A black Angell bike on concrete in profile.
Courtesy Angell

The Three Best E-Bikes on the Market

By Aileen Kwun
July 25, 2020
2 minute read

Bicycling has seen a welcome boom in recent months, as the pandemic has made restless city dwellers wary of both public transportation and gyms, and in need of some regular, stress-busting exercise. Cycling has always offered a sensible, sustainable alternative method of getting around, of course, though new commuters traversing longer distances may need some extra juice. The Angell, designed by Ora-Ïto and currently available for pre-order, may be the most stylish and affordable e-bike option we’ve come across. Equipped with four preset riding modes, integrated lights, and a small touch-screen control panel, it can be charged in just two hours, and is impressively lightweight, at under 4.5 pounds—something you’ll appreciate as you haul it up the stairs, because you won’t want to leave this beauty locked up on the street. Space, of course, is at a premium for apartment-dwellers, and though many folding bikes (including this rather absurd inflatable prototype) can tend to look a bit goofy, the Mate City eBike combines performance and style for the more serious cyclist seeking a longer-term investment. The Danish company also produces a range of more rugged models with fatter tires suitable for all-terrain riding and inclement weather (including this high-performance model with fashion brand Moncler). If neither space nor budget are an issue, look to the Dutch bike-maker VanMoof’s S3, a top-of-the-line offering that boasts a near-silent electric mechanism and a distinctive frame that conceals the battery pack.