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Best Ebike Brands – Unbiased Electric Bikes Companies Comparison

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It comes as no surprise. The best ebike brands are holding a significant spot in the future’s mobility. The micro-mobility sector  has been growing rapidly and steadily in the past several years.

This trend shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon and it is just starting to catch on in North America.

In fact, from 2014 to 2017 , sales of American electric bikes had jumped by a whopping 91 percent to $77.1 million. This sector of the $5.9 billion cycling industry in the country has been steadily expanding ever since.

There are many different e-bike companies producing electric bikes these days and here we will take a look at best electric bike brands of the most well-known electric bicycle companies – their strengths, weaknesses, and specific models that they offer.

So below is an exhaustive list of the most reliable electric bike brands out there. This article will cover every aspect of your journey, from finding the most ideal e-bike for your needs to choosing the best e-bike vendor.

What Are the Top Brands of Electric Bikes

Photo created by  radpowerbikes

Shopping for a new electric bike can be very exhausting. The market is flooded with poorly-designed ebikes from China. Even if you eventually find an e-bike that meets your requirements, you might still have to deal with delays in delivery – if your package ever gets delivered in the first place.

In this post, we’ll be listing some of the most trusted e-bike manufacturers on the planet. This list will help narrow your search for a quality e-bike down and reduce the amount of time you spend verifying the legitimacy of electric bikes brands in the market today.

Electric Bike Brands List

We have compiled a list of the best e-bike brands in the world. Each brand in this list has at least one award-winning electric bike in its line-up.

They are rated in order of the overall performance of their e-bikes, their logistics, and customer service.

Ebikes Brands and Manufacturers Comparison

What electric bikes are made in the usa.

Most ebike brands still outsource ebikes manufacturing to countries around the world and in particular Asian countries however most of the research and design takes place in the US.  There are some outstanding electric bikes from a handful that are designed, and sold in the USA . Among the most popular is Rad Power Bikes’ RadRunner , a functional (part cargo) yet sleek (though the body is a little heavier at 65 pounds) and fun electric bike. It is reasonably priced considering its premium features—a top speed of 20 mph, mileage of 25 to 45 miles per full charge, and a load capacity of up to 300 pounds. 

The casual cruiser  Electra Townie Path Go!  is a popular US-made option for e-bike enthusiasts. Both variants—the 10D EQ Step-Thru and the 10D EQ Step-Over—have assisted speeds that can reach up to 20 mph and a Bosch motor that can take a range of up to 65 miles per charge. On the downside, some bikers rant that there is a limit in sizing choices as there is just a single frame size for every frame style. 

If you are looking for an efficient e-bike with a simple design, the  Ride1Up Core-5  is an entry-level model that is touted to outlast a car, thanks to its standard components. Its top speed can reach 28 mph on  pedal assist  and up to 20 mph on throttle with a single-charge range of up to 40 miles. It lacks a rear rack (which can be purchased separately) and fenders, though.

Meanwhile, for the adventurous bikers,  Trek Rail 7 is an electric mountain bike (e-MTB) that is engineered to endure tough terrains just like a typical trail bike. The long-range Bosch battery can support more mileage and an assisted top speed of up to 20 mph. Just be warned that its tires tend to offer little traction and can wash out quickly if the user is not careful enough.

Other brands like Specialized and Gazelle manufacture their e-bikes in Europe; Switzerland and Netherlands respectively.

The Best Electric Bike Brands in USA

Rad power bikes.

If there is a word that would best describe this brand, it would be ‘supercharged.’ That is because Rad Power Bikes has become one of the major driving forces that have been propelling the rise of the electric bike market not just in the US but also in the entire North America. The company has also gained the attention of major investors —a proof of its potential.

Rad Power Bikes constantly upholds the commitment to deliver power. Most of the models in its lineup easily fall into the ‘best e-bike’ category. Thus, since its 2015 launch, the brand has easily attained the status as the biggest electric brand in the entire continent.  

Among the electric bike brands California has given birth to, Ride1Up is one of the most notable when it comes to pricing. The brand is known for its urban e-bike models that cost reasonably. Numerous industry observers cite the intense competition in its home-state as the best driver for this reputation of the company.

If you are looking for performance electric bikes with practical price tags, you should check out the lineup from Ride1Up. The brand has models that can accelerate up to 25 mph—at par with competitors’ models that on the contrary cost more than $2,000. Who says you can’t achieve power at cheaper costs?

Best All Terrain Electric Bikes

One of the oldest American e-bike brands boasts of versatility and durability. Trek is among the electric bike companies USA has produced that offer models that can endure prolonged riding in various terrains. The company currently has 42 electric bike models that are mostly all-round and are demonstrating excellence.

Other than e-bikes that are versatile, Trek’s lineup is characterized by ideal weight distribution. The brand’s electric bikes can readily accommodate accessories. Thus, Trek bikes can be customizable, bolstering biker’s value for money. No wonder, the company has endured the tests of time since its establishment in 1975 in Wisconsin .

More than the swag, Electra’s electric bikes have added punch. The brand makes sure each detail about its e-bike lineup can deliver the authentic experience that is unique to it. Since its birth in 1993 and until now that it is operating as an independent unit of Trek, Electra has been known as among the top favorites for American biking enthusiasts.

Each of the Go! Collection (Townie, Townie Path, Vale, and Attitude) has inherent characteristics that are superior in comparison to rivals. You can enjoy Electra’s laid-back DNA that matches its power. The company’s electric bikes have average top speeds of 28 mph powered by Bosch motors, which are also synonymous to performance in the e-biking parlance.    

Best Long Range Electric Bikes

What other e-bikes companies  in the us.

Aside from some of the best e-bike brands that were put on spotlight above, many other makers come as top tiers. Many traditional bike companies have started designing and producing electric bikes as demand for such vehicles steadily grows due to inevitable factors—environmental causes, cost effectiveness, convenience, space saving reasons, and others.

Some other electric bike brands in California get into the top makers list. One of them is Specialized , which is enriched by its bike-making experience that traces back to 1974. The most notable from the brand are its mountain electric bikes that instantly deliver superior electric bike riding due to its mountain-bike design.

Pedego spells fun as its e-bikes are stylishly colored to turn heads. The brand’s cruiser, city, and commuter e-bike models are being raved about by users. The company’s 5-year warranty says so much about its confidence in its electric bike models.

Best Electric Bikes For Camping

From being a traditional bike maker when it started in 1895, Schwinn has evolved to become an e-bike-centric maker. The company currently boasts of 13 e-bike models in its product catalog. Cost effectiveness and beginner-friendliness are traits that are usually associated with the name.

No other maker can be more American compared to Electric Bike Technologies . The vibe of the young brand emerges in its models. The company claims that it knows by heart the wants and needs of US-based modern bikers.

Lastly, Electric Bike Company makes itself unique by enabling its users to freely personalize their e-bikes. Also a relatively young brand, it has 6 e-bike models presently, most of which coming with front basket attachments to give that utilitarian American feel that’s reminiscent of vintage bike models. The brand’s models are also more budget-friendly compared to its rivals, though it emphasizes that quality is never compromised.   

Best Electric Bike for Hilly Commute – Must-Know Tips

Are chinese electric bikes any good.

China is the most populous country in the world. For quite some time, its people have been facing challenges in daily mobility. This is why the popularity of electric bikes is just logical across the Chinese mainland.

With that said, it just follows that many electric bike manufacturers in China have also spent years of research and development in producing electric bikes that would make transportation for their people more convenient and more practical. Tough competition also abound in their local e-bike market.

Most aficionados would agree that Chinese electric bikes are just fine. However, most of those items still pale in comparison to their American designed  counterparts, which are mostly more meticulous and are usually carefree. US electric bike brands also always opt for the best components not just from its home base but also from other sources and producers across the globe.

Another edge of the American e-bike makers is the power. Bikers in the US tend to be more passionate as many of them regard their electric bikes more as tools of passion whereas the Chinese counterparts are more inclined on the function, which is to transport them from point A to point B in any given day.  

Which E-Bikes Use Bosch Motors?

A motor is basically the heart of any electric bike system as it is the powerhouse that pumps energy for the ride’s mobility. Germany’s Bosch is part of the big three motors for e-bikes—with rivals SunTour and Shimano completing this elite circle. Many e-bikers look for electric bikes that come with Bosch motor because they perceive the brand to be the most reliable for its advanced technology.

Among the most popular electric bike brands in USA, Electra and Haibike boast of using Bosch motors to power their vehicles. Other American e-bike brands that have some models that are powered by Bosch are Trek (UM5), Schwinn (Vantage), Benno, Priority Bicycles, and Yuba Bikes. 

Bosch has been powering many e-bike brands for more than a decade now. It is also popular in other electric bike makers in other countries. Because of its advanced and more complex technology, Bosch motors significantly add up to the overall tag price of models that use the motor brand.

The motors from Bosch are powerful. Those are capable of facilitating welcome assist to electric bikes’ pedal strokes. This way, Bosch motors facilitate a more naturally feeling ride—more like a power push instead of speed surge mechanism.

What to Look for in an Electric Bike

Now that we’ve covered “where” to get quality e-bikes, let’s dive deeper into “what” makes a good electric bike. Below are a few things you might want to consider when shopping for a new e-bike.

1. Power Output (Motor Rating)

Photo created by  swytchbike

Every electric bike comes with a power rating (usually measured in Watts). The higher this number, the more power said electric bike will be able to put out.

E-bike motors can be grouped into three major classes – low, medium, and high-powered. Low-powered electric bikes — usually with power ratings between 250 & 350 Watts — are ideal for light riding. They are not powerful enough to climb steep gradients nor transport heavy loads.

Also Related:

Hub Motor VS Mid Drive Motor – Which One to Pick?

Higher-powered electric bikes on the other hand — typically equipped with 750-1000W motors — are better adapted to heavy-duty riding. So, if you’re going to search for a great e-bike online, make sure it meets your requirements “powerwise”.

E-bike 500w vs. 1000w: The Battle of the Motors

2. Battery Capacity

The last thing you want to do is pedal a 50-pound-plus machine five miles to your home without motor assistance; your legs will make you pay. In order to avoid such a situation, purchase an e-bike with a reliable battery.

Lithium-ion batteries have evolved since they were first introduced into the power sector in 1991. Today, there are e-bike battery packs that can store up to 20,000 mAh of current.

Don’t lower your standards. As long as you’re sure you’ll be covering long distances with your e-bike, don’t settle for just any bike, buy one with a long-lasting battery.

Read our guide on electric bike batteries here

3. Weight and Weight Capacity

Electric bikes are usually 40 – 50% heavier than traditional bicycles. Their motors and batteries make them weigh more than their rider-powered counterparts.

That said, choosing the right e-bike for you will also depend on how much weight you’re comfortable dealing with. If you constantly have to carry your e-bike up a flight of stairs, it’s probably best that you purchase a lightweight electric bike.

These are not usually as powerful as heavier e-bikes, but with a mid-drive system, they should be able to overcome almost any resistant force.

Another metric you need to pay keen attention to is a bike’s maximum payload capacity. These numbers represent the manufacturer’s rating of how much weight the e-bike can support and still operate at optimal performance.

E-bike weight limits can range between 220 lbs and 350 lbs. It’s only natural that heavy riders go for electric bikes with higher weight capacities as it ensures that they get the most out of their rides.

Read our guide on  electric bikes weights and riders weight limits here

What Is the Most Reliable E-bike Motor

In most cases, a reliable e-bike motor is one that is efficient and durable. Cycling enthusiasts often refer to mid-drive motors as the most reliable and efficient e-bike drive system.

This is because they integrate with the bike’s gear system and can be easily adapted to any riding condition. Need to go faster? Switch gears and let the motor take care of the rest. The same applies to situations where riders need to travel up steep inclines.

However, with companies improving on their hub-drive technologies , we’re starting to see hub motors that are torquey enough to compete with even the best mid-motors. So, it’s safe to say a reliable e-bike motor must have the following characteristics;

• A decent enough power rating
• Enough torque to flatten hills
• Must be durable (maybe even come with a long warranty)

Some of the best e-bike motors include;

• Bosch’s Performance Line CX,
• Bafang’s BBSO2B ,
• Brose’s Drive S-Mag,
• Mahle’s X35, etc.

What Is the Most Dependable Electric Bike

Reliability is one of those qualities that everyone hopes for in an electric bike. No one wants to purchase a $1500 electric bike and end up spending ×2 of that amount replacing faulty components.

This is why we’ve put together a list detailing some of the most reliable electric bikes on the market. These award-winning e-bikes are made up of high-end parts and are guaranteed to give you the best bang for your buck.

Best Electric Bike Under $1500 | Think Can’t Get Quality for Less?

What Is the Best Value for Money Electric Bike

If you don’t have too much money to spend but want to get the best out of your e-bike purchase, check out our picks of the best value for money e-bikes.

Best Electric Bike Under $800 – Never Over Pay for Entry Level Ebike

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Stephanie Pearson

The Best Ebikes for Elderly Riders

Early September marked a major benchmark for our family: Mom’s 80th birthday. The event ushered in a wave of anxiety in the form of finding the perfect gift for an active octogenarian. Mom is fit; she’s an avid cyclist who still rides 10 miles a day. Yet she no longer has the strength to pump up her hybrid bike’s tires to exactly 85 psi, the optimal tire pressure to make it up the steep gravel hill at the end of her daily adventure without popping the tire. So whenever she needs a hit of air, she props the bike up against the garage and leaves the pump nearby, a gentle reminder to one of her five kids or multiple grandchildren to top off the tires.

Because the benefits of riding a bike are enormous—besides providing a boost to one’s mental health, cycling lowers the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and a host of cancers—we want to keep Mom riding as long as she can. The obvious solution seems like an electric bike , that miraculous invention that unsteepens hills and extends endurance. Research from a 2018 Portland State University study found that people 55 and older felt more safe when riding an ebike. That feeling of increased safety is far larger for older adults than for any other age group.

Yet, according to a 2020 study cosponsored by the American Association of Retired Persons and the League of American Bicyclists, the percentage increase in cyclist and pedestrian deaths has been larger among older adults than any other age group over the last decade. The study found that between 2010 and 2019, “the three largest percentage increases in bicyclist fatalities were among people 55 to 64 (38 percent); 65 to 74 (59 percent); and 75 and over (44 percent).” The study does not break down the prevalence of fatalities between non-motorized and motorized bikes, but the statistics were enough to give us pause. By giving her an ebike, would we be gifting my mom a weapon of self-destruction?

We decided to ask the experts. I first spoke with Ash Lovell, the Electric Bicycle Policy and Campaign Director for PeopleForBikes , a cycling advocacy group based in Boulder, Colorado. “It really depends on the stability, health, and comfort level of the 80-year-old person.” says Lovell. If we do decide to buy Mom an ebike, she added, we should do the following homework.

By Matt Jancer

First, learn about the class designations of electric bikes and how they differ. In the US, that means Class 1, 2, or 3. A Class 1 bike only offers pedal assistance and has no throttle mechanism that lets the rider accelerate without pedaling. Also, the motor that provides the pedal assistance on a Class 1 bike tops out at 20 mph. Class 2 bikes offer pedal assistance and throttle assistance—meaning you don’t have to pedal the bike to move it—and they also have a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph. Class 3 bikes are pedal-assist only and have no throttle, but can go as fast as 28 mph under motor power. The class of ebike you should buy depends on the rider’s local terrain and their comfort level with the power-to-pedaling ratio. “Throttles are great for some people who live in hilly areas,” says Lovell, “because they won’t be marooned anywhere.”

Second, make sure the bike has high-quality components and batteries. Shoddy components—especially batteries—can be dangerous both on and off the road . The best bike manufacturers have a code of conduct, warranties, and FAQs prominently displayed on their website. “If they aren’t talking about battery safety and the quality of their components,” says Lovell, “then it’s probably a lower-quality bike.”

Lastly, buy the right bike for senior riders. For older adults, a frame with a step-through design makes it easier to get on and off. Heightened handlebars keep the riding position upright and more comfortable. Smaller wheels lower the center of gravity and make the ride more stable, while wider tires make it easier to roll over bumps and take the bike off-road. For riders who need extra stability, the best option isn’t an electric bike. It’s an electric tricycle. “I’d be comfortable putting my 90-year-old great-grandmother on a trike, because it’s not going to tip over,” Lovell says.

Boone Ashworth

Carlton Reid

Reece Rogers

After choosing the bike (or trike), it’s smart for the older rider to review the rules of the road, says Bill Nesper, executive director of t he League of American Bicyclists . First, order the 32-page “ Smart Cycling Quick Guide ,” which has a section on ebikes. It’s available for free to members of AARP, or $3.50 for nonmembers. There’s an additional short course, “ Smart Cycling Tips for Older Adults ,” available through the league’s website.

“Sometimes people who are aging have only learned what they have learned when they were kids,” says Michelle Bachaus of Wisconsin Bike Fed , who teaches older adults general bike safety as well as ebike-specific safety across the state of Wisconsin. “The rules of the road are totally different these days.” It’s helpful to review those rules, she says, and find a quiet street to practice them so that when they finally get on their new ebikes, “all they have to think about is pedaling the bike.”

In terms of buying the right bike, Bachaus lives by one simple rule: “The key to safe biking is being comfortable and confident,” she says. “As long as you can get on a bike and ride it and feel good, it’s probably the right bike for you.”

With all due respect to trikes, it might be difficult to convince my mom that she needs a third wheel. But there are some sweet two- and three-wheeled choices out there. We narrowed our list down to four.

Gazelle is based in the Netherlands, where electric bikes have been in the mainstream much longer than in the US, and the company has years of experience building beautiful ebikes that work well in varied environments. The Gazelle Class 1 ebike ( $3,399 ) is the ultimate comfort cruiser with high-quality components that combine seven-speed Shimano Nexus gearing with a Bosch 500-watt-hour battery that travels up to 70 miles on a charge. The design is classic Dutch, with a sleek aluminum frame outfitted with practical accessories like a rear rack and front and rear lights. The bike has a step-through frame and positions the rider more upright than other Gazelle ebikes. The ride is made more comfortable by wide, stable, puncture-resistant tires, and suspension systems built into the seat post and fork. At 50.9 pounds, it’s one of the lightest we’ve found.

For another relatively lightweight option, check out the Tern NBD S5i ( $4,699 ), a small and light electric bike (it weighs 52 pounds) with a frame that's especially easy for smaller riders to step through.

Trek's Verve+ 3 Lowstep ( $3,300 ) is a hybrid Class 1 urban cruiser. It hits the sweet spot between comfort, power, and safety. For comfort it offers a step-through aluminum frame, a suspension seat post, and wide, stable tires. A nine-speed Shimano drivetrain powered by a removable Bosch 500-watt-hour battery not only powers the bike and provides 30 to 75 miles of range, its integration into the downtube provides better overall balance and aesthetics. The easy-to-read Bosch Purion speedometer allows the rider to scroll through functions without having to take their hands off the handlebars. Included front and rear lights are a plus for safety. At 54.61 pounds, the Verve +3 is just about 4 pounds heavier than the Gazelle. It adds more weight, but one bonus feature the Verve has that other bikes don’t is the ability to add a second 500-watt-hour battery to double its range.

A so-called fat bike that’s able to conquer all types of terrain, the Class 2 Rover 6 Plus ( $1,599 ) is the sixth iteration of the bike that put Rad Power Bikes on the map. It has a throttle; give the right grip a half twist to kick the motor in when tired legs can’t pedal anymore. It also has 4-inch-wide fat tires that roll over just about anything, a step-through aluminum frame, comfy upright positioning, and a more powerful 750-watt motor with a range of 25 to 45 miles per charge. The seven-speed bike is a sturdy choice for a gentle user like my mom who rides on mixed gravel and pavement, occasionally into the winter months when wider tires are more essential for staying upright. There are two caveats: While the bike is a great budget option, it uses lower-end components. They will likely stand up to her daily 10-mile ride over rolling hills on pavement and gravel, but if something should go haywire, the bike weighs almost 74 pounds. That’s a heavy load for an 80-year-old to push home.

If balance and comfort are the priorities, this classy, gentle Class 2 trike from SixThreeZero ( $2,200, on sale for $1,540 ) is the ticket. It has an ergonomic frame that keeps riders in a relaxed, upright position, with four further customizable adjustment points: tilting the seat forward or back, raising the seat up or down, tilting the handlebars forward or back, and lowering the handlebars up or down. The bike has a 250-watt motor inside the front hub that gives it a range of 40 miles on a charge and a speed of 15 mph in full-electric throttle mode. Those numbers increase to 60 miles of range and 17 mph in pedal-assist mode. A USB charging port allows the rider to charge a phone while they are riding. A generously sized rear basket fits a load of groceries, library books, beach supplies, or even a large puppy. At 76.2 pounds, the trike is no featherweight, and your loved one will need a garage or secure patio to park it. But it is a stable, secure ride. Its flashy frame colors, like navy blue with contrasting teal sidewalls on the tires, might even convince my mom that three wheels can be just as fun as two.

Update, November 15, 2022: This story was updated to correct an error about where Gazelle is based. The company is based in Dieren, the Netherlands.

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Gazelle Medeo T9 HMB High-Step

Trek Verve Plus 2

30 facts in comparison

Gazelle Medeo T9 HMB High-Step vs Trek Verve Plus 2

Why is gazelle medeo t9 hmb high-step better than trek verve plus 2.

• 1.54kg lighter ? 21.82kg vs 23.36kg
• 10 Nm higher maximum torque ? 50 Nm vs 40 Nm
• Has front suspension ?
• Has a built-in lock ?

Why is Trek Verve Plus 2 better than Gazelle Medeo T9 HMB High-Step?

• Has a turbo mode ?
• Has an eco mode ?

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Gazelle Arroyo C8 HMB Elite review

The gazelle arroyo c8 hmb elite is a great e-bike — even when it runs out of juice.

Tom's Guide Verdict

The Gazelle Arroyo C8 HMB Elite is best for riders looking for a sleek, comfortable, Dutch-style e-bike with a reliable motor, and lots of adjustability and comfort features.

Adjustable stem

Super comfortable ride

Rides well even with the motor turned off

Classic looks

Integrated rear wheel lock

Bosch motor is reliable and powerful

Handlebar sweep puts wrists at uncomfortable angle

Some fore-aft flex in the fork can make braking feel spongy

Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.

Weight: 51.6 pounds Drivetrain: Shimano Nexus 8-speed Motor: Bosch mid-drive Active Line Plus, 50Nm of torque Max assist speed: 20 MPH Max range: 70 miles Battery: Removable Li-ion, 500 Wh, 13.4 Ah

The Gazelle Arroyo C8 HMB Elite immediately strikes as an elegant bike. The lines, the colors, the paint all look just right. It is very much a bike born from the Dutch tradition, and it would look right at home on the streets of Amsterdam or Utrecht.

What makes it truly remarkable is its ease of use, both as an e-bike and as a regular ol’ pedal bike. The Arroyo C8 HMB Elite is one of the few e-bikes I’ve tested that’s just as fun and easy to pedal around without the motor even turned on. 

While you can certainly find this style of e-bike for less money, Gazelle hits a good balance between functionality, sleek aesthetics, versatility, and comfort. Read the rest of our Gazelle Arroyo C8 HMB Elite review to see why it’s one of the best electric bikes — if you can swing the price.

Gazelle Arroyo C8 HMB Elite review: Price and availability

The Arroyo C8 HMB Elite costs $3,700 and is available for purchase now. You can configure your bike on Gazelle’s website, and then use the company’s dealer locator to purchase your bike locally. 

Gazelle offers a generous ten-year warranty on material and manufacturing defects, and a five-year warranty on suspension forks. There’s also a five-year warranty period for frame and fork paint defects. Parts are covered by a two-year warranty. 

Gazelle Arroyo C8 HMB Elite review: Design

The Arroyo C8 Elite features a deep step-through frame design that makes it easy for riders of all sizes to mount and dismount. The battery is integrated into the down tube. Overall, the bike could easily pass for a non-motorized bike at a glance.

The Arroyo C8 Elite comes in three sizes: 46, 53, and 57. There is a size calculator on the Gazelle website if you’re unsure which size would be best for you. You can also choose from two different colors: black and silver.

The frame rides on 700c wheels with wide, puncture-resistant tires. Gazelle included fenders and a rear rack on my test model. Tektro hydraulic disc brakes provide ample stopping power and allow plenty of smooth braking modulation. 

The front fender has an integrated headlight, and a tail light is mounted at the rear of the bike on the rear rack. 

There’s also an integrated rear wheel lock: The AXA Defender allows you to pass a bar through your spokes to lock the wheel in place. With the bar in place, just remove the key and your bike is secure. Put the key back in when you’re ready to ride again; it stays in the lock so you never forget to take it with you.

Comfort is clearly a primary design focus on the Arroyo C8 Elite. The Switch adjustable stem allows you to tailor your riding position very quickly without tools. And you get a suspension seatpost to cushion road chatter.

There’s also a suspension system integrated into the bottom of the head tube. With 30mm of travel, it scrubs off road vibration and larger hits to keep all that shock from transmitting to your body.

The Bosch Active Line Plus motor is integrated into the bottom bracket area. It operates almost completely silently. A Bosch Purion LCD head unit controls the motor from the handlebars. The operation is simple using the buttons to control your assist mode. The screen also gives you useful data like your current speed, battery life, and more.

And finally, in an elegant touch, the handlebar grips are leather, and quite soft. It lends to the Gazelle’s overall premium look and feel. 

Gazelle Arroyo C8 HMB Elite review: Performance

The Arroyo C8 Elite positions the rider upright, which means it’s a comfortable position that won’t put stress on your arms, wrists, and hands. The saddle does most of the support here, and it’s wide and cushy. It also sits perched atop a suspension seatpost that takes the edge off bigger hits from potholes and the like. 

There’s also 30mm of suspension built into the fork/headtube interface. This does a wonderful job of soaking up road chatter and moderate potholes. There is a bit of fore-aft flex in the fork, especially under braking. It makes the front end of the bike feel a bit spongy under braking, but otherwise it’s not much of an issue.

You can perfect your riding position by using the very cool adjustable stem. Just flip the lever, put the handlebars where they’re most comfortable for you, and lock it all back down with the lever on the stem. It takes just seconds, and you won’t need any tools to make the adjustments. This is one of the Arroyo C8 Elite’s most shining features. 

The Bosch motor feels appropriately strong for this type of bike. It zips up to speed quickly and stays there. And the Arroyo C8 Elite has no problem with hills. The motor offers enough assistance to avoid getting bogged down when the tarmac gets steep.

One of the best things about the Arroyo C8 Elite is its ability to perform as a non-motorized bike, too. I enjoyed pedaling this bike around without the motor running. It feels like any other bike, despite the added weight. It’s comfortable and fun to ride. 

I did have a bit of trouble with Shimano’s 8-speed Nexus drivetrain. The shifting hesitated in both directions (from harder gears to easier gears, and vice versa) despite on-the-fly cable adjustments. It’s possible this is a fluke or a defective system; I have used the Shimano Nexus system on other bikes before with no problems. 

The Arroyo C8 Elite looks and feels like a premium bike. It feels solid and well-built, and despite its 50-pound weight, the ride feels lithe and easy to manage. Steering feels stable and predictable and the ride comfort is exceptional. 

Gazelle Arroyo C8 HMB Elite review: Battery life and range

I took the Arroyo C8 Elite on a ten-mile ride in cold weather, hovering just above freezing. After those ten miles, I had lost just one bar (out of 5) of battery life while using the Turbo setting — the highest assist level — exclusively. 

Gazelle advertises a 70-mile range in Eco mode, the lowest assist setting. The Turbo range is advertised at 25 miles. This seems like a conservative estimate based on my ride time in the Turbo mode.

Gazelle Arroyo C8 HMB Elite review: Accessories

There is only one accessory listed on the Arroyo C8 Elite page on Gazelle’s website. The Gazelle Carrier bag costs $160 and mounts to the rear rack, giving you space to stow small items while you’re riding. 

Gazelle Arroyo C8 HMB Elite review: The competition

The Dutch-style step-through style e-bike isn’t hard to come by. Trek offers a few different kinds, like the Allant+ Lowstep for $3,800. It also employs a Bosch mid-drive motor — the Bosch Performance Line CX. And it features an upright riding position and front suspension. The Allant includes a 9-speed drivetrain, besting the Arroyo by one gear. But the Gazelle certainly looks more streamlined than the Trek, and it’s slightly lighter (by about three pounds). The Arroyo also costs a bit less.

If you’re after a less traditional look and feel, take a look at the Lemond Dutch. It’s more expensive at $4,900, but it also features a lightweight carbon frame and an 11-speed drivetrain. Best of all, it weighs just 21 pounds, which is nice if you’ll be toting your e-bike up apartment steps. 

While not nearly as sleek and regal as the Arroyo C8 Elite, the Rad Power RadCity 5 Plus Step-Through will save you some cash. It costs $2,000 and features a hub motor, 28-50 mile range, throttle, and a 7-speed Shimano drivetrain.

Gazelle Arroyo C8 HMB Elite review: Verdict

The Arroyo C8 HMB Elite features a good build, a comfortable ride, and a reliable Bosch motor that makes for an overall wonderful package. It’s just as fun to ride without the pedal-assist system, which means at its base level, the Arroyo C8 Elite is simply a good bike. 

While I did have some issues with the Shimano shifting, I’m willing to chalk this up to incorrect adjustment or perhaps even a warranty situation, given Shimano’s excellent track record and my own previous experience. Aside from the shifting difficulties, there wasn’t much to complain about while riding the Arroyo C8 Elite. 

You could certainly get a similarly reliable and comfortable Dutch-style bike for less money. But the Arroyo C8 HMB Elite looks beautiful, has tons of well-designed features like integrated lights and a lock, and a very nifty adjustable stem that means it’s easy to accommodate more than one rider.

Dan Cavallari is the former technical editor for VeloNews Magazine, who currently reviews electric bikes, bike lights, and other bike accessories for Tom's Guide. In addition to VeloNews, his work has appeared in Triathlete Magazine, Rouleur Magazine, CyclingTips.com, Road Bike Action, Mountain Bike Action, CycleVolta.com, Tomsguide.com, and much more. Dan also hosts two podcasts on his site, Slow Guy on the Fast Ride: One is about cycling and other outdoor activities, while the other looks at mental health issues. Most recently, Dan also covered the 2022 Tour de France. Dan lives outside of Denver, Colorado with his family.

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Tested: The Gazelle Ultimate C380+

Great accessories and smooth motor assist make getting around town an absolute breeze.

Takeaway: The Gazelle Ultimate C380+ is possibly the ultimate commuter e-bike that will have you effortlessly zipping along at up to 28mph.

• Fenders, lights, and a rear rack all come preinstalled.
• Suspension, large 700 x 47 tires, and an upright riding position make for a very smooth ride.
• Pedal assistance up to 28mph allows you to fully exploit the powerful Bosch motor.

Price: $4,750 Weight: 63 lb. (L)

.css-1hhr1pq{text-align:center;font-size:1.1875rem;line-height:1.6;font-family:Charter,Charter-roboto,Charter-local,Georgia,Times,Serif;}.css-1hhr1pq em{font-style:italic;font-family:Charter,Charter-styleitalic-roboto,Charter-styleitalic-local,Georgia,Times,Serif;}.css-1hhr1pq strong{font-family:Charter,Charter-weightbold-roboto,Charter-weightbold-local,Georgia,Times,Serif;font-weight:bold;} Gazelle Ultimate C380+ Build Details

Style: Class 3 Commuter E-Bike Material: C3 Aluminum Frame Wheel Size: 700c Fork: Suntour Mobie 45, 80mm travel Drivetrain: Enviolo 380 Trekking CVT Cranks: Miranda Delta Chainring: 55 tooth Gates CDX Belt Drive Rear Cog: 22 toot Brakes: Shimano BR-MT420, hydraulic, 4-piston 180mm front / 160mm rear Wheels: (F) Shimano Hub, 15x100mm thru-axle / (R) Enviolo 380 Trekking CVT Hub, Ride Dutch Rims Tires: Schwalbe Energizer Plus 700 x 47 Saddle: Selle Royal Essenza Plus Seatpost: Alloy Seatpost Handlebar: Aluminum, 680mm width, 15 rise Stem: 90mm with adjustable angle

The Gazelle Ultimate C380+ is a bit of a mouth full for a bike name, but the keyword to focus on is ‘Ultimate’. Most of the time, this word is an excessive and vain addition to a product title, but it fits well for the C380+. This Gazelle’s first Class 3 eBike (pedal-assisted up to 28mph), and it features a belt drive.

Pedal assistance up to 28mph might be the headline grabber, but there are many other neat features and tech that Gazelle has packed into the C380+. There are the usual urban eBike features— integrated lights, fenders, rear rack— but things get more interesting with the drivetrain. Gazelle uses an Enviolo 380 internally geared hub that has stepless shifting, in conjunction with a Gates carbon belt drive. These features would be pretty cool on their own, but then Gazelle tops it all off with a reliable Bosch Performance Line Speed motor; providing 85Nm of torque and a 500Wh battery. All of this adds up to quite the ultimate city bike; a bike that makes easy work of everyday errand-running and commuting.

The Gazelle Ultimate Family

The Ultimate C380+ I reviewed retails for $4,750. Gazelle also offers two slightly cheaper models for folks with smaller budgets.

The Ultimate C380 HMB sells for $4000; retaining most of the same features from the C380+, including the Enviolo internally geared hub, Gates belt drive, lights, fenders, and rack. It uses an internally suspended fork with 40mm of travel ( versus 80mm Suntour fork on the C380+). The main difference between the C380 HMB and the C380+ comes down to the motor, with the C380 HMB having 65Nm of torque (instead of 85Nm) and a pedal-assisted top speed limited to 20mph.

The C8 HMB is Gazelles’ most economical e-bike with a Gates belt drive system. It retails for $3,500 and has a very similar spec to the C380 HMB. The main difference being a slightly less powerful Bosch motor (with 50Nm of torque) and a Shimano Nexus 8 hub replacing the stepless Enviolo hub.

There’s plenty to consider between these various models besides the differences in torque output from the motors. But it’s important to keep that in mind because if you live in a hilly area or load your bike up with a lot of groceries, a more powerful motor can be a big help. It’s also nice if you just want to go fast.

Ride Impressions

While I have ridden several bikes in the commuter or city e-bike category, the Gazelle stood out as best in class. The first thing worth mentioning with the Gazelle Ultimate C380+ is that it’s a really fast bike. The Bosch Performance Line motor provides up to 85Nm of torque. All of this torque, when combined with the massive gear range from the Enviolo rear hub and pedal assistance up to 28mph, means you can get the C380+ really flying on a flat stretch of road. However, even when completely wound up on turbo mode, the C380+ still felt incredibly smooth and easy to control. The suspension fork and 47cm Schwalbe tires do quite a bit of work to smooth out the road. I would often glance at the Bosch display and be surprised at how fast I was going. The Gazelle made going 25mph feel effortless, even mundane.

With how fast you can get the C380+ you’ll occasionally need to stop in a hurry. Shimano hydraulic four-piston brakes provided an added level of control and safety. These brakes never let me down, and I was pleased that Gazelle opted to include four-piston calipers on the C380+. Four-piston calipers provide increased braking power over more common two-piston calipers often found on bikes in this category. They are particularly improved to cable-actuated disc brakes that you will sometimes see on cheaper bikes.

The drivetrain on the C380+ is unique, but exceptionally well suited to use on a city bike. A Gates carbon belt drive is used instead of a chain. This makes perfect sense for a bike meant to be ridden daily with as little maintenance as possible. Unlike conventional chains, a belt requires no regular maintenance, such as degreasing or lubricating. A Gates belt will last up to about 19,000 miles before needing to be replaced, and best of all, they run almost entirely silently. The main downside of a belt drive system, and why you don’t see them on more city bikes, is simply one thing—added cost.

Gearing on the C380+ is handled by an Enviolo 380 internally geared hub. The 380 in the name refers to the 380% gear range the hub is capable of providing. But the main feature of the hub is its total lack of indexing in the shift range; referred to as stepless shifting. Essentially, it means that riders can make very small, or very large, changes in their gear selection with a smooth twist of the shifter.

In practice, however, The Enviolo 380 is a little finicky if you’re used to indexed shifting. I would often shift past the gear I wanted, and then adjust back to the ratio I was looking for (a bit like using old friction shifters). The biggest benefit of the system is being able to shift gears without pedaling. Have you ever slowed at an intersection and forgotten to downshift before stopping, only finding you're stuck in a heavy gear when the light turns green? That is simply not an issue with the C380+. You can simply select the gear you want and roll away without an issue. For a city e-bike like the C380+, it’s quite a good system just for the hub’s unique ability to effortlessly change gears from a full stop.

While there are a ton of things I like about the C380+, it’s not perfect. The main issue that bugged me was the design of the “cafe-lock”, which is integrated into the frame’s seat stays. The key for the lock must be left in the lock when it is unlocked and, thus, also when you’re riding the bike. This means that you need to lock the bike each time you stop so nobody locks it or steals your key. The key also unlocks the battery, which is another reason not to leave it in the bike. So, if you put this key on your keychain, all of your keys dangle from the lock while you ride or you have just a single key that is easy to lose whenever you lock your bike. Other frame locks do not require the key to be left in the lock while riding; I wish Gazelle had used one of these instead.

The other big issue with the C380+ is that of weight. While the C380+ is in the realm of other city e-bikes, the Enviolo rear hub does add quite a bit of heft to an already heavy bike. This version of the Ultimate is around 5-6lbs heavier than some of the other Gazelle models. Practically speaking, the weight limits who can realistically use this bike. The best case for storing an e-bike like this is having a garage, elevator access to your apartment, or a safe place outside to lock up a $4750 bike. Bringing this bike up and down even a single flight of stairs, while technically possible, is difficult and tedious to do potentially several times a day.

Gazelle offers the Ultimate C380+ in a high and mid-step (reviewed here) frame option. The high-step frame is available in medium and large frame sizes., while the mid-step version also has a small frame size offered. With a reasonably upright fit, most folks should be able to find a comfortable position with the C380+. But if you’re on either far end of the height spectrum, I would recommend seeking out a test ride before buying.

The $4,750 price tag of the Ultimate C380+ is also worth mentioning. While the feature set and build quality of the bike is quite premium, it is certainly reflected in the price. The C380+ is not some cheap lock-up city bike; it is a costly one, and with the exception of the “cafe-lock”, is exceptionally well-designed and functional. Whether or not the price is worth it is an individual decision. It’s an absolutely stellar city bike for anyone looking to cut down on their driving habits or simply looking for the ultimate commuter bike.

.css-1t6om3g:before{width:1.75rem;height:1.75rem;margin:0 0.625rem -0.125rem 0;content:'';display:inline-block;-webkit-background-size:1.25rem;background-size:1.25rem;background-color:#F8D811;color:#000;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-position:center;background-position:center;}.loaded .css-1t6om3g:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/bicycling/static/images/chevron-design-element.c42d609.svg);} Bikes & Gear

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Gazelle Ultimate T10 review: The best commuter ebike

Exclusive: gazelle's ultimate t10 is an electric bike that makes you look twice.

“The Gazelle Ultimate T10 is the ultimate electric bike for commuters.”

• Award-winning design
• Comfortable ride
• Smooth power delivery
• Excellent brakes
• Includes lights, fenders, and more
• Modest LCD screen
• No smart connectivity

Most electric bikes look a mess, but not the Gazelle Ultimate T10. It’s a stunner, and the best commuter bike I’ve seen yet.

• Don’t crush it, just cruise

Available in white or red, the Ultimate T10 ebike takes an unexpected road towards beauty. Instead of obscuring bulk with elegant lines, as does the Specialized Como , Gazelle built a bike that turns warts into beauty marks. Don’t just take my word for it. The bike is a 2020 iF Design Award winner.

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It starts with the shape. Step-through frames don’t get hearts racing, but this bike uses its hefty, utilitarian downtube to ground the entire design. The blacked-out battery pack, smack in the center of the bike, contrasts with the frame’s bright red or white paint. It reminds me of the covers that dress up engine bays in modern sports cars. The same blacked-out look extends to the front fork, chain guard, and rear rack, tying the whole design together.

Still, it’s hard to argue with results. The Ultimate T10’s retail price of $3,799 is expensive, but not quite enough to guarantee a gorgeous bike. Even the most premium Pedgeo City Commuter looks a bore next to the Ultimate T10, while price competitive bikes from Trek and Giant have battery bumps that look like alien eggs growing from the frame.

Only Specialized can hope to compete on looks within this budget, but I still give Gazelle’s new bike the edge.

Here’s the real trick; the bike’s design is functional. The Ultimate T10 looks amazing yet doesn’t ditch features essential for a commuter. It comes standard with both lights and fenders front and rear, a rear rack, and a chain guard. The gang’s all here.

As a bonus, the Ultimate T10 has an integrated Axa Defender ring lock. It’s mounted to the frame and can be used to lock out the rear wheel, making the bike impossible to ride. You’ll still want a lock that secures the bike to a rack or another study object, but the integrated lock is a nice backup.

The standard equipment list, along with the step-through design, make this bike’s purpose clear. The Gazelle Ultimate T10 is a commuter, and it makes no apologies for that.

That means a relaxed, upright seating posture. It’s so upright that I found it uncomfortable at first. My instincts told me to lean forward, which meant the handlebars were too close. Eventually, I learned to lean back and enjoy the ride.

And it’s a superb ride. A lot of credit goes to the front fork’s integrated suspension. The bike’s design hides it, but it’s there, lending some cushion between you and the road.

This isn’t mountain bike suspension, so it’s not going to save your wrists if you drop off a curb. Still, it’s enough to absorb most bumps you’ll find. My usual route to the Digital Trends office has several tracts of rough pavement that can deliver bone-rattling impacts. The Ultimate T10 smoothed over those potholes with ease.

I even loved the saddle, a word of praise I rarely offer. It felt perfect for this bike. Wide enough to offer a lot of support, but not wide enough to interfere when it came time to crank out some watts. It’s the most comfortable stock saddle on any electric bike I’ve reviewed.

Don’t crush it, just cruise

A Bosch Performance Line Cruise motor powers the Gazelle Ultimate T10 up to 20 miles per hour, after which it cuts out. It does indeed cruise. The motor’s power delivery is balanced and gradual even at the highest of three power assist levels.

Want to go fast? This isn’t the bike for you. The motor isn’t for speed freaks looking to mix it up with city traffic, something that’s possible on a Specialized Como or Vado. It’s for commuters biking across town at a reasonable pace.

It works for that purpose. I preferred Eco Mode, the least powerful assist setting. The power’s just enough to provide a boost, but not so much that I didn’t get a workout. Eco Mode also makes the most of the integrated PowerTube 500 battery which, in my experience, lasted about 60 miles on a charge. Switching to Sport Mode, the most aggressive, dropped range to about 35 miles.

Power is delivered through 10-speed Shimano XT hardware. It felt adequate to the task. Shifts were occasionally clunky, but ultimately reliable. I had no problem with missed shifts, or shifts occurring when I hadn’t asked for them.

The groupset also includes front and rear hydraulic disc brakes that swiftly bring the bike to a stop. I was also impressed by the brake handles. They always felt right underhand and actuated with great tactile feedback. It’s a small thing that made me more comfortable bombing down Portland’s steepest hills.

I was less impressed by the black-and-white LCD that displays speed and battery life. It’s backlit, but not as large as I’d like, a problem that’s all too common on modern electric bikes . There’s also no support for an app to track miles, speed, or battery status.

The $3,799 Gazelle Ultimate T10 is pricey, but a solid value. This is a complete, all-in-one solution to daily commuting, and the best commuter ebike I’ve tested. Range, power, ride, lights, fenders, rack, even an integrated lock – this bike has it all right out of the box. Plus, it looks fantastic, which helps justify the price to your friends.

Is there a better alternative?

Every major brand offers a competitor. Specialized has the Como , Trek offers the Quick E+, and Trek has the Super Commuter. All three are solid bikes you’d likely enjoy, but the Gazelle is the most complete package for commuters.

How long will it last?

Gazelle offers a strong 10-year warranty on the frame, while the front fork is covered by a five-year warranty. There’s also a five-year warranty on paint for the frame and front fork. Other parts are covered by a two-year warranty.

Electric bikes require regular maintenance, though that shouldn’t cost more than a couple hundred dollars per year. The battery will eventually degrade after three to five years, and a replacement will be your most significant cost. Otherwise, the bike should last a decade or more.

Should you buy it?

Yes. The Gazelle Ultimate T10 is the ultimate commuter ebike.

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Electric bikes can take a variety of forms, many looking like a traditional bike, while others are foldable. The latter option allows you to store the bike away just about anywhere, and with additional space in some offices at a premium, that's a very attractive option.We have a ton of deals on both traditional as well as folding electric bikes that we recently uncovered on Walmart which we think you should check out. As always, we recommend you act fast as these sales often come and go quickly. Let's get started. Folding Electric Bikes

The best electric bikes have come a long way in recent years and we don't just mean in terms of the miles you travel. With technology changing quickly, there are also an increasing number of electric bike deals around and we've picked out some of the very best. Electric bikes are a great way of getting around more easily and without necessarily needing to use as much stamina as a regular bike. Below, you'll find fantastic e-bike bike deals from many different retailers. There'll be something for every need here. Let's take a look at them. Jasion EB5 Electric Bike -- $430, was $750

With a 350w brushless motor, the Jasion EB5 Electric Bike can achieve a top speed of 20 MPH with a range of up to 25-40 miles per charge. It has four working modes with a PAS mode where the motor assists with a moderate amount of power as you pedal, along with a Pure Electric Mode, a Pedal Mode, and a Booster Mode where the bike assist on hills and anywhere else you might be struggling. 26-inch puncture-resistant tires provide excellent durability while there's a high-strength front fork suspension, Shimano 7-speed gears, dual lights, and an LCD display. The latter offers controls for adjustable backlight brightness with one of five levels, along with mode controls.

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Gazelle Electric Bikes Review: Complete Lineup Review and Buying Guide

Jordan Grimez

Ebicycles score.

Gazelle Bikes is a Dutch company steeped in history in the region. You won’t walk more than 200 feet in a Dutch city without passing one of their bicycles.

Since the emergence of e-bike technology, Gazelle electric bikes have also become a large part of the brand’s portfolio. In 2017, Gazelle opened a headquarters in North America, an opportune moment to begin serving that fast-growing market.

As of 2024, Gazelle offers 11 eBikes in Canada and the US, focusing almost solely on the electric market, in contrast to the primarily traditional bike market in Europe.

This Gazelle Bikes review will discuss the brand and its history, some standout features of Gazelle e-bikes, and each model in detail.

About Gazelle Bikes

Gazelle Bikes is one of the world’s oldest continuously running bike manufacturers, celebrating its 130th year in 2022. Although it has been operating since 1892, the brand continues to innovate and grow its offering.

Gazelle bikes are jam-packed with features that make urban riding and commuting fuss-free. (Image source: Gazellebikes.com)

Gazelle’s mission is to make stylish, comfortable, and long-lasting products built to handle the demands of everyday life. It’s clear that they are achieving this goal, given their international popularity.

The primary Gazelle factory is located in Dieren in the Netherlands. Between the factory, Innovation and Production center, and the testing and assembly building, the company employs over 450.

The current capacity is around 300,000 bikes a year , and with that, the brand opened a North American headquarters in Santa Cruz.

The entire Gazelle range in the US and Canada consists of fully-equipped city bikes, eleven electric and one standard model.

Standout Features of Gazelle Electric Bikes

A commitment to quality is evident to anyone who has ridden a Gazelle e-bike. At the assembly center, Gazelles mechanics perform 129 tests on each bike , ensuring the highest standards possible.

Gazelle electric bikes come in three frame designs, including low, mid, and high-step. In addition, each model has between one and three color options.

Fully-Equipped for Urban Riding

Image source: Gazellebikes.com

All the e-bikes in the range come with puncture-resistant Schwalbe tires and a fully-equipped setup of battery-powered lights, a rear-mounted rack, fenders, a wheel lock, and a kickstand.

These components make urban life convenient and safe, and because they come preinstalled, you won’t have to worry about adding them after purchase.

Bosch Electronics

All Gazelle e-bikes feature Bosch electronics, including mid-drive motors, batteries, displays, and controllers. (Image source: Gazellebikes.com)

As of 2024, each Gazelle e-bike uses a mid-drive Bosch motor with 40, 50, 65, or 85 Nm of torque. Apart from the Medeo T9 and T9 City (400 Wh), all models use a 500 Wh battery. Max ranges for each model are from 55 to 70 miles depending on the motor’s power.

These premium Bosch electric bikes ensure the most natural and efficient ride quality possible, providing plenty of power for tackling hills, hauling cargo, or going fast. The standard e-bikes are Class 1, and the ‘Plus’ builds are Class 3.

Comfort and Durability

Dutch electric bikes are designed to be comfortable, putting the rider in a relaxed position ideal for zipping around the city. While the three families have different geometries and componentry, each provides a smooth and comfy ride using fork suspension, large balloon tires, upright geometry, and soft touchpoints.

Gazelle e-bikes are ideal for senior riders and urban commuters who look for comfort, practicality, and day-to-day reliability. (Image source: Gazellebikes.com)

With over 130 years of experience , Gazelle is incredibly experienced in designing and manufacturing reliable urban bikes that stand the test of time and regular use. Their electric bikes are no different.

Brand-name components, high-end frame design, and rigorous testing mean superior durability. Pair this with the belt drive and internal gearing seen on many of the company’s e-bikes, and you have one of the longest-lasting bikes on the market.

Gazelle Electric Bike Lineup

The Gazelle e-bike range includes eleven different models across three families. Each family has specific characteristics, although the difference between them isn’t drastic (they are all essentially fully-equipped urban e-bikes).

• Ultimate – Comfort, functionality, and high-performance electronics
• Medeo – Reliability, affordability, and functionality
• Arroyo – Style and comfort

Eight of the eleven Gazelle electric bikes are Class 1 e-bikes with 20 mph top speeds, and the rest are Class 3 (Plus) with 28 mph max speeds. The differences between the standard and the Plus builds are minimal, as you’ll see below.

Gazelle Ultimate C380/C380+

MRSP: $4,249 / $4,999

• Gazelle’s premium model
• Powerful electronics
• 4-piston Shimano disc brakes

The Gazelle Ultimate C380 electric bike is the brand’s most advanced , consisting of one Class 1 and one Class 3 build (C380+). These Gazelle bikes feature premium components in every area.

The Ultimate series blends sporty electronics and comfort geometry with a sleek, fully-integrated design and plush touchpoints. The main differences between the C380 builds are the motor power, top speed, saddle, and suspension.

• Also featured in:  Fastest Electric Bikes: 28+ MPH E-Bikes Ranked

The C380 has Bosch’s Performance Line 65 Nm motor that gets 25 to 70 miles of range, while the C380+ has the Performance Line Speed 85 Nm that gets 20 to 55 miles. Both builds use 500 Wh batteries integrated into the downtube.

Each C380 has fork suspension, but the standard one has 40 mm integrated into the headtube, while the C380+ has an 80 mm telescoping fork.

Shared features include 1.75″ Schwalbe Energizer Plus puncture-resistant tires, a premium Gates Carbon belt drive, Enviolo’s stepless 380% Trekking hub, and Shimano MT420 hydraulic discs.

If you want the best Gazelle e-bike on the market, choose the Ultimate C380 or C380+.

Gazelle Ultimate C8

MRSP: $3,749

• Cheapest Ultimate e-bike
• 70-mile range
• Belt drive and Shimano Nexus 8-speed hub

The Gazelle Ultimate C8 is the most affordable in the five-model family, with lower torque, less powerful brakes, and a Shimano internal hub.

The Gazelle C8 bike uses the same Gates Carbon belt-drive system as the other models, except paired with a Shimano Nexus 8-speed hub, which doesn’t have as much range and isn’t as smooth as Enviolo’s, but still performs well for this price.

Gazelle chose a set of Shimano MT200 two-piston hydraulic disc brakes for this model, which are perfectly adequate. As a Class 1 e-bike, the C8 can reach top speeds of 20 mph. Its electronics include a Bosch Active Line 50Nm motor and a 500Wh battery.

Aside from that, this Gazelle bike has the same fully-equipped setup, the Ultimate family’s active yet comfortable geometry, and 40mm of headtube-integrated suspension. Finally, you can choose between two colors and three sizes on a low-step frame.

Add the Gazelle C8 bike to your shortlist if you want one of the best belt-drive e-bikes on the market right now.

Gazelle Ultimate T10/T10+

MRSP: $3,999 / $4,499

• Shimano Deore 10-speed gearing
• Bosch Performance Line electronics

The Gazelle e-bikes Ultimate T10 and T10+ are almost identical to the corresponding C380 models, except for the fact that they come with a traditional drivetrain instead of a belt drive and internally geared hub. The ‘T’ in T10 stands for transmission.

By using a mid-tier Shimano Deore 10-speed drivetrain, Gazelle cut the price of these bikes by $500, substantial savings for those not interested in the belt-drive system.

That said, the upfront savings will balance out through increased repair costs and maintenance requirements in the future. Belt drives require little to no maintenance and last three to four times longer.

The other major difference between the C380 and T10 models is the weight. These bikes are roughly five pounds lighter, weighing 50.7lbs and 51.1lbs, respectively.

Choose the Gazelle Ultimate T10 or  T10+ if you want performance, comfort, and style without needing a belt drive.

Gazelle Arroyo C7

MRSP: $3,399

• 7-speed Nexus hub
• Dutch-style handlebars
• Sprung seatpost

The Gazelle Arroyo is the comfort-optimized series , and the C7 is the cheaper of the two models, using a 7-speed Shimano Nexus hub.

This Dutch electric bike has a relaxed upright position, low-step frame, swept-back handlebars, 40mm of fork suspension, and a sprung seatpost to provide a comfortable ride no matter where you go in the city.

The Arroyo C7 uses a belt drive with internal gearing to ensure smooth and long-lasting operation. Gazelle also equipped this bike with a chain guard for extra protection.

Many of the components on the Arroyo C7 are a slight step down from the Ultimate series, such as the Tektro HD-T280 hydraulic disc brakes, which aren’t as powerful or consistent as Shimano’s.

This bike is powered by a Bosch Active Line Plus 50Nm motor and 500Wh battery that returns up to 70 miles of range.

Overall, the Arroyo C7 is a solid comfort-focused electric city bike that offers great value for money.

Gazelle Arroyo C8

MRSP: $3,699

• 8-speed Shimano Nexus
• Headset integrated suspension

The Arroyo C8 Gazelle electric bike is the higher-end version of the two, primarily due to the wider-range 8-speed hub and improved touchpoints.

One unique feature of this bike is the Gazelle Fendervision 50-lux LED light integrated into the front fender .

The C8 sticks to Shimano Nexus but has 8-speed gearing rather than 7-speed. In addition, you get a Selle Royal Loire saddle and luxury leather handlebar grips instead of the plastic ones used on the C7. Otherwise, these two bikes share the same components and design features.

Choose the Gazelle Arroyo C8 if you want unbeatable comfort and functionality from your city bike.

Gazelle Medeo T10/T10+

MRSP: $3,299 / $3,799

• High-performance electronics
• Lighter weight and sportier geometry

The Gazelle Medeo family is highly functional, reliable, and designed with an active geometry and responsive ride feel.

The two premium models, the Medeo T10 and T10+ use the same high-end Bosch electronics seen on the Ultimate C380 and T10 builds. These include a Performance Line 65Nm motor with a 70-mile range and the Performance Line Speed 85Nm with 55 miles max.

A more forward, touring-style geometry makes the Medeo T10 more efficient over longer distances, and the Shimano Deore 10-speed drivetrains will help you find the right gear on varied terrains.

The other differences between the T10 and T10+, besides the motor, top speed, and range, are the standard T10 only has two-piston hydraulic disc brakes, 50mm of fork travel, and more small gears (38t chainring). In contrast, the T10+ has four-piston brakes, 63mm of fork travel, and more big gears (52t chainring).

The Medeo family has two notable differences compared to the Arroyo and Ultimate. These include wider 2″ Schwable Big Apple tires and a 35-lux headlamp.

All things considered, the Medeo T10 Gazelle e-bikes are excellent options for riders who demand speed and versatility from their city bike without sacrificing comfort.

Gazelle Medeo T9/T9 City

MRSP: $2,499 / $2,799

• Same reliable design and component choice
• Lightweight

The Gazelle Medeo T9 e-bikes are the cheapest and lightest in their lineup. This weight is saved by using a smaller 400Wh battery and mounting it outside the frame to save frame material.

Even with the smaller battery, these bikes still get impressive max ranges of 65 and 60 miles, respectively, a very slight drop from the 500Wh batteries.

The cheaper T9 city has a 9-speed Shimano Alivio drivetrain, MT200 hydraulic disc brakes, and a 40Nm Bosch Active Line motor. In contrast, the standard T9 has a 9-speed Acera drivetrain and a 50Nm Active Line Plus motor.

Another key difference is the placement of the battery. The T9 City has a rack-mounted battery, and the T9’s is downtube-mounted. The downside of a rack-mounted battery is the extra weight in the rear can negatively impact handling.

For less than $2,800, you won’t find many better options than the Gazelle Medeo T9 e-bikes.

Warranty and Service

Gazelle prides itself on its industry-leading warranty and customer service excellence. All Gazelle electric bikes come with the following:

• Frame – 10-year warranty
• Fork and paint – 5-year warranty
• Battery, motor, and display – 2-year warranty
• Other parts – 2-year warranty

Gazelle e-bikes are available from dealers across the US and Canada; they do not sell their products online.

How good are Gazelle bikes?

Gazelle bikes are excellent choices for urban riders and commuters. Their electric bikes are designed with keen attention to detail and well built, and they use reliable brand-name components in every area. In addition, they offer great warranties to back up their promise of quality.

What is a Gazelle bike?

A Gazelle bike is a bicycle from a Dutch manufacturer named Royal Dutch Gazelle. All of their bikes are based on the traditional Dutch bicycle, with upright, relaxed geometry, a rack, and fenders. Gazelle bikes are ideal for riders who need a bike for urban transportation, running errands, or commuting.

Where are Gazelle bikes made?

Gazelle bikes are made in the company’s factory in Dieren, the Netherlands. Design, manufacturing, assembly, and testing all happen in the various facilities located in the area. This impressive fact sets Gazelle apart from most of its competitors, most of whom outsource manufacturing to factories in Asia.

How heavy is a Gazelle bike?

A Gazelle bike weighs anywhere from 47 to 56lbs, including all the extra components. The lightest electric bikes in the brand’s lineup include the Medeo T9 and T9 City, and the heaviest bikes are the C380 and C380+. Gazelle bikes are slightly lighter than the similarly-priced competition.

Is a Gazelle bike worth it?

Yes, a Gazelle bike is worth it. Gazelle e-bikes are some of the best quality options on the market for urban riders and commuters. All the components are from big-name manufacturers, and the bikes are proven reliable, long-lasting, and enjoyable to ride.

Are Gazelle bikes good on hills?

Yes, Gazelle bikes are good on hills. All of the Gazelle electric bikes use mid-drive motors, which are best for tackling steep gradients. In addition, the brand has a range of high-torque options (up to 85Nm); the more torque, the faster you can take on steep inclines.

Do Gazelle bikes have a throttle?

No, Gazelle bikes do not have a throttle because throttles are illegal on electric bikes in the European Union, where Gazelle’s e-bikes are manufactured. For this reason, they only manufacture bikes without throttles. However, they do offer high-speed Class 3 electric bikes with 28mph assisted speeds.

What is the lightest Gazelle bike?

The lightest Gazelle bike is the Medeo T9 City e-bike, weighing just over 47lbs. This weight includes the rack, fenders, lights, kickstand, and battery. The other bikes range from 48lbs to 56lbs. The heaviest models are the ‘Plus’ ones, which have bigger motors.

Gazelle bikes are some of the most reliable, well-rounded, and enjoyable-to-ride mid-range urban models out there.

While they aren’t cheap, they easily justify the price, especially given that they are designed and manufactured in-house at the company’s factories in the Netherlands. In addition, the warranties on Gazelle e-bikes are some of the best in the industry.

With a price range from $2,500 to $5,000 and three distinct design families to choose from, there is something in the Gazelle e-bike range for most riders.

All things considered, we would undoubtedly consider a Gazelle electric bike for our next urban companion!

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The Best E-Bike for Every Type of Rider, According to Experts

An electric bicycle is the perfect mode of transportation, whether you’re cruising around town, commuting to work, or riding trails through the woods. With the electric assist, you can ride uphill or haul heavy groceries with relative ease. Although you still pedal an e-bike, it has a motor for help when you need it — like your very own extra set of superstrong, never-tired legs to pedal right along with you.

With all the added technology, it’s no surprise that e-bikes are more expensive than traditional bikes and that buying one involves considering a few more factors, including motor wattage, battery voltage, and top speed. You also need to choose one of three classes of e-bike: Class 1 boosts you to a maximum of 20 miles per hour as you pedal, and Class 3 gets you to 28 miles per hour. Class 2 is a little different: It peaks at 20 miles per hour as you pedal, but it also has a throttle-only mode, in which the bike takes over and pedals for you.

Beginners should make sure to get a bike with a few key features: 1. Look for bikes with different levels of pedal assistance so you can choose when you want to cruise on eco mode or call in the reserve power to muster you up a hill. 2. If you plan to use the bike for commuting, pick one with built-in lights (which run off the same battery as the bike itself) so you’re visible to vehicular traffic. 3. Integrated racks and bottle holders make it easier to haul everything from your work bag to your water. 4. Many e-bike systems have a small dashboard on the handlebars that shows the level of charge remaining in the battery, your speed, and the miles you’ve ridden. Many also allow you to make adjustments through a companion app. You want a bike that offers these things.

Even if you get all these features, it won’t mean anything if you don’t nail the bike’s fit to your body. That’s done most easily by visiting a bike shop, but if you’re not comfortable with that during the pandemic, most shops are happy to work with you over the phone. And of course, don’t forget to buy a helmet and the right accessories and learn how to fix a few common bike problems .

To make the buying process easier, we asked five e-bike riders and experts to recommend the best electric-bicycle options for a wide range of riding styles, from nimble commuter bikes to burly mountain bikes. They all agreed that Class 1 is the safest option for new riders; these bikes also generally cost less and have the fewest regulations. Here are the experts’ picks for every type of rider.

The best e-bike for commuting

Like many Class 3 bikes, this 10-speed version reaches 28 miles per hour, blurring the line between an e-bike and a moped. The front suspension fork helps to ease your ride on rougher surfaces, while the rear rack is a nice lashing point for your bags. “If you’re looking for a fast and sporty commuter, look no further,” says Chris Nolte, owner of Propel Bikes .

The best e-bike for cities

When we interviewed photographer Catherine Opie to learn what she can’t live without, she told us about her beloved e-bike. “I’ve been a proponent of electric bikes since they came out, and I’ve tested a lot,” she says. She rides the Charger3 Mixte on L.A.’s chaotic (and pothole-filled) streets. “It handles well and moves pretty quickly. Going downhill, the fastest I’ve gone on it is 35 miles an hour, but on a regular straightaway, it’s closer to 25 mph.” The bike has top-of-the-line suspension (including a suspension mechanism in the seat post for even smoother rides over those potholes), a digital display, daytime running lights, and a range of 95 miles.

The best e-bike for families

“This is the cargo bike of choice for young families ,” Nolte says. “Powered by a Bosch motor and the very smooth gearing, the bike is great for bigger families that don’t want to break the bank.” The child’s lower seating position gives the bike a lower center of gravity, which improves stability. And as it hauls up to 600 pounds, depending on the model, you could put kids in the front and on an optional rear rack, giving each their own three-point harness. With a 50-mile range and 20 mph top speed, it’s plenty to get you to the park or the grocery store.

The best (less expensive) e-bike for families

“These have become more popular recently as people are stuck at home and want to take their kids out with them,” Nolte says of the Tern HSD P9, which comes ready to accept kid seats from Thule or Bobike without adapters and can hold a combined 375 pounds of rider, kid, and cargo. This nine-speed bike is compact: It weighs less than 60 pounds and, when the handlebars fold down, is just 34 inches tall. It can fit a wide range of riders, from four-foot-11 to six-foot-five in a comfortable upright position, and its battery provides about 70 miles of range with a max speed of 20 mph. “The HSD can carry your kid from one year old until they are ready to bike on their own,” Nolte says. “The bike can easily adapt and change as your family does.”

The best e-bike for mountain biking

Legendary mountain biker Mark Weir rides the Class 1 Cannondale Habit Neo 2. “This bike will do cross-country touring and devour any hills, up or down, that you’ll face,” he says. “This is the bike you use to go deep in the mountains, and you can’t have a failure, and the crank engages with the slightest movement so even when you can’t get a full pedal stroke — say, over a big rock — the motor engages.” The 12-speed, full-suspension Habit Neo 2 has monster breaks for confidence-boosting stopping power on 29-inch tires.

The best e-bike for touring

Drumm says this 11-speed bike is “light, comfortable, and has the ability to ride gravel, pavement, and anything in between.” And its range of up to 120 miles between charges makes it “the ultimate touring e-bike.” The SL Comp Carbon EVO shares the same Specialized-designed integrated battery, motor, and frame as the brand’s speedy, road-focused Turbo Creo bike but with a wider tire clearance that makes switching to chunkier, gnarly off-road tires easy. The whisper-quiet motor packs up to 240 watts of power, which can help you reach about 28 miles per hour. And when you want to go solo, the system offers no resistance to your pedal strokes, so it feels like a regular bike. (Lesser e-bikes can feel slow when the assistance is off.) Fender and rack mounts let you outfit the ride with gear for extended bikepacking trips.

Best e-bike for shorter riders

The frame’s low bar allows riders to easily step off and steady themselves, making this a great bike for beginners and shorter riders, and the nearly one-inch-wide, puncture-resistant tires provide stability on all sorts of surfaces. Plus, says David Drumm, the technical-operations manager for VBT Bicycling Vacations , this bike comes with important safety features, like front and rear lights , and a full fender set to keep you dry on wet roads. You’ll hit speeds up to 20 miles per hour over nine gears, while the suspension in the seat post helps smooth out bumps in the road.

The best e-bike for hauling cargo

Nolte describes this 11-speed Class 3 bike as “the cargo bike Batman would ride.” It’s his favorite “because it’s fast and fun, but it can still haul everything from a week’s worth of groceries to a friend.” Deceptively agile, the Load 60 has a front and rear suspension that keeps you in constant contact with the road and helps to smooth out the ride. Various accessories are available for the storage area, ranging from a set of two five-point harnesses for kids to high side walls that’ll help you carry up to 200 pounds of groceries, gear, or nearly anything else. One caveat: It’s over eight feet long, so you’ll need to be ready to face some storage and transportation headaches.

Note: This bike is shown with optional equipment.

The best foldable e-bike

“This looks great, and it was designed by McLaren’s former Formula One car designer,” Nolte says. The three-speed, 40-pound GX has features like a rear suspension and a concealed chain to keep your pants clean, and it folds down to the size of a small suitcase. You’ll want to get the custom bag that straps securely onto the front of the bike then pops off easily to haul your lunch , laptop , or gym clothes into the office.

The best (less expensive) foldable e-bike

Strategist contributor Diksha Basu chose this foldable bike when she didn’t want to invest in a vastly more expensive Vespa scooter. The price was too good to ignore. She describes the 70-pound bike, when folded, as “about the size of a piece of luggage you might try to carry onto an airplane but will almost certainly have to check .” Charging the bike is simple, she says, although the instructions ominously warn you never to charge it longer than five hours. “​​The electric part is simple: Using a switch on the frame, you can power it on and twist the handle or simply pedal to accelerate; powered off, it functions like a basic, gearless bicycle,” she says. “When it’s charged, I can go up and down hills and not arrive at my destination looking as though I’ve gone through a car wash.” Although Swagtron says its max speed is 15.5 mph, Basu clocked herself at 18 mph on a street-side speed radar: “It’s not exactly a sexy ride, but it’s great fun. I’ve been using it every day, and I haven’t had to charge it more than once a week.”

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Today’s Top Clicked

Gazelle launches its fastest belt-drive electric bicycle yet, the Ultimate C380+

Dutch electric bicycle company Gazelle has been making major inroads with US customers. Now the company’s new Class 3 Ultimate C380+ trekking e-bike is offering up even more exciting speed and is likely to further Gazelle’s US growth.

The announcement of the new Class 3 version of the e-bike marks the first major update to the Ultimate C380 model that was announced last October.

The original launched as a Class 1 e-bike, meaning it was limited to a top speed of 20 mph (32 km/h) under pedal assist in the US.

Now Gazelle is offering the Ultimate C380+ with a more powerful Bosch Performance Line Speed mid-drive motor. That bumps the bike up to a maximum speed of 28 mph (45 km/h) under pedal assist.

It also gives the Ultimate C380+ the honor of becoming the first Class 3 belt drive e-bike in Gazelle’s lineup.

That belt drive is provided by Gates Carbon Drive, widely seen as a leader in the industry for electric bicycle belt drives. In fact, the company also supplies final drive belts for leading electric motorcycles such as the Harley-Davidson LiveWire and the Zero SR/F.

As Gazelle North America’s general manager Ewoud van Leeuwen explained:

“We have seen a tremendous response to the belt drive models we introduced last year: the Gazelle Ultimate C8 and C380. Rider feedback has been extremely positive: from the ease of shifting to the hassle-free nature of the low maintenance belt drive. The only request has been for a Class 3 belt drive option, and so we are thrilled to now offer this with the Ultimate C380+.”

That belt transfers a powerful 85 Nm of torque from the Bosch Performance Line Speed motor and dumps it into an Enviolo continuously variable transmission. The Enviolo 380 rear hub uses stepless shifting to provide a smooth gear transition through a wide 380% gear range.

The transmission allows riders to shift under load and at rest – two key advantages over typical derailleur-based bicycle transmissions.

It’s a piece of kit I use on one of my own e-bikes and I absolutely love it for its advantages.

The Class 3 Bosch motor, continuously variable Enviolo rear hub and the Gates belt drive are three premium components gracing the Gazelle Ultimate C380+, but they aren’t the only high-spec parts.

Riders will also find premium four-piston Shimano Deore hydraulic disc brakes, an 80 mm suspension fork, and 500 Wh of battery. While we see many e-bikes with larger batteries these days , 500 Wh remains plenty for a pedal assist e-bike that operates more efficiently than the throttle-enabled e-bikes that are commonly available in the US.

The 55.5 lb (25.1 kg) bike also comes standard with integrated front and rear lighting, a rear rack with bungee straps, a cafe lock on the rear wheel, fenders, belt guard, and a Gazelle bell.

There are three mid-step frame sizes available along with two high-step sizes. The high-step frame also has room for a dual battery option, allowing riders to double the bike’s range.

This new model is chock-full of high-end parts, and so it isn’t cheap with an MSRP of $4,749. Those that are ready to pony up the cash won’t have to wait long though, as the new Gazelle Ultimate 380+ is already en route to Gazelle North America’s network of retailers.

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Micah Toll is a personal electric vehicle enthusiast, battery nerd, and author of the Amazon #1 bestselling books DIY Lithium Batteries , DIY Solar Power,   The Ultimate DIY Ebike Guide  and The Electric Bike Manifesto .

The e-bikes that make up Micah’s current daily drivers are the $999 Lectric XP 2.0 , the $1,095 Ride1Up Roadster V2 , the $1,199 Rad Power Bikes RadMission , and the $3,299 Priority Current . But it’s a pretty evolving list these days.

You can send Micah tips at [email protected], or find him on Twitter , Instagram , or TikTok .

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