Best electric city bikes: our selection for urban commuting

Electric bikes are an excellent choice for getting around town, running errands or commuting to work while reducing your carbon footprint. Faster than walking and cheaper than other modes of transport in the long term, they offer an easy way to get some exercise. But with so many electric bike brands and types on the market, it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you.

The best electric city bikes are those that are lightweight, offer a comfortable ride and satisfactory range. They should also be practical and able to carry everything you need.

DiscoverUpway's selection of electric bikes.

The Bosch Active Plus or Performance Line motors fitted to Moustache Lundi 27 are quiet and provide natural, constant assistance. All Lundi 27 electric bikes feature Bosch Powertube batteries perfectly integrated into the frame. With capacities ranging from 400 to 625 Wh, depending on the model, they provide optimum range of up to 120 km. 

Our Vosges ebikes all feature Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, mudguards, integrated lights, anti-puncture reinforcements and a luggage rack where you can easily attach panniers. Moustache doesn't forget an anti-theft device under the seat stays, to protect your bike from theft in the event of a sudden stop.

The O2feel iVog 4 electric city bike from French brand O2Feel is a mid-range urban VAE with excellent equipment. For example, this means of transport features a Shimano STEPS E5000 motor, which delivers a smooth, powerful yet fluid riding experience, and can be used whatever the weather conditions. It also features a Shimano Altus 8-speed derailleur and hydraulic brakes.

Comfort is ensured by a suspended front fork, wide CST tires and a Royale saddle. There's a perfect position for everyone, especially as 26" and 28" versions, as well as several sizes, are available. This ebike is available with a 400 Wh or 720 Wh iPower Fit battery, assembled in France and guaranteed for 4 years, depending on your autonomy needs. This model has a low frame that's easy to straddle, whether you're wearing a skirt or a suit.

The O2Feel iVog 4 urban bikes feature a Shimano LCD side display that lets you check your speed, kilometers traveled and activate the lighting. Ergonomically designed buttons on the left of the handlebars let you manage the electric assistance of these bikes.

These VAEs are excellent allies for your daily commute around town, with a little something extra: style! The O2feel iVog features original colors (even on the mudguards and fork), not to mention the tires, brown saddle and handles!

The Cowboy electric city bike is highly regarded among hipsters (literally!). The Belgian brand, rival to Vanmoof or Iweech, offers a bike with dynamic handling, available as a classic frame, a low ST frame or a Cruiser version with a more comfortable position. Its frame design, with battery integrated into the seat tube, is unmistakable, especially as it incorporates lighting.

Another distinguishing feature of this VAE is the single-speed belt drive, simplifying operation and maintenance. Weight is also reduced, to less than 20 kg in total, including the 360 Wh battery for nearly 60 km of autonomy and the mudguards (included on certain models).

Let's not forget that this electric bike is connected. With no screen, it can only be managed via the smartphone app, which offers a host of functions (navigation with optimization and even charging on arrival, geolocation, etc.).

Several generations of the Cowboy electric bike coexist, with slight aesthetic differences. Rest assured, they all feature hydraulic brakes, a lively rear motor with 45 Nm torque and a highly responsive torque sensor, as well as large tires for all-weather riding.

The Kalkhoff Image 5.B electric city bike is one of the best-known models from the German bicycle brand. This top-of-the-range model is designed to make getting around town a breeze, thanks in particular to its integrated 5-speed Shimano Nexus hub transmission. It also offers a comfortable ride thanks to its Suntour Mobie34 telescopic air fork and suspended seatpost.

The German ebike reduces effort thanks to the presence of the Bosch Performance Line motor, with its 600 W peak power and 75 Nm torque. It offers 4 assistance levels, including an Auto mode, and features a 625 Wh Bosch PowerTube battery. This high-capacity battery gives the electric bike a range of up to 115 km in eco mode, and its quick charge means it can be fully charged in around 4.5 hours.

With its Dutch look and gooseneck frame, the Riese & Müller Swing electric bike is as original as it is practical. You can fit it with weather-resistant rattan baskets to carry your shopping or work gear. What's more, you can park your VAE without risk thanks to the frame lock.

The German brand's electric city bike is equipped with a reliable, low-maintenance carbon belt. It avoids the traditional problems of oil stains you've had to deal with with chain drives. This practical and reliable urban VAE is available in several variants: Swing silent (Nexus), Swing vario (Enviolo manual variator) and Swing automatic (Enviolo Automatiq) for optimum riding comfort.

It's powered by a powerful Bosch Performance Line motor with a generous 75 Nm of torque. You'll benefit from smooth assistance of up to 300%, enough to take you up the Butte Montmartre or the slopes of Lyon! This Riese & Müller electric bike is also equipped with Magura hydraulic brakes for powerful braking and a Bosch 500 Wh battery, giving you a good range of between 70 and 90 km (in eco mode).

The Peugeot E-Legend eLC01 26" electric bike has a vintage look, comes in a range of colors and has the advantage of being compact and fairly light. It's the ideal ebike for getting around town off the bike paths, and its low aluminum frame makes it easy to straddle! A special feature for smaller riders and the elderly is the eLC01 24" version, which makes it easy to get on and off.

Its wide tires will enable you to ride without any problem in urban environments, but also on rough or cobbled roads, as well as on paths. This urban VAE is equipped with an E-Going electric motor located either at the front wheel (38 Nm) or in the central motor version (55 Nm), both with 4 assistance modes.

In terms of range, this electric city bike is equipped with a 400 Wh E-Going battery located under the luggage rack, enabling you to cover up to 70 km. Total recharging takes around 5 hours. The E-Legend eLC01 is very well equipped: it has front and rear lights powered directly by the battery, as well as a luggage rack, mudguards and a USB socket for plugging in your smartphone, for example. 

As part of its drive to democratize the use of electric bikes, the French brand has designed a range of low-cost models for urban cyclists on a budget. Decathlon Elops electric bikes: unrivalled value for money.

The entry-level model is an electric bike priced at under €1,000: the Decathlon Elops 120 E. Designed for 100% urban use, it features a 313 Wh battery, a decent range of up to 50 km, and a rear motor with 35 Nm of torque.

It offers 6 different speeds, and features front and rear LED lighting, as well as mudguards and a kickstand. As for brakes, the Decathlon Elops 120 E features an efficient V-Brake system with interchangeable pads for easy maintenance. This inexpensive electric bike features a low, Dutch-style steel frame that's easy to straddle. This type of entry-level bike is ideal for short trips, and comes with all the equipment you need to get to work with ease.

The top-of-the-range Elops electric-assist bike costs less than €2,000. It's a connected model: the Elops 920 E Connect. Its removable 417 Wh battery gives you a maximum range of 90 km. Its Brose 250 W central motor with 50 Nm torque will help you up the toughest hills.

The suspension fork, Dutch-style handlebars and wide saddle of this electric city bike let you maintain a comfortable riding position, even on long trips. Hydraulic disc brakes provide added peace of mind in the event of a sudden stop. Finally, this connected version warns you when someone touches your bike or when it moves without your knowledge.