Top 5 Electric City Bikes of 2020 on Review
If there’s one other thing that the year 2020 has proved, it’s that the electric bike is here to stay. The now-popular electric ride has gained unexpected recognition in this 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 this year are the electric city bikes. Why and how? We have reviewed what we think are the best electric city bikes in 2020, 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 on 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 commute, to a leisurely ride in 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 them 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 2020
As mentioned above, we have come up with a list of, in our opinion, the best city e-bikes of 2020. These are the models that always make our customers leave a 5-star review, so we suggest that you give them a chance them too!
OTTO RS600 Electric City Bike
Regular Price: $1,309.39
First on our list is this electric city bike that falls on the affordable category. The RS600 Electric City Bike from Otto boasts a “21-speed gear for everyday riding and conquering hard terrain”. This feature makes it the perfect e-bike not just for commutes, but in riding for leisure too. It’s a good first-timer electric bike, and is very customizable. You can add any accessory that you think will enhance your riding experience.
Specifications
Frame
High Carbon Steel
Max assistance speed
25km/h
Front fork
Magnesium Alloy Fork
Motor
6V 240W Brush-less Motor
Charging Time
4 - 7 Hours
Weight
20.5kg
Largest load
150kg
Colour
Blue Black, Yellow Black
Battery
36V 10Ah
Smartmotion E-Urban City Electric Bike
Regular Price: $2,499.00Sale Price: $2,399.00
The E-Urban is claimed to be designed for the savvy commuter. It comes with great motor power, range, and a reasonable price. It has the ability to glide through the busiest streets, and is used by many as their main mode of transport. It is a very classy electric city bike that has been recommended on magazines like Choice and Ride On.
Specifications:
Frame
Alloy frame. Centre-mounted adjustable kickstand.
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
Security
Integrated frame C-lock for easy security (locks the rear wheel)
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.
Smartmotion E-City Electric Bike
Regular Price: $2,499.00Sale Price: $2,399.00
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.
Kristall C-one Step Through Electric City Bike
Regular Price: $1,999.00Sale Price: $1,450.00
This model from Kristall is another one that falls on the cheaper spectrum. It might be cheaper than other units in this list, but the manufacturers ensure that this trusty electric city bike is made only with high-quality materials. This traditional-looking city e-bike has a range of up to 90KM on pedal assist, and 60KM in throttle mode.
Specifications:
Colour
Black / Red & Grey
Frame
Aluminium C-ONE 26ER
Tyres
26 inch KENDA-K1187
Brakes
SHIMANO Hydraulic Disc Brake MT-200
Derailleur lever
SHIMANO Tourney 8 speed
Rear Derailleur
SHIMANO M370
Chain
YBN-8S
Fork
TWITTER Aluminium Lockable Fork
Hub
RS Aluminium
Saddle
Ergonomic Saddle
Cassette
DNP 8 Speed,11-32T
Chainring
YBN-8S
Pedals
WP-625 Aluminium
Wire
JAGWIRE IP54 Waterproof
Motor
DC Brushless 250w motor low resistance and low noise
Controller
5-speed intelligent control system
Battery
36V 13Ah Li-ion battery
Range
70-90km (pedal assist); 40-60km (throttle mode)
Weight & Height
20kg / Height from ground to handle bar (96cm) Lowest that the seat will go (80cm)
Loading capacity
100kg
Smartmotion Pacer GT City Electric Bike
Regular Price: $4,499.00
This high-end electric city bike is the most expensive one in this list. It is an upgrade to Smartmotion’s Pacer Electric Bike. And when we say upgrade, we mean it. The Pacer GT is equipped with a powerful 250W Bafang Mid-Drive motor with torque and cadence sensor. This specific e-bike has tons of power, durability, control, and provides a great riding experience to its rider. The city e-bike is designed for everyday used, and was tested in harsh conditions for more than five years. It’s definitely a practical investment that would last you for a long time.
Specifications:
Frame
27.5 low step hydro-formed top tube with battery and LCD
Chainwheel
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.
So, there you have it—the five top-performing electric city bikes in 2020! 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!
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 this year are the electric city bikes. Why and how? We have reviewed what we think are the best electric city bikes in 2020, 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 on 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 commute, to a leisurely ride in 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 them 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 2020
As mentioned above, we have come up with a list of, in our opinion, the best city e-bikes of 2020. These are the models that always make our customers leave a 5-star review, so we suggest that you give them a chance them too!
OTTO RS600 Electric City Bike
Regular Price: $1,309.39
First on our list is this electric city bike that falls on the affordable category. The RS600 Electric City Bike from Otto boasts a “21-speed gear for everyday riding and conquering hard terrain”. This feature makes it the perfect e-bike not just for commutes, but in riding for leisure too. It’s a good first-timer electric bike, and is very customizable. You can add any accessory that you think will enhance your riding experience.
Specifications
Frame
High Carbon Steel
Max assistance speed
25km/h
Front fork
Magnesium Alloy Fork
Motor
6V 240W Brush-less Motor
Charging Time
4 - 7 Hours
Weight
20.5kg
Largest load
150kg
Colour
Blue Black, Yellow Black
Battery
36V 10Ah
Smartmotion E-Urban City Electric Bike
Regular Price: $2,499.00Sale Price: $2,399.00
The E-Urban is claimed to be designed for the savvy commuter. It comes with great motor power, range, and a reasonable price. It has the ability to glide through the busiest streets, and is used by many as their main mode of transport. It is a very classy electric city bike that has been recommended on magazines like Choice and Ride On.
Specifications:
Frame
Alloy frame. Centre-mounted adjustable kickstand.
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
Security
Integrated frame C-lock for easy security (locks the rear wheel)
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.
Smartmotion E-City Electric Bike
Regular Price: $2,499.00Sale Price: $2,399.00
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.
Kristall C-one Step Through Electric City Bike
Regular Price: $1,999.00Sale Price: $1,450.00
This model from Kristall is another one that falls on the cheaper spectrum. It might be cheaper than other units in this list, but the manufacturers ensure that this trusty electric city bike is made only with high-quality materials. This traditional-looking city e-bike has a range of up to 90KM on pedal assist, and 60KM in throttle mode.
Specifications:
Colour
Black / Red & Grey
Frame
Aluminium C-ONE 26ER
Tyres
26 inch KENDA-K1187
Brakes
SHIMANO Hydraulic Disc Brake MT-200
Derailleur lever
SHIMANO Tourney 8 speed
Rear Derailleur
SHIMANO M370
Chain
YBN-8S
Fork
TWITTER Aluminium Lockable Fork
Hub
RS Aluminium
Saddle
Ergonomic Saddle
Cassette
DNP 8 Speed,11-32T
Chainring
YBN-8S
Pedals
WP-625 Aluminium
Wire
JAGWIRE IP54 Waterproof
Motor
DC Brushless 250w motor low resistance and low noise
Controller
5-speed intelligent control system
Battery
36V 13Ah Li-ion battery
Range
70-90km (pedal assist); 40-60km (throttle mode)
Weight & Height
20kg / Height from ground to handle bar (96cm) Lowest that the seat will go (80cm)
Loading capacity
100kg
Smartmotion Pacer GT City Electric Bike
Regular Price: $4,499.00
This high-end electric city bike is the most expensive one in this list. It is an upgrade to Smartmotion’s Pacer Electric Bike. And when we say upgrade, we mean it. The Pacer GT is equipped with a powerful 250W Bafang Mid-Drive motor with torque and cadence sensor. This specific e-bike has tons of power, durability, control, and provides a great riding experience to its rider. The city e-bike is designed for everyday used, and was tested in harsh conditions for more than five years. It’s definitely a practical investment that would last you for a long time.
Specifications:
Frame
27.5 low step hydro-formed top tube with battery and LCD
Chainwheel
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.
So, there you have it—the five top-performing electric city bikes in 2020! 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!
Submitted By
-
ERideSolutions
10 KARMA
Submit a Comment