Top Electric City Bikes: A 2024 Update
If there’s one other thing that the past year has proved, it’s that the electric bike is here to stay. The now-popular electric ride gained unexpected recognition last year more than any other year. With establishments and modes of transportation limiting their services, the e-bike served as a trusty and rather economical solution to daily dilemmas.
E-Bikes are known for being one of the most convenient ways of travelling. It has several types, some of them we have introduced in a previous article. But what caught the attention of many are the electric city bikes. Why and how? We have reviewed what we think are the best electric city bikes in 2024, so let’s talk about that in this article!
What are Electric City Bikes?
From the name itself, the electric city bike is a sleek and classic-looking e-bike that is made especially for the city setting. It usually comes in simple color block themes, making one easy on the eyes. This minimalist approach to the bike’s design is one of the reasons why metropolitan dwellers favor it among the other types.
The stylish electric ride is built to be comfortable, yet efficient. Its uses range from everyday commutes, to a leisurely ride on the weekend. Most cities are hustling and bustling, so a slick ride like a city e-bike would be a good investment. One can easily slice through the streets and avoid heavy traffic jams, saving much time and effort on the streets.
Two Kinds of Electric City Bikes
Electric City Bikes come in two more sub-types, namely electric commuter bikes and electric comfort bikes. These two kinds were designed to cater the rider’s needs and preference. They have distinct differences, mainly on their built and design.
Let’s take a quick look at their differences:
Electric Commuter Bike
From the word commuter itself, this hybrid bike is made for commuting in the urban areas. It’s the type of city e-bike that is usually used by those who need to get from point A to point B as quickly as they can, without even breaking a sweat. A 10 to 20-mile ride from home to work/school can be exhausting, but in an electric commuter bike, it could be rather fun and exhilarating.
This type of electric city bike is also called a hybrid bike, because of its decent mix of a road bike’s wheels, and a mountain bike’s handlebars. This combination makes it the perfect ride for riding down the streets every day. Moreover, an electric commuter bike would have narrower tyres and saddle, less suspension, and a more lightweight design.
Electric Comfort Bike
This kind of electric city bike is designed for a more comfortable riding (hence the name). It doesn’t differ much from the commuter bike, but this type is built with more comfort features. It is furnished with a wider saddle, a step-through frame (for easier mounting), and swept-back handlebars. All these features make up for a more laid-back riding experience.
Experts say that this type of city e-bike is made specially to help ladies who want to ride while wearing flowy skirts or dresses. It also benefits the elderly, as the step-through frame would avoid swinging their legs as they mount on it.
Sure, there are distinctive differences between the two. But ultimately, both types are perfect for gliding through the big city streets. With a number of unforeseen situations that one can encounter on the road every day, urbanites are always on the lookout for more convenient ways to travel, an electric city bikes are definitely in.
What Makes a Good Electric City Bike?
When it comes to a city e-bike, practicality comes second to none. This type of electric rideable is less about power and more about functionality. It is designed to take on the everyday hassles of a busy town or city. This fact guarantees that it should be the first to come to mind when thinking about purchasing an e-bike that you plan to use on the daily.
However, just like other e-bike models, not all city e-bikes are built alike. There is a wide range of electric city bikes available today, and they come in a wide range of prices as well. If you want to get the best value for your money, then it is a must to be meticulous and really know what you’re looking for.
So, before we head on to our review, let us first find out some factors that make up a good e-city bike.
- Comfort is paramount. If you are considering buying a city e-bike, odds are you’re planning to use it regularly. For many, comfort is their main priority. Comfort, in this sense, might have various meanings. Others might say that it’s the ability to get from one place to another, without having to break any sweat. For some, it might be being comfortable with their seats, or the way the handlebars are placed.
Whatever your definition might be, a good electric city bike could definitely live up to that expectation.
- The longer riding range, the better. Knowing how far an e-bike could go is one factor that a rookie buyer tends to overlook. For this, you would have to look mainly at the city bike’s battery power. An e-bike with a max range of 80KM is already considered an exceptional model, and there are also affordable ones that could give you this much.
A good electric city bike could provide you with the enough range to cover distances for your daily travels. However, if you’re planning to utilize it for other purposes as well, then a city e-bike with a longer riding range will be suitable for you.
- Your safety is important. Having to slice through the busy streets on the daily can be very dangerous. But, with a good electric city bike, would have features that will ensure your safety. This would mean that they are installed with lighting that would illuminate your surroundings at night, strong brakes and brakes lights. Some are also installed with higher handlebars that lets the rider easily check his surroundings while riding.
City e-bikes that are built with anti-theft technology might fall on the pricier side, but a model that come with durable locks is definitely welcome too.
Given these characteristics, it is also worth noting that electric city bikes that fall on the more affordable spectrum could give you all of these and even more. What makes the high-end bikes more special would probably be the additional tech features and components present in them. These could make all the difference for a rider, but at the end of the day, it all boils down to one’s preference.
Staff Picks: The Best Electric City Bikes in 2024
As mentioned above, we have come up with a list of, in our opinion, the best city e-bikes of 2024. These models are the newest and the ones that always make our customers leave a 5-star review, so we suggest that you give them a chance too!
Progear E-Classique Electric City Bike
Price: $1,299.00
A modern bike with a classic twist on it, the Progear E-Classique Electric City Bike is like something out of a day dream. It comes in an attractive turquoise color, and a wicker basket to complete the preppy ensemble.
The E-Classique, however, is more than what meets the eye. Behind its fun and laid back design is a dependable electric city bike that can be used every day, whether for travel, leisure, or running errands. With a distance that reaches up to 70KM, you can go about your day without any hassle!
Specifications:
| Frame | 700C x 17" Alloy |
|---|---|
| Fork | 700C Rigid Alloy Fork |
| Handlebar | Steel Width:595MM,H:66 44° |
| Stem | Alloy ?25.4* 100mm, +-30° |
| Grip | L=130MM R=92M |
| Crankset | 170m Crank, 42t Chainwheel |
| BB sets | BB68*126mm |
| Pedal | Alloy 9/16" |
| Chain | 1/2*3/32”x118L |
| Freewheel | Shimano Tourney MF-TZ500-7,7-SPEED, 14-16-18-20-22-24-34T |
| Derailleur R | Shimano Tourney TY300D 7/6SP |
|---|---|
| Shiter | Shimano Tourney SL-RS35-7R, 7-SPEED REVO SHIFTER |
| Brake | Mechanical disc brake, Rotor=160mm |
| Hub F. | 700C 3/8"*13G*36H*100*108, W/QR,115mm |
| Rims | 700C*1.5(622)*13G*36H,H=25,double wall |
| Spokes | 280mm W/brass nipple |
| Tyre | 700C*38 |
| Seat Post | ?27.2*350mm*2.55T |
| Seat Clamp | ?31.8 Quick Release |
| Kickstand | Steel Kickstand |
| Motor | 36V*250W*700C 25KM/H - Complies to EN15194 |
|---|---|
| Torque Sensor | dual hall Cable length:130MM |
| Display | 0-5 assist level, Max Speed 25kph |
| Battery | 36V 8.7AH SAMSUNG battery cell |
|---|---|
| Controller | 700C 36VAP 12A |
| Charger | 42V 2A DC2.1 charger port AS |
Progear E-Sierra Ladies' Hybrid Electric City Bike
Price: $1,399.00
Another model from Progear that made it to this list is the E-Sierra Ladies' Hybrid Electric City Bike. This functional yet stylish electric city bike for sale in Australia is mix of beauty and convenience that suits any lady.
As an electric commuter bike, the E-Sierra is perfect for every-day riding in the city. The cozy saddle and sturdy seat post assure a comfortable ride, free from any kind of pain.
Specifications:
| Frame | Alloy 700C×17" |
|---|---|
| Fork | Suspension fork travel= 65 mm with lockout |
| Handlebar | Alloy Width660MM. 30mm rise |
| Stem | Alloy 70mm +-7° |
| Grip | L:125mm,R:92mm, Closed end |
| Crankset | 170mm Crank, 36t Chainring |
| Pedal | 9/16" Alloy |
| Chain | 1/2"*3/32"*108L |
| Freewheel | Shimano CS-HG200-8,8-SPEED, 12-14-16-18-21-24-28-32(BR |
| Derailleur R | Shimano Tourney TY300D |
| Shifter | Shimano SL-M315-8R, RIGHT, 8-SPEED RAPIDFIRE PLUS |
|---|---|
| Brake | Front / Rear Mechanical disc brake w/ 160mm rotor |
| Hub Front | 3/8"*13G*36H |
| Rim | 26"*1.5*13G*36H, H= 25 A/V |
| Spokes | 249mm W/14mm Steel nipple |
| Tire | 700*40C |
| Seat Post | ?27.2*350mm |
| Seat Clamp | ?31.8 Quick Release |
| Kickstand | Steel Kickstand |
| Motor | 700C 36V250W 25KM/H - Complies to EN15194 |
|---|---|
| Torque Sensor | Dual hall Cable:80MM |
| Display | 0-5 level, Max Speed 25kph |
| Controller | square wave 36V*12A |
|---|---|
| Battery | 36v, 8.7AH Samsung battery cell |
| Charger | 42V 2A DC2.1 charger port |
Progear E-Sierra Men's Hybrid Electric City Bike
Price: $1,399.00
A bit bigger than the former Progear model, the E-Sierra Men's Hybrid Electric City Bike shares almost the same specifications. The apparent difference would be the torque sensor; as the Ladies’ Hybrid Electric City Bike has an 80MM dual cable, while the Men's Hybrid Electric City Bike has 150MM.
With their lightweight built and outstanding balance and comfort, both the E-Sierra Electric City Bikes from Progear are worth every penny.
Specifications:
| Frame | Alloy 700C×18" |
|---|---|
| Fork | Suspension fork travel= 65 mm, with lockout |
| Handlebar | Alloy width: 660MM, 30mm rise |
| Stem | Alloy 70mm, +-7° |
| Grip | L:125mm,R:92mm, Closed end |
| Crankset | Alloy Crank Length 170mm, 36t Chainring |
| BB setes | L:BB73*127.5mm(26+73+28.5) |
| Pedal | Alloy 9/16" |
| Chain | 1/2"*3/32"*116L |
| Freewheel | Shimano CS-HG200-8, 8-SPEED, 12-14-16-18-21-24-28-32 |
| Derailleur R | Shimano TY300D |
|---|---|
| Shifter | Shimano SL-M315-8R, RIGHT, 8-SPEED RAPIDFIRE PLUS |
| Brake | Front/Rear, Mechanical disc brake, 160mm Rotor |
| Hub Front | 3/8"*13G*36H* |
| Rim | 26"*1.5*13G*36H, H= 25 A/V |
| Tire | 700*40C |
| Seat Post | ?27.2*350mm |
| Seat Clamp | ?31.8 Quick Release |
| Kickstand | Steel Kickstand |
| Motor | 700C 36V250W 25KM/H - Complies to EN15194 |
|---|---|
| Torque Sensor | Dual hall Cable:150MM |
| Display | 36V 0-5 level, Max Speed 25kph |
| Controller | square wave 36V*15A+1 |
|---|---|
| Battery | 36v - 10.4AH |
| Charger | 42V 2A DC2.1 charger port |
Smartmotion E-City G3 Electric Bike
Price: $2,499.00
The E-City Electric Bike from Smartmotion is regarded as one of best electric city bikes under $3000. It has become a favorite among many e-bike enthusiasts both from New Zealand and Australia. It boasts a comfortable ride position, and a unisex step-through frame which makes mounting and unmounting easier for the rider. Its throttle is also set at a default 6KM/h, which is good if you haven’t ridden an e-bike for a while. This feature allows the rider to balance himself on the bike, and start pedaling with less effort!
Specifications:
|
Frame |
Alloy step-through. Centre-mounted adjustable kickstand. (Also available in its 24” small version) |
|
Distance |
60 to 80KM depending on power assistance used |
|
Fork |
SR Suntour alloy suspension forks |
|
Motor |
High torque brushless with freewheel 250-350w. |
|
Charging Time |
4 - 6 Hours |
|
Brake |
Tektro disc brakes, with 180mm rotors for superior stopping |
|
Seat |
Smartmotion comfort seat. Suspension Seatpost. |
|
Gears |
Shimano 8 speed cassette 11-34 gear set, with Altus derailleur & shifter |
|
Battery |
36v/15.6ah Samsung advanced lithium ion battery for NZ conditions – superior weatherproofing. USB charge port. |
Vamos El Rapido 2020 Electric City Bike
Price Starts at: $2,295.00
Coming from the Spanish word Rapido, meaning quick, the Vamos El Rapido is the quickest way to get around. It is meant for everyday use and can be an alternative to other ways of getting around and at a quick pace.
With its lightweight frame and powerful motor, the El Rapido is sure to blaze you around in style and comfort. It's great for riding in the city, either for leisure or for every-day use.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Range: 10.4Ah up to 50km per charge ; 13Ah 65km per charge
- Chain Guard: Keep mud and water off your legs. Also helps to protect your laces and clothing from being caught up in the chain.
- Front & rear light system
- Lighter alloy frame (19kgs)
- Suspension seat post with comfy Justek saddle
- Rear-hub 250w Bafang motor
- Samsung lithium-ion battery (36v/13ah or 36v/10.4ah options)
- Charger included
- Half grip throttle
- Front and rear Tektro HD-E350 hydraulic disc brakes
- Leather handlebar grips
- SR SUNTOUR Front suspension forks
- SHIMANO 7 gear set
- 850 LCD display
- KENDA puncture-free tyres (26 x 1.95 inch)
- Road legal – rego & licence exempt
Smartmotion Mid City Electric Bike
Price: $2,699.00
Coming after the Smartmotion E City, the Mid City boasts of all its good features and performance but with a mid-drive motor. The Mid City sports a powerful 300W motor that will allow you to reach the legal speed limit of 25km/h with ease.
Since it has a mid-drive build, it provides better balance and space, making it more comfortable for everyday use. If you are looking for a well-balanced yet fast-pacing electric bike for the city, then the Smartmotion Mid City Electric Bike might just be the one for you.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Smartmotion G3 ECity SML 24" WHL | Smartmotion G3 ECity MED 26" WHL |
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So, there you have it—the top-performing electric city bikes in 2024! More than giving their owners the satisfaction of having a new electric bike, these electric rideables have surely made everyday living easier and more manageable for them too!
Are you planning to buy your very first (or your next) city e-bike? You might want to check out trusted online electric rideables stores like E-Ride Solutions for the best models, at the best prices. They are one of the biggest dealers of all types of e-rides, and they ship Australia-wide!
Do you have anything to share with us and your fellow readers? Leave a comment below and let us know what you think!
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