How we score e-bikes

Specs are taken from each brand's own product listing. We do not claim hands-on testing. We have not ridden, weighed or range-tested these bikes. Every number on this site is copied from the brand's product page on the date shown for each bike, and each bike page links to its source. Scores are arithmetic on those numbers, nothing more.

Step 1: scale each spec

For each spec we look at all 22 bikes in the database. The best value gets 100, the lowest gets 0, and everything else falls in between. For weight, lighter is better, so the scale is flipped.

Step 2: the value measure

Value is the average of two scaled numbers: claimed range per $100 of price, and battery watt-hours per $100 of price. A bike that lists only one of the two uses that one.

Brand range claims above 100 miles are counted as 100 miles in every score, so one extreme claim cannot decide a ranking. The bike page still shows the brand's full number.

Where a brand quotes a range span (for example 45 to 70 miles), we use the top end of the span, capped at 100 miles like any other claim.

Step 3: overall score

The overall score is a weighted average, shown out of 10:

30% Value (range and battery per dollar)
25% Claimed range
20% Battery size
15% Light weight
10% Top speed

If a spec is not listed, it is skipped and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. It is never counted as zero and never guessed. A bike is only ranked when it lists every headline spec for that ranking: for the overall score, price, range, battery size and weight; for each guide, the specs named in its formula. A bike with a gap in those fields is shown as not scored and left out of the ranking, so it cannot win by hiding a weak number. Listed specs must also cover at least 70% of the weights.

Why motor watts are not in the overall score: some brands quote rated watts and others quote peak watts, and a 750 W rated motor is not weaker than a 1,200 W peak one. Watts are shown on every bike and used for 20% of the hills guide only, where they matter most. Battery size in watt-hours is quoted the same way by every brand, so it carries the power side of the score.

Guide formulas

Each guide filters the database, then uses its own weights. The ranking order is always the score order, so the number-one bike always has the highest score on that page.

Best e-bikes for commuting: 30% light weight, 30% value, 30% range, 10% top speed. Included: Folding, fat tire and commuter frames (mountain and cargo frames excluded).
Best e-bikes for hills: 40% battery size, 25% light weight, 20% listed motor watts, 15% top speed. Included: Every bike that lists motor wattage.
Best e-bikes under $1,000: 40% value, 25% range, 20% battery size, 15% light weight. Included: Listed price under $1,000.
Best e-bikes for heavy riders: 40% rider weight limit, 35% battery size, 25% value. Included: Listed max rider weight of 400 lb or more.
Best folding e-bikes: 30% light weight, 30% range, 25% value, 15% battery size. Included: Folding frames only.
Best long-range e-bikes: 60% claimed range, 25% battery size, 15% value. Included: Every bike that lists a claimed range.
Best e-bikes for 300 lb riders: 30% rider weight limit, 30% battery size, 25% value, 15% light weight. Included: Listed max rider weight of 330 lb or more.
Best e-bikes under $1,500: 35% value, 20% range, 20% battery size, 15% light weight, 10% rider weight limit. Included: Listed price under $1,500.
Best fat tire e-bikes: 30% battery size, 30% value, 20% light weight, 10% rider weight limit, 10% range. Included: Listed tire width of 4 inches or more.
Best cargo e-bikes: 35% rider weight limit, 30% battery size, 20% value, 15% range. Included: Cargo frames only.
Best e-bikes for hunting: 30% battery size, 25% rider weight limit, 20% range, 15% value, 10% light weight. Included: Mountain, cargo and fat tire frames (folding frames excluded).

Limits you should know

Range is each brand's own claim. Brands measure it differently, usually at the lowest assist level with a light rider, so real range is lower.
Motor wattage may be "rated" or "peak" depending on the brand. Where a listing says peak, we show "peak". Compare wattage within a brand with care.
Battery size in Wh is shown as listed, or worked out as volts times amp-hours and marked as such on the bike page.
Prices are the listed sale price on the check date and change often. Always confirm on the brand's site.
Scores measure specs per dollar. They say nothing about ride quality, build quality, service or reliability.

We earn a commission on some links. That does not change any score: the formula above is fixed and applies to every brand the same way. See the affiliate disclosure.

Spotted a wrong number? Email us and we will check it against the brand's page.