you get a lot for your money. This E-Bike is a winner.
#8 SwagCycle EB-5 Pro – Best E-Bike For Beginners
Pros:
Perfect For Beginners Comfortable 265 Pound Weight CapacityCons:
SwagTron is a company known for producing quality electric vehicles like hoverboards and scooters. I can confidently say that the SwagCycle EB-5 Pro lives up to their quality standards. This is a great little bike for tooling back and forth around your campus or any other situation where you have to go to and fro a lot. With a comfortable speed of 15 MPH and a weight limit of 265 pounds, this is a reliable bike for beginners of almost any size. It has a range of 15.5 miles. Not the furthest, but a great range for new riders.
It boasts a 250W motor, 36V Li-ion Battery, dual disc brakes, a USB charging port, headlight, and a safety bell and reflectors. You can choose from two modes when riding: Throttle and Pedal Assist. Swagtron delivers on durability here too. This E-bike will stand up to some abuse and be with you for years.
It’s a solid performer with some great features. We like that the battery indicator by the throttle stands out so that you always know how much charge you have. This vehicle is great for anyone, but new riders will really appreciate the design and performance.
#9 ANCHEER Power Plus Electric Mountain Bike
Pros:
Great For Uphill Riding Bright LED Headlight 30 Mile Battery RangeCons:
Ancheer gets another spot on this buying guide, with a model popular for its quality and power. The ANCHEER Power Plus Electric Mountain Bike has a max speed of 15 miles per hour, a range of 30 miles and a 36v removable Lithium-Ion battery. If you are larger, you may get 25 miles. It has two riding modes: Assisted bicycle and E-bike. High strength carbon steel makes this one a durable ride as well as comfortable. It is a solid performer both on the trail or on the road.
This E-bike handles hills excellently and the headlight is brighter than most for night time rides.
#10 Razor EcoSmart Metro Electric Scooter
Pros:
Made By Razor Impressive Top Speed Excellent Build QualityCons:
Odd Battery Placement 8 Hour ChargeRazor is a name to be reckoned with in the industry, and the Razor EcoSmart Metro Electric Scooter is highly rated online, like a lot of their products. This model gets a spot on our rankings thanks to its great build quality and nice top speed. It doesn’t hurt that it’s affordable and from a trusted brand as well. It has a max speed of 18 miles per hour, a powerful 500 W motor and it delivers 40 minutes of continuous use.
I really loved the style of this E-Bike. It has a bicycle saddle, basket and bamboo coated standing deck that gives it a unique retro look. It is a solid performer and very comfortable to ride. There is one serious flaw that kept it from ranking higher on our list and that is because the battery placement is so odd. Razor put the battery underneath the standing panel and too close to the road for my taste. I didn’t run into any problems, but it seems like this could lead to trouble. There’s also the 8-hour charge.
Despite those two drawbacks, there’s a lot to love about this E-Bike. It feels great on the sidewalk and is perfect for short trips back and forth. There’s no suspension here though, so things are bound to be bumpier on rough roads. A great electric bike at an affordable price.
Electric Bike Feature Comparison Chart
NameMotorSpeedRangeBatteryWeight Limit Elby Bike 9-Speed500 W20 MPH90 miles48v280 Pounds Merax 26 Aluminum Electric Mountain Bike350 W20 MPH28 miles36v250 Pounds NAKTO Fat Tire Electric Bicycle 26500 W28 MPH42 miles48v300 Pounds ANCHEER Folding Electric Bike250 W15 MPH30 miles36v330 Pounds ECOTRIC 20" Fat Tire Folding Bike500 W20 MPH20 miles36v240 Pounds ECOTRIC Fat Tire Electric Mountain Bike500 W23 MPH20 miles36v260 Pounds Tomasar Power Electric Bike250 W21 MPH31 miles36v330 Pounds SwagCycle EB-5 Pro250 W15 MPH15.5 mi.36v265 Pounds ANCHEER Power Plus250 W15 MPH30 miles36v330 Pounds Electric Bike Buyers Guide
Below are the top features you should look for in an Electric Bike. Remember to always wear safety gear like cycling shoes and a helmet.
Motor
The more powerful the motor is rated, the more speed you will get out of your E-bike. A 500-watt motor is more powerful and faster than a 250-watt motor. It means more speed and better performance.E-Bike Range
This is one of the biggest factors when choosing an electric bike. The range that your vehicle delivers on a single charge is very important, especially when commuting. You want the best range you can get from your battery. A good range with short charging times is the best option.Battery Life and Charging Times
Longer battery life is good, but there’s more to it than that. You want to look at three things: speed, performance and charge time. What you want is a long battery life that also delivers these. Charging time is up to your own needs. Can you wait 6 hours to charge your battery? Is 4 more ideal?Durable and Lightweight Construction
Like any other vehicle, you want durability so that you will be safe and it will last. Bicycle injuries are going down and that is partly because of durable bikes with quality parts.(R) If it is a foldable bike, it should be as light as possible for when you have to carry it.FAQ for Electric Bikes
Always buy a scooter with a warranty, 1 year or longer. Just in case you get a defective part, or it just stops working.
Generally, electric bikes can cost between $600 to as much as $6000. In our research, we found that you can get a great entry level E-bike for $500-$1000. The price will depend on what features it has. More feature heavy and high-end specs will cost you more.
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