Our Experts Written by Joseph Kaminski Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics statement Why You Can Trust CNET 16171819202122232425+ Years of Experience 14151617181920212223 Hands-on Product Reviewers 6,0007,0008,0009,00010,00011,00012,00013,00014,00015,000 Sq. Feet of Lab Space How we test CNETs expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise. Our Picks Aventon Soltera 2 Best e-bike overall View details $999 at Aventon View details Engwe L20 2.0 Best budget step through electric bike View details $799 at Engwe View details Lectric XP 3.0 Best for heavy cargo View details $999 at Lectric View details Gotrax V14 Electric Balance Bike Best electric balance bike for kids View details $380 at Gotrax View details Tenways CGO600 Pro Best for a traditional bicycle experience View details $1,599 at Tenways View details Woom Up5 and Up6 Best for young riders View details $3,799 at Woom View details Fiido X Best for short commutes (and small spaces) (Update: Discontinued) View details $800 at Fiido View details Async A1 Pro Best for full-time throttle use (Update: Discontinued) View details See at Async View details Electric bikes have become super popular over the last few years thanks to their speed and user friendliness. But with so many choices on the market, it can be hard to know which to choose. Electric bikes can be found in every flavor: mountain bikes, fat-tire bikes, beach cruisers, cargo bikes and folding bikes. You name it and an option with motor power probably exists. To create this list, CNETs experts focused on commuter e-bikes, ideal for smooth rides on paved roads. Weve tested e-bikes from top brands like Rad Power, Aventon, Lectric, Fiido and Ride1Up on daily commutes through midtown Manhattan, Central Park and the West Side Highway bike path. For some models, we also tested suburban commutes and light off-road use, though not on rough trails. We evaluate overall handling, motor performance, range, safety features and value.Read more: Best Christmas Gifts: Clear Your List With These 61 IdeasWhat is the best e-bike overall?CNET's editors have crowned the Aventon Soltera 2 as the best overall e-bike. The Soltera 2 offers an affordable price, a lightweight (41 lbs) bike frame and a seven-speed cassette, alongside iOS/Android app compatibility and a throttle for assistance on hills. But there are plenty of other good options for those specifically after a folding e-bike, one that can carry heavy cargo or something for kids and teens rather than full-grown commuters and you'll find the full suite of our favorite electric commuter bikes below.Best Electric Bikes for 2024 $999 at Aventon The entire Aventon lineup offers affordability and versatility. The $1,799 Abound is a cargo bike suitable for carrying passengers or groceries, while the $1,799 Aventure 2 is a multifaceted fat-tire bike ideal for all-terrain riding in any season. The Soltera 2 is more of an everyday e-bike that's great for commutes, with a seven-speed cassette and a weight of just 41 pounds. Like the other Aventon bikes, the Soltera 2 features a sleek, detailed display, integrated signal lights, iOS/Android app compatibility and a throttle for assistance on hills. $799 at Engwe The Engwe L20 2.0 is the updated version of the L20 I previously reviewed and loved. The update has changed some things that have improved it, like the ability to fold the bike away and a more powerful 1000W motor to make acceleration smoother. The downside of having the fold in the center is the weight limit is reduced so I wouldn't recommend riding with a baby seat like I used to on the 1.0 version. Aside from that the L20 2.0 is a great fat tire bike that my wife uses every day to ride around the neighborhood. -- James Bricknell Watch this: Best E-Bikes for Weekend Warriors and Daily Commuters 05:41 $999 at Lectric The Lectric XP 3.0 fat-tire folding bike is great for its portability, foldability and impressive capabilities. It's robust and versatile, with a total payload capacity of 330 pounds, including a rear rack that supports up to 150 pounds. Furthermore, it offers a range of useful accessories and a key ignition, making it less attractive to thieves. The XP 3.0 also comes in a step-thru version for getting on and off of it easily. The XP was also tested in South Carolina and proved to handle well due to its 20-by-3-inch tires and front suspension fork. In addition to being foldable and durable, the XP 3.0 can hit a top speed of 28 mph, powered by a 500-watt motor. $380 at Gotrax My 6-year-old and testing partner has really enjoyed her time with the Gotrax V14 balance bike. It's helped her learn how to balance correctly and she can zip around at an average speed of about 11mph. Every day we ride down to get her bus to school as well as ride to the local parks. The Gotrax is incredibly sturdy and easy to use with excellent braking and a simple electric on/off that my daughter picked up immediately. I would have liked it if the bike had two speed settings, low and full, so the kids can handle the acceleration better when they are starting out, but I would still recommend this for anyone who wants to use their electric bike with their child riding beside them. -- James Bricknell