Ever thought about offering an electric bike as a gift? Here is our selection of 12 top e-bike models to help you make your choice if you are considering gifting one or buying one for yourself.
We have handpicked the best candidates that could suit most tastes and budgets in electric bikes.
| E-bike model | Price | See at |
| Best affordable metro style: RadMission | $1,099 | Rad Power Bikes (USA, Canada, Europe) |
| Best family utility: Tern GSD S10 | $3,999 | REI |
| Best for customization: RadRunner | $1,199 | Rad Power Bikes (USA, Canada, Europe) |
| Best commuter step through: RadCity | $1,499 | Rad Power Bikes (USA, Canada, Europe) |
| Best to go anywhere: Charge XC | $2499 | Charge Bikes |
| Best fat tire beach cruiser: Ecotric | $899 | Ecotric Bikes |
| Best no-nonsense commuter: ANCHEER City | $819 | Ancheer Bikes or Amazon |
| Best for small spaces (and budgets): Swagtron Swagcycle | $699 | Amazon |
| Best for extra cargo on a budget: NAKTO Cargo | $1350 | BikeBerry or Amazon |
| Best road experience: Cannondale Synapse Neo 1 | $3799 | REI |
| Unique and fast, on- or off-road: Juiced HyperScrambler | $2499 | Juiced Bikes |
| Best when budget is not an issue: Trek Allant Plus | $5999 | Trek Bikes |
1. Best affordable metro style e-bike – RadMission
A city e-bike that packs utility and minimalism all in one, the RadMission (USA, Canada, Europe) is the height of practicality. Don’t let its seemingly conventional design fool you. This e-bike is the one to get if you’re a little short on bucks but still want features that will exceed your expectations specs-wise.
It provides ample torque (50nM, to be exact) through its 500W motor with a 48V, 10.5 Ah Samsung lithium battery that can give you more than 45 miles (70+ km) of range. That’s hard to beat with the price considered.
Its style has a sort of quiet charm that pays homage to a classic design. Of course, since it doesn’t go overboard with flamboyance, it won’t attract any unwanted attention, which is obviously another undeniable perk.
Understandably, don’t expect any of the miscellaneous stuff you see on other e-bikes; like mudguards and racks you normally see in commuter offerings – which could arguably be one of the reasons why it’s so lightweight for an e-bike, topping at just a little over 40 pounds (around 18 kg).
Read also: How to select the best city e-bike (with examples)? – also in this article, and this article. And, How much does a good city e-bike cost?
RadMission also requires a little assembly. But, for the sheer value for money and versatility that this e-bike has, it belongs right up there at the top. Overall, it’s what most low-end e-bikes should aim for if they don’t want to be grouped among run-off-the-mill types.
Want a solid but wallet-friendly urban e-bike? RadMission more than fits that description. It’s the kind of e-bike that won’t let almost every kind of casual e-bike rider down, even those that do occasional off-riding (though we recommend you don’t push it) – a rare quality, to say the least, especially for an e-bike this inexpensive.
Take a look at the RadMission offer (USA, Canada, Europe) from Rad Power Bikes. Here is a detailed article to help you learn more about the Rad Power brand and its different models.
2. Best family utility e-bike – Tern GSD S10
Designed for a standard family with 2-3 children, this is pretty much the cargo e-bike to beat since it practically ticks all the checkboxes of this type of e-bike.
The Bosch Performance Line 250W mid-drive motor that delivers 63 nM of torque makes it easy for this beast to negotiate even the steeper inclines out there. And that’s even if you’re carrying two kids at the back. It also tops at 20mph (32 km/h), which meets the standard for e-bikes despite anticipating the added weight.
59 pounds (27 kg) may seem heavy but when talking about cargo e-bikes, that’s definitely already a godsend. You get a solid 400-pound (180 kg) carrying capacity, which makes it a permanent substitute for a car when picking up groceries or when going for a leisurely ride in the park or beach.
We also can’t help but fall in love with the nifty folding feature. It definitely deserves the spotlight simply because it’s a fairly uncommon feature that most cargo e-bikes should consider integrating more. It’s a real doozy of a space saver due to this perk alone. Not to mention that it’s already more compact than most cargo e-bikes.
Read also: How to select the best cargo e-bike (with examples)? And, How much does a good cargo e-bike cost?
As for the battery, you get up to 68-70 miles (110 km) of range on a full charge and with dual batteries, which is above average. As for safety, it evidently doesn’t compromise on it with the use of hydraulic brakes.
That said, don’t expect much from the integrated display. It only shows you the bare necessities pertaining to the motor. Also, the memory foam saddle is a plus for comfort, but there are definitely better materials out there. Overall, it’s just decent and still comparatively more satisfactory than other cushions out there.
But when taken as a whole, the Tern S10 surely delivers bang-for-your-buck satisfaction for anyone looking for a dynamic, compact cargo e-bike.
Take a look at the Tern GSD S10 offer from Tern bikes. Here is a detailed article to help you learn more about the Tern brand and its different models.
3. Jack of all trades, best for customization – RadRunner
If there is one model that is truly deserving of the Versatile title, we’d choose the RadRunner (USA, Canada, Europe) in a heartbeat. We can’t even begin to describe how much this e-bike just fluidly caters to literally everyone’s need – beginners and pros alike. Nothing spells build-a-bike better than the RadRunner.
This e-bike provides you with an elementary, made-for-comfort model, which doesn’t take long to assemble. We’re more than willing to grade its designer an A+ due to its innovative customization-centric concept.
In fact, a whopping total of 330 accessories can be added to the RadRunner, most of which serve. That said, RadPower leaves it entirely into the riders’ hands what type of e-bike he will get. It wouldn’t be fair to say that it’s cutting corners just because of the base model’s seemingly basic specs with this fact considered.
Even so, the basic $1,199 model is certainly no pushover. Its Bafang rear hub motor truly packs a punch with 750W of power, and this is complemented by the Samsung 48V, 14 Ah battery that can give you an average riding range of 45 miles (70 km). We guarantee that you won’t have the usual struggle with steeper than normal hills with this electric bike.
Read also: Can e-bikes help climb steep hills? And, How safe are electric bikes?
The only thing that we consider as a really major qualm is the weight of this e-bike, which is a heavy 65 pounds (29 kg). We feel that it doesn’t go well with the high handlebars. If your recipient is used to standard bike weights then he or she might take some time getting used to the RadRunner’s heft.
That being said, the RadRunner is undoubtedly what catapulted the RadPower brand to the heights it is now enjoying. And there’s no better representative of the value that the brand brings to the e-bike industry than this model.
Take a look at the RadRunner offer (USA, Canada, Europe) from Rad Power Bikes. Here is a detailed article to help you learn more about the Rad Power brand and its different models.
4. Best commuter step through – RadCity
The RadCity (USA, Canada, Europe) could very well be the epitome of practical commuting. It gives you everything you need in a commuter e-bike (fenders, lights, and a rack) minus the hassle of fitting and customizing each one. That it was recognized as the best most affordable city/commuter e-bike should give you an idea about its superiority over other models that cost thrice more.
The RadCity virtually has the same Samsung lithium 48V 14Ah battery included in the RadRunner and it also has a 750W direct drive hub motor. It also uses a relatively low frame and raised handlebars, which are hallmarks of comfort in any commuter model. The obvious difference is that it’s more specifically designed for no-hassle commuting and not for personalization.
RadPower claims the range is 45 miles (70 km), but we’ve had runs that prove the e-bike can push it to 50 and more. Tech-wise, it’s pretty amazing since the LCD is larger, which means you won’t have a hard time reading the metrics. The bonus phone mount is always welcome since you can rely on your smartphone for GPS. Had built-in GPS been integrated, it would have undoubtedly ballooned the price more.
Read also: How to select the best commuter e-bike (with examples)? – also in this article. And, how much does a commuter e-bike cost?
It maintains safety with the help of its mechanical disc brakes, which do a solid enough job in terms of stopping power, but obviously, hydraulic brakes are pretty much the standard. It helps that you get large reflective stripes on the included puncture-resistant tires.
Incidentally, the RadCity is a bit lighter than the RadRunner, so you may want to consider it more if you’re aiming for a dedicated commuter e-bike. However, at 63 pounds (28 kg), it’s still a considerably heavy e-bike. Sure, it costs a few hundred more but you will be guaranteed a smooth commuting experience every time.
Take a look at the RadCity offer (USA, Canada, Europe) from Rad Power Bikes. Here is a detailed article to help you learn more about the Rad Power brand and its different models.
5. Best to go anywhere – Charge XC
Another e-bike that’s brimming with versatility, the Charge XC easily sets itself apart with its folding capability, all-weather-resistant fenders, and terrific ability to handle city streets and rough trails superbly.
Not immediately highlighting the folding capability of this e-bike would be doing it an immense injustice. If you’re not already aware of it, most folding e-bikes tend to follow a more minimized frame design to keep the weight down. The Charge XC basically defies convention by adopting the conventional design but still making itself a bonafide space-saver by making its handlebars and pedals foldable.
What’s even better is the fact that – packing 55 pounds (25 kg) of heft – the Charge XC seamlessly earns the “lightweight” tag. And if you’re worried about the folding parts affecting your ride in any way, know that we’ve had considerable mileage in this e-bike and never once felt that they impacted the experience.
Read also: How to select the best gravel e-bike (with examples)? And, How much does a gravel e-bike cost?
As for essential features, we also love that you can remove the fast-charging batteries, and you can get a maximum range of 50 miles (80 km) for every complete charge. The 250W motor is enough to let you achieve 20mph (32 km/h), optimal for overcoming most types of city inclines.
If you want an e-bike that is the very incarnation of what riders want and look for in a hybrid, then there’s no better example than the Charge XC.
Take a look at the Charge XC offer from Charge bikes.
6. Best fat tire beach cruiser – Ecotric
Any beach bum who adores doing utterly relaxing cruises at the local beachfront might fall head over heels just as well with the Ecotric. It’s the fat e-bike designed for lazing and zipping through sands but could just as easily belong in any city’s streets, alleys, and bike lanes.
Sporting fat tires and a downsized, but no less stylish look, the Ecotric fat e-bike is the kind of model that you won’t think twice to rely on. It doesn’t beg you to take extra care of it by virtue of its unassuming yet very solid design. It may seem like your average workhouse, but you’ll find that with continuous riding, there’s really more to it than meets the eye.
The 500W rear hub motor offers sturdy assist, just enough, but still worth it. Talking about range, the Ecotric may pale in comparison to others in this list because it only affords you around 15 to 30 miles per charge (25 – 50 km). But since it’s designed for more of those lazy, relaxing afternoon rides at the beach, then this shouldn’t be surprising.
Read also: Why fat tires are good news for electric bikes? And, How to select the best hybrid e-bike?
It forgoes fancy tech for more essential ones like an LCD display that shows your current assist mode, speed, power, battery levels, and distance traveled. All you need to know, in short. Ultimately, it’s more than a bargain with the less than $900 price tag and the sheer completeness of its features considered. Although it would definitely have benefited from a fender and some lights.
As a whole, the Ecotric could humble any high-end e-bike that pales in comparison when compared with what the former brings to the table. It’s literally the perfect e-bike that shows there are diamonds in the rough.
Take a look at the Ecotric offer from Ecotric bikes. Here is a detailed article to help you learn more about the Ecotric brand and its different models.
7. Best no-nonsense commuter e-bike – ANCHEER City
Commuter e-bikes naturally lean toward providing a comfortable ride. That said, the ANCHEER city e-bike is the best example of that – it’s hard to use any other word to describe the kind of smooth sailing that characterizes this e-bike as you zip through city streets with it.
The low drop bars are already a given, but it’s the handlebars’ position and the way it seems to perfectly complement the latter that allows this e-bike to ensure a comfy ride almost every time. It encourages you to adopt the most comfortable riding position with ease, to the point that you’ll notice the immense difference regardless of how much time you spend riding it.
The motor has 250W and can achieve a maximum speed of 19mph (30 km/h). As far as riding range is concerned, the ANCHEER city e-bike gives you 35 miles (55 km) tops, which is average. But it’s not really designed for heavy-duty use in the first place.
Read also: How to select the best cruiser e-bike? And, How much does a good cruiser e-bike cost?
Don’t let its appearance fool you. This can handle even the most difficult hills and climbs, so if your recipient lives in a city with plenty of inclines, they won’t be an issue with this e-bike. Notably, the tires are slip-resistant, which is great because that’s practically a safety guarantee. It’s easy to get the hang of, particularly when triggering the motor assist, and handle, which are great pluses.
We wholeheartedly recommend this model to anyone who wants a cruiser e-bike that radiates calm and relaxation not only from its appearance but, more importantly, the quality rides you get from it.
Take a look at the ANCHEER offer on ANCHEER bikes or on Amazon.
8. Best for small spaces (and small budgets) – Swagtron Swagcycle
A truly ergonomic pure folding e-bike that’s easy on the wallet, the Swagtron Swagcycle could fit right in any modern commuter’s home or apartment, even if you’re worried about storage space. True to its design philosophy, it’s feature-packed, too.
The Swagtron Swagcycle EB-7 can be folded in seconds, and there are three distinct, relatively quick folding actions you need to do to stow it away after use. Once folded, its size virtually decreases by close to half compared to its unfolded form.
It’s no pushover as far as motor power and torque assist are the topic. The 350W read hub motor imparts enough support for a steady uphill climb. However, it may not be as potent as the others mentioned here.
The battery charges quickly with waiting times of only 3 or 4 hours, but the range is nothing to brag about since you get only around 15 miles or 25 km (that is if you use full assist mode). That said, we can say that that flaw is offset by the short battery charging times.
The kind of ride you get from the Swagtron is really what contributes to its value. It’s very comfortable, due to its ergonomic, minimalistic design. Since it’s clearly designed to cater to contemporary needs, it doesn’t fall short on the tech as well. For one, Swagcycle actually includes their Autoguard brake technology into it, which immediately stops the motor once you brake.
Read also: How to select the best folding e-bike (with examples)? And, How much does a good foldable e-bike cost?
The Swagtron uses an LCD panel, which shows your speed, battery charge left, and the motor mode. It lets you switch to a human-power mode, too, which technically makes it a good recommendation for people who still want to get a standard bike experience from their e-bikes.
In summary, it’s a foldable e-bike that tends to be underestimated, but often almost always proves the doubters wrong.
Take a look at the Swagtron Swagcycle offer on Amazon.
9. Best for your extra cargo on a budget – NAKTO Cargo
NAKTO’s cargo e-bike is the definitive commuter/cruiser electric bike with a carrying capacity that hits the spot for most scenarios requiring light transportation of objects (and pets).
The 36V, 10Ah removable lithium battery claims to provide you up to 28 miles (45 km) of range. Expect this to be lower if you go full throttle for the entire ride. This e-bike is obviously designed for short trips or for people that need to run errands regularly.
The NAKTO cargo e-bike uses a 250W brushless motor, which can surprisingly let you achieve impressive speeds of 25mph (40 km/h). It has 2 working modes only (Bike and Assisted Bike), which can be activated at the same time, so you can either pedal every once in a while or let the motor do all the work. This makes it easy to get the hang of for novices, especially as it’s not hard to handle as well.
Read also: How to select the best cruiser e-bike? And, How much does a good cruiser e-bike cost?
That NAKTO managed to tick the fundamental e-bike checkboxes with this model’s price range is a miracle enough as it is. In any case, don’t expect most of the components to be of high-quality; we suspect the battery cells are China-made. Even so, for us, what counts is it performs way beyond what you’d expect from an e-bike that costs this low.
The comfort-boosting higher handlebars work in great synergy with the upright seated position that the rider naturally adopts. For the added bonuses of the basket and a rear rack, as well as the fenders and a headlight throw in, this model is a telling sign that NAKTO knows what the average commuters and errand-runners need.
With this e-bike budget-friendliness meets ease-of-use, comfort, and utility, making it the ultimate e-bike for everyday riding.
Take a look at the Nakto Cargo offer on BikeBerry or Amazon. Here is a detailed article to help you learn more about the Nakto brand and its different models.
10. Best road experience – Cannondale Synapse Neo 1
Built for the consummate off-roader, the Cannondale Synapse Neo 1 delivers the kind of ideal road experience bikers look for in their bikes and e-bikes. And it does this without any hitches, which not a lot of road e-bikes can boast of.
It features an almost perfectly tuned combination of 500W Bosch Performance Line motor with 50nM torque as well as a lithium-ion battery. The brand states that the top speed is 20mph (32 km/h) and the total range can reach up to 150 miles (240 km) on a full pedal assist, but, as in other e-bikes, these are affected by numerous factors such as rider weight, riding behavior, etc. Be that as it may, you can’t fault this road e-bike at all if you expect plenty of mileage from it.
Another aspect that we’re more than happy to rain praises on is weight. It’s very manageable since it keeps it below 40 pounds or 18 kg (39 pounds to be exact). That lighter-than-average weight is almost always a treat to get from most e-bike models for obvious reasons. And did we mention that it’s fairly noise-free as well?
Read also: How to select the best road e-bike (with examples)? – and also in this article. And, How much does a good road e-bike cost?
The adjustable drop handlebar ups comfort extremely well and also contributes to boosting the rider’s handling as a whole. On the other hand, the Shimano hydraulic brakes fit most e-bike road safety standards thanks to their consistent performance in any kind of road and weather conditions.
Considering the mid-range price, the Cannondale Synapse Neo 1 does very well for what it has been built. We think the decision to integrate an aluminum frame (although it’s just average in durability) did well to keep costs down. That’s not to say that aluminum frames are fragile, and for the off-road experience this model provides, we can safely say that it more than fulfills its main purpose.
Take a look at the Cannondale Synapse Neo 1 offer from Cannondale. Here is a detailed article to help you learn more about the Cannondale brand and its different models.
11. Unique and fast, on- or off-road – Juiced Bikes HyperScrambler
Nothing short of revolutionary, Juiced Bikes’ HyperScrambler 2 is proof that e-bikes can push their perceived limits further. Truly, a model that lives up to its maker’s name.
Achieving top speeds of more than 30mph (48 km/h), the HyperScrambler is a speed demon incarnate. It’s most certainly built for the daredevil rider, who savors the feeling of blazing through off-road trails of all kinds.
But don’t let this buffed behemoth give you the sole impression that it’s just for rough, cross-country trails. Naturally, it defies categorization – unless, perhaps, if we’re going to consider the hybrid category. At best, this fact only underscores the utter originality of this e-bike.
It comes with innate dual 52V 19.2Ah batteries that allow it to push its riding range to more than 100 miles (160 km) with every full charge. Paired with a whopping 1000W Bafang retro blade motor, this lethal combination is just one of the reasons why the HyperScrambler fits the label of “innovation” to a T.
Read also: Here is why e-bikes are really cool. And, How to select the best city e-bike (with examples)?
The integrated tech is also nothing to joke about. The more advanced LCD dives into more metrics like power output, voltage, charge, besides speed and distance. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. It even comes with assist sensors for added safety, complementing its hydraulic disk brakes and security alarm.
You’d better be ready to take in more weight than what the average e-bike already packs, though. 119 pounds (54 kg) is not exactly child’s play for the already innately hefty average e-bike.
Through its name alone, the HyperScrambler already raises the expectation bar high. Based on our experience with it and the overwhelmingly positive feedback it has gotten, we won’t hesitate to say that this Juiced Bikes offering more than meets it.
Take a look at the Juiced HyperScrambler offer from Juiced bikes. Here is a detailed article to help you learn more about the Juiced brand and its different models.
12. Best e-bike when budget is not an issue – Trek Allant Plus 9.9S
Premium and big-ticket don’t get any better than the Trek Allant Plus 9.9S. But the best part is it actually gives you your money’s worth, and then some more!
This hybrid/commuter e-bike immediately earned its niche in the already quite saturated commuter e-bike market. And that should tell you a lot about the value that it brings. Simply put, Trek knew how to make the most of high-end components, and, mixed with their distinct design philosophies, the result is this truly one-of-a-kind model that could beat a car with its powered-up performance alone.
The 625W Bosch PowerTube with the famed Performance Speed drive system makes 28mph (45 km/h) a breeze to achieve with this still arguably unrivaled creation. The 75nM torque means it would practically baby its rider with all the stable motor assistance he will be getting. Range-wise, it doesn’t disappoint as well because it doesn’t fall below the 75-mile mark (120 km) with a fully charged battery.
Read also: Cowboy 3 vs Vanmoof S3 review, top connected city e-bikes. And, Angell vs Cowboy vs Vanmoof, which one would you choose?
It has its own dedicated app, which you use via your smartphone to gain access to nifty features like onboard directions, basic metrics, and even listen to music and make phone calls. All of these are made possible thanks to the COBI SmarphoneHub controller, which is also designed by Bosch.
We can think the only downsides are the price tag (if it could even be rightfully considered as such). It’s well worth it, though, considering everything you get, and that’s just putting it lightly. If you want to go all the way in gifting your e-bike fanatic friend or loved one, then the Allant Plus 9.9S should be at the top of your list.
Take a look at the Trek Allant Plus offer from Trek bikes. Here is a detailed article to help you learn more about the Trek brand and its different models.
A few words in conclusion
These models certainly manage to stand on their pedestals when considering various crucial criteria in e-biking. What’s sure is they more than deliver what you’d expect from them if we’re going to focus on their designers’ intent.
Read also: Check out the most popular e-bike brands.
With that in mind, you simply need to know what your recipient wants in an e-bike, and this list should be able to help you decide in no time.
