Best electric bikes in Australia

The best electric bikes in Australia

• Best overall electric bike: Leitner Libelle 20 inch Step-Thru Folding Ebike
• Best road electric bike: 2021 Polygon Path E5 Shimano Steps E5000 E-Bike Step-Through
• Best commuter electric bike: Vamos Bikes El Rapido 2021
• Best electric mountain bike: Reef Bullshark m500 Electric Bike
• Best foldable electric bike: Leitner Tirol 20 inch Step-Over Folding Ebike
• Best cargo electric bike: Vamos Bikes Papa Grande
• Best cheap electric bike: Razor MX350 Dirt Rocket

An electric bike is powered by rechargeable batteries and an electric motor. Most models have a pedal-assist system that assists in every stride, allowing you to go further and faster with less effort. Electric bikes are becoming more and more popular over the years due to their convenience and user-friendliness. You can see our full guide to electric bikes vs regular bikes here.

The surge in popularity means numerous models have popped up in the market, which makes choosing a tad difficult. However, there are a few key factors worth considering before pulling the trigger and buying an electric bike, such as the engine, battery life, weight, recharge time and tyres.

To help make your search a bit easier, we've evaluated different electric bikes available online. We considered customer ratings and reviews. Additionally, we selected models for each category based on key product features.

Read more detail on our methodology below.

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Why we chose it

We picked the Leitner Libelle 20" Step-Thru Folding Ebike as the best overall electric bike you can get online. Reviewers on productreview.com.au gave this model a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

This low-step electric bicycle features 20" wheels, suitable for riders 5'2" and taller. It is foldable and has a compact, sleek design for easy storage. It also has puncture-resistant tyres and heavy-duty Samsung lithium battery cells. According to the brand, it has an integrated computer with a speedometer and odometer for convenience.

This model doesn't require a licence and has a top speed of 25km per hour. The pedal assist model also offers 20km to 50km of effortless strides with a 10Ah battery. But if this isn't enough for you, you can upgrade to a 15AH battery for 30km to 75km of pedal-assisted ride or to a 20Ah battery for 40km to 100km. Apart from a 36V 250W motor, this electric bike comes with mudguards, chainguard, front and rear lights and a toolkit for assembly. It's a fantastic, entry-level model suitable for commutes and quick rides on the weekend.

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Why we chose it

For the best road electric bicycle, we recommend the 2021 Polygon Path E5 Shimano Steps E5000 E-Bike Step-Through. On Bicycle Online, it has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

With an AL6 light aluminium frame and internal shifting route, the 2021 Polygon Path E5 is a compact electric bike with a silent system. It is powered by a Li-Ion 504Ah battery that the brand claims to last up to 185km in one full charge. The bike weighs 19.25kg and comes in different frame sizes, from small to extra large, to fit most riders. Its frame and fork are also backed by a 5-year warranty.

Customers praised the electric bike's ease of use, compact design and powerful motor. The motor allows riders to easily switch between power-assist options, offering up to 200% max support for effortless pedals. Users said the frame feels sturdy and heavy-duty, while the tyres allow for better stability and balance. However, customers found sizing inaccurate and recommended getting a size up if you are taller.

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Why we chose it

The Vamos Bikes El Rapido 2021 is our choice for the best commuter option. It has a rating of 5 out of 5 stars on productreview.com.au and the brand's website.

Designed for everyday rides, this electric bike comes 80% pre-assembled. It has a front and rear light system, a lighter alloy frame and a suspension seat post with a comfortable Justek saddle. The rear-hub 250W motor is also powerful enough to get you through steep heels with ease. It also has front and rear Tektro HD-E350 hydraulic disc brakes and a Samsung lithium-ion battery that lasts up to 65km in one full charge.

Numerous buyers were impressed by this electric bicycle's user-friendliness. Users said it feels comfortable and stable, allowing them to go from place to place effortlessly. It has an Intelligent Pedal Assist and throttle option for added convenience. The Rapido also complies with Aussie e-bike standards, which means you can ride it without a licence.

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Why we chose it

With a rating of 5 out of 5 stars on Harvey Norman, we recommend the Reef Bullshark m500 Electric Bike.

The Bullshark m500 is built with a 500W motor that allows riders to cycle at a max speed of 25km per hour. It also has a 21-speed Shimano gear system, front fork suspension and disc brakes. The 48V 10Ah lithium battery also offers up to 60km of a seamless ride in one full charge, while the 26" tyres are suitable for a stable and comfortable ride, even on hills and tougher terrains.

With a powerful motor and sturdy tyres, this electric bicycle is a fantastic option for mountain bikers. Customers said it is easy to manoeuvre and offers superb balance on steep terrains. The LCD control also makes monitoring cyclic statistics simpler. It has a maximum load of 150kg, allowing you to carry all your essential adventure gear. It's a bit bulky at 26kg, but this seems to be a minor issue for buyers.

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Why we chose it

Our pick for the best foldable electric bicycle is the Leitner Tirol 20" Step-Over Folding Ebike. On productreview.com.au, customers gave it a 4.9 out of 5 stars rating.

With a 36V 250W motor, the Leitner Tirol is an easy-riding electric bike suitable for riders 5'2" and taller. It features 20" tyres, an aircraft-grade lightweight aluminium alloy frame and 6-speed Shimano Tourney gears. For added convenience, it has an LCD control panel with 5 levels of pedal assist, odometer, speedometer and light motor. This also allows you to monitor the battery charge of your e-bike.

This foldable model is easy to back into a compact bike for easy storage. But despite its sleek design, this packs a punch. Customers said it is powerful enough to allow them to ride easily on steep terrains and inclines. The rear rack also has a 25kg capacity, perfect for carrying gear, groceries and other items during a ride. One full charge of its 10Ah is more than enough for a 50km ride. The brand also offers options with a 15Ah or 20Ah battery if you need more power.

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Why we chose it

For the best cargo option, we selected Vamos Bikes' Papa Grande, which has a rating of 5 out of 5 stars on the brand's website.

The Papa Grande is technically a 3-wheeler but it offers better stability and a superb cargo load capacity that some electric bikes don't have. It has a low step-through frame and a large seat for comfort. Apart from a light aluminium alloy frame, it has a mozo suspension front fork, LCD control panel, F/R carriage systems and F/R aluminium fender mudguards. The 24" Chaoyang tyres also allow you to coast uphill without any problem.

The Papa Grande is powered by a 15.6Ah Samsung cell lithium battery that gives over 40km of use on a single charge. It also has a middle axle torque sensor and F/R hydraulic disc brakes. This electric bicycle is a bit bulkier than other cargo models, but users said it's still easy to manoeuvre even when the rear is loaded.

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Why we chose it

We chose the Razor MX350 Dirt Rocket as the best cheap electric bike available online. It has a rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars on Harvey Norman.

The MX350 Dirt Rocket features a chain-drive motor and steel construction. It is powered by two 12V lead-acid rechargeable batteries that give up to 30 minutes of runtime in one full charge. This electric bike also has a max speed of up to 22km per hour and twist-grip acceleration control for better stability.

While it's not as highly rated as other models on our list, the MX350 is still a solid option for beginners and teens. It has a durable steel frame and large pneumatic knobby tyres that allow for a seamless ride. It also has a retractable kickstand for easy parking.

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What is an electric bicycle?

An electric bike is a bicycle with an integrated electric motor powered by a rechargeable battery. Its aim is to help you ride further and faster with less effort.

Most models work by providing assistance to each pedal stroke as you ride. This is known as a pedelec or pedal-assist system and ensures that, although you're still exerting yourself, the motor takes some of the effort out of pedalling. Though much rarer, throttle-based systems are also available.

Modern e-bikes are starting to look more and more like traditional bicycles. Aside from the obvious inclusion of a motor, the other key differences you may notice are the extra weight that e-bikes carry – most models are 20 kilograms and up – and the use of tough frames, reinforced forks and components designed to handle the extra bulk.

Pros and cons

There are several reasons why an electric bike could be a smart purchase:

• You want to go further and faster. The assistance of a motor helps you travel longer distances and at quicker speeds.
• You need help getting up hills. If you live in a hilly area, the thought of tackling those steep slopes using pedal power alone can be daunting. An electric bike can give you the assistance you need to climb hills and keep on riding.
• You want to commute to work in comfort. One of the downsides of riding an ordinary bicycle to work is arriving as a sweaty, smelly mess. An e-bike allows you to arrive at work in a more presentable state.
• You want to feel more comfortable riding in traffic. An e-bike can help you keep pace with traffic and take off more quickly from intersections, ensuring that you feel more comfortable on the road.
• You're not as mobile as you used to be. If you're recovering from an injury or simply getting on a bit, cycling with the assistance of a motor could give you the extra boost of power you need.

However, electric bicycles are expensive. With entry-level e-bikes starting at $1,500 and fancier models pushing up towards $5,000 and beyond, you'll want to be certain that this type of cycling is right for you.
If you're fit and healthy and you want to get the full workout that riding provides, you'd be better off saving your dough and sticking with a conventional bike.

What types are available?

There are several varieties of electric bike to choose from, with each designed to suit a different riding style or purpose:

• Commuter e-bikes. Also known as urban e-bikes, these are the most popular form of e-bike and are right at home on city streets and bike paths. They regularly include racks for carrying bags and other goods as well as features that allow you to ride them in everyday clothes (e.g. chain guards to stop your pants getting greasy and pedals that suit regular shoes). They are also easy to use and maintain.
• Road e-bikes. A fairly recent phenomenon, these combine motorised assistance with the sleek and aerodynamic design of a road bike. Frames are usually aluminium or carbon fibre and use hydraulic disc brakes to stop. The tyres are usually wider than those on an ordinary road bike for extra comfort and traction.
• Mountain e-bikes. Sometimes referred to as eMTBs, these rugged bikes are for those wanting to head off-road and hit the trails. Available in hardtail and dual-suspension models, they offer wide tyres and other beefed-up parts to cope with the rigours of off-road use.
• Cargo e-bikes. Usually fitted with large racks, baskets or cargo beds, these 2-wheelers are the load-lugging workhorses of the e-bike world. You can use them to commute to work as well as carry a load of shopping, your pet or whatever else you need to move from A to B. Some are even available as 3-wheeled trikes for extra stability.
• Foldable e-bikes. These bikes are for those with limited storage space or who may need to take their bike on public transport. They have smaller wheels and typically feature fewer gears than other models.

What about petrol-powered bikes? Like electric bikes, petrol-powered bikes have built-in motors, but unlike electric models, they run on petrol. Petrol-powered bikes are banned in several states around Australia including NSW and Queensland. If you're considering a petrol-powered bike, check the regulations in your state before making any purchases.

How to compare electric bicycles

There are plenty of factors to assess when comparing electric bicycles, so make sure you consider the following:

Additional features

• Gears. There are single-speed and geared e-bikes available. Check the specs sheet to find out how many gears you'll be able to call on to suit different terrain and conditions.
• Frame size. Make sure you choose the right frame size for your height to maximise comfort and pedalling efficiency. Manufacturers supply size guides or you can get measured and fitted at your local bike shop.
• Weight. E-bikes aren't lightweight, with many tipping the scales at 25 kilograms and above. While the motor can obviously offset these extra kilos when you're riding, make sure you'll be able to comfortably manoeuvre your bike around the garage or shed at home – or if you happen to run out of battery a long way from home.
• Accessories. Bundling some essential accessories together with your e-bike purchase could help you get better value for money. You may want to consider adding a helmet, lights, pump, racks, panniers and a bike lock, or check out our guide to where to buy activewear online.
• Warranty. Check the manufacturer's warranty to find out how long it lasts and what it covers. Remember, repairs are likely to be more complicated and expensive with an e-bike than with a regular bicycle.
• Price. Entry level e-bikes start at around $1,500, but high-tech models with all the bells and whistles can nudge and even exceed the $5,000 mark.

E-bike regulations

Electric bike riders must comply with the same road rules as ordinary bicycles, but they're also subject to power and speed limits.

In Australia, 2 power requirements apply:

• A pedal cycle with a throttle-based motor system must not have a combined power output of more than 200 watts.
• On a bicycle certified as a "Pedelec" (this means it must comply with European Standard EN 15194: 2009 or EN 15194:2009+A1:2009: "Cycles – Electrically power assisted cycles – EPAC Bicycles"), the motor's maximum continuous power output cannot exceed 250 watts. You'll need to pedal to start the motor and keep it running, but some models include a start-up mode where the motor powers the cycle up to 6km/h.

Motors are also limited to 25km/h and will cut out once you reach this limit. Regulations and requirements vary slightly around Australia, so it's worth checking the rules that apply in your state or territory.

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Frequently asked questions

• Do I need a licence to ride an electric bike?

  No. Provided your e-bike satisfies the legal definition of a power-assisted bicycle in your state or territory, no licence is required.

• How fast can an electric bike go?

  E-bikes are limited to a pedal-assisted speed of 25km/h. Once you reach this limit, the motor cuts out and you'll be relying on your legs to do the work.

• Can I ride my electric bike in the rain?

  Yes. The electrical components on most e-bikes are completely sealed, so it's typically safe to ride an e-bike in the rain.