Electric bicycle reviews

Ride On test 18 electric bike options ranging in price from $950 to $3050.

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01 .Introduction

Thanks to RideOn magazine for allowing us to re-produce their results of 18 electric bikes, priced from $950 to $3050.

There are many reasons you may prefer an electric bicycle to a purely pedal-powered model:

You don’t want to cycle as hard as your workplace doesn’t have shower facilities.
You’re recovering from an injury.
You want to be able to take off more easily from an intersection.
You want to keep up with other cyclists.
You live in a hilly area.

Electric bikes work by assisting your pedal movement as you’re riding – they cut in when your speed drops below a certain level. You won’t get pedal assist beyond about 27km/h. Some have a throttle, so you don’t have to pedal at all, and some have both throttle and pedal assist.

On this page:

Brands and models tested
How Ride On tests

For more information about Bikes and cycling, see Bikes.

Costs and limitations

They’re expensive, ranging from $950 for a conversion kit for your existing bike to more than $3000 for a ready-made cycle with all the trimmings such as lights, racks and panniers. They generally come with guards for wheels and the chain, making bike commuting a cleaner prospect.

However, there are limitations. Whether you use a conversion kit to turn your current bike into an electric version or buy one ready-made, it means more weight – up to 27kg for a ready-made bicycle. Also, they only get you so far before needing a recharge. One claims a limit of 30km, while another claims up to a more impressive 100km before needing a recharge. Most give a broad claim because it depends on a number of variables such as whether you use the throttle and the topography of the area. Typical recharge time is two-six hours for those that list them.

How do they run?

All the bikes on test have lithium-ion battery packs with 8Ah-14Ah capacity, and voltage from 24V-37V. All are limited to 200W – you need a licence for anything more powerful. You can expect the batteries to last for about 500 charges, and replacements cost between $650 and $950. If you charge only partially, this does not count as a full recharge but a fraction of a full charge. Check the manual for proper battery charge maintenance.

While these bikes are gaining traction in the cycle market, there are some height limitations. Taller riders may find their choices limited.

Brands and Models tested

Apollo Eon
EnviroWheels Forest C
eZee Sprint
eZee Torq
Gazelle Orange Pure Innergy
Gette Sportif
Hirun Tango
Niubike super light
Power Ped EVO3
Power Ped Mantis Li Delux
Power Ped Sherpa
Solarbike conversion
The Electric Bicycle Co Challenger
The Electric Bicycle Co Commander
The Electric Bicycle Co Hurricane
Tonaro Chianti
Wisper 705se
Wisper 805fe

How RideOn Tests

RideOn test using a strict series of criteria, all of which are weighted equally for their overall score.

Functionality: how well the product does what it’s supposed to do, including ease of setup, operation, usability and maintenance.
Materials: what the product is made of and how long it will last.
Construction: how the product is put together and the longevity of construction.
Appearance: how the product looks.
Value for money: is the product worth the price?

02.What to buy

3 CHOICE buys

Gazelle Orange Pure Innergy

Scored 99/100 | $269999%

Good points:

• Easy to jump on and ride in normal clothes, with chainguard, skirtguard, comfy hand grips.
• English tyre tube valves and portable pump provided .
• Rack takes panniers.
• Rideable without power assist.
• Surprisingly silent.
• Intelligent design, feels like you have a fairy godmother kicking in to give you a hand when you need it.
• ABS assisted front cantilever and back belt brake makes progressive and effective braking.
• Gusset support for downtube – seat tube junction.
• Great gear range. Never ran out of gears.

Bad points:

• Some people will feel motor could give more assistance, especially compared to other e-bikes.
• Very challenging to fix a flat tyre.
• Proprietary battery, controller and software .

EnviroWheels Forest C

Scored 93/100 | $269593%

Good points:

• Front suspension.
• Dashboard offers bewildering array of options with few buttons to navigate but the six levels of power assist are easy to shift between, which is a big plus for this bike.
• Two separate keys for lock and battery release.
• Hydraulic lockout for suspension forks.

Bad points:

• Rack doesn't take clip on panniers.
• Slightly twitchy steering from very upright head tube.

eZee Torq

Scored 91/100 | $305091%

Good points:

• Diamond frame.
• Alfine 8-speed hub gears.
• Alfine hydraulic disc brakes.

Bad points:

• Power assist controller and battery indicator are clunky.

03.Compare results

Instructions

Comparison table list

By default ALL tested products are listed. You can select up to five items to view in a side by side comparison.
Additional columns can be viewed by using the Next/Previous buttons.

Using the filters

Use the filters to show only products that meet your specific requirements or which have the specific features you're interested in. Selecting filters automatically updates the Comparison table list.
The number shown in brackets represents the number of products that will be shown if you select that filter.
You can view additional filters by selecting the Show more filters button.

Compare products

Table Allowing the user to select a number of products dependant on their filter options.
Items to compare	First Previous Last Next Showing columns 1 - 9 of 33
Select up to 5 items below. Then click the compare button Compare	Price ($)	Overall score	Function	Materials and components	Construction	Appearance	Value for money	Style	Pedal assist / Throttle	Point of difference	Position	Adjustability	Ride	Battery	Charge time (hrs)	Claimed max range at low assistance (km)	Colour	Fork	Frame	Sizes	Motor	Shifters	Gears	Front brake	Rear brake	Crankset	Cassette	Tyres	Weight (kg)	Accessories included	Contact	Good points	Bad points	Brand

Gazelle Orange Pure Innergy	2699	99	95	100	100	100	100	City bike	Pedal assist, no throttle	High-end quality	Bolt upright	Seat post, stem	Subtle and effective power assist, wide turning circle	10Ah 36v	3.5	80	ns	Aluminium	Aluminium	48	ns	Shimano twist grip for 7-speed	Shimano Nexus 7-speed hub gear	Shimano side-pull cantilever	Shimano rollerbrake	ns	ns	Schwalbe City Lite	ns	Chainguard, skirtguard, mudguards, lights, kickstand, suspension seatpost, rack with bungy strap, bell, rear-wheel ring lock, rack-mounted pump	gazellebicycles.com.au	• Easy to jump on and ride in normal clothes, with chainguard, skirtguard, comfy hand grips. • English tyre tube valves and portable pump provided . • Rack takes panniers. • Rideable without power assist. • Surprisingly silent. • Intelligent design, feels like you have a fairy godmother kicking in to give you a hand when you need it. • ABS assisted front cantilever and back belt brake makes progressive and effective braking. • Gusset support for downtube – seat tube junction. • Great gear range. Never ran out of gears.	• Some people will feel motor could give more assistance, especially compared to other e-bikes. • Very challenging to fix a flat tyre. • Proprietary battery, controller and software .	Gazelle
EnviroWheels Forest C	2695	93	95	90	90	100	90	City bike	Pedal assist, no throttle	Gazelle alternative	Upright, but a little forward of bolt upright. Longer reach than Gazelle	Quick release seat post clamp, stem via quick release	Upright but powerful assistance	11Ah 36v	2.5	70	White, black or blue	Decent quality suspension	Aluminium	45, 49, 53 and 57cm and other sizes can be custom made	200w	Shimano Nexus 8 twist-shift	Shimano Nexus 8 speed hub internal	Tehtro side pull cantilever with dampening	Hand lever operated roller brake	48 tooth	18 tooth	Schwalbe Marathon Plus 26x175	26.4	Mudguards, bungy straps on a luggage rack, rear wheel ring lock, good kickstand, chainglider chain guard, skirtguard, mudguards, battery lights, tool kit.	envirowheels.com.au	• Front suspension. • Dashboard offers bewildering array of options with few buttons to navigate but the six levels of power assist are easy to shift between, which is a big plus for this bike. • Two separate keys for lock and battery release. • Hydraulic lockout for suspension forks.	• Rack doesn't take clip on panniers. • Slightly twitchy steering from very upright head tube.	EnviroWheels
eZee Torq	3050	91	95	95	95	75	95	Diamond frame	Pedal assist and/or throttle	Diamond frame	MTB but a bit more upright	Stem and seat post		10Ah 37v	3	80	Silver and black	suspension with adjustable dampening (eZee custom?)	6061 Aluminium	19 inch	200w eZee made	Alfine rapid fire	Alfine 8-speed hub gears	Alfine hydraulic disc levers	Alfine hydraulic disc	48 tooth	ns	Schwalbe Marathon Plus 45mm	27	Mudguards, rack with bungee, wheel lock, lights run by bike battery, including 700 lumen front light, double-leg kickstand, bidon cage, Cateye computer	ezeebike.com	• Diamond frame. • Alfine 8-speed hub gears. • Alfine hydraulic disc brakes.	• Power assist controller and battery indicator are clunky.	eZee
Wisper 705se	1870	88	80	85	85	90	100	City bike	Pedal assist and/or throttle	Budget option	Upright	Seat post and stem	city-bike style	8 or 14Ah 36v	ns	90	Grey	RST suspension with lockout	Aluminium	ns	200w	Shimano SIS thumb lever and button 7-speed		Tektro mechanical disc	Tektro side pull cantilever rear	48 tooth	Shimano with Megarange 31 tooth	Kenda 26" x 1.75" puncture resistant with reflector strip, nylon tape and slime	25	Mudguards, skirt guard, chain guard, rear derailleur guard, basic kick stand	wisperbikes.com	• Good low power assist, strong medium power assist and very strong power for uphill pinches. • Cheaper. • Can be powered with throttle twist grip alone. • Gusset between down tube and seat tube and between down tube and head tube for strength for less weight.	• Have to remove seat to remove battery. • Single box below handlebars contains wires.	Wisper
eZee Sprint	2400	87	90	95	95	80	75	City bike	Pedal assist and/or throttle	Gazelle alternative	Upright	Seat post and stem		10Ah 37v	3	80	Black	suspension with pre-load	6061 Aluminium	17 inch step through, 20 inch diamond frame	200w brushless	Shimano Nexus thumb button and lever shifter	Shimano Nexus 8-speed hub gear	Shimano mechanical disc front with big rotor and dampener	Shimano roller brake rear	ns	ns	Schwalbe Marathon Plus 45mm	23	Mudguards, rack with spring clip, lights with front powered by bike battery, double-leg stand, ring lock, cateye computer	ezeebike.com	• Variable power assist level with throttle boost. • Higher spec and well put together. • eZee make a lot of their own parts. • Gusset between down tube and seat tube for strength for less weight, protector for motor cable junction (though different motor would avoid this vulnerability). • Battery is quite light.	• Aesthetics let the bike down: power assist controller and battery indicator are clunky, the junction of the seat stays and seat tube is ugly. • Motor couldn't push up steepish hill in high gear.	eZee
Power Ped Mantis Li Delux	2495	85	90	85	90	80	80	City bike	Pedal assist and/or throttle	14Ah battery	Upright, short cockpit	Stem and seatpost, seatpost is long enough for a tall person but can also be dropped low for a short person to have feet flat on the ground	Meandering, power assist is not strong	14Ah 37v	ns	80	Red or silver	RST adjustable suspension	Aluminium	One size only, which is a short cockpit providing an upright position. However, the seatpost is long enough for a tall person but can also be dropped low for a short person to have feet flat on the ground.	200w	Shimano revoshift handlebar twist shifter 7-speed	Shimano Tourney 7-speed	Tektro mechanical disc	Tektro mechanical disc	ns	ns	Kenda Premium Heavy Duty Road Tyres Slimed Tubes	24	Slime filled tubes for puncture resistance, pannier rack, rack mounted pump, cable lock, safety vest and tool set included	evehicle.com.au	• Throttle and power assist. • Internally routed cabling. • Twist shift and twist throttle under hands on grips on both sides. • Mechanical disc brakes.	• Have to remove seat to remove battery for charging.	Power Ped
The Electric Bicycle Co Commander	1799	84	85	85	90	70	90	Mountain bike	Pedal assist and/or throttle	Budget option	MTB	Seat post and stem	Powerful assistance	10Ah 36v	ns	40	White and blue	suspension	Aluminium	One size	200w brushless	Shimano SIS thumb lever and button 7-speed	Shimano Tourney	Shimano side-pull cantilever with power modulator	Shimano side-pull cantilever	With power assist option	Shimano 7-speed	Kenda K 924 Tyres Slimed Thornproof Tubes	25	Mudguards, rack	electricbicycle.com.au	• Throttle and/or power assist. • Rack takes panniers and long seat and chain stays provide plenty of room. • Good double leg stand. • Relaxed head angle.	• Nothing mentioned.	The Electric Bicycle Co
The Electric Bicycle Co Challenger	1799	84	85	85	90	70	90	City bike	Pedal assist and/or throttle	Budget option	Less upright than others of it's type	Seat post and stem		10Ah 36v	ns	40	White and blue	suspension	Aluminium step through	One size	200w brushless	Shimano SIS thumb lever and button 7-speed	Shimano Tourney	Shimano side-pull cantilever with power modulator	Shimano side-pull cantilever	with power assist option	Shimano 7-speed	Kenda K 924 Tyres Slimed Thornproof Tubes	25	Mudguards, rack	electricbicycle.com.au	• Throttle and/or power assist. • Rack takes panniers and long seat and chain stays provide plenty of room. • Good double leg stand. • Relaxed head angle.	• Nothing mentioned.	The Electric Bicycle Co
Niubike super light e-bike	2795	82	85	85	80	80	80	Road bike	Pedal assist, no throttle	Road bike kit	Road bike	Seat post and stem	Assistance is strong	9Ah 36v	5	100	White	ns	ns	ns	350w limited by controller	ns	ns	ns	ns	ns	ns	ns	15	ns	niubike.com.au	• Fitted to your own road bike or road bike of your choice. Flat bar also available. • Dashboard and assistance level controller is subtle. • Battery fits in bidon cage.	• Setting power level creates another thing to distract. • Extra wires to be taped to the frame.	Niubike
Apollo Eon	1499	82	75	75	80	90	90	City bike	Pedal assist, no throttle	Budget option	Upright	Stem and seat post; seat can't be raised enough for a 180cm rider	Good help off the mark but not too suddenly strong. Despite upright head tube the steering is stable and comfortable. The bike goes well without pedal assist.	11Ah 24v	9	30	Gloss deep red	Zoom suspension without lockout	6061 aluminium step-through	Medium	200w rear-hub positioned with axle cable exit; assistance cuts in at 4km/h and out at 23km/h	Shimano SIS thumb lever and button 6-speed	Shimano Tourney	Side-pull cantilever	Side-pull cantilever	Single 48 tooth chainring with guards both sides	Shimano MF-TZ20 6-speed	Kenda semi-slick 26 x 1.75	23	Mudguards, strong kickstand, rack that doesn't take panniers	apollobikes.com	• Two levels of power assist that you cycle through with button.	• Assistance comes in quickly and unwelcomely when moving at slow speed. • Charger doesn't have a fan. • Battery rattles in its rack mount. • Suspension forks don't have lockout and depress quite easily, which is nice for bumps but robs power from your pedalling. • Frame allows for very short people to lower seat so they can place feet flat on the ground but it can't be raised enough for an average height person to pedal properly.	Apollo
Hirun Tango	2595	78	85	85	80	70	70	Mountain bike	Pedal assist and throttle	Torque pedal assist	MTB	ns	MTB-hybrid	9Ah 36v	5	40	Black	Aluminium	Aluminium	ns	200w	Shimano rapid fire 7-speed	Shimano 7-speed	mechanical disc	Side-pull cantilever	ns	Shimano 7-speed	26 inch	25	ns	niubike.com.au	• Torque sensor for power assist means that the more pressure you have to apply to the pedals - that is when it's getting hard, such as up a hill - the more assistance is provided. • Pedal assist and throttle.	• Nothing mentioned.	Hirun
Gette Sportif	2150	77	90	70	65	80	80	Dual-sus mountain bike	Pedal assist and throttle	Chain drive	MTB	Seat post, stem	Like a mountain bike	10Ah 36v	ns	50	Matte black	Zoom suspension with pre-load spring tension adjustment	Aluminium with rear wheel suspension which is spring tension adjustable	May not fit many women	Chainwheel powering	SRAM grip shift for 8 speed	ns	Mechanical disc with Wuxing levers	Mechanical disc	Mechanical disc	ns	26x2.0 slick	25.5	Decent kickstand	gettebikes.com	• Throttle in addition to power assist. • Three levels of power assist.	• Ordinary battery powered lights. • Front mudguards. • Lesser quality cut out switches. • Have to scroll through level of assist, so can't go from medium to low. • Battery housing looks cheap and doesn't dock perfectly. • Feels like a dual suspension MTB and you want to take on the technical singletrack.	Gette
Wisper 805fe	2150	73	50	85	80	80	70	Folder	Pedal assist, no throttle	Folder	Upright (standard folder)	Seat post quick release, stem mast quick release	Like a folder but with quite powerful assistance	9Ah 36v	ns	50	Gloss black	Solid	Aluminium	ns	200w	Microshift rapifire-style levers	Sram 16	Tektro side pull cantilevers	Tektro side pull cantilevers	Two chain rings with derail guards on outside of large chainring and inside of small chainring. Difference between sizes of the chain rings is significant.	Cassette	Kenda e-bike	22	ns	wisperbikes.com	• High powered. • Only need small chainring if you run out of battery. • Only fold it if you have to.	• Fold is still bulky and awkward. • Rack doesn't take clip on panniers.	Wisper
Tonaro Chianti	2650	72	70	75	65	80	70	City bike	Pedal assist	Chain drive	Upright	Seat post, stem	Upright with assistance	10Ah 36v	ns	50	White	suspension fork with pre-load	Aluminium	ns	Chainwheel powering	Shimano Nexus 8-speed twist shift	Shimano Nexus 8-speed	Tektro side-pull cantilever	Roller operated by handlebar lever	ns	ns	ns	ns	Mudguards, battery lights, bungee straps on a luggage rack, ordinary kickstand	gpi.com.au	• Chain drive - women's version of the Gette Sportif. • Different operation - set gear as speed.	• Rack doesn't take clip on panniers. • Ordinary kickstand.	Tonaro
Power Ped Sherpa	2195	70	50	80	80	70	70	Folder	Pedal assist and/or throttle	Folder	Upright	Seat post only	Fast, lots of torque throiugh the small wheels	10Ah 36v	ns	ns	Silver	Zoom suspension	Aluminium	ns	Axle cable exit	Revoshift twist shift	Shimano Tourney 6-speed rear deraileur	Artek Front side-pull cantilever	Artek Roller brake rear	ns	ns	20 x 2.125	21	Mudguards, rack with clip and rear battery light	evehicle.com.au	• Fast, lots of torque through the small wheels.	• Simply bulky. • Awkward.	Power Ped
Solarbike conversion kit	950	81	80	75	80	80	90	Retrofit kit	Throttle only	Kit	na	na	na	10Ah 36v	ns	50	na	na	na	na	na	na	na	na	na	na	na	20, 26, 700	na	na	solarbike.com.au	• Disc brake or non-disc. • Strong custom torque bar.	• Throttle only. • Fit it yourself . • 200w 25-50km (pedal assist gives better range than this).	Solarbike
The Electric Bicycle Co Hurricane kit	1199	73	70	75	80	60	80	Retrofit kit	Throttle only	Kit	na	na	na	10Ah 36v	ns	ns	na	na	na	na	na	na	na	na	na	na	na	20, 24, 26, 700	na	na	electricbicycle.com.au	• Choose thumb throttle or twist grip.	• Throttle only.	The Electric Bicycle Co
Power Ped EVO3 kit	1595	64	70	70	80	40	60	Retrofit kit	Throttle only	Kit	na	na	na	10 or 14Ah 36v	ns	50	na	na	na	na	na	na	na	na	na	na	na	20, 24, 26, 700	na	na	evehicle.com.au	• Thumb throttle and on button box can be mounted on either side of the handlebars.	• Throttle only. • Fit to rack on your own bike. • On button is boxy and sticks up - it's a bit ugly. • Thumb throttle creates a confusion of levers with rapid fire shifters.	Power Ped
Compare	First Previous Last Next Showing columns 1 - 9 of 33

How RideOn Tests

Ride On test using a strict series of criteria, all of which are weighted equally for their overall score.

Functionality: how well the product does what it’s supposed to do, including ease of setup, operation, usability and maintenance. Materials: what the product is made of and how long it will last. Construction: how the product is put together and the longevity of construction. Appearance: how the product looks. Value for money: is the product worth the price?

Using the table

Scores The overall score consists of function, materials and components, construction, appearance and value for money, all equally weighted. Price Recommended retail, as of December 2011.

Table Notes: na Not applicable. ns Not stated.

For further information, see the December 2011 issue of Ride On magazine, or visit rideonmagazine.com.au.

04.What to look for

Accessories such as racks with panniers, lights, mudguards and chain guards, locks and pumps are all convenient to have on board when using any bicycle, although they all add weight.

A throttle is useful if you’re unable to pedal, quite tired from pedalling or taking off from a standing start. However, this drains the battery faster than just pedal-assist. A combination of throttle capability and pedal assist may be best.

Front hub motor means easier maintenance if you need to remove the wheel for a puncture. Rear hub motors can be quite complex for maintenance.

Puncture-resistant tyres will lessen the potential for repairing the tyres, which is useful if you have a rear hub motor.

Higher watt motor means more torque or take-off potential from a standing start. All will be set to 200W for legal reasons, but a 350W limited to 200W will give greater torque than a 200W motor.

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