Why E-Bike Brake Pads Matter: Safety and Performance

When it comes to electric bikes, good brakes aren’t just important – they’re essential for your safety. Even if you’ve just purchased a shiny new e-bike, those brake pads will inevitably wear down over time. And trust me, you don’t want to discover your brakes have failed when you need them most.

That’s why replacing your e-bike brake pads is crucial maintenance you can’t ignore. But here’s the catch – you can’t just slap on any old brake pads. You need to choose replacements that are fully compatible with your specific brake system.

The most common e-bike brake brands are Shimano, Magura, Tektro, and SRAM. Generally, you’ll want to stick with brake pads from your e-bike’s manufacturer or reputable third-party companies that make compatible parts.

Let’s break down the best brake pad options for each major brand:

Shimano Brakes	Magura Brakes	Tektro Brakes	SRAM Brakes
Shimano brand pads	Magura brand pads	Tektro brand pads	SRAM brand pads
Top Brake pads	Top Brake pads	Corki brake pads	Top Brake pads
Jagwire brake pads			Corki brake pads

I’m going to dive deep into everything you need to know about e-bike brake pads – from their typical lifespan to the absolute best options on the market right now. I’ll explain what factors impact brake pad wear and how to tell if yours need replacing.

But first, check out this quick video on brake pad compatibility and top brands:

https://youtu.be/Xzp_8a91HEE

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of e-bike brake pads!

The Lifespan of E-Bike Brake Pads: What You Need to Know

Having top-notch brakes is non-negotiable for optimal e-bike performance and safety. That’s why it’s crucial to keep tabs on your brake pads and how they’re holding up.

Quality brake pads can last a good while, but there’s no hard and fast rule for exactly when they’ll need replacing. It could be sooner or later than you expect, depending on various factors (which I’ll get into shortly).

Here’s the thing – e-bikes are more like electric vehicles than traditional bicycles in many ways. You need to routinely maintain and replace components like the motor, battery, controller, and yes, those all-important brakes. Just like you would with a car. After all, you’ve invested good money in your e-bike!

Understanding what influences your brake pad lifespan is key to maximizing performance over time. Being aware of these factors will help you assess whether your pads are experiencing substantial wear.

Most e-bikes use disc hydraulic brakes rather than rim brakes because they offer superior stopping power and overall performance.

Get your step by step e-bike maintenance guide here!

How Long Do Electric Bike Brake Pads Actually Last?

On average, e-bike disc brake pads can last anywhere from 1,000 to 6,000 miles. That’s a pretty big range, right? It’s because so many factors affect brake pad wear and tear.

Here’s a rundown of what determines how long your e-bike brake pads will last:

• Weather Conditions: The weather hugely impacts your braking system, especially bad weather. Wet climates cause disc brake pads to wear out faster. During rainy seasons, you’ll want to inspect your pads weekly.

• Road/Route Conditions: It’s not just weather that affects your brake pads. The terrain you ride on plays a big role too. Rocky trails will wear pads down quicker. Hilly routes also increase wear, especially if you’re riding the brakes downhill a lot.

• Riding Frequency: How often you use your e-bike is a major factor. More rides mean faster pad wear. With disc brakes, you’re looking at roughly 6,000 miles before replacement, but that varies based on other factors.

• Your Riding Style: Your personal riding habits impact brake pad life. I’m not saying change how you ride, but be aware that frequent hard braking or riding aggressively down steep hills will wear pads faster. Trail riding is particularly tough on brake pads.

• Rider Weight: If you’re on the heavier side, your brakes will need to work harder to stop, especially at higher speeds or going downhill. This increases wear over time.

• E-Bike Maintenance: Like cars, e-bikes need regular TLC. Poor maintenance leads to faster wear on all components, including brakes. Getting your e-bike serviced regularly keeps everything in good shape and lasting longer.

• Component Quality: As I mentioned earlier, e-bikes need component replacements over time. The quality of those replacement parts plays a huge role in how long they’ll last. Always opt for high-quality replacements.

How Often Should You Check Your E-Bike Brake Pads?

Before rushing to replace your brake pads, it’s smart to inspect them first. This way, you’ll know if replacement is truly necessary. I’ll walk you through this simple process in a moment. But did you know you should be checking your brake pads regularly?

As a rule of thumb, inspect your e-bike brake pads at least once a month. You’ll need to remove the pads from your bike to do this properly. When inspecting, you’re looking at how all those factors we just discussed have impacted wear and tear over the past month.

Understanding Brake Pad Wear and Tear

By keeping those wear factors in mind (weather, riding style, frequency, part quality) during your regular inspections, you’ll get a clear picture of how and why your brake pads are wearing over time. This helps you decide if they need replacing.

If you notice they’re wearing quickly or unevenly, you might need to bump up your inspection frequency to more than once a month.

Here are some questions to ask yourself:

• Has the weather been particularly harsh lately?
• Have you been riding more often or tackling more hills than usual?
• Did you opt for budget replacement parts on your last e-bike maintenance?

If you answered yes to any of these, you’ll want to keep a closer eye on those brake pads.

This is crucial for maintaining your electric bike. Riding with worn-out brake pads risks permanent damage to your e-bike’s brake rotor and caliper. As pads wear down, the steel backing plate could make contact with the rotor, causing serious harm.

Regular inspections help you avoid these costly issues.

How to Inspect Your E-Bike Brake Pads: A Quick Guide

To properly check your e-bike brake pads, you’ll need to remove them for a thorough assessment. Once removed, measure the width of the pads, including the backing plate.

Here’s the key: If the width of the brake pad and backing plate is less than 1/8 inch, it’s time for new brake pads. Don’t worry though – I’m about to guide you through the best replacement options on the market!

If you’re not sure how to remove your brake pads, check out this helpful video (featuring Corki Brake pads). Of course, you can always have a bike mechanic or repair shop handle the replacement if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OycfoKc5Sk4

Understanding E-Bike Disc Brakes: Hydraulic vs. Mechanical

When it comes to e-bike disc brakes, there are two main types: hydraulically operated and cable-actuated (mechanical).

Hydraulic Disc Brake Systems vs. Mechanical Brakes: What’s the Difference?

Hydraulic systems use fluid-filled cables, while mechanical disc brakes use air-filled cables. Many e-bikes today use mechanical brake systems instead of hydraulic ones.

The key is to use brake pads that match the braking power and torque requirements of your specific e-bike. You should be able to see your current brake brand (like Shimano, Magura, or Tektro) marked on the components.

It’s crucial to choose brake pads compatible with your e-bike’s braking system. Thankfully, replacing brake pads is a fairly simple process. You can tackle it yourself with some video guidance, or take it to an e-bike mechanic or knowledgeable bike shop.

Either way, it’s important to know what the best brake pad options are for your particular e-bike braking system. Let’s look at ten top choices for three major disc brake brands: Shimano, Magura, and Tektro.

The 10 Best E-Bike Brake Pads on the Market Today

E-bikes pack a lot more power than traditional bicycles. This means you need brake pads that can effectively slow you down and stop you safely. Traditional bike braking systems like rim brakes often aren’t up to the task with e-bikes. That’s why disc brakes are considered essential for most electric bikes.

No matter how good your other brake components are (levers, pistons, etc.), high-quality brake pads are crucial for transferring that braking force to the discs.

Let’s dive into the best compatible brake pads for major e-bike brake brands (you can find all of these on Amazon, and I may receive a commission if you purchase through these links).

Shimano Compatible Brake Pads

Shimano offers many popular braking systems, including XTR, Saint, Zee, Deore, and more. Here are your top options for Shimano-compatible brake pads:

#1: Official Shimano Brake Pads

If you’re using a Shimano brake system, your best bet is to go with OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts from Shimano. They offer both 2- and 4-piston brake pads, with options for metal or resin compounds.

You’ll find pads compatible with XTR, Deore, Deore XT, Dura-Ace, SLX, Saint, and Zee braking systems. Check out the link above for more details!

#2: Top Brake Disc Brake Pads

These Top Brake pads were designed specifically with e-bikes in mind. They’re built to withstand wear and tear longer thanks to a heat-resistant formula. You’ll get optimal braking performance regardless of weather conditions.

They offer both a ceramic compound and a specialized e-bike compound. These pads are compatible with many Shimano e-bike brakes, including Saint, Zee, and Deore systems. They also work with certain Tektro e-bike brakes. Visit the link above for more info!

#3:

Does anyone even make electric trikes for adults? Compared to regular electric bikes, this list is small. Surprisingly, however, there are quite a few good e-bike brands that build them.

Here’s a look at the best electric trike brands in the USA. I’ll give you a list of companies that offer e-trikes and tell you what you need to know about each brand and their best electric trikes, including location, features, cost, and what makes them special.

What are the best electric tricycle brands in the USA? Here are the companies that made the list:

E-Trike Brand	Location	Best Feature/s	Electric Trike Cost
Emojo Bike	California	High-tech; powerful torque motors; folding; fat tires	$1799+
Mooncool	California	High load capacity; stylish & colorful; folding, affordable	$999+
AddMotor	California	4 electric trikes to choose from	$1899+
Sixthreezero	California	Best Value; the battery pack fits under the rear rack	$2199
Buzz Bicycles	Ohio	Mid-drive motor	$1699
Liberty Trike	Pennsylvania	“Active” mobility scooter/small wheel trike	$1700+
Zize Bikes	Massachusetts	Holds up to 550 lbs; built for large riders	$4999+
Outrider USA	North Carolina	Designed with adaptive features for disabled	$6700-$16000

Check out our Mooncool TK1 folding e-trike review here:

Find out more below about the models of tricycles each USA brand offers. Take a look at their design, features, and cost, and discover which electric trike brand is the best overall.

No matter the reason for choosing to buy an electric trike, the best electric tricycles are the high-quality ones worth their price, which you can learn about in the detailed list above.

Check out our Bison Pro premium e-trike review below:

AddMotor Electric Tricycles

The AddMotor Brand began in California, back in 2011, thus being an established electric bike brand. From the beginning, their goal has been to design top-quality e-bikes that anyone can ride. Thus, four different electric trikes were created that are accessible to seniors, disabled adults, and anyone who can’t ride a two-wheel bike or doesn’t want to.

Brand Features and Benefits

There are several things that make this one of the best e-trike brands, besides the fact that they offer four models whereas most electric bike companies only offer one. Here are the benefits:

• Best price guarantee (they’ll match it if you find a lower price)
• Free shipping (to the contiguous 48 states)
• 80% pre-assembled trikes
• Financing
• Multiple color options on most bikes
• Free gifts with purchase

Electric Trike Models

With four great options, all with 5 levels of pedal assist, it can be hard to choose from the best electric trikes. So here’s a breakdown of each:

1. M-360 Semi-Recumbent Electric Trike– Super popular for people who are disabled or have back pain, the semi-recumbent tricycle allows you to sit in a strong upright position without having to reach forward for the handlebars. Plus, it has 750W of electric power and the ability to roll smoothly over uneven terrain.
2. At the lowest cost of the four models, the M-330 P7 even comes with a rear basket and fenders at no additional charge, making this trike an excellent value. Plus, it still has the powerful motor, long-range, and huge load capacity of the other models. The possible downside: It only comes with a black frame.
3. The brand new 2022 M-340 e-trike with a sturdy frame, powerful 750W rear hub motor, up to 55+ mile range, and a total payload capacity of up to 450lbs. Plus, its thick, padded saddle has a backrest for total comfort.
4. The Addmotor MOTAN M-350 P7 is a stable, agile trike built for urban riding in comfort. It has a wide saddle, 80mm travel front suspension, integrated lights, and a free rear basket liner as a gift. Additionally, it has 4.0″ fat tires to get over even rougher terrain.

Cost

With great value for the price, electric trikes start at a regular price of $3399, with only $200 more for three out of the four models (check here for discounts).

Sixthreezero

Sixthreezero began way before the electric bike trend did. Although the company was formed in 2005, the owners formed a love of bike cruising in the beach city of Hermosa Beach long before then. Their ongoing love of comfortable cruiser bikes translates into their goal of designing fun, quality electric cruising bikes that’ll last.

Brand Features and Benefits

Although they only have one electric tricycle, they stay true to their cruiser model. Here’s what you can expect overall:

• Free shipping within the U.S. (Discounted shipping for Alaska and Hawaii)
• Free return shipping if dissatisfied
• 90-day test ride
• 80% pre-assembled
• Financing available
• Height and weight calculator + “Body Fit” quiz to make sure the fit is right

E-Trike Model

The EVRYjourney Tricycle has a 250W and comes in 4 cool colors. It can go up to 28 mph in pedal assist mode (Class Three) and up to 15 mph with throttle only. Narrow 1.95″ tires make it agile and can take you up to 60 miles with one battery charge.

Plus, the ergonomic frame, upright seating, and wide seat make this e-trike ultra-comfortable. An added benefit is that the pedals are moved forward a bit more than traditional bikes, so you can easily extend your legs for a comfortable ride. Generally speaking, the EVRYjourney fits riders from 5 feet to 6 feet tall, but be sure to take their Body Fit Quiz.

Cost

Priced at $2199, it certainly beats out most other electric trikes and certainly offers the best value of any USA brand e-tricycle. Plus, you get a rear folding basket with your purchase.

Buzz Bicycles

Combining almost 125+ years of experience in the cycling industry, Buzz electric bikes offer quality e-bikes and e-trikes at affordable prices. Part of the United Wheels brand, Buzz Bikes has access to large manufacturing which keeps their prices down, even on their electric trike.

Located in the U.S. heartland in Dayton, Ohio, they offer the Buzz Across America promotion that awards small businesses with one of their e-bikes.

Brand Features and Benefits

Thanks to their focus on community, Buzz creates electric bikes that are accessible to more people. They have great benefits including:

• Comprehensive warranty: 2 years limited warranty on electronics, 10 years on frame
• Free Shipping in the continental United States
• 30-day return policy
• Financing
• Gift Cards

Electric Tricycle

The Cerana T electric trike matches the specs of the Buzz Cerana e-bike but with three wheels. The oversized tires (larger in the front than in the back) and wide padded saddle offer comfort and a smooth ride.

What makes it particularly unique is its mid-drive motor that responds quickly to your actions. With 350W, it can take you up to 20 mph using pedal assist. And you can ride up to 40 miles with the 4 pedal assist levels and 7-speed gears.

Plus, you get a headlight, rear foldable rack, front basket, and a USB port to charge your phone… all included.

Cost

At just $1699, you can have it shipped directly to you, with your choice of gloss white or matte blue.

Liberty Trike

With its main warehouse located in Pennsylvania, Liberty Bikes is a USA company through and through. as a part of Electric Bike Technologies, they’ve actually been making bikes and industrial trikes for over 125 years! This makes them one of the oldest bicycle makers in the United States which is still manufacturing and delivering to consumers.

What’s really interesting is that the first Liberty Trike was introduced through Indiegogo and Kickstarter crowdfunding campaigns in 2015.

Brand Features and Benefits

This company has expanded its line-up from bikes and mobility trikes to an electric trike that offers more than just standard mobility. It’s intended to give you access to do more, see more, and be more active overall. When you buy from them you should expect the following:

• Pay $40 flat rate shipping (only shipped to the contiguous U.S.)
• Direct to the consumer only
• Financing available
• Industrial strength

Electric Trike Models

Calling it an “active mobility” trike, the Liberty Trike is not just a mobility scooter for seniors or the disabled. It has a 750W motor that climbs steep hills, although pedaling along with it is recommended. It has a top speed of 12 mph and a range of up to 20 miles, which is twice that of mobility scooters.

Unlike other electric tricycles, its narrow frame and smaller wheels can traverse even grocery store aisles (if they let you, that is). So, even though this trike is for anyone, seniors who want to ride e-bikes should take a look at it.

Cost

At a price of only $1598, this is a more affordable e-trike, especially if you are retired or disabled.

Zize Bikes

Zize Bikes was founded in 2005 by Joan Denizot. Joan’s unique goal for her e-bike company is to make electric bikes that are sturdy enough for people over 200 lbs. She recognizes that e-biking is a great form of exercise for heavy people as it puts less pressure on your joints. This unique brand is based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

Brand Features and Benefits

An important feature of this brand is that they have three frame sizes for their e-bikes, all made for larger people. Since these electric bicycles are made for heavy cyclists, it’s important to note that the “Small” frame will only fit people who are 5’8″, while the largest one fits cyclists 6’3″ and taller. But, when it comes to their electric tricycles, there is only one frame size that fits just about everyone from 4’11” to 6’4″.

The benefits of buying an electric trike from Zize are:

• Free shipping within the continental U.S.
• Worldwide shipping
• Limited Lifetime frame warranty
• 60-day return policy
• 100% money-back guarantee
• Bike financing
• Bike sizing guide

Electric Tricycle

There’s just one electric trike to choose from but it has a weight capacity of 550 lbs and should fit just about anyone 4’11” and taller.

Supersized Personal Activity Vehicle Tricycle E-Bike– At $5100, this is a huge price jump from their non-motorized tricycle ($2800). Simply put a front hub motor and lead-acid battery were added to their regular tricycle. So, it still has Kevlar-reinforced tires, with slightly larger ones in the rear (24″ x 2.125″ as compared to the single front tire at 20″ x 2.125″).

Besides being built for strength, it’s designed for comfort. So it includes a large, padded “high-back captain’s seat” on a sliding rack that can be adjusted for the best fit. Plus, it comes with a rear basket and rear fenders.

Cost

The general cost is $5100 and you get your choice of 5 bright colors.

However, plan on spending up to a few hundred dollars more: Zize requires your electric tricycle to be professionally assembled; otherwise, it will void the warranty.

Emojo Bike

Another California electric bike brand, Emojo has dedicated itself to a green lifestyle that meets the desires of its customers. Their goal is to reduce the use of cars and provide e-bikes and e-trikes for recreational and commuting purposes. Take a look at the detailed review of the Emojo Bison Pro Fat Tire E-Bike!

Brand Features and Benefits

• Free shipping (to the contiguous 48 states)
• 7-day return policy
• Financing
• Fat tire bikes

Electric Tricycles

With two versions of the same electric tricycle model to choose from, it’s just a matter of deciding if two hundred dollars more is worth it for the Pro version.

The Emojo Caddy and Caddy Pro (Amazon) both have a 500W motor, a 35-mile range, and 7-speed gears. The major difference is that the Caddy Pro has hydraulic disc brakes, as opposed to regular mechanical disc brakes. This makes it easier to operate and stop thanks to the more powerful brakes. Both come with front and rear baskets, but only the Pro comes in a choice of three colors.

Cost

The Caddy Pro costs $3199 (regular price) as compared to $2999 for the basic Caddy.

Outrider USA

Outrider USA is certainly special at the core. Their electric tricycles are hand-built to accommodate disabled individuals with injuries, neurological disorders, and other medical concerns as well as riders who just want to keep up with traffic speed for their own safety.

Located in North Carolina, this unique electric bike brand began in 2009 and to this day assists in making biking accessible for a variety of physical abilities.

Brand Features and Benefits

Outrider lets you decide what you need from the start. So, you choose your own motor (from 1000 watts and up) and battery (giving you a range of up to 50 miles or 100 miles) as well as accessories such as headlights, cargo racks, and much more. They also offer:

• Extended rentals allow for test rides
• 2 year limited warranty
• Financing
• Adaptive hunting ATVs

Electric Tricycles

Since they have a variety of hand-built models, which you help create, I’ll focus on the features of the least expensive model, the Transition (Mid-Duty Road) Electric tricycle (priced at $6700).

This electric trike is built to order and features ergonomic seating, excellent handling on wet and dry roads, a high-powered electric motor, and a long-range battery. It’s lightweight and adjustable for both big riders and small e-bike riders.

One important thing to know about this electric trike is that it’s not legal to ride on public roads or many other places. This is due to the 1000W and up motors included. Thus, you need to look into the location in which you’ll be riding to determine the laws and where you can ride it legally. Read more about the classification of electric bikes and follow the laws in your state and city.

Cost

The price of these adaptive electric trikes is prohibitive in many cases, due to their unique qualities and being built to order. That’s why they sell as high as $16000. You may have to get creative in paying for one of these or use the company’s own financing.

Who Makes the Best Electric Trike in the United States?

A majority of electric bike companies either outsource the build to other countries, especially China and Taiwan or may use components primarily designed and manufactured in China. The electric tricycle brands listed here were founded and primarily designed in the USA, with components often sourced from other places.

That being said, the best electric tricycle in the U.S. is the sturdy Emojo Bison Pro with its solid step-through frame, powerful electric motors, long-distance battery range, and luxury features. Mooncool wins over with its wide selection of affordable e-trikes.

As always, the best electric bike or trike is the one that meets your needs. So, I hope this list of the best electric tricycle USA brands and models has helped you decide which one to buy.

Recently, there’s been talk of electric BMX bikes, but there hasn’t been a lot of information on what this means and where BMX e-bikes are headed. Are there truly bikes that are e-BMX? And which electric bike is the best BMX bike?

The best electric BMX bike is the Ultra Urban 1100 from Zooz Bikes, which has 3 BMX-style e-bikes. Zooz has managed to build an electric motor and battery into a BMX frame. There are a couple of other brands that claim to have an e-BMX as well.

Below, you’ll find out what you need to know about the Zooz electric BMX bikes and other brands that carry them… and why you just have to have one. But, first, is there a difference between regular electric bikes and BMX e-bikes?

What Is an Electric BMX Bike?

You might be wondering if it’s even possible to build a BMX-style bike with electric components. This is a real challenge, and perhaps the reason there are so few offered in the electric bicycle market.

In general, a BMX electric bike has a frame similar to a regular BMX bike but with a motor and battery added to it. It can perform tricks, jumps, and aerial stunts with some limitations as compared to a regular bike.

Limitations in how high you can jump and twist are not surprising given the added weight of a lithium battery and hub motor. Still, companies are working to figure out how to combine BMX bikes and e-bikes to make the best e-BMX.

Best Electric BMX Style Bikes: Brands and Models

If you’re looking for an electric BMX bike, then you’ll be considering a small list, especially as compared to the ever-growing list of e-bikes.

Here are the best electric BMX bikes and their key specs: (Update 10/23/24: Zooz is currently offline but will be back soon).

BMX E-Bike	Motor	Top Speed	Range	Bike Weight	Load Capacity	Price
Zooz Ultra Urban 1100	750W/1600W Rear Hub Motor	33 mph	25-40 miles	62.2 lbs	330 lbs	$2895
Zooz Ultra Urban 750	600W/1200W Rear Hub Motor	26 mph	25-40 miles	55.7 lbs	250 lbs	$2395
GT Power Performer	250W Hub-Drive	20 mph	Check site	Check site	Check site	$2600
Enki Original Billy E-Bike	500W Hub Motor	20 mph	41 mile (65km)	54 lbs (24.5kg)	300lbs (136kg)	$2490
EINS Stealth	250W/500W Mid-Drive Motor	28 mph	32+ miles	41 lbs	300 lbs	Check site for availability
Urban Drivestyle UNI MK Classic	250W Hub-Drive Motor	20 mph	62 miles (100km)	73 lbs (33kg)	330+ lbs	$3100+

Ultimately, the best BMX bike will give you endless thrills, especially when combining it with electric power. This is why Zooz Bikes doesn’t have much if any, competition. Take a look…

Zooz Electric BMX

Zooz Bikes set out with the intent to create the “best electric urban bike.” Now, their e-bikes can be found throughout the world in several of the biggest cities including Los Angeles, New York, London, and Dubai.

Why Zooz Has the Best Electric BMX Bikes

Clearly, the urban meets BMX look of their electric bikes is the first thing that stands out! It’s almost hard to believe that you can have a BMX-style bike that’s electric, high-performance, and practical. Not only will it get you where you’re going, and fast, you’ll have a ton of fun along the way. Plus their unique saddles are built to house the battery and carry a second rider.

The Zooz Ultra Urban 1100 is on the top of the charts. It has a 750W motor with 1600W peak power and a 52V/19.2Ah Li-Ion battery, making it super powerful and fast. For true thrill-seekers, this is the ultimate BMX e-bike. Although it’s a Class 2 e-bike, it can be modified to get a top speed of 33 mph, which is way faster than the average e-bike speed of 20 mph.

When comparing the Ultra Urban 1100 to the Zooz Ultra Urban 750, the only physical differences you’ll see are the sizes of the battery and motor. Naturally, they’re a bit larger on the Urban 1100 to pack in greater power. But the truth is that all of their models are fast and exciting to ride.

Zooz Brand carries the best e-BMX bikes for several reasons:

• Multiple Versions– Three models with different top speeds, motor power, and payload capacity to choose from
• Powerful Battery– The Ultra Urban 1100 has the most power with a 52V/19.2Ah Li-Ion battery
• Hydraulic Disc Brakes– All models have them… the 1100 model, however, has the heaviest-duty F/1203mm R/180mm brakes
• Steel Frame– Patented design made from Chromoly steel
• Brand Name Tires– Maxxis 24×2.5 tires on the 2 most powerful models
• Throttle and Pedal Assist– Included on all three bikes

Zooz Bikes are here and ready to purchase… take a look!

Additional BMX E-Bike Models

GT Power Performer Electric BMX

The Power Performer is styled and built for durability like a BMX but has an aluminum frame and 29″ wheels, making it a bit higher off the ground than regular BMX bikes. The tall wheels plus its hub driven pedal assist, 9-speed levels, and “floating” seat gives you the practicality of an electric bicycle with the excitement of BMX riding.

This will make a great BMX e-bike for a tall person.

See it for yourself!

EINS

The Stealth electric bike is a German-designed, crowd-sourced wonder. With its Chrome-plated, Chromoly steel frame, unusually small, hidden battery, and mid-drive motor, it’s an electric bicycle with true BMX style.

It’s easy to carry, weighing only 41 pounds, and includes special features like a premium leather crash pad, GPS tracking, and an LCD display.

Check it out here (but be prepared to wait)!

Enki Cycles – Original Billy E-Bike

Being called the “fat” BMX electric bike, the Original Billy ebike has unique styling with a polished aluminum frame, hydraulic disc brakes, and a rear swing arm to give you precise adjustment. The 20″x 4″ fat tires put it in an e-BMX class of its own.

What’s particularly surprising about this e-bike is that it has a Gates carbon belt drive with an 18K mile warranty. And since a belt drive isn’t too common, it’s no wonder this bike is hard to get!

If you’re willing to wait for it, you can find it here.

*If it’s the fat tires that get you excited, take a look at the ultimate list of the best fat bikes!

Urban Drivestyle UNI MK Classic

The UNI MK Classic is the perfect electric bike to ride just about anywhere, as its 250W motor meets legal standards in Germany as well as just about any country or city. One of the coolest things about it is the extra-large “motorcycle” headlight on the front.

Although customers have compared this e-bike to their childhood BMX, you’ll find it to be a practical bike that’s also good for typical urban adventures. After all, it fits many needs, including an extra-long seat to carry a child in the front.

Electric BMX Kits

If you’re considering converting your own BMX bike to an electric bike, you may have trouble finding the right size conversion kit. If your bike has 20″ wheels, then it’s best to use a 20″ rear wheel kit. The same holds true for other wheel sizes. You may have a hard time finding 24″ rear wheel kits, for example.

However, you should be able to do an e-bike conversion on your BMX to electric pretty easily if you’re looking for a rear hub motor kit and can find the correct wheel size and if you are satisfied with a 250W motor. If you expect a more powerful bike, you might wish to consider getting one of the bikes listed above.

Check out the 250W kits on Amazon.

Are Conversion Kits Worth It?

Here’s the dilemma… should you use a kit to convert your BMX to an e-bike or buy a new BMX e-bike? Undoubtedly, using a conversion kit will save you money. However, BMX-styled electric bikes are built from the ground up to handle the extra electronic weight and ride quality.

In this case, a conversion kit may not be worth it if you are particular about your ride quality or if you aren’t an experienced bike technician.

Final Thoughts

In the electric bike world, electric BMX bikes aren’t yet very common. So, if your heart is set on taking a thrilling ride every day, to anywhere you wish to go, The Zooz Ultra Urban 1100 is the best BMX bike thanks to its power, top speed, and availability.

If you want to cut costs and don’t need so much speed and power, then the Zooz 750 model is a great choice, as it’s still more powerful than the other bikes listed.

Other articles you might be interested in:

• 8 Best E-Bikes for Mountain Trails
• 7 Best Fat Tire Electric Mountain Bikes
• The Best Aventon E-Bike for You
• Best E-Bikes for 20 and 30-year Olds

Electric bike batteries are one of the most expensive parts of the bike. Unfortunately, they don’t last forever and battery failure will occur eventually. This leaves e-bike riders wondering if their batteries can be rebuilt or repaired safely?

Electric bike batteries can be repaired and rebuilt. Repairing the battery means replacing broken parts while rebuilding is replacing worn parts before they fail entirely. Refurbishing an old e-bike battery is cheaper than replacing it and can improve the battery to its former level of function.

An important part of owning an electric bike is properly maintaining and caring for the battery. Without a functioning battery, an e-bike is really just a heavy bicycle!

If your e-bike battery no longer recharges, a full charge cycle doesn’t hold, or you have a damaged battery, there are some viable options available to help you get it running again. Let’s take a closer look at refurbishing electric bicycle batteries by rebuilding or repairing them.

Can E-Bike Batteries Be Rebuilt? 

Electric bike batteries are one of the most critical parts of the bike. Without it, there’s nothing to supply power to the motor and other electrical components of the e-bike.

Unfortunately, the battery is usually the first component to wear out or fail on electric bicycles, although newer lithium-ion batteries tend to last longer than the old Nickel or Lead batteries.

Fortunately, a broken or worn-out electric bike battery can be repaired or rebuilt. The process of refurbishing includes installing new battery cells and repairing any worn-out or damaged components such as the battery management system (BMS), wiring, or even the casing or mountings of the battery.

Battery Refurbishment

Refurbishing old e-bike batteries may be a simple repair (like fixing a loose connection) or a complete rebuild. It may be done on its own or accompany an e-bike conversion.

Learn about electric bike conversion here!

Rebuilding the battery will entail completely overhauling it and installing new cells, wiring, battery management system, connectors, and any other components that are likely to wear out or cause the battery to fail.

A repair will simply involve repairing or replacing the primary cause of the fault or break in the battery. This usually entails replacing one or two battery components before returning them to the customer. 

This is typically only done if it’s still in good working condition in every regard other than the fault; otherwise, the entire battery will require refurbishing.

All e-bike battery rebuilds, repairs, and refurbishing should be done by a qualified technician with experience and access to high-quality components.

This type of work can do more harm than good to an ebike battery if it’s not completed to a high standard.

Can All E-Bike Batteries Be Rebuilt or Repaired?

Electric bike batteries have been around for a good number of years now and there are many brands and manufacturers that produce them. This means that there is a large variety of e-bike batteries.

However, the trouble that comes with such a wide range of batteries is that some are so old and used that they can no longer be repaired, and other batteries are so advanced that they are almost impossible to repair without causing harm to the battery.

However, there are batteries that can be refurbished well and even drastically improved. The trick is knowing which brands and types of these higher-energy batteries are eligible for rebuilding.

Find out if your e-bike’s lithium battery is interchangeable!

Not all bike batteries can be refurbished. 

Very old batteries are sometimes irreparable depending on the technology; if a battery pack is too damaged, it cannot be repaired and should rather be replaced. And there are some batteries that have battery management systems that are too advanced for refurbishment. Bike shop repair technicians won’t work on these ones.

Further, now that lithium-ion batteries are commonplace among the best electric bikes, it’s important to know that, although they can be rebuilt, they may be difficult.

The main two brands of batteries that repairers tend to turn down are Bosch and Panasonic. This is due to the advanced intelligent lithium battery management systems that these batteries are equipped with.

List of E-Bike Battery Brands That Can Typically Be Refurbished

Here is a list of the most common battery brands for e-bikes that can be easily repaired, refurbished, and rebuilt by experienced bike technicians:

• A2B
• Alpine Sports
• Bionix
• Busettii
• Currie / i-Zip / TransX
• Cyclamatic
• E-moto
• Easy Motion by BH
• Evelo
• eZee / Hebb
• FLX
• Gazelle
• Giant
• Ital Jet
• Jetson
• Juiced Riders
• Lee laCocca / EV Global
• Lyric
• LPX
• Pedego
• Prodeco
• Protanium / Torker
• Raleigh
• Schwinn
• Silver Fish
• Smarta
• Stromer
• Trikke
• Urban Mover
• Wisper

How Are Electric Bike Batteries Refurbished?

Refurbishing an electric bicycle battery is the best way to bring new life into an old one that’s no longer performing as well as it should be.

Old batteries require refurbishing when the time between each full charge is drastically diminished (even when the battery is low on power). Or if the battery’s performance is poor… thus if the battery is not charging well or is taking a very long time to charge.

The Process of Refurbishing an E-Bike Battery Includes:

• Checking the exterior casing and mountings for damage.
• Opening the housing of the battery pack to access internal components.
• Identifying any damage or faults with the internal workings.
• Detaching all pre-existing dead cells in preparation for new or upgraded cells.
• Cleaning the battery pack.
• Checking all connectors and wiring.
• Repairing or re-soldering wiring and connectors where necessary.
• Replacing any faulty, damaged, or old wiring and connectors.
• Installing new or upgraded battery cells.
• Checking the Battery Management System (BMS) functionality.
• Performing BMS diagnostics.
• Replacing BMS if necessary.
• Testing all components.
• Closing and re-securing casing.
• Testing new battery components with the existing charger.
• Testing refurbished battery with the bike’s motor to ensure proper function.

Watch this YouTube video to learn how to troubleshoot your battery and repair it:

Keep your motor in as good of shape as your battery with these 5 essential motor care tips.

How Are Electric Bike Batteries Repaired?

The repair process for an ebike battery is different from that of a refurbishment.

Repairing is more focused on replacing components that have been damaged or broken, rather than restoring an old or worn-out battery to full working condition.

3 Steps to Repairing the Battery

1. This process involves performing diagnostics to identify the broken or faulty components.
   
2. The next step in the process is disconnecting and removing the culprit parts.
   
3. Once the parts have been removed, replacement parts can be installed to return the battery to full working order. 

If a component of the battery can be repaired rather than replaced, this may be a viable option, depending on how severe the damage to the component is.

The process of repairing an eBike battery is different in every instance, as different components may need to be replaced or repaired depending upon the damage.

Repairing one is usually only done for batteries that are relatively new and thus don’t need to be completely refurbished. Typically, the repair is for newer batteries that have been damaged or misused, rather than those that are worn out. In this case, the repair cost is cheaper than replacing your e-bike’s battery.

Pros and Cons of Refurbished or Repaired E-Bike Batteries 

E-bike batteries don’t last forever and will require some repairs or refurbishment eventually. Even this won’t extend the battery life for the entire existence of the bike itself.

That being said, there are some advantages and some disadvantages to repairing and refurbishing bike batteries that you may not have considered.

Let’s take the time to go over the pros and cons of refurbishing and repairing them.

Pros and Cons of Repairing an E-Bike Battery 

There are a lot of things to consider before deciding to repair your battery. First, if your electric bike itself is worn down and/or outdated, you may wish to buy a new one, which will already include a brand-new battery.

But if you’re sure you want to keep riding your current electric bike, then take a look at the list of pros and cons I’ve put together to help you decide whether to repair or replace your old battery.

Pros:

• Any faulty or broken parts are replaced safely.
• The battery will function normally after repairs.
• Repairs safety concerns and removes the possibility of hazards such as fires.
• The battery will not need to be rebuilt if repairs are made quickly and properly.
• Repairs are a good deal less expensive than buying a new battery.

Cons:

• Battery repairs can be costly depending on the type and severity of the damage.
• Repairs may take a long time to complete.
• Finding the right bike shop or repair technician can be difficult.
• If the battery is irreparable, the repairer may still charge you for the assessment even if the battery is not repaired.
• Repairing a broken part is risky, especially if there are underlying issues causing the fault.
• If the technician is inexperienced or unqualified, they may ruin the battery.
• Opening the battery may void the warranty.

Pros and Cons of Refurbishing an E-Bike Battery

As mentioned above, make sure you are happy with your current e-bike before you decide to refurbish it.

Some of the pros and cons of refurbishing an ebike battery are:

Pros:

• The battery will function well or even better than when it was new.
• Refurbishments often include upgrading battery capacity and performance.
• Less expensive than buying a new battery pack.
• It will be reinstalled easily with the original battery case.
• Using a good repairer will ensure high-quality components.
• Refurbishing will significantly extend the battery’s lifespan.
• Refurbishments often come with a 12-month warranty.

Cons:

• Refurbishments can be expensive, even more so than repairs.
• Working on high-voltage batteries can take a very long time.
• Opening the battery casing may void the warranty.
• Poor quality work may worsen the condition of the battery pack.
• Not all battery types, models, and brands can be refurbished.

Learn more about typical ebike battery problems and solutions BEFORE you refurbish your battery.

How Long Do Repaired or Refurbished eBike Batteries Last?

E-bike batteries typically last for 2 – 4 years, depending on how well the battery is cared for and maintained. But can repaired or refurbished batteries last for the same length of time and use?

Refurbished batteries will last as long or longer than new e-bike batteries. This is due to advancements in technology, meaning that the new components may last longer than the original parts. 

Repaired batteries may not last as long, depending on the type and severity of the damage that had to be repaired.

The lifespan of a repaired, refurbished, or rebuilt battery is entirely dependent on the quality of the new components that are installed, the quality of the workmanship, and the type of battery. Lithium-ion batteries generally last for about 1000 charge cycles, while Nickle batteries and Lead batteries only last for about 500 and 300 charges respectively.

A lithium battery that has been worked on or installed by a bike repairer with experience, and who used high-quality hardware, will last for as long or longer than a brand new electric bike battery pack.

If the components and workmanship are not of good quality, the battery may not last at all, and it may well wear out or break significantly sooner than a new battery would.

For this reason, it’s critical to be sure that you use a qualified bike repair shop to work on your battery issues, regardless of the work that must be done.

Get these e-bike battery charging tips to help your battery last longer!

Why Refurbish an E-Bike Battery Rather Than Replace It? 

If the option is available to purchase a new battery to replace the worn-out or damaged one, why would you rather rebuild or repair the battery?

Refurbishing a battery can be significantly less expensive than purchasing a replacement. Refurbishing one may include upgrading it or replacing the old battery cells with more efficient modern technology that will serve the bike better.

One of the best reasons to refurbish an old battery is to convert a lead or Ni-based battery to a lithium-ion battery. This will significantly improve the power, performance, and battery life. It’s also far better for the environment and less likely to cause fires or other hazards.

Refurbishing a battery rather than replacing it may come with upgrades. This will bring it up to the same specifications as a new battery without the higher costs of purchasing a newer, modern battery.

When an old one is refurbished, the original case is maintained, which ensures that it will fit onto the bike properly. There is no such guarantee with buying a new battery.

However, a defective battery should be replaced if it is too severely damaged or if it’s too old to be fitted with new components.

Conclusion 

Electric bike batteries are not designed to last for more than 4 years or so. After this time, they will have deteriorated significantly enough to warrant a replacement battery or a complete rebuild. 

These batteries are quite rugged, but they can be damaged if they are knocked hard enough or treated incorrectly, such as attempting to use a car battery to charge it incorrectly. Then they will either need to be replaced or repaired.

Both refurbishing and repairing them are viable options for a battery that isn’t working properly, has been damaged, or has started to wear out.

These processes will return it to full working condition and may even produce an upgraded battery, making it even better than when it was before!

So, the good news is that if your electric bike battery is broken or if the full charge isn’t lasting as long as it used to, you might not need to purchase a replacement. Rather, a qualified bike shop may be able to fix it for significantly less cost than buying a new one.

Electric bikes give you all the joys of cycling without some of the main challenges. You don’t have to strain your muscles too much to conquer steep hills, and you don’t have to reach your destination looking frazzled and sweaty.

However, to enjoy all the benefits of e-bikes, you have to choose a model that fits your stature. And that can be hard for a smaller-sized adult or teen.

But there are some great options that may include a folding electric bike, an e-bike with smaller wheels, or an e-bike that you can buy in a Small frame size or that sits lower to the ground. After researching these options as well as the overall quality of a variety of electric bike models and brands, I found some impressive choices.

The 12 best small electric bikes include the following:

1. RadExpand Step-Thru by Rad Power Bikes
2. Rad Power Bikes RadRunner
3. Ride1Up Roadster v3, Low-Step
4. Cannondale Adventure Neo
5. Electra Townie Path Go Step-Thru!
6. Cero One
7. Aventon Level
8. Rad Power Bikes RadWagon
9. Propella 7S
10. Electric Bike Company Model X
11. Gazelle Ultimate C380
12. Ride1Up Portola Folding E-bike

The rest of the article will discuss the e-bike models above, highlighting their strong suits, what makes them work as a small e-bike, and any other characteristics you should know about.

These e-bikes were chosen as the best small electric bikes, not by frame size, but because they offer a feature that makes them easier to manage, especially for a smaller person. Continue reading and you’ll discover my favorite small e-bike as a size-challenged adult!

1. RadExpand Step-Thru (Favorite)

As a small woman myself and a rider of the RadMini, the RadExpand’s predecessor, I can’t help but choose this as my all-time favorite small electric bike!

Yet another e-bike model by the largest US-based brand, Rad Power Bikes, the RadExpand folding electric bike fits riders sizes 4’10” to 5’10”. So it was intentionally designed as a small e-bike for a size-challenged person!

With its small 20″ X 4.0″ wide tires and step-thru frame (you can also get a step-over one), it’s easily the best small electric bike for small grownups and even teen e-bike riders.

With a 750W electric motor, Tektro disc brakes, Shimano gears, front and rear lights, and a throttle, it’s a great value at a reasonable price (around $1500).

This is one of the best e-bikes for a small or average-sized person due to its folding ability. Thanks to its smaller tires, it can be easily folded into a compact unit and taken with you wherever you go. Plus its step-thru frame makes it easy to get on and off quickly, even without tall legs.

The RadExpand folding step-thru model is as stylish as it is efficient. It’s also the best folding electric bike in its price category.

Want to learn more about the “famous” RadMini folding e-bike? Take a look!

2. Rad Power Bikes RadRunner

The RadRunner is one of the most valuable small e-bikes you can get as an adult. It’s also a fan favorite amongst many Rad Power Bikes enthusiasts and for good reasons. Its unique blend of usefulness, versatility, and affordability makes it one of the e-bikes you should expect to see several times when you’re out on the streets each day.

This electric bike features a custom drivetrain, small but wide Kenda tires (20″ X 3.3″), and a high-capacity rack (120 lbs or 54.43kg). The 750-watt motor comfortably beats many other e-bikes in this price range.

Yet the bike frame is undoubtedly one of the biggest reasons for its popularity. The construction means it can serve as a commuter or leisure bike for adults in different size categories. In fact, it allows kids and even smaller grownups to ride on the rear seat without affecting pedal assist.

3. Ride1Up Roadster V3 Low-Step

The Ride1Up Roadster V3 Low-Step is a sleek and lightweight electric bike designed for smaller riders seeking a smooth and efficient urban commute. It functions as a Class 1-3 eBike, providing pedal assistance up to 28 mph. Powered by a 500W Mivice hub motor with 50Nm of torque, this bike offers a responsive and powerful boost during rides.

With a range of 20-40 miles, the Roadster V3 is well-suited for medium to long trips, depending on rider weight, terrain, and assist level. The bike features a lightweight alloy frame with integrated and securely locked electronics, ensuring durability and protection from the elements.

Designed with luxury in mind, the Roadster V3 boasts cutting-edge specifications for an elevated riding experience. The low-step Roadster V3’s compact and ergonomic design fits riders from 5’1″ to 5’10”, making it perfect for riders. Weighing only 39 lbs, it’s easy to handle and maneuver, making it an ideal small e-bike for everyday commutes.

4. Cannondale Adventure Neo

If you’re in the market for an electric bicycle you can trust for your commute that isn’t overfitted with unnecessary bells and whistles, the Cannondale Adventure Neo 4 should be high on your list. The manufacturer is one of the biggest names in this niche, so you’re getting an e-bike supported by a strong network of affiliate shops and retailers.

The model features a light aluminum frame and a Bosch 250-watt motor. The built-in seat suspension helps ensure a comfortable ride at all times. The mid-drive motor has no issues navigating streets, backroads, and village lanes. You can expect to get up to 64 miles (103km) out of the 400Wh battery on a full charge. The battery is also removable in case you’ve got an extra.

The cables are routed internally, giving you a clutter-free appearance. The Shimano hydraulic brakes also guarantee reliable performance at all times.  

Thanks to the step-through frame, getting on and off the bike is easy, especially for smaller adults. In fact, this e-bike offers a large or small frame size, allowing a person as short as 4’9″ (149cm) to ride comfortably.

5. Electra Townie Path Go! 

If you’re looking for an e-bike that delivers well on short trips around town and during longer trail rides, the Electra Townie Path Go Step-Thru is an excellent option to go with. The unit features step-over pedals, typically found on racing and e-mountain bikes. The result is a more balanced ride experience at all times. 

The unit features 27.5-inch (69.85 cm) tires and a high-capacity battery that can last up to 65 miles.

Other interesting features you can expect to find include a SmartphoneHub controller (which allows easy monitoring of ride data) and the Flat Foot technology, which moves the pedals to match up with the saddle as closely as possible. With this technology, you can enjoy riding with your leg fully extended—a super comfortable position—and relaxing your foot on the ground at stops is a lot easier (especially if you’re a size-challenged person).

6. Cero One

If you’re looking for a reliable and comfortable electric cargo bike good enough for your commute, carrying cargo, or taking your kids to school, the Cero One is one of the best. The model sports an eye-catching design with a smaller front wheel and larger back wheel combo made for easy maneuverability.

The Cero One is compact, lightweight, and laden with high-end components from manufacturers like Shimano, Satori, and Schwalbe.

The combination of the Gates carbon belt drive, 250-watt Shimano Steps Motor, and the Schwalbe tires combine to give you an e-bike that can conveniently relegate your car to the background. Cero supports customization, so you can spec out your electric bike as you deem fit and have it arrive at your doorsteps ready to go.

7. Aventon Level Step-Through

The Aventon Level is a hugely practical e-bike that has an unassuming exterior and comes in a Small/Medium size frame (in addition to Medium/Large). Don’t let the simplistic design deceive you, though. The bike is powerful enough to compete with other commuter electric bicycles on the market today.

The unit features full fenders, a kickstand, a rear cargo rack, and an upright geometry. The reserved exterior houses a powerful motor you’re sure to feel on mounting the bike. It’s another e-bike that features a throttle.

Its rear hub motor delivers 750 Watts of peak power and 500 watts of sustained power. A 672 Watt-hour lithium-ion rechargeable battery supplies the motor with power. You can expect 40 miles (64.37 km) of average range from the fully charged battery. The electric parts are neatly tucked away, giving it an aesthetically pleasing look.  

The bike’s 8-speed Shimano drivetrain, Kenda tires, and the Suntour fork combine to deliver a seamless and pleasurable riding experience. This e-bike is also quiet while in full flow.

The Aventon Level is competitively priced compared to some others in this niche. However, it’s not designed for night riding right out of the box. There are no lights or bells installed.

8. Rad Power Bikes RadWagon

The latest iteration of the RadWagon sports a complete redesign. It’s now lower to the ground and a lot easier to maneuver. The tires are now smaller and fatter after redesign by Rad Power Bikes’ in-house team and Vee Tire Co.

An interesting feature on the bike is the twist throttle which comes in handy when pedaling is limiting or too tasking.

Although it’s rather long and carries a ton of cargo, its small tires keep it low to the ground and easy to step onto. Traditionally, full cargo e-bikes are quite large. But this one allows a short person to manage it comfortably.

Some users have reported electrical arcing on the bike, though, so it’s best to store yours in a shed or indoors. It’s also not a good idea to assemble the bike on your own. If you do, visit a manufacturer-approved service partner to go over your assembly.

9. Propella 7S

If you’re looking for an e-bike that does the basics and isn’t too expensive, the Propella 7S is one of the best you can find in this price range. It’s an affordable model with a reliable motor and a powerful frame you can trust in a wide range of situations and on all kinds of roads.

The reason this is listed as one of the best small e-bikes is not due to the frame or wheel size. It’s because it is one of the lightest-weight e-bikes making it easily manageable for any size adult (and at a very reasonable cost of around $1299).

The unit features Shimano hydraulic disc brakes and a 250Wh Samsung battery that powers the Bafang motor. The battery goes from zero to full in less than three hours. Other cool features include the suspension seat, pedal-assist function, and an LCD to monitor the battery level. With the multi-speed setting, tackling any hills is a breeze on this bike.

One notable downside to choosing this electric bike is Propella’s direct-to-consumer model. There’s very little support on the local front, so if your e-bike develops major issues, you may find yourself in a bind.

10. Electric Bike Company Models

One of the first things you’ll notice about these ebike models is that they look more premium than the price will indicate. As an e-bike assembled in the USA, the manufacturer’s attention to detail is immediately evident, especially since they are delivered fully assembled!

You can choose a small tire size of 24″ as opposed to the regular 26″ on any of its e-bike models.

The unit is another one that features a throttle, and it runs quietly while in motion except for the faint whirl you might hear from the rear hub motor. The steel fork, aluminum frame, and Fat Frank tires all combine to ensure you’ll enjoy a smooth ride every time you’re on the road.

The retro handlebar and the comfortable saddle deliver relaxed sitting while the e-assist makes controlling the e-bike a breeze. The pedal assist function can deliver top speeds of 28 miles (45.06 km) per hour.

The 500-watt motor on this unit can deliver up to 1,500 watts of power, which makes this unit a good option for even the sporty crowd. The vanilla design doesn’t come with a lot of bells and whistles. If you want optional fittings like GPS tracking, suspension seat posts, special frame colors, extra batteries, a rear rack, or other such fittings, you can customize it to your liking before ordering.

One downside customers have pointed out on this unit is that the hub motor makes changing flat tires more difficult than it should be.

11. Gazelle Ultimate C380

The superb design of the Gazelle Ultimate C380 immediately screams “high quality” even from afar. It’s no surprise that the manufacturer offers a 10-year frame warranty.

The unit features a 500W battery, durable hydraulic disc brakes, neatly integrated taillight, and a powerful headlight. There aren’t many better-looking bikes you can compare to this unit. 

Away from the aesthetic side, the e-bike delivers a smooth riding experience.

The mid-drive motor is a Bosch Performance Line 3.0 that ensures the e-bike can deliver top speeds of up to 20mph (32.18 kph). The low step-through frame is nicely balanced and as stable as you’d expect from a bike in this price range.

Are you looking for a low-maintenance e-bike? The stepless gear system and maintenance belt drive on this unit is a combination that will keep the bike running seamlessly most of the time.

Little extras like leather grips and the Selle Royal saddle round off the features that make this unit a truly upscale electric bike model. However, the jury’s out if it’s worth the price, especially compared to other commuter e-bikes.

12. Ride1Up Portola Step-Through

If you’re in the market for an inexpensive electric bike, The Ride1Up Portola is the best folding e-bike for small riders. Starting at only $995, the Portola has a powerful 750W motor that seats you in an upright position and assists you up to a 28 mph speed. The step-through frame ensures you can easily get on and off and put your foot down when you stop.

The Ride1Up Portola is a versatile and powerful electric bike, offering a range of features designed for both speed and comfort. It can operate as a Class 1-3 eBike, with pedal assistance reaching speeds up to 28 mph and a throttle option that goes up to 20 mph. Powered by a robust 750w sustained geared hub motor with 65Nm of torque, the Portola delivers impressive acceleration and performance.

The bike’s range varies depending on the battery size, with options of either a 10.4Ah or 13.4Ah battery. Riders can expect between 20-40 miles on the smaller battery and 25-45 miles on the larger, depending on factors such as rider weight, terrain, incline, and assistance level.

The lightweight foldable alloy frame integrates all the electrical components seamlessly, making it convenient for transport and storage. Designed with comfort in mind, its frame geometry and components offer a smooth and comfortable riding experience. This electric bike accommodates riders from 4’10” in height, making it one of the best small electric bikes. Further, its 59 lbs weight is relatively easy to pick up, despite your small size.

Should You Buy an Electric Bike? (Bonus)

You should buy an electric bike if your lifestyle allows you to draw full value from the investment. If you’re an avid cyclist, an e-bike allows you to cover more ground without expending too much energy.

Senior citizens or people recovering from injuries may also use an electric bike to stay active. Some environmentally aware commuters also rely on electric bikes for a commute that won’t leave them all sweaty on arrival to the office. You don’t have to wait until you can afford an electric car to make your commute more eco-friendly.

Regardless of your lifestyle, you can find a reason to pay for an electric bike.

How To Finance an Electric Bike

There aren’t many financing options for e-bikes yet. Lending companies are less likely to offer a plan for an electric bike. However, more manufacturers are making it possible for prospective customers to pay for their bikes with monthly payments. Check your preferred manufacturer’s website to see what offers they’ve got.

How Can You Choose the Right Electric Bike?

To choose the right electric bike, you need to first determine how you intend to use it. The right bike will vary from one individual to another. If you have to ride across flat terrain for your commute, you can get by with a Class 1 electric bike. 

Cycling enthusiasts looking for more versatility should go with Class 2 or 3 e-bikes. Class 1 e-bikes don’t have a throttle, but they feature pedal-assist functions with a maximum speed of 20 mph (32.18 kph). Class 2 electric bikes also have maximum speeds of 20 mph (32.18 kph) but feature throttle assist.

Class 3 e-bikes feature pedal assist and have a maximum speed of 28 mph (45.06 kph). They also don’t have throttles.

Across all three classes, motors are limited to 750 watts. The power distinction across different electric bicycles is most visible in the motor ratings and the battery capacity. If you’re an avid e-biker, you’re better off choosing an e-cargo bike with a powerful motor and battery combination.

Other Tips To Keep in Mind When Buying an E-Bike

• Choose brands with readily available bike components. Companies like Shimano and Bosch make parts for the most popular e-bike brands. Choosing bicycle models with parts from these companies means you won’t have to look too hard to find replacement parts when you need them. Also, it ensures your local bike shop can help with repairs when you need them.
• E-bikes are not maintenance-free. Many e-bikes require even more maintenance compared to standard bikes. You should keep this in mind when calculating the cost of your bike.
• Pay attention to e-bike laws and regulations in your state. Some local governments have banned certain types of e-bikes. You should pay attention to what the rules say about owning e-bikes in your area. This guide from the National Conference of State Legislatures is a good place to start.
• Learn how to ride a normal bicycle first. We’ve covered some of the smallest e-bikes you can find in the market today, but most of these can go up to 20 mph (32.18 kph). If you don’t have standard cycling experience, you risk losing control at moderate to high speeds. Seasoned cyclists on non-electric bikes don’t ride at top speeds at all times. It’ll be more difficult for you as a beginner.
• Keep all safety tips in mind. Riding an e-bike doesn’t make you immune to accidents. There’s an argument that electric bikes are riskier than standard variants. Features like pedal and throttle assist can make you ride absent-mindedly. Always exercise caution when out on the streets—crowded or not—and don’t forget your helmet.

Tall e-bike riders… here are the best e-bikes for you!

Read about some of the other best electric bikes in their category:

• Best Electric BMX Bikes
• Best E-Bikes for Sand and the Beach