Our Experts
Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission.
Reviews ethics statement
Joseph Kaminski Senior Associate Technology Editor / Reviews
During my almost twenty years at CNET, I handled benchmark testing/methodologies for both Mac and PC systems and, sometime after, integrated testing for micro-mobility (e-bikes, electric scooters and EUCs), which is a passion of mine. Transitioning from a BMX background to this field was seamless. Despite testing numerous products, each new one brings the same excitement as my first.
CNET’s expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise.
An electric bike can give you a little more speed than a traditional bike. They are user-friendly and growing in popularity with a wide range of options available. For instance, there are mountain bikes, fat-tire bikes, beach cruisers, cargo bikes, folding bikes and more you can get, now with motor power.
Our list focuses on commuter e-bikes for commuting to work through midtown Manhattan, Central Park, the West Side Highway bike path and other busy cities. We tested Rad Power, Aventon, Lectric, Fiido and Ride1Up. For some models, we also tested suburban commutes and light off-road use, though not on rough trails. We evaluate overall handling, motor performance, range, safety features and value.
What is the best e-bike overall?
CNET’s editors have crowned the Aventon Soltera 2 as the best overall e-bike. The Soltera 2 offers an affordable price, a lightweight (41 lbs) bike frame and a seven-speed cassette, alongside iOS/Android app compatibility and a throttle for assistance on hills. But there are plenty of other good options for those specifically after a folding e-bike, one that can carry heavy cargo or something for kids and teens rather than full-grown commuters, and you’ll find the full suite of our favorite electric commuter bikes below.
Best Electric Bikes for 2025
Watch this: Best E-Bikes for Weekend Warriors and Daily Commuters
How fast can an electric bike go?
Before we can go into top speeds, we first need to go over e-bike classifications. There are three classes.
- Class 1 is an e-bike where the motor only supplies pedal assistance while the rider is pedaling and has a max assisted speed of 20 mph.
- Class 2 follows the same pedal-assist top speed as class 1 but also has a throttle enabling the rider to get around without pedaling.
- Class 3 has a top assist speed of 28 mph and can be either pedal-assist only or pedal-assist along with throttle-assistance.
These classes are limited to 1 horsepower (750 watts). That said, some (air quotes) e-bikes can hit 50 to 60 mph. But they are more like motorcycles with pedals. They are not optimized as traditional bicycles for pedaling from point A to B and do not legally fit into the class 1-3 category. Typically only class 1 and 2 e-bikes are allowed where traditional bicycles are.
Do I need a permit or license to operate an e-bike?
The short answer is no. But riders must meet the minimum age limit (which can vary) in their state. In New York, that is 16.
Should I buy an electric bike or an electric scooter?
It’s frankly pretty fun to have one of each. But if you need a reason to pick one over the other, an e-bike can also be used as a traditional bike so riders benefit from getting a workout along with the fact you can travel further, even on a dead battery. In addition, most people I talk to feel better on bicycles because they’ve had more experience riding them.
