If you’re not a regular cyclist, the idea of using a bicycle as your main source of transportation can be a daunting one. As well as wondering which are the best electric bikes for commuting, many factors can put someone off cycling from A to B. Will I be fit enough to make it there and back? How much extra time do I need?
An e-bike puts many of these questions to rest. Even the steepest hills are no bother when you’ve got some electric assistance to help. It also speeds up your journey, and if you use the higher power modes means you can get to your destination without breaking a sweat.
Below we’ve highlighted the best electric hybrid bikes, cargo bikes, folding bikes and road/drop bar bikes that are suited for city commutes and everyday rides.
The Best Electric Hybrid Bikes for Commuting
Electric hybrid bikes offer the perfect balance between on-road efficiency and off-road comfort. Opting for a flat bar provides a more upright riding position, and most bikes offer great tyre clearance, allowing for a higher volume tyre that can run lower pressures and absorb bumps on the road better.
Electric hybrid bikes tend to come in either lightweight (lower power) models, or “full-fat” configurations (more power and bigger batteries, but with a weight penalty). To find out more about the differences between the 2, check out this article.
Below, we’ll discuss some of the most popular e-hybrid bike models for your consideration.
Trek FX+ 2 Electric Hybrid Bike
Another lightweight electric bike on the list is the Trek FX+ 2. It was designed to make everyday excursions faster and more fun!
Trek states you can get up to 35 miles per charge without the range extender – so more than enough for most daily trips.
The Trek FX+2 comes with all the features you need for a comfortable, fun commute as well as added safety features like built-in lights.
Key Features:
- 250W/40Nm Hyena Hub Motor
- 250Wh battery (optional range extender compatible)
- Hyena LED display
- 700c wheels & 40c tyres
- 8-Speed Shimano drivetrain
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- Built-in lights
Specialized Turbo Vado SL 2 4.0
The Specialized Turbo Vado SL 2 4.0 is another lightweight e-hybrid bike, built for fast commuting, fitness and everyday exploration.
If you value having a lightweight, nimble electric bike that still offers up to 5 hours of range on a single charge, then you simply can’t pass up the Vado SL 2.
Key Features:
- Specialized SL 1.2 320 Watt Motor
- Weight from 20kg
- MIK Racks and DryTech fenders are equipped as standard
- Turbo System Lock & Apple Find My integration
- Mastermind H3 colour customizable display
- Shimano Cues 10-speed drivetrain
- Tektro hydraulic disc brakes
Giant Explore E+ 4 Double Diamond Electric Hybrid Bike
The Giant Explore E+4 is a versatile, adaptable electric hybrid bike that is at home on the road or on light gravel/dirt.
A full power system provides up to 400% support, meaning you can arrive at your destination feeling fresh and ready for the day ahead.
Key Features:
- 75Nm torque motor system
- 500Wh battery
- Security tech, including E-Lock alarm, Apple Find My
- Safety features including Tyre Checker, Radar alerts & Integrated lights
- 62mm tyre clearance
- Integrated racks and mounts
- Shimano Cues 9-speed groupset
Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 Step Through Electric Bike
The Turbo Vado 4.0 is a “Full-Fat” electric bike, offering “4x You” power that quadruples the force you apply through the pedals.
If you’re less worried about fitness and more concerned by getting to A to B without desperately needing a shower at the other end, then riding this bike in the higher modes will help you achieve your goals. Of course, that’s not to say you can’t get a great workout on this bike too, but it is definitely a bike that will get you to your destination with ease if that’s what you’re looking for.
Key Features:
- Specialized 2.0 Motor with 70Nm torque
- Step-through model for ease of mounting/dismounting
- 710Wh battery
- Mastermind TCD displau with handlebar remote
- Built-in anti-theft features including Apple Find My and Turbo System Lock
- 9-Speed Shimano groupset
- Lezyne LED Head
The Best Electric Cargo Bikes for Commuting
Electric cargo bikes offer a family-friendly car alternative for city living. With various accessories available for most brands, you can configure your bike to suit your needs – be it transporting your shopping home, or taking your kids to school.
Trek Fetch+ 2 Electric Cargo Bike
The Trek Fetch+ 2 is a compact electric cargo bike option for when you need to carry larger loads than a standard bike would allow. This e-cargo bike is the same length as a standard bicycle and can carry up to 80kg in the box, so you could easily transport your shopping home or take the kids along for the ride.
Key Features:
- Same length as a standard bicycle
- Bosch Performance Line Cargo Smart System motor with 85Nm torque
- Bosch PowerTube 500Wh (Range extender compatible, sold separately)
- Bosch BSP3200 smartphone grip controller
- Shimano Deore M4100 10-Speed groupset
- 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes
Tern GSD Gen3 S10 545WH Performance Electric Cargo Bike
The Tern GSD is the ideal family cargo bike, with a max gross vehicle weight of 210kg, meaning you could carry 2 little ones and your weekly shop with ease.
The GSD comes with a huge range of accessory options, meaning you can configure this e-cargo bike to perfectly suit your needs.
Top Features:
- Max gross weight of 210kg
- Rear rack load capacity of 100kg
- Bosch Smart System with Kiox 300
- Fits riders 150-200cm with easy cockpit adjustments
- 545Wh Bosch PowerPack battery with fast swap
- Optional 2x 800Wh max capacity with dual battery bays
- Shimano Deore 10-speed groupset
Specialized Turbo Porto Electric Cargo Bike
The Specialized Turbo Porto is a powerful electric cargo bike that features 90Nm torque and a large 710Wh battery.
Its high power will allow you to ride even the steepest hills to get your kids to school, or your groceries home from the shop.
Key Features:
- 90Nm Specialized 2.2 Cargo Motor
- One size fits all – suitable for riders from 155-195cm (5′ – 6’4″)
- 200kg load capacity
- MasterMind TCD with handlebar remote
- Built-in anti-theft features (Turbo system lock, Apple Find My)
- Gates Carbon Drive CDX gears
The Best Electric Road & Gravel Bikes for Commuting
If your preference is for drop-bar bikes, you’ll be pleased to know there are many electric road and gravel bikes available to give you some extra assistance when you need it. The nature of electric bikes means there will be a weight penalty vs a standard road/gravel bike due to the addition of the electric components. However, modern drop-bar electric bikes are getting lighter and more streamlined in appearance. On first look you wouldn’t even notice that some of them are electric bikes!
Scott Fastlane 20 Electric Road Bike
The Scott Fastlane 20 is fast, light and ultra-discreet. Weighing in at 11.1kg this e-road bike will carry you up even the hardest climbs with ease, no matter how knackered your legs are.
The hypersmooth delivery of power from the TQ HPR40 motor engages and disengages with minimal drag, allowing for the most natural feeling ride.
Top Features:
- TQ HPR40 motor system (40Nm torque)
- Light 290Wh battery
- 11.1kg weight
- Shimano 105 Di2 2×12 electronic groupset
- Shimano hydraulic disc brakes
- Minimal aesthetic
Cube Nuroad Hybrid C:62 Race 400X Electric Gravel Bike
If you’re looking for a light and adaptible bosch-powered electric gravel bike, the Cube Nuroad Hybrid C:62 should be high on your list.
This bike comes equipped with a 400Wh battery, which is plenty of juice for most rides, but if you do want that extra range, you can add a PowerMore range extender for another 250Wh.
Key Features:
- Bosch Performance SX smart system (60Nm torque)
- Bosch CompactTube 400Wh battery
- Lightweight carbon frame
- Shimano GRX 1×12 gears
- Grippy 700x45c tyres
- Bosch PowerMore range extender compatible
Trek Domane+ ALR 5 Electric Road Bike
A lightweight TQ HPR60 motor in Trek’s classic endurance chassis, the Domane+ ALR 5 will give you that extra support for long rides and big climbs.
Add a range extender battery and go even further with an extra 250Wh of range.
Key Features:
- TQ HPR60 motor system (60Nm torque)
- 360Wh battery
- Range extender compatible for an extra 250Wh
- SRAM Apex 12-speed drivetrain
- Hidden mudguard mounts, rack mounts and integrated frame bag mounts
- 700x32c tyres
Scott Solace Gravel 30 Electric Gravel Bike
Equipped with the new TQ HPR60 motor system, the Scott Solace Gravel 30 will power up your adventures and allow you to ride further than ever.
The Solace Gravel is a lightweight, agile and versatile bike that will power up your gravel rides.
Key Features:
- TQHPR60 motor system (60Nm torque)
- SRAM Apex XPLR 12-speed groupset for precise wireless shifting
- Weighs in at 14.3kg
- 700x50c Schwalbe tyres for max traction and comfort
- Lightweight carbon frame
- Syncros integrated rear light
The Best Electric Folding Bikes for Commuting
An electric folding bike is perfect for the rider who is tight on space at work/at home and doesn’t want to leave their bike outside, vulnerable to theft and the elements. You can also take an electric folding bike on all forms of public transport, as they fold down to the size of a small suitcase. So if you don’t have time to ride your entire journey, you can split it up and make use of a train/bus/tube and use the electric folding bike on your preferred sections.
Brompton Electric G-Line with Roller Frame 4-Speed Folding Bike
The Brompton Electric G-Line is designed to gowhere others can’t, and offers the ride feel of a full-sized bike in a folding package.
Larger 20″ wheels allow this bike to perform on a wide range of surfaces, and leave you feeling comfortable in all conditions.
Key Features:
- Brompton rear hub motor
- 345wh battery with LED display
- 20-45 miles range, depending on terrain and rider weight
- 4-speed Brompton gearset
- Schwalbe G-One Allround 20″ tyres
- Tekro hydraulic disc brakes
Brompton Electric C-Line 4-Speed Folding Bike
The C-Line is Brompton’s original folding bike, available as an electric option using their e-Motiq smart electric system.
Handmade in London, all Brompton bikes are crafted by world-class engineers who fit all the technology and power you could need into a small, light and portable package.
Key Features:
- Brompton e-Motiq rear hub 250W motor
- Brompton bag battery – 345Wh
- Max range 90km (dependant on terrain and rider weight)
- Brompton 4-speed gears
- Mid or high handlebar options available
FAQ’s About Electric Bikes for Commuting
How long does an electric bike battery last?
How long an e-bike battery will last in terms of range/ride duration depends on a few factors. First and foremost, the size of the battery will dictate the time at which it can operate before running out. A battery with a lower Wh number is going to last less time than one with a higher number. But in a real-world situation, rider weight will also impact range – a lighter rider puts less strain on the system than a heavier rider. Terrain will also have an effect, as a hilly route where you put in more power is going to drain the battery faster. It’s not necessarily the distance you travel that will empty the tank; the elevation profile of your ride will have a big impact too.
Which electric bike has the longest range?
As with the above question, it varies depending on size of battery, terrain and rider weight. A lightweight hybrid electric bike may have a smaller battery, but be lighter overall than a full power bike, therefore balancing out some of the range issues that could entail.
Do you need to pedal an electric bike?
Yes, you do need to pedal an electric bike. A legal e-bike must be pedal-assisted, rather than relying on a throttle or similar for forward motion.
How fast does an electric bike go?
All legally compliant e-bikes in the UK have their assistance capped at 15.5mph. Beyond this, the motor will cut out, and you’ll be reliant on leg power to maintain or increase your speed. This speed limit, and the fact that the bike is pedal-assisted, mean they fall under the same categorisation as a standard bicycle, allowing users to ride freely without a licence, tax or insurance.
Are electric bikes good for fitness?
In short, absolutely. The beauty of an electric bike is that you can use as much or as little assistance as you need. If you’re in a hurry and you need to arrive at your destination unfrazzled, then the max power options will help you do that. If you want a bit of a workout, but also want the reassurance that you’ve got some support if you run out of steam, then you can start out in a lower mode.
Are electric bikes waterproof?
Electric bikes are usually water-resistant, meaning they can handle rain and splashes, but should not be submerged in deep water. Very few would actually be categorised as waterproof. However, we’d recommend always checking the manufacturer specifications for your chosen bike to double check it’s IP (Ingress Protection) rating. When cleaning your electric bike, avoid using high-pressure jet washers as these can push water into your bearings and sealed areas of your bike. Try to avoid letting moisture get into the battery area, as this can cause corrosion and other issues.
Will my electric bike get stolen?
Electric bikes are desirable items, and while we hope that your bike would never get stolen, we’d always recommend using a gold or diamond sold secure lock and insuring your bike with a reputable insurer like Sundays.
So, What Are the Best Electric bikes for Commuting?
Above are some great electric options for getting from A to B. Which one floats your boat? Ultimately, the best electric bike for commuting is the one that best serves your individual needs. If you need to transport young children to school, then a cargo bike is a no-brainer. If you’re limited on space, go for a folding electric bike.
If you like the look of our suggestions but would like to check out some more options, then click the button below to see our full range of electric bikes.
If you’d like to learn a bit more about electric bikes and which options might be right for you, check out our E-Bike Buying Guide , pop into one of our 12 stores, or contact our support team for further advice.
