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For years, e-bikes were bulky, uncomfortable, expensive machines with limited battery life. It slowly changed. E-bikes are now lighter, more attractive and more powerful than ever. You don’t have to be physically fit to ride it. They get you outside, reduce traffic congestion and reduce your carbon footprint. And they are fun!
What is it worth now?
Whenever I talk to someone about possibly buying an e-bike, the biggest deterrent – by far – is the price. It doesn’t help that bike prices have skyrocketed in recent years. Multiple factors, including the pandemic, have complicated the global supply chain, and exemptions from the 25 percent tariff on all e-bike imports have expired.
We’ve done our best to include lower priced options, but we consider them vehicles, not toys. Reasonable car financing options are the only reason a $2,000 electric bike can seem prohibitively expensive, while a $6,000 gas car has easy monthly payments.
Latest deals on Electric Bikes at Argos
Turbo Como SL
The Turbo Como SL has low-maintenance features such as internal hub drive and weatherproof belt drive, as well as all the bells and whistles – integrated fenders, lights, display, stand and bell. It also has a small, custom Specialized motor, which is one factor that makes it about 10 to 20 pounds lighter than its competition and easier to get over curbs and onto bike racks. Like all Specialized bikes, the colors are also really cool.
VanMoof electric bikes
VanMoof e-bikes are often touted as the best for beginners, but we chose the Cowboy 4 ST (8/10, WIRED Recommends) for the simple reason that if an e-bike depends heavily on an app on your phone, it should come with a charger. You can also use your phone to check the battery level and easily pop it in and out of the frame to charge inside.
At this price, it’s somewhat rare to see features like carbon belt drive, as well as lights that automatically turn on when it gets dark. On the other hand, the rear hub motor is only 250 watts, which may not be enough if you live in a very hilly area.
Propella 7
The 7-speed (8/10, WIRED recommends) Propella is the best budget bike we’ve found. Reviewer Parker Hall notes that it has trusted components like a Samsung battery and Shimano disc brakes, plus nifty accessories like a great suspension seat. Delivered directly to you, which is handy if you want to avoid the bike shop.
Honda Civic
Honda Civic e-bikes (8/10, WIRED recommends). Instead of spending money on fancy extras like a suspension seatpost or an integrated backlit display, Batch spent it where it counted – on a top-of-the-range Bosch drivetrain, Shimano components and Tektro hydraulic disc brakes. It’s not a particularly exciting ride and can be boring to look at. You will also need to purchase your own lights. But it’s reliable, not too expensive, and will get you back and forth for as long as you need.
