Top Picks for the Best E-Bikes for Commuting in 2024

E-bike commuting is a rewarding and fun way to start the workday, however, knowing which bike to purchase, and what are the best types of batteries and motors can be a daunting and nerve-wracking experience.

There are so many models, types of batteries, motors and classes of electric city bike which make selecting the right ones a somewhat Sisyphean task.

No need to fear or worry! The information in this article will relieve your anxiety and help you decide the best e-bike to purchase for your commuting needs.

Without further ado let’s dive right in.

e-MTBs are one of the most expensive types of bikes because of their advanced suspension and powerful motors that need to withstand the roughest terrain. However, chasing top-notch performance doesn’t mean you need to spend a fortune. Below is a list of the best electric mountain bikes priced under $3,000 that perfectly balance performance and value.

For short work commutes of less than two miles and for riders with limited storage space; a folding bike like the Pedego Latch is a great option. The bike weighs around ten pounds less than most non-foldable bikes and is small enough to store near your desk at work. No need for an outdoor bike rack!

The bike is a class 2 bike which we will discuss later in the article which means in the US it has a throttle and has pedal assist up to 20 mph with 5 levels of assist with the lowest being 'eco'.

With only three speeds the bike is best for flat quick commutes in New York City on paved bike paths or streets. The electric bike has a built-in rear rack to store your work materials and integrated lights front and rear for visibility in urban environments.

Continuing with the casual commuting the Trek Verve+ 2 is a great option for commuting 20 to 30 miles. The Trek has full-sized 29-inch wheels, Bosch mid-drive motor, and a 9-speed Shimano Alivio drivetrain. This feature allows the pedal assist-only class 1 bike to cruise up to a maximum speed of 20 mph.

The mid-drive motor is a major upgrade from a rear-hub motor. Since the power comes from the cranks the bike feels more responsive and does not feel like you are being pushed. The mid-drive motors have torque sensors to adjust the power to the cranks to prevent lurks in power which creates a feeling of easy pedaling with a boost.

The Verve+ 2 also has a neutral-colored, step-through frame which allows for easy use by all genders and mobility levels. The hydraulically actuated brakes increase brake modulation and control. The Verve+ is a great bike for casual commuters looking to explore the city and local bike paths.

The Riese & Müller Multicharger Mixte GT Touring is an excellent choice for commuters looking for a mixture of a long rear cargo bike like the Yuba Spicy Curry AT but with the versatility of a traditional e-bike. The GT Touring has front and rear racks which allow for carrying heavy cargo with a shorter wheelbase for more nimble cornering compared to a traditional cargo base bike. The Mixte is a great bike for a commuter looking to carry  wide range of medium to heavy supplies to work, and for bikepacking on the weekends. This bike can easily carry camping supplies.

The Bosch Performance CX motor produces 85 Nm of torque allowing the GT Touring bike to easily pedal up hills while fully loaded. The Performance CX motor has hill assist to allow riders to pedal on steep hills without tire-breaking traction because the torque is smoothly transmitted. The 625-watt battery allows class 1 pedal assist to whizz down the road, while powerful hydraulic disc brakes will help you to stop on a dime. The step-thru frame is easy to toss your leg over.

The Cannondale Tesoro Neo X 2 is a dual sport e-bike. Dual sports are hybrids/e-bikes created for both tarmac and light gravel terrain: they are equipped with semi-knobby tires for speed on the tarmac and grip on gravel. The Tesoro has a 100 mm travel front suspension fork to absorb bumps on rough terrain and can be locked out for pavement. It has an 11-speed Shimano Deore drivetrain for superior shifting.

The mid-drive Bosch Performance Line propels the class 1 e-bike to a limited speed of 20 mph. As with the GT Touring, you get the hill assist but with 65 Nm of torque. The bike comes with lights on fenders front and rear.

Battery power with larger watt hours will last longer and has a longer range therefore choose the higher watt per hour battery based upon your daily commuting distance and needs.

The faster motor will use more battery power. Most e-bikes have around 250-watt motors. Most e-bikes have an eco mode to extend the range. Bosch Performance line and Shimano’s top-of-the-line motors have a range of 85 to 100 miles.

Factors such as the weather, rider weight, cargo, and terrain affect the power. For commutes for 5 to 10-mile commutes in the city a smaller 360-watt battery and less powerful motor would be best as larger motors and batteries are heavier. A larger battery would be best if your commute is 20 to 50 miles or you have heavy cargo.

Lugging a 80lb e-bike into the office is a hassle Most e-bikes weigh 50 to 80 Ibs. If you work in an urban area a folding bike like the Pedego Latch would be a better option.

Generally, the more powerful the motor and larger the battery, the heavier the bike. A 500-watt battery normally weighs around 10 Ibs plus more powerful e-bikes have heavier reinforced frames, brakes, and wheels to withstand the weight and extra torque the components have to handle.

◦ Tip: Consider if you need to carry the bike frequently.

 An uncomfortable e-bike that doesn’t fit can spoil your workday. Comfort is part fit and part components. The reach or the distance for you to the handlebars greatly affects your comfort. The shorter the reach, the more upright your position. Most commuter e-bikes are more upright for casual riding and sightseeing.

The saddle/seat and the handlebar are two very important touchpoints. For beginners a large comfortable saddle is best as most causal riders wear unpadded bike shorts. For longer rides of over two hours, you should wear padded bike shorts to relieve pressure and reduce chaffing.

The second touch point is the handlebar along with grips. Commuter bikes have ergonomic grips that provide proper palm support to prevent hand numbness.

◦ Tip: Test ride to find the best fit for your posture.

Buying a good quality motor from a reputable brand like Bosch and Shimano will last longer and will be safer. As a result of cheap e-bikes for sale, New York City passed a law requiring the batteries and components to be certified for safety. Brands like Bosch and Shimano are certified.

The higher-quality groupset components will last longer. For example, hydraulic disc brakes provide the best braking power and modulation. Long-lasting Shimano components are easier to replace. All Shimano-certified dealers will service your bike and carry replacement components. It can be impossible to replace no-name components.

Higher-priced groupsets, wheels, and tires provide more performance but can quickly drive up the bike’s overall cost. Consider which elements are most important to the way you ride to get the best value possible. When browsing more affordable, entry-level electric mountain bikes, watch out for cost-cutting specs and poor frame geometry.

You can save some cash by buying a cheaper brand of e-bike, however, this can increase the cost later if the components wear out faster. Therefore, it is better to invest in a good quality bike that will last for thousands of miles especially with motor and/or drivetrain components.

Naturally, there are some great deals on Upway. If you plan on riding mostly on trails, our best mountain bike for under 2000$ or best e-MTBs for under 3000$ guide has a selection of great suggestions on which bike to buy, as well as handy advice on what to watch out for when purchasing a secondhand or refurbished electric mountain bike. You'll be ready to shred in no time!

For those budget-conscious older electric bikers, we also created a detailed guide on the best e bike for over 70's under $1000 which outlines some of the very best deals currently available for high-value-for-money electric bicycles that boast great features for older riders. These features include low step-over height, lighter frames for easy maneuverability, and lots more besides.

E-bikes in the United States are separated into 3 classes.

Class 1 e-bikes are pedal-assist or the power only kicks in when the rider is pedaling. The bikes are limited to a maximum of 20 mph.

Class 2 e-bikes are pedal-assist and throttle up to a maximum of 20 mph.

Class 3 e-bikes are pedal assist and have a maximum speed of 28 mph. Some states ban class 3 e-bikes on bike paths and some have age restrictions. Always obey the speed limit when riding on roads. 

Check our guide on Which is the Best Electric Bike for Me for more information on this.

Today’s e-bikes are more powerful and safer than ever however, they still need diligent care to get you to work on time. So here are a few regular easy maintenance tips so that you can avoid tardy slips.

Check your tire pressure with a pump every time you ride because low pressure can cause pinch flat and wear down your tires Pinch flats happen when the tire pressure is low and the rim punctures the tire. The heavier weight of e-bikes increases the chances of a pinch flat. The tire pressure range will be printed on the tire sidewall heavier riders should fill the tires to the higher end of the range.

Tires also wear out just like other components and can cause an unnecessary flat. Tires generally have two small wear indicators on the tread. When you can’t see the holes or wear indicators it is time to change the tire.

Modern e-bikes universally have disc brakes as they provide the most braking power and modulation in all weather conditions. Since e-bikes are heavier, bike components are more robust than lightweight non-e-bike components, so stick with long-lasting metallic disc brake pads and components like chains and cassettes designed for ebikes.

If your disc brake pads are less than 0.5 mm then it is time to replace them Also, a spongey lever means it is time to bleed your brakes. Also, bleed your brakes once a year.

A clean bike is a fast and long-lasting bike. If the chain is noisy it is time to degrease and oil the chain. bike degreaser will remove dirt and oil from the chain, cassette, and cranks then apply chain oil and wipe away the excess.

The bike chains wear out faster than other components and prematurely wear more expensive components like chainrings and cassettes. Replacing the chain every 2,000 miles is a rule of thumb. You can also check the wear of a chain with a tool as the chain will switch when worn.

A yearly comprehensive tune and adjustment at the beginning of the cycling season before it gets warm out is best. . They will replace worn-out components adjust shifter cables and bleed brakes

Cycling is the most efficient means of transport per joule of energy used. A car engine has to use fuel to move the vehicle and its occupants. A bike only has to move a rider, the bike, and your work gear.

Although CO2 is released during manufacturing, Trek has estimated that after 430 miles of commuting you are carbon neutral compared to driving the same distance. According to a study in Scotland, for every kilometer (or 0.62 of a mile) ridden on electric bikes, you save 249 grams of CO2.

Bosch and other companies are committed to sustainability and recyclability of both motor units and batteries. Bosch can recycle 71% of all the raw materials in their batteries. Since 2014 Bosch has committed to remanufacturing some of its e-bike systems. If your warranty has expired; a remanufactured motor system can be installed to reduce waste and environmental damage.

Inspired to ride an e-bike but not to commute? Upway boasts one of the best selections of both electric road bikes and electric mountain bikes, so your electric-enhanced cycling adventure need not come to an end at the city limits.