Electric commuter bikes come in various forms, but the goal for any quality commuter is to provide a comfortable, efficient ride.
As their name implies, these e-bikes can make awesome options when it comes to going to/from work, but depending on the model, they can also work well for running errands in town or for simply recreational use.
It all boils down to the bike’s specs and features.
And of course, the best option for you really depends on your budget and what you’re looking for, but let’s be real – some bikes are unequivocally more impressive than others.
With so many brands and styles to choose from these days, it’s easy to get overwhelmed in the process – but I’m here to help.
In this guide, I’ll go over some of the best electric commuter bikes currently on the market, but I’ll also go over the specs and features we should be looking for when comparing options.
This way, whether you like any of the e-bikes on this list or not, you’ll still be able to find the right option to meet your needs.
Ok, let’s do this.
| Battery | Motor | Range | |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Aventon Level.2 | 672Wh | 500W rear hub | Up to 60 miles |
| #2 Ride1Up LMT'D | 672Wh | 750W rear hub | 30 - 50 miles |
| #3 Trek Verve+ 4S | 500Wh | 250W mid-drive | 15 - 70 miles |
| #4 Ride1Up Turris | 614Wh | 750W rear hub | 25 - 45 miles |
| #5 RadRover 6 Plus | 672Wh | 750W rear hub | 25 - 45 miles |
| #6 Blix Aveny Skyline | 614Wh | 500W rear hub | Up to 45 miles |
| #7 Juiced Bikes CrossCurrent X | 995Wh | 750W rear hub | Up to 80 miles |
| #8 Denago City Model 2 | 652.8Wh | 500W rear hub | 20 - 40 miles |
The 8 Best Electric Commuter Bikes of 2024
#1 Aventon’s Level.2 Electric Commuter
Aventon’s Level.2 is sleek, sophisticated, and well-priced… what else could we want from an electric commuter?
Well, regardless, the Level.2 is a great-looking commuter with some legit specs and features.
When it comes to performance, this e-bike comes with a 672Wh battery that’ll get you a max range of around 60 miles or so with minimal motor assist.
And with a 500W rear hub motor, it’s got enough power to comfortably get you up to 28 mph through pedal assist and 20 mph via throttle alone (making it a Class III e-bike).
The strength of the motor here is fine, but what I really like is that it comes with a torque sensor, something you don’t often see in this price range.
With a torque sensor, the motor output matches the intensity at which you’re pedaling – the harder you pedal, the more motor assist you get, resulting in a more natural pedaling feel.
Having a torque sensor also helps increase that battery range too.
The Level.2 also comes with 5 levels of pedal assist, an 8-speed shifter, hydraulic disc brakes, and an LCD color console that makes it easy to track all your riding metrics.
Additional features include a rear rack, fenders, and front/rear lighting.
Oh, and the Level.2 comes in 2 frame sizes, allowing it to fit riders all the way from 5’3″ to 6’4″.
So, if you’re looking for an affordable commuter bike with a great combination of specs and features, Aventon’s Level.2 is certainly worth checking out. See full review.
#2 Ride1Up’s LMT’D
Ride1Up is another great e-bike brand with awesome options for folks looking for a solid bike that won’t destroy the budget.
Their e-bikes require a little more hands-on assembly, but if you’re ok with that, you can get some great deals.
Anyway, the LMT’D is their take on a commuter and for an e-bike costing well under $2k, it’s got a lot to be proud of.
This e-bike comes with a 750W rear hub motor that can reach a top pedal-assisted speed of 28 mph and like the Level.2, it also comes with a torque sensor for a more natural feel.
The LMT’D also comes with a 672Wh battery that’ll get you anywhere between 30 – 50 miles depending on how you use it.
Additional features include an 8-speed shifter, hydraulic disc brakes, 5 levels of pedal assist, a thumb throttle, and a color display.
Another nice feature of this e-bike is that it only weighs about 53 lb, making it 10 lb or so lighter than most of the other bikes mentioned on this list.
So, if you’re worried about having to haul your bike around, this could come in handy.
The biggest downside I see is that the LMT’D isn’t designed with shorter riders in mind – according to Ride1Up, this e-bike is best suited for riders who are between 5’6″ – 6’4″ tall.
But if you fit that height requirement and are looking for a great deal, the LMT’D should be on your short list. See full review.
#3 Trek’s Verve+ 4S
Trek is one of the most recognizable names in bicycling and even though they may still be most known for their elite mountain bikes, their e-bikes are also a force to be reckoned with.
Their e-bike lineup is pretty huge and they offer everything from affordable entry-level options to specialized performance mountain bikes that cost almost as much as some small cars.
But if you’re looking for a bike (electric or otherwise) that’ll last, Trek is always a smart option.
That said, the Verve+ 4S is one of their newer models and at around $3500, it’s actually quite affordable as Trek goes.
This commuter doesn’t come with the strongest motor or longest range, but it being Trek, you know it’s built to last.
More specifically, the Verve+ 4S comes with a 500Wh battery that’ll get you anywhere from 15 – 70 miles per charge and a Bosch Performance Line Sport mid-drive motor that can reach up to 28 mph.
This Bosch motor is rated at 250W (65Nm) and designed to operate smoothly at higher-cadences and is almost silent as it runs.
Trek also gave this e-bike a 10-speed shifter, giving you a lot of control over how hard you’re working while the motor does its thing.
Other highlights include a suspension seat post, hydraulic disc brakes, a head light, fenders, and a rear rack.
This bike also comes in 3 different frame sizes and only weighs in at around 53 lb, making it easier to move around when off the bike.
So, if you’re looking for a dependable, high-performing commuter from one of the top brands in the game, Trek’s Verve+ 4S could be a great fit.
#4 Ride1Up’s Turris
Technically speaking, Ride1Up’s Turris is labeled as “an adventure touring” bike, but a touring bike and a commuter bike are pretty much the same darn thing, so I stand by my decision to include this e-bike on this list.
Both terms basically describe an e-bike that can comfortably handle longer hauls.
And the Turris certainly falls into that category.
The Turris is one of Ride1Up’s most affordable models, costing roughly $1300 at the time of writing this, but you’d be hard pressed to tell based on what it has to offer.
This e-bike is packing a 750W rear hub motor that can confidently reach 28 mph with pedal assist (20 mph with thumb throttle) and a 614Wh battery that’ll get you anywhere from 25 – 45 miles on a single charge.
And with 5 levels of pedal assist and an 8-speed shifter, you have a lot of control over how hard you work during your commute.
This e-bike also only weighs around 55 lb, making it pretty easy to handle and with a “walk mode”, you can even get a little motor assist when pushing it.
The Turris also comes with 27.5″ x 2.4″ puncture-resistant tires that can handle a little light off-roading when the occasion rises (hence the adventure touring description).
Additional features include a hydraulic fork, hydraulic disc brakes, a front head light, fenders, and an LCD console.
The biggest downside to the Turris is that the console is pretty basic and the assembly is a bit more involved than on some other more expensive models.
But for the price, it’s going to be nearly impossible to find a better electric commuter. See full review.
#5 The RadRover 6 Plus
No “best of” list would be complete without at least one Rad Power Bikes model on it – I mean, when it comes to reasonably-priced e-bikes, they’re kinda one of the best brands in the biz.
And if you’re looking for a commuter bike with fat tires that can handle any terrain, their RadRover 6 Plus could be exactly what you’re lookin’ for.
This powerful e-bike comes with 26″x4″ puncture-resistant tires that can provide optimal traction for any terrain you want to tackle.
And with a 750W rear hub motor at your disposal, you won’t have to worry about having enough power to get up aggressive slopes.
When it comes to range, the RadRover 6 Plus comes with a 672Wh battery that’ll get most riders somewhere between 25 – 45 miles per charge.
This Class II e-bike also comes with 5 levels of pedal assist, a 7-speed shifter, hydraulic disc brakes, fenders, and front/rear lighting.
It also comes with dual consoles, making it easy to see all your metrics at once while riding.
The biggest downside is that this e-bike only comes with a 275 lb weight limit, so larger riders are out of luck.
And with a bike weight of roughly 73 lb, it isn’t the lightest option by far.
But if you’re looking for a powerful commuter with some legit off-roading capabilities, the RadRover 6 Plus could be a good fit.
#6 Blix’s Aveny Skyline
Folks looking for a stylish commuter will appreciate what Blix has done with their Aveny Skyline – not only does this bike come with a sleek frame, it’s also available in 4 different colors.
And that curved step-thru frame isn’t just for looks (all though it does look great) – it makes this e-bike very easy to access.
Anyway, the Aveny Skyline comes with some solid performance specs too.
Like a 500W rear hub motor and a 614Wh battery that’ll get ya upwards of 45 miles between charges.
And this affordable e-bike comes with a lot of included features too – we’re talking hydraulic disc brakes, front/rear lighting, an integrated rear rack, and even a bell that’s surprisingly loud.
There’s also an LCD console, 5 levels of pedal assist and a 7-speed shifter for more control over your rides.
This is a great looking bike with some awesome features, but it’s not perfect – with a total weight capacity of only 270 lb, larger riders simply won’t fit.
And according to Blix, the Skyline is only recommended for folks between 5’1″ – 6’2″ tall, so again, bigger riders are out of luck.
But if you fit within these size guidelines and are looking for a stylish ride, Blix has got ya covered.
#7 Juiced Bikes’ CrossCurrent X
Juiced Bikes is a fun brand known for their powerful motors and huge batteries and their CrossCurrent X checks both these boxes.
With a 995Wh battery, the CrossCurrent X literally has one of the biggest single batteries you’re likely going to find on an e-bike under $2k.
I know I haven’t come across anything yet that has more battery capacity, not even close.
Anyway, this huge battery will give you an expected range up to 80 miles, so if you’re planning on tackling longer commutes, this could be a huge perk.
And with a 750W rear hub motor that can reach a top speed of 28 mph, you won’t have to worry about power either.
The motor and battery on this e-bike may be reason enough to choose it, but Juiced Bikes didn’t stop there – the CrossCurrent X has a bunch of other goodies to explore as well.
For example, this bike comes with both cadence and torque sensors for a superior pedaling feel and a 9-speed shifter to give you complete control over your ride.
It also comes with front/rear lighting, a suspension fork, fenders, hydraulic disc brakes, and an included rear rack.
Now the tires on the CrossCurrent are only 1.75″ thick, so they aren’t really designed for unpaved routes, but these road tires will give you optimal mileage when hitting the pavement.
And with 3 different frame sizes to choose from, this is one e-bike that can truly fit riders of all sizes.
Overall, if you’re looking for a powerful commuter with some serious range, the CrossCurrent X could be a great option (fyi, this is a highly popular model and does sellout from time to time).
#8 Denago’s City Model 2
Finishing off my list is a classic commuter by Denago, the City Model 2.
There’s nothing too fancy going on here, but with respectable performance specs, a clean design, and an affordable asking price, I could still see the City Model 2 making a lot of sense for a lot of riders.
This e-bike comes with a 652.8Wh, integrated battery that’ll get most riders somewhere between 20 – 40 miles per charge.
It’s also packing a 500W rear hub motor that’ll reach 28 mph with pedal assist and 20 mph with throttle alone (Class III).
Oh, I’d also like to point out that Denago includes a 3A fast charger with this bike, meaning you can charge up a lot faster than the 2A chargers most brands include.
It’s the small details that make all the difference.
Anyway, the City Model 2 also comes with an 8-speed shifter, hydraulic disc brakes, a color display console, and 2.6″ thick tires for a little extra grip on the road.
And with a 300 lb capacity and the option to choose between 2 frame sizes, this affordable e-bike can handle riders of most sizes.
Overall, if you’re looking for a no-thrills commuter that won’t break the bank, Denago’s City Model 2 is worth considering.
Commuter E-Bikes 101
Before we really get rollin’ here, I wanna make sure we’re all on the same page regarding what these bikes are to begin with.
I mean, I’m not trying to waste anybody’s time here.
And unfortunately, there isn’t really a set definition of specs and features that makes a bike a “commuter” – it’s more of a general class of bikes.
Typically, commuter bikes are ones that can be used for riding greater distances day in and day out.
This could include riding in to work everyday, but it could also mean riding in town to run errands or whatever else you might have to do.
Regardless, the important thing is that these bikes should be comfortable and efficient for longer rides.
Most also include a way of transporting some cargo, but usually not as much as a true cargo or utility bike.
In terms of design, commuter bikes can come with step-thru or step-over frames and they’ll come in all sizes.
Pretty much any e-bike that’s comfortable to ride and can handle your needed range can be used as a “commuter” bike, but there are some characteristics most have in common.
Here’s a quick rundown an what you can expect from most electric commuter bikes:
Medium-sized tires (not skinny, not fat)
Lighter-weight frames
Longer ranges
Some cargo carrying capabilities
Lighting
Fenders
Multiple gears
Choosing An Electric Commuter Bike
Before you pick any e-bike, it’s a good idea to think about how you plan on using it.
Is it purely for recreational use or will you be using it as your primary mode of transportation?
Will you be the only rider or will you be sharing it with a family member? Will you ever have to haul family members around?
Thinking about these questions can help guide you toward the right bike, but if you’re looking for a commuter bike, it’s likely that you’re looking for a bike that can comfortably handle daily trips around town.
In this case, there are a few considerations that are more important than the rest:
Range
Most importantly, you’ll want to make sure whichever e-bike you go with has the necessary range to get you where you’re going.
Depending on where you’re going, you may have the opportunity to charge while you’re there, but preferably, it would be more convenient if you had enough range to get you there and back each day so you don’t have to worry about charging away from home.
And when it comes to range, it’s the battery capacity that largely determines how far you’ll be able to go.
But of course motor strength, rider size, terrain, and riding conditions all play a part too.
When comparing e-bike batteries, you can look at several different specs, but when it comes to overall range, it’s the watt-hours (Wh) rating you’ll want to look for.
This spec combines the amp-hours (Ah) and voltage (V) ratings (Wh = Ah x V) and it gives you a great idea of the battery’s capacity.
Basically, seeing higher Wh ratings means the battery should be able to go longer between charges.
Most quality commuter bikes come with batteries in the 500 – 700 Wh range, giving you 25 – 45 miles per charge, depending on how much motor you use.
Some also come with the option to add additional batteries for even more range – as you’ll see below, some commuters can get you upwards of 100 miles on a single charge.
Motor
Having a stronger motor can be beneficial when you have to ascend steeper inclines or when you need to accelerate more quickly to keep up with traffic, but know that stronger motors also drain batteries faster.
So, depending on your needs, going with a slightly weaker motor could be a smart move to make the most of your range.
Anyway, when comparing commuter bikes, you can compare motor strengths, but you can also compare the types of motors different e-bikes come with.
In terms of strength, the wattage of these motors can vary greatly, with most coming with motors somewhere in the 250 – 750W range.
Seeing higher wattage means a more powerful motor, but some brands will also offer the maximum torque the motor can provide, measured in Newton-meters (Nm).
Like wattage, seeing higher Nm ratings means more power, hill climbing abilities, and acceleration.
It’s important to think about motor strength, but you can also choose bikes based on where that motor is located.
Many e-bikes come with rear hub motors, meaning the motor is located with the rear wheel.
Hub motors work great and they’re more affordable, but they do put more weight in the rear of the bike, throwing off the weight distribution a little.
Other e-bikes come with mid-drive motors, meaning the motor is located in the middle of the bike with the crankset.
Mid-drive motors are a little more expensive, but they offer a smoother motor assist and having the motor in the center of the bike’s frame creates a more balanced feel.
Features
It’s important for a commuter bike to have the range and power to safely get you where you’re going, but you want be comfortable while you’re riding too.
Comfort features include things like suspension systems, seats, and handlebar styles, but you should also check to make sure any prospective bike is able to comfortably accommodate your size.
After all, bike frames come in different sizes for good reason.
Some brands offer different frame sizes to choose from, others don’t – so before you make a purchase, double check the height and weight limitations to make sure you’ll have a good fit.
Some brands also offer step-over and step-through frame options, depending on what you prefer.
Additional features to look for include:
- Front/rear lights
- Fenders
- LCD consoles
- Bells
- Half-twist vs thumb throttles
Oh, and it’s a good idea to check and see what additional accessories a bike is compatible with before buying too.
Some e-bikes are compatible with a lot of racks, baskets, and other accessories, while others aren’t so much.
So it’s always a good idea to check for these things before making a decision.
Final Thoughts
It’s an exciting time to be looking for an electric bike because there are just so many great options to choose from now.
And unlike so many other hot new topics, e-bikes are actually good for us – not only are they fun to ride, but they’re good for the environment too.
And if you’re looking for an e-bike that can handle getting you to work, running errands in town, or going out for a sight-seeing tour, an electric commuter is a good choice.
When comparing commuters, I encourage you to check out those performance specs, but riding an e-bike is about fun too, so the included features are important to think about as well.
I hope you found this guide helpful and as always, if you know of any great bikes that deserve a spot on this list, leave a comment and I’ll get back to you shortly.
Happy riding!
