Best Electric Bicycle Brands

Reader Contribution by Rebecca Martin
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I’m thinking of buying an electric bike, but I’ve heard some brands have quality problems. Can you tell me which brands are best?

First of all, congrats on getting ready to join the ranks

of satisfied e-cyclists. Zipping around town on an electric bicycle will save you money while easing pressure on the environment. (Look, Ma! No gas!) Because a battery-powered e-bike helps you conquer hills with little effort, you can roll up to your destination without feeling tired and sweaty. (Another benefit is that cyclists claim to be happier than those who commute in other ways, according to a 2013 Oregon Transportation Research and Education Consortium study.)

Prices for electric bicycles range from a few hundred dollars to more than $4,000. You may be tempted to purchase from the lower end of this scale, but these less expensive machines lack power. “They’re not practical for serious commuters because their top speed is only 12 to 16 mph, and the batteries don’t hold a charge for long,” explains Dave Dierker, who has been dealing in e-bikes since 2002 as founder and co-owner of ElectricRider.

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