The best electric bikes for every trip

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The best urban cruiser

Orbea Diem

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

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The most compact electric cargo bike

D9 Long Shot Tern

Tern’s cargo bike is more compact and affordable than previous versions, but comes with the same high-end components (including a Bosch motor) and renowned build quality. There are plenty of accessories to customize the bike to your needs, and it’s easy to store compactly when tilted on its back, plus storage points make it an attractive option for families in urban areas.

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The best gravel bike

Grizl cannon:ON CF 7

This bike is lightweight, weighing just under 16kg, and is ready for gravel riding. It’s equipped with Bosch’s lightest top-of-the-range motor, making it agile, and it’s plenty powerful, with a more than respectable 55Nm of torque and a 400Wh battery (which can be supplemented with a 250Wh range extender if needed). The details are well executed – from the top-of-the-range 40mm RockShox front suspension to the integrated Lupine lighting system.

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The best affordable road bike

Van Rysel E-EDR AF Apex AXS 1×12 Electric Assist Road Bike

On cheaper e-bikes, unreliable shifting can be a problem, but this relatively affordable model has a very reliable SRAM 12-speed groupset with electronic shifting, including a single chainring and a 12-speed rear cassette. The aluminium frame and carbon fork give the bike the look and ride of a regular road bike, and the Mahle electronics (which includes a rear hub motor with 40Nm of torque and a 250Wh battery that’s permanently mounted inside the down tube) weigh just 3.5kg. In fact, the complete bike weighs less than 14kg. One clever detail is the optional 171Wh range extender, which fits onto the frame cleverly camouflaged as a water bottle.

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Best Budget Long Tail Cargo Bike

Fiido T2 Longtail Cargo Electric Bike

This longtail bike combines functionality, power and affordability, making it one of the best-equipped electric cargo bikes on the market for its price. It ticks several boxes, including a 750W rear-drive motor with 60Nm of torque (an affordable alternative to mid-drive motors from the likes of Bosch) and a massive 998Wh battery, front suspension, integrated lights and mudguards. There’s also a good range of optional accessories, from baskets to panniers and two child seats.

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The best utility bike for outdoor activities

Specialized Turbo Tero X 5.0 Bike

A great all-rounder: for riding on or off-road and for taking the kids around town. This “X” version also has rear suspension, making it particularly comfortable on uneven terrain. It is equipped with a powerful Shimano motor (with 70 Nm torque) and a 710 Wh battery capable of handling solo rides, trips with a child seat or with a trailer on the back.

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The best three-wheeled family bike

Christiania cycling classic

Known for its stability and ability to carry the load in front of the rider, this bike is popular with families. Hand-built in Denmark, it has a beautifully simple design and high-quality components. The ‘classic’ model comes with family-friendly options such as bench seats and a waterproof canopy, and can be chosen with the brand’s more affordable rear hub motor or a higher-spec mid-drive motor.

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The best urban cargo bike for the family

Riese & Müller Multitinker Vario

With unsurpassed build quality and a load capacity of up to 200kg, there are a number of ways to equip this bike, including an additional passenger kit that will easily accommodate two children on the back or the weekly shop. It is equipped with a Bosch smart system that provides over-the-air updates and a new locking, alarm and tracking function. Also of note is the 625Wh battery and 85Nm of torque, along with the internal hub gearing and Gates belt drive, which should ensure a long, maintenance-free life for the bike.

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The best all-purpose folding bike

Brompton P Line Urban Electric Bike

The lightest bike in the brand’s P-Line collection weighs an impressive 15.6kg in the four-speed version. There’s also a 12-speed version that weighs around a kilo more for those tackling hilly terrain. The 300Wh battery (which is mounted above the front wheel in a compact duffle bag) offers a range of between 32 and 72 kilometres, which is enough for most round trips. The only drawback for those who alternate commuting (between other modes of transport, such as the train) for parts of their journey is that the battery will have to be removed and transported separately.

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Top 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 internal cable routing, this is the bike to choose at the top end of the scale. It is equipped with a top-notch Mahle X20 hub motor (rear) with 60Nm of torque and a 236Wh battery that will get you through a climb at an alpine pace. Also appealing is the weight of the bike, at just 11kg: when the motor assistance is cut off at 25km/h (limited due to regulations), you will have virtually no impediment to continuing your ride above this speed.

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The best affordable folding bike

P20 Engineering

Unlike the Brompton, this bike doesn’t have a separate battery to carry over your shoulder when folded, which is a big plus. It’s a single-speed model designed for urban use, with a motor in the rear hub assisting via Gates belt drive, helping to keep maintenance to a minimum. At 18.5kg, it has integrated mudguards and lights, all of which tick the right boxes.