5 Best Electric Bikes for Commuters

As of June 2022, the price of oil is at record highs worldwide, causing the price of fuel to skyrocket. Also as of June 2022, the average daily commute to work is about 40 miles round trip, or 20 miles one-way. Noting both of these factors, now's as good of a time as ever to invest in a commuter bicycle - and commuter electric bikes can help riders get to work at a comfortable 20 miles per hour or more while avoiding the prices at the gas pump.

But commuting bikes aren't just great for getting to and from work. They're great for getting riders to and from the store to run errands. They're great for tooling around college campuses and making sure student riders get to class on time. And they're a great general all-purpose bike to take out for a spin around the neighborhood or on the local park trail. Commuter bikes perform well in most weather conditions, tend to be high on comfort and ride well on most surfaces to boot. And with the electric pedal assist and full electric throttle mode functions, they can make getting from Point A to Point B all the more easier and more convenient.

So whether you're sick of the high gas prices or just want to get more exercise in your day as you are out and about, a commuter electric bike is a great option. In this post, we'll discuss the five best electric bikes for commuters and what features you'll want to be on the lookout for when it comes to selecting your next commuter e-bike. Here's a closer look:

5 Best Electric Bikes for Commuters

How to Choose a Good Commuter Bike

Now that we've gone over some of the best commuter e-bikes on the market today, it's worth spending some time discussing just what makes a good commuter bike. Like we said in the introduction, commuter bikes are solid all-around options. They tend to be comfortable, good on just about any terrain and they perform well in a variety of weather conditions as well. With that being said, here's a look at some of the factors you'll want to weigh when shopping for any of the models that we mentioned above or any other commuter e-bike model:

Comfort is Key

A good commuter bike should be high on comfort - and it's arguably the most important factor that you should be considering when shopping for an electric commuter bicycle. Remember, commuter bikes are designed for riders to "commute" from Point A to Point B, whether it's to the office, the store or elsewhere around town. You don't want to be uncomfortable for these longer rides, as that could lead to long-term joint pain and potentially even mobility issues. Hence, it's important to pay attention to the ride design and everything from the comfort of the seat down to the handlebar grips. Comfort and ergonomics are key, and when you're riding several miles at a time, it's not something that you want to sacrifice.

Proper Fit

To piggyback off the previous point, proper fit is just about as important as finding a comfortable bike. Many riders incorrectly assume that bikes are designed to be one-size-fits-all, and can be adjusted based on a rider's body type by moving the seat up or down. That's incorrect. Every rider should be properly fit-tested so that they can find a bike that's just right for them. Fit testing can be performed by a professional in person at your local bike shop or you can even get fit tested online by entering some key details about yourself. Following a fit test, you'll be able to select the right bike for you and your body type. And you shouldn't worry that your fit test results won't render a compatible bike. Riding is for everyone.

Electric Range

When it comes to e-bikes, electric range and speed are other factors that you want to consider - especially with commuter bikes that you plan to ride for elongated periods at a time. E-bikes come in two electric modes: pedal assist and full electric throttle. Pedal assist is a mode that complements conventional bike pedaling, while full electric mode does not require any manual pedaling and is ideal to kick on when you need a break or if you're going on an uphill portion of the ride. Pedal assist tends to drain the battery slower than full electric mode. Make sure that you understand the electric range, battery recharge times and also the maximum speeds that the two electric modes can take you at. Some batteries have enough juice to power a bike for up to 100 miles in either mode, while others only have a range of 20-30 miles before recharge is necessary. When it comes to a longer ride, you don't want to be stuck without the electric features for any portion of it.

Keep in mind that an electric bike doesn't mean that you still won't get some great exercise. Even with pedal assist mode, you're still pedaling with help from the electric motor.

Storage

Most electric bikes - and certainly the bikes that we mentioned earlier - are able to be optimized based on rider preferences. For instance, commuters can easily add baskets and other storage compartments to either the back or the front of the bicycle to make it easier to carry briefcases, backpacks, folders, groceries or anything else that they might have to bring with them or back with them. A good commuter bike should be as flexible as it is comfortable and practical to ride. Add-ons should be easily interchangeable.

Tire Size

When it comes to commuting with comfortability, don't underestimate the importance of your tires. While skinny tires have become the norm for many bike models, they're not always the best for commuting purposes. Skinny tires tend to offer a fast ride, but not exactly a comfortable one. That's why you'll see riders on bikes with these thin tires during competitive races. Thicker tires might sacrifice speed a bit, but they won't impact your ride as much when you encounter different types of terrain or potentially even hit rainy weather on your ride. Thicker tires are able to seamlessly cruise over puddles and slick spots more easily than thin tires, which makes them ideal on a commuter bike.

Quality

Finally, quality is important on any bike, let alone a commuter bike that you may be riding for many miles at a time. While it can be tempting to select the low-price option, low price and quality don't always add up. We encourage you to do your homework before selecting any bike. Look at what materials it is crafted from, sit on it and take it out for a quick test ride and make sure that you're as comfortable with the bike itself as you are with the way it's made. The last thing you want to do is be halfway to the office or on your way home from the store and have an issue with the bike. Quality matters.

Contact SixThreeZero Today

For more information on the best commuter bikes on the market today and what features and accessories to look for in a good commuter bike model, contact SixThreeZero today. We believe that riding is for everyone, and we have a bike for you to prove it. You can browse from our range of commuter electric bikes or search any of our other bike models, from hybrid to fat tire to beach cruiser and more. You can also get fit tested with us. Contact us today for more information on our range of quality commuter e-bikes.