How to choose the best electric bike: TOP 13 best models in 2021

No. 10. Green City E-Alfa

What is the best bike for adults? Many ratings are clear in their answer: the Green City E-Alfa is made in China.

It has an excellent load capacity of up to 130kg, and there is a rack behind the sprung saddle that can be folded out to form a wide platform or a second saddle.

The design of the Green City E-Alfa is based on a lowered steel frame. The fork is shock-absorbing, the wheels have a diameter of 24 inches, and the brakes are drum.

This city bike reaches a speed of 35 km/h. On a full charge it travels 35 km. Uninterrupted operation is ensured by a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 9 Ah and a voltage of 48 Volts.

The gear motor is installed on the rear wheel, its power is 350W.

This model for city trips has good equipment, which includes chain protection, a running board, mudguards, a headlight and flashlight, fenders and a basket in front.

Pros of Green City E-Alfa:

• withstands heavy weight;
• the ability to adjust the steering wheel height;
• good equipment;
• Available in 4 colors.

Disadvantages of an electric bike:

• one speed;
• heavy – weight 34 kg.

TOP 11 rating according to ElecRating.com

The article was updated and updated on 02/27/2021.

Our rating of the best electric bicycles of 2021 opens with the updated Eltreco XT 600 model on 27.5 inch wheels.

Eltreco XT 600

The controller is located under the seat, the battery with an operating voltage of 36 V is located on the frame. Mechanical 160 mm disc brakes, good calipers, precise response.

When riding in mixed mode: the engine is running + pedals, the cruising range will be up to 55 km. In the case of riding only on the throttle - 25 km.

The 2021 model has a budget price from the XT series up to 40,000 rubles.

• Cyclist weight - 110 kg;
• Wheel diameter - 27.5″;
• Battery capacity - 7.8 Ah;
• Power - 350 W;
• Mileage - 25 km;
• Weight - 20.5 kg.

Pros:

• Branded electric motor Eltreco 350W
• 6-speed Shimano Tourney gear system
• Road tires of our own production

Minuses:

• The cycling computer has no screen

Xiaomi Himo C20

The Xiaomi Himo C20 electric bike allows you to travel 50 km on batteries alone, and 80 km in mixed mode. In case of discharge, you can ride like a regular bike; there is a 6-speed Shimano system.

The brushless DC 250 W motor is guaranteed to be a breeze. Sophisticated battery protection system: monitoring and protecting current, voltage and temperature.

• Cyclist weight - 100 kg;
• Wheel diameter - 20″;
• Battery capacity - 10 Ah;
• Power - 250 W;
• Mileage - 80 km;
• Weight - 21 kg.

Pros:

• Wide chair-seat;
• Large power reserve – 50 km;
• Famous brand;
• Easy to clean and foldable steering wheel/pedals.

Minuses:

• The frame is solid, does not fold;
• Small for larger riders.

Twitter VS7.0-ER100

Classic mountain (MTB) electric model Twitter VS7.0. The frame is seamless, high-quality painted. The front fork is sprung and has a lock. It goes smoothly along the intersection, there is no beating of the steering wheel.

Shimano Altus shifter, a high-quality solution for budget options. The cassettes are just Shimano Tourney MF-TZ21-7. The power of 250 W is enough for a comfortable ride; you can go uphill using the pedals.

• Cyclist weight - 100 kg;
• Wheel diameter - 26 inches;
• Battery capacity - 10 Ah;
• Power - 250 W;
• Mileage - 90 km;
• The weight of the bike is 20 kg.

Pros:

• USB port;
• Range up to 90 km (in assistance mode);
• The right combination of price/quality.

Minuses:

• The Shimano Tourney body kit is not the most durable.

Eltreco XT 750

The Eltreco XT 750 hybrid bicycle is a logical continuation of the XT 700 series. A new capacious 36V/10.4Ah battery was created, the brake and optics were redesigned. As a result, in 2021 we have a reliable electric bicycle with a power reserve of up to 60 km on battery power alone.

The bike reaches speeds of up to 35 km/h (with an adult rider 30 km/h). Wheels with a diameter of 27.5 inches will provide good rolling, and mechanical disc brakes are responsible for braking.

• Cyclist weight - 110 kg;
• Wheel diameter - 27.5 inches;
• Battery capacity - 10.4 Ah;
• Power - 350 W;
• Mileage - 60 km;
• Weight - 20.5 kg.

Pros:

• Proven model;
• High power reserve – 50 km;
• Body colors – black, grey, orange, green.

Minuses:

• Inexpensive body kit;
• The brakes squeak;
• It is better to replace the pedals immediately.

How to choose an electric bike

For urban and rural areas, an electric bicycle is an excellent alternative to individual transport.

Motor power

When choosing a bike, pay attention to the engine power. The more powerful, the easier it is to overcome long climbs, and a sharp start appears. The only drawback of such a motor is the rapid consumption of battery power.

For standard city rides from apartment to office, motors with a power of 250 - 500 W are suitable.

Here you need to choose from the riding style and available times. If you plan a more sporty driving style, as well as for rural areas, electric bicycles with a motor power of 1,000 W are ideal. Such a powerful motor is not needed in the city, but for covering long distances at high speeds you won’t find a better one, except maybe 1500 W :).

Battery

Lithium-ion batteries are now installed in 97% of electric bikes. A less capacious battery, for example 6 Ah, will be able to provide a range of 15 km. Batteries with a capacity of over 12 Ah already allow you to move freely 35-50 km on a single charge. In this case, it is imperative to maintain a balance between the battery and engine power so that they reveal each other’s potential.

Design

In our ranking of the best electric bicycles of 2021, there are 3 models with a folding frame design, and this is no coincidence. These are the options that are popular with cyclists. Since they are convenient to store in winter, they can be transported in public and private transport when folded. At the same time, the structure does not become weak.

If the space in the garage allows you to store a classic electric bike, such models are also widely represented in our rating. They are large in size, but at the same time have the simplest classical design.

Folding electric bike for adults

SHULZ E-Goa

Universal folding bicycle with 20 inch wheels. Suitable for adults and teenagers, the 58 cm long seat post extends and comfortably rides for a 190 cm tall cyclist. A rear rack has been added for carrying cargo.

This is the best folding electric bike of 2021

3-speed Nexus planetary hub from Shimano, low-maintenance and unbreakable. The new version of the SHULZ E-Goa folding electric bike has Z.Star RDM 6.0, 160 mm disc brakes. The folding mechanism is reliable and simple, there will be no play.

Range 30 km in combined cycle. Battery from Panasonic, quick-release.

• Cyclist weight - 100 kg;
• Folded size: 82 x 35 x 68 cm;
• Wheel diameter - 20″;
• Battery capacity - 7.8 Ah;
• Power - 250 W;
• Mileage - 30 km;
• Weight - 17.5 kg.

Pros:

• Saddle upholstery - eco leather
• Reliable manufacturer
• Footrest included
• Folding time 35 seconds

Minuses:

• Bike weight 17.5 kg

Double Hunter P12+

Compact and lightest folding electric bicycle Double Hunter P12+. Bright body color, memorable design. Charges in 180 minutes, the charge lasts up to 18 km. Maximum speed 25 km/h.

• Cyclist weight - 120 kg;
• Folded size: 102 x 23 x 80 cm;
• Wheel diameter: front 12″, rear 10″;
• Battery capacity - 4.4 Ah;
• Power - 350 W;
• Mileage - 18 km;
• Weight - 16.5 kg.

Pros:

• Cruise control;
• Good brakes, instant response;
• Bright headlight and brake light.

Minuses:

• No gear change;
• Hidden battery.

Eltreco Wave 350W

The Eltreco WAVE 350W New hybrid bicycle with a maximum range of 50 km is distinguished by its build quality. The 350 W motor power allows you to ride the slides effortlessly, but you need to turn the pedals.

The Samsung 36V battery is quick-detachable and located under the seat. Kenda tires size 20 x 1.95 on 20 inch wheels provide a short braking distance. Maximum speed 35 km/h.

• Cyclist weight - 110 kg;
• Wheel diameter - 20″;
• Battery capacity - 10 Ah;
• Power - 350 W;
• Mileage - 50 km;
• Weight - 16.5 kg.

Pros:

• High range - 50 km
• Excellent quality of used components and elements
• 6 speeds in pedal mode

Minuses:

• Cannot be washed in automatic car washes

Xiaomi Himo V1

Xiaomi is widely known to consumers. It is famous for its high-quality and inexpensive gadgets. In mid-2021, the manufacturer released an electric city bike. The main advantage of the product is its overall dimensions: 1080ⅹ510ⅹ1020 mm. The wheel size is 12 inches, and the total weight is 16.7 kg.

Due to its compactness and light weight, the bicycle can be easily lifted and transported on public transport. For the convenience of storing the product at home, manufacturers took care of the removable steering wheel and folding frame.

The motor power of this model is 250 W, so the bike can accelerate to 20 km/h. The developers supplied a lithium battery with a capacity of 6 ampere-hour. It takes 6 hours and 30 minutes to fully restore battery power.

All metal structural elements are made of aluminum alloy. The seat is made of synthetic leather. Xiaomi has released a model in three colors: black, white, orange. In addition to electrical equipment, the package includes a trunk and fenders.

pros

Average cost Load capacity – 100 kg Distance covered without additional charge – 50 km Alloy wheels, trunk, fenders LED dimensions Total weight – 16.7 kg Overall dimensions – 1080ⅹ510ⅹ1020 mm Removable steering wheel, folding frame

Minuses

Battery charges in 6 hours and 30 minutes Suitable for people of average height Speed ​​limit – 20 km/h No shock absorption of the bicycle frame No bicycle bell