Get Around Town in No Time With One of These Zippy E-Bikes

We updated this article in December 2022 to ensure all picks tested and vetted by the Good Housekeeping Institute were available, in stock and correctly priced.

While cycling can be a great way to get some fresh air and get your heart rate up, electric bikes offer those same benefits and more. Electric bikes are powered by a motor and battery to provide varying levels of pedal assist that propel you forward and make biking an easier and faster experience. With most e-bikes capable of reaching at least 20 mph, they’re more than just a fun way to get around town — they're a convenient way to commute to the office, run quick errands, pick up groceries or even save money on gas (much like electric cars) without having to break a sweat. "Pedal-assist e-bikes are wonderful, functional machines that give you ultimate flexibility, allowing you to calibrate to the desired level of fitness or efficiency needed in a given situation," says Good Housekeeping Institute Chief Technologist Rachel Rothman.

At the Good Housekeeping Institute, our experts test consumer tech and fitness equipment ranging from exercise bikes to commuter bikes to popular workout apps. Whether you’re looking for an electric bike to cruise around the park, one that can transport your little ones to daycare or a compact and foldable e-bike that'll squeeze into your apartment, our analysts, engineers and experts tested nearly two dozen electric bikes, assessing each one for performance, ride quality, safety and stability, ease of use and comfort.

Are electric bikes worth it?

While an e-bike certainly isn’t for everyone, they’re definitely worth considering if you cycle frequently, commute to work or don’t want to take out the car to run a quick errand. Not only do e-bikes help you get around faster, but they’re friendlier for the environment and a great way to stay active.

Just keep in mind that e-bikes are heavier, more expensive and require the same maintenance (if not more) as other bicycles, which can add up down the line. That’s why it’s so important to purchase an e-bike from a brand that picks up the phone and has great customer service should you ever have an issue. Check with your local bike store as to whether they’ll service your new e-bike before making a purchase, and always try to test out the bike beforehand to make sure it’s the right fit.

It’s also critical to always wear a helmet when cycling (like this one from ABUS that our testers liked), especially with some e-bikes capable of going up to 28mph.

Our top picks:

After our picks, stick around to learn how we test e-bikes and what you should keep in mind while shopping for one. These are the top-tested and vetted electric bikes to get you around in 2022.