Best Electric Commuter Bikes of 2024: Models that can actually replace your car

If you’re looking to spend less time in your car or public transportation and add the fun factor to your daily commute, one of these Best Electric Commuter Bikes might be for you.

It’s no wonder that the sales of e-bikes have gone through the roof in recent years.

People in big cities are getting fed up with sitting in traffic jams needlessly every day and instead opting for a better solution—electric commuter bikes.

Electric commuter bikes are a viable way of getting from home to work and vice versa for a number of big reasons.

Thanks to the motor and battery they can maintain a pretty high average speed, they let you easily squeeze through traffic, and allow you to save money on gas and maintenance in the long run.

If you don’t know where to start, check out our recommendations for the best electric commuter bikes out there.

We’ve thoroughly analyzed the selection on the market and included high-quality models with powerful electronics that are built to last.

 

Lectric XP 3.0

Most Versatile Folding Electric Bike

MSRP: $999
Battery / Motor: 500W motor (1000W peak) and 500 Wh battery

Lectric is a new e-bike company that’s getting very good at making them. Lectric XP 3.0 is an affordable and practical e-bike that rides like a charm thanks to high-quality components and a high-quality build.

The XP 3.0 is a foldable e-bike with a brushless geared rear hub 500W motor and an integrated 500Wh battery. This is a very capable electric system that does not cost much. It will assist you up to 28 MPH for 45+ miles, depending on how much assistance you use.

• 7-speed drivetrain for easier climbing.
• Full fenders, lights, kickstand, and a rear rack improve practicality.
• Quality electronics guarantee reliability and natural pedal assistance.
• Mechanical disc brakes offer the necessary braking power.
• 20″ x 3″ tires provide grip and comfort.

 

One of the highlights of Lectric XP 3.0 is that it comes with bright front and rear lights which are a must if you plan to ride at night. Moreover, it also has full fenders, a kickstand, and a rear rack that you can use to carry your stuff.

In addition to this model, Lectric also makes the Step-Thru model with front suspension, available in black and white colors. It’s ideal for women or short riders.

If you opt for Lectric XP 3.0, you’ll also get a plush suspension fork and a 7-speed drivetrain, as well as powerful mechanical disc brakes. These are all important features for urban commutes.

To sum, we like Lectric XP 3.0 because it guarantees a comfortable and hassle-free commute in all types of weather.

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Co-op Cycles CTY e2.2

Best Choice for Multi-Modal Commutes

MSRP: $3,699
Battery / Motor: Bosch Performance Line Sport motor and 625 Wh battery

If you are looking for a next-level electric bike that is going to make cycling easy the Co-op Cycles CTY e2.2 is an incredible bit of kit you need to know about. It’s excellent for long days out with the family, carrying shopping, and even commuting.

This is a high-quality electric bicycle with a Bosch mid-drive system that delivers 250W of assistance and 75 Nm of torque. The 625 Wh battery is located behind the seat tube and delivers an enviable 60-mile range. The CTY e2.2 will assist you up to 28 MPH, as it is a class 3 e-bike.

• Lightweight aluminum frame that folds down in a matter of seconds.
• High-quality Bosch mid-drive motor that delivers 250W and 75 Nm of torque.
• microSHIFT Advent 9-speed drivetrain.
• Kenda Kwick Seven.5 27.5″ x 2.4″ tires.

 

The motorized bicycle rides fast thanks to a microSHIFT Advent 9-speed drivetrain and an electric motor. The ride feel is smooth and natural and the assistance from the mid-drive unit is not jerky.

This bike also features Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, so it stops on a dime even in wet weather. It’s nicely equipped with accessories as well, so you get fenders, a rear rack, a kickstand, front and rear lights, and even front suspension.

The reason we love e-bikes so much is that they are incredibly practical. You can travel fast on them and go very far easily making cycling accessible for everyone.

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RadWagon 4 Electric Cargo Bike

Best Electric Cargo Bike w/ 350 lb. Capacity

MSRP: $1,699
Battery / Motor: Bafang 750W motor and 672Wh battery

Rad Power Bikes’ RadWagon has become one of the most popular electric cargo bikes in the US by far. A cargo e-bike is not the first thing that comes to mind when you think about commuting, but this is a great choice for a number of reasons.

RadWagon is powered by a lively Bafang rear hub 750W motor and a high-capacity 672Wh battery that can easily pull you and any cargo you need to carry. You can load this e-bike with up to 350 lbs (including the rider) on the long integrated rear rack.

• Custom-made 22″ x 3″ tires can navigate paved and unpaved roads.
• Shimano Acera 7-speed drivetrain helps when climbing hills.
• Comes loaded with practical accessories for everyday commuting.
• The 750W motor will assist you up to 20 MPH for up to 45+ miles.
• The integrated rear rack packs lots of cargo and can be customized.

 

If you need an e-commuter bike to take your kids to school, RadWagon is the best choice as you can fit two child seats on the rear rack. Alternately, you can load the bike with two sets of full-size panniers.

RadWagon is ready for any type of ride as it comes with mechanical disc brakes, fenders, a wheel skirt, lights, and a dual-leg kickstand. You can add a bunch of other accessories as well to personalize it even more.

This is truly one of the most exciting electric commuters on this list, especially as it’s available for a very reasonable price.

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Priority Current E-Bike

Maintenance-Free Option w/ Gates Carbon Belt

MSRP: $3,299
Battery / Motor: 500W mid-drive motor and 500Wh battery

Related: How to Choose An Electric Bike

One of the reasons why many people don’t commute on a bicycle is because they loathe bike maintenance or think it’s rocket science. If you’re one of these people, then the Priority Current e-bike could change your mind.

This is a low-maintenance electric commuter with a sealed Shimano 5-speed internal gear hub and a Gates carbon belt drive instead of a traditional chain. These are parts that you don’t need to adjust, clean, or lubricate at all. Though you could give your bike a wash with soap and water from time to time.

• 500W mid-drive motor and an integrated 500Wh battery pack.
• Class 1 (can be increased to class 3) e-bike with a 20 MPH maximum speed and 30-60 miles of range.
• Gates carbon belt drive and Shimano 5-speed internal gear hub.
• Tektro hydraulic dual-piston brakes.
• Plush 650B tires guarantee comfort on city streets.

 

This electric bicycle comes with a 500W mid-drive motor that develops up to 140Nm of torque, which is quite a bit. The bike ships as Class 1, but you can change it to Class 3 by increasing the max speed to 28 MPH in the settings if your local laws allow it.

Other features that make this one of the best choices for commuters include fenders, front and rear lights, a kickstand, and powerful disc brakes. You can also install a rear rack to carry all the necessities or attach a child seat.

If you get Priority Current, all you need to do is hop on and ride, day in and day out.

Get From Priority Bicycles

 

Velotric T1

Sleekest-looking Electric Commuter

MSRP: $1,799
Battery / Motor: 350W brushless geared hub motor with 352Wh battery

If you’re looking for a really clean-looking e-commuter the Velotric T1 is the bike you need. It has a great simple design to blend in with any bike and looks epic when it comes to city riding.

The Velotric T1 has a 350W motor which runs off a 352Wh battery. It may not be the most powerful or the quickest but it only takes 6 hours to charge and each full battery gives you up to 70 miles.

The T1 comes with a Shimano 8-speed rear derailleur that gives you smooth silky shifting. The bike is also equipped with 160mm hydraulic disc brakes that can stop you very quickly.

• Aluminum frame
• Multiple levels of pedal assist and throttle up to 25 MPH
• Hydraulic disc brakes
• Anti-theft GPS tracking

 

The assistance from the motor is natural and smooth and the system offers more than enough power even on steep hills thanks to torque sensors.

The Velotric T1 doesn’t have any suspension, but this shouldn’t really matter unless you’re thinking of hitting the trails. Overall, this is a commuter’s dream bike!

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Engwe EP-2 Pro

Affordable Folding Fat E-Bike

MSRP: $1,400
Battery / Motor: 750W motor with a 615Wh battery

The Engwe EP-2 Pro electric folding bike is a reasonably-priced option with decent components for the money. Engwe is a young manufacturer, but it is already proving as a reliable option for riders who are looking for budget-friendly options.

Engwe EP-2 Pro features a foldable aluminum frame with a suspension fork and 20″ x 4″ fat tires. It comes equipped with accessories such as fenders, a rear rack, kickstand, and front and rear lights, so it’s very practical for commuting and everyday riding.

• Foldable frame makes for easy storage and transportation
• Built-in front and rear light improve your visibility at night.
• A soft dual-spring saddle provides you with comfort where you need it the most.
• Five levels of pedal-assist and throttle help you get the right amount of help.
• Also comes with mechanical disc brakes and a 7-speed drivetrain.

 

Engwe EP-2 Pro is a class 2 e-bike meaning it has five levels of pedal-assist and a twist-and-go throttle. The system also includes a large LCD display that makes it easy to read all your ride stats. This bike will assist you up to 28 MPH which is plenty for an efficient commute.

Engwe packs yet more value with mechanical disc brakes and a 7-speed drivetrain, which are very important considerations for urban commuting.

Finally, Engwe EP-2 Pro is an excellent electric commuter bike with high-quality components. However, the main reason you might decide to buy it is definitely the practicality it offers, especially if you have limited storage at home.

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Specialized Turbo Vado 3.0 IGH

The Biggest Cool Factor

MSRP: $3,750
Battery / Motor: 530Wh battery and 250W/50Nm motor

The Specialized Turbo Vado 3.0 IGH is a zippy and quick-handling hybrid, equipped with a host of advanced features that you’ll be happy to have on your daily commute. Being that it’s made by a very well renowned bike manufacturer.

See more: Full Review of Specialized Bikes

This bike is a beautiful commuter that isn’t just good-looking but extremely practical.

Like most well-made electric bikes, the Turbo Vado 3.0 is powered by a 250W mid-drive motor and a frame-integrated 530 Wh battery. According to Specialized Bikes, the maximum pedal-assist range is 90 miles, which is excellent. The motor is well-known for its power and natural ride feel.

• Lightweight aluminum frame and suspension fork.
• Lively and reliable mid-drive motor.
• Enviolo City Internal Gear Hub and carbon belt drive
• Excellent accessories, such as fenders, lights, and more.

 

One of the reasons we included this bike on our list is because of the cool factor. It’s painted in a simple black color, so it looks elegant and inconspicuous. It’s perfect for business people or anyone who cares about their style.

The other is the fact it comes with a few high-tech solutions, such as the Enviolo City Internal Gear Hub and carbon belt drive instead of a chain. This means you won’t have to worry about maintenance and you’ll enjoy super-smooth shifting and pedaling.

Therefore, we recommend getting the Specialized Turbo Vado 3.0 IGH if it fits your budget and you’re interested in getting the latest modern features.

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Buzz Cerana

Attractive & Affordable Electric Bike

MSRP: $1,499
Battery / Motor: 350W mid-drive motor with 36V battery

If your commute is exceptionally long or you simply want to have a good range and not worry about getting to work drenched in sweat, Buzz Cerana is the best electric commuter bike for you. It has an integrated 36V battery and offers a range of up to 40 miles!

This is a hybrid electric cargo bike with some really nice features and capabilities. It’s powered by a 350W mid-drive motor that can haul you and your cargo with ease.

This is an affordable e-bike, so it has beginner-friendly components and features. We recommend it for inexperienced riders as it is incredibly easy to use.

• 350W motor and 40+ miles of range.
• 7-speed drivetrain
• Mechanical disc brakes
• 24″ wheels and 2.8″ wide tires
• Fenders, kickstand, front and rear lights

 

Buzz Cerana is practical for people who dislike bike maintenance. It comes with a 7-speed rear derailleur and mechanical disc brakes, both of which are easy to take care of. Just give your bike a clean from time to time and lubricate the chain.

This hybrid e-bike is also equipped with fenders, a kickstand, front and rear lights, and a front basket. Therefore, you can just hop on and ride from the moment you buy it.

It’s one of our favorites for moms with kids and big families that want to drive their cars less.

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Vvolt Alpha

First Choice! Unmatched Value for the Money

MSRP: $1,399
Battery / Motor: 375Wh battery & 350W Acer rear hub motor

Vvolt Bikes overview

Vvolt Alpha is an affordable electric commuter bike that emphasizes style and comfort. It also comes with a number of maintenance-free components, such as internal gears and a carbon belt, meaning it’s easy to take care of.

This e-bike is built around a lightweight 6061 aluminum frame with a rigid alloy fork. The frame is available in a step-over or a step-through design and two sizes.

Vvolt Alpha boasts an Acer rear hub 350W motor that offers pedal assistance up to 20 MPH through five assistance levels and a walk mode. The 375 Wh battery is not huge, but it easily delivers a 60-mile range, which is enough for most commuters.

• Quiet Gates CDN Belt Drive
• Powerful hydraulic disc brakes.
• Clearance for 2.4″ tires
• Bluetooth compatible onboard computer
• USB charging port

 

This Vvolt e-bike comes equipped with a single-speed drivetrain and a drive belt instead of a chain, as it is intended for city-wide commutes. It also sports a pair of hydraulic disc brakes, which will give you confidence when coming to a full stop at traffic lights or pedestrian crossings.

In addition to an attractive modern look, another one of Alpha’s main traits is comfort. This e-bike rolls on 2.4″ wide tires and comes with an ergonomic saddle that will let you ride without having to wear bib shorts.

If you commute year-round, it’s good to know that the belt drive is superior to a traditional chain because it requires no learning or lubrication. Just spray the drivetrain with water from time to time!

Consider Also: Vvolt Sirius

All of this makes Vvolt Alpha ideal for casual riders who want to get from A to B in style and without fuss.

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Best Electric Commuter Bikes For Women

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Co-op Cycles Generation e1.2

Smallest E-Bike

MSRP: $1,899
Battery / Motor: Bafang 350W motor with 672Wh battery

Co-op Cycles Generation e1.2 has a lengthy name but a lengthy list of attractive features as well. This is a good-looking electric commuter bike with a low-step frame that’s great for women, elderly riders, or anyone who prefers this type of frame.

We included this e-bike because we love the value you get for your money. It’s equipped with a Bafang 350W motor and a 672Wh battery, which is a really popular system on Cannondale e-bikes. The battery provides an amazing range of up to 40-50 miles, whereas the motor will assist you up to 20 MPH.

The e-bike is available in three colors to suit all riders and personalities.

• Lightweight low-step aluminum frame.
• Shimano Altus 7-speed drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes perform well for commutes.
• Reliable and powerful Bafang electronics guarantee good range and dependable assistance.
• 20 x 2.2″ tires will smooth out rough roads, gravel, and potholes.

 

The Generation e1.2 is a very versatile bike thanks to 2.2″ wide Kenda tires. It can be ridden on paved and unpaved roads equally well, so don’t be afraid to make an occasional detour.

If you’re looking for a modern electric commuter that will last and stay relevant for years to come, Co-op Cycles Generation e1.2 is an attractive choice and a smart investment.

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Charge Comfort 2 Step-Thru

Simple and Well-Equipped Commuter

MSRP: $1,899
Battery / Motor:  Bafang 250W motor with 418Wh battery

Charge Comfort 2 is our top pick in the overall electric commuter category. Plus, this e-bike is our top suggestion for female commuters as well.

It’s a streamlined and affordable cruiser-inspired commuter that has lots of flashy features and doesn’t cut any corners.

Charge Comfort 2 is powered by a Bafang 250W hub drive motor with a 418 Wh battery. This combo will assist you up to 20 MPH and you can expect a 50-mile range, which is plenty for an average daily commute.

• Comfortable, upright frame design with a flat handlebar.
• Versatile 27.5 x 2.6 in. tires, ideal for city streets and bike paths.
• Powerful mechanical disc brakes and a wide-range 7-speed drivetrain.
• Pedal assistance up to 20 MPH.
• Built around a lightweight aluminum frame and fork.

 

Charge Comfort 2 is a bicycle for casual riders. It’s an ideal choice for someone who doesn’t take cycling too seriously but takes their commute, health, and well-being extremely seriously.

This electric commuter will provide you with more than enough assistance up steep sections, but you won’t lose the satisfaction of riding a cruiser bicycle.

It’s packed will most features and accessories you need daily, including fenders and bright lights, so you’re ready to commute day and night, come rain or shine.

Get From Charge Bikes

 

Features To Look For In the Best Electric Commuter Bikes

Purchasing an electric commuter bike differs slightly from choosing a regular bicycle for recreation or fitness.

Related: Best Commuter Bikes

The best electric commuter bikes need to meet a few important requirements:

• The motor and battery need to be powerful, durable, and reliable.
• It should have components that are dependable and able to withstand daily abuse.
• The bike should come with all the important accessories to be practical for commuting.
• It should be built with reliable and high-quality materials that last for years.

 

Before considering our recommendations for individual models, make sure to read through the buying guide below to understand your requirements better and get the best electric commuter bike for your personal needs.

To get a better idea about how to choose electric bikes, and what to look for, take a look at our in-depth electric bike buying guide.

 

Motor and Battery

The motor power and battery capacity are rider-dependent. For example, a 250W motor might be sufficiently strong for one rider but another rider might require something with more oomph. The same is true for the battery.

Most electric commuter bicycles come with 250W or 500W rear hub or mid-drive motors, but there are those with 350W or 750W units as well.

A 250W motor will suffice if you live in a relatively flat area and you’re not a heavy person. If your commute involves hills or you like having a snack too many, go for something stronger.

Make sure to pay attention to the torque as well—a 40Nm motor is significantly less lively than one with 80Nm.

Think about the class of the e-bike as well (in legal terms) and whether or not you need a throttle. Having a throttle makes it easier to start pedaling from a dead stop, but Class 2 e-bikes require licensing and taxes in some countries.

When it comes to the battery, you don’t really have to worry too much. Batteries have come a long way, so most commuter bikes have a low range of at least 20-30 miles and a high range of 100+ miles. If your daily commute is longer than that, you can take the battery to your office and recharge it before your commute back home.

Related: Best Electric Bikes

 

High-Quality Components

Apart from the powerful electric parts, the best electric commuter bikes should also come with high-quality mechanical components. Commuter bikes are typically ridden almost every day, so all the parts need to be durable enough to withstand the pressure.

Shimano and SRAM drivetrains with multiple gears are a must unless your commute is short or it doesn’t involve any hills. If you dislike maintenance, look for a model with internal gears and carbon belts, as these systems require no lubrication or adjustments.

Related: Groupsets – SRAM, Shimano, Colnago, etc

If you plan to ride in bad weather, disc brakes will make a big change. They brake much more reliably in rain or snow compared to standard rim brakes. But if you want to save some money or you hate riding in the rain anyways, rim brakes will bring you to a stop as well.

Finally, the majority of popular commuter e-bikes also come with wider tires that improve comfort and grip. Ideally, these tires should also have a puncture-resistant layer because the last thing you want to do is have a flat when you’re late for work in the morning.

 

Accessories

In our opinion, the best electric commuter bike should have the following accessories:

• Fenders
• Racks
• Battery-powered lights
• Bell
• Kickstand

 

Apart from taking you from point A to point B, your commuter bike should also be able to carry all of your belongings. That’s why it’s important to have a rear or front rack or a basket. You can use the rack to carry panniers, strap your backpack, or even attach a child seat and take your kids to school.

The best electric commuter bike should also be practical regardless of the weather or the time of the day. That’s why it’s important to have full-length front and rear fenders and battery-powered lights. You can then ride it at night and even if it’s raining.

If your commute takes you through busy city streets, we recommend getting a bell as well, to be able to warn other people around you about your presence. A kickstand is a nice bonus to have in case you make a short stop—you’ll avoid looking for a place to lean your bike and potentially scratch the paint.

 

FAQ

 

Final Takeaways

A commuter bike differs from a recreational bike in that you will probably be riding it a lot more often. Therefore, you should feel good about hopping on the saddle, which factors in style and appearance as well.

What is the best electric commuter bike? It’s the one that fits you well and meets all of your requirements.

We’ve tried to comprise our list by including electric commuter bikes that would fill these needs for the majority of riders out there. All of the bikes we recommend here have been tried and tested time and again in the real world for performance, components, durability, and the wow! factor.

Whichever you choose, it will allow you to pedal more, drive your car less, get places faster, and enjoy sunny days a lot more than before.