Top 10 Electric Bikes for 2023 - The 10 Best Electric Bikes to Buy in 2023
A new year, a new top 10 list. It’s in our nature to rank things, from the top fantasy sports picks to places to grab a burger. Listing can be a fun past time that adds value to readers. This is especially true when you’re considering purchasing a substantial item like an electric bike. With the holiday season around the corner, there isn’t a better time to review what some of the best products on the market are — whether you’re considering buying a new electric bike for yourself, for a close friend, or for a family member.
With that in mind, let’s jump into the top 10 electric bikes for 2023. There are some surprising new entries that offer convenience and affordability and some hold overs that just keep impressing. With so many options out there, it can be daunting to choose which is best for you. This is a testament to an industry that keeps pumping out quality products and iterating on great ideas. If you’re a first-time rider or a seasoned veteran, there are options for you!
Top 1: DYU D3F 14-Inch Mini Folding Electric Bike
DYU’s 14-inch model slots in at our top spot. Its combination of practicality and performance make it the ideal urban vehicle for the modern world. It boasts a top speed of 15.5mph/25km to make sure you get to where you’re going with time to spare. Its state-of-the-art algorithms output the least power to get the most out of each charge. With a 36V, 10 Ah lithium-ion battery, the D3F can go 30-37 miles per charge on pedal assist mode, making it the ideal companion for navigating your favourite downtown neighbourhoods or park trails.
However, what makes it most appealing is just how compact it is. It’s 14-inch frame and 17kg/37bs weight are impressive which make it easy to store and easier to take with you. If you’re looking for a portable and slick electric bike, the DYU D3F is for you. Oh, and it is IP54 waterproof as well, so don’t feel afraid to jump into the deep end!
Top 2: Ride1Up 700-Series
Gearup.com has called the Ride1Up 700-Series its “best overall electric commuter bike”, and we agree with a lot of their points. It’s a bike with 27.5-inch wheels, so it’s larger than other entries; however, this allows it to support a massive 720Wh battery and 750W motor that propels it to 20mph using its throttle and 28mph with pedal assist.
Ride1Up also supports its products with many accessories like baskets and racks so that you can get that grocery run done in one go. However, the 700-series can be a bit of a pain to assemble, but don’t that that deter you from an otherwise excellent product. It’s perfect for running errands and visiting friends around town while also performing well in outdoor areas so you can get home for dinner just in the nick of time.
Top 3: Lectric XP 2.0
If you’re looking for something a bit lower key, then Lectric’s XP 2.0 is an excellent option. It is one of the cheaper models, coming it at around $1,000. It won’t wow you with its specs, but it’ll get you around just fine. With a 500W motor, mechanical disk brakes, and a 48V, 9.6Ah battery the XP 2.0 is like an old friend – steady and reliable.
Better yet, its 3-inch tires make the ride smooth and gives it off-road appeal. It can collapse down for easy storage, but at 60-plus pounds can be a bit unwieldy. However, at its price point it offers the bells and whistles at a fraction of the price.
Top 4: Aventon Level.2
Aventon has iterated on its already excellent Level bike with a new torque sensor that makes the ride even smoother. It has a 500W motor with a top speed of 28mph and weighs in at 59.8lbs so you’ll enjoy leisurely rides at a brisk pace. The addition of an LCD head unit makes information accessible, and its hydraulic disc brakes make it safer than ever.
Bicycling.com claims that it’s the “best commuter e-bike you can purchase for less than $2,000”. We won’t go that far, but its estimated 60-mile range is impressive. You won’t have to worry about taking that pesky battery up to the office to charge so you can get home after a long day, and with a 28mph top speed you won’t have to wait long until you’re back with your feet up looking for the next Netflix show to binge.
Top 5: Juiced CrossCurrent S2
There’s nothing worse that dealing with erratic traffic, so if you’re looking for a city bike that can help you keep up then the Juiced CrossCurrent S2 is an excellent option. Its 750W motor and 28mph top pedal-assisted speed make navigating traffic jams easy. The wider tires make the ride smoother, especially in areas with poor infrastructure. Juiced also provides consumers with multiple frame options so you can customize your purchase for your own needs.
Overall, the bike is responsive with great suspension, but it can be a bit less comfortable. The lower handlebars may not be for everyone, and people with back issues may find it not to be an option, but if you’re fine with this alignment then this model will do exactly what it promises to do: get you places, and with a 65+ miles range, it can get you to a lot of places!
Top 6: Rad Power RadCity 5 Plus
The RadCity 5 Plus will be an appealing option for many because it does a little bit of everything well. Its removable 48V, 14Ah removable battery is convenient while its 750W motor and 7-speed Shimano Atlus gearing make it an adaptable bike for many circumstances. It offers a comfortable ride and comes equipped with a rear rack, mudguards, and plenty of mounting options so you’ll never be left wondering what to do with that extra bag of groceries.
Rad Power Bikes has done an excellent job of providing kits that you can outfit your bike with, from the Daily Commuter Kit to the Take the Kiddo Kit for those with children, the RadCity 5 boasts an array of choices for your lifestyle. Plus, its 50-mile range is nothing to sniff at and you can even charge your phone with the right adapter!
Top 7: Co-op Cycles CTY e.2.1
If you’re looking for dependable, then REI’s CTY e.2.1 is for you. It has a 300lbs carrying capacity and the always reliable Shimano E5000 mid-drive motor and 418Wh battery, both of which make it an attractive option at an affordable price. It also comes with a 9-speed drivetrain and excellent Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, so you’ll be able to adjust your speed to your liking.
What really sets this model apart is that you won’t be required to assemble it yourself. By purchasing online, your new bike can be delivered to a REI store near you where professionals can assemble it instead of constantly scrambling for the right tool for the job. It also comes with a free flat tire repair and 2 years of free adjustment which is just a cherry on top!
Top 8: Blix Packa Genie
If you’ve ever wanted your own pack mule, then the Packa Genie is an intriguing option. This cargo e-bike is excellent for those with passengers in mind or for aspiring couriers that need to get from point A to B safely. It has a 750W hub motor with effective hydraulic disc brakes and a 614Wh battery. However, what makes this bike stand out are the limitless options it gives to fit your needs.
If you’re running around town doing errands or delivering packages, its dual battery setup can provide added range. Add a basket for extra carrying capacity, or rear cushion so your passengers can ride in comfort. Blix offers more than 200 accessories, so no matter the situation, the Packa Genie can will get you there with everything you need.
Top 9: Evelo Galaxy 500
If you’re new to the e-bike game or an elderly person with health issues, this low maintenance option has a lot to offer. The Galaxy 500 has a low step design, so it is easy to use and operate. It comes with a 500W mid-drive motor and 468Wh battery, so it won’t blow you away with its power but that’s part of its charm. Compact and easy to store, the Galaxy 500 can fit anywhere for easy access.
The smaller frame makes it easier to handle than other models, especially around tight corners and through narrow alleyways. However, if you are over 5’10 then you may want to look at another option. Perfect for smaller and more fragile riders looking for a smooth and safe ride.
Top 10: QuietKat Jeep
Rounding out our list is a real beast. The QuietKat Jeep is not your typical e-bike. It is built to tackle the most unwelcoming terrain and boasts one of the most powerful motors currently available. It thrives on backcountry trails and was made for rural riders. Incorporating mountain bike technology, this Jeep model lives up to its name with a SRAM 9-speed groupset and four-piston hydraulic disc brakes. It’s an impressive bike with 4.8” fat tires that make it easy to handle under the roughest circumstances.
With either a 750W or 1,000W motor option, this bike can go anywhere. It’s a bit on the hefty side coming in at 70lbs, but that’s par for the course. It’s 696Wh battery is strained by the demands of the 1,000W model, but with the places it can go you’ll quickly forget its power limitations.
