4 Electric Bicycles For Beginners
As the nation’s leading online motorcycle marketplace, Cycle Trader is widely known as the best place to buy and sell new and used motorcycles. However, with “cycle” in our name, Internet shoppers sometimes think we sell bicycles – and they’re not entirely wrong! While most marketplace listings are for vehicles like Harley-Davidson touring bikes and Honda dirt bikes, there are also nearly 3,000 electric bicycles for sale on our site.
With World Electric Vehicle Day happening on September 9, 2023, we thought we’d take a look at this unique subset of electric products, which is gaining popularity among those who want to contribute to a greener way of life but could use a little boost of power along the way. E-bikes, like the popular Yamaha electric bicycles, are zero-emission vehicles, which means they’re great for commuting and avoiding traffic jams, for scenic tours without taking anything away from the scenery, for enjoying a ride on the beach without disturbing the serene sounds of the waves, and even for hunting.
Because of the growing popularity, there are new manufacturers jumping into the electric bike scene all the time, so if you are new to the concept of electric bikes, you may not know where to begin. Rest easy. Cycle Trader has reviewed many of the newer brands and models that are hitting the stores and have put together the following to help you decide which electric bicycles may work for you.
Electric Off-Road/Dirt Bike
It’s worth giving a special shoutout to the Kawasaki Elektrode, which isn’t technically a pedal-bicycle, but is an electric balance bike built for young riders just learning how to kick up dirt (Kawasaki says the bike is appropriate for children as young as three years old). With the battery integrated into the lightweight aluminum frame, and adjustable seat, handlebars, and brake lever, the Elektrode was built to fit kids of all sizes while still handling adventurous off-road riding. This is a solid choice for families looking to bridge the gap between pedal bicycles and a small displacement motorcycle.
Electric City/Commuter Bike
When it comes to commuter bikes, it’s difficult to beat the speed, range, and portability of Specialized Bicycles’ Turbo Vado SL. With 2X assist up to 28 miles per hour and a range of 80 miles per charge (120 miles with optional range extender), you’ll be able to zip past traffic jams and enjoy the ride along the way. With its extra-bright, built-in lights, that traffic will be able to see you coming (and going by) even in dim lighting conditions. Plus, its E5 aluminum frame is 40 percent lighter than comparable electric bicycles, coming in as light as just 33 pounds for easy portability when you reach the office. Ranging from $2,999 to $5,250 (manufacturer’s suggested retail price), there are a number of different models within the Vado SL family to fit your personal needs.
Electric Mountain Bike
Yes, there is an electric bicycles class that will help you on those tough mountain trails, too. Assist going up hills in one thing, but a mountain bike still needs great suspension and travel for those descents. Giant Bicycles’ Reign E+ is available in Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large to match the size of the rider with the geometry of the bike to provide the best overall performance. With a top assist up to 20 miles per hour, you won’t get the speed of a road bicycle, but that’s not why you buy a mountain bike, is it? What’s more important is that the 29-inch front wheel and 27.5-inch rear wheel work together to provide better handling, agility, and stability on even the most challenging ride. Available for $5,500 for the E+ 3 and $6,100 (manufacturer’s suggested retail price) for the E+ 2 you’ll get a lot of value for your money with Giant.
Electric Road Bike
If you’re looking for something a little more high performance for touring, a road bike may be more along the lines of what you want. Road bicycles are more like their touring bike cousins, with drop handlebars to create a more aerodynamic shape of the rider while in motion. For an endurance machine that doesn’t sacrifice comfort for speed, you can count on a well-known name in the bicycle industry. Trek Bicycles’ Domane+ SLR lets you venture farther and faster in comfort with road-smoothing technology. With assistance up to 28 miles per hour and a range of 60 miles per charge, the Domane+ SLR helps you fly up hills and ease along the stretches with smooth riding. The Domane+ SLR is also Trek’s lightest and quietest electric road bike to date, so it not only provides a great ride, it’s easier to load up at the end of your saga. It’s a little heavy on the wallet though, with prices ranging from $8,599 to $12,999 (manufacturer’s suggested retail price).
Marketplace Inventory
Start Shopping for Electric Bikes
The listings above are just a few of the really incredible array of electric bicycles out there. With electric bikes being a relatively new offering for cyclists, many of the listings available now are going to be new bicycles for sale from dealers. However, as the market grows and current riders start to trade in their bikes for upgrades, beginning riders will find some great deals on used bicycles.
If you’re ready to start shopping for an electric bicycle – or if you still prefer the gas-engine roar of a full-sized motorcycle – visit CycleTrader.com to browse all the new and used bikes for-sale nationwide.
Barrett Baker
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