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Fixed gear electric bikes are fast, stylish and fun. They make excellent road bikes and often come with a racier saddle position and thinner tyres. If you’ve never owned an electric “fixie” before, this guide to the best will help you make a decision.
What is an “Electric Fixie”?
Electric fixies are simply electric bikes without a freewheel on the rear hub. It might sound like a minor difference, but the freewheel allows the wheel to keep turning while the pedals are still (when you’re coasting, for example).
This gives fixies a unique feel. Whenever the bike is moving, your legs will be moving too. It can take a bit of getting used to, but fixies build fitness, are generally faster and fun to ride. Contrary to what you might have heard, fixies are safe (although it’s advisable to get a bit of practice in before navigating traffic) and road legal as long as they have a front brake.
Fixie E-Bikes vs Single Speed E-Bikes
Single speed e-bikes are already extremely popular and it’s easy to see why. They’re the ultimate in accessibility; you simply hop on and pedal. Fixies are a little more complex. They take some getting used to but can help you to perfect your peddling technique and can give you a fitness boost.
Of course, single speeds remain the simplest e-bikes on the market and the number one commuter choice, but fixies are the way to go if you want a more intense workout and to get your cycling technique just right.
Electric Fixed-Gear Bikes [PROS + CONS]
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| A better workout | Require practice |
| Excellent for technique | Harder work |
| Stylish designs | Not as widely available |
| Better “connection” between bike and rider | Not as accessible as standard single speeds |
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Best Fixed-Gear Electric Bikes [Top 3]
1. Electric Varsity Collection – The Cambridge
Weight: 14 kg
Range: 50 km to 60 km
Wheel Size: varies by model
Price (approximate):
- 🇬🇧 £1,995
- 🇺🇸 $2,350
- 🇪🇺 €2,350
The Cambridge ties classical style with modern technology to incredible effect. At first glance, this looks like a bike plucked straight from the history books with an elegant, laid-back design reminiscent of decades gone. Beneath that facade lies a range of cutting-edge technology, though, including Bluetooth, a tamper-proof alarm with wheel lock function and a built-in GPS system.
You also get pedal assist up to 25km/h and the bike is so lightweight that it feels even faster than that, easily zipping through traffic. Better still, the battery recharges as you ride, alleviating some of that range anxiety, especially on longer journeys. The Cambridge can travel an impressive 60km on just one charge, so it won’t let you down.
The design is beautifully streamlined and the battery is housed neatly inside the rear hub. Various modes allow you to customise your ride. Eco mode applies pedal assist for a maximum distance (50/60km on one charge), Turbo boosts assist up to 25km with a maximum power of 250kw and Turbo Custom facilitates an even more nuanced ride.
Don’t be fooled by those retro stylings. This is an e-bike operating on the cutting edge of technology. It’s one of the most popular too, and always in high demand.
2. The VALK
Weight: 21 kg
Range: 70 km to 80 km
Wheel Size: 26” x 1.75”
Price (approximate):
- 🇬🇧 £650
- 🇺🇸 $799
- 🇪🇺 €799
Not only is the VALK one of the cheapest e-bikes on the list but it also has one of the most impressive ranges at 80km. If you aren’t enamoured with the Cambridge, then the modern, gunmetal design of this bike is likely to appeal. Its futuristic stylings look as though they’ve been taken directly from a sci-fi film, making it one of the most beautiful fixies available.
There’s plenty of substance beneath the style, too. The controls are kept purposefully simple without any distractions but the bike takes advantage of all the latest battery technology. Acceleration is impressive via the 36V battery which, when combined with a brushless motor, makes assist extremely smooth. Tyres are hybrid by default, providing just the right compromise between grip and speed. This makes the VALK ideal for commuters but also for those wanting to take longer rides at the weekend.
The charge time sits at 6-8 hours and the battery doesn’t recharge as you pedal (as is the case with some other e-bikes). Nonetheless, that staggering 80km range will keep you on the road without any suggestion of range anxiety. This is an excellent fixed-gear electric bike for anybody on a budget, but it’s more than an economy model. Build quality is high, range excellent and the hybrid tyres mean that it can tackle anything.
3. Electric Varsity Collection – The Imperial
Weight: 14 kg
Range: 50 km to 60 km
Wheel Size: varies per model
Price (approximate):
- 🇬🇧 £1,995
- 🇺🇸 $2,350
- 🇪🇺 €2,350
Another addition from the Varsity Collection, the Imperial is a stellar e-bike that impresses on all fronts. It’s packed to bursting with technology and comes with a built-in GPS system, Bluetooth functionality and a tamper-proof alarm. Battery life is particularly impressive and enables this bike to keep going for up to 60km on just a single charge.
If that wasn’t enough, the battery recharges as you cycle and there’s pedal assist up to 25 km/h. This is the more modern looking of the two Varsity bikes listed here. Its sleek, chrome look contrasts beautifully with black detailing along the handlebars and saddle. If you’re after a more futuristic, streamlined e-bike then this is without a doubt the best in the collection.
It shares many of the same features with the Cambridge, most notably the three turbo modes; Eco, Turbo and Turbo Custom. This makes for a fully customisable ride that will suit any style. The fork is double-butted at the seat post for extra strength and the saddle is exceptional. It’s been overhauled with premium materials for a more comfortable ride. Even the handlebars are wrapped with vegan friendly leather tape.
The Imperial lives up to its name. This is a luxurious bike that’s also feature rich and technologically advanced.
4. Watt Electric Fixie
Weight: 15.5 kg
Range: 40 km to 70 km
Wheel Size: 28”
Price (approximate):
- 🇬🇧 £925
- 🇺🇸 $1,100
- 🇪🇺 €1,100
One of the most popular fixies in the world, the Watt Electric shares some of the retro stylings of the Cambridge. Its leather seat is a standout design element and pairs with the sleek, black frame for a look that manages to be both classic and modern at the same time. With its 28” wheels and pedal assist up to 25kph, this bike is perfect for zipping through traffic.
Other built-in tech includes a speed sensor and brake interruption, along with a detailed, lighted display that shows everything from assist levels and battery status to your average speed and distance covered. This handy display helps you to keep track of your progress and gives the bike a more modern, technological twist. There’s even a USB connection to recharge your phone, essential for the commute.
Weighing in at 15.5kg it isn’t the lightest offering on the list but the 250w battery packs a punch and comes with 5 levels of pedal assist. Charge time is pleasingly low, at just three hours. A stainless steel (fully weatherproof) frame completes the package. This is a bike that packs in just the right amount of features without being overburdened, and its price tag is just about low enough to represent good value for money.
5. NFixed Pendix Leonardo
Weight: 15 kg
Range: 60 km to 80 km
Wheel Size: 28”
Price:
- 🇬🇧 £3,990
- 🇺🇸 $4,700
- 🇪🇺 €4,700
Given that NFix specialises in fixies (both unassisted and electric) it should come as no surprise to find that one of their bikes makes the list. To be clear: this is a luxury offering and the most expensive bike here by a substantial margin. Clocking in at just under £4000 the Pendix needs to deliver – and it does.
This bike features a titanium frame that’s lightweight, waterproof and even dustproof. The motor is completely noiseless and the tyres are all-terrain: this bike will be just as effective on adventures as it is on the daily commute. Three cycling modes provide different levels of support depending on your needs/the terrain (all at the turn of a knob) and the battery is removable with one click.
The accompanying Pendix app provides all kinds of insight including distance covered, range and battery condition. You won’t find a smoother ride anywhere, and there’s no extra resistance whatsoever when assist is turned off. Make no mistake, this is a premium bike and the highest quality fixie on the list. It does, however, come at a cost which many will simply be unwilling to pay. Still, if you want to make a long term investment and are set on a fixie, you can’t go wrong with the Pendix.
