Electric Bikes

Electric bicycles make riding easier and more appealing to an ever-broadening array of people. They are both a healthy recreational outlet and a frugal means of transportation. It is no wonder that they have become so popular over the past few years.With many people looking for the best electric bike for their needs and budget, Consumer Reports recently bought 11 new bicycles to test. Along with... the findings from our previous evaluations, shoppers now have our expert guidance on 16 models, including our picks for the best electric bikes. CR’s e-bike ratings are based on each model’s electric range, performance, and features.If you’re thinking about buying an electric bike, dig in and do some research first. There’s a lot to know before you choose the model you like. For starters, regulations differ from state to state, with some states requiring an operator’s license or helmets to use them on public roads. Climate and terrain are other important considerations. Are there hills where you live, and is the weather good for riding? E-bikes tend to be more expensive than conventional bikes, so it pays to make sure a model will work for you before spending the extra money to buy one.CR’s evaluations of several different models break their characteristics down into the areas that are most likely to affect the rider: range, acceleration, hill climbing, speed control response, and how the bike performs on just pedal power when the battery is out of juice.