In the era of multiple global crises, such as the coronavirus pandemic, climate change and the threat of nuclear war, it is difficult not to feel helpless. If you are an adult who doesn’t know what to do to make things better, I have a simple suggestion: ride a bike. Millions of Americans seem to agree, whether they rent bikes from shared bikes or buy them themselves.
For many years, electric bikes for adultss have been cumbersome, inconvenient, expensive machines with limited battery life. Slowly, things changed. Today’s electric bicycles are lighter, more attractive and more powerful than ever before. You don’t need to be healthy to ride. They take you outside, reduce traffic jams, and reduce your carbon footprint. They are very interesting!
In the past few years, my colleagues and the authors of Gear have tried almost all kinds of electric bikes, from the best heavy-duty freight bikes to high-end mountain bikes. We are always testing new ones, so if you don’t see what you want, check it later (or leave a message!) Once you buy an electric bikes for adults, take a look at our favorite bicycle accessories, bicycle locks, and “bicycle packaging” adventure equipment.
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Updated in August 2022: We added our favorite new bikes, deleted the old ones, and edited information about financing.
How to finance your electric bikes for adults
Whenever I talk to anyone about the possibility of buying an electric bicycle, the biggest obstacle – so far – is the price. The soaring price of bicycles in recent years has not helped. Many factors, including the epidemic situation, have made the global supply chain complex. The exemption of 25% tariff on all imported electric bicycles has expired.
We have tried our best to join the low price option, but we think they are vehicles, not toys. When you take your children to school, or fly down the mountain at 25 miles an hour with only a helmet as protection, you want a car you can trust.
A reasonable car financing option is the only reason why a $2000 electric bicycle is prohibitively expensive, while a $6000 gasoline powered car can be easily paid monthly. Many bicycle manufacturers and retailers do provide financing through companies such as Affirm or PayPal. Your bank may provide loans for e-bikes in its vehicle loan plan, and some utility companies may even provide cash incentives for buying e-bikes. You may have more choices than you think.
Professional Como SL
If this is your first electric bikes for adults, I strongly recommend that you choose a mature manufacturer with a large support network of retailers and stores, so that you can test some without having to assemble or repair it yourself. Almost every major bicycle manufacturer is now producing entry-level step by step commuter electric bicycles. We like the lightweight and beautiful professional Turbo Como SL (7/10, recommended by WIRED). We still like our last top choice, Cannondale Adventure Neo 3 EQ (8/10, recommended by WIRED), but it is hard to find it in inventory now.
The Turbo Como SL also features low maintenance, such as internal hub drive and weather resistant belt drive, as well as all bells and whistles integrated with fire shields, lights, displays, racks and bells. It is also equipped with a specialized micro custom motor, which is one of the reasons why it is 10 to 20 pounds lighter than its competitors, and it is easier to cross the curb and ride on the bicycle frame. Like all specialized bicycles, I like their colors very much.
