Best of Things, Commuter-Bikes - August 26, 2020

The 8 Best Commuter E-Bikes in 2020

Maybe you want to decrease your carbon footprint, or perhaps you just want to go further on your bike then your body will allow. Whatever the reason, you’re ready to invest in an electric commuter bike, and you want the best one you can buy.

Which electric commuter bike to buy?

You’re on the right page.

We’ll take you through the process of buying an electric commuter bike by going through the various features you should consider before making a purchase.

It can be time consuming to scout for commuter bikes with all the different brands and models out there. So, we’ve listed on this page some of our favorites.

Here are 8 of the best electric bikes among commuters.

Bike Model	Motor	Class	Battery
Trek Allant+ 7	Bosch Performance CX	1	500 Wh
Electra Townie GO! 8i	Bosch Active Line	1	400 Wh
Ghost Hybride Square Trekking 5.8 Electric Bike	Bosch Performance CX	1	500 Wh
Batch Bicycles E-Commuter	Bosch Active Line	1	400 Wh
Cannondale Canvas Neo 1	Bosch Performance CX	1	500 Wh
Surly Big Easy Cargo Bike	Bosch Performance CX	1	500 Wh
Stromer ST1 X Sport Electric Bike	Stromer CYRO Drive	3	618 Wh
Benno Remidemi	Bosch Performance Line	1	400 Wh

1. Trek Allant+ 7

One of the Sleekest Looking Commuter E-Bikes

Trek’s top commuter bike offering is an impressive one and shows that Trek always seems to get it right when adding the right features to a bike.

And one of the things it gets right is the Bosch Performance CX Line that powers the Allant. The Bosch motor produces 250W of power with 75Nm of torque, but it’s also very quiet.

Trek also understands that if you’re going to be putting a motor behind you’re pedaling, you’re going to need a suspension and brakes to go with it. A front fork with 50mm of travel smooths out rough roads.

The Trek Allant+, with a battery and motor that are seamlessly integrated into the frame, is also one of the sleeker-looking e-commuters you can buy.

2. Electra Townie GO! 8i

The Best Selling E-Bike Just Got Funner

For those who love their Townie cruisers but wish they could go further on them, there’s the Townie Go!

This value-priced e-bike adds a powerful Bosch Active Line motor to the Townie frame with a 400 Wh battery pack. An integrated bike computer allows you to monitor the battery as well as basic metrics like speed and distance.

Along with that additional power, you get the features you’re used to from this famed bike. This includes Electra’s legendary Flat Foot Technology, which combines an upright position in the saddle with the ability to put your feet flat on the ground without having to dismount from the seat.

Other features on the Electra Townie Go! include a step-through frame, a rear bike rack, and front and rear lights.

3. Ghost Hybride Square Trekking 5.8

A Budget Electric Commuter that Appeals to Many

Ghost offers some exceptional performance in an e-commuter bike for a price that’s lower than many similarly equipped e-bikes.

Let’s begin with the motor, which is the impressive Bosch Performance CX, which is powered by a 500 Wh battery. The Ghost Hybride features three assist levels with a range between 20 and 63 miles.

Although the frame may not be as streamlined as other more expensive e-bikes on this list (the battery pack isn’t integrated into the downtube), it does offer some nice features, including a front fork with 63mm of travel, front and rear lights, a rear mount rack, and a step-through frame.

The Shimano XT drivetrain, with its 11 gears, provides plenty of gears for the human-powered part of the Ghost Hybride Square.

4. Batch Bicycles E-Commuter

Impressive Features at Affordable Price Points

If you don’t mind lines that aren’t quite as clean as higher-priced e-bikes, Batch Bicycles e-commuter is one heck of a deal at a fraction of the cost of other commuter e-bikes.

The battery is a quiet Bosch 250W Active Line Gen 3 motor, which provides pedal assistance up to 20 mph. At 400 Wh, the battery may not be quite as powerful as the 500 Wh in other models, but it will still give you 80 miles in eco mode and close to 30 miles in its highest assist mode.

Brakes are the very capable Tektro hydraulic disc and the drivetrain is Shimano’s entry-level Altus group. The Kenda Kwick tires, with K-Shield protection to prevent flats, are also a nice add-on on this electric commuter.

Other nice features include fenders, a rear rack, and mounts on the fork for a front rack.

5. Cannondale Canvas Neo 1

Stylish and Rugged, Ready for the Urban Jungle

With its sleek black design, black matte coloring, and imposing size, the Cannondale Canvas Neo 1 is one classy and some might say imposing e-bike, especially as commuter bikes go.

Its features are impressive too, which include the most powerful Bosch motor and big 29” wheels with oversized tires. One of the most impressive features of this bike is the ability to use two batteries in tandem, doubling the battery life to a whopping 1 KWh capacity, which, as you might imagine, gives it an impressive range of 90km per battery.

The Cannondale Canvas Neo is also well-equipped with a Shimano Deore 10-speed drivetrain and Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes. Other features include fenders, front and rear lights, and a hidden kickstand mount.

6. Surly Big Easy Cargo Bike

Hauling Heavy Cargo Just Got Easier with the Surly Big Easy

Don’t be surprised if you get a lot of double-takes while riding Surly’s Big Easy down the road.

The bike’s incredibly long wheelbase makes this one of the longest e-bikes you can ride. That’s because the Surly Big Easy is designed as a cargo bike.

In fact, Surly refers to it as the 18-wheeler of the cargo bike world. The Big Easy is equipped with a powerful Bosch Performance CX motor and is capable of running two batteries for more range.

The rear features two extra-large panniers and enough room for a child or two. And, if that isn’t enough, the bike is compatible with Surly’s trailers. Despite its length, Surly insists that the bike handles similarly to a normal length e-bike.

7. Stromer ST1 X

A Smart Electric Commuter Bike that Brings Commuting to the Next Level

Swiss company Stromer has already gained a reputation for making exceptional e-bikes. The only problem is those e-bikes are also exceptionally expensive.

Because it’s a more affordable version of the Stromer e-bikes, the ST1 is getting a lot of attention. The performance of all Stromers is exceptional, and the ST1 is no exception.

A powerful Stromer CYRO Drive gives it a max assist speed of 28 mph while an impressive 618 Wh battery boasts a range of up to 75 miles.

The Stromer’s looks are classic, with wrap-around fenders and understated clean lines. A bike computer display is cleverly set into the frame while the battery is integrated into the downtube.

8. Benno Remidemi

Designed to Haul Anything You Can Imagine Of

The Benno Remidemi is a good example of a utilitarian bike. Every part of it is designed to serve a purpose, and that purpose is hauling cargo.

The frame features an extended rear end to offer plenty of space for a box, basket, panniers, or whatever else you might want to attach to it. Seeking to maximize cargo, mounting points on the head tube allow for the attachment of an additional basket or rack.

Understanding that a bike designed to haul stuff needs to be strong, stable, and easy to mount, the Remidemi has a very low step-through, a steel frame, and an upright geometry.

Extra-wide bike tires add plenty of cushioning for rider and cargo while fenders keep road grime at bay.

Things to Know Before Buying Commuter E-Bikes

There’s a lot to know before buying an e-bike.

It’s essential to understand not only how the batteries and motor works, but also where it’s even legal to ride one.

We’ll cover these topics as well as what to expect with frame sizing, features, and price range, so you can make the most informed decision before you buy.

Most E-Bikes are Class 1

Because e-bikes have motors, they are defined by classes.

It’s important to understand these classes because they determine how fast a bike can go and where you are authorized to ride one. The majority of e-bikes fall under Class 1, which means they provide pedal assistance up to 20 mph (15 mph in Europe).

Once you hit 20 mph on a Class 1 e-bike, generating additional speed is up to your legs and/or gravity. The one exception on this list is the Swiss-made Stromer, which will assist you in reaching speeds up to 28 mph, making it a Class 3 bike.

Class 1 e-bikes are treated as bicycles throughout most of the country although there are a few states that treat them as mopeds. It’s important to check your state’s laws before making a purchase.

Powered by Bosch Motors

When it comes to e-bikes, Bosch is the clear market leader.

The majority of the manufacturers on this list, with the exception of Stromer, use Bosch motors to power their bikes.

Bosch’s e-bike motors come in five different models.

Active Line with a maximum torque of up to 40 Nm
Active Line Plus with a maximum torque of up to 50 Nm
Performance Line is the most versatile and produces up to 65 Nm torque
Performance CX is compact and powerful with torque up to 85 Nm
Cargo Line produces a torque of up to 85 Nm

While all have max speeds of 20 mph, keeping them within Class 1 regulations, other attributes differ in how much torque they produce. While this may not affect top speed, it certainly affects how quickly you can get to that top speed.

Batteries Capacity from 400 to 500 Wh

Batteries are crucial to the performance of an e-bike as they determine just how far you can go before the motor runs out of juice.

Although there are a variety of battery types available for e-bikes, lithium-ion is by far the best suited for e-bikes.

Lithium-ion batteries are lightweight, powerful and can be easily shaped, allowing for easier integration in frame tubes.

Batteries generally range in capacity from 400 Wh to 500 Wh.

However, some e-bikes offer batteries that can be upgraded. The Stromer ST1, for example, comes with a 618 Wh battery but can be upgraded to an 814 Wh battery or 983 Wh battery for an additional cost.

How long can the battery last?

It depends on how much battery you’re using. All e-bikes operate at a nominal power of 250W. This means you’ll get about two hours of run time out of a 500 Wh battery (500 / 250 = 2).

If you’re using the battery at its max level, you’ll get less time. If you use the battery at low power such as Eco mode, you’ll get more time.

On average, expect to get between two and four hours of use out of a single charge.

Some e-bikes, including the Cannondale Canvas Neo 1 allow you to use two batteries at once, doubling your ride time. Many e-bike batteries, such as those in the Trek Allant+ and Ghost Hybride, are easily removable, allowing you to recharge your battery for the return trip once you reach your destination.

More Accommodative Frame Sizes

On most road or mountain bikes sizing options are available to meet a broad range of heights. Sizing for e-bikes is much broader with sizes ranging from XXS all the way to XXL.

With e-bikes, there are fewer size options available, meaning each size will accommodate a broader range.

The Cannondale Canvas Neo 1 and Batch Bicycles, for example, come in just three sizes; small, medium, and large, while the Trek Allant+ and Ghost Hybride come in medium, large, and extra large.

Cargo bikes, such as the Benno RemiDemi, comes as one-size-fits-all.

When making a purchase, remember that height is just one factor that goes into a bike fit. A frame’s geometry is also important. The only way to truly know if a bike is a good fit is to test ride it before you buy it. This is especially important given how much of an investment an e-bike is.

Front and Rear Lights

Lights on commuter e-bikes typically come as a standard cycling safety feature and are therefore integrated into the frame. This is largely due to the fact that commuter bikes are typically navigating roads with heavy automobile traffic where visibility is crucial.

The lights are typically powered by the battery. Although these lights are typically LED, and therefore draw very little from the battery, most e-bikes do have controls for turning them off and on.

Mounting Points and Racks

We’re talking about commuter e-bikes here, so expect plenty of mounting points and racks for carrying cargo.

Some commuter e-bikes even come with integrated racks including the Ghost Hybride, Batch Bicycles, and Trek Allant+.

There are even commuter bikes designed specifically for carrying cargo and feature frames designed to maximize carrying capacity such as the Surly Big Easy Cargo Bike and Benno RemiDemi.

Other Accessories

In addition to racks and lights, there are other accessories typically found on commuter e-bikes.

Front and rear fenders are standard on most, ensuring that road grime and rain stay off of your and your cargo.

Most also feature integrated kickstands. Since most e-bikes can way upwards of 50 lbs, a stout kickstand is essential for parking your e-bike.

You can also expect to have an integrated bike computer, which will not only give you information about your battery power and motor settings, but also basic travel data including speed, distance, and travel time.

Price Starts from Around $2,000 to $6,000+

Due to the fact that e-bikes have high tech motors powering them, electric commuter bikes don’t come cheap.

They can range anywhere from $2,000 to as much as $6,000 or more. There are several factors that separate an entry-level and high-end commuter e-bikes.

Motors. Pricier e-bikes will usually feature more powerful, and better motors such as the Bosch Performance CX line. Cheaper bikes will be fitted with the entry level motors such as the modest Bosch Active Line motor.
Battery Integration. Pricier bikes will feature batteries that are seamlessly integrated into the frame giving the bike a sleeker look, while cheaper bikes will have battery packs that are more visible and fitted to the frame’s exterior.
Components. Cheaper e-bikes will be fitted with an entry-level Shimano Altus drivetrain while pricer e-bikes will typically be fitted with better components such as the Shimano Alivio.

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