The 16 Best Electric Bikes for Every Kind of Ride (2024)

For years, electric bicycles were bulky, inconvenient, expensive machines with limited battery life. Slowly, that has changed. Ebikes are now lighter, more attractive, and more powerful than ever. You don't need to be physically fit to ride one. They get you outside, reduce traffic congestion, and shrink your carbon footprint. I ride one daily to take my kids to school. They're just fun.

Over the past few years, WIRED's Reviews team has tried almost every kind of electric bike, from the best heavy-duty cargo bikes to high-end mountain bikes. We review upward of 50 new ebikes a year by riding them on a variety of terrain for at least 40 miles over the course of at least two weeks. We test cargo bikes by hauling kids and groceries, we ride mountain and gravel bikes on trails, and we test commuter bikes while running errands on regular city streets (including up and down steep hills). In addition to our real-life testing, we evaluate specs like weight, tire size, battery life, motor power, and the sourcing of key components. If you don't see what you want, check back later (or drop me a note!). Once you buy an ebike, check out our Best Bike Accessories, Best Bike Locks, and the Best Ebikes for Elderly Riders. Not into pedaling? Read our Best Escooters guide for other transport options.

Updated June 2024: We added the Rad Power Radster Road, the Linus eDutchi, the Gazelle Eclipse, and the Aventon Ramblas. We also updated links and prices.

Special offer for Gear readers: Get WIRED for just $5 ($25 off). This includes unlimited access to WIRED.com, full Gear coverage, and subscriber-only newsletters. Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.

This lightweight, full-power electric mountain bike was born to take on long uphills and wide open spaces.

Coros’ debut cycling gadget has a battery life that beats all comers.

These WIRED-tested two-wheelers will help you scoot scoot scoot around town.

New technology and a drive toward electrified powertrains have converged to create a flashy new car-lighting landscape. What comes next could be an international light language.

The LimeGlider and LimeBike, currently in pilot programs, have smaller frames and wheels and are equipped with throttles.

The Mini Cooper SE is a seriously fun compact EV, and can even pretend to sound like the original Mini. Limitations linger, though, including dismal charging speeds.

This super-fun and likable urban all-electric runabout is packed with tech despite its rock-bottom price. Aside from the amazing value, it proves stateside EV makers need to up their game—fast.

The competitors’ bedroom furniture is simply stiff paper, along with coffee tables made from badminton shuttleco*cks and ottomans made from parachute fabric. And as for durability, this gear can go the distance.