The electric bike industry is booming, but are consumers truly getting the best value for their money? Many current recommendations highlight e-bikes that are built with outdated technology and design principles. This raises the question: are these “best of” lists truly serving cyclists looking for the most effective and affordable electric bikes?
One of the most glaring issues is the continued promotion of heavy front suspension as a primary comfort feature in urban and hybrid e-bikes. While suspension forks were once thought to be essential, particularly in the 1990s, their application in many of today’s recommended e-bikes is questionable. These systems, often seen on bikes marketed for on-road and light trail use, are frequently poorly designed for effective off-road control and even compromise on-road handling. If tuned to be soft enough to absorb minor road vibrations, these forks can dive excessively during braking and introduce unwanted squirm, leading to a less stable and potentially dangerous riding experience.
Consider traditional touring bikes, designed for long-distance comfort and reliability. From budget-friendly models to high-end machines, these bikes consistently prioritize frame geometry, material selection, and component quality over suspension forks. These factors are what truly contribute to a comfortable, dependable, and efficient ride, not outdated suspension gimmicks. Modern e-bike design should follow this principle, focusing on core elements that enhance the riding experience and longevity of the bike.
Another area where current recommendations often fall short is in the continued prevalence of hub drive motors paired with cadence sensors. While hub drives have their place, particularly in very basic and budget-oriented e-bikes, the technology is reminiscent of the 1990s in a rapidly advancing market. For the same price point, or even less, mid-drive motors are now widely available, offering superior performance and efficiency. A “best of” list in today’s market should prioritize bikes equipped with more contemporary and effective technologies.
While some riders in flat areas or those unconcerned with speed may find hub drives adequate, they present significant drawbacks. Changing a flat tire on a hub-drive e-bike is considerably more complicated than on a mid-drive, and the added weight of the hub motor makes the bike cumbersome to lift and maneuver in tight spaces. It’s time for the industry to move beyond this outdated technology and for consumers to demand more advanced and user-friendly solutions. Even reputable brands like Aventon, while producing quality bikes, still equip some models with this antiquated hub-drive technology, which is a disservice to consumers seeking the best electric bikes for their money.
Furthermore, many e-bikes in common recommendations still utilize heavy, unresponsive straight gauge aluminum for their frames. This is despite the fact that butted and hydroformed tubing, offering improved responsiveness and reduced weight, have been standard in quality traditional bikes for decades. Even e-bikes with hydroformed tubes often use straight gauge aluminum within those tubes, missing the opportunity to significantly reduce weight and enhance ride quality. Excess weight directly impacts battery range and makes the bike harder to handle, especially for smaller riders.
Some e-bike frames even feature square tubing, compounding the issue of ride harshness. It makes little sense to equip a bike intended for on-road riding with comfort-oriented components like suspension forks, handlebars, and saddles, while pairing them with an excessively stiff rear triangle due to the frame material and tube shape. The use of square tubing, often necessitated by proprietary battery integration within the downtube, further compromises ride comfort and overall bike performance.
The aim is not to be negative, but to advocate for better alternatives and inform consumers about what constitutes a truly great electric bike for the money. “Good enough” is no longer sufficient. Many of these “good enough” e-bikes are overpriced for the technology and components they offer and would be more appropriately priced and positioned as entry-level options in department stores. It is possible to achieve significantly better quality and performance without breaking the bank. Many smaller bike shops and builders demonstrate this daily. With 50 years of cycling experience, it’s clear that manufacturers can and should do better. It’s time for consumers to demand more performance, better technology, and greater value when investing in electric bikes. Let’s start demanding more for our money and push the industry towards offering truly outstanding electric bikes at accessible prices.
