Best electric bike brand: selection and practical advice

The beating heart of every electric bike is its drive system. Here, manufacturers distinguish themselves by their technological choices and strategic partnerships. Bosch central motors, the market benchmark, equip many premium brands, while some bold innovators are developing their own proprietary solutions, such as Specialized and its 2.2 Custom RX Trail line.

In the heart of the Vosges mountains, Moustache Bikes embodies the revival of French know-how. Since 2011, this young brand has been shaking up established codes with a resolutely innovative approach to electric bikes. Its secret? An obsession with detail coupled with a bold vision of design. The characteristic moustache-shaped handlebars, much more than a simple visual signature, symbolize this desire to stand out from the crowd while prioritizing ergonomics.

The Samedi 27 range is a perfect illustration of this philosophy. These bikes combine perfect integration of the Bosch central motor with a distinctive design that never sacrifices comfort for aesthetics. Whether on city streets or steep country roads, their versatility works wonders, confirming that French excellence still has a bright future ahead of it. Its powerful engine will never let you down on the steepest slopes, and you'll feel confident thanks to its hydraulic brakes.

Since its creation in 1974 in California, Specialized has embodied innovation and passion for cycling. The brand made electric MTB history with its Turbo Levo range, which combines performance, autonomy and sleek design. What sets Specialized apart is its ability to develop its own motorization and battery management systems, offering a fluid, natural pedaling experience.

The 2.2 Custom RX Trail motor, designed in partnership with Brose, offers powerful torque and responsive assistance that adapts perfectly to technical terrain. The integration of the battery into the frame ensures a neat aesthetic without compromising the bike's center of gravity. Whether you're cruising the trails or exploring new horizons, Specialized electric bikes will win you over with their dynamism and comfort.

The Turbo Levo range is the brand's flagship. This VTTAE combines perfectly balanced geometry, a powerful motor and impressive range. Thanks to the Mission Control application, each rider can personalize assistance and monitor performance in real time, for a tailor-made experience. The Turbo Levo range can be found in our used electric MTB collection.

The history of Kalkhoff reads like an industrial adventure novel. Since 1919, the German brand has forged its legend in the crucible of innovation. This century-old expertise can be felt in every detail of their electric bikes: the precision of assembly, the quality of welding, the impeccable finish of the frames.

The Image series perfectly embodies this quest for excellence. These urban bikes aren't just reliable; they redefine quality standards in the industry. Every component is meticulously selected, every detail designed to last. The result? Bikes that last through the years without a wrinkle, faithful companions for thousands of kilometers.

Kalkhoff bikes are particularly popular with long-distance riders who want comfort above all else. The brand's two-wheelers are renowned for their optimal comfort.

In Trek's laboratories, the future of electric bicycles is taking shape under the expert hands of passionate engineers. The American brand stands out for its ability to constantly push back the technological boundaries. The RE:aktiv system, a true technical feat, transforms every outing into a unique experience where comfort and performance are harmoniously combined.

The Rail range represents the culmination of this quest for excellence. These electric MTB redefine what's possible, allowing riders to explore previously inaccessible terrain. The integration of the Bosch motor reaches new heights here, offering natural assistance that enhances rather than replaces the rider's effort.

In Cube's Bavarian workshops, a silent revolution is underway. Every day, the brand proves that excellence and accessibility can coexist harmoniously. Its secret lies in a pragmatic approach to development, where every euro invested must translate into a tangible benefit for the user.

The Reaction Hybrid is a perfect illustration of this philosophy. This electric MTB combines carefully selected components with controlled electrical integration, all at a price that defies the competition. Whether on the trails or in town, it offers a comfortable ride and demonstrates that an affordable electric bike can also be high-performance and reliable.

In Haibike's design offices, the history of electric MTB has been written since 2010. A true pioneer in the sector, the German brand broke established codes by daring to electrify MTB, paving the way for a new era of off-road riding. This initial boldness continues to permeate the brand's DNA, as evidenced by the FLYON platform, an innovation that pushes the limits of power and integration.

The AllMtn series embodies this perpetual quest for excellence. On the most technical trails, these bikes demonstrate absolute mastery, the fruit of years of experience in VTTAE development. The integration of the TQ motor, renowned for its power, is testimony to Haibike's determination to always offer the very best in technology.

In the Swiss mountains, Scott forges electric bikes that defy the laws of physics. The brand brings its legendary mastery of composite materials and obsession with detail to the world of EABs. The Patron eRIDE, the jewel in the crown of the range, perfectly illustrates this quest for absolute excellence.

It's on technical descents that the Scott difference really shines through. The perfect balance between stiffness and shock absorption, the fruit of years of development in competition, transforms every outing into a unique experience. The exceptional lightness of our frames, the brand's hallmark, comes into its own on long rides where every gram counts.

Since Dijon, Lapierre has perpetuated a tradition of cycling excellence tinged with daring. The French brand infuses its racing DNA into every electric bike, creating machines that combine performance and refinement. The Overvolt AM represents the culmination of this philosophy, combining diabolical agility with controlled power.

Whether on the trail or in town, Lapierre bikes stand out for their unique dynamic behavior. It's the fruit of expertise forged on the racetrack, brilliantly transposed to the world of VAE. Every detail, from the geometry of the frame to the integration of electrical components, bears witness to a constant quest for perfection.

Canyon shakes up established codes with its revolutionary direct-to-consumer approach. In their workshops in Koblenz, German engineers design electric bikes that defy convention, both in terms of design and value for money. The Spectral:ON is a perfect illustration of this philosophy, offering top-of-the-range performance at an affordable price.

The Canyon approach is not limited to online sales. Each bike benefits from maniacal attention to detail, sophisticated electrical integration and unique innovations. The ergonomic adjustment system and the aerodynamic design bear witness to this constant quest for excellence.

Giant, a true titan of the cycling industry, brings to the world of VAE a unique expertise forged by decades of large-scale production. In their ultramodern factories in Taiwan, the brand controls every aspect of manufacturing, from frame extrusion to final assembly. This vertical integration ensures consistent quality and controlled innovation.

The Trance X E+ perfectly embodies this Giant philosophy. Its SyncDrive Pro motor, developed in collaboration with Yamaha, delivers remarkably smooth electric assistance. Whether on technical trails or forest paths, it proves that industrial production and excellence can go hand in hand.