The best electric bikes in 2023, ridden and tested by editors
From CNN.com
By , and , CNN Underscored
E-bikes have taken riders — and the bicycle industry — by storm. These capable, full-featured vehicles can give even the most casual cyclist a boost that lets them get up and over hills that’d challenge a pro, get you to work in style without breaking a sweat and can even realize the promise of using a bike as a car replacement by providing the power to haul passengers or a full load of groceries even if you aren’t spending all your free time in the gym doing squats.
This year, bikes are finally coming back in stock both online and at brick-and-mortar retailers (after a couple of years of supply chain disruptions), so we took a look at what was available in order to figure out what e-bike might work best for your everyday riding — whether that means a lightweight bike for fun and fitness, a dependable commuter, a stowable folder or even a do-it-all utility hauler to cut down on car trips.
The Co-op Cycles Generation e1.1 may be the entry-level model in REI’s house-branded line of e-bikes, but it’s a near-perfect bike for anyone considering an e-bike. It brings together a solid parts package, a smart design and enough power, battery life and hauling capacity to fit the needs — and just plain fit — almost anybody who wants to try riding with a motor assist. It looks great too, coming in a range of understated earth tones and cool colors.
To make things even more attractive, while the price is competitive with direct-to-consumer bikes, you get access to the bike shop support that comes with REI’s nationwide network of brick-and-mortar stores. Many D2C bikes are fantastic, don’t get us wrong, but they do mostly leave you to fend for yourself mechanically, which isn’t great for every new rider.
It’s hard to find fault with the Generation e1.1: REI has done a great job putting together a very compelling proposition for almost any e-bike rider, new or veteran. If you’re in the market for a first e-bike and want something utilitarian you can share with your household, family or friends, or you need a great grocery-getter to have around for when you’re tinkering with your fancy bikes, it should be on your list.
