Upway's 2025 Holiday Gift Guide: Commuter Edition
Written by: Rémy Rossi | December 15, 2025 | Time to read 7 min
Swap Santa's sleigh for the best commuter e-Bikes and accessories to gift your special cyclist this year!
More about the Author: Rémy Rossi
Rémy Rossi is a bike writer, mechanic, and educator who got his start in community-based bike shops and co-ops. With a decade in the industry, he still wrenches on bikes when he can and plays bike polo on a fixie.
People who commute by bike are definitely on Santa’s nice list this year. Cyclists work hard throughout the entire year— giving Mr. Claus’ industrious elves a run for their money— pedaling to work or school and promoting sustainable transportation. This holiday season, commuter cyclists deserve a special gift to make their daily rides even better. I’ve put together Upway’s gift guide specifically for electric bike commuters, featuring practical accessories, exciting upgrades, and recommended e-Bikes for conquering the city.
👋 Do you know Upway?
Upway is your go-to destination for buying and selling e-Bikes online. Find your next e-Bike at up to 60% off retail, available in new or like-new condition.
Upway’s 2025 Holiday Gift Guide: Commuter Edition
It’s easy to get caught up in the day-in and day-out of commuting by bike, and cyclists can cast aside the upgrade they’ve been planning or the accessory they really want. But that’s where you come in this holiday season— to find the perfect gift for the cyclist in your life. Maybe it’s something they wouldn’t get themselves, or simply an e-Bike accessory that will make their daily ride that much more enjoyable.
Commuter bike bags
Two-wheeled commuters are constantly hustling and bustling, and they’ve probably got stuff along for the ride. Bike bags and panniers make it much more convenient to carry items by bike, keeping them protected from the elements and it’s more comfortable than wearing a backpack. These bags are a staple for commuter cyclists and last for many years, making them a gift that keeps on giving.
Check out Upway’s selection of bike bags from quality brands like Orlieb, Topeak, and Banjo Brothers! I especially like the Ortlieb Vario Convertible Pannier that also functions as a standard backpack for seamless on-bike and off-bike use during busy commuting.
Check out Upway’s selection of bike bags from quality brands like Orlieb, Topeak, and Banjo Brothers! I especially like the Ortlieb Vario Convertible Pannier that also functions as a standard backpack for seamless on-bike and off-bike use during busy commuting.
💸 Do you want to sell your electric bike?
Winter means bike lights
We all know how important Rudolph’s shining red nose was to saving Christmas. Visibility is crucial when commuting by bike, and a good set of bike lights helps others see you and lets you know what’s up ahead. There are fewer hours of daylight during the winter months, so commuters may need bike lights for riding in the dark.
Even if an electric bike comes with included front and rear lights, I recommend supplementing that stock pair with high-quality lights. Riders will feel more confident in low-light riding and significantly boost their level of safety. These compact accessories are smart gifts for cyclists and are unbeatable stocking stuffers.
Even if an electric bike comes with included front and rear lights, I recommend supplementing that stock pair with high-quality lights. Riders will feel more confident in low-light riding and significantly boost their level of safety. These compact accessories are smart gifts for cyclists and are unbeatable stocking stuffers.
Phone holders come in handy
It’s impossible to escape our smartphones these days, and bike commuters aren’t immune either. Having a phone safely within reach can actually be a big benefit, providing hands-free maps and easy access to apps. Bike-specific phone holders securely grip the device, ensuring it won’t rattle loose and stays right where you want it.
Quad Lock is the biggest name in the phone mount biz and makes a super-sturdy, user-friendly product. Here are a few of Upway’s top gift recommendations:
Quad Lock is the biggest name in the phone mount biz and makes a super-sturdy, user-friendly product. Here are a few of Upway’s top gift recommendations:
- Quad Lock Handlebar/Stem Mount: Fits along the handlebars or stem. Use a compatible phone case and simply twist to secure.
- Quad Lock Out Front Mount: Positions the phone out ahead of the handlebars, similar to a cycling computer or front light.
- Quad Lock Universal Phone Adapter: Instantly make any phone case compatible with a Quad Lock mount. Super sticky, super secure.
Upway’s safety bundle
Fend off the bike thieves on Santa’s naughty list with Upway’s safety bundle for electric bikes. It features the Kryptonite Keeper 712 chain lock, a left-side mirror, a brass bell, and a Lezyne light set to keep you and your bike safe. There are several other approved heavy-duty bike locks from Kryptonite and ABUS to keep your electric bike safe and sound.
Since we’re swapping Christmas stories, I once received a heavy-duty chain lock as a present (someone had angle-grinded my last one). I’ll admit that locks aren’t the flashiest stocking stuffers but fast-forward a decade, and that same lock is still what I use every single day. It’s protected multiple bikes, survived years of weather and wear, and earned a permanent place in my routine. In hindsight, it was one of the most thoughtful gifts I’ve ever received.
The takeaway? A solid bike lock may not seem too exciting at first, but it’s an unsung hero. If you’re gifting a bike— especially an e-Bike— a high-quality lock is an essential accessory.
Upway’s Recommended Commuter E-Bikes
From grainy home videos to endlessly replayed Christmas movies, the moment someone unwraps a bicycle has become a holiday tradition of its own. A bike isn’t just a gift for Christmas morning— it’s a promise of adventures, freedom, and memories that stretch far beyond the tree and the tinsel. Below are four of my favorite electric city bikes that I recommend most often to commuters.
Gazelle Ultimate C380+
It’s hard to improve on perfection, but it sure is easy to recommend it. The Gazelle Ultimate C380+ is a stellar commuter e-Bike that’s extremely well-designed (the Dutch are bike experts, after all). There’s a low-maintenance belt-drive, rear rack, café lock, suspension, and reliable Bosch drive unit. Gift a Gazelle Ultimate C380+ at the ultimate price this season from Upway.
Batch E-Step Thru
I’m a fan of Batch’s straightforward philosophy— building an accessible e-Bike around a high-quality drive unit. The E-Step Thru skips the shmancy marketing and complicated features while delivering premium performance thanks to its reliable Bosch motor and battery. That means it's more affordable than high-end models from bigger brands and still comes with an industry-leading Bosch system. Warning: This is a recommendation so good, you may want to keep it to yourself.
Specialized Turbo Como
Give the gift of comfort with this relaxed hybrid e-Bike that glides through the city. There are sportier models from Specialized, but the Como is a total joy and encourages everyone to go out and cruise. My mom became an electric bike super-fan after purchasing a Specialized Como and has since adorned it with plenty of bells and whistles. There are frame and drivetrain options across different models for sale on Upway.
Aventon Level.2
Affordable, good-looking, and there’s a throttle. Aventon e-Bikes are popular for a reason, and the brand’s dedicated commuter model has everything you need for comfortable daily riding. The Level.2 is a zippy Class 2 e-Bike with a rear rack, integrated lights, and suspension fork. Thanks to our close partnership with Aventon, you can grab a never-before-ridden model from Upway at an unbeatable price— meaning you can stuff stockings with all those savings!
How to absolutely nail an e-Bike gift this year
- Make it a shared decision: Turning the search into a joint experience helps you dial in the right frame size, riding position, and features, so the bike is a great match. Whether it’s an entire bike or a smaller accessory, don’t hesitate to ask them— they’ll probably be excited to nerd out with you and show you what’s on their wishlist.
- Think about how they actually ride: A daily commuter, weekend adventurer, and errand-runner all need different setups. Choosing an e-Bike that aligns with their real routine ensures it won’t gather dust after it’s unwrapped.
- Build in a safety net: Upway offers a generous 14-day return policy and helpful sizing guides. That flexibility takes the pressure off and makes gifting a high-value item far more relaxed.
For more inspiration, check out my previous Upway gift guides!
Hopefully, something here sparks an idea—or solves your gift-giving dilemma outright. Wishing you an easy search and a very happy holiday season! 🎄
Key Takeaways
- Practical gifts win for commuters: Bags, lights, locks, and phone mounts make everyday riding safer, easier, and more enjoyable.
- An e-Bike is the ultimate upgrade: City-focused electric bikes offer comfort, reliability, and freedom—especially when bought at Upway’s discounted prices.
- Remove the guesswork: Match gifts to real commuting needs and rely on Upway’s sizing tools and return policy for stress-free gifting.
