When it comes to the city and urban eBikes, the wide variety of options available on the market can make your buying decision hard. I mean you can get an urban eBike anywhere from $400 to $4000, which kind of makes things messy. To help you out, I’ve put together some of the best urban and city electric bikes you can buy in 2022. From budget city strollers to premium urban cruiser eBikes, you’ll find them all on this list.
Here are the city and urban bikes I’ll be covering.
Best City & Urban Cruiser Electric Bikes |
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| Award | Electric Bike | Main Highlight | Price | Link to Buy |
| Best Rated | Rad Power Bikes RadMission | Reliable brand, great looks, low price | $999 | Rad |
| Best Overall | Ride1UP LMT’D | Torque sensor, 8-speed, 100Nm motor | $1,695 | Ride1UP |
| Best Mid Drive | Co-op Cycles CTY e2.1 | Shimano mid-drive motor, 9-speed | $1,799 | REI |
| Best Belt Drive | FLX Babymaker II | Gates CDN belt drive, 34lbs weight | $1,749 | FLX |
| Best Cruiser | Electric Bike Company Model E | Breathtaking cruiser styling, neat looks | $1,899 | EBC |
| Best Premium | Urtopia Carbon E-Bike | 33lbs, carbon fiber frame, futuristic tech | $2,799 | Urtopia |
| Best Folding | Fiido X | 130km range, compact & quick folding | $1,799 | Fiido |
| Best Commuter | Tenways CGO800S | Stylish look, belt drive, torque sensor | $1,899 | Tenways |
| Best Hybrid | Trek Verve +2 | Premium Bosch components, mid drive | $2,849 | Trek |
| Best Class 1 | Vvolt Alpha | Lightweight, stylish, app sync, belt drive | $1,599 | Vvolt |
| Best Class 2 | Rad Power Bikes RadCity 5 Plus | Reliable, durable ride with a lot of power | $1,999 | Rad |
| Best Class 3 | Aventon Pace 500 | Best in every aspect, suits every rider | $1,699 | Aventon |
| Best Budget | Ancheer 26” City | Bargain price tag, lots of features | $660 | Amazon |
| Best Lightweight | Ride1UP Roadster V2 | Feathery weight of just 33lbs (15kg) | $1,095 | Ride1UP |
| Best Compact | Fiido D11 | Tiny commuter with a lot of potential | $1,099 | Fiido |
| Best Storage | Nakto City Stroller | Front basket and rear cargo rack | $899 | Amazon |
| Best Stylish | Heybike Cityscape | Comfortable ride, leather styling | $899 | Amazon |
| Best Mileage | Fiido L3 | Stunning 200km (124 miles) mileage | $999 | Fiido |
| Best Women | Nakto Camel City | Super stylish ST frame, attractive looks | $799 | Amazon |
| Best Value | Ecotric Vortex | You pay less, but get way more | $740 | Ecotric |
| Best Beginner | Swagtron Swagcycle EB-5 Pro+ | Quickly folds to minimal dimensions | $549 | Amazon |
Best City & Urban Electric Bikes in 2022
Let us now discuss each of these city and urban bikes in detail. I’ll be reviewing the main features of each eBike, along with the reasons to buy and avoid it.
Rad Power Bikes RadMission Electric City Bike
Award: Best Rated Electric City Bike
Specs
- Motor: 48V 500W brushless geared rear hub
- Battery: 48V 10.5Ah (504Wh) Lithium-ion
- Top speed: 20mph (32km/h)
- Range: 24-45 miles (40-72km)
- Weight: 48lbs (22kg)
- Wheel Size: 27.5”
Pros
- Reliable and durable
- Smooth power delivery
- Great ride handling
- Lightweight Aluminum frame
- Height adjustable seat
- Available as both high-step & mid-step
Cons
- No speed and distance display
- Fenders and kickstand sold separately
- No gears; single-speed drivetrain
- No suspension
Best Deal
It might sound hard to believe, but there’s a Rad bike that you can get for just a grand. Surprised? You should be!
With a tag of just $999, the RadMission is the cheapest Rad bike on the market.
Why is this huge? Well, for starters, Rad is not a budget eBike maker. Even the cheapest Rad used to cost $1500 (until now). Also, the quality, reliability, durability, and safety of Rad bikes are hard to rival. I mean these things last forever.
So, if you can get yourself a Rad in $1k, just know that you got yourself a good deal.
But there are a few things to keep in mind. I love this electric city bike, no doubt, but Rad had to make a few small sacrifices to lower its price.
The RadMission has no suspension (not even in the saddle), so you’re only limited to paved city roads. It also has no gears and the single-speed drivetrain again limits its use to flat urban roads. Some riders might not like it even there though, as you can’t shift to higher gears.
Another big downside is that the LED panel doesn’t display your ride speed and distance covered. Moreover, Rad doesn’t include fenders and kickstand in the price tag and you might have to spend an additional $50 on them.
Despite these downsides, the RadMission is still one of the best electric city bikes out there. It’s fairly lightweight (the removable battery is the lightest unit by Rad and weighs just 7lbs), it handles incredibly well, and it’s perfectly comfortable on-road.
Like other Rad bikes, it also has a ton of safety features including auto-on head and tail lights, puncture-resistant tires, and all-weather brakes with power cut-off levers. The Aluminum frame is also quite sturdy and can easily bear up to 275lb of payload.
Another great benefit is that you have a ton of accessories from Rad’s extensive portfolio to turn the RadMission into whatever you want. Oh, and don’t forget the premium looks!
So, despite all compromises, it’s one of the best-rated electric city bikes you can buy today.
Buy Rad Power Bikes RadMission Electric City Bike
Ride1UP LMT’D Commuter Electric Bike
Award: Best City/ Urban Electric Bike Overall
Specs
- Motor: 48V 750W brushless geared rear hub
- Battery: 48V 14Ah (672Wh) Lithium-ion
- Top speed: 20mph (32km/h) on throttle, 28mph (45km/h) on PAS – Class 3
- Range: 30-50 miles (48-96km) max
- Weight: 53lbs (24kg)
- Wheel Size: 27.5”
Pros
- Powerful brushless geared motor rated at 100Nm of torque
- High-end torque sensor for intuitive, natural & efficient ride
- Impressive eight-speed drivetrain from Shimano
- Dual piston Tektro hydraulic brakes with 180mm rotors
- Impressive air suspension front fork with 80mm travel
- Neat looks, thanks to in-frame wiring & internal detachable battery
- Giant 27.5×2.4” WTB Groov-e tires to roll over every obstacle
- Sleek 2.2” color LCD panel to efficiently monitor ride parameters
- Comes with 30-day 20-mile no-obligation return policy
- Available in step-over and step-through frame design
Cons
- Doesn’t include lights and fenders
Best Deal
The Ride1UP LMT’D is an urban commuter electric bike that can easily top any “best list.” It features top-of-the-line specs and high-end components but costs way less than what it should (yes, it’s way underpriced at its $1,695 tag).
The most notable highlight is that it comes with a torque sensor, which is the most advanced pedal assist system out there and is usually found on ultra-expensive bikes.
In case you don’t know, a torque sensor can sense your pedaling inputs up to 1,000 times per second and can therefore adjust your motor power in real time. Due to this high sampling rate, the power delivery is extremely responsive with no lag or delay… and you experience a smooth, natural, intuitive, and efficient ride.
Impressed? Well, a torque sensor isn’t the only great thing this commuter eBike offers!
The LMT’D comes with a powerful 750W motor to fuel your rides, an impressive Shimano 8-speed drivetrain to perform optimally on inclines, an adjustable air suspension fork to smoothly glide on ruggedness, reliable dual hydraulic brakes to stop safely, and huge 27.5×2.4-inch tires to let you go off the road.
The motor peaks at 1kW and has a maximum torque output of 100Nm (which is just INSANE). It works with an efficient 672Wh Lithium battery pack with Samsung cells to ensure a stellar range on both throttle and pedal assist.
Speaking of which, the battery pack is hidden but is yet removable. Like the stealth battery, all wires are hidden and the multicolor LCD panel isn’t too large to mess up the looks. The overall styling is remarkable as well.
The best thing is, Ride1UP is not an inferior Chinese eBike brand. It’s one of the most trusted and reliable American brands and its products are just different from everything else on the market.
To top it all, Ride1UP also offers a 30-day, 20-mile return policy… though it’s highly unlikely for you to let go of this thing once you’ve ridden it. It’s, without a doubt, one of the best city/ urban electric bikes you can buy today!
Buy Ride1UP LMT’D Electric City Bike
Co-op Cycles CTY e2.1 Mid Drive City eBike
Award: Best Mid Drive City/ Urban eBike
Specs
- Motor: 250W mid-drive motor
- Battery: 36V 11.6Ah (418Wh) Lithium-ion
- Top speed: 20mph (32km/h) on PAS – Class 1
- Range: 50 miles (80km) max
- Weight: 50.5lbs (23kg) median size
- Wheel Size: 27.5”
Pros
- Lightweight 6061 aluminum alloy frame
- Efficient Shimano mid-drive powertrain
- Impressive Shimano 9-speed transmission
- Front suspension fork with 75mm travel
- Reliable dual hydraulic disc brakes from Shimano
- Comes with integrated rear rack (rated at 59lbs)
- Easily removable battery for charging anywhere
- Available in three sizes and step-through frame
- Features center kickstand and integrated lights
- Features app sync functionality
Cons
- Doesn’t include fenders
- Class 1 eBike, so doesn’t have throttle
Best Deal
The Co-op Cycles CTY e2.1 is made from lightweight yet sturdy aluminum alloy and comes with a built-in luggage rack at the rear. It features sleek lines and clean exterior (thanks to in-frame cables), has a low standover height and adjustable stem, and offers 3 sizes to choose from.
So, you can rest assured that you’ll have a stylish and comfortable experience. But that’s just the beginning, folks…
The real deal with this bike is that it’s a mid-drive eBike (with almost all of its components sourced from Shimano), has class-leading specs (including 9-speed transmission) and comes from one of the most trustworthy American brands (REI). Oh… and it costs under $2000!
The Shimano e5000 mid-drive motor is rated at 250 watts of power and 40 newton-meters of torque, which is more than enough capability you’ll ever need on an urban road.
And since it’s a 9-speed mid-drive bike, it’s safe to assume that you’ll be effortlessly climbing every incline. The mid motors are significantly more capable at hills than hub motors… and 9-speed transmission can give you a wider gear ratio to further amplify the power.
The 418Wh Shimano battery is a bit small but thanks to the super-efficient powertrain, you can expect a decent mileage. The battery can be easily detached for charging anywhere.
Moving on, you have dual hydraulic disc brakes from Shimano for efficient all-weather braking and giant 27.5×1.95” tires to roll over everything. You also have a Suntour front suspension fork with 75mm of travel for smooth sailing everywhere.
I also like how this electric bike comes with a center kickstand with dual legs (it seems small, but can be quite convenient). All in all, the CTY e2.1 offers an unbelievable value for money and is easily one of the best city/ urban electric bikes on the market right now.
Buy Co-op Cycles CTY e2.1 Electric City Bike
FLX Babymaker II Belt Drive City eBike
Award: Best Belt Drive City/ Urban Electric Bike
Specs
- Motor: 350W brushless geared rear hub
- Battery: 36V 10Ah (360Wh) Lithium-ion
- Top speed: 20mph (32km/h) on throttle, 28mph (45km/h) on PAS – Class 3
- Range: 20-70miles (32-113km)
- Weight: 34-36lbs (15.4-16.3kg) (based on size choice)
- Wheel Size: 700x28c (27.5×1.1”)
Pros
- Gates Carbon Belt for clean, grease-free rides
- Feathery light at just 34-36lbs of weight
- Elegant, sleek, and neat exterior with no wires
- Nimble handling, sensitive cadence sensor
- 4A quick charger for 2-3 hour charge
- Reliable dual piston hydraulic disc brakes
Cons
- Single speed; no gears
- No suspension
- No fenders and head & rear lights
Best Deal
If you want a neat, clean ride for commuting to work without greasing your hands (or your suit), you might want to get a belt drive electric bike… like the FLX Babymaker II.
The Babymaker II features a Gates CDN belt that works quietly and efficiently… and doesn’t need to be greased or oiled like chains. Besides being clean and low-maintenance, belts don’t lose their efficiency over time (as chains get stretched with prolonged use).
The Babymaker II is also one of the lightest city/ urban electric bikes that you can buy today. It has a feathery net weight of just 34lbs (less than 16kg), so carrying it up a flight of stairs would be no big deal.
The good thing is, it can still endure up to 275lbs (125kg) of payload – which is not the best, but absolutely cool when you consider the feathery weight.
However, to achieve this weight, FLX had to shed everything from gears and suspension to fenders and front/ rear lights. It also features pretty small components – for instance, the battery weighs just 2.5lbs.
Thankfully, the powertrain as well as the ultra-thin 700x28c Kenda Presta Valve tires (that measure just over 1” in width) are suitable for urban rides.
The battery (one of the most efficient units in class) is frame integrated and all electronics are internally placed for a neat exterior look. The Babymaker II looks like any regular bicycle; FLX did a pretty good job with the design. It also has reliable brakes!
So, the verdict? Not the most capable ride… but if you’re looking for a lightweight, clean, and attractive belt-drive option, it’s one of the best city eBikes to get.
Buy FLX Babymaker II Electric City Bike
Electric Bike Company Model E Urban Cruiser eBike
Award: Best City/ Urban Cruiser Electric Bike
Specs
- Motor: 500W brushless rear hub
- Battery: 48V 12Ah (576Wh) Lithium-ion
- Top speed: 20mph (32km/h) on throttle, 28mph (45km/h) on PAS – Class 3
- Range: 50 miles (80km) max
- Wheel Size: 26”
Pros
- Classic cruiser styling with attractive design
- Swept-back handlebars for relaxed, upright riding
- Stunning 350lbs (165kg) max weight capacity
- Reliable, durable, and premium brand
- Leather-covered hand grips and saddle
- Hidden battery and wires for absolutely neat look
- Plenty of color, customization, and upgrade options
- Reliable 180mm hydraulic brakes with power-off levers
- 5-year warranty on battery, 10-year on motor
Cons
- Single speed; no gears
- Rigid fork
- No fenders
Best Deal
If you want to look different and turn every head on the road, there can be no better ride than the Electric Bike Company Model E. With removable downtube-integrated Lithium battery, internal wiring and electronics, step-through frame, glossy exterior, sleek lines, traditional cruiser styling, and premium finish – this is the most beautiful an electric bike can look!
And as with other bikes from the brand, you have an insane level of color, customization, and upgrade options to turn it into anything you want to.
Besides all those million dollar looks, the Model E isn’t short on power. It’s a Class 3 eBike with a powerful 500W motor that peaks at 1kW and can easily let you hit 28mph (45km/h). Unfortunately, it’s single-speed so has limited hill climbing capability. It also doesn’t have suspension.
On the upside, the Model E has swept-back handlebars for relaxed and upright riding, a comfortable saddle, leather-covered hand grips, and capable 26×2.35” Schwalbe Fat Frank tires.
You also get an unrivaled warranty on battery, motor, and the complete bike. If you want to look different without breaking the bank, look no more. The Model E is premium, elegant, durable, and breathtaking!
Buy Electric Bike Company Model E Urban eBike
Urtopia Carbon E-Bike
Award: Best Premium City/ Urban Electric Bike
Specs
- Motor: 250W brushless geared rear hub
- Battery: 36V 10Ah (360Wh) Lithium-ion
- Top speed: 20mph (32km/h) on throttle – Class 2
- Range: 25-62 miles (40-100km)
- Weight: 33lbs (15kg)
- Wheel Size: 700c (27.5”)
Pros
- Made of ultra-lightweight carbon fiber frame
- Feathery light at just 33lbs of weight
- Clean, low-maintenance Gates Carbon Belt
- Torque sensor for smooth and efficient rides
- Elegant, sleek, and neat exterior with no wires
- Reliable dual piston hydraulic disc brakes
- Comes with integrated front and rear lights
- Voice control, fingerprint unlock, LED dot-matrix display
- Features iOS & Android app compatibility
- Features eSIM with 4G, Bluetooth & WiFi
Cons
- Single speed; no gears
- No suspension and fenders
- Low payload capacity of 240lbs (110kg)
Best Deal
The Urtopia Carbon E-Bike is one of the most futuristic city electric bikes you can buy today. Its every structural component, including the frame, fork, handlebar, and seatpost, is made from ultra-lightweight carbon fiber – which puts its net weight to just 33lbs (15kg!!!!).
Needless to say, it’s also one of the most attractive city eBikes you’ll see anywhere. With sleek lines, absolutely no wires, stylish design, and premium finish, you’re sure to become the center of attention when riding it.
Speaking of which, you can expect a smooth, natural, and efficient ride with responsive power delivery and stellar ride handling – all thanks to the torque sensing pedal assist system. You also have 5 power modes (Pedal, Eco, Comfort, Sport, Turbo) to have a stellar experience.
The powertrain is incredibly efficient and the 360Wh Samsung Li-ion battery can ensure a mileage of up to 62 miles (100km) on the lowest assist level. The battery pack is hidden yet removable for easy charging. You also get reliable hydraulic brakes and 700x35C (27.5×1.4”) Kenda Kwest tires to defeat every city bump.
The Urtopia Carbon E-Bike misses transmission, suspension, and fenders to shed weight, but it packs an endless list of tech features that you simply can’t find on the market. I’m talking about voice control, fingerprint unlock, LED dot-matrix display, iOS/ Android app sync,eSIM with 4G, and bluetooth & WiFi compatibility!
Hands down the most futuristic city eBike you can get!
Fiido X Folding City/ Urban Electric Bike
Award: Best Folding City/ Urban Electric Bike
Specs
- Motor: 350W brushless geared rear hub
- Battery: 36V 11.6Ah (417.6Wh) Lithium-ion
- Top speed: 20mph (32km/h) – Class 2
- Range: 68 miles (110km) max
- Weight: 43.6lbs (19.8kg)
- Wheel Size: 20”
Pros
- Lightweight magnesium alloy frame
- Excellent mileage and great handling
- Sleek, compact build with folding design
- Comes with a high-end torque sensor
- Comes with reliable dual hydraulic brakes
- Features hidden yet removable battery
- Features a numeric security system
Cons
- Low payload capacity of 265lbs (120kg)
- No suspension
- No fenders
Best Deal
If you’re looking for a compact, foldable, and lightweight eBike that you can throw behind your desk (or in your car trunk) or take on public transportation during your daily commute, this can be it.
The Fiido X is made of lightweight magnesium alloy and can be quickly brought down to minimal dimensions for easy storage or transport. It has a sleek and clean design with internal yet removable seat post battery.
The most notable highlight is the torque sensor that ensures a responsive, natural, smooth, and efficient ride – allowing the small 36V 11.6Ah battery to deliver an excellent range.
The powertrain is capable enough for all kinds of urban uses and you also have a Shimano 7-speed drivetrain to get help on the inclines. Other notable features include dual hydraulic brakes, an LED display with a USB charging port, and a unique numeric security lock for enhanced safety.
The Fiido X looks great, handles well, stores easily, and delivers a stunning range. It’s easily one of the best folding city electric bikes you can buy today!
Buy Fiido X Folding Urban Electric Bike
Tenways CGO800S City Commuter eBike
Award: Best City Commuter Electric Bike
Specs
- Motor: 250W brushless geared rear hub
- Battery: 36V 10.4Ah (374Wh) Lithium-ion
- Top speed: 20mph (32km/h) on PAS – Class 1
- Range: 62 miles (100km) max
- Weight: 50.7lbs (23kg)
- Wheel Size: 28”
Pros
- Clean, low-maintenance Gates Carbon Belt
- Torque sensor for smooth and efficient rides
- Made of lightweight 6061 aluminum alloy
- Stylish, sleek, and neat exterior with no wires
- Hidden yet easily detachable battery pack
- Reliable dual piston hydraulic disc brakes
- Integrated front/ rear lights with turn indicators
- Color mid-mounted LCD with app sync & navigation
- Comes complete with rear rack and fenders
Cons
- Single speed; no gears
- No throttle
Best Deal
The Tenways CGO800S is yet another torque-sensing belt-drive electric bike that can serve as a reliable city commuter for those who like a clean, low-maintenance experience.
Thanks to the efficient pedal-assist system, you can get a reasonably long mileage from the small 374Wh Lithium pack, which btw is beautifully hidden inside the frame and is easily removable as well.
Like the battery pack, you can see no wires and electronics… and the overall exterior is breathtaking, to say the least. The frame has stylish sleek lines with glossy finish and comes in step-through format for easy mounting.
Though you don’t have gears (courtesy to belt), the 250W powertrain is still adequate for urban riding, thanks to the torque sensor system.
Other notable features include large 28×2” puncture-resistant tires, reliable Tektro hydraulic brakes, integrated front/ rear lights with turn indicators, integrated cargo rack, a sturdy front suspension fork, and a mid-mounted color LCD with app sync & smart navigation features.
To me, its million-dollar looks are everything… and I’d gladly swipe my ride with this one, any day!
Buy Tenways CGO800S City Commuter Electric Bike
Trek Verve+ 2 Hybrid Electric Bike
Award: Best Hybrid Electric Bike
Specs
- Motor: 250W mid drive motor
- Battery: 36V 11.11Ah (400Wh) Lithium-ion
- Top speed: 20mph (32km/h) on PAS – Class 1
- Range: 40-100 miles (64-160km) max
- Weight: 51.5lbs (23.36kg)
- Wheel Size: 700c (27.5”)
Pros
- Bosch Active Line mid-drive motor
- Bosch Purion controller with walk-assist mode
- Efficient 400Wh Lithium battery from Bosch
- Remarkable 9-speed Shimano drivetrain
- Suspension seatpost for smooth rides
- Wide 45c puncture-resistant tires
- Reliable dual piston hydraulic disc brakes
- Features integrated front/ rear lights, rear rack & fenders
Cons
- Rigid front fork
Best Deal
The Trek Verve+ 2 is a hybrid electric bike that can let you do much more than just commute to work. Featuring premium components from Bosch, it’s one of the most durable and dependable city eBikes you can buy today.
The Bosch Active Line mid-drive motor might appear small at 250W, but it is extremely capable. It makes hill climbing a breeze, especially since you also have a remarkable 9-speed Shimano drivetrain to take the maximum advantage of your gears.
The powertrain is unbelievably efficient and under ideal conditions, you can squeeze out up to 100 miles (160km) from the small 400Wh battery (also from Bosch). The frame is stylish and can endure up to 300 pounds (136kg).
Other notable features include gigantic 45c (2”) wide puncture-resistant tires, reliable dual hydraulic disc brakes, and a seat post suspension – which somewhat makes up for the rigid fork.
The best thing is, despite being a premium mid-drive electric bike, it comes complete with everything from integrated lights and fenders to a cargo rack and an app-compatible LCD screen. A true bang for your buck!
Buy Trek Verve +2 Hybrid Electric Bike
Vvolt Alpha Class 1 City/ Urban Electric Bike
Award: Best Class 1 City/ Urban Electric Bike
Specs
- Motor: 350W brushless rear hub
- Battery: 36V 10.4Ah (375Wh) Lithium-ion
- Top speed: 20mph (32km/h) on PAS – Class 1
- Range: 20-40 miles (32-64km)
- Weight: 44-46lbs (20-20.9kg)
- Wheel Size: 27.5”
Pros
- Lightweight alloy frame
- Neat, clean, stylish look
- Features Gates CDN belt
- Efficient battery with LG cells
- Reliable Hydraulic brakes (160mm)
- Comes with app sync and USB outlet
- Removable yet integrated battery
- Removable (rechargeable) lights
Cons
- No transmission; single-speed gears
- No suspension; rigid front fork
Best Deal
If you’re looking for a neat, clean and low-maintenance Class 1 city electric bike, the Vvolt Alpha can be a great option to consider.
The Alpha comes with a number of features, including reliable hydraulic brakes, a sleek LCD with app sync functionality, and a USB port to charge your phone. It has an internal yet removable battery and completely hidden wires/ electronics to give you a neat, stylish, and premium look.
The powertrain (comprising a 350W rear motor working with a 375Wh power pack with LG cells) is one of the most efficient in class and you can expect a somewhat decent range, despite the small battery size.
You have 5 power levels to finely tune your motor assistance… but keep in mind that being a Class 1 city eBike, it doesn’t include throttle and can only assist you to 20mph (32km/h).
Another notable highlight is the belt-drivetrain, which makes it suitable for commuting to work. However, as a downside of having a belt, it doesn’t come with gears, limiting your experience to flat urban roads.
The Alpha also doesn’t include suspension – which again limits its use to flat urban roads!
Buy Vvolt Alpha Urban Electric Bike
Rad Power Bikes RadCity 5 Plus Electric Bike
Award: Best Class 2 City/ Urban Electric Bike
Specs
- Motor: 48V 750W brushless geared rear hub
- Battery: 48V 14Ah (672Wh) Lithium-ion
- Top speed: 20mph (32km/h) – Class 2
- Range: 28-50 miles (45-80km)
- Weight: 65lbs (29.5kg)
- Wheel Size: 27.5”
Pros
- Reliable and durable, built to last
- Great ride handling with smooth power delivery
- Powerful motor with plenty of torque
- Capable hydraulic disc brakes w/ power cutoff
- Sturdy front fork suspension
- Height adjustable seat
- Available as both high-step & step-thru
Cons
- Lots of visible cables from the handlebar
- Expensive option
Best Deal
If you can afford a $2k tag, there can be no better city electric bike than the Rad Power Bikes RadCity 5 Plus.
Though this premium ride is meant to give you the ultimate city experience, the powerful 750W geared hub motor has enough torque to climb hills and perform well on even steep gradients. You also have a sturdy front suspension to glide over rugged off-road surfaces.
Just like any Rad bike, the RadCity 5 Plus has a stellar design that perfectly fits its tag. But it’s more than just looks though.
Power delivery and ride handing are what I like the most about this Rad city bike. While the power delivery is natural and super-smooth, the handling is stable, balanced, and predictable. It’s a hub-drive electric city bike, but its performance is quite close to a mid-drive unit.
Unlike the other Rad on this list, the RadCity 5 Plus comes fully equipped with every single feature/ accessory you might need in your day-to-day city commute, including fenders, front and rear lights, a kickstand, and a super-sturdy rear rack.
I’m particularly a big fan of the dual display system on this Rad city electric bike. It uses two screens to let users monitor each and every ride parameter of their interest in real-time. As far as reliability and durability are concerned, the RadCity 5 Plus (just like any other Rad bike) is meant to LAST!
The only notable downside of this city electric bike is the price tag – which might be hefty but worth every cent!
Buy Rad Power Bikes RadCity 5 Plus Electric Bike
Aventon Pace 500 Next-Gen Urban Electric Bike
Award: Best Overall Urban Electric Bike
Specs
- Motor: 48V 500W brushless geared rear hub
- Battery: 48V 12.8Ah (614Wh) Lithium-ion
- Top speed: 20mph (32km/h) on throttle, 28mph (45km/h) on PAS – Class 3
- Range: 30 miles (48km) max
- Weight: 52lbs (23.5kg)
- Wheel Size: 27.5”
Pros
- Stunning max load of 300lbs
- Tektro hydraulic disc brakes
- Backlit color LCD, with app sync functionality
- Adjustable stem/ handlebar height
- Comes with free fenders and a front basket
- Available as both step-over & step-through
Cons
- No suspension
- Handlebars may be a bit too swept back for some people
Best Deal
When it comes to value for money, it’s hard to even get close to the Aventon Pace 500 Next-Gen urban eBike. In return for $1,699, you get every last thing you might want from an urban electric bike.
From an integrated yet easily removable battery to top-notch hydraulic disc brakes to frame-integrated lights, the Pace 500 has an endless list of features that make it worth every cent of your hard-earned money.
Tbh, I love so many things about this electric city bike that I don’t even know where to start.
A class 3 eBike, the Pace 500 can hit speeds as high as 28mph on the pedal assist, thanks to the 8-speed shifter that delivers higher speeds without wearing you out. The max throttle speed is capped at 20mph.
Though the Pace 500 lacks suspension, the moderately wide 2.2” puncture-resistant tires can let you take it off the streets. An adjustable stem means this urban electric bike would ensure a comfortable ride both for casual and aggressive riders.
The 614Wh battery isn’t the greatest but is reasonably efficient. While it can manage just 24 miles at the max 28mph speed, riding on the lowest pedal assist level can let you cruise up to 48 miles on a single charge.
If I have to single out what I like the most in this electric city bike, I’d go for its backlit color LCD display that makes monitoring your ride easy and fun. It comes with a USB phone charger and can be synced with Aventon mobile app for lots of cool stuff.
It’s one of the best electric city bikes and suits almost all kinds of riders.
Buy Aventon Pace 500 Next-Gen Urban Electric Bike
Ancheer 26” City Cruiser Electric Bicycle
Award: Best Budget Electric City Bicycle
Specs
- Motor: 36V 250W brushless rear hub motor
- Battery: 36V 12.5Ah/ 450Wh Lithium-ion
- Top speed: 20mph (32km/h) on throttle – Class 2
- Range: 45 miles (72km) max
- Weight: 59lbs (26.7kg)
- Wheel Size: 26”
Pros
- Step-through Aluminum frame
- Removable battery
- Incredible 330lbs load capacity
- Inexpensive option
- Comes with a sturdy rear rack
- Best for seniors
Cons
- Frame not foldable
- Weight not evenly distributed
- Long charging time (6-8hrs)
Best Deal
With a super-bargain tag of just $640, this is unarguably the best budget urban cruiser bike you can buy today. Sure, you can get an eBike even under $500, but the features and quality you get with Ancheer 26” City Cruiser is another story.
Let’s start with the motor.
The 36V 250W brushless rear hub motor can produce a torque of 34Nm, which is reasonable enough to decently haul you anywhere in the city. Yes, you can’t climb hills, but don’t forget that I’m talking about an eBike that doesn’t even cost $650.
The max pedal assist range is a bit less than the claimed 45-mile mark for an average adult and a LOT less for a heavy adult, but is still adequate for commuting to and from work. Most users get 35-40 miles on the pedal assist, which isn’t too bad if you ask me.
The thing I like the most about this urban cruiser electric bike is that it’s an absolute treat to ride. The handling is great and the ride is way more comfortable than you’d expect.
Thanks to the step-through frame, mounting on/off is easy. The frame has been designed to make sure you can ride in a relaxed posture. It’s mainly due to the wide, swept-back bars that have a slight upward pitch to keep your hands in a comfortable position.
Overall, the upright frame design doesn’t cause a lot of stress to your back, shoulders, or neck. This is one of the reasons I think it’s a great urban drive eBike for seniors and people with back issues.
The only thing I don’t like about this urban cruiser electric bike is that it places its battery on the rear rack, which is a no-no for rear hub eBikes. This configuration disturbs the weight distribution and such an eBike is unsafe on hills and gradients.
However, if you plan to use it just on flat urban roads, you can’t get a better deal for yourself!
Buy Ancheer 26” City Cruiser Electric Bicycle
Ride1UP Roadster V2 Urban Cruiser eBike
Award: Best Lightweight Urban Cruiser eBike
Specs
- Motor: 36V 350W brushless geared rear hub Shengyi
- Battery: 36V 7Ah (252Wh) Lithium-ion Samsung 35e cells
- Top speed: 24mph (40km/h)
- Range: 20-30 miles (32-48km)
- Weight: 33lbs (15kg)
- Wheel Size: 700c/ 29”
Pros
- Belt drive
- Aluminum frame with neat styling
- Fully concealed battery
- Feathery light in weight
- Height adjustable seat
- Efficient motor with 40Nm torque
Cons
- No throttle
- No gears; single-speed drivetrain
- Kickstand and fenders sold separately
- No suspension
- No head and tail lights
Best Deal
The Ride1UP Roadster V2 is probably the simplest, smoothest, and most neat urban cruiser eBike you can buy today. The battery is absolutely concealed in the downtube of the frame, the motor is remarkably quiet, and the wiring is as clean as it can get.
Simply speaking, it’s impossible for anyone to find where you’re getting that superhuman power when you’re riding the Roadster V2.
And did I mention it comes with a belt drive? No? Well, it does.
So if you buy this urban cruiser eBike, you will no longer have to engage in those frequent maintenance drills (that I know you dread). I mean if a $1k eBike comes with a belt drive, you should stop reading its other features – and just buy it. But anyways…
The 252Wh battery is one of the smallest units you’ll find on this list, but it still produces enough juice to let you cruise to up to 30 miles on the pedal assist. Unfortunately, it doesn’t offer throttle, which makes it unsuitable for seniors or those people who don’t want to pedal their way home.
Among other downsides, it lacks suspension, gears, head and tail lights, fenders, and even a kickstand. Basically, everything that can be avoided. The reason? Well, it weighs a feathery 33lbs. Yes, just 15kg!!!
I usually don’t like single-speed bikes, but the Roadster V2 is a different story. If you’re looking for a neat and low-maintenance urban cruiser eBike that you can confidently ride in your neighborhood and easily carry up a flight of stairs, this is it.
Buy Ride1UP Roadster V2 Urban Cruiser eBike
Fiido D11 Urban Drive Electric Bike
Award: Best Compact Urban Drive Electric Bike
Specs
- Motor: 36V 250W brushless rear hub
- Battery: 36V 11.6Ah (418Wh) Lithium-ion
- Top speed: 15.5mph (25km/h)
- Range: 62 miles (100km) max
- Weight: 38.6lbs (17.5kg)
- Wheel Size: 20”
Pros
- Compact build with a neat design
- Quick folding frame
- Nimble handling
- Lightweight Aluminum frame
- Extensive mileage
- Height adjustable seat
- Comes pre-assembled
Cons
- Long charging time (7hrs)
- No suspension
- The battery isn’t lockable
- Not suitable for people taller than 6ft
Best Deal
If you’re looking for a compact city commuter that you can quickly store in tight spaces or throw in your car trunk whenever you want, the Fiido D11 can be a great option to consider.
This urban drive eBike folds within 3 quick steps into a carrying size of 32x16x29” or 80x40x74cm. And thanks to its feathery light build, the D11 weighs just 38.6lbs (17.5kg) – moving it to even your 5th-floor apartment won’t be a hassle.
The Aluminum frame is lightweight but can easily endure up to 265lbs of payload.
What’s great about the Fiido D11 is that it weighs less without removing any feature from the bike. Unlike the 33lb Ride1UP Roadster V2, it has a 7-speed Shimano tourney with an S-Ride shifter, head and tail lights, fenders, and kickstand. This is what makes the D11 so cool!
I’m also a big fan of the concealed seat tube battery, which makes it look like a regular bicycle (though the moped shape may give the secret away). However, as a downside, the battery cannot be locked and is, therefore, easy to steal.
The 418Wh Lithium unit works with a super-efficient 250W motor to enable an extensive mileage, which may reduce to 2/3rd of the max 62-mile mark while hauling heavy loads. The battery also has a fairly long charging time.
Being an urban drive eBike, the D11 isn’t meant for hills and gradients. It’s also not suitable for riders that are taller than 6” since the stem isn’t adjustable.
However, if you’re shorter than 6ft and you want an electric bike purely for city commute, the D11 unarguably provides a great value for money.
Buy Fiido D11 Urban Drive Electric Bike
Nakto City Stroller Electric Bike
Award: Best Storage City Electric Bike
Specs
- Motor: 36V 350W brushless rear hub
- Battery: 36V 12Ah Lithium-ion
- Top speed: 20mph (32km/h) on throttle – Class 2
- Range: 20-30 miles (32-48km)
- Weight: 53lbs (24kg)
- Wheel Size: 26”
Pros
- Comes with a front basket and rear rack
- Low step-through design
- Comfortable and balanced ride
- Removable battery
- Rapid delivery
- Seamless ride mode switching
Cons
- Unsuitable off the road
- Frame is not foldable
- Frame is not corrosion resistant
Best Deal
If you’re looking for a quick and practical grocery hauler, the Nakto City Stroller electric bike can be a great choice. It comes with a rear rack, a front basket, and lots of niceties. For a sub $1000 unit, this city electric bike sure offers a lot of value.
You get a step-through design, a removable 12Ah Lithium battery pack, a 6-speed transmission, and a reliable disc brake system. You also get a combo of the front fork and saddle suspension, which work together to absorb every surface undulation you might encounter on an urban road.
I’m also a big fan of the suspension used in this city eBike. As for the mileage, it’s neither too long nor too short. It kind of lies in the average of what most city electric bikes offer.
Even though Nakto claims that the City Stroller electric bike can be used on hills and off the road, I will advise against that. The thin 1.75” on-road tires aren’t cut out for such use and you must try to limit your rides only on paved surfaces.
Another thing I don’t like about this city electric bike is that its carbon steel frame is a bit more susceptible to rust than other urban eBikes. So in case you buy the Nakto City Stroller, make sure not to frequently leave it outside in unsuitable weather.
Buy Nakto City Stroller Electric Bike
Heybike Cityscape City Electric Bike
Award: Best Stylish City Electric Bike
Specs
- Motor: 36V 350W brushless rear hub
- Battery: 36V 10Ah/ 360Wh Lithium-ion
- Top speed: 19mph (30km/h)
- Range: 40 miles (64km) max
- Weight: 58.4lbs (26.5kg)
- Wheel Size: 26”
Pros
- Low step-through frame
- Comes with a rear rack
- Leather saddle and handgrips
- Height adjustable seat post
- Great suspension
Cons
- Frame is not foldable
- Not suitable for rough terrains
Best Deal
If you’re looking for a reliable city electric bike that gets you to your destination but does that in absolute style, the Heybike Cityscape is what you’re looking for. The looks are just top-notch on this one. And I just adore the leather saddle and leather-covered handgrips, which make you the center of everyone’s attention.
The step-through frame is easy to mount and get off. The overall payload capacity is adequate for all your needs and the rear rack is sturdy enough to endure a load of 100lbs.
What I like the most about this eBike is its quick removable modular battery pack. You can remove it within seconds to charge outside the frame. It also has a USB port for charging your mobile and other electronics on the go.
Another thing that I like about the Cityscape is that it has great suspension, way superior than you usually see on city electric bikes. The front fork is capable enough to absorb every bump you encounter, while the seat post suspension kills the effect of any undulation that somehow makes it to you. The seat post is also height adjustable.
Though the Cityscape has great suspension, I’d still recommend using it just on flat city roads, because that’s what it’s meant for.
Buy Heybike Cityscape City Electric Bike
Fiido L3 Urban Cruiser Electric Bike
Award: Best Mileage Urban Cruiser Electric Bike
Specs
- Motor: 48V 350W brushless rear hub
- Battery: 48V 23.2Ah (1,114 Wh) Lithium-ion
- Top speed: 15.5mph (25km/h)
- Range: 124 miles (200km) max
- Weight: 52.9lbs (24kg)
- Wheel Size: 14”
Pros
- Aluminum folding frame
- 330lbs max load
- Height adjustable stem
- Height adjustable seat with suspension
- Cellphone holder with USB charger
- Comes with fenders, front/rear lights, and a rear rack
Cons
- No gears; single-speed drivetrain
- Styling is not great
Best Deal
The Fiido L3 may look small, but it packs a lot more potential than you can even imagine. The main highlight of this urban cruiser electric bike is its gigantic 48V 23.2Ah Lithium powerpack which can endlessly fuel your ride for up to a week on a single charge.
Seems unbelievable? Well, it’s.
The 1.1kWh battery is the biggest on this list. It’s almost twice the average capacity of an electric city bike and works with a super-efficient 350W motor to let an average 165lb (75kg) rider cruise for a mind-boggling mileage of 124 miles (200km) on the pedal assist.
The mileage drops to 80 miles (130km) on the throttle, but even that’s enough for a trip around your city. The riders weighing less than 165lb (75kg) can expect even more mileage. It’s one of the longest-range electric city bikes out there and yet costs just $999.
The L3 comes packed with everything you might want in an urban cruiser electric bike, except for gears. It’s a single-speed bike.
Another downside is the styling. To be honest, the L3 is pretty much a gigantic battery on wheels!
Except for these two downsides, I like everything on this bike, particularly its compact build. It folds within seconds to a tiny carrying size of just 0.17 cubic meters. The Aluminum frame is quite sturdy and also has a rear rack.
Both the stem and saddle are adjustable to ensure a comfortable riding posture for all kinds of users. The saddle suspension is capable to keep your ride smooth on city bumps and you also get a cellphone holder with a USB charger.
All in all, this urban cruiser electric bike is probably the most $999 can get you!
Buy Fiido L3 Urban Cruiser Electric Bike
Nakto Camel City Women’s Electric Bike
Award: Best Women City Electric Bike
Specs
- Motor: 36V 350W brushless rear hub
- Battery: 36V 10.4Ah Lithium-ion
- Top speed: 25mph (40km/h)
- Range: 30-35 miles (48-56km)
- Weight: 72lbs (32.5kg)
- Wheel Size: 26”
Pros
- Great shock absorption
- Low step-through frame
- Attractive styling
- Removable battery
- Comes with a rear rack and front basket
Cons
- Not foldable
- Not lightweight
- Unsuitable for rough terrains
Best Deal
The Nakto Camel City Women’s electric bike comes with a low step-through frame, elegant styling, and an attractive white body. It has premium looks but a bargain tag. Luckily, it also has an adequate performance to back all those looks!
The 350W brushless rear hub motor is powerful enough to let you experience your city at the top speed of 25mph while hauling a max payload of 250lbs. But you can expect the mileage to drop a bit when cruising at high speeds or carrying heavy loads.
You still get more than you pay for, though!
Like the City Stroller, the Nakto Camel City Women’s electric bike also comes with a front basket and a rear rack, among all other niceties that you may want in an urban eBike. The only notable downside is that it weighs a bit more than other alternatives, so carrying it around won’t be too easy.
Another thing to look out for in this Nakto city electric bike is that its throttle accelerates very quickly, so the handling might take a little getting used to.
Buy Nakto Camel City Women’s electric bike at Amazon
Ecotric Vortex Electric City Bike
Award: Best Value Urban Electric Bike
Specs
- Motor: 36V 350W brushless geared rear hub
- Battery: 36V 12.5Ah (450Wh) Lithium-ion
- Top speed: 15.5mph (25km/h)
- Range: 36 miles (58km) max
- Weight: 51lbs (23kg)
- Wheel Size: 26”
Pros
- Removable, lockable battery
- Shimano 7-speed gears
- Booster/ walk assist mode available
- Height adjustable seat
- Comes with fenders and head/ tail lights
Cons
- Carbon steel frame
- No suspension
- Long charging time (6-8hrs)
Best Deal
The Ecotric Vortex electric city bike isn’t an impressive urban eBike by any means – but it does transport you from A to B in a decent manner. If you’re tight on the budget and want a reliable ride to and from work, this can be it.
The 350W brushless geared hub motor might not have enough power to conquer hills, but it works well on city roads. And thanks to Shimano gears, you can easily tune the power to match your specific needs.
The removable 504Wh Lithium battery has a max range of 36 miles when riding on the lowest pedal assist level. When on throttle mode, the range drops but you can still get 17 miles per single charge – which is not too bad, considering the budget price point.
I really like the booster/ walk assist mode on the Ecotric Vortex electric city bike. It enables the bike to keep operating at 6mph, making it easier for you to push it with yourself. This may sound trivial, but it can come in handy more often than you can imagine.
Another thing that I like about the Vortex city bike is that it comes with every last thing you may need in an urban commuter, except for suspension. But again, as long as you’re limiting yourself to city roads, you’ll be fine.
As for the downsides, the Ecotric Vortex electric city bike doesn’t come with an Aluminum frame and has a relatively long charging time. The overall built quality is not too great either. Still, you get way more value than the price you pay.
Buy Ecotric Vortex Electric City Bike
Swagtron Swagcycle EB-5 Pro+ Urban eBike
Award: Best Beginner City/ Urban eBike
Specs
- Motor: 36V 250W brushless rear hub
- Battery: 36V 7.8Ah Lithium-ion
- Top speed: 15mph (24km/h)
- Range: 15.5 miles (25km) max
- Weight: 37lbs (16.8kg)
- Wheel Size: 14”
Pros
- Compact built
- Feathery light in weight
- Quick and easy folding frame
- Inexpensive
- Swappable battery
Cons
- Low mileage
- One speed mode
- No LCD Display
Best Deal
If you’re looking for a super-compact urban electric bike that you can fold and carry in the subway during your commute to and from work or school, this is it!
The Swagtron Swagcycle EB-5 Pro+ may not be the most powerful urban electric bike out there, but it’s one of the most lightweight electric city bikes you can buy today. Weighing at just 37lbs (yes, not even 17kg), this tiny city electric bike can be the last-mile solution you’re looking for.
The EB-5 Pro+ is also more portable than any other urban electric bike on this list. Thanks to a foldable frame and collapsable stem, you can quickly bring it down to absolutely minimal dimensions of 26×15.6×23.6” within just seconds.
Even if you don’t fold it, you can easily move it around, thanks to an easy-carry handle built into the frame near the seat post. And at an astonishing tag of $549, it’s also one of the cheapest electric city bikes on the market.
But unfortunately, portability and affordability are the only upsides of this urban drive eBike.
It’s extremely short on power and can manage a top speed of just 15mph. The mileage is also not great, though you can carry a spare battery with you and swap it during your ride to increase your range.
As another major downside, you don’t have a display and can only monitor the battery level.
Buy Swagtron Swagcycle EB-5 Pro+ Urban eBike
If you don’t want to buy a new electric bike, you can electrify your regular bicycle at an affordable cost provided that it’s in good shape. To learn more on this, check out my guide on the best electric bike conversion kits in 2022.
Hope it was an informative read!
