I love biking and have become a huge fan of ebikes in recent years. But now, there are so many different options on the market, it can be overwhelming to find the right ebike for you or your child. Here are three recent options my family tried out that all got rave reviews from teens and adults alike.
I-Don’t-Want-It-To-Look-Like-an-Ebike Ebike
Many ebikes have….a look. There are the low riding ones that can fit three on a seat that every middle school seems to have. There are the chunky fat tire ebikes ones. There are the piecemeal ones that look like they took a bike and just welded a bulky battery to the frame. If you’re looking for an ebike that just looks like, well a bike, the Lectric XPress2 Commuter eBike may be a fit.
I’ve long been a fan of Lectric as a company and was excited to get a chance to try out their Xpress2 Commuter ebike. As a mom of three boys in an active family, we’ve assembled our share of ebikes, and I have to say that the Lectric was about as quick as it gets. They have some user-friendly assembly videos that walk you through putting the bike together, and it only took about 10 minutes from packaged in the box to being ready to ride.
The bike looks just like a regular bike – except with the boost of a 750W rear hub motor that provides a 60 mile range, five pedal assist modes and a thumb throttle. The puncture-resistant slick tires are perfect for streets, paths and sidewalks and the ample front suspension ensures a smooth ride. The Lectric Xpress2 Commuter is a one-size-fits-most, adjusting to fit riders from 5’4” to 6’4”. Plus it has a number of ways to customize the ride including the option to use responsive pedaling or standard pedaling.
* DEAL ALERT* Right now Lectric is running an amazing back-to-school special that includes a number of extras that other brands often charge an extra fee for. Normally costing $345, Lectric is throwing in a free rear rack, fenders, headlight, bike lock and phone mount! Whether you are commuting to work or school or just riding around the neighborhood, all those extras means that your ride comes ready to roll. Visit Lectricebike.com to explore their entire collection of ebikes.
The I’ll-Only-Ride-It-If-It-Looks-Cool Ebike
Kids want an ebike that looks “cool.” Parents want an ebike that is safe. The Juiced Scrambled might just be the ebike that kids and parents can agree on. This ebike looks like a motorcycle, rides like a cloud and has a built-in speed limit that parents can set.
Available in hardtail or full suspension and six color options, the Juiced Scrambled can hit a top speed of 28mph. But, by accessing the feature menu and using a parent-set pin, parents can limit the top speed to any speed from 28mph down to mere 1mph! The bike also comes with built-in safety features like 4-piston brakes that stop on a dime, turn signals for navigating traffic and front, rear and brake lights for clear visibility. The knobby tires let kids explore off-road while the KKE suspension fork on the full suspension version ensures those curbs, rocks and tree roots won’t ruin the ride.
With the speed unrestricted, it’s got enough quick acceleration and uphill power to put a kid-like smile on just about anyone’s face. It’s one of the few bikes that my sons AND husband ro-sham-bo over to see who gets to ride it!
If you’re looking for an ebike with a balance of on and off-road capabilities, power and speed that can be capped based on the rider’s age or ability and is just straight up fun to ride, the Juiced Scrambled may be your ride.
* DEAL ALERT* Right now Juiced Bikes is also running a sweet back-to-school promotion that throws in a headplate, bar bag, bar pad, sticker pack, fenders and a personalized name plate all for FREE!
The I-Don’t-Have-Room E-Scooter
If you want the boost and range of an ebike but simply don’t have room for one, then an e-scooter can be a solid option with a smaller footprint. The NIU KQi 200F is a foldable e-scooter that tops out at 20mph and offers nearly a 34 mile range in a compact package.
The scooter weighs only 44 pounds and folds down to a compact 21.5” x 5.2” x 45.3”, making it easy to lift into a trunk or up stairs to an apartment. The handlebars even fold in to make it more compact, and the scooter locks when folded so it’s easy to lift.
My son has been using the NIU 200F for the last year on his hilly college campus and even with daily use and – cough, cough – less than desirable care, he hasn’t had a single issue. The tubeless, pneumatic 10” tires have provided a safe and sturdy ride while the built-in front suspension provided stability, no matter the terrain.
The biggest selling feature was how the NIU KQi 200F handled hills – the upgraded motor allows the e-scooter to climb 20% slopes with ease – making it one of the best e-scooters at handling hilly terrain. Visit Niu.com to explore their entire collection of e-scooters!
Whatever your biking needs, style, or price range, there is an ebike out there! Find your perfect ride, pop on a helmet and go have some fun!
Disclaimer: Writers thoughts are her own. Thanks to brands for providing samples.
