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If like many commuters you are tired of strenuously riding to and from work on your regular bike, or just looking for a quick alternative that isn’t driving nor an electric scooter, then you may have considered an electric city bike.
As there’s so much on the market currently that sits within this category, you may feel it’s a bit of a minefield trying to navigate the best options for you. But rest assured, we have you covered with our top 7 picks of electric city bikes for commuters.
Electric City Bikes: Top Picks
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Controlled cruising
VanMoof S5
Perfect for controlled cruising and longer rides
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Superb design
Cowboy 4
Proprietary software feature works at low and high speeds and doesn’t require any gear changes
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State-of-the art design
Canyon Precede:ON 5
e-bike with a huge range of functionality, state-of-the art design, and incredible value
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3-speed automatic transmission
VanMoof A5
New torque sensor makes riding easy and comfortable
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Active and effective
Ampler Axel
The active riding position makes Axel perfect for those who want a dynamic cycling experience.
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Great all-rounder hybrid
Volt Pulse LS
A Modern Hybrid E-bike with Convenient Low Bar
Is An Electric Bike Good for Commuting?
An electric bike is a fantastic option for anyone wanting a commuter bike. First and foremost, it’s a great eco friendly alternative to clogging up roads and sitting in a car while it releases harmful fumes. Therefore, you can be safe in the knowledge you’ve chosen a more environmentally friendly method of commuting.
Electric bikes are good for commuting as less energy needs to be expended to get from A-B. Therefore you should hopefully arrive at work, less sweaty, and less uncomfortable! Not to mention, your work colleagues will most likely welcome a less sweaty version of you in the office.
E-bikes make a great commuting option as they’re faster than a non motorised bike, meaning you spend less time commuting and more time for yourself. Which of course can include more shut eye, because who doesn’t want to get more sleep?!
Although many electric bikes are a tad expensive, they can often be a cheaper alternative to using a car or public transport. Therefore in the long run you’ll end up saving money on your daily commutes.
Best Type of Electric Bike for Commuting
There are many different types of electric bikes, from folding to gravel. However, which type is best for those wanting a reliable commuter?
It’s safe to say anyone wanting an electric bike to use predominantly for commuting should focus their attention towards city bike e-bikes. This is because they’re a great all round bicycle, that’s both comfortable and practical.
City bikes are often also far lower maintenance than other types of bikes, that can have more complex components fitted. The components and working parts used for electric city bikes are usually cheaper and more accessible to replace and fix, in comparison to other electric bikes.
In addition to this, electric city bike are often fitted with extra accessories (other type of electric bikes often aren’t) which can make commuting easier. Such accessories include pannier racks to transport your belongings, mudguards to keep you clean and presentable, and lights to help keep you safe and seen while commuting.
Electric City Bike [PROS + CONS]
Electric city bikes come with plenty of positive attributes, but they do also present a few negative drawbacks which are important to note.
Overall electric bikes in general are a really solid option for many people. Still, it’s important to consider if the drawbacks of owning and using an electric city bike would be issues for you, or alternatively, if the pros would outweigh any negatives.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Helps you travel further | Heavier than your average hybrid / city bike |
| Great for boosting confidence | Servicing often costs a little more |
| Helps you to save your energy | Have to remember to charge it |
| Allows you to enjoy varied terrain such as hills | More expensive to buy |
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Best City E-Bikes (Top 7)
1. VanMoof S5
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£3000 -
$3500 -
€3000
Prices are approximate
- Weight: 50.7 lbs (23kg)
- Range: 37 miles (full power mode) – 93 miles (economy power mode)
- Wheel Size: 27.5″
Great ride comfort
Clever anti-theft inclusions
The S5 from VanMoof, is a remastered straight frame bicycle which the company reports has been built specially for for controlled cruising. It’s great for anyone wanting a comfy bicycle for commuting that is both stylish and efficient.
Aesthetically the S5 is very much in keeping with the rest of VanMoofs electric range, minimalist and clean cut. This particular model is only available in a stylish grey, which regardless, definitely stands out against other bikes.
This bike is fitted with a 487 Wh battery. This battery has a charging time of charge in 6 hours and 30 minutes for 0-100% and 2 hours and 30 minutes for 0-50%. The range is also pretty impressive, with up to 93 miles on one full charge.
2. Cowboy 4
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£2700 -
$3500 -
€3000
Prices are approximate
- Weight: 18.9 kg (total weight including battery)
- Range: Up to 70 km
- Wheel Size: 27.5″
Integrated phone charger and mount
Easy-to-use app
Fall detection and anti-theft GPS built in
The Cowboy 4 is another strong contender for anyone wanting a city bike which is practical and reliable, but still looks the part. It’s another bike that is perfect for any commuters wanting to go electric as it’s easy and offers a comfortable ride.
This quirky bike is available in a range of three trendy neutral colours, black, sand and khaki. Therefore there’s a colour to suit everyone’s taste. This bike also comes with mudguards and a single ring on the front, to keep it low maintenance.
It’s fitted with a 10 Ah, 360 Wh removable Lithium ion battery which is 100% recharged in 3hours and 20min. This bike also benefits from having fitted a custom designed 45 Nm / 250 W motor which is integrated in the rear wheel.
3. Canyon Precede:ON 5
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£2400 -
$3000 -
€2500
Prices are approximate
- Weight: 23.70 kg
- Range: Up to 105 km
- Wheel Size: 27.5
Carry everything you need
An easy-to-charge battery
Moving on, the Canyon Precede:ON 5, is a quirky looking aluminium electric city bike that offers a solid option for anyone looking for an easy to use, easy to charge, electric bike. This bike benefits from having a slightly sloped top tube to improve comfort, and to help ease the process of stepping over the bike.
This city bike comes in one of two colour options, anchor grey or champagne. This bike also benefits from a Shimano Deore groupset, integrated light, stand, mudguards and a luggage rack to help carry your possessions during your commutes.
This bike is suitably equipped for city riding thanks to its high quality, reliable Bosch Active Line Plus drive system, as well as a Purion display. A full charge for this bicycle is just under 5 hours.
4. VanMoof A5
-
£3000 -
$3500 -
€3000
Prices are approximate
- Weight: 48.5 lbs (22 kg)
- Range: 34 mi (full power mode) – 87 mi (economy power mode)
- Wheel Size: 24″
Higher-performance 47V/5A batteries make sure you can ride for longer
New, brighter front and rear lights make you more visible from the sides.
Similar to the previous offering from VanMoof, the A5 is their self proclaimed lower step-in, with an angled frame which the company reports has been built specially for agile riding. This is great for anyone wanting a comfy ride and an easy time getting on and off of the bike.
Again the A5 is minimalist and clean cut. This particular model is only available in grey, which on the upside, will pretty much compliment any outfit!
This bike is fitted with a 463 Wh battery. This battery has a charging time of charge in 6 hours and 30 minutes for 0-100% and 2 hours and 30 minutes for 0-50%. The range is impressive with up to 87 miles on one full charge.
5. Ampler Axel
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£2700 -
$3000 -
€2800
Prices are approximate
- Weight: 16.3 kg
- Range: 50-100 km depending on terrain and assist mode
- Wheel Size: 27.5″
Single speed belt drive
Hydraulic disc brakes
The Axel from Ampler is a great electric city bike for riders wanting a responsive ride during their commute in. It’s not necessarily going to suit everyone – this one won’t be for you if you want pure comfort and a relaxed position. But for those of you who enjoy a fast pedal in, look no further.
Aesthetically this bike is another minimalist’s dream. It’s pretty basic in regards to design and only comes in one colour option, which is a neutral rock green. In addition to the cool neutral colour, this bike also comes with integrated lights, fenders, and a kickstand.
Electronically, the Axel is kitted out with the Ampler 250 W rear motor with new hub shell. The battery fitted to this mode is the Ampler integrated battery, 48V 336Wh. Usefully, one full charge for this electric bike will take 2.5 hours (which is very fast) and off of this one charge you can expect a range of up to 100km.
6. Elops 120E Electric City Bike
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£800 -
€850
Prices are approximate
- Weight: 25.9 kg
- Range: Up to 50 km
- Wheel Size: 700c
Dutch-style handlebars and wide saddle for an upright position, ergonomic grips.
LED lights built into the frame at the front and the mudguard at the rear.
Our penultimate pick is the very budget friendly Electric City Bike from Decathlon which at £749.99 will be an incurably tough one to beat where bargains are concerned. This pick is a brilliant option for anyone not wanting to fork out a big chunk of money on an electric bike to commute on.
Although a pretty basic looking step through bike, it does come fully equipped with pannier racks which (super useful for anyone commuting), mudguards, and built in lights so that you don’t have to worry about charging your usb lights in the office during work hours.
This bike benefits from being fitted with a 36V lithium ion battery (313Wh) which offers up to 50 km on a full charge. A full charge takes 5 hours from 0% to 100%. It’s also fitted with a brushless 36 volt rear wheel motor that offers 250 Watt max power.
7. Volt Pulse LS
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£2075
Prices are approximate
- Weight: 21.5 kg
- Range: Up to 60 / 70 miles
- Wheel Size: 27.5″
Integrated lights, lock and fenders
Hydraulic disc brakes
Last but not least, we have the well priced and comfortable Volt Pulse LS. This electric city bike has been both designed and made in the UK using lightweight aluminium, and has been built for comfort and accessibility. Therefore it’s an attractive option for those wanting a comfy commute with the added support of a motor.
Moving onto the aesthetics of this bike, it looks like your classic modern step through city bike. Both the battery and motor have been designed to neatly tuck away within the frame to avoid being an eyesore. Tis bike comes in just the one colour, which is a smart looking dark grey.
This particular electric city bike from Volt is fitted with a powerful 250W SpinTech™ motor, with technology from world-leading e-bike motor manufacturer Bafang. This is paired with a 36v Lithium ion battery which is removable. A full charge for this battery is between 3 to 4 hours.
