About eRoadBikeGuide

We write about electric bikes for people who are about to spend real money on one. Here is who we are, how we evaluate bikes, and exactly how this site earns.

On this page

What we do

Electric bikes are sold with worse information than almost any other product at their price. Range figures are quoted from conditions nobody rides in, motor wattage is printed in whichever unit sounds biggest, and half the market is not legally the category it claims to be. Our job is to translate that into decisions you can act on.

We cover the whole price range, from sub-$800 commuters to five-figure carbon road bikes, because the buying questions are the same at both ends: what does this actually do, where am I allowed to ride it, and what breaks first.

How we evaluate bikes

Our recommendations are built on the specifications that predict real-world outcomes, weighted in this order:

  1. Braking. An ebike is heavier and faster than the bicycle your reflexes were trained on. Hydraulic discs and adequate rotor size outrank every other component.
  2. Battery safety and certification. UL 2849 covers the complete electrical system; UL 2271 covers the pack alone. An uncertified pack is disqualifying at any price.
  3. Legal class. A bike you cannot ride on your own routes is worthless regardless of its spec sheet. See our guide to the ebike classes.
  4. Drivetrain and motor placement. Where the motor sits changes hill climbing, range, and long-term maintenance cost more than its wattage does.
  5. Realistic range. We convert manufacturer claims into watt hours and estimate what a normal rider sees at a usable assist level, rather than repeating the marketing number.
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On claimed figures When we quote a range, weight, or output number that comes from a manufacturer, we say so. When we give an expected real-world figure, it is an estimate derived from the bike's watt hours, weight, and intended use, and we show the reasoning. We do not present estimates as measurements.

Who writes here

  • Marcus Hale - Lead Reviewer · Cat 2 road racer. Covers electric road and gravel, motors, and anything involving speed.
  • Dana Ruiz - Senior Test Rider · 60+ bikes reviewed. Covers budget bikes, folding bikes, and battery safety.
  • Priya Nand - Test Rider · Commuting and cargo. Covers commuting, cargo, and accessibility.

How we make money

Two ways, and we would rather you knew both up front.

Affiliate commissions. Some links to retailers earn us a commission if you buy. It costs you nothing and it does not change what we recommend. Rankings and scores are decided before any commercial relationship is discussed, and we have no arrangement in which a brand can pay for placement, a score, or a favourable mention.

Bikes we sell directly. We stock a small number of bikes we are confident in and sell them ourselves, assembled and tuned. Where a bike we sell appears in a guide alongside bikes we do not sell, we label it plainly. If you would rather not read a recommendation from someone with inventory, our reasoning is always spelled out so you can judge it on the merits.

Corrections

Specifications change between model years and we get things wrong. If you spot an error, tell us and we will fix it and note the change on the page. Accuracy complaints go to the front of the queue ahead of everything else in the inbox.

Contact

Story tips, corrections, and bikes you want tested are all welcome. For the fastest response, include the specific page and, if it is a factual correction, a source we can check.

Not sure where to start reading? Try the ebike classes explainer if you are new, what electric bikes cost if you are setting a budget, or the electric road bike guide if you are here for drop bars.