The Concept of electronic bikes and scooters has emerged from the ever-growing global requirement of green transportation which is why it is gaining huge acceptability across the world market. E-bike or electric bike is predominantly a bicycle by stature which comes with a unique inclusion of an electrical motor, integrated to be ranged with the foot pedals to support the momentum and movement of the bicycle. It has a chargeable battery (mostly Li-ion) and most of its variants can attain a speed up to 160 Km in one full charging. E-bikes are available with a huge selection of the variants as most of them are configured to assist forward pedal movement whereas scooter and demand throttle are the other configurations available in e-pedal. Huge acceptability of E-bikes is expected to revolutionize the transportation industry as many of the commuters are likely to adopt this transportation method for their daily commute as well as for recreational purposes. The reasons for such optimistic market acceptance will be shared later in this electric bike review.
Global researchers term E-bikes as the “Next Big Thing”. In 2017, E-bikes global market size tallied to approximately $16.3 billion which is expected to hike up to $23.83 billion by 2025. This attributes to a shift in the market trends primarily on account of changing consumer preferences which impart an impression of E-bikes as an ecofriendly option. Not only eco-friendly but also with health benefits as there are with regular bikes, which are the two most prominent reasons for its ready acceptance among commuters.
There is a variety of types of E-bikes available today in the American, European and Asian markets. In terms of product type, electric bikes are segmented into three broad categories i.e. Pedelecs, throttle on demand & motorcycles/scooters. Pedelecs is the most adopted version of E-bikes amongst the daily commuters. In terms of the driving mechanism, hub motors, mid-drive based vehicles are most commonly available.
Talking about the downsides, there do exist various factors that can hinder the success and growth of E-bikes’ global market in the future. China, which is one of the most populated countries have imposed a ban on the use of electronic bikes in few cities. Furthermore, the high cost associated with these e-bikes may also hinder its success in the low per capita income-generating countries. With the continuous improvement in the field of R&D and more and more people showing their interests towards e-bikes and scooters in the cards that e-bikes will beat the odds and capture anticipated market share.
Specifications of top of the line E-bikes for commuters
Magnum Metro Electric Bike Review
Magnum Metro is a revolution in the stream of electronic bikes for commuters which is pretty affordable and is an urban style electric bike. Magnum Metro comes with Pedal assistance raising up to six levels. Additionally, throttle mode is also available that has the tendency to override. Magnum comes with an adjustable stem coupled with large tires and seat post-shock. It is aided with a fork suspension which combines with ergonomic grips to ensure a perfect stature for city commute. It comes with high capacity batteries, a kickstand, and alloy material fender which raises its gross weight up to 58.4 lbs but with the inclusion of safety features like white frame, it emerges out as a combination of power and style in the affordable price range.
Moustache Samedi 27 Xroad 5 Electric Bike Review
Moustache Samedi is a blend of superior features which makes it an ideal option for not only the city commuters’ but also for gravels and mountain trails. It comes with an option of adjustment in suspension fork and suspension seat post fits perfectly with the handlebar. Moustache is equipped with aluminum alloy fenders and lights are fixed in a manner making it an effective multipurpose e-bike. The inclusion of high-performance line motor brings speed with power while offering shift detection. One of the reasons why this bike can be used for mountain climbing is its torque capacity which goes up to 65-newton powers whereas allied features like plastic chain cover, chain guard and slap guard keep your clothes dirt free making it an ideal ride for the city commuters as well, whether they are students or the professionals.
Benno RemiDemi 9D Electric Bike Review
Benno Remidemi 9D is a combination of utility and comfort which comes with quite fat tires that are as wide as 4.25”. Benno allows heavyweight individuals to use this bike with utmost comfort as it is equipped with tubing in the middle portion as well as in the front frame which reduces the flex motion. This hikes its weight handling capacity up to 400 lbs which alongside the Shimano disk brakes makes it a perfect ride for city commuters. Apparently it is a small-sized bike but it has the tendency to cater individuals of heights in between 5’1’ and 6’0”. Benno has remarkable ground clearance as it comes with 155 mm crank arms which allows it to move freely over bumpy surfaces. It comes with custom plastic fenders and covered chain area which keep users away from dirt. Rear light comes with two LEDs that are powered from the main battery source and it is mounted in a fashion that commuters can easily travel in the evening. Fat tires & chrome frame at one side enhances stability but on the other side increases the overall weight of it. Since this bike does not come with seat post or fork suspension, it is not recommended to ride this bike on gravels or light mountain trails but it is remarkably effective as a city commute e-bike.
CUBE Kathmandu Hybrid Pro 625 Electric Bike Review
Cube Kathmandu is a power-packed electronic solution for the commuters who want to climb steep heights and intend to cover longer distances. Cube comes only in black color with a hint of yellow stripes at few places but all accessories including stem, fork, saddle, frame & handlebar attached to this bike have the matching accents. The biggest advantage of Cube is its availability in a variety of frame sizes (total five) and frame styles (total three i.e. high-step, mid-step, and step-thru). Cube comes with Bosch Power Tube 625 batteries which offers outstanding battery backup and remains hidden under the down tube. Cube comes with a bright headlight that is powered by the rechargeable battery and is mounted at such a position where it ensures clear visibility thus convenience for commuters in the dark. Tires of this bike also come with reflectors that add to the beauty as well as a utility while riding in low light. Fenders attached with this bike are sturdy which adds to its stability while riding at gravels without slipping off. It is further elaborated that, Cube Kathmandu is equipped with Schwalbe Tires which are puncture resistant and reduces the tendency of getting flat at gravels and mountain climbing. Cube is amongst fairly heavier e-bikes since it is equipped with an integrated rear rack and heavy battery that provides it a better momentum.
Cannondale Treadwell Treadwell Neo EQ Remixte Electric Bike Review
Cannondale is an optimal blend of style and features. This lightweight electronic bike offers mid-step frame which guarantees more performance than step-thru model. Cannondale is embedded with stylish alloy fender covered chain area which ensures that the user would remain dry while passing through muddy surfaces. Despite it having low stand over height, it still offers a great degree of ground clearance which ultimately makes it a perfect ride for gravels as well as an urban commute.
This e-bike comes with hydraulic disc brakes which offer up to 160 mm rotors and nine speed drivetrain. Cannondale also has some mentionable drawbacks. It does not offer LCD display which is why users cannot keep track of their trip data. Furthermore, its battery is fixed and it cannot be charged while detached which is one of those features which did not let this bike gain anticipated market share.
Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 4 Electric Bike Review
Rad power RadWagon 4 is a multipurpose E-bike that can be used for the purpose of Cargo alongside usual urban commutation. Rad power comes with customized 22” x 30” tires which ensure comfort and stability despite of the presence of cargo load. Rad power comes in mid step frame and offers three beautiful colors to select from. The E-bike comes with double leg kickstand and 80 nm geared hub motor which warrants high performance for passengers in the presence of Cargo or while climbing. It comes with 11-34 tooth cassette which is highly durable owing its nickel platting. The presence of steel made derailleur guard, alloy chain guide and neoprene slap guard provide this electronic bike variant a competitive edge over its competitors for commuting purposes. Additional features include handlebars (swept-back), step which is adjustable without any tool and telescoping seat post.
This bike does not come with a suspension fork so it is not an ideal e-bike for gravels and mountain climbs. Despite of this lag, Radwagon 4 is still considered as market favorite owing its state of the art tires, ergonomic grips, frame flex and LCD panel display which is rechargeable through a USB port.
Tern HSD S8i Electric Bike Review
Tern HSD is a supreme quality mid tail type-E cargo bike that comes with a very unique benefit. The design of this commuting e-bike allows it to stand in a vertical position that can save space. Tern HSD S8i comes in only one frame size but it offers a rich choice of eight different colors for the users to select from. It possesses dual seat post segmentation which provides adjustment options for both the shorter people and the tall ones. Tern carries legacy of producing state of the art e-bikes as GSD model got a lot of fame and public acceptability. HSD is cheaper in price if compared with GSD despite possessing customized suspension fork, adjustable Andros stem, ergonomic grips, and premium quality fenders which makes it a perfect choice for daily commuters. Unlike GSD, it only offers lower weight capacity which is the only negative aspect of HSD. Tern HSD comes with Schwalbe Big Ben tires which adds to the comfort during ride and also protects against punctures. HSD comes with premium quality headlights which are placed in a manner offering excellent aiming. HSD is a low budget e-bike. Therefore, neither it supports smartphone application hub nor USB charging port but this bike is equipped with Nexus 8-Speed geared hub which is durable and possess a tendency to shift at a standstill which makes this bike an ideal option for city commuting.
The Top Pick Electric Bike for Commuters
While deciding that which of the e-bikes could be termed as the best among all, one needs to opt for an option which is an optimal combination of style, comfort, range of features, affordability, and design structure. If one must go with the midway and think for the most optimal solution then Moustache Samedi 27 Xroad 5 can be termed as our Top Pick from the commuting category. Moustache started its journey in 2011 and Moustache Samedi is their top of the line model which is available in both step-thru and high-step. Samedi is a multipurpose electric bike that has aesthetically built frame that provides force and strength to thE-bike. Its suspension fork is very smooth comes with an adjustable preload compression. Ergonomically, Samedi is a very comfortable ride and is ideal for those who have to travel a lot on bumpy surfaces and ravels. Unlike its other variants, is seat adjustment and weight couples with fender width to make it equally good city commuting option. It possesses Shimano SLX derailleur with a single way clutch which is not available in certain variants of this price range. It keeps the chain tighter which restricts the bumping motion resultantly provides smooth surface drive. In Samedi, the manufacturers have included 4 amp charger which couples up with high-performance battery to provide an exquisite experience. Samedi is also equipped with GPS control and possess USB port on the right side. Manufacturers have minutely examined and designed each and every part of this bike which is even evident from its kickstand which is placed at a considerable distance where it does not block the pedal shift and chain. Many companies are producing richly features-equipped e-bikes these days. Looking at the trend, it can be construed that e-bikes are easily going to replace conventional motorbikes and scooters in the years to come if the investors invested wisely on the R&D and innovation.
