CNET

Electric bike buying guide: What your e-bike says about you

There are many types of e-bikes for a variety of riders. CNET’s Logan Moy goes over each one and talks about the features that make some better than others for certain riding styles. E-bike recommendations RadRunner 2: Brompton Electric: Swagtron EB5 Pro: Lectric XP 2.0: Fiido X: RadCity 4: Aventon Level: Magnum Metro S: Priority…

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There are many types of e-bikes for a variety of riders. CNET’s Logan Moy goes over each one and talks about the features that make some better than others for certain riding styles.

E-bike recommendations
RadRunner 2:
Brompton Electric:
Swagtron EB5 Pro:
Lectric XP 2.0:
Fiido X:
RadCity 4:
Aventon Level:
Magnum Metro S:
Priority Current:
RadWagon:
Magnum Payload:
Super73-R:
Super73-S2:
Juiced Bikes Scrambler:
Magnum Mi6:
Specialized Turbo Levo SL Expert Carbon:
iGo Electric Aspire Camillien:
Bulls Desert Falcon Evo:
Electric Sun Traditional:
Electric Eco-Tad SX:
*CNET may get a commission from these offers.

Accessories
Suspension cruiser saddle:
Suspension seat post:
*CNET may get a commission from these offers.

More e-bike videos:

Super73-RX review:
Lectric XP 2.0 review:
Brompton electric review:
Aventon Level hands-on:
Super73-S2 vs Super73-RX:
Super73-S2 review:
Vanmoof S3 review:

Related videos
What I learned from buying and riding my first electric bike:
What I learned a year after buying my first electric bike:
Can a E-Bike REPLACE your car?:
Electric bike batteries:

Special thanks to @ElectricBikeReview.com :

Follow Logan Moy on Twitter:

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0:00 Intro
0:43 Riding location
1:23 Range & power
3:04 Motors
3:55 Sensors
4:40 Comfort
6:05 Storage
6:40 Customer support
7:33 Speed limits
8:30 Types of e-bikes
8:55 Fat tire e-bikes
9:32 Cruiser e-bikes
10:18 Folding e-bikes
12:20 Commuter e-bikes
13:03 City e-bikes
14:17 Cargo e-bikes
14:54 Electric motorbike
16:29 Mountain e-bikes
17:14 Road e-bikes
17:45 Electric trikes

68 Comments

  1. reallygood203

    December 21, 2021 at 9:02 pm

    It Says you’re Lazy.

    • Frank

      December 21, 2021 at 9:43 pm

      Not if it’s your only means of transportation.

  2. Christian Williams

    December 21, 2021 at 9:14 pm

    Where is the Sur-ron light bee X which is one of the popular choice of ebikes.

    • CNET

      December 21, 2021 at 9:17 pm

      We haven’t had a chance to review it yet. Hopefully we’ll get to make a video all about it soon!

  3. Logan Moy

    December 21, 2021 at 9:20 pm

    Thanks for watching! There’s a lot of info and bike recommendations in this video, and I’m sure I didn’t cover it all. Feel free to comment with the e-bikes you love and some buying advice you found very helpful.

    • solarcabin

      December 24, 2021 at 6:31 pm

      Good advice! I have 3 different ebikes for different uses. Mt ebike 350 watt for light trail riding, folding Rattan 750 for commuting and supply runs and the Freego DK200 1200 watt Adventure ebike for when I want to go fast and climb hills off road. I recommend the folding utility ebikes ike the Rattan for most users and you can seem my channel for a review of each type.

  4. Malleus Maleficarum

    December 21, 2021 at 9:25 pm

    Really blown away by all the options and things to consider! Super helpful video and very knowledgeable guy 👍👍👍

  5. Cameron9286

    December 21, 2021 at 10:00 pm

    I love my e bike. Everyone needs one

  6. baseskizl_82

    December 21, 2021 at 10:19 pm

    Received my RX in may of 2020 I just love it! Nuf said.

    This last oct I was in PR and rented a RAD bike and it was trash (mainly the rental company needed better maintenance) wish I wouldn’t have wasted $120 to rent it for 9 hours as most of that time was on a charge. It was so slow at 20mph. I would never consider get a bike like this again.

  7. Paul Woo

    December 21, 2021 at 10:20 pm

    Logan/CNET, it would be very helpful if you could cover any possible tax credit/incentive for purchasing an e-bike in 2022.

  8. Jeremy Toh

    December 21, 2021 at 10:31 pm

    I bought an clone Super73 e-bike from Alibaba what does it say about me? 🍞

  9. Avelino Ramos

    December 21, 2021 at 10:34 pm

    After he said “Range and Power”, I looked behind him.. 😅

    • Logan Moy

      December 21, 2021 at 10:48 pm

      Ha! Good catch. Didn’t even notice that in the dozens of times I watched it while editing.

  10. David Jamgochian

    December 21, 2021 at 10:46 pm

    Great Revideo !!

  11. Fnphone psnmeoff

    December 21, 2021 at 11:10 pm

    I suggest buying something cheaper for people to steal from you like sunglasses 🕶

  12. Gaming Time

    December 21, 2021 at 11:40 pm

    I have a stromer st2. I have to say cycling feels way smoother and more enjoyable than driving. Not always but for short distance’s like 12 miles

  13. ElTalOrly

    December 22, 2021 at 12:03 am

    Nice

  14. SS S

    December 22, 2021 at 12:08 am

    With scooters and motorcycles starting at under $2000 it would need to be a very niche reason to pick up an e-bike.

    Honda Navi anyone? $1,807, 100mpg, 50-60mph

    • Logan Moy

      December 22, 2021 at 12:32 am

      Looks fun but requires a drivers license, registration, insurance, more maintenance and gas. Not a very fair comparison to an e-bike.

  15. Mike Muponda

    December 22, 2021 at 12:08 am

    Pretty comprehensive man, nice stuff!

    • Logan Moy

      December 22, 2021 at 12:30 am

      Thanks Mike!

  16. Chris H.

    December 22, 2021 at 12:17 am

    Lol I have a class 4 1000w mid drive ebike (Nireeka Prime fat tire e-mountain bike). I’ve hit 40mph with pedal Assist, and 33mph using throttle alone (yes, on flat pavement). And cops in my area couldn’t care less! Perks of living in the south! Everyone here is on four wheelers and side-by-sides, so no one gives a crap about a bike lol. I lovveee my bike tho. It’s carbon fiber so it’s not too heavy, and it’s gorgeous. The extreme power + throttle allows me to tackle any trail I take it to. I can literally pop wheelies with the throttle alone. It’s a beast.

  17. Hayley Harrison

    December 22, 2021 at 12:35 am

    I’ve been considering the RadRunner Plus, I know you have the RadRunner. Are you still liking it or are you gonna upgrade? I also live in LA and am looking for a fun recreation bike. I also want to try the RadMini just because the bike rack costs are crazy.

    • Logan Moy

      December 22, 2021 at 12:51 am

      I do still like my RadRunner but wish I had spent a little more when I got it. If you’re sticking to bike paths in the LA area, I actually recommend the RadCity since you won’t have much need for fat tires. But if you need a folding bike the RadMini is great!

  18. Jonathan Rosado

    December 22, 2021 at 12:53 am

    Juiced hyperscorpion nuff said!!!

  19. Lumberjack35

    December 22, 2021 at 1:49 am

    I bought a Vespa GTS 300 around 3 months ago, and it’s ok for small town travel (5-20 miles). It gets 75mpg, and can go up to 78mph. I enjoy it, but as stated in the video you can’t take it EVERYWHERE. Weather can be burdensome (rain, snow, ice, etc.). It’s a fun supplemental vehicle.

  20. Nemo Ciau

    December 22, 2021 at 2:46 am

    You should have also mentioned local dealer support for regular service, repairs, and part replacement. Its always a good idea to have on-site support with any e-bike.

  21. D Fe

    December 22, 2021 at 5:14 am

    Mini motorcycle-

  22. Mr McGraw

    December 22, 2021 at 5:52 am

    Or you can stop buying toys and buy a motorcycle

  23. Joe Smartballs

    December 22, 2021 at 6:10 am

    buy a Zero dirtbike for $9,000.

  24. Pascal Kargut

    December 22, 2021 at 6:11 am

    Hub motors DO NIT GET BETTER RANGE ON FLAT SURFACES in fact they don’t don’t get better range on any type of surface a mid drive motor if better in literally every single way imaginable how did you get this wrong

  25. theRogue Geisha

    December 22, 2021 at 6:40 am

    I gave the video thumbs up because he’s cute!

  26. Gerald S

    December 22, 2021 at 6:47 am

    comment:
    I have, even in my old age, hearing that goes quite high. I can sometimes hear mouse alarms, and the so-called “silent alarms” in my college media room. So I needed a battery-assist bike that did not emit a high-pitched whistle. The best for this was Specialized, and while it hurt to pay their inflated prices that turned out to be the best option for us.
    I wish the reviews would also consider the noise of the motors. None of them do, and for those of us with good high hearing that is a crucial issue,

  27. Blackbird

    December 22, 2021 at 7:57 am

    Where did you pull that 20wh/mile figure from? That seems to be as much if not more misleading that manufacturer’s claim.

    A heavier person in a cold climate on full throttle on an uphill will get way less range, for ex.

  28. DesmoLocke

    December 22, 2021 at 8:42 am

    Can definitely recommend the Aventon Level. I use it for my short 4 mile commute to work. It works well for my use and encourage others to check it out!

    • Smiley McCabe

      December 22, 2021 at 8:50 pm

      I also use mine for commuting (Aventon Level) It does my 11.6 mile commute fine without needing to charge in between.

  29. Marius Gabriel Ciocarlan

    December 22, 2021 at 11:18 am

    Hi,
    What do you think about this electric bike : Lehe S1 ?

  30. frod5943

    December 22, 2021 at 1:20 pm

    Ariel Rider 52V X Class. I’m a 225# rider and I get 17 miles @ 34 mph full throttle the whole way. It wasn’t very comfortable at first, but I got used to it following adjustments to the front and rear suspension. And it’s highly likely whatever you get needs an upgrade at the headlight.

  31. tariq quamar

    December 22, 2021 at 1:28 pm

    I love my Mate X, perfect for Tokyo where I live.

  32. Max Power

    December 22, 2021 at 2:37 pm

    I built my own and I used the voilamart 1500w hub motor with a 52v upp battery it tops out about 37mph, I can go about 30-50miles. I’ve racked up over 8000miles with no trouble whatsoever

  33. Daibidgh

    December 22, 2021 at 5:30 pm

    I would also suggest, Gazelle bikes for the mid range, commuter space. I have both the T10+ and the C380+ and both are great fun to ride and make a lot of sense as a commuter bike.

  34. Da ve

    December 22, 2021 at 7:01 pm

    I just built my own using 48v 500w kit off eBay made my own battery when I got annoyed with lead acid cheap but crap 😃
    Peddle assist is just a way to make battery last longer

  35. Tower E-Bikes

    December 22, 2021 at 9:11 pm

    Lots of knowledge packed into one video! Love it.

  36. BN9

    December 22, 2021 at 9:56 pm

    Great overall review. I would add that deciding if you want a throttle or not is also important. Most ebikes under $800 tend to not have a throttle and works on pedal assist only. I know a few people that got ebikes with a throttle but they never use it because they are used to pedaling or just prefer to pedal. It would have saved them hundreds of dollars to get an ebike with pedal assist only in this case.

    Also, another important thing to consider is the weight. Ebikes are heavy. Usually 50lbs all the way to almost 90lbs. For the longest time, I did not get an ebike because I can only use a trunk mount on my car, which cannot handle bikes over 35lbs each; I also cannot install a hitch on my car either. I decided to get a foldable ebike, which fits in the back instead. Unless you have a way to transport the ebike or maybe you only want to ride straight from your place all the time, I would really suggest a foldable ebike or spend a lot more money on a lightweight ebike that will probably have a lot less range and power.

  37. Bear Forry

    December 22, 2021 at 11:33 pm

    Does anyone sell a non electric bicycle with a similar frame to a Radrunner?

  38. SlainByBlind

    December 23, 2021 at 12:00 am

    super73 riders are poors?
    and those of us that ride Onyx are the goat?

  39. Ed Garcia

    December 23, 2021 at 12:02 am

    I got a BeeKool ebike with 21ah at $1,600 and they said its a mountain e-bike yet i ride the street and have gotten 50 miles on it so far.

  40. Zechariah Smith

    December 23, 2021 at 12:34 am

    Bro, you should have mentioned Juiced Bikes hyperscrambler 2 or spark’s bandit in the motorbike category.

  41. Chris Groner

    December 23, 2021 at 1:01 am

    I like my Ariel Rider Grizzly and Sur-Ron, Sur-Ron when the suspension dialed is so smooth. Grizzly is so much fun riding around town.

  42. Kexin

    December 23, 2021 at 2:54 am

    Ebikes are so much fun. Buy the most expensive one you can afford 🤣

  43. Ed Keosada

    December 23, 2021 at 4:38 am

    Mine says DIY and Chinese mad 😅

  44. Space_Traveler77 YT

    December 23, 2021 at 5:02 am

    The Onyx Rcr is the bes tone imo

  45. Def Style

    December 23, 2021 at 7:13 am

    the ariel rider is cheaper than the super 73 and has more features and the Ariel Grizzly has 2 motors and 2 batteries and cost less than the super 73 RX

  46. huajie666 liu

    December 23, 2021 at 7:51 am

    It says nothing about me, thanks.

  47. Live Light

    December 23, 2021 at 8:04 am

    Good info. I definitely didn’t think my purchase thoroughly before buying mine months ago. I would’ve made much different choices. Ah well, still great fun

  48. Craig J

    December 23, 2021 at 11:24 am

    One interesting thing I got from this video is when they use a selfie stick, you can’t see the stick. Wonder which phone they used?

  49. Panda Bike

    December 23, 2021 at 8:11 pm

    You forgot electric unicycles. Way easier to store and better range.

  50. craig woodgate

    December 23, 2021 at 10:30 pm

    In the U.S do you have to have a license to ride one as here in the U.K i think we have to have a license i thunk they hold you back as I have a road bike and i have been held back by people with e bikes so i have had to literally go full speed past them

  51. Kongolox

    December 24, 2021 at 1:48 pm

    Great guide! thx a lot.
    1 question, is there a suitable option for overweight users? I mean for exercise and light commute. (mainly much wider seats)

  52. Xiao Ming

    December 25, 2021 at 12:29 am

    Don’t get those small diameter motors it spoils very fast…for any ebike mostly….a roughly 30cm diameter motorhub is better

  53. Rusty Roads

    December 25, 2021 at 12:42 am

    I’m surprised there’s no Ariel Riders on the list ! If you’re interested in the 52V X-Class, check out our review !!

    Happy Holidays ⚡🐾🤘🏽

  54. Bob

    December 25, 2021 at 3:30 pm

    It says you’re a schmuck

  55. Tom bryan

    December 25, 2021 at 4:28 pm

    For minibike styles, the Ariel Ryder or Bee Cool Ebikes give the best bang for the buck. Comfort is the drawback though, and handling is sub-par on Ariel, the Bee Cool has 24 inch fatties so you get better trail handling characteristics. For comfort and style, the Cheetah is a good option, get the 17.5 Amp Hour Batteries though. For commuting there are many options available. Aventon is one of them. Mountain Ebikes must have Mid Drives and 11- 46T cassettes minimum, 50T is better.

  56. Chris 5949

    December 25, 2021 at 9:44 pm

    Found one; Segway C80

  57. E G

    December 26, 2021 at 12:27 am

    Great job!

  58. The Car Crazy Guy

    December 26, 2021 at 5:32 am

    I just purchased a RadRover 6 Plus. It’s a pretty cool bike. I also have a Specialized Turbo Levo Comp.

  59. JUR O

    December 26, 2021 at 5:28 pm

    Just fix a himo z16 if it’s legal , 500 bucks deliverd at home…beleive me you not gonna regret it

  60. YoSpiff

    December 26, 2021 at 11:09 pm

    I’m a lifelong cyclist and recently bought an E-bike (A Charge City) for commuting. My objective was something to get me to work a little faster and less sweaty in Texas summers. I joined a couple of E-Bike groups on Facebook and quickly found that most of the members in these groups were interested in the variety you called “motorbikes” that aren’t meant for serious pedaling. Basically they struck me as little motorcycles that don’t require licensing or registration. I was more interested in just an actual bicycle with some assist. Mine has a hub motor with cadence sensor and a throttle. The only time it makes me aware that it is a cadence sensor is when I stop pedaling and it takes the bike a fraction of a second to notice it and turn off the assist motor. I also swapped out the handlebars and saddle for something more to my liking. But I went the opposite direction than you did with that cushy Cloud 9. I put leather Brooks Flyer on it and it’s wonderful.

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