While it beats out other budget models in terms of power, range, and ride quality, it does not come with lights, fenders, or a cargo rack. At the other end of the spectrum, the Blix Packa and Rad Power RadWagon 4 are heavy and long bikes with a huge cargo capacity. Most of the models arrived mostly assembled with only a few relatively easy steps remaining to get them ready to roll. In under 30 minutes, we had each bike ready to rip. This reasonably priced folding bike qualifies for the budget category, yet it performs as well or better than many more expensive competitors. After researching the top models on the market, we purchased 17 for side-by-side testing and comparison. This unique tech-forward bike makes automatic changes to the pedal assistance and has limited controls, really just a bell and a turbo button, as a result. The Timeless Quality Of Filsons Oil Finish Tin, Filson Celebrating 125 Years of Unfailing Goods, YETIs NewTan Panga Family Has Your Back When. Over the last three years, we've tested 45 different e-bikes across multiple e-bike categories. All rights reserved. Less rider control over gear and pedal assist changes. As electric bikes rise in popularity, there are new models and styles becoming available all the time. That said, if you're looking for a powerful electric fat tire bike for all of your adventures, we think the Aventon Aventure is one of the best there is. Aventon has slowly been expanding their range of electric bikes, and the Soltera is a reasonably priced Class 2 city-style model. Suspension fork, front/rear lights, rear rack, front/rear fenders, suspension seatpost. The RadWagon 4 is a great electric cargo bike for transporting the kids, running errands, commuting, or just having fun. Aventoncontinues to launch more innovative products andis knownas a leader in quality, precision engineering, and efficient manufacturing. The displays show several data fields and are relatively easy to read, although their smaller screen size and location make them a little less user-friendly to view than our top-rated models. A Lake Tahoe resident for the past 21 years, Benson is an obsessive mountain biker and gravel rider, competing in the Pro class in endurance cycling events throughout northern California. Our testing revealed a pretty large spread from the longest, 32.4 miles, to the shortest, 18.3 miles, ranges. The availability at Best Buy advances our goals to truly be the first e-mobility company for the real world and getting more people to join the movement.. The Ride1Up 700-Series also boasts a strong 750W geared hub motor. Not only does it have a front hub motor (all of the other bikes we tested have rear hub motors), but it's a Class 1 model with a twist. This weight makes it less than ideal if you need to carry it up or down a flight of stairs, and it can be challenging to load onto a bike rack. Ours came in its Class 2 settings with a 20mph top speed, but it can also be configured in Class 1 or Class 3. Let us know! In addition to the top speed of each bike, we compared their acceleration, range of pedal assistance, quality of the output, and their ability to hold speed uphill and over time. Our test bike arrived fully assembled in its compact, folded position, so all we needed to do was unfold it and lock the frame and handlebar in place to get it ride-ready. We feel that the ride quality of a bike is one of its most critical performance characteristics. Aventon is known for its unique blend of quality, design, performance, and real-world pricing and for offering a wide and growing range of eBike models that cater to adventure, commuting, and recreational riding. The two folding models we tested were the clear winners in this metric because they arrived fully assembled. This city/commuter style bike comes with fast-rolling 700c wheels and tires, and it has sharp, responsive handling and unflinching stability at higher speeds. The RadCity 5 Plus has you covered for long rides, going 30 miles in our range test without even pedaling. As a full-time bike tester and reviewer for the past five years, Benson has tested nearly 100 mountain bikes, gravel bikes, fat bikes, e-MTBs, and electric bikes combined. They feel noticeably less stable and steady than the larger wheeled competition, a tradeoff for their folding convenience. What works best for you depends on your needs. Despite having a 750W motor, the RadCity 4 is a Class 2 model that is limited to 20mph with the throttle and pedal assist. They aren't quite as easygoing or forgiving as the abovementioned models, a trade-off for their sportiness and agility. Available In-Store and Online with Service and Support from Geek Squad. While the battery integration is very streamlined, it can't be removed for charging, so you'll need to get the entire bike within the charging cord's reach of an outlet. This Class 3 e-bike's strong 750W motor easily gets up to 28 mph using pedal-assist and 20 mph with the throttle. The 350W motor happily pushes you along at 20 mph using the throttle, with 5 levels of pedal assist to support your efforts. All of these bikes also have ergonomic control buttons located next to the left grip, where they are easy to reach with the thumb while riding, along with thumb paddle or twist throttles. Fenders, rear rack, front and rear lights, ..? Aventon went a step further with the Aventure and Soltera, both of which are compatible with the Aventon companion app. Likewise, with just 4 gears, the drivetrain doesn't have the widest range and may not be the best for those who live in very hilly areas. When our testing concluded, we rated each model on several predetermined metrics, including ride quality, range, power output, user interface, and ease of assembly. Likewise, the smaller 346Wh battery corresponds to a shorter range in our testing, but realistically, it's probably adequate for most people's needs. The VanMoof app is a well-designed and important part of the package as it allows you to change settings, track rides, and configure the integrated security features of the bike. With 27.5-inch wheels, girthy tires, and a suspension fork, the Level feels stable, smooth, responsive, and composed in any situation. His years of experience have helped him develop an especially critical eye and the ability to identify and analyze important performance differences in the products he tests. They also come equipped with user-friendly features like front and rear lights, fenders, and sturdy cargo racks. There's a lot to like about the Lectric XP 2.0, but we do have a couple of gripes. A huge 720Wh battery is cleanly integrated into the bike's frame giving it sleek looks and a solid distance range. While we loved nearly everything about the 700-Series, its assembly process is a bit more involved than other bikes we tested. While not quite as quick to accelerate using the throttle as the aforementioned models, its 500W (750W peak) motor felt robust, and it had no problem hitting and holding 28 mph on flat ground in its highest pedal assist level. That said, we feel this affordable, versatile, and powerful folding model is an excellent value. This bike is fast, but you also don't have to ride it or any of the Class 3 models at top speed all the time. The Class 3 Aventon Level Step-Thru also impressed us with its power and 28 mph top speed. The VanMoof S3 takes a unique approach with limited controls, a tope tube integrated LED matric display, ad the well-designed VanMoof app. There was little we didn't like about the RadWagon 4, but it's hard to look past the length and weight of this bike. All of the bikes in this review are somewhat different, and their comfort, features, components, and handling naturally all vary as a result. The Rad Power and Aventon models, Lectric XP 2.0, Magnum Metro, and the Blix Packa impressed us the most with large digital display screens centered in the middle of the handlebar in an easy-to-see location. No ads. Since our test selection also included some Class 1 models, it required us to tweak our throttle-only test just slightly. It wasn't just its speed that was impressive, however, as this bike had a very refined feel to its power delivery thanks to its combination of cadence and advanced torque sensors. Even more impressive, the Metro held a very fast average speed of 17.9 mph in the process. Each bike's interface is different, and their ergonomics, user-friendliness, and intuitiveness vary among the models in this review. It also has a relatively tall front end and handlebar, and while the stem is adjustable, the seated position is quite upright. All rights reserved. The S3 seamlessly integrates with the user-friendly VanMoof app where you can make changes to settings (bell sound, lights, gear shifting, pedal assist levels, etc) and track your rides. The speed limits of many electric bikes can be adjusted, so they can be used in Class 2 or Class 3 configurations, and often the throttle can be disconnected to configure it as a Class 1. Fortunately, you only need to assemble it once. We researched Bike pumps may not be the most exciting cycling gear to Are you in need of a new rack to transport your beloved Searching for the best multi-tool for biking? All trademarks property of their respective owners Despite its small size and folding convenience, this bike still weighs 62+ lbs, so carrying it up a flight of stairs or putting it in the trunk of a car can be somewhat awkward and challenging. The security hardware on the axles will likely deter bike thieves, but we are also concerned about the difficulty of replacing a tube if you get a flat out on a ride. Finishing the job only required attaching the front wheel, handlebar, pedals, and adjusting the seat height. The Rad Power RadWagon 4 is one of the most popular electric cargo bikes on the market. It doesn't have the zippiest handling, but it is responsive and predictable, plus it comes equipped with quality name-brand components including an 8-speed drivetrain and powerful hydraulic disc brakes that work very well. It has a relaxed, upright seated position with comfortable touchpoints and lots of handlebar and seat height adjustability, plus it comes in step-through and step-over frame styles to suit varying needs. With over a decade of experience in the cycling industry, Aventon is a trusted name with a wealth of experience. This bike has clean lines with a fully integrated battery, and it is offered in both step-over (tested) and step-thru frame styles, 3 color options, and 7-speed (tested) or single-speed drivetrain configurations. This bike is quick to accelerate using the throttle, and the 500W (800W peak) motor assists speeds up to 28 mph. A strong 750W geared hub motor has no problem moving this heavyweight bike along at 20 mph while using the throttle or pedal assistance, and its large 672Wh battery helps to give it an impressive distance range. With a zippy 17.5 mph average speed, the CrossCurrent finished the test in a quick hour and 30 minutes. Its sporty geometry requires a more athletic body position that further enhances its fast and racy feel. The Aventure is one of the most powerful bikes we've ever tested. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. Even the poorest performing bike in this test still went 18.3 miles, which is honestly quite an impressive distance to ride a bike without pedaling. Likewise, the small but mighty Lectric XP 2.0 surprised us with its power. The Soltera is a good-looking Class 2 city bike that we feel is a great value. The Panga DryBags and SideKick Dry Gear Case are fully submersible, waterproof vaults aredesigned to keep your valuables bone-dry through high tide and low. All of the steps can be completed at home by following the instructions carefully, it just takes a bit of time and patience, or you can bring it to a shop if you're unsure of your ability to do it yourself. Our assessment of power output is based on more than just the size of the motor, and we performed several tests to analyze both the throttle and pedal assistance. Sleek frame with great battery integration, Available in 2 frame styles and 2 drivetrain configurations, Rigid frame and skinny tires - slightly harsher ride, Mid-sized battery - mid-sized distance range. It also comes loaded with features like lights, fenders, USB charging, and it is ready to mount optional front and rear racks so you can carry all of your gear. In the US, electric bikes fall into three classes. It also comes with a quality user interface and features like fenders, lights, and a cargo rack that can support up to 75 lbs. Aventons Next Generation Pace 500 & 350 Have Arrived. In most cases, the size of the battery correlates pretty directly with the distance a bike was able to travel. The 27.5-inch wheels roll fast and the high volume tires and 100mm suspension fork do wonders to take the edge off of cracks, bumps, and rough surfaces. Also leading the pack with its excellent ride quality was the Aventon Level Step-Thru. Prices and offers are subject to change. Pressing the turbo button is a lot like pushing a throttle, although you need to be pedaling for it to work. This competitively priced e-bike comes with a 750W geared hub motor that is plenty powerful with quick acceleration and supported speeds up to 28 mph using pedal assist and 20 mph under throttle power. A variety of factors, like wheel size and geometry, play a role in how a bike handles at speed or while turning. When it comes to a great ride, the Ride1Up 700-Series delivers. At 63 lbs and 11 oz, it's also a fairly heavy bike, and carrying it up or down stairs and loading it onto a bike rack is definitely a bit of a chore. The display is also quite different, and it has an LED matrix integrated into the top tube of the frame. The Magnum Metro also scored well in this metric. The CrossCurrent came to us in its Class 3 configuration, and it accelerated quickly to its top throttle speed of 20 mph and felt eager to get up to 28 mph using pedal assist. The 350W motor provides a nice boost of power to amplify your pedaling, but it's obviously far less powerful than the larger motors found on many of the other bikes we tested. The Lectric XP 2.0 edged slightly in front, as the process was as simple as taking the bike out of the box, removing the packing materials, and unfolding/locking the bike into its riding position. Meanwhile, included features like integrated lights, fenders, cargo racks, and suspension can enhance the user-friendliness and rider experience of each model. In an effort to differentiate between the e-bikes in this test, we performed several quantifiable tests to make direct performance comparisons between the different models. These screens provide a wealth of information, making it easy to know your current speed, pedal assist level, distance, time, etc. This bike was quick off the line using the throttle or pedal assist, and it held power impressively well while going up gradual hills during our throttle-only range testing. Timeless quality garment that develops a natural patina over, Established in Seattle in 1897, Filson is the leading outfitter and manufacturer of unfailing goods and apparel. For this review, we exhaustively researched the best moderately priced e-bikes on the market and then purchased seventeen for side-by-side testing and comparison. An outlier in this metric is the VanMoof S3. Can haul lots of cargo with add-on accessories, Need to purchase accessories to really take advantage of cargo-carrying capabilities. Comes in two frame styles and multiple color options. The headlight is a nice touch, but you'll have to spring for things like fenders and a cargo rack if you want them. A huge surprise in our test was the Rattan Folding, but with a 624Wh battery and a 500W rear hub motor, it was a top performer. This fast-moving bike comes in Class 3 settings, and it had absolutely no problem ripping along at 28 mph while using pedal assist. Every model we tested has a different interface that consists primarily of the controls and display. As a Class 2 model, it's also limited to a top speed of 20 mph using pedal-assist, but again that may be ideal for many users. Aventon - Soltera 7-Speed Step-Over Ebike w/ 40 mile Max Operating Range and 20 MPH Max Speed - Onyx Black, Aventon - Aventure Step-Over Ebike w/ 45 mile Max Operating Range and 28 MPH Max Speed - Camouflage Green, Aventon - Level Commuter Step-Through Ebike w/ 40 mile Max Operating Range and 28 MPH Max Speed - Earth Grey, Aventon - Soltera 7-Speed Step-Over Ebike w/ 40 mile Max Operating Range and 20 MPH Max Speed - Citrine, Aventon - Soltera 7-Speed Step-Through Ebike w/ 40 mile Max Operating Range and 20 MPH Max Speed - Seafoam Green, Aventon - Aventure Step-Through Ebike w/ 45 mile Max Operating Range and 28 MPH Max Speed - Electric Red, Aventon - Aventure Step-Over Ebike w/ 45 mile Max Operating Range and 28 MPH Max Speed - Fire Black, Aventon - Aventure Step-Through Ebike w/ 45 mile Max Operating Range and 28 MPH Max Speed - Camouflage Green, Aventon - Aventure Step-Through Ebike w/ 45 mile Max Operating Range and 28 MPH Max Speed - SoCal Sand, Aventon - Pace 500 v2 Step-Over Ebike w/ 40 mile Max Operating Range and 28 MPH Max Speed - Midnight Black, Aventon - Sinch Step-Through w/ 40 mile Max Operating Range and 20 MPH Max Speed - Moss Green, Aventon - Soltera 7-Speed Step-Through Ebike w/ 40 mile Max Operating Range and 20 MPH Max Speed - Lilac Grey, Aventon - Pace 500 v2 Step-Through Ebike w/ 40 mile Max Operating Range and 28 MPH Max Speed - Ghost White, Aventon - Pace 500 v2 Step-Through Ebike w/ 40 mile Max Operating Range and 28 MPH Max Speed - Celeste, Aventon - Aventure Step-Over Ebike w/ 45 mile Max Operating Range and 28 MPH Max Speed - SoCal Sand, Aventon - Level Commuter Step-Over Ebike w/ 40 mile Max Operating Range and 28 MPH Max Speed - Stone Grey, Aventon - Sinch Step-Through w/ 40 mile Max Operating Range and 20 MPH Max Speed - Bonfire Red, Aventon - Pace 350 v2 Step-Through Ebike w/ 40 mile Max Operating Range and 20 MPH Max Speed - Plum Purple, Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability. He is the founder of Skyblue Overland and resides in Boulder, Colorado. This utilitarian model has a 350 lb weight limit, a large rear platform, and is designed to work with a huge array of aftermarket baskets, seats, and racks, so you can configure it to meet your cargo carrying needs. The Juiced CrossCurrent S2 is a fast and powerful model. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. That said, we feel the Soltera is a great, reasonably priced option for those seeking a sporty city-style e-bike. Power output is dependent mainly on the size or wattage, of a bike's motor, with larger motors producing more torque and power. Aventon eBike models are available online at BestBuy.com for delivery or store pickup and can be found in select Best Buy stores this coming Spring/Summer of 2022. A powerful motor, excellent range, comfortable ride, and lots of included features make the 700-Series a top performer while the competitive price makes it a great value. The display and controls on the Magnum Metro were some of the best in the test. Copyright 2022 Skyblue Overland, LLC. It also comes loaded with user-friendly features like lights, fenders, a burly two-footed kickstand, USB charging, and a bell. There's no doubt this fast and powerful e-bike will get you where you need to go quickly and put a smile on your face in the process. With so many models on the market, it can be a challenge to find the right one. No matter your needs or budget, there's an e-bike to suit you. The cumulative scores helped us determine our best overall and top pick award winners. 2022 Best Buy. Models include Aventure/Aventure Step-Through, Level/Level Step-Through, Sinch Foldable eBike, Pace 500/Pace 500 Step-Through, and the Pace 350 Step-Through. The VanMoof S3 is a very unique electric bike with a modern design aesthetic that is loaded with interesting tech features. We found the powerful motors to have no problem accelerating and holding speed while using the throttle going up hills. An all-in-one control/display unit is mounted by the left grip with good ergonomics and a variety of data available at a glance. Fenders, front and rear lights, app compatibility, IPX4 rated???? These Class 2 models easily do 20 mph with the throttle or while using pedal assist, with quick acceleration and five smooth pedal-assist support levels. While it can potentially replace your car, you've got to spend additional money to customize it with aftermarket accessories to really unlock its cargo carry potential. Even smaller motors give a significant boost to your pedaling efforts. The Aventure is a great fat tire electric bike that won't put any limitations on where you can go. Our only complaint about the Level is that it doesn't come with lights. Frankly, most bikes come with good control and display systems these days, and multiple models are tied for top honors in this metric. Built upon a reputation for reliability, Filson has been trusted by generations of anglers and hunters, engineers and explorers, mariners and, Introducing YETIS newTan Panga Family their first update to the Panga line since 2017. High volume knobby tires increase surface versatility, Less stable/twitchier handling than non-folding models. Riders interact with their e-bikes primarily through their display and controls. They roll fast, stable, and smooth, plus they have sharp, responsive handling. We rode it for 29.7 miles with over 1,500 feet of elevation gain/loss at an average speed of 15.4 mph. The Rattan Folding was also completely assembled, though removing the protective packing material proved to be a bit of a chore, and some spray foam ended up leaving residue on our brand new bike. Class 1 e-bikes have pedal assist only and are limited to a top speed of 20 mph. If your adventures take you off the pavement, the Aventon Aventure and its 4-inch wide knobby tires provide a smooth and comfortable ride on a wide range of surfaces. Every bike in this test was shipped directly to us and required some amount of assembly before taking them out for test rides. It comes with a relatively nice build for the price, plus it has one of the best display/controls we tested that also integrates with the Aventon app. Aventons New Foldable Sinch Step-Through Electric Bike: A First Look, Aventons New Soltera E-Bike: A First Look, Aventons Next Generation Pace 500 & 350 Have Arrived, Lensrentals Provides All The Photography Gear You Need For, Born from the need to protect against thorns and briars in the rain-soaked Pacific Northwest, Filsons oil finish Tin Cloth is relied on by loggers, foresters, sportsmen and tradesmen. When paired through your smartphone, the app allows you to record rides, share your adventures, and easily make changes to the bike and display settings (adjusting the speed limit between Class 2 and 3 settings, for example). Got feedback? For several weeks we rigorously tested each electric bike in this review while examining their range, power output, ride quality, user interface, and ease of assembly. Despite these concerns, we feel this is a great option for anyone seeking a quality Class 2 electric commuter. There are loads of great e-bikes on the market for commuting, errands, or just getting outside. The Ride1Up 700-Series scored high marks across the board and is the top-rated model in our electric commuter review. With a rigid frame and lower volume tires, the Soltera is quick and agile, but it isn't the most forgiving over rough surfaces. While it performs well for a folding model, it can't quite match the stability or steady handling of non-folding models with larger wheels. Whether for your daily commute, getting around town, or spending more time outside, e-bikes are a fun and environmentally friendly alternative to vehicular transportation. The range of any bike varies significantly based on many factors, which include, but are not limited to, rider weight, battery storage capacity, terrain, temperature, rider input, and power output. After creating a line of successful fixed-gear bikes and experimenting witheBikes, in 2018, Aventontook the market by storm with the launch of the Pace 500, a high-caliber and affordableeBikethat won prestigious awards and catapulted the companyonto the global stage. Comfort levels are also high with a relaxed seated position, loads of handlebar and seat height adjustability, and it comes in two frame styles to suit varying needs and preferences. GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. We spend lots of time riding each bike to tease out the subtleties of their ride quality. No sponsored content. This bike is quick to accelerate using the throttle and it holds its speed impressively well up hills. This app allows you to sync with the bike and display to change settings, record rides, and share adventures with the Aventon community. Read review: Aventon Aventure Step-Through. With the same size battery and motor power, the Magnum Metro impressed us with 28.7 miles with over 1,500 feet of elevation gain/loss in a time of one hour and 36 minutes. All that said, we still think this is the best reasonably priced electric cargo bike on the market. The XP 2.0 is quick to accelerate and can reach speeds up to 28 mph using pedal assist. Seated body position, seat shape, grips, and seat and handlebar height adjustments help to dictate rider comfort. While every system we tested was functional, some are advanced and show loads of information while others are much more basic. Boasting a massive 720Wh battery, the Ride1Up 700-Series rode away from the competition in our range test. Due to its Class 2 settings, it's also not the fastest bike around with a top pedal-assisted speed of 20 mph. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support. With a large 673Wh battery, the CrossCurrent was among the top performers in our distance range testing, with a high average speed to boot. It has a relatively low standover height making it easy to step on and off the bike, and it has large seat and handlebar height adjustments that can accommodate riders between 5'1" and 6'4". Not far behind, the Rad Power RadCity 5 Plus also posted an impressive 30 miles with 1,627 feet of elevation gain on our test course. Geek Squad can safely assemble and help customers fine-tune their bikes, at the convenience of the customers own home, for $99.99. However, the remaining assembly of every bike we tested can easily be finished at home with a little time, a few tools, and detailed instructions. Whether you're an avid rider or an aspiring home mechanic the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, Sky-high price-to-performance ratio, lots of included features, comfortable-smooth ride, comes in step-thru and step-over frames and 2 sizes, massive distance range, Excellent finish quality, sleek battery integration, excellent range, 28 mph top pedal-assisted speed, comfortable ride, Comfortable ride, lots of adjustability, comes in step-thru and step-over frame styles, powerful motor, loaded with features, Fast, quiet, smooth, fully-featured, good distance range, Streamlined design, powerful motor, Class 3 capable, feature-rich, large tires expand versatility to a range of surfaces, Aventon companion app, Doesn't come with lights, limited handlebar height adjustability, Only 20 mph top pedal assist speed, heavy weight, more expensive, More expensive, not the fastest in the test, Heavy, more difficult to transport, big tires create noise and drag, This bike checks all of our boxes and handily bested the competition in this test, Impressive performance across the board makes this one of the best e-bikes we've tested, A powerful motor, impressive range, smooth ride, and loads of features make this our favorite Class 2 model, A well-rounded and versatile e-bike that was among the best we tested, A sleek and well-integrated Class 3 capable electric bike with a huge battery, powerful motor, and fat tires that enhance its versatility, Class 3 (Can be configured in Class 1 and 2), Class 3 (Can be configured Class 1 and 2), 250 lbs total (up to 55 lbs on rear rack), 275 lbs total (up to 59.5 lbs on rear rack.