Best Commuter Electric Bikes 2023

Built to replace your car on your daily commute, the Ride1UP 700 series is the brand’s flagship commuter that offers a lot of bang for your buck.

It’s fitted with a Shimano 8-speed Acera drivetrain, Tektro dual-piston hydraulic brakes and the really well performing Schwalbe Super Moto X e-bike tires. At just above $1,600, that’s a lot of bike for the money. Powering the 700 Series is a 750W rear hub motor and 672Wh integrated battery. We’ve spent a lot of time on Ride1UP’s bikes and overall we’ve been incredibly impressed by their power and ride quality — they’re super comfortable bikes.

The 700 Series comes with lights front and rear, a rear rack with a 50lbs carrying capacity and a really useful color display. The 700 Series also sports nine different motor assistance levels (five is more typical), which allows you to really fine tune how much the motor is aiding your pedaling. Ride1UP also has a pretty stellar customer service department, which can prove an important factor considering it’s a direct-to-consumer company.

This bike will serve the commuter on a budget very well. It’s comfortable, well spec’d and backed by a company that stands by its products — not to mention it’s just a flat-out fast bike.

Check Best Price | Read Full Review | Watch Our Video Review

The first iteration of the Level was already a solid choice for dependable, daily rush-hour transport. It offered solid specs and impressive performance, and helped solidify Aventon’s position as an e-bike industry leader. Aventon surprised us by adding to and improving the solid framework they already had, making the Level 2 a definitive upgrade over its predecessor.

The Level.2 retained the core elements of the original – namely, its overall shape, 500W motor, and 672 Wh battery – but it also made some significant changes. Most notable is the switch to a torque sensor for the rear-hub motor, which resulted in a complete overhaul of the bike’s riding experience. This not only offers a more traditional bicycle-like feel, but also helps to conserve battery power. The Level.2 also received an upgrade from a black-and-white display with a bar-based readout for the battery to one that offers full-color and a more reliable percentage-based battery indicator.

To round out the Level.2’s upgrades, some visual design elements were improved as well. The curved frame profiles have now become more sharp and angular, and the bike now comes in four snappy colors instead of just grey.

We did see less punch from the throttle and smaller increments of power increases between the higher PAS levels as a result of the torque sensor and prioritization of battery life, but we feel that the tradeoffs ultimately resulted in a better e-bike. All of the Level.2’s standard features make it a fantastic dedicated commuter that we highly recommend.

Check Best Price | Read Full Review | Watch Our Video Review

We’re really big fans of step-thru commuter e-bikes, so we always appreciate seeing the option on an otherwise-excellent high-step model. The Rad Power Bikes RadCity 5 Plus is the latest iteration of their dedicated commuter, which offers both high-step and step-thru frames in addition to being well-specced and comfortable to ride.

The RadCity is a powerful commuter that’s economically priced at under $2,000. It comes as a Class 2 e-bike with a throttle and a max motor-assisted speed of 20 mph.The bike is equipped with a 750W geared rear hub motor powered by a 672Wh battery, making for a decent range. We like that the rear rack is sturdier than most. That rack, according to Rad, is strong and big enough to carry a child’s seat, so you can take more of the family along for the ride.

We also like that Rad placed a premium on comfort with both models of the RadCity 5 Plus. As a dutch-styled e-bike, it features an upright riding position for high visibility. Its handlebars are ergonomically curved, and thanks to the bike’s adjustable stem, the distance between the saddle and the grips can be tailored to the rider.

A hallmark of bikes from Rad Power is their reliability, controlled handling, and user-friendliness. They often are not the speediest or most powerful, but they’re not meant to be; Rad Power’s models are more like a Volvo instead of a Ferrari. For that reason, we really appreciate the RadCity 5 Plus’ performance as a trusty commuter, and are happy to include it on this list.

Check Best Price | Read Full Review | Watch Our Video Review

For those looking for a more classically-styled commuter, look no further than the Blix Aveny Skyline. We remarked in our testing that the bike’s color schemes and overall paint job quality reminded us of classic cars. It’s not uncommon to see dutch-style e-bikes with old-school styling, but the Aveny Skyline really brings a refined level of quality to the category.

Its looks may be deceiving; the Aveny Skyline is actually pretty speedy, too. The bike’s 500W motor and 27.5” wheels provide quick acceleration, and despite lacking a suspension, it handles bumps well. We noticed that the bike did struggle somewhat on steep inclines, though it still had the torque to get to the top. Overall, the Aveny Skyline’s ride is smooth, responsive, and generally what we expected from the bike’s design and purpose.

We appreciate seeing features like the Aveny Skyline’s integrated rear rack, fenders, and taillights on commuter e-bikes, as these additions really dial them into their function. Blix offers quite a few accessories to expand the functionality of the rack, which is rated for a respectable 55lbs despite its lightweight construction. We do wish the Aveny Skyline had a slightly larger battery; the included 614Wh power source isn’t huge in the world of e-bikes, but it does provide decent range regardless.

All in all, the Blix Aveny Skyline holds its own when compared to other commuters on this list, but it stands out thanks to its visual styling and classic treatment.

Check Best Price | Read Full Review | Watch Our Video Review

In true Ride1UP style, the brand took everything that was great about the original Prodigy and made the second iteration of the bike better. It’s a hugely versatile e-bike with capability for both trekking and commuting. On top of that, it packs tons of value for a higher-end feel than you’d get anywhere else for the price.

The Prodigy v2 LX includes premium components such as a dialed-in 250W mid-drive motor from Brose, a sealed continuously variable transmission (CVT) from Enviolo, a clean and quiet belt drive from Gates, and a 4-piston hydraulic brake system from Tektro. With this setup, the ride feels intuitive, responsive, and easy.

For example, it’s easy to forget that the Brose motor is even there; if it weren’t for the increased speed and ease of pedaling, the Prodigy v2 LX rides like a normal bike. The CVT feels smooth, and offers the ability to perfectly tune the pedal resistance to match your environment. With a belt drive, maintenance demands are lower, and riders don’t need to worry about getting smeared with grease from a chain.

Another standout feature was the bike’s 504-Wh battery; this grants the Prodigy v2 LX phenomenal range. Ride1UP advertises between 30 and 50 miles, but our tests suggested that it has the potential to keep motoring on for up to around 90.

Consider that the bike includes fenders, lights, and a rear cargo rack with a 40-lb capacity, and there’s no wonder we consider the Prodigy v2 LX to be the best affordable commuter e-bike with a mid-drive motor!

Check Best Price | Read Full Review | Watch Our Video Review

Marketed as an “E-Bike SUV,” the AGO X from Tenways made an outstanding impression with its design and componentry; its hybrid design features many elements that you’d typically find on an entry-level eMTB.

We especially enjoyed the power and feel of the bike’s 250W Bafang mid-drive motor. It packs some punch for when it’s needed, but its output never felt overpowering. Combined with the responsiveness of its torque sensor, the AGO X delivered a natural-feeling ride that didn’t feel overpowering.

One of the bike’s more uncommon features (at least for a commuter) was its set of super-wide, 770 mm handlebars. These gave us great balance and stability in addition to providing excellent steering control.

With those handlebars, an SR Suntour suspension fork, a Shimano Deore drivetrain geared well for climbing, and the reserved but impactful motor, the AGO X is a multipurpose machine that’s set up well for riding off-road. We recommend swapping out the tires for something with better traction on loose ground, but otherwise, the bike has a solid foundation for rougher terrain!

Check Best Price | Read Full Review | Watch Our Video Review

In dense urban areas where space comes at a premium, it may be difficult or impossible to find room for a bulky, full-size e-bike. As such, two-wheeled alternatives to cars or public transit may be completely disregarded as a viable option. To solve this problem, many e-bike manufacturers produce folding e-bikes, which collapse for portability and storage. Some of these are more effective and practical than others, with GoCycle at the front of the pack.

The GoCycle G4 was made to be extremely portable and highly functional. It makes use of a fantastic, quick, and solid folding mechanism, and at just 38 lbs, collapses to a size that is easily carried on a bus or stashed next to a desk. It’s also a Class 2 e-bike, with both pedal assist and throttle limited to 20 mph.

While it’s true that all folding e-bikes have some compromises, the GoCycle G4 keeps these pretty light. Part of that is due to the bike’s abundance of proprietary technology, while the rest is just due to its straight-up excellent design. The G4’s aluminum and composite frame, single-sided carbon fiber fork, rear shock, and single-piece magnesium wheels combine to create its highly practical but lightweight frame. It also features a custom 500W G4drive front-hub motor with a torque sensor, which is surprisingly zippy and capable on hills, and a 36V, 291.6 Wh battery which keeps the bike moving for a respectable range considering its size.

And size is definitely what matters here. For those looking for a compact, lightweight machine but who don’t want to sacrifice when it comes to performance, we highly recommend the GoCycle G4 as one of the best commuter electric bikes.

Check Best Price | Read Full Review | Watch Our Video Review

Specialized has a long history of building some of the best bikes money can buy, so it’s no surprise that they built an e-bike that perfectly embodies what a commuter should be.

The Turbo Vado 5.0 is Specialized’s purpose-built commuter, equipped with the company’s specially-tuned 1.3 mid-drive motor that doles out 250W of power. It’s a Brose motor that Specialized has given its “Rx Street Tune” treatment that the company says makes it more powerful and efficient than the competitors. Powering everything is a 600Wh battery that’s integrated into the frame.

The bike comes with a mixed Shimano XT/SLX 11-speed drivetrain that keeps shifting crisp, even under load, and Shimano hydraulic disc brakes. Efficiency is the name of the game, so while the Turbo Vado comes with a fork, it’s a notably short 50mm variation that takes the edge off bumps but doesn’t add wasted weight. It’s a Class 3 e-bike, so the motor will assist your pedaling until 28 mph but there is not a throttle.

The Turbo Vado 5.0 is the essence of a no-nonsense commuter bike. Specialized is an industry leader in the e-biker world, so their commuter won’t disappoint.

Check Best Price | Read Full Review | Watch Our Video Review

For riders seeking a premium look and feel to their daily ride, the LeMond Dutch should be on your radar. This bike is almost entirely manufactured from carbon fiber, creating a comfortable, extremely lightweight, and beautiful, nearly seamless design. We had some optional upgrades on our test bike, but even without those, the Dutch is also packed with cool tech.

In addition to simply looking great with its single-piece, weld-free frame, the Dutch’s carbon fiber construction allows it to weigh under 30 lbs. This gives the bike an agile, spirited feel that also has a smoother, less jarring ride than you’d get with a rigid aluminum frame.

And of course, the bike’s design matches its name; we found the upright riding position, ergonomic Dutch-style handlebars, and accommodating saddle to be incredibly comfortable.

Add in the Mahle X35 drive system which includes an unobtrusive 250W hub motor, an internal 250 Wh battery, and a single-button iWoc remote interface on the down tube, and the Dutch not only looks like an analog bike – it feels like one too! We loved the helpful but subtle pedal assistance that never strayed from a traditional cycling experience.

The Dutch has comfort, style, and a tremendously good ride feel – making it a perfect choice for our Best Carbon Fiber Commuter award.

Check Best Price | Read Full Review | Watch Our Video Review

As the first e-bike in Denago’s lineup, the City Model 1 needed to make a statement. From the specs and performance of this bike, we learned that its intention was to provide great value by boiling down the essentials of a good bike and starting with highly effective, quality components. This is why the City Model 1 doesn’t come with lights, fenders or a rear rack; Denago offers these as optional accessories that can be purchased separately, but placed their focus squarely on building a solid bike first.

The City Model 1 is a Class 3 e-bike with a surprisingly powerful Shengyi 500W rear-hub motor, 180mm Zoom hydraulic disc brakes, and a 48V, 652 Wh battery. To be frank, the motor knocked our socks off, especially considering its relatively low wattage and torque ratings. It felt potent on flat ground but its capability really shined on an incline. We were also impressed by the City Model 1’s range; it absolutely lived up to Denago’s claim of 45 miles and has the potential to exceed that.

Comfort has also been clearly prioritized by the manufacturer, as the City Model 1 is offered in a whopping three frame sizes. Additionally, to maximize comfort, the bike features an adjustable stem.

For a commuter e-bike around the $1500 range, the Denago City Model 1 provides a solid, affordable starting point that can be added to and expanded to meet the needs of its rider. We highly recommend it even without accessories as one of the best commuters out there.

Check Best Price | Read Full Review | Watch Our Video Review

With a 100mm suspension fork, cruiser-style handlebars, a big saddle on a suspension seatpost, and a glossy step-thru frame with a welded high-capacity cargo rack, Euphree’s City Robin X+ is well-deserving of the award for Best Commuter Electric Bike for Comfort.

This bike is designed to provide an undeniably comfortable ride. We enjoyed its relaxed, upright riding position, and its adjustable stem helped us to find the perfect placement for its curved, comfortable handlebars. With its SR Suntour suspension fork and seatpost, cruising the city streets felt more like floating than anything else!

You might think with such a huge focus on comfort that the City Robin X+ would make sacrifices in other areas – perhaps responsiveness or power. But with a 500W rear-hub motor that uses a torque sensor, the bike can respond naturally in proportion to your effort. This means that, while the motor adds power to your pedaling for added speed, the bike feels and responds like a normal, non-electric bike!

We also really enjoyed the City Robin’s uncommon Auto-Assist feature, which allows the bike to automatically adjust the pedal assist setting depending on your speed; low PAS for slower speeds, and high PAS for faster speeds.

Finally, with a 48V, 672 Wh battery, we observed great results from the bike in our Range Test. Euphree advertises a range of up to 60 miles from a single charge, but during our test on hilly bike paths, we were able to exceed their claim.

Check Best Price | Read Full Review | Watch Our Video Review

There’s no such thing as the perfect commuter e-bike. There are just too many factors to consider; too many different things that each person needs for their daily commute. But there is such a thing as a really, really good commuter. We’re here to help you find that bike.

Many of the bikes on this list we’ve ridden and know very well, but there are others that we’ve included purely based on their design characteristics and components. The bikes we test are put through a number of assessments including a hill climb, a timed circuit and braking tests to get a feel for how they actually perform in the real world. Our team of testers then puts their heads together to compare notes and opinions.

To make this list, we evaluated commuter e-bikes based on a few key criteria, mainly:

• Range: The average commute in the U.S. is about 15 miles one way, so a good commuter should be able to go twice that distance (you’ve got to get to and from work, right?) on a single charge. So a minimum 30 mile range.
• Speed and power: Commuters should be fast, so every bike you’ll see on this list is a Class 3 (speed pedelec) e-bike with a top speed of 28 mph. They also need to have enough power to get you to and from your destination without breaking much of a sweat. Some of these bikes come as a Class 3 and others can be turned into a Class 3 by changing some settings.
• Comfort and efficiency: A commuter bike, at least in our opinion, should feel something like sitting on a well-balanced eMTB. You should be comfortable enough to show up at your destination without lower back pain, but in an efficient enough body position that your pedaling actually gets you somewhere.
• Components and extras: Does it have Bluetooth to connect your phone? Will the bike help you navigate, carry your groceries home and does it have good lights? If that sounds like we’re describing extras that make a good car, it’s because we kind of are. Commuter e-bikes are made to replace cars, so they should have some of the same features.
• What does the manufacturer say it was built for? This may sound obvious, but it’s actually not. E-bike categorization is nebulous at its best and downright nonsensical at its worst. But e-bike manufacturers do their best to describe the best intended use of their bikes, so we take that into account. We sometimes break from their definition in categorizing bikes for our best lists, but not always.

This is not an exhaustive list. Far from it, actually, especially considering one person’s daily commute can be wildly different from the next. What this list is, is a catalogue of some of the best dedicated commuter e-bikes according to the EBR staff’s collective expert opinion. Does that mean you can’t commute on an eMTB or an electric cruiser? You absolutely can, it all depends on what you want from your commute.

From coast to coast, what constitutes a daily commute varies wildly depending on where you live. A commuter in west Texas, for example, is going to need something much different from their commuter e-bike than a person in Portland, Maine. The most important thing to do before buying a commuter e-bike is to really think hard about what you want your bike to do. The former bike salesman in me wants to say that the only way to answer that question is to go ride as many e-bikes as you can — that’s a partially useful answer, as many of the bikes on this list are sold in brick and mortar bike shops, but it’s not entirely good advice considering many, many e-bikes are sold direct to consumer. It’s entirely likely that the best bike for you can’t be ridden until you buy it and it’s shipped to your door. If that’s the case, research is your best friend. Our bike reviews are useful resources, and if you’re a newbie to e-bikes we’ve got a handy guide that’ll help you get started.

Have a bike that you think would be a good contender for our best page? Let us know in the comment section below. At the very least, we always want to know what our readers are riding.