Fly Rides is back with the top 10 electric for commuting in 2018! Why top ten instead of eight? Because there are too many good choices this year! Electric commuting bikes are primed for more popularity this year than ever. With major cities across the country improving their biking infrastructure (finally), and electric bikes now having the capability to take you 60 miles and further, commuting by ebike grows all the time. Let us help you figure out the best option for your commute with our blog on the top 10 electric bikes for commuting in 2018! Read on for our full list.
But first: Reasons to commute by electric bike
- Save time, money, and miles on your car
- Shove it in your friends’ faces about how environmentally conscious you are
- Bring helmet hair into fashion for the first time ever
- Laugh at all the plebeians in their cars
- Make friends with a fellow cyclist
- Don’t sweat it, because of your powerful, powerful motor
- Be the coolest kid on the block
Riese & Muller Nevo Nuvinci HS
Riese & Muller’s Nevo line definitely tops my list for commuting electric bikes. These bikes are premium, custom made bikes for a reasonable, middle-of-the-road price. All Riese & Muller bikes are hand made in Germany exactly to your specifications. The Nevo line specifically is incredibly well balanced and keeps riders in a comfortable, upright position. Riders also get a suspension seatpost (either the Cane Creek Thudbuster or Satori Elegance LT), which is a nice compromise between the full suspension Homage line and a complete hardtail.
The Nuvinci hub system is the best geared hub that I have ever used. There is literally no maintenance to be done on this drivetrain. I’d recommend buying it with the Gates Carbon belt because you’ll never run into issues like the chain falling off. You operate the Nuvinci system with a grip shifter and can of course shift even when you’re not moving.
Highlights: 28 mph, Bosch Speed Motor, Hydraulic Disc Brakes, Easy Mount Frame
MSRP: $4949
Haibike XDURO Trekking S 9.0
Everyone seems to know a lot about Haibike’s e-MTBs, but I think their commuting and touring bikes are just as good, if a little bit underrated by the e-bike community. Another bike with the Bosch speed motor, this bike is quick and powerful. I really like the spec upgrades on this bike from the Trekking speed model in 2017. You’ve got Magura MT4 hydraulic disc brakes, a Shimano Deore XT M8000 Shadow Plus drivetrain, and the headlight and taillight run off a dynamo.
The thing that really is impressive about this bike is the price point for what you are getting. Apart from the Suntour fork (which is still pretty good) and maybe the rims, all of these components top of the line. You’re getting a pretty tech heavy bike for under four thousand. It also comes in a low step!
Highlights: 28 mph, Bosch Speed Motor, Hydraulic Disc Brakes, Dynamo Light System.
MSRP: $3999
Haibike SDURO Trekking 6.0
This bike impressed me right when I saw it. I love that Haibike offers spec-heavy options with the Yamaha PW system. I think the PW system gets a bad rep sometimes for being less powerful than the Bosch, but to be totally honest not everybody needs the power of a Bosch system. Haibike makes up for the lower torque of the PW system by offering a premium Shimano Deore XT drivetrain with 20 speeds. This is great for riders who want to stay in the action a bit more, but still not arrive sweaty and out of breath.
This is another commuter with an honestly insane price point. Like its XDURO brother above, you’re getting dynamo lights, Suntour fork, and all the specs listed above. It also comes with the upgraded 500 watt hour battery to keep it pretty well matched with it’s Bosch affiliate.
Highlights: 20-speed Shimano Deore XT Drivetrain, Michelin Protek Cross tires
MSRP: $2999
Riese & Muller Delite GT Touring HS
If you’re looking for a premium option, this might be the bike for you. I’ve got to say that I don’t think there is a more comfortable commuter than this. Full suspension, upright positioning, and plus sized tires keep things nice and smooth. But the real reason this beast makes the list is the dual battery. Love it. The other day I realized we only had about 10% of the battery left in the charge. It was going out for a test ride, and I was like “dang gotta charge it” but then I was like “lol no I don’t 10% means there is like 15 miles left, BOOYAKASHA!”
Spec-wise, this thing is tricked out. You’ve got the option to go with Suntour AION suspension or Fox Float suspension. The drivetrain is Shimano Deore XT. Same with the hydraulic disc brakes. The bike also comes with an ABUS Big Bordo folding lock that is keyed for both the batteries and the lock. Super convenient. There’s also loads of other options within the Delite line. Nuvinci and Rohloff drivetrains, 20mph and 28mph motors, standard and plus tires. You get the idea. Lot to choose from.
Highlights: 28mph, Bosch Performance Speed Motor, Shimano Deore XT Shadow+ Drivetrain
MSRP: $6379
IZIP E3 Dash
A classic. IZIP has been making a version of this bike for years now. This years model comes in a low step option as well!
See? Told you
The Dash is an excellent, low-cost option for those looking for an intro to e-bikes kind of ride. The TranzX motor will take you up to 28mph for about 16-35 miles per charge–more if you’re conservative with the assist. The components aren’t too shabby either. Shimano M365 hydraulic disc brakes keep you safe, the Shimano Deore SGS drivetrain, and RockShox Paragon fork with 65mm of travel make it a great entry level option.
I’ve also found that IZIP is pretty conservative with their mileage estimations, so you can likely take this thing further than listed. For the price point, this is a great option.
Highlights: 28mph, TranX Currie ElectroDrive motor, RockShox Paragon fork
MSRP: $2159
Bulls Lacuba EVO E45 S Wave Frame
Okay yes. I’m putting a lot of 28 mph options up here. That’s because 28 mph bikes are cool. So…
Have to give a shout out to a Bulls Brose option. They were the first manufacturers I saw integrate the battery into the frame really well, and they’ve continued to improve upon that design. As I mentioned above, I love the wave frame. Super easy to get on and off and it’s got a cool look as well. If you’re not a fan, this bike does come in both a Diamond and step-thru frame.
The Brose motor is definitely the most quiet ebike motor that I’ve used. The 28mph model is no different. I also find it to be pretty solid in terms of power. Generally speaking, Bosch motors are considered the most powerful, but with the Brose I actually think you get a lot of power with a more “real” feeling cycling experience. They also give you a 675 watt hour battery pack, which is still unrivaled in terms of a single battery system.
Highlights: 28mph, Brose Speed Motor, Easy Mount Frame, Integrated Lights
MSRP: $3799
Bulls Cross Mover Speed Wave Frame
Look at Bulls giving you options! Very similar bike, but with the Bosch Performance Speed motor. Why did I include if it’s so similar? Because I think Bulls has build super interesting commuters. They set you up with a adjustable stem so you can literally be as upright as you want, if you’re a posture freak. Underrated part of this bike: water bottle boss placement. Call me crazy, but it’s little touches like these that tip the scales on commuting bikes for me. It isn’t always easy to find places to put cages on e-bikes.
This bike also does come in a diamond frame and step-thru, like its Brose cousin above.
Highlights: 28mph, Bosch Performance Speed motor, Adjustable Stem
MSRP: $3899
Riese & Muller Roadster Touring HS
Guys, I just absolutely love this bike. I try as much as possible not to play favorites…oh wait this is a top ten list, so I totally can. This is my personal favorite commuting electric bike, and it’s only partially because it looks just like my fixie that I used to ride around San Diego when I was a hipster.
In terms of design, the attention to detail is just exquisite. The extra long fenders ensure you’re not going to get wet going through puddles. The cafe lock is hidden well enough to not ruin the look. I do kind of wish that the battery and fork could be that lovely green color, but we can’t have it all folks. For you green haters, it does come in white and black too. There’s also an option for this cute little front carrier if you want to put a bouquet and a baguette in it.
Of course the specs are nuts. Shimano Deore XT Shadow+ drivetrain, Magura MT4 hydraulic disc brakes, Mach 1 rims, and Schwalbe G-One tires make this not only an incredible commuter, but really a solid racing bike if you want to challenge another ebiker. The G-One tires I just love. They’re slick enough to keep you up to speed, but have a good amount of knobiness so that you can handle bad weather.
There is also a Roadster Mixte frame that I think holds up nicely to the regular Roadster.
Highlights: 28mph, Bosch Performance Speed Motor, Suntour NCX Suspension fork
IZIP E3 Moda
I think this is a super interesting bike. I like seeing IZIP stepping into the world of Brose motors. Brose bikes always look clean and refined because of the battery integration. This bike is a pretty great value for what you get. Totally integrated lights, rear rack, fenders, and plus sized tires are all great to have. I wish it had a dual chainring in the front, but you can always add one on a Brose motor.
I picked this bike because it’s definitely one of the lowest cost 28mph bikes out there that is still high quality. Magura MT4 hydraulic disc brakes keep you good and safe. The geometry provides a comfortable ride. Personally, I don’t always think a suspension fork is totally necessary since they are less efficient. If you’ve got a pretty smooth road to ride this is a great option.
Highlights: 28mph, Brose Speed Motor, Magura MT4 HD Brakes
MSRP: $2999
Haibike Sduro Cross 4.0
Hear me out! I know this isn’t totally set up for commuting right out the gate, but the price point is bonkers. You get a suspension fork with lockout, hydraulic disc brakes, 20 mph, and a bike that will let you ride for at least 60 miles for $2399. Put a $40 rack and some lights on this puppy and you’ve got yourself a fully functional commuter.
The Cross line is also extremely well built. They’re like cyclocross bikes with motors. Super comfortable all day, but very fast thanks to thing slick tires. This would also be a great ride for commuters who want to take their bike on some trails for a shortcut.
Hightlights: 20mph, Yamaha PW System, Bangin’ Price Point
MSRP: $2399
Summary
There are loads of incredible options in 2018. These are the ten I truly believe that riders will enjoy the most for years to come. Keep in mind that electric bikes are the only bike market that is still growing! There is going to be more and more interest in these in the coming years which is going to drive up the value of your bike if you invest early.
Let us know what you think of our top 10 electric bikes for commuting in 2018 in the comments below! Cheers!