Best electric bikes in 2026

The Engwe P275 ST offers something rare at its price: a mid-drive motor and a very big battery. Mid-drive motors sit at the pedals and drive through the gears, so they feel more natural and climb better than most hub motors. The Ananda M60 is rated at 250 W with 70 Nm of torque, and the 691 Wh removable battery is larger than those on most e-bikes costing twice as much.

Engwe claims up to 260 km in the lowest assist mode on flat roads. Real journeys will be shorter with hills, wind and higher assist, but with a battery this size most commuters should only need to charge once or twice a week. It comes ready for daily use with lights, alloy mudguards and a rack, and the 2.4 in tyres should be comfortable on rough roads.

The compromises are real. A mid-drive bike with this much battery is heavy to lift onto a train or up steps. It is made in one size for riders from 175 to 200 cm, which is unusual for a step-through and rules out many shorter riders. Engwe's own pages were not available to us, so check the rack and pannier fit and the weight with the seller before you buy.

If you fit it, it looks like outstanding value.

The Compact Neo solves a problem many city riders have: where to keep an e-bike. Its small 20 in wheels, folding handlebar and folding pedals let it slip into a hallway or lift, and because there is only one frame size with an adjustable handlebar, it suits riders from about 135 cm upwards. That makes it a good choice for couples or families who want to share one bike.

The rear-hub motor is rated at 250 W with 40 Nm of torque, enough for city riding and moderate hills. The 250 Wh battery is hidden in the frame and Cannondale does not publish a range figure. With only 250 Wh it is best suited to shorter daily trips rather than long commutes. Lights, mudguards and a rack are built in.

The small wheels and wide tyres make it agile, but expect the motor to stop helping at the speed limit and the fat Kenda tyres to feel slower on smooth roads. If you have space constraints and ride under about 15 km a day, it is a practical, fun solution.

Some e-bikes feel like scooters with pedals; the Whyte RHe0 3 feels like a good hybrid with a gentle push. At 16.9 kg for a medium (Whyte's figure), it is the lightest bike here and much easier to lift, carry upstairs or ride without assistance. The rear-hub Kynamic motor gives 45 Nm, enough for steady help on hills without overwhelming the bike.

Whyte has thought about daily use. Lights are built in and powered by the main battery, and full alloy mudguards, an alloy rear rack and a kickstand are fitted, and a dropper seatpost lets you lower the saddle at junctions. A 1x9 Shimano Cues drivetrain with an 11-46T cassette gives plenty of range, and 45 mm Maxxis tyres handle rough paths. There is a mid-step frame option for easier mounting.

The catch is the battery. At 250 Wh it is small, and Whyte does not publish a range figure. It is also built into the frame, so you need a socket near where the bike is stored. Whyte sells a 175 Wh bottle-cage range extender for longer rides.

If your commute is under about 25 km each way and you can charge at home or work, it is one of the nicest-riding e-bikes at this price.

The Turbo Vado SL 2 is Specialized's second-generation lightweight city e-bike, and it is a big step up from the original. The new SL 1.2 motor delivers 50 Nm of torque, up from 35 Nm, and the integrated battery grows to 520 Wh. Specialized quotes up to five hours of riding, and an optional 160 Wh bottle-cage extender adds more for long days. UK and EU versions assist up to the legal 25 km/h.

The 5.0 EQ is the well-equipped mid-range version. It has an 11-speed Shimano Cues drivetrain with an 11-50T cassette, Tektro hydraulic brakes, and Specialized's Future Shock suspension at the handlebar, which takes the sting out of potholes without the weight of a suspension fork. 47 mm flat-resistant tyres add comfort, and the EQ package means a powerful Lezyne front light, a brake-activated rear light, alloy mudguards and a 25 kg rack all come fitted.

The compromises: the battery is built into the frame, so you need a socket where you store the bike, and at 20.3 kg for a medium it is no longer the featherweight the SL badge once meant. A step-through version and four sizes from 155 to 193 cm make it easy to fit. If you want a polished, low-fuss premium commuter for longer rides, it is one of the best.

The Tern NBD is designed for people who want an e-bike to be as easy as possible to live with. NBD stands for 'never been done', and its standout feature is a frame with a step-over of just 39 cm, so you can step through rather than swing a leg over. That makes it ideal for older riders, anyone with limited hip or knee mobility, and riders in everyday clothes.

The S5i pairs a Bosch Performance Line mid-drive motor (65 Nm) with a Shimano Nexus five-speed hub gear and a Gates belt drive, a combination that needs very little maintenance and can be shifted while stationary at traffic lights. Magura MT4 hydraulic brakes, 55 mm Schwalbe Big Apple tyres and a suspension seatpost make it smooth and secure, and lights, mudguards and a 27 kg-rated rack are included. Tern rates the whole bike for 140 kg including rider and luggage.

Tern quotes 51 to 118 km of range from the 500 Wh battery, and, as with any battery bike, cold weather and heavy assist will cut into that. It is a substantial bike and not one to carry far. For a reliable, comfortable everyday e-bike that almost anyone can ride, it is our premium pick.