The best e-bikes for every ride

Best Urban Cruiser

Orbea Diem

Launched earlier this year, this new e-bike is loaded with the latest tech aimed squarely at the urban user. There are three models (the difference largely down to the drivetrain), with the mid-range Diem 20 being the sweet spot for most riders, thanks to a reliable Gates belt-drive system and internal five-speed gears for maintenance-free riding. It weighs around 23kg – pretty standard for an e-bike – but the Shimano motor makes light work of pedalling, delivering up to 85Nm of torque on the highest of the three power-mode settings. Other details to note are the frame design and carbon forks, which provide dampening for a smoother ride, plus the versatile racking system can accommodate up to 30kg of panniers or a child seat.

Most Compact E-Cargo Bike

Tern Quick Haul Long D9

Tern’s cargo bike is more compact and affordable than previous iterations but comes with the same high-end components (including a Bosch motor) and reputed build quality. There’s a plethora of accessories to personalise the bike to your needs and it is easy to store compactly when tipped on its rear end – plus points that make it a compelling choice for families in urban areas.

Best Gravel Bike

Canyon Grizl:ON CF 7

This bike is lightweight at just under 16kg with bona fide gravel-riding credentials. It’s equipped with Bosch’s lightest high-end motor, which lends it agility, and it’s fairly powerful with a more than respectable 55Nm of torque and 400Wh battery (that can be supplemented with a 250Wh range extender if required). The details are well executed: from the 40mm of front suspension from high-end RockShox to the integrated Lupine lighting system.

Best Affordable Road Bike

Van Rysel Electrical Assistance Road Bike E-EDR AF Apex AXS 1x12

Unreliable gearing can be a problem on cheaper e-bikes, but this relatively affordable model has a very reliable electronic shifting SRAM 12-speed groupset, featuring a single-chainring and 12-speed rear cassette. The aluminium frame and carbon fork lend the bike the looks and ride of a regular road bike, and the Mahle electronic system (comprising a rear hub motor with 40Nm of torque and 250Wh battery that is permanently fitted inside the down tube) weighs just 3.5kg. In fact, the entire bike tips the scales at less than 14kg. A nifty detail is the optional range extender of 171Wh, which fits to the frame cleverly disguised as a water bottle.

Best Budget Longtail Cargo Bike

Fiido T2 Longtail Cargo e-bike

This longtail combines function, power and affordability, making it one of the best equipped e-cargo bikes on the market for the price. It ticks several boxes, including a 750W rear-wheel drive motor with 60Nm torque (an affordable alternative to mid-drive motors such as Bosch) and a huge 998Wh battery, front suspension, integrated lights and mud guards. There is a good range of optional accessories too, from baskets to panniers and two child seats.

Best Outdoor Utility Bike

Specialized Turbo Tero X 5.0

A great all-rounder: for road or off-road use and carting children around town. This “X” version also has rear suspension, which makes for a particularly comfortable ride on bumpy terrain. It is fitted with a powerful Shimano motor (with 70Nm torque) and a 710Wh battery capable of handling solo trails, journeys with a child’s bike seat or one with a trailer on the back.

Best Three-Wheel Family Bike

Christiania Bike Classic

Known for its stability – and cargo travelling in front of the rider – this bike is popular among families. Handmade in Denmark, it has a wonderfully simple design and high-quality components. The “classic” model comes with family-friendly options such as bench seats and a waterproof hood, and it can be chosen with either the brand’s more affordable rear hub motor or a higher specification central motor.

Best Family Urban Cargo Bike

Riese & Müller Multitinker Vario

With unsurpassed build quality and load capacity of up to 200kg, there are various ways to spec this bike – including an add-on passenger kit that will easily accommodate two children on the back or the weekly shop. It’s fitted with a Bosch Smart System that provides over-the-air updates, and a new lock, alarm and tracking feature. Also noteworthy is the 625Wh battery and 85Nm of torque, along with internal hub gearing and Gates belt drive, which should ensure a long, maintenance-free life for the bike.

Best All-round Foldable Bike

Brompton Electric P Line Urban

The lightest bike in the brand’s P-Line collection tips the scales at an impressive 15.6kg for the four-speed version. There’s also a 12-speed version which is around a kilo heavier for those tackling hilly terrain. The 300Wh battery (which is mounted above the front wheel in a compact canvas bag) will deliver 20-45 miles of range, which is ample for most commuter round trips. The only drawback for those who stagger commutes (between other modes of transport like the train) on parts of their journey is that the battery will need to be removed and carried separately.

Best Quality Road Bike

Scott Addict RC eRide 10 2024 Ultegra Di2 Electric Road Bike

With a full carbon frame, good-quality 40mm deep carbon wheels, the latest Shimano Ultegra Di2 12-speed groupset and internally routed cabling, this is the bike to go for at the top end of the scale. It’s equipped with a top flight Mahle X20 (rear) hub motor with 60Nm of torque and a 236Wh battery that will get you through an alpine pass climb. Also appealing is the bike’s weight at just 11kg – when the motor assistance cuts out at 25kmph (capped due to regulations), you’ll be relatively unimpeded to continue on your journey above this speed.

Best Affordable Folding Bike

Engwe P20

Unlike the Brompton, this bike has no separate battery pack to carry over your shoulder when folded, which is a major plus point. It’s a single-speed model designed for city use, with a rear hub motor that assists via the Gates belt drive, helping to keep servicing to a minimum. At 18.5kg, it has integrated mud guards and lights – all ticks in the right boxes.