The best Class 1 e-bikes right now, according to Consumer Reports
As EV subsidies fade, e-bikes are filling the gap. Consumer Reports picked the best Class 1 models to help you find the right ride
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Government subsidies for EVs are winding down, meaning cars that were once more affordable are increasingly out of reach for everyday buyers.
But for those still looking to reduce their carbon footprint, drive their gas-powered vehicle less, or find alternative ways to travel, electric bikes, or e-bikes, are a great alternative.
If you’re new to the world of e-bikes, though, you might not know where to look, especially as new brands continue to pop up. Consumer Reports (CR) compiled a list of some of the best Class 1 e-bikes currently on the market to help you out. (These bikes require you to pedal while using the motor.)
Continue reading to see which made the list and why.
Gazelle Medeo T1
The Gazelle Medeo T1 is CR’s top-rated e-bike. It’s expensive, retailing for $3,000, but CR said “you get what you pay for, from its excellent hydraulic disc brakes to its powerful Bosch mid-drive motor.” It found the bike easy to pedal when you aren’t using the electric motor and said it still feels like a regular bike, even though it’s obviously heavier.
Raleigh Retroglide Royale 2.0 iE Step Over
The Raleigh Retroglide Royale 2.0 iE Step Over is a little less expensive than the Gazelle, priced at $2,650, and earned high praise. “It’s very comfortable, with an upright riding position, a plush seat, and big tires to absorb bumps. It also has good range and works well without the electric assist,” CR said.
Cannondale Adventure Neo 4
The Cannondale Adventure Neo 4 goes for $2,875. Its “motor is more responsive to the rider’s pedal inputs than many of the hub-drive models, and its power goes through the bicycle’s nine-speed gearset,” CR said.
Marin Fairfax E
A more affordable option, the Marin Fairfax E sells for $1,600 and gets good reviews from CR. “The bike steers well and its hydraulic disc brakes provide solid stopping power. The ride is smooth and compliant, and there are plenty of attachment points for fenders, bags, and other accessories,” CR said. That said, the bike is 42 pounds, which isn’t too heavy for an e-bike, but CR warned “it feels a little sluggish when you want to pedal up a steep hill without help from the electric motor.”
Velotric T1
At $1,800, the Velotric T1 is another more affordable option. CR said it's “quick and relatively light” and praised the bike for combining “the best of conventional bike capability with powerful assistance from its hub-mounted electric motor.” It warned people with big feet might find the pedals small.