is simply overwhelming, with a spectrum of different utilities, classes, price points and options to consider. Over the past couple years we’ve road-tested dozens to find the best in each category. Below are our eight favorite models. But first, a quick primer:There are four classes for ebikes in the US, and rules change per state.
Of course, sometimes after a long ride, if it’s late, or if you live in a hilly neighborhood, the ability to simply engage a throttle is an alluring one. If you have prizefighter-level of discipline, a throttle bike is a no brainer, but be warned: You will most likely use it more than you’d like. Also, you should for those that plan to take their ebikes off the beaten path, most bike trails only allow Class 1 pedal-assist ebikes.
What separates the Roadster from the rest of the pack is speed. Yes it’s “limited” to only 20 mph, as every ebike is on this list. But Vintage Electric included a CNC-machined aluminum Race mode key on the left side of the battery box that you can easily remove, annulling the limiter and unleashing the ebike’s full 40-mph Race mode.