One of the great things about e-bikes is that they allow cyclists to go further, faster and carry more with less effort than a traditional bicycle. They empower through power, making it more practical to leave the car in the garage, or ditch it all together.
Here are five e-bikes that could allow you ditch the car and carry on life’s daily duties by bike. From electric bikes that help you speed through your city commute, to ones that'll fold down small for the tiniest apartment, gobble up the longest of commutes, and cargo e-bikes that carry the kids and all your weekly shopping.
Trek XM700
Don’t let the relaxed looks of this Dutch-inspired commuter bike fool you. Trek’s XM700 is a speedy commuter. A mid-drive Bosch Performance Speed System allows the XM700 to cruise along at a maximum speed of 28mph/45kph. The XM700 has a maximum range of 50mi/80km.
Just enough squish to take the edge off
Trek opted to incorporate its SPA suspension fork into the XM700 . This short-travel suspension fork provides 35mm of travel, which is just enough to absorb potholes and road chatter when riding at high speeds.
- Who it’s for: Mid-range commuters with a need for speed.
- Weight: 46lb / 21kg
- Price: $3,500 / £ TBC / AU$ TBC
- For more information visit www.trekbikes.com.
BESV PS1
The BESV PS1 packs a lot of power into a small and very lightweight package. A carbon main keeps the weight low and a 250w rear hub motor powered by a Sony battery provides pedal assist up to 20mph/32kph. The PS1 has a 37-mile range on a four-hour charge.
The PS1 features a lightweight carbon frame
While the PS1 isn’t a folding bike, the telescoping stem can be lowered to allow it to fit easily in a cramped apartment or into other tight spaces.
Other features include a front and rear suspension, an intuitive display, front and rear lights, fenders and a rear rack.
- Who it’s for: multimodal commuters and urban dwellers
- Weight: 38lb / 17kg
- Price: $2,900 / £TBC / AU$ TBC
- For more information visit us.besv.com.
Stromer ST2 S
It you’re looking for a long-range super-commuter, the Stromer ST2 S may be for you. The ST2 S has a range of 110mi/177km. Stromer backed up this claim by riding all 106 miles of stage one of this year’s Tour of California.
The ST2 S gets this extended range, from a SYNO motor powered by a massive battery with a 983w capacity.
The ST2 S uses Shimano's top-end electronic mountain bike drivetrain
This premium e-bike has double-wall alloy fenders, integrated lights and a Shimano XTR Di2 electronic drivetrain. The ST2 S also uses Stromer’s anti-theft system, which notifies the user when their bicycle has been moved and locks up the rear wheel.
- Who it’s for: Well-heeled long-distance rider looking to replace their Tesla S
- Price: $9,500
- Weight: 65lb / 29kg
- For more information visit www.stromerbike.com.
Xtracycle Edgerunner 10E
Cargo bikes and electric-assist were made for each other. The Edgerunner 10E supplements human power with a 350w Bosch mid-drive motor. It has a maximum assisted speed of 20mph / and a maximum range of 60 miles.
Plenty of room for kids to tag along
The Edgerunner 10E comes with Extracycle’s all-weather cargo bike bags. Buyers can also choose from a number of add-ons, including a front Porterack or the Hooptie and U-tubes, which wraps around the rear of the bicycle to allow kiddos to ride safely on the rear platform.
- Who it’s for: Parents looking to haul kids and groceries
- Price: $5,499 / £TBC / AU$ TBC
- Weight: 60lb / 27kg
- For more information visit www.xtracycle.com.
Yuba Spicy Curry
The Spicy Curry has a 26in front wheel paired with a 20in rear wheel to keep the center of gravity low, giving it a stable ride when fully loaded with kids and gear.
This cargo carrier gets its extra assist from a 350w Currie Tech mid-drive motor.
Does this count as a bicycle built for two?
Childs seats can be mounted to the rack and older kids, or even an adult, can ride shotgun with Yuba’s Soft-Spot seat pad and Mini Monkey Bars.
- Who it’s for: cyclists looking for a two-wheeled SUV
- Price: $4,200 / £ TBC / AU$ TBC
- Weight: 55lb / 25kg
- For more information visit http://yubabikes.com.
