The Best Electric Bikes of 2021

You've seen them - people zipping down the street on an electric bicycle, getting to where they're going without a care in the world. Just a few years ago, seeing someone commuting on an electric device would have been a rare occurrence, but these days there are a lot of great options out there for people who are looking to decrease their carbon footprint and whizz around their respective cities at the same time. Here is the list of the best electric bikes of 2021 for you.

The best electric bikes for 2021

#1 Gazelle Medeo T9 Classic

A classic bicycle feel and comfortable ride are the hallmarks of Dutch bike maker Gazelle's Medeo T9. Its low-step design means it's easy to hop on, and touches like a front-fork suspension and supple seat from Selle Royal give it an easy-going feel. Gazelle's sturdy aluminum frame and solid components, like a mid-drive Bosch motor, which drives power through the chain, imply reliability but also make for a slightly heavier bike at almost 50 pounds. It makes the Medeo T9 less than ideal for apartment dwellers, but it's within the weight class of many ebikes, which often tip the scales at about 45 pounds.  Smooth derailleur and powerful disc brakes for a comfortable commute and /or recreational trips. Suspension front fork combined with wide tires provide extra comfort.
Gazelle's bikes handle well and the electric components won't surprise riders with sudden lurches or acceleration. Furthermore, the hydraulic disc brakes help make it responsive and well-balanced. We also like the bike's retro aesthetic that recalls a gilded age of bike riding, making it perfect for suburbanites, beach bums, and even the AARP set.

#2 Biktrix Juggernaut HD Duo

Biktrix, a Canada-based e-bike manufacturer that's been around since 2014, launched its latest bike, the Juggernaut HD Duo, on Indiegogo and absolutely crushed its $30,000 goal. The bike just recently started shipping to backers, but I got a chance to test out an early sample of the $3,399 Juggernaut HD Duo and it's definitely a fun ride.

The two batteries are removable, with one integrated into the frame and the other resting on top of the downtube. Chargers are included for both and can be fully charged in about 6 to 8 hours with the batteries on or off the bike. The bike can draw power from both batteries or just the integrated one. The bike wires are neatly channeled through the frame with some padded wraps to protect the frame where they exit.  

The Juggernaut HD Duo can support a max load of 380 pounds with a rear rack that can support 50 pounds. Sitting on it I felt powerful, from its sheer size and power and the sound the off-road tires made on the concrete. It's a middrive e-bike powered by a 1,000-watt BBSHD Bafang motor with a 10-speed Shimano cassette.

The DPC-18 full-color display for the bike is approximately 4 inches and visible at any time of day. The display shows current speed, battery level, mode (Eco or Sport), assist level, time, trip odometer and total miles traveled. In addition, there's a USB-A port for charging mobile devices.

#3 VanMoof S3

With sleek, clean lines, the VanMoof S3 is sure to turn heads, but this electric bike is more than just looks. It has an electronic shifter that automatically changes your gears and a boost which provides you an uphill assist. Once you connect the bike to your phone via Bluetooth, you get a bunch of other features, too: You can change when the bike shifts gears, change the sound of its electronic horn, and more. Best of all, you can lock the bike using your phone, and get an alert if someone tries to make off with it. It's no speed demon, but it's a great bike for cruising around. And you'll look great doing it, too. An update in April 2021 now lets you use Apple's FindMy app to locate the VanMoof S3 and X3 in case it's ever lost or stolen.

#4 Swagtron EB5 Pro

Great for a commuter with limited storage space. The Swagtron EB5 Pro is a folding pedal-assist bike with an electric motor that also has its own throttle (so you don't really have to pedal at all). With a full battery, it can travel up to 15 miles at a speed of 15 mph. This folding bike is a single speed, and you can even turn all the powered features and pedal-assist mode off and use it like a regular bike. It weighs a solid 37 pounds and the seat supports riders of up to 264 pounds, but when the seat is folded down, this commuter bike is surprisingly small. Charge it up for 4~5 hours during a lecture or work hours and enjoy up to 15.5 miles of cruising. EB5 folds to fit inside compact cars, under desks, on subways and in other small spots.

#5 Riese & Müller Load 60

Riese & Muller bikes evince some of the best mechanical engineering available in a bike. It pays off in this full-suspension and incredibly maneuverable cargo bike that can haul up to 220-pounds worth of groceries or gear. The R&M Load 60 is also priced accordingly, starting at more than $8,000, but it includes professional-grade components, including two 500Wh batteries for up to 12 hours of power-assisted range and a heavy-duty Bosch Cargo motor that helps out until you hit 28 mph. The optimised chassis and the finely tuned full suspension ensure optimum comfort, safe riding even at higher speeds, excellent road holding and thus top-of-the-range riding dynamics. Vibrations and shocks, such as from cobblestones or kerbs, are significantly cushioned and you are in control. Children are the most valuable cargo anyone can carry. Their safety comes first. The two 5-point belts for two smaller children and a comfortable, cushioned seat position ensure relaxed riding around the town and countryside. For all-round safety, this equipment version is available only with side walls.

#6 Specialized Turbo Vado SL 4.0

A number of ebikes have been marred by clunky designs and backbreaking weight. Specialized decided to blow those preconceptions out of the water with Turbo Vado. Its svelte design conceals the battery within the downtube, so no one needs know you're getting an electric boost, and it hides a rather effective shock absorber within the front forks, making for a smoother ride on less than pristine pavement.
There's no other e-bike out there with ride quality, range, and power like this, at a weight that's light enough to carry. The Turbo Vado SL 4.0 is best for workouts, riding beyond the beaten path and last-minute adventures. All you need to do is get on and go. Extra-bright, built-in lights in front and back mean you'll see and be seen. Plus, Pathfinder tires roll fast on or off the pavement with plenty of grip.
It's surprisingly seamless and perfect for set-it-and-forget-it commutation or weekend rides in the park. It’s the best ebike for those who don’t want others to know they’re riding an ebike.

Conclusion

These electric bikes will help you get around while public transit is limited. And you can get picks for almost any budget. If you do get into rideables and electric commuter bikes, be sure to be safe by keeping several guidelines in mind. Keep your battery charged and make it a habit to check on your tires often. Ride and pass with caution, because an electric bicycle will go faster than a traditional bike or scooter. Most important, wear a helmet every single time you ride. Enjoy your riding!