12 Best Electric Commuter Bikes of 2024

Everyone’s daily commute is different, but if the route is too far for a traditional bicycle and you don’t want to invest in a car, an e-bike might be your best solution. If you’ve ever wondered, “What is an electric bike?” you’re not alone, but the answer is fairly straightforward. An electric bike, or e-bike, is simply a bike with a motor that activates as you pedal, or via a touch of its throttle. E-bikes allow you to drastically and comfortably increase the range you would normally be able to ride.

Not only will adopting an e-bike as your primary mode of transportation save you a huge amount of money on gasoline and car insurance, e-bikes are an excellent way to squeeze in your daily cardio exercise, they take up far less space than a car would, and they are an environmentally friendly way to travel without contributing to your area’s air pollution. The best electric bikes have an extra-large battery for commuting long distances, sport a comfortable design, and power through rough roadways and poor weather to get you to your destination. But with so many e-bikes available today, it can be difficult to know how to find the best model to suit your unique commute.

I have researched and, admittedly, had a ton of fun testing a number of models to find the top folding e-bike for commuters short on space, the best high-speed e-bike for zooming around, the greatest e-bike for hauling loads of equipment, and everything in between. Whether you need to travel with an additional passenger, are looking for something zippy and easy to ride or an offroad powerhouse, these premium rides are the nicest e-bikes on the market. (And once you’ve made your pick, be sure to check our guide to the best bike locks to keep it safe).

Our top picks for the best electric commuter bikes

What to consider when choosing an electric commuter bike

Battery

An e-bike’s battery determines the number of miles it’s able to travel with a single charge and how easily it can climb hills or ride over rough terrain. Each e-bike serves a unique purpose, from rugged mountain bikes for offroading, to cruisers that excel in cityscapes. Be sure to research which e-bikes are the best fit for your one-of-a-kind commuting needs.

Throttle or pedal assist

Some e-bikes utilize a pedal assist mode that powers its electric motor as you push, while others incorporate a throttle control feature that propels the e-bike forward without the need to pedal. Some use both methods. While it may be tempting to rely on the throttle to glide along your commute, it’ll eat up the e-bike’s battery life more quickly than you may expect!

Brakes

An e-bike with quality brakes is essential, especially if you’re considering a model capable of riding at high speeds. You’ll appreciate the ability to stop on a dime, especially if your regular commute deals with bad traffic or poor weather conditions.

Comfort

While it’s not as important for shorter commutes, long-distance riders will appreciate the feel of a shock-absorbing ergonomic seat and a design that promotes a natural upright position.

Features

Suitable range, motor power, and comfortable design are the most important factors to consider when selecting an e-bike. Other features such as LED front and rear lights, a folding design, optional accessory packages, racks, an additional passenger seat, a backlit LCD display, a removable battery, and a locking security function may help you further identify the best model for you.

How we chose the best electric commuter bikes

In order to hand-pick the best electric commuter bikes out there, I considered an array of factors that included things like comfort, design, range, weight, style, and price. In addition to cruising the neighborhood on many different e-bikes, I researched and read through countless reviews, carefully examined countless models, and kept my previous biking experience in mind.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Is an electric bike good for commuting?

There are plenty of reasons why an electric bike is an excellent choice for commuting. E-bikes allow you to travel farther and quicker with much less effort than you would riding a traditional bicycle. They also save you money on fuel, parking, insurance, and other car-related expenses. In addition, an e-bike will still require some effort on your part to get from point A to point B, making it a convenient way to get more cardio into your daily routine. Environmentally-minded commuters will appreciate how e-bikes require far less energy than a car and minimize air pollution.

What is the life expectancy of a commuter bike?

The life expectancy of a commuter bike depends on numerous factors, including how often you ride, how many times the battery is charged, and the overall quality of the e-bike. Generally, you should expect an electric commuter bike to last at least three to five years before it needs significant refurbishments. For instance, the average lithium battery will run at its best for approximately 500 charges before it begins to lose performance, and the e-bike’s brakes, chains, and other parts may need to be tuned or replaced after riding for thousands of miles.

To keep an e-bike riding at its best for as long as possible, you should store your bike in a clean and dry place, care for its battery by keeping it partially charged and in a cool place between rides, ensure the tires are properly inflated, and check its moving parts are properly lubricated.

How long is the commute time on an e-bike compared to a regular bike?

Expect your commute time to be slashed significantly once you start riding on your new e-bike! It doesn’t matter whether an e-bike’s top speed is 20, 28, or 35 miles per hour, because the average speed of a traditional biker is between 6 and 11 miles per hour. You are guaranteed to shear a huge chunk off your regular commute with an e-bike.

For example, if you have a five-mile commute and maintain a speed of 11mph, you’ll get to your destination in about 27 minutes. However, if you cruise there at 20mph on an e-bike, you’ll cut the trip down to a brief 15 minutes.

How fast does an electric commuter bike go?

The speed of an electric commuter bike depends on a variety of factors, including the electric bike’s motor, battery, and the laws governing e-bike speeds in your area. The average electric commuter bike’s top speed is between 20 and 35 miles per hour.

Electric bikes are also divided into three speed and use-related classes. Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes have top speed of 20mph; Class 1 models will give you battery-powered assistance when you pedal, while Class 2 e-bikes can function like a Class 1, or use a throttle that propels the bike via its motor without the need to pedal. Class 3 electric commuter bikes are capable of speeds up to 28mph, and some models require the rider to pedal to achieve that top speed.

Some e-bikes are even faster, but these are generally not street legal. If you need a speedy electric bike capable of cruising off the beaten path as a part of your daily commute, that is one thing, but consult your local e-bike-related laws before investing in an extra-fast e-bike.