

Updated · Oct 21, 2022
Updated: October 05,2022
We went looking for the best electric bikes and found the 10 leading models for 2022.
We focused on:
Read our overview, guides, and reviews, so you can find the best electric bike for you!
Specialized has accomplished something superb with the S-Works Turbo Creo SL. It’s massively powerful but balances to your input and handles like a top endurance bike. It starts off owning the road, but you can easily adapt to off-road and more unconventional terrains. It’s also incredibly light and comes in the full spectrum of sizes – from small to XXL. On raw performance alone, it’s our current pick for the best electric bike.
Power
240W
Reach
28MPH
Frame
Premium carbon
The NEO Lefty 3 from Cannondale has exceptional off-road power at a range of over 60 miles. Moreover, its telescopic fork and rear kingpin flex suspension ensure a smooth ride, whether on the tarmac or while hitting rocks on the trail. The design is for serious gravel and mountain bikers who appreciate high torque and multiple settings.
With a carbon frame and Bosch electric motor system, this ebike is about as high-end as you can get. It’s easily one of the best electric bikes 2022 has to offer in this class.
Handling and traction
Yes
Powerful
Yes
Battery range
Great
This aluminum framed 700c ranks in our best electric commuter bike category. Its high-quality components include hydraulic disc brakes, a 375Wh battery, and a surprisingly silent 80Nm mid-drive motor.
It’s perfect for improving your fitness when commuting without the risk of getting completely exhausted while climbing a hill. Furthermore, there are enough give and tire possibilities to take it for some mild off-roading.
Whether you want to get to work without sweat marks, increase the mileage of your journey with help from the motor, or simply trade the car for a bike, the E+ Pro 2 is an excellent pick.
Battery range
Great
Perfect for
Tarmac
Build quality
High
This comfortable and relaxed town-style bike might look pretty on the outside, but it packs a powerful 750W motor with 1,000 watts of peak power! It comes with lots of accessories, including a front handle basket. Furthermore, you can have a lot of fun choosing from a wide range of color options that apply to the frame, tires, rims, chain guard, and saddle.
It’s also one of the best throttle electric bike choices in this range, letting you reach up to 20MPH without pedal assist and 25MPH with it.
Town bike look
Great
Motor
Powerful
Customizable
Highly
As the name suggests, Charge City aims its ebike at city riders, going to work and running errands. For that purpose, it’s one of the best ebikes on the market. Unlike some city ebikes, it has a unisex appeal, and nobody would look out of place riding it. In fact, it doesn’t even look much like an electric bike at all. It also has several foldable elements to save space.
You get a 250W geared hub motor. Its maximum speed is 20MPH. This is fast enough for busy areas and allows you to stay firmly in control, thanks to the durable cable-actuated disc brakes.
Style
Universally appealing
Great for the city
Yes
Storage
Easy
Turbo designs the SL 4.0 for commuters. It has a 240W motor, with two times rider amplification up to 15.5MPH. This makes it great for the tougher commutes that could use some electricity to fall back on. The 320KWH battery will last for 80 miles before running out of charge, and this model supports a range extender, which will bring it up to 120 miles.
It’s a very lightweight ebike, mainly made of aluminum. Altogether it’s just 34lbs, so you can easily place it in the trunk of a car or take it on public transport to get to your riding destination.
Very light
Yes
Understated look
Yes
Great for
Commuting
The Delfast Top pushes the limits of ebikes. It offers world record-breaking battery range and one of the most durable and versatile builds on the market. Originally intended for couriers, this electronically assisted bike could almost pass as a scooter or motorbike – and can easily fill the needs of both. Delfast performs whether you’re in the busy inner city or out on the dirt tracks. At 50MPH, these are the fastest electric bikes for 2022.
Pedaling necessary
No
Throttle
Up to 50MPH
Braking system
Regenerative
With a step-through frame and fat tires for off-roading, the Aventon Aventure is perfect for everyday use and rougher terrain. It features a powerful 750W motor, pedal assist and throttle, and a color display for easy control. It secures the battery in the front half of the frame, which gives you up to 45 miles of range. It’s well-priced at $2,000 and comes in Fire Black, Camouflage Green, and SoCal Sand. It’s also available in small, medium, and large sizes. It has a distinctive look but a broad appeal when it comes to performance.
Top speed
28MPH
Battery range
Long
Value for money
Good
If you want an electronic bike that can do everything, the RadRunner Plus is a strong contender. The 750W rear-wheel motor gives a 20MPH top speed. Meanwhile, its battery life ranges between 25 and 45 miles from 674Wh. It comes with a hand throttle and pedal assist, along with a 7-speed Shimano gear system. It stands out with a long bench saddle, which adds comfort for longer-legged riders or even taking passengers.
Motor
Powerful
Top speed
20MPH
Display
High-quality
The EB-6 Bandit is one of the top rated ebikes when it comes to the BMX style. It’s awesome for hitting the trails and even taking to the air. With a twist-start throttle, you get all the electronic support you need. Due to its classic compact BMX design, it also has adult and child crossover appeal. It comes with a 350W motor and a throttle range up to 20 miles before the battery needs recharging.
Tires
Chunky off-road
The leading electric BMX
Yes
Speed
Over 18MPH
The benefits of riding good electric bikes are innumerable. Here are the most obvious and some you might not have expected:
Traditional motorbikes and scooters still have their place, but you’re missing the cardiovascular benefits unless you’re putting foot to pedal at some point along your journey. In short, an ebike is better for your health and fitness, which is one of the many reasons to give one a go.
Not only is an ebike healthier for you, but it’s also better for your carbon footprint and the environment as a whole. Yes, you might need a charging outlet, but this pales in comparison to the emissions your average motorbike or car produces. You can be more environmentally conscious by making the switch to an electric-powered cycle.
Even the best ebikes are cheaper than the average motorcycle. So if you’re looking to switch to two wheels, it makes more financial sense to go for an ebike than a motorbike. Furthermore, you’ll reap all the health and environmental benefits as well.
Although you can get a good pedaling in, not everyone has the physical capabilities to do it everywhere they go. Cycling to work seems like a good idea, but you might turn up exhausted and sweaty if the journey is too strenuous.
An electric bike will allow you to rest during your journey and rely on the motor instead of your efforts. By the same token, replacing a traditional cycle with an electric one might encourage you to take trips you otherwise wouldn’t due to the amount of energy required.
It used to be a bit of a myth that electric bicycles were self-charging or would charge while you pedal. This still isn’t the norm for the best ebikes of 2022, but it’s becoming more common to feature regenerative systems. E.g., the regenerative braking on the Delfast Top, which prolongs battery power.
However, the standard way to charge an ebike is to remove the rechargeable batteries and use the supplied adapter to charge it via a standard wall outlet. Therefore, it’s still not renewable energy. Just better than the alternatives.
You’ll now find a charging station in many cities.
For a long time, electric bikes were chunky and impractical, not the kind of cycle you’d see an enthusiast zooming down the road on. In 2022 that’s all changed. You can find designs for commuting. There are models for country road racers and mountain bikers. And even the most casual riders have ample options. Ebikes are lighter and better looking than ever.
The best cycling spots are not always near your home, and you sometimes have to travel to your riding location. Fortunately, many ebikes are light, foldable, and easily portable, so you can put them in the trunk of your car or store them away without taking up too much space.
Over the years, there has been some controversy around the battery powered bike. How should it be classified? Should the rider obtain a license? Fortunately, most electric bicycle laws have fallen into place, though they differ slightly depending on the jurisdiction.
In countries with clear regulations, there’s typically a power/speed cut-off point where the bike falls into a traditional motorcycle category. In such a case, it will require a license, insurance, and following the appropriate highway codes. Those that meet the ebike category are treated as regular pedal bikes but require displaying the power output and voltage.
The United States federal law says the maximum speed an ebike can reach by motor is 20MPH, though there is no federal limit when combined with pedaling. I.e., the rider can use pedals to surpass 20MPH even if a motor helps them to 20MPH. This refers to the manufacture and sale of electronic bikes. I.e., their physical capabilities. Meanwhile, the state sets on-the-road laws.
In 44 states, there are now distinct classifications for ebikes, all of which permit the rider to use traditional bicycle facilities like cycle lanes.
This makes some of the top electric bikes, like the Delfast, illegal unless you have a license.
In states that recognize ebike classifications, bikes must simply signify the class they belong to with a sticker. Furthermore, only 25 states have rules mandating protective gear like helmets.
Bikes with motor power above these three categories fall under the regulations of a more powerful moped or motorized vehicle. These require licensure and insurance.
The only states that classify all ebikes under these stricter existing motorized vehicle laws are Alabama, Alaska, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Mexico, and North Dakota.
In 2021, the EU passed a provisional agreement to formally exclude electronic bikes from requiring insurance. The EU defines an ebike as a cycle with electric pedal assistance and a motor. It must only have a maximum continuous 0.25 kW rate of power, which cuts off if the bike reaches 25 km/h (16MPH). The law classifies these bikes in the same category as manual bicycles.
In the UK, ebike rules state those 14 or older can ride “pedelecs” without a license, tax, or insurance. The motor must be no more powerful than 250 watts and should stop assisting when the bike reaches a speed of 15.5MPH. The government permits these bikes to travel anywhere a regular cycle can.
It classifies bikes exceeding this power and speed as electric motorcycles or mopeds, which must be registered and taxed.
The top speed of an electric cycle depends on its power, usually measured in wattage, and any limiters the manufacturer applies due to regulations. In general, the fastest bike you will find is the Delfast Top, which can reach speeds of up to 50MPH. However, this classifies it beyond the scope of an ebike by most countries’ laws. On the other hand, some bikes top out at 10MPH.
You should also factor in your pedaling ability regarding average and top speeds. Electric bikes still have pedals, and good old effort can get you faster than you might anticipate when combined with a throttle and pedal assist.
Buying new electric bikes can be a headache if you don’t understand their features, capabilities, and how they work.
Let’s take a closer look at everything you need to know before you buy one in 2022:
The price of an electric bike falls between the lower end of a motorcycle or moped and the higher end of a traditional bicycle. You can expect to spend from $1,000 all the way up to $13,500 for the likes of the S-Works Turbo Creo SL.
However, this model is a bit of an anomaly, with most ebikes rarely going over $4,000.
Before parting with your cash, you need to consider what you’re hoping to gain from going electric. Are you a commuter or someone who cycles around town and wants some extra assistance? A mid to lower-priced ebike with moderate power and a neutral design would make sense for you.
Do you go off-road or tackle a lot of hills and trails? You might consider more power, or at the very least, an off-road or even a BMX design, with fat tires.
Professional couriers probably want something like an all-rounder with a long battery range. If you don’t want to be pedaling all day, a throttle that works regardless of pedaling is a must.
The top-rated electric bikes are getting lighter, but their extra components still make them heavier than their manual counterparts. This weight can affect handling. And, just like any pedal bike, overall design can affect it too.
Thin, lightweight, and aerodynamic bikes are perfect for high speeds and relatively flat roads. Weight and shape are less of an issue for shorter or slower journeys, like in the inner city, where you have to stop a lot. However, a smaller design improves maneuverability.
If you’re carrying shopping or cargo, look for baskets, racks, and storage boxes. Even if these don’t come as standard, they may be available as additional accessories.
Other useful extras we tend to overlook are lights to help nighttime visibility, kickstands to comfortably park your bike, and fenders to keep rain and dirt at bay.
One increasingly common feature is a mobile app. It can track your journey, distance, and speed and even allow you to control the bike’s settings. If biking is part of your fitness regime, an app with lots of stats can help you monitor your progress.
An ebike’s motor gets power from a battery, so it’s important to consider battery life. This is the range or the distance the bike can travel before you need to charge it. Fortunately, the top ebikes for 2022 can go tens of miles before draining. Moreover, even if you do go out, most let you pedal like a normal bike anyway.
Still, the range might be important if you are out all day as a courier, in the wilderness, or otherwise traveling long distances.
Manufacturers might display the battery’s “watt hours”, i.e., 300WH. Coupled with a 250W motor, that would drain in just over an hour running at full throttle.
However, not to wallow in math, each model will clearly display the range in some form. It will show you the average miles or kilometers the bike can travel on a full charge. While it’s better to underestimate the range, most ebikes will last for days.
Furthermore, some bikes have regenerative features that prolong battery life, such as pedaling or braking to convert energy.
Even the most affordable electric bikes will give you throttle/power controls and riding modes. You’ll typically find them on the handlebars or on the frame. Some also have displays with various indicators.
Modes commonly have names like “Eco” or “Sport” but usually refer to the underlying amount of assistance from the motor. In other words, you should be able to set how much power you’re getting from the motor and, therefore, how much effort it takes to pedal.
If you already cycle and/or fitness is important to you, a lot of control over the assist is beneficial. You can pedal with minimal assist on flat surfaces but then use help from the motor on difficult hills. However, if you want the easiest time possible, choose a model that can rely on the throttle with little to no pedaling.
The fastest electric bikes on the market are always enticing. However, it’s important to note that most countries regulate the top speed a motor can provide.
Electric bikes are a growing mode of transport, and we hope this page has given you insight into their benefits and the way they work. Our ebike reviews for 2022 will help you choose the most suitable option for you!
In terms of build quality and raw performance, our pick for the overall best goes to the Specialized S-Works Turbo Creo SL Carbon. It reaches the highest legal speed in the US and is light and durable, with great handling.
For those on a cheaper budget, the Aventon Aventure or RadRunner Plus are good all-rounders in the $1,000 to $2,000 range.
To quantify dependability, we looked at build quality, consistent speed, power, battery life, long-term performance, and electric bikes reviews from other users.
Based on these criteria, the most reliable electric bike right now is the Delfast Top. On the other hand, if you don’t need something that fast and powerful, the Turbo Vado SL 4.0 reaches 15MPH and has top-end components and lots of extras.
The Delfast Top is the fastest electric bike we’ve come across in terms of power and top speed, reaching 50MPH. It’s the closest electric replacement to a moped or a small motorbike. In fact, in most jurisdictions, you’d need to purchase the restricted speed model to adhere to ebike regulations. The best electric bike for speed in US class 3, is the 28MPH S-Works Turbo Creo SL.
Keelan Balderson
A qualified journalist and longtime web content writer, Keelan has a passion for exploring information and learning new things. If he's not writing or pushing his own brands, you'll find him watching pro wrestling or trying not to rant about politics online.
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