A good-quality electric bike usually costs between $2,000 and $4,000 at retail, though premium models can run much higher. At Upway, you can find both new and pre-owned e-Bikes from leading brands—often at discounts of up to 60%!
Best Used E-Bikes For Urban Commuters in New York City and Los Angeles
Written by: Rémy Rossi | October 23, 2025 | Time to read 5 min
From Broadway to the boardwalk, these certified e-Bikes turn gridlock into glide time. Ride smarter in NYC and LA with Upway.
More about the Author: Remy 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.
I’ll admit that I’m biased, thinking that e-Bikes are one of the best ways to move around the US’ most hustling and bustling metropolises, such as New York City and Los Angeles. Not only have electric bikes improved in recent years, but these big cities have ramped up their own cycling infrastructure and commitment to micromobility.
There are several flavors and directions you can head in when considering a commuter e-Bike to get to work and complete daily trips. Upway has a wide selection of certified pre-owned e-Bikes professionally refurbished at our UpCenters. In fact, Upway has a combined capacity of over 62,400 square feet of warehouse space in NYC and LA for refurbishing electric bikes in the US. With our experience on the rides and routes around our UpCenters, here are several top picks for the best e-Bikes for urban commuters in 2025.
There are several flavors and directions you can head in when considering a commuter e-Bike to get to work and complete daily trips. Upway has a wide selection of certified pre-owned e-Bikes professionally refurbished at our UpCenters. In fact, Upway has a combined capacity of over 62,400 square feet of warehouse space in NYC and LA for refurbishing electric bikes in the US. With our experience on the rides and routes around our UpCenters, here are several top picks for the best e-Bikes for urban commuters in 2025.
What makes a good commuter e-Bike in NYC or LA?
The best commuter bike is the one that makes you want to ride it— and that typically means matching your commute needs, being comfortable, and looking good, too. Commuter e-Bikes are often called hybrid or city bikes because of their crossover design that balances speed, durability, and comfort. But the exact setup will depend on your own riding style and route.
Here are some commonly shared features among commuter e-Bikes:
Here are some commonly shared features among commuter e-Bikes:
- Reliable components for heavy daily use
- Hybrid tires for grip, speed, and cushion
- Less aggressive frame geometry
- Integrated lights for low-light commuting
- Decently lightweight for efficiency
- Room for add-ons (rack, fenders, wheel lock)
NYC and LA are concrete jungles so you can get away with relatively smooth tire tread for paved routes. Reliability is super important for commuter models since you ride them so often, so durable parts like a quality Bosch drive unit, long-lasting batteries, and a good drivetrain are smart investments. Be sure to pair your e-Bike with a high-quality bike lock to defend against bike theft in the city.
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We are the leading provider for buying and selling e-Bike online. At Upway, you can get your next
e-Bike for up to 60% off retail prices, in new or like-new conditions.
Upway’s Best-Selling Commuter E-Bikes
Upway has its wheels on the ground in Brooklyn, NY and Redondo Beach, CA and knows what it takes to be an urban commuter in the area. Our customers are also hip to what bikes are the best for their needs and have a few stand-out favorites. Here is a handful of the best-selling commuter e-Bikes for daily riders.
For the grocery-getter…
The Aventon Level.2 is a popular all-rounder for commuters everywhere. More robust than your typical hybrid e-Bike without being too much bike for quick city riding, the Level ticks a lot of boxes. It comes with a sturdy rear rack, integrated turn signals, cushioning front suspension, and a zippy 500W rear hub motor. The 636Wh battery is hidden inside the downtube and there’s a top speed of 20 mph via throttle or pedal-assist. On-demand power and a comfortable workhorse make the Level a solid choice for getting to work and loading up on groceries on the way back— maybe even throw in a few laps around the park, too.
For the speedy commuter…
Gazelle electric bikes are fabulous, and the Medeo T10+ elevates any commute. The Dutch know a thing or two about commuting by bike— or electric bike— and Gazelle has masterfully put together the Medeo with sleek lines, comfort, and blistering top speed of 28 mph. All Gazelle models feature a rear rack, rear wheel lock, and integrated lights that are helpful for city cruising. The Gazelle Medeo T10+ opts for the faster Bosch Performance Line Speed motor with a 500Wh battery inside the slim frame. It hardly looks like an e-Bike, but it sure feels like one!
For the family rider…
Entering into cargo e-Bike territory, the Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 4 serves urban commuters who need more from their daily driver (sorry, rider). The RadWagon can be outfitted with any number of Rad Power’s cargo accessories to haul cargo or carry young passengers safely. There’s a powerful 750W rear hub motor that assists via throttle or pedal assist modes to zip through the city, even when all loaded up. This car replacement can liven up your commute and transform urban life in tons of more ways!
For the commuter cruiser…
For commuters who desire comfort, the Specialized Turbo Como 4.0 delivers. It’s an extremely well-designed hybrid e-Bike with a relaxed geometry and premium parts for a buttery smooth ride every day. Specialized makes its own motors and batteries with this model tricked out with the 250W mid-drive unit amped up to provide assistance up to 28 mph. There’s room for a rear rack, water bottles, and fenders, too. The Como doubles as a durable commuter and excellent weekend ride for adventures all around the city, and beyond.
Discover Upway’s refurbished commuter models built for your city.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do electric bikes cost?
Is it better to have a removable battery on an electric bike?
I’m a big fan of removable batteries since they offer more options for charging, along with the advantage of swapping in a spare battery to extend the range. Most electric bikes have a removable battery so a majority of bike manufacturers and riders must agree with me. However, a non-removable battery is definitely not a deal breaker.
Should I remove my e-Bike battery when not in use?
For short-term storage, it’s encouraged to leave the battery on the bike where it’s designed to be. For long-term storage, take it out and keep it at room temperature. Modern chargers are designed to prevent overcharging, but keeping it at 100% charge levels still puts extra stress on the battery.
Key Takeaways
- Urban-Ready Choices: Find the top refurbished e-bikes tailored to NYC and LA commuting styles—speedy, sturdy, and stylish.
- Trusted Quality: Every e-bike is expertly refurbished in Upway’s 62,400 sq. ft. U.S. facilities for like-new performance.
- Smarter Commuting: Ditch the traffic, cut emissions, and rediscover your city—one smooth, electric ride at a time.
