If you want to roll down the road or up hills with the greatest of ease, consider a smooth riding electric bike to gently push you along. Electric bikes are great for many reasons including reducing fossil fuels, making it easier to ride long distances or up hills and effortlessly hauling extra weight.
Pretty much every kind of bike has been made into an electric version which makes the joy of electric cycling accessible to so many people in so many ways. Below you’ll find some of the most affordable and stylish electric bike options to cruise through town for errands, going to the park or even to take camping. Most of these will accommodate child seat add-ons or a tag along trailer to either a pannier, stem or a top tube. But make sure to identify where the battery pack is placed on the bike to ensure it won’t get in the way of your attachments.
If you want to take multiple kids out with you, here’s a good list of family cargo bikes to consider. Let’s pedal on to find the perfect electric bike for you, from electric beach cruisers to the best electric hybrid bikes.
The Best Electric City, Hybrid and Utility Bikes for Families
These are great for running short errands around town, going to/from work or taking the kids to school or the playground. These are upright sitting bikes with a comfy seat, best for paved roads and pathways, but hybrids can handle some gravel and dirt for light off-roading.
Electra Townie Go! 5i Step Thru, from $2,599
This bike is too cute and you're going to love cruising around town on it. You can rely on the workmanship as it’s one of the best-selling bikes in the U.S. from a well-known brand. Electra was bought by Trek (one of the top 3 bike companies) from Benno Bikes, a well-respected bike company. The Townie Go! is a great option for beginners because it’s so easy to use, fun to ride and the step-thru styling makes it easy to get on and off in a flash.
PROS:
• Powered by the Bosch Active Line Plus System
• Wide handlebars and a plush saddle made for a comfortable ride
• Rear rack is included
• Flat-foot technology provides a more relaxed seating position
• Silent motor
• The PowerPack 400 battery and 4 AMP charger charges quickly to keep you going.
• Available in several fun colors
CONS:
• It doesn't come with a basket or a bell, but you can easily add those on yourself
Where to buy: trekbikes.com
Huffy Everett 27.5” Electric Bike, from $999
This is one of the most affordable electric bikes that you can find today. Huffy bikes have been around since 1934 so they know a thing or two about bikes. Huffy's entry into the electric bike world brings them up to speed with the times. Front and rear disc brakes deliver solid control and pedal-assist helps you handle small hills and longer distances. For the lowest cost on the market it’s a good option if you want to get up to speed with the times too.
PROS:
• Affordable price
• 2 year limited warranty
• 36v battery with lock
CONS:
• Battery range: 25 miles
What owners say:
“I bought this bike for my daughter a couple months ago and she would LOVE going bike riding with it. When she is going uphill, all she does is turns on electric mode and goes up quickly without a sweat.”
Where to buy: huffybikes.com
Cannondale Treadwell Neo EQ Remixte, from $2,650
Cannondale Treadwell Neo EQ Remixte is a lightweight electric bike that’s fun to ride and comes from a trusted top brand bike company. It has a lot of accessories like racks, front and rear lights and a plush comfortable suspension seat. The aluminum alloy chain guide reduces drops and protects your pants from getting greasy or snagged.
PROS:
• Battery range: 47mi
• Cannondale has a large dealer network, so repairs and adjustments can be easily accessed
• Wider tires are used to improve stability and comfort
• Easy-to-use hydraulic disc brakes
CONS:
• The display only has one button and takes extra time to figure out
• Integrated battery can’t be removed for charging separately
What owners say:
"Cannondale has put out a playful adult bike that makes it fun just going out for a bike ride. The handle bars have character, they’re not just a flat bar. The tires are nice and thick so hitting a bump is nothing dramatic. The seat is so stylish different then all others. The bike has fewer speeds it’s for a a playful ride...not an exact science. Ride and go have fun, even track yourself with the Cannondale App.”
Where to buy: cannondale.com
Benno RemiDemi 9D "Etility" Bike, from $3,399
This is an incredibly good bike from an incredible bike designer. Benno sold his famed Electra bike line to Trek and has been focusing on these "Etility" bikes. The quality is exceptional, the motor is very quiet and the battery pack can be removed from the bike for separate charging. It has a low stand over and saddle height; which makes it easier for those with more limited mobility to use. Best of all for parents, it comes with a rear rack that's compatible with child seats from Yepp!
PROS:
• Large 4.25″ wide fat tires and steel frame dampen vibrations and give stability
• Sold at various bike shops all around the U.S. so you’ll have good access to support
• Comfortable seat adjusts up/down and front/back
• Front basket can hold a staggering 65lbs
• Comes in 4 different colors
CONS:
• No suspension fork or seat post is included
• It’s heavy at 65.3 lbs
What owners say:
“It’s neat to see a product that captures the vintage style of a Vespa scooter with the clean quiet technology of electric assist.”
Where to buy: bennobikes.com
Serial 1 RUSH/CTY SPEED, from $4,999
Powered by Harley Davidson, the Serial 1 RUSH/CTY SPEED offers a sleek design for jetting around the city. Available for pre-order, this ebike is sure to turn heads.
PROS
- integrated battery and mass-centralized motor position
- brake lines and electrical wiring are routed through the frame for a clean look
CONS
- high price tag
The Best Electric Beach Cruisers for Families
Electric beach cruisers are perfect for beginners looking for a casual ride on flat surfaces like boardwalks or sidewalks, to ride to the beach, a neighbor’s house or down the street to the park. These are usually single speed bikes with a backward peddle to brake and upright seating with a comfy seat. Tires are wide with low pressure and low maintenance made for a comfortable ride.
sixthreezero Around the Block New 500W, from $1,899
You'll love this electric cruiser bike with a 500-Watt rear hub drive motor. It has a classically-styled beach cruiser frame that provides maximum comfort and riding ease. You’ll love zipping around knowing nobody can tell your being powered by a disguised motor.
PROS
- 20-40 hour battery life
- upright, relaxed riding position
- clear display gives your speeds
- 90-day test ride
CONS
- Frame only comes in one size
Electric Bike Company Model S, from $2,099
The Model S is a classic Step-through style electric cruiser, built to order, arrives fully built, and is 100% customizable to your heart’s content. It’s been awarded as one of the top rated E-Cruiser bikes in the USA and is less expensive than many other bikes that come with less features. Even though it’s considered a cruiser, it can qualify as a utility bike with all of the accessories available and it’s 380 pound weight capacity for carrying groceries or kids.
PROS:
• Extra battery range: 140 miles with extra battery pack
• LCD color display is very user friendly
• USB port for charging phones or speakers
• Available in 10 fun colors
CONS:
• These bikes are heavier at 60.5 lbs because they come with a sturdy welded-on rear rack
• They only come with one gear
• The frame only comes in one size, but with the step-thru and adjustable seat stem it should work for most
What owners say:
"Wow! The entire team knocked it out of the park!! After Many hours of research on the BEST built electric bikes I ordered 2 for my family and could not pass up the value."
Where to buy: electricbikecompany.com
The Best Electric Folding Bikes for Families
Ideal for those short on storage space in condos or apartments, for riding to work to inside your office, for taking up and down stairs, on public transportation, boats, planes, trains, motorhomes or minivans. These bikes fold in half making them perfect for taking with you literally anywhere.
Lectric XP Step Thru, starting at $899
This is one of the most affordable electric bikes available, and for a folding one at that. Given that it arrives fully assembled with all of the extras that are included like the upgraded 500W motor, standard rack and fenders, front/rear lights, LCD display, plush seating, adjustable handlebars and fat 4” tires. This is an excellent option to consider that even bikes that cost twice as much don’t have.
PROS:
• Battery range: 45 miles
• Motor power: 500W
• Arrives fully assembled
• Adjustable Seat and Handlebars
• All-terrain fat tires allow for off-road trail riding
CONS:
• The welding work is not very smooth
• Some cables are exposed instead of nicely tucked away
• It has no suspension
What owners say:
“I’m gushing about this bike it’s that good…and I don’t say that lightly. This bike has touched something, it’s like it’s hit a long dormant nerve, that youthful fun when you got your first really good bike as a kid.”
Where to buy: lectricebikes.com
EVELO Dash, from $3,199
The Dash is the best combination from all of their previous folding bike models put together. It’s the lightest mid-drive folding electric bike available with plenty of 350W power. It comes with a drive belt system that’s only found on the best quality bikes and gearing is handled by a reliable Shimano internally geared hub. This combination is the perfect system because it requires no maintenance, no lubrication, stays clean and can get bumped into and bounced around in transport without needing adjustment.
PROS:
• Battery range: 40 miles
• Motor power: 350W
• Arrives fully assembled
• 21 day at home trial
• Good for riders from 4’10” to 6’4”
• 4-year warranty
CONS:
• Higher price point
What owners say:
"The Dash is a great e-bike. It has plenty of power and outstanding range with pedal-assist. What really makes it a good buy is Evelo's outstanding customer service."
Where to buy: evelo.com
—Kate Loweth & Bonnie Taylor
RELATED STORIES:
Best Bicycles & Tricycles for All Ages & Stages
9 Foolproof (and Tear-Free) Ways to Get Your Kids Riding Their Bikes
Trek Bicycles Offers Essential Bicycle Gear for Riding with Kids
