The demand for electric bikes is increasing, which is not surprising for all sorts of reasons. Many of us want to do our part for the environment, especially when it comes to reducing emissions from our own vehicles. Add to that a growing push to reduce traffic congestion, especially in towns and cities, as well as our desire to exercise in the marketplace means these are the best of times for bike retailers. . It's Covid-19, but it really changed the game. In fact, due to the coronavirus pandemic, our thirst for electric bikes has grown so large that many bike outlets are reporting that they can't get new inventory fast enough. A recent survey of 20,000 motorists by the Automobile Association in the UK found that 40% of people intended to drive less in the foreseeable future. Meanwhile, demand across the Atlantic looks just as enthusiastic. America is obviously a bigger and more complex nut to crack, but progress is being made as city planners see the potential. Having an electric bike can help you get away from it all and having your own machine, rather than sharing or renting one, means you can keep an eye on the basics of cleanliness. Disinfecting the handlebars and other areas of a bike that tend to get dirty when riding by multiple riders in bike-sharing programs is an immediate concern.
Growing attractive
An increasing number of cycling initiatives and incentive programs, as well as bicycle infrastructure improvements, are also helping to convince us to leave the car behind. The British government, for example, has announced that €2 billion will be invested in new cycling and walking projects. Meanwhile, the long-running Cycle to Work program continues to run, now including e-bikes as part of an employee tax break. Although we are far from a country like the Netherlands with its cutting-edge cycle strategy, things are looking up. More recently, we have even seen contextual bike lanes pop up as a short-term measure during the coronavirus pandemic. And, for the future, with many downtown areas becoming harder to reach by car, getting there and back on two wheels might be your best bet anyway.
Decision time
So which one to buy? Choosing the right electric bike for your needs can be tricky. It basically comes down to what you plan to do with your electric bike and where you want to bike. Some of us will want an e-bike for commuting, or perhaps around town and country, while others will want a bit of an offroader. You may want an electric bike capable of doing all of the above. There are plenty of recent innovations in the electric bike market, including the amazing folding bike that is the GoCycle GX, the versatile Curt big amp, or the beefy Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 that may justify leaving the car at home. If cost cutting is the main issue for you, then something like the Gtech Sport or Gtech eBike City are good starting points. But let's take a look at some specific e-bike segments for additional tips.
![Batch Bicycles E-Commuter]()
The Batch Bicycles E-Commuter looks a lot like a standard hybrid bike, but has an extra boost from its electric motor (Image credit: Batch Bicycles)
Electric hybrid
An electric hybrid bike may be the best option if you are looking for a bit of versatility. The styling will be a bit more conventional and closely resemble cycling without a battery, but a hybrid ebike will do everything it needs to do, of course, on battery power. Take the Batch Bicycles E-Commuter for example, which has almost mundane styling but quality components and solid construction. It's a great example of an intermediate electric bike. Spend more and you'll get more though, as evidenced by the Gazelle Ultimate T10+, which comes with a beefy specification and more radical styling. This is a bustling sector of the e-bike market, though, so you won't have to look far to find plenty of other all-wallet examples.
![GoCycle GX]()
The foldable GoCycle GX is a great option if your trip also includes public transportation (Image credit: GoCycle)
Commuter bikes
If you're a commuter and want an electric bike that you can use on public transportation or use for parts of your trip instead of the entire leg there and back, a folding electric bike is a good bet. The British brand Brompton have been making folding bikes for years and now they also have a version of the electric bike, the Brompton Electric, which has all the usual brands plus battery power. We tested it in a previous look at the best electric bikes to buy. The aforementioned Gocycle GX is a foldable model that will turn heads and therefore could also attract the attention of thieves. Instead, the Blix Vika+ sports a more conventional look, but still folds neatly in the middle. Keep in mind, however, that due to the battery, folding electric bikes can feel bulky, so even if they do have a place, you'll want to spend more time riding them than transporting them.
![Turbo Levo Comp especializado]()
The Specialized Turbo Levo Comp proves that e-bikes aren't limited to city streets (Image credit: Specialized)
Mountain bike
Do you want to go off-road and you don't want to do it in your 4X4 or your SUV? There are plenty of electric ATVs on the market, such as the Spectral-in Canyon, the Merida EOne-Sixty 800, and the Specialized Turbo Levo Comp, all of which are very good. However, as in all other areas of the electric bike market, the range continues to grow and there are electric mountain bikes to suit every budget. However, it must be said that if you can afford more, it's well worth it, especially if you're seriously considering off-roading as build quality and components are generally better as a result. Driving hard in difficult conditions will soon take its toll on cheaper models that may seem okay at first but often lack performance in the long run.
Older alternatives
The great thing about newer models hitting the market is that it often means you can get older electric bikes for less money. So VanMoof's high-end Electrified X2 models might please, because now there are the new VanMoof Electrified S3 and X3 models to let you take aim. Similarly, the Haibike Sduro Hardnine 2.5 Street and the Volt Infinity, which we discussed earlier, could be a good way to invest in the allure of an electric bike.
Transport capacity
One of the main arguments for people who want to stay in their car is that they can take more. However, some bicycle manufacturers have solved this problem. The solution? Cargo bikes. They are bigger and bulkier than regular electric bikes, but can generally handle more payload. Take a look at the Rad Power RadWagon, Tern GSD, or Reise & Muller Load 60 speed cameras for some examples of top-tier heavy haulers. You get all the benefits of an electric bike, plus the added possibility of being able to haul a lot more. The longer wheelbase on these machines can seem a bit intimidating, but the battery power makes up for any handling characteristics.
![Rad Power RadRhino]()
With its big tires and powerful motor, the Rad Power RadRhino is a lot of fun (Image credit: Rad Power Bikes)
Big electric bikes
Meanwhile, while not made for the transport of goods, the big electric bikes (named for their big tires) are a bit curious, but the power of the battery makes them explode. We tested RadRhino's line of products from Rad Power and loved its performance and OTT style. However, Addmotor's Motmot is a high-end pickguard, while the Wildcat Fat Tire electric bike is great too. Another growing sector of the electric bike market.
Economic electric bicycles
However, given the current situation, you can also look for an inexpensive way to enter the e-bike market. If so, help is available, thanks to the Swytch electric bike conversion kit. We look at a first embodiment of this innovation that can electrify any bike with the addition of an easy-to-install conversion kit. There are also many other variations on the theme, many of which can be adapted to a bike you already own.
Safety electric bike
Buying the best electric bike for your needs is one thing, but safety is also worth considering if you've chosen a model you like. By their very nature, electric bikes are infinitely more attractive to thieves due to their flashy appearance and great value. They can and do attract attention, and while some will be fans, there may be others who want to release you from their property. Then you will need a padlock. Two or three might be even better. A popular choice is the Abus Granit X-Plus 540, the Abus Granit 59 Extreme D-Lock, or anything from the Abus brand in general. Kryptonite Kryptolok are good too and as many Dutch people will tell you, a lock pick is much better; even more so if everyone needs a different tool to compromise it. If a bike thief has to take the time to work on several locks, he can hope to give up and try somewhere else. And anyway, with the battery at your disposal, a little extra weight to lug all these locks around isn't really a problem, is it? Today's best bike lock deals ABUS Fahrradschloss 540 ... ABUS Granit Extreme 59 ... Kryptonite Evolution Std ...