So, next year I will have to work for two days every week in a neighboring city, about 30km (18 miles) away - I went there a few times this year too, but it looks like it'll have to become a more regular thing.
Public transportation between these two cities isn't too convenient - I've got to take a circuitous route that takes almost two hours, is sometimes delayed and involves trains that are often annoyingly packed, and costs about 10 EUR per round trip.
I have no car, and I don't want a car if I can at all help it (expense aside, I find driving stressful and unpleasant and I've successfully avoided doing that for decades by now).
Now, the good news is I'm told there is a pretty nice (if mildly hilly) bike path that goes from near my city to that other city; this said, I suspect that 60 km of biking twice per week might be a bit much for me.
So the first thing to do is obviously to make the trip back and forth with my old bike a few times to see how it is; but if it turns out that it's a bit too long for me but otherwise doable, I was thinking that a cheap e-bike might be a reasonable solution (one that might even be more economical than using trains in the long run, since it's likely that this work arrangement will continue even after next year).
Does this sound like a possibly viable idea? Anything in particular I should pay attention to when evaluating it?
Thanks!
Electric bikes are incredibly popular and a huge part of the cycling market these days. They can make cycling more accessible to a wider range of riders over different applications and terrains and are just downright fun to use. The best electric bikes can be used over a range of uses, including e-bike commuting and gravel riding. We will be taking a look a the best electric road bikes here, a category that has come a long way with the best models being very close to the best road bikes in terms of ride quality and looks whilst offering heaps of extra power when needed.
Electric road bikes can almost go unnoticed these days, so discreet they now look. They utilise a lot of the same components regular road bikes do, like the best road bike wheels and best road bike tyres most of which are rated for e-bike use these days.
E-bikes are now nearly universally accepted, the 'cheating' argument has fallen by the wayside as people have acknowledged how useful and varied e-bike uses can be. Whether that be aiding sustainable travel or helping groups of riders with varying fitness ride together.
We've gathered the best electric road bikes into this list, helping you analyse specifications and tech to help you make a more informed buying decision. If you still need a little more help, head to the bottom of the page to see our buying guide pointers.
You can trust Cyclingnews Our experts spend countless hours testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.
(Image credit: Trek Bikes)
Best money-no-object electric road bike with a high level top spec
Drive System :
TQ - HPR50
Battery:
TQ 360 Wh
Visit Site+
Top level spec available
+
Six different spec options to choose from
+
Battery System can run your lights and charge Etap groupsets
-
High cost
-
Some maintenance jobs are dealer only
The Trek Domane+ SLR is the newest e-road bike from the US-based brand. Available in six different spec options but all based around a superlight weight Trek OCLV 800 carbon frame, this is the lightest e-road bike trek has ever produced.
The Domane+ SLR is aimed at performance road riders who want a little extra zip, it has a discreet motor and battery from German specialist TQ which offers a super smooth and quiet e-riding experience. The Domane+ SLR is lighter than the Trek Domane LT and has a non-removable battery whereas the LT's is removable
You get a neatly integrated LCD display in the top tube, mode toggle buttons custom built into the shifters, and the lights and eTap charging can be wired in to run from the battery to simplify things. If you want a high-end lightweight electric road bike, the Domane + SLR is one we'd be happy to recommend.
(Image credit: Ribble)
Best electric road bike for the budget conscious
Drive system:
Mahle Ebikemotion X35 M1
Battery:
Panasonic 36V/250Wh
View Black Friday Deal at Amazon Visit Site+
Good spec for price
+
More race-focussed geometry
-
Fixed battery
Claimed to weigh 11kg, the Ribble Endurance SL e is one of the lightest e-road bikes currently available and, visually, the frame is almost identical to its non-assisted sibling, including the aggressive geometry.
Using the Mahle Ebikemotion system, the Endurance SL e doesn't get a control unit, instead opting for a button on the top tube that cycles through the three levels of assistance. Hidden inside the downtube is a Panasonic 250Wh battery, which is connected to a rear hub-based motor said to provide 40Nm of torque. There is an accompanying app, too, which will provide additional information such as remaining battery life.
As Ribble is consumer direct, the pricing is competitive with the Tiagra build starting at £2,799, and the 105 build starting at £3,299 — every component can be upgraded through the brand's 'BikeBuilder' program.
(Image credit: Colnago)
Best electric road bike for those who want to avoid the e-bike aesthetic
Drive system:
Ebikemotion
Battery:
Ebikemotion 250Wh
View Black Friday Deal at Amazon Visit Site+
Looks just like a road bike
+
Lightweight
-
Fixed battery
-
Not actually lugged carbon
Using the C64 as the backbone, Colnago has adapted its carbon racer into a pedal-assist roadie. Claimed to tip the scales at 12kg including the battery, Colnago says the rear hub-based motor only adds 3.7kg and it's capable of delivering 250 watts of assistance.
With the battery housed in the downtube, the E64 doesn't get a built-in head unit; instead, there is a button on the top tube that controls the electronics. The battery is stored in the downtube and is not removable, but Colnago says there is an auxiliary battery on the horizon which can be stored in one of the bottle cages to add range.
Although the E64 appears to be a carbon-lugged frame, it's a visual illusion with these details being added in the paint shop. The bike comes with a Shimano Ultegra drivetrain, Deda finishing kit and Mavic Aksium Elite EVO UST wheels.
(Image credit: Trek)
Best electric road bike for long days in the saddle
Drive system:
Fazua Evation 250w
Battery:
Fazua 250Wh
View at Trek BicycleView Black Friday Deal at Amazon+
Isospeed decouplers offer added comfort
+
Removable battery for 'analogue' rides
-
Chunky down tube
With the IsoSpeed decoupler in the seat tube and room in the frame for 38c tyres, Trek's Domane+ LT is probably the best electric road bike for comfort.
It comes with a 250w motor and 250Wh battery, so in terms of power and range, it's on a par with many of the 'secret e-bikes' featured here, however, instead of having a battery permanently hidden inside the down tube, the Domane+ uses a removable battery. Batteries do degrade over time, so the option to replace them will be positive when it comes to long-term ownership or resale value.
The Domane+ LT features all the niceties of the pedal-powered Domane, including fender mounts, Blendr accessories, and endurance geometry. The carbon frame is fitted with a Shimano Ultegra 2x11 groupset, with a 50/34 chainset and 11-34 cassette.
(Image credit: Pinarello)
Best for those who may want to ditch the battery every once in a while
Drive system:
Fazua Evation System 400w
Battery:
Fazua 250Wh
View Black Friday Deal at Amazon Visit Site+
Removable battery for 'analogue' rides
+
Aesthetic
-
Chunky down tube
-
Budget-level wheelset
On the surface, the Nytro looks like any other Pinarello frame, complete with a wavy fork and aero tubing but hidden in the downtube are a Fazua drive unit and battery. The Nytro is claimed to have up to 250w of power and 55Nm of torque, and the battery can be dropped out of the downtube to make it just a normal road bike, weighing in at around 9kg without the battery.
The frame uses the brand's F10 frameset as a starting point and adds a bit of length to the wheelbase and height to the head tube. Rest assured, Pinarello hasn't forgotten to give the Nytro its trademark asymmetric tube treatment.
Built with a Shimano Ultegra Di2 11-speed drivetrain, the bike gets hydraulic disc brakes and rolls on Fulcrum Racing 5 wheels. It also comes with a Pinarello-sized price tag.
(Image credit: Specialized)
Best for those looking for a high-performance electric road bike
Drive system:
Specialized SL 1.1 240w
Battery:
Specialized 320Wh
View Black Friday Deal at Amazon Visit Site+
Futureshock headset offers increased comfort
+
Lightweight motor
-
Higher price than similar priced competitors
Launched during the 2019 Tour de France is the latest addition to Specialized's line-up of Turbo bikes, the Creo SL, is designed to be a high-performance e-road bike that's powered by the brand's own SL 1.1 drive system, it also uses the brand's Futureshock 2.0 at the front. Instead of an aftermarket solution from Bosch, Fazua or Shimano, Specialized designed its own, which is claimed to weigh just 1.96kg.
The 320Wh battery itself weighs 1.8kg, and Specialized is also offering 60Wh extender packs which fit in a bottle cage — the extender packs are included with the S-Works and Founders edition, but not the Expert build.
With the Mission Control app, you can run diagnostics and customise the assistance levels. Specialized says you can customise them on the fly, which means in theory, you could tailor the wattage to help you keep up with friends on the climb while still getting a workout.
The Turbo Creo features a full carbon frame and is only available as a 1x setup, with the Expert edition using a Shimano Ultegra 11-speed Di2/XT Di2 mix drivetrain with Ultegra hydraulic disc brakes and Roval carbon wheels.
(Image credit: Cannondale )
Best electric road bike for those looking for a drag-free boost
Drive system:
MAHLE ebikemotion X35
Battery:
MAHLE ebikemotion X35 250Wh
View Black Friday Deal at Amazon+
Good battery range
+
Good tyre clearance
+
Natural ride feel
-
Tyre clearance maxes out at 28mm
The SuperSix EVO Neo features a ebike motion X35 motor, which offers 250w of assistance and up to 40Nm of torque (in the highest mode).
According to Cannondale, the 250Wh removable battery will take you around 75km on a single charge. The bike comes with 28mm slick Vittoria Rubino Pro tyres, and the frame features an integrated seat binder combined with a 27 KNØT seat post, designed to work together to absorb road bumps. The frame also features SAVE micro-suspension to smooth out most rides for added comfort.
It's powered by a respectable Shimano 105 R7000 hydraulic groupset, with 2x11 gearing. Up front the FSA crank features 50/34 chainrings, paired with an 11-34 cassette at the rear, offering a massive range of gears.
As part of Cannondale's e-bike range, the SuperSix Evo Neo 3 Disc benefits from the brand's integrated wheel sensor, which delivers accurate speed, route and distance information, registers your bike, reminds you when you need service, and more.
(Image credit: Giant)
The best electric road bike for maximum power assistance
Drive system:
Shimano EP8
Battery:
EnergyPak Compact 500Wh
View Black Friday Deal at Amazon+
High torque motor
+
Motor tracks with high cadence
+
Off-road capable
-
Battery isn't removable
There's no denying that the Revolt E+ carries more of an electric bike aesthetic than some others here, but within its oversized down tube comes a large battery and a motor with a lot of torque.
Powering it is the Shimano EP8-powered SyncDrive Pro pedal-assist system, which promises smooth acceleration (thanks to its 85Nm of maximum torque). Meanwhile, the Shimano GRX Di2 1x11 electronic groupset and 40mm tyres make it all-road ready if you plan to mix things up a bit. There are also mounts for mudguards and racks.
The system is simple to use, and the motor comes with a SmartAssist mode that automatically adapts to your cadence and ride style, tuning the amount of assistance to the levels you actually need. This means you don't need to think about anything and can pedal without thinking about it.
How to choose the best electric road bike for you
Your riding demands will dictate which e-road bike is best for you. Hopefully, this guide should have given you an idea of what's out there. Next, You should consider how you may want to use your e-bike: are you commuting to work, adventuring and discovering new terrain or simply adding a new bike to your fleet? Your requirements will dictate weight, gearing, range, prince point etc. Test ride a bike if you can and chat with manufacturers about which e-bike is best for you.
With the electric bike market continually growing, more and more brands are getting on board and developing newer and better technology all the time. The best electric road bike will likely come with a powerful and reliable drive system, including one of the best e-bike motors from the likes of Bosch, Yamaha, and Shimano, while some feature integrated units from Ebikemotion and Fazua.
These systems place the motor either at the bottom bracket or the rear hub and vary in weight. In fact, some of the integrated systems are surprisingly light. The power they offer is an important factor, and most hover between 250w and 500w.
How long is a piece of string? It all depends on how much you're riding, and how much you care about your electric road bike's aesthetic.
When e-bikes started to gain popularity, the batteries were bulbous, and almost appeared to be haphazardly bolted on wherever there was space. Now we are seeing brands working to integrate them into the frame seamlessly.
Unfortunately, the smaller the battery, the smaller the capacity - which is measured in watt-hours (Wh). While some brands are quick to make claims about how far certain Wh batteries will take their bikes, these figures can vary greatly depending on the level of boost, the terrain and even the weight of the rider. Bosch has put together a handy Range Assistant, which can provide a good idea of how much mileage you can expect to achieve, depending on your riding habits.
While some bikes have removable batteries which allow you to keep a spare, others with hidden battery packs look much cleaner.
As a general rule of thumb, most e-road bikes are made to be unisex, while having multiple size options that should work for most people. The saddle, which is the key contact area that needs some tailoring to fit the users, is easily swapped out for one of the best women's road bike saddles if need be.
If you would prefer a women's specific model, be sure to check out our list of the best women's electric bikes.
Regional restrictions
Most e-bikes use one of three e-bike systems, however, depending on where you live, the level of assistance as well as whether you need a license and insurance will vary. Here's a breakdown of all the e-bike restrictions in place in the UK, US and Australia.
1. The UK
The UK adopted a lot of the EU's regulations regarding e-bikes but with Brexit, it's hard to say if that may change.
All of the bikes featured here fall under 'The Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EPAC) Amendment Regulations' mandates; electric assistance can only provide 250 watts of aid and must cut out at 25kph. It also stipulates the rider must be in motion for the motor to kick in and be at least 14 years old.
Electric bikes (and riders) that meet these standards have the same legal standing as regular bicycles and are allowed on roads and bike paths.
In Europe, a new class of speed-pedelecs or s-pedelecs are gaining popularity that are capable of providing assistance up to 45kph. You still need to pedal for the motor to kick in, however, under UK law these are considered two-wheel mopeds and require insurance, a legally certified helmet and a qualifying driver's license.
2. The US
In the US, rules for e-bikes vary from state to state; 30 states classify e-bikes as ordinary bicycles, while the remaining 20 label e-bikes as mopeds, scooters or something else altogether.
Federal law defines an electric bicycle as a two- or three-wheeled vehicle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of fewer than 750 watts, whose maximum speed on a paved level surface, when powered solely by such a motor while ridden by an operator who weighs 170 pounds, is less than 20mph.'
It's worth noting this statute defines the maximum assisted speed of the bike when being only powered by the motor, not when it's being pedalled. To make things more confusing, state regulations can supersede the federal statute.
The Bicycle Product Suppliers Association has proposed a three-class system which divides electric bikes up based on their maximum assisted speed:
Class 1: the motor provides assistance only when the rider is pedalling and cuts out a 20mph
Class 2: the motor can contribute regardless of pedalling but is governed to 20mph
Class 3: the motor provides assistance when the rider is pedalling but cuts out at 28mph and must be equipped with a speedometer.
For all three classes, the motor can only put out a max of 750 watts, and the class needs to be clearly labelled. This system also defines where the bikes can be ridden; classes 1 and 2 are permitted anywhere bikes are allowed, while class 3 can be ridden on roads and bike lanes but not multi-use paths, and may be subject to minimum user age and helmet requirements.
So far, 22 states have legislation creating a class system and our friends over at People for Bikes has put together a full state-by-state run down.
3. Australia
In Australia, e-bikes are split into throttle-operated and pedal-assist. Both systems must be limited to 25kph, and the throttle-operated motors can only output 200 watts while pedal assist is legal up to 250 watts. Anything that exceeds these figures is considered a motorbike and must be licensed and insured.
Comments
0