Electric bicycles come in a range of styles to suit different uses'everything from riding steep mountain trails to getting to and from work. But there are three general categories related to their electric propulsion systems. Each type applies electric power to the bicycle's driven wheel in a distinct way, whether using input from the rider's pedals or from a thumb or twist-grip-activated throttle. Deciding which one is best for you depends on how you plan to use the bike and how far you want to go.

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Class 1 represents pedal-assist bikes, which power the electric motor as your feet apply pressure to the pedals. There's no throttle control on the handlebar to get the bike going; the electric part works only when the rider is pedaling, and the e-assist cuts off at speeds above 20 mph.

Class 2 bikes have an electric motor that works up to 20 mph, either while the rider is pedaling (pedal-assist) or with electric propulsion alone, via a throttle control.

Class 3 limits an e-bike's top speed to 28 mph. These faster, more powerful models might not be legal to ride in some areas, such as on bike paths.

CR has tested Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes. We have not tested any Class 3 models. The prices range from about $600 to around $4,000, although most of the better ones cost at least $1,000 to buy. The highest-rated e-bikes tend to be the most expensive models in our tests, although none is anywhere near the $6,000 to $7,000 end of the price range consumers may encounter at bike shops. (Prices can be much higher for certain specialty e-bikes.)

We've found that more selectable gears make for a better riding experience once the battery is drained and pedaling provides the only power. Single-speed bikes aren't as versatile. Depending on the model, electric assist is applied either at the hub of the rear wheel or in what's called a mid-drive, in which power is applied at the bottom bracket, where the pedals are located. Mid-drive models tend to be more responsive and typically route electric power through the bike's gearing, which can help save battery power on hills and longer rides. Still, there are a number of hub-drive models that offer a reliable, satisfying ride.

The full ratings from our latest e-bike evaluations are available to Consumer Reports members. These include ratings on Class 1, Class 2, folding, and mountain bikes.

Take your time to find a model that fits you physically and will meet your long-term needs. If you're in a hilly area, you may want one with a higher number of gear selections to save energy'both yours and that of the battery. Consult local regulations so that you know what, if anything, is required to ride an e-bike in your area, and where you're allowed to ride one.

There are a number of newer brands that specialize in building e-bikes, like Rad Power Bikes and Blix Electric Bikes. You may be unfamiliar with them, but some of these companies have strong businesses, innovative products, and good customer support. But be leery of internet bike brands that might not be there tomorrow to offer customer support. Diligence is warranted if you stray from the long-standing name brands, including Cannondale, Specialized, and Trek.

We're also not bullish on any type of bike sold through big-box stores. The salespeople are seldom bicycle experts. This can affect assembly and repairs, and you might wind up spending any money you saved trying to get a budget bike to work properly'or upgrading later. Many smaller bike retailers won't even service models sold from big-box outlets because the quality is so poor.

Buying a bike from a direct-to-consumer manufacturer is another option, but the bike will probably need some final assembly, such as fitting the handlebars, seatpost, and pedals. You will need some mechanical aptitude, and you might need specific tools, such as hex wrenches or a torque wrench. You can take the bike to a local shop for assembly, but it will charge you to perform the work.

That said, many local bike shops now sell e-bikes, and the sales and service staff are typically quite knowledgeable about them. Plus they can help you make a solid choice when you decide you want to buy one.

We always recommend test-riding any bike before buying it. You should get a sense of how the bike feels, brakes, and shifts. (A dealer can customize its fit for you.) Some dealers will also allow you to rent an e-bike, giving you a chance for an extended ride on the road or trail you plan to frequent. Even if it's not identical to the model you want to purchase, renting lets you gain additional seat time to settle on the style of e-bike that works best for you.

Once you've selected the model you want, keep in mind that it can be'and should be'further customized. The handlebar tape or grips, the pedals, and especially the saddle are your points of contact and control. Your hands, feet, and butt have to perch comfortably, and all the bike's parts can be adjusted to fit you'for instance, a new stem can lift the handlebars closer to your torso. A dealer can also add features for you that might not come with a bike, such as a bell, lights, fenders, and a luggage rack. But the key is getting the fit right.

If you haven't purchased a new bicycle in a while, you might be in for some sticker shock. Bicycles, and especially electric ones, can be a relatively big-ticket item. There are buy now, pay later options, and these vary in how they're set up. A large finance company, Affirm, offers some 0 percent options, but it can also charge interest rates between 10 and 30 percent. Klarna is a similar competitor, and it is more likely to offer a 'pay in four' plan that has 0 percent interest on a four-month loan. How do these banks make a cent on zero-interest loans? Simple: Merchants or exercise bike brands like Peloton, which has zero-interest loans through Affirm, are fronting the finance charges because moving inventory is more valuable to them than making a few extra bucks off the financing.

Our advice: Consider the possibility of high interest rates before signing up for any buy now, pay later plan. 

The 16 Best Electric Bikes for Every Kind of Ride

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For years, even the best electric bike was a bulky, inconvenient, expensive machine with limited battery life. Slowly, that has changed. Ebikes are now lighter, more attractive, and more powerful than ever. You don't need to be physically fit to ride one. They get you outside, reduce traffic congestion, and shrink your carbon footprint. I ride one daily to take my kids to school. They're just fun.

If you don't see what you want, check back later (or drop me a note!). Not into pedaling? Read our Best Escooters guide for other transport options, or the rest of our outdoor gear buying guides, like the Best Running Shoes or Best Puffer Jackets.

Updated March : We've added the Trek FX+ 7, the Specialized Turbo Vado SL 2, and the Brompton Electric G Line, and we've added more information about the Urban Arrow Family. We also updated links and prices.

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How We Test

Over the past few years, WIRED's Reviews team has tried almost every kind of electric bike, from the best heavy-duty cargo bikes to high-end mountain bikes. We review upward of 50 new ebikes a year by riding them on a variety of terrain for at least 40 miles over the course of at least two weeks. We test cargo bikes by hauling kids and groceries, we ride mountain and gravel bikes on trails, and we test commuter bikes while running errands on regular city streets (including up and down steep hills). In addition to our real-life testing, we also evaluate specs like weight, tire size, battery life, motor power, and the sourcing of key components.

It Costs What Now?

Whenever I talk to anyone about a possible ebike purchase, the biggest deterrent is usually the price. If this is you, check out our guide to the Best Cheap Ebikes. But I do want to say here that these are vehicles, not toys. When I'm carrying my kids to school or flying down a hill at 25 mph, I want the safest possible ride, and I think you should too.

Reasonable auto financing options are the only reason a $2,000 electric bike can feel prohibitively expensive while a $6,000 beater gas-powered car has easy monthly payments. Many states now feature incentive programs that offer rebates or tax credits for ebike purchases. Some bike manufacturers and retailers offer financing through companies like Affirm or PayPal. Your bank might cover ebikes under its vehicle loan program, and I also recommend looking at eBay locally, Craigslist, or local Facebook groups. You probably have more options than you think.

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Ebike Classifications and Rules

Before you buy your electric bike, make sure you can actually use it! Many cities and states have laws regulating when and where you can ride an ebike. Check out our guide on the three classes of ebikes. At least 22 states now use this three-class system, and they may restrict when and where different classes of ebikes are used, depending on whether they have a throttle or can assist above 20 mph. Cities may also have laws about whether mountain ebikes are allowed on single-track trails. If your state classifies ebikes under the same laws governing motorcycles and mopeds, you may need a license to ride one.

Other Factors to Consider

If you're this far deep, you should check out our guide on How to Buy an Electric Bike! Here are a few of my own questions I would consider.

Should I build my own bike?

Many affordable bikes now come direct-to-consumer'meaning that they are pre-tuned or partially assembled in a box. As Peter Flax recently noted in Bicycling magazine, these bikes do not get nearly the testing or vetting that bikes from a bigger manufacturer get. Unless you're not riding much or for many miles, or are experienced with modifying your own bike, I recommend working with an established manufacturer that has a dealer network.

What terrain do you live on?

If you live in a flat area, you're probably fine with a 250-watt motor, which is the European speed standard. However, if you live near hills or haul a lot of stuff, you might want to consider a 500-watt or 750-watt motor and a few extras, like hydraulic disc brakes, which will help prevent you from skidding into traffic.

How do I prevent bike fires?

The idea of your garage suddenly setting alight is terrifying, but don't worry'the batteries that manufacturers use today are much safer than those of yore. We only write about bikes that have been certified safe by a third-party organization. Also, exercise a bit of common sense. Do not leave your bike battery charging overnight in a boiling hot garage. Don't use aftermarket accessories to charge your bike. And for heaven's sake, don't plug in a battery that has deformed or smells weird, or try to turn on a bike with a cracked display or computer.

Follow some basic safety tips.

Not sure where to start? The biking advocacy group PeopleForBikes has a safety education program, E-Bike Smart, which they created in collaboration with the League of American Bicyclists and Bicycle Colorado. Do not let your children ride your bike unsupervised. An 80-pound child should not be piloting a 65-pound bike, even if the motor makes it possible for them to do so. And always wear a helmet, but you already know that. Right?

Honorable Mentions

Radio Flyer Via Pro for $2,599: Editor Julian Chokkattu could not have had a better experience than this easy-to-use and easy-to-assemble class 2 electric cargo bike. For more info, check out our guide to the Best Electric Cargo Bikes.

Aventon Ramblas for $2,899: Aventon made a mountain bike! It's a lot of bike for an affordable price, but just a little too heavy to take it out for its intended use case.

Linus eDutchi for $1,799: Need a comfy cruiser? The Linus eDutchi is a comfy class 1 ebike with beautiful colors and loads of proprietary accessories.

Electra Loft Go! for $1,400: I also love the Electra Loft Go!, which is another comfy sit-up beach cruiser, but the Priority has a slightly more powerful motor for the same price.

Xtracycle Estoker for $4,499: This is probably the bike that I see most often in my Portland, Oregon, neighborhood. It has a durable, sturdy Chromoly steel frame and larger 24-inch wheels along with a Shimano mid-drive motor that make it perfect for more grueling conditions. Unfortunately, you do have to be over 5'6" (which I am not) to ride it.

Gazelle Eclipse for $5,999: If you want to know just how great the Bosch system can be, the Eclipse (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is the more expensive version of the Radster Road above. It has a nicer shifter, a smarter motor'even the paint job is nicer. It is much more expensive, however.

Heybike Tyson for $1,599: You get a lot of stuff for not very much money with this fat-tire, folding ebike (6/10, WIRED Review), including suspension, blinkers, a throttle, and one of the most obnoxious horns I've ever heard. The components are not super-high-quality, but it's an affordable, comfortable way to dip your toes into ebike waters.

The Gocycle G4I+ for $5,999: Gocycle's high-end, fast-folding luxury bikes are designed by a former McLaren engineer. This quieter, lighter iteration has better torque, a new carbon-fiber front fork, and an even more painful price.

The Bunch Original Electric Cargo Bike for $5,799: I didn't care for the Bunch, but my family did. It's a standard if slightly expensive, box bike as you might see in Europe. It'll work well if you live in a flat area and don't have to go very fast.

Bikes We Dislike

Pass on the left.

Niu Electric Bike BQi-C3 Pro for $2,199: Commerce director Martin Cizmar tested this bike and had a litany of complaints. The riding position is too aggressive, and the bike frame doesn't fit common components like a water bottle and his pannier. The disc brakes weren't suited to stopping it from 28 mph.

The Civilized Cycle ($4,999): This bike can carry a full-grown person on the back and is a good option for people who want a Vespa-like style without having to get a scooter license (7/10, WIRED Review). However, it doesn't fit anyone shorter than 5' 10". Ooohkay.

The Retrospec Jax Rev ($1,000): We wanted to love this sleek, stylish folding bike, but we couldn't help worrying about its durability.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Kids Bike. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.