Best electric bikes of 2026: my picks from every bike I've ridden

Every bike on this page is one I rode and filmed myself. I’ve been testing e-bikes since 2015, and I’m about 6’1” and 200 lb, so keep that in mind when I say something fits or climbs well. I didn’t add bikes I haven’t ridden, and every opinion below comes from my own review videos. Where I measured something on camera, I give the time in the video so you can watch it yourself.

The short answer

The times in the “What I saw” column are from my review video for each bike. Prices change often, so tap through to the review for the current listing.

Best overall: Aventon Level 3

When I opened my Level 3 video, I said, “This is my favorite e-bike by far” (0:08). After several weeks, everything about it just fit me. It rode well on gravel, asphalt and concrete, the torque sensor made pedaling feel natural, and it added a live range estimate and 4G location tracking that the Level 2 didn’t have. I also called it an excellent e-bike for beginners (Level 3 video, 8:08).

My only complaints were the hand grips and the kickstand, which both felt cheap on a bike this nice. The bigger problem right now is getting one. When I checked aventon.com on Oct 28, 2026, the Level 3 was listed at $1,699, but every color and size was sold out.

Best for gravel: Aventon Aventure 3 or Aventure M

These two are the bikes I reach for on gravel, and they suit different riders.

The Aventure 3 is the one with a throttle and a hub motor. In my video I said the Level used to be my favorite, but the Aventure 3 “might be my favorite ebike now” because it’s so comfortable on the gravel I ride (Aventure 3 video, 0:39 to 0:57). The fat tires and suspension seatpost make it feel almost like a full-suspension bike, and I got 56 miles on it.

The Aventure M is a mid-drive with Auto assist and an auto-shifter. It shifted down on steep climbs and up on downhills right when I wanted. It has no throttle, but the hill start assist covers most of that. If you’re familiar with mountain biking and you’ve been on the fence, I said “this is probably the one that you want to buy” (Aventure M video, 10:00).

For real trails, the Aventon Ramblas is the one I kept. Its mid-drive pushed me up every hill I pointed it at, and it came with a dropper post and a RockShox fork. Aventon now sells it as the Ramblas ADV, which I haven’t ridden.

Best value commuter: Ride1Up Turris

I called the Turris “a fantastic electric e-bike that offers exceptional value at its price point” (Turris video, 0:29). The 750W motor accelerates well, the hydraulic brakes are reliable, and at 6’1” I found the size perfect for me. The tires and crank arms felt a bit cheap, and my test bike had no rear tail light (Ride1Up now lists one). It’s a Class 3 bike with pedal assist up to 28 mph, so it’s also my pick in the Class 3 commuter guide.

Best for kids or cargo: Aventon Abound LR

If you carry kids, a passenger or a lot of cargo, the Abound LR is the one I’d highly recommend. I’m about 200 lb, I sat on the back, and it felt sturdy. You get a torque sensor, a 750W motor, hydraulic disc brakes, a thumb throttle that works from zero, and a kickstand that keeps the bike steady while you load it. If your kids are smaller, the shorter Abound SR worked well with mine on the back. My passenger seat guide covers the rest.

Best lightweight bike: Velotric T1 ST

If most of your riding is on paved paths and you want something that feels like a regular bike, the T1 ST is the one I’d point you to. It’s only 36 lb, the motor is almost silent even in turbo, and I rode over 100 miles without recharging. The battery only dropped two bars (T1 ST video, 2:22). It has no shocks, the battery isn’t removable, and the seat has no quick release, so it’s not for rough trails.

Best for steep hills: Engwe E26 3.0 Dual Motor

I’d point a heavier rider who wants to climb on throttle alone to the E26 3.0 Dual Motor. On a steep section, the rear motor alone stalled at full throttle. With both motors on, it pulled me up a steep gravel peak without pedaling. It dropped from 10 to 5 mph near the top, but it made it (E26 3.0 video, 12:39 to 13:28). It’s heavy, though: Engwe lists it at 85.9 lb. My hills guide has more on climbing.

If two wheels are hard for you

The Qronge Lava is a three-wheel trike that stands on its own. It wasn’t for me, but I said that if you have a mobility issue and you’re not comfortable on a two-wheeled bike, this one might work for you (Lava video, 6:40). More in my electric trike guide and my picks for seniors.

The newest bike I’ve tested

My newest review is the Segway Xyber Air. I rode it mostly on gravel, up two steep, bumpy climbs. On full throttle in Class 2 it held 12 to 14 mph on the steepest parts, and it was more fun than I expected. It’s throttle-first, with a single speed and a fixed seat, so it’s not great for pedaling. I haven’t done a range test or a long-term test on it yet, so it’s not on my list of picks.

How I chose these

I only picked from bikes I’ve ridden and filmed. For each use, I went with the bike I said the most for in my own videos, and then checked whether you can still buy it. Where my favorite isn’t sold anymore or is sold out, I say so instead of quietly swapping in a bike I haven’t ridden. Prices come from the maker’s US store on the date shown.

FAQ

What is the best electric bike of 2026?

Of everything I’ve ridden, it’s the Aventon Level 3. I called it my favorite e-bike by far. When I checked on Oct 28, 2026, it was sold out on aventon.com at $1,699.

What is the best value e-bike I’ve tested?

The Ride1Up Turris. I called it a fantastic e-bike that offers exceptional value at its price, and Ride1Up listed it at $1,395 on Oct 23, 2026.

Are these bikes you’ve actually ridden?

Yes. Every bike on this page is one I rode and filmed for a review. Bikes I haven’t ridden aren’t on the list.