In our e-bike review, we reviewed 32 electric bicycles intensively. We recommend the Specialized Turbo Vado 5.0 as the best e-bike for the 2022 season. The test winner belongs to the category of commuter e-bikes and is priced in the premium segment.
You can get a good e-bike – also known as a “Pedelec electric bicycle” – much cheaper, even below the 2,000 euro mark. In this post, we present all recommended e-bikes from the important categories, including trekking, city, folding bike, mountain bike, and transport. The test was carried out by ELEKTROBIKE in early 2020. We last checked the results in March 2022.
The e-bike is a real alternative to the classic bicycle with one clear advantage: the integrated motor assists you when pedaling. You can set the level of relief on the control panel on the handlebars.
An example: anyone who drives to the office dressed in a suit arrives in a dry shirt thanks to the motor assistance. On the way home, dressed in sportswear, the support may be less.
When talking about motorized bicycles, different terms are often used: e-bike, electric bike, and pedelec. You can read below what is behind the names.
The Best Electric Bikes of All Classes
We are now introducing the best models from 45 e-bikes. The model type does not play a role in the overall assessment, only the convincing performance in the test counts. In the following, we present the most recommendable models in each category: e-bikes for trekking, the city, for commuters, beautiful lifestyle models, all-round SUVs, e-bikes for athletes, as well as folding e-bikes and transport electric bikes . Then read about the best eMTBs, the rating of which cannot be compared with the rest of the eMTBs due to a different focus of the test.
A commuter e-bike is a perfect companion for the daily commute. They should be fast and still comfortable enough to arrive at the office relaxed. Fast S-Pedelecs can be an advantage. Commuters definitely want mudguards, good lamps and mounting options for bags and the like.
- Weight: 23–26 kg
- Range: 30–65 km
- Price: from 2,000 euros
The best e-bike for commuters: Specialized Turbo Vado 5.0
On the hunt for the triple: After 2018 and 2019, the Turbo Vado from Specialized is competing for the third time to take the title in the fast commuter bike category. And that’s exactly what it does, with an all-round convincing appearance. Starting with the Brose mid-engine, adapted to Specialized specifications, which accelerates the US bike impressively quickly and harmoniously and easily masters every climb. In addition, there is the now even larger battery, which is hidden in the down tube and ensures a very long range.
Thanks to the well-graded derailleur gear, the Turbo Vado is still pleasant to drive even without engine power. In terms of handling, the bike is nicely balanced and impressively creates the combination of extremely smooth running and agile appearance. The suspension fork and handles that lie comfortably in the hand ensure comfort, while the powerful brake grips safely and accurately. The Specialized bike is the only one in the test to crack the magic mark of 800 points.
- Weight: 23.8 kg
- Range: 22-73 km
- Price: around 4,000 euros
Benefits:
- Strong engine
- Long range
- Confident driving behavior
Disadvantage:
- High Price
This is what matters when it comes to e-bikes for commuters
Cycle quickly and yet completely relaxed through the fresh air to the office. No, the chic speedsters from this category are of course not only suitable for driving to and from work. But with their mixture of powerful drive, confident driving behavior, equipment suitable for everyday use and space for a luggage bag or more, they present impressive letters of application for commuters looking for a good e-bike.
- Engine: These bikes should make the journey to and from work fast, but not too sweaty if possible. Accordingly, a powerful engine is particularly useful in this class. The lightning-fast S-Pedelecs with very powerful motors with 350 watts or more of power also belong in this class.
- Battery: Not every employer allows the battery to be charged in the office or company. This is why the battery capacity should ideally not only be sufficient for the journey to work, but also for the brisk yet relaxed way back home.
- Equipment: Anyone who needs the pedelec for daily commuting should attach particular importance to equipment that is suitable for everyday use. Mudguards and lighting are compulsory, but a luggage rack for the briefcase or other luggage should also be useful. The fast S-Pedelec also needs a rear-view mirror and special reflectors on the fork.
- Frame: Fast commuters, especially S-Pedelecs, require a very stable chassis with high directional stability in order to be safe and confident in traffic at all times.
- Comfort: At high speeds, potholes or poor road surfaces are particularly noticeable. Correspondingly important in such situations is a good, high level of driving comfort, ideally even in the form of high-quality full suspension.
- Registration: The fast S-Pedelecs among the commuter e-bikes require an insurance registration.
- They have no business on cycle paths unless explicitly stated as permitted.
SUV e-bike: the most important facts
The SUV among the e-bikes scores with comfort: thick tires, suspension fork, and suspension seat post are part of it. These e-bikes do not save on equipment, they come with powerful motors, large batteries, mudguards, integrated lighting systems, and everything an e-bike’s heart desires. The diesel SUV can pack up there.
- Weight: around 25 kg
- Range: 20–70 km
- Price: 1,700–5,400 euros
Das Beste SUV-E-Bike: Conway Xyron C 427
You take a powerful electric fully, buy it mudguards, stands, luggage racks, and lighting – et voilà: the electric SUV is ready. This is exactly what Conway did with the Xyron C 427. The goal: to create the most comfortable and versatile e-bike possible for everyday use. One can say: Mission accomplished! With the strong full suspension, lowerable seat post for easier ascent, and wide tires, first-class driving comfort is offered. Only the sporty MTB grips and perhaps the saddle could have been swapped for more comfortable models.
The Xyron lies very well on the road or on the unpaved ground but still proves to be pleasantly maneuverable. Bosch’s new Performance Line CX provides very powerful, but always harmonious and direct motor support. It is supplied with energy by the large 625 Wh battery. The rather heavy bike is recommended for long use and all in all it deserves the ELEKTROBIKE test victory among the E-SUVs.
- Weight: 26.8 kg
- Range: 22-69 km
- Price: around 4,600 euros
Benefits:
- Comfortable bike
- Long range
Disadvantage:
- High price
- Comparatively high weight
This is what matters with the SUV electric bike
In contrast to the “Sport Utility Vehicle” with four wheels, there are actually some good arguments for using the little brother. The thick tires or even full suspension ensure a high level of driving comfort and good road holding. In addition: if such a wheel, in contrast to most pseudo-SUVs, actually comes into contact with unpaved ground, it still cuts a good figure.
- Tires: Now it’s getting really thick! These e-bikes roll on particularly wide and often profiled tires. So they are not only suitable for use on roads and bike paths, but also do not shy away from gravel and forest paths. In addition, the voluminous tires offer a high level of cushioning and corresponding comfort.
- Chassis: The chassis of the e-bike also contributes to the comfort. This is particularly high with full-suspension models. Another advantage: A good suspension also ensures better traction and a correspondingly smoother ride even on rough surfaces.
- Character: SUV bikes usually glide smoothly and confidently over the ground. This is also due to the usually slightly higher weight, but above all to the wide tires and the corresponding geometry of the bike.
- Engine: Quite powerful, please. After all, the “S” in SUVs doesn’t stand for “sport” for nothing. That is why a bike in this category requires an extremely powerful motor. This does not necessarily have to be overly harmonious, but of course it is allowed to.
- Battery: The SUV bike not only feels at home in the city, but also likes to go on long trips off-road. Therefore, a large battery can ensure a long range here, also in the dual-battery option.
- Features: Despite the sporty approach, the SUV also wants to be prepared for everyday life in the city and on a bike tour. Therefore, basic parts such as fenders or lights should be on board. And luggage rack solutions also look good on bikes in this class.
City e-bike: the most important facts
If you want to cycle comfortably but comfortably, you can get on a city e-bike. They are suitable for anyone who wants to get on the bike comfortably because the foot does not have to be swung over the saddle. Suspension fork, suspension seat post, or balloon tires bring comfort. Long ranges are not so important, but porters are compulsory.
- Weight: around 25 kg
- Range: from 35–60 km
- Price : from 1,700 euros
The best e-bike for the city: Kettler Quadriga Comp CX 12
Not because of bankruptcy: When the traditional Kettler brand was announced last year, it was not about the bicycle division. The legendary Kettler Alu-Rad has not only been operating under the umbrella of the Zweirad -Kauf-Genossenschaft (ZEG) in Cologne since 2015, it also proves impressively with the Quadriga Comp CX 12: In 2020, pretty strong bicycles will also roll with the Kettler Lettering through the country. There is a very powerful motor in the eye-catching frame. Bosch’s new Performance Line CX drive brings the Quadriga up to speed quickly and harmoniously.
Thanks to the inconspicuous battery in the frame, these can sometimes last a little longer. Especially since the Kettler can be driven very well even without motor power thanks to the wide range of derailleurs. The comprehensive equipment package with a suspension fork, lowerable seat post, and ergonomic parts, combined with a relaxed seating position, ensures a high level of comfort. For this, there is the test victory among the city bikes.
- Weight: 28.1 kg
- Range: 22-66 km
- Price: around 3,500 euros
Benefits:
- Very good engine
- Long range
Disadvantage:
- High price
The Kettler Quadriga Comp CX 12 e-bike offers very good ride comfort and a long range in the city.
This is what matters when it comes to e-bikes for the city
If the e-bike as such makes life a bit easier, then this is especially true for the representatives of the city e-bike category. Your job is to get your driver through everyday life in the city safely, relaxed, and comfortably.
- Frame: Now climb very deeply! The e-bikes for the city make it possible to get into the bike as deeply and easily as possible. This means that the leg does not have to be swung acrobatically over the saddle.
- Character: As a rule, the representatives of this category are not sports enthusiasts, but rather calm contemporaries. The most missing top tube, however, affects the stability and sometimes makes for a slightly nervous riding behavior. However, frames that flutter dangerously are generally a thing of the past.
- Engine: The main thing is that it is harmonious and even. This is how the perfect motor for the city e-bike should work. Of course, it has to be strong enough for many a climb, but you don’t need a muscle man here.
- Sitting position: If you want to whiz through town on your bike, you prefer an upright, comfortable sitting position. A variable stem, with which the cockpit can be adapted to the preferences of the driver, is practical.
- Comfort: The high level of ride comfort is a must for the urban e-bike. In addition to comfortable grips and a comfortable saddle, well-damping spring elements on the fork and seat post are advantageous. Even bulky tires can effectively cushion bumps.
- Battery: A long range is practical for everyday life in the city, but not necessarily crucial. However, it is important that the battery is placed sensibly so that it does not make entry unnecessarily difficult.
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Trekking electric bike: the most important facts
All-rounders can confidently be called trekking e-bikes. That is why they are among the most popular e-bikes ever. Pedelecs can take part in tours, longer journeys, but also daily journeys. The seating position varies from sporty to relaxed. Attachments for luggage and battery power for long ranges earn points.- Weight: 22-25 kg
- Range: 45–75 km
- Price: from 2,500 euros
The best trekking e-bike: Kalkhoff Endeavor 5.S XXL
Big thing? Not at all! At Kalkhoff, the addition XXL does not traditionally stand for particularly bulky, but for particularly resilient bicycles. The Endeavor 5.S XXL allows a payload of over 140 kilograms. The e-bike itself, on the other hand, makes a very elegant and slim impression with the beautifully integrated system of the motor on the bottom bracket and battery in the down tube. The drive itself also works impressively, pushing the bike forward evenly and with great force.The engine also harmonizes well with the derailleur, which also makes driving without engine power comparatively pleasant. The suspension fork and ergonomic cockpit ensure the right ride comfort, while the e-bike looks a bit hard at the rear. The Kalkhoff Endeavor 5.S XXL presents itself as a solid “load carrier” for lively use in the city or on an electric bike tour.- Weight: 24.5 kg
- Range: 20 – 64 km
- Price: around 3,500 euros
Benefits:
- Harmonic engine
- Comfortable driving experience
- High payload possible
Disadvantage
- High price
