The Best Ebikes of 2025, Tried And Tested By Experts
Whether you're ditching the car for a morning commute or exploring local trails on the weekend, the right electric bike can completely transform your daily routine. After hands-on testing of the latest models on our test track and real-world city streets, we've narrowed down the best Ride1Up ebikes for every kind of rider—whether you want maximum range, a natural pedaling feel, or the best value under $1,000. From rugged commuters to stealthy roadsters, these are our top picks for 2025.
Summary of best ebikes:
The best overall: Ride1Up 700 Series, $1,595 at Ride1Up
The best overall, runner up: Ride1Up Prodigy V2, $2,495 $1,895 at Ride1Up
Budget pick: Ride1Up Portola, $995 at Ride1Up
Best for passengers: Ride1Up Cafe Cruiser, $1,395 at Ride1Up
*All products featured on Manhattan Times are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
1) The Best Overall Ebike: Ride1Up 700 Series, $1,595
Pros: This ebike offers the perfect balance of speed, range, and comfort with premium components that usually cost hundreds more.
Cons: Assembly can be slightly complex for beginners compared to simpler models.
The Ride1Up 700 Series has consistently earned high marks in our testing—and it's easy to see why. We've put this ebike through multiple rounds of evaluation on our urban test track, and every time, it’s impressed us with its powerful motor, smooth hydraulic braking, and excellent value proposition.
Despite its approachable price point, the 700 Series comes fully loaded for the daily commuter. During testing, we easily hit Class 3 speeds of 28 MPH, cutting commute times significantly. The integrated 720Wh battery provided ample range, easily covering 30-50 miles on a single charge depending on the assist level used. If you’re someone who carries groceries or work gear, the included alloy fenders and sturdy rear rack are game-changers.
Handling-wise, this bike is a standout. The hydraulic suspension fork absorbs potholes with ease, and the Schwalbe Super Moto-X tires provide excellent grip on city streets. We also tested its hill-climbing ability, and the 750W geared hub motor powered up steep inclines without overheating.
Over time, the components have held up exceptionally well. The hydraulic disc brakes offer reliable stopping power even in wet weather—a critical safety feature for urban riders. One note: it is a full-sized commuter, so ensure you have adequate storage space at home or the office.
Specs: Class 3 | 28 MPH Top Speed | 48V 15Ah Battery | 30-50 Mile Range | Hydraulic Disc Brakes | 8-Speed Shimano Drivetrain | Weight: 62 lbs
2) The Best Overall Ebike, Runner Up: Ride1Up Prodigy V2, $2,495 $1,895
Pros: The German-engineered Brose mid-drive motor provides a silent, natural cycling experience that feels like you have bionic legs.
Cons: It comes at a higher price point and lacks a throttle on the mid-drive specific configuration, requiring you to pedal to move.
A strong runner-up to our top pick, the Ride1Up Prodigy V2 is a premium electric bike packed with thoughtful engineering. While it didn’t quite secure the top spot due to its higher cost, it excels in ride quality and finesse—making it ideal for cycling enthusiasts who want a natural feel rather than a moped-style ride.
The standout feature is the Brose TF Sprinter mid-drive motor. Unlike hub motors that push you from behind, this motor measures your torque and amplifies your own pedaling effort seamlessly. It delivers 90Nm of torque, which flattens even the steepest hills without the "jerky" sensation common in cheaper ebikes. It is also virtually silent, allowing you to enjoy the sounds of your environment.
Perhaps the biggest draw for tech-savvy riders is the premium component list. The bike includes a 9-speed drivetrain (or an optional CVT belt drive for even less maintenance) and powerful 4-piston hydraulic brakes. During our lab testing, the air suspension fork smoothed out gravel paths and rough roads effectively, making this a versatile choice for both weekday commutes and weekend rail-trail adventures.
When it comes to durability, the Prodigy V2 shines. The frame feels incredibly rigid and responsive. While you do have to pedal to get the motor assistance (Class 3, 28mph), the trade-off is a cycling experience that promotes fitness while eliminating sweat and fatigue.
Specs: Mid-Drive Motor | Brose TF Sprinter (90Nm Torque) | Class 3 | Torque Sensor | Air Suspension Fork | 4-Piston Hydraulic Brakes | Weight: ~58 lbs
3) Best Budget Pick: Ride1Up Portola, $995
Pros: It’s impressively powerful, folds down for storage, and fits a passenger—all for under $1,000.
Cons: The 20-inch wheels can feel twitchier than full-size bikes at high speeds.
If you think sticking to a tight budget means giving up on quality or power, the Ride1Up Portola will change your mind. This affordable folding ebike consistently punches above its weight, delivering specs and features that rival options twice the price.
In our testing, this compact folder impressed us with its versatility. Despite its small stature, it packs a 750W motor that tears up hills and hits Class 3 speeds of 28 MPH when unlocked. It includes thoughtful touches usually reserved for premium bikes, like hydraulic disc brakes and an 8-speed Shimano drivetrain, ensuring you’re never stuck between gears.
The frame features a unique rear rack welded directly to the chassis, giving it a 130lb capacity that supports a passenger kit. This makes it a "minivan" on two wheels—perfect for dropping a kid off at school or carrying a friend across town. When you're done, the folding mechanism allows it to fit into the trunk of a car or a small apartment closet.
As with most folding bikes, it’s worth noting that the smaller wheels handle bumps differently than full-sized tires. However, the front suspension fork does an admirable job of soaking up road chatter.
Over multiple rounds of testing, the Portola held up remarkably well. With a starting price of $995, this ebike delivers unbeatable value and is a smart pick for city dwellers who need space-saving functionality without sacrificing power.
Specs: Folding Frame | 750W Motor | 28 MPH Capable | 10.4Ah or 13.4Ah Battery | Passenger Ready Rack (130lbs limit) | Hydraulic Brakes | Weight: 59 lbs
4) Best for Passengers: Ride1Up Cafe Cruiser, $1,395
Pros: Its integrated rear rack and passenger kit compatibility make it the ultimate two-person cruiser.
Cons: It is a large, heavy bike that can be difficult to carry up stairs.
Ride1Up has long been known for value, and the Cafe Cruiser takes that philosophy to the family sector. While it has a retro motorcycle aesthetic, this ebike offers advanced utility and comfort that make it a worthy investment for couples or parents.
What sets this bike apart is its dedicated passenger capability. The frame-integrated rear rack is rated for 150 lbs—significantly higher than standard bolt-on racks—allowing you to install a passenger seat, wheel guards, and footpegs. It’s intuitive, stable, and lets you bring a companion along without the need for a second bike.
On the road, the Cruiser prioritizes comfort. It features swept-back handlebars for an upright riding position and a plush saddle that keeps you comfortable for miles. The 3-inch wide tires act as additional suspension, floating over cracks and bumps.
Under the hood, it sports a powerful 750W motor and a large 720Wh battery, ensuring you have enough torque to move the extra weight of a passenger or heavy cargo. During our tests, the hydraulic disc brakes provided confident stopping power even when fully loaded.
While it's not the most nimble bike for tight corners due to its long wheelbase, the stability it offers is unmatched in its class. It’s the closest thing to a car replacement for short trips with a plus-one.
Specs: Cruiser Style | 750W Motor | 28 MPH Top Speed | 15Ah Battery | 150lb Rack Capacity | 3-inch Comfort Tires | Hydraulic Fork with Lockout
5) Most Stylish: Ride1Up Roadster V2, $1,495 $1,395
Pros: It blends fixie-inspired style with a stealthy battery, weighing only 33 lbs.
Cons: The single-speed belt drive makes it less suited for extremely steep hills.
The Ride1Up Roadster V2 continues to be a favorite among urban minimalists—and it’s easy to see why. This elegant ebike brings together old-school aesthetic charm and modern electric assist in a lightweight design that stands out by blending in.
Its 6061 aluminum alloy frame completely hides the battery inside the downtube, making it indistinguishable from a standard bicycle to the untrained eye. While its appearance gives off a simple vibe, the features are thoroughly modern. It uses a quiet belt drive instead of a greasy chain, meaning zero maintenance and no stained pant legs.
In testing, the Roadster V2 was a joy to zip around the city. At just 33 lbs, it is effortless to carry up apartment stairs or hang on a wall rack—a feat most ebikes cannot match. The motor provides a "boost" to your pedaling, propelling you up to 24 MPH effortlessly.
Its compact geometry and light weight make it perfect for navigating tight traffic or lifting onto a bus rack. Just keep in mind that as a single-speed bike, you will need to put in some leg work on steeper inclines, so it’s best for flatter cities or riders who want an active workout.
Specs: Stealth Road Bike | 33 lbs Total Weight | Belt Drive (Single Speed) | 24 MPH Top Speed | Integrated Battery | Caliper Brakes
This completes our list of the best ebikes. If you want more posts about the latest news, check our other home page here.