The best electric bike of 2020

The electric bicycle has been around for almost 30 years. In that time, they have gone from short-range oddities to reliable transportation that you see every day.

No wonder they are popular. You can run them all-electric, pedal-assist, or pedal-only, so you can choose how much exercise you need. Many are purchased solely for pleasure, but using one for the commute instead of the car can save hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars a year. They are also relatively clean energy.

It's a market that continues to develop, so we recently revised our review to provide you with the most up-to-date information. Our guide also includes an overview of our favorite models to make shopping easier.

The best electric bikes of 2020

1. Elby 9-Speed   Electric Bike - New to our top spot, this is a high-quality, feature-packed model that's ideal for effortless everyday travel and weekend adventure.

2. Ancheer Folding Electric Bike: Perfect for city streets, this compact design offers extraordinary value for money, making it an easy choice for our list this year.

3. Ecotric Fat Tire Electric Bike: Another newcomer to our list, this bike provides comfort and fun in an affordable package, wherever your ride takes you.

You will find more information about each one at the end of the article.

Choosing an electric bike

Tech specs can be confusing with e-bikes, so a quick and easy guide should help:

Watts (W) is the output power. A 750W electric bike will be faster than a 250W model. That said, most are restricted to 20mph, and a 500W model will. Volts (V) is the amount of energy required to drive the motor. It may indicate higher performance, but it depends on the whole package. It is fixed for each model. You cannot, for example, put a 48V battery in a 36V electric bike to get more range or speed. Ampere hours (Ah) is like the amount of fuel. A 12 Ah battery will give a greater range than an 8 Ah battery, although it will also take longer to charge. You can also see Watt hours (Wh). There are converters online if you want to do that for comparison.

Of course, the indicated range can always be extended by giving it some help: a little pedaling on your part! It is important to check how flexible you have. Most electric bikes offer three modes: fully electric, assisted, and full pedaling (which will always get you home if the battery dies). However, some don't just provide pedal.

The style of your electric bike is very personal. Folds are obviously very useful if space is an issue (check weight), but they are not always the most comfortable. Power and range are typically less than stationary models. The city and mountain bike styles are popular for their ease of riding, but the off-road performance of the latter can be modest. Think dirt trails through the park, not big hills.

There is a lot of talk about speeds and there are several gear sets available. These allow you to maximize energy input, particularly on the slopes, but you don't need dozens. Three is fine for short trips around the city, seven or so for longer trips with some hills. Disc brakes are always installed, cable operated on cheaper electric bikes, hydraulic on higher spec models. The latter give a more progressive action, but add costs.

Trip computers are always helpful as they provide not only data on your speed and distance, but also battery status. Being able to remove the battery for charging is a convenient option and keeps it away from thieves.

Q. What does the law say about the use of electric bicycles?

A. Federal law restricts motors to a maximum of 750 watts and 20 mph for street use. However, each state and city has its own rules, so we highly recommend checking your local regulations.

Q. How long will my electric bike battery last?

A. There are many variables, so it is difficult to be precise, but most require 500 to 1,000 charges. A well-maintained bike should last much longer, so replacement costs should play a role in your purchasing decision.

In-depth reviews of the best electric bikes

What we like: Substantial frame with good adjustability. The powerful 500W motor and 48V battery provide consistent, consistent power with a range of up to 80 miles. Powerful hydraulic disc brakes stop you from driving safe. Includes multifunction display and headlight.

What we don't like: Occasional minor glitches are not alleviated by unresponsive support.

What we like: Space-saving design ideal for apartment dwellers, RV owners, etc. The 250W 36V package handles 15 mph and a maximum of 30 miles. The battery can be charged outside the frame. Hard to beat in price.

What we don't like: The quality control is inconsistent, mainly with the cycle parts. A little heavy.

What we like: Lots of performance with a setting of 500W and 36V. Comfort and stability on the road, great traction on dirt, sand or snow. Charge off the bike. Very competitive price for this type of electric bike.

What we don't like: Modest range (about 20 miles). The seat adjustment may not suit short passengers.