Today’s range of electric hybrid bikes really is something to behold. Cyclists looking to buy one of these e-bikes are spoilt for choice.
Perhaps that’s no surprise as, thanks to their versatile features, hybrid e-bikes can cover a wide range of bike rides. From zipping down the main roads and into the office to weekend rides equally fun, but at a slower pace.
This is our selection of the best hybrid electric bikes for all budgets.
Best Hybrid E-Bikes
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Bosch motor
Trek Verve+ 4S
Running a Bosch Performance Line Sport motor this e-bike offers pedal assistance up to a speedy 28mph.
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Simple gearing
TENWAYS CGO800S
An electric hybrid bike for city use. Comfortable riding position, clean single speed gearing and a low maintenance belt rather than a traditional chain.
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Value for money
Engwe P26
Complete with fenders, lights and a rack this electric bike is reporting for commuting duty.
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2-4 word USP
RadCity 5 Plus
Available in both a traditional style frame and a step through, this e-bike has a throttle and a 50 mile range.
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Expensive, but feature packed
Specialized Turbo Vado
Sold in a variety of specifications. Uses a mid-mount motor for a superior ride feel. Includes app integration and remote locking.
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Neat integrated lights
Aventon Level.2 Commuter Ebike
Has not two, not three but four lights onboard. The extra two are integrated into the frame for better visibility at night.
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Promises extra versatility
TENWAYS Ago-X
Suspension fork and wide tyres for riding different places. Includes the better performance mid-mount motor but still at a great price!
What is a Hybrid Electric Bike?
By adding pedal assistance or a throttle to a normal hybrid bike you get a hybrid electric bike. Their name can be somewhat confusing, especially when the word ‘hybrid’ has been seized upon by the motor industry to describe cars with two propulsion methods.
Like their non-electric counterparts, these bikes are extremely versatile, can be used in loads of different riding scenarios and ultimately, are perhaps the most popular type of electric bike around.
Electric hybrid bikes mirror standard hybrid bikes in the fact they can range from something that looks and performs like a mountain bike to something that could easily reassemble a road bike.
E-hybrids that sit towards the mountain bike end of the spectrum will have a suspension fork and wider tyres to help the bike cope when away from the tarmac. Those models which are closer to road bikes will have narrower tyres, a rigid fork and be more suited to riding longer distances at a faster lick.
We suggest looking at a couple of features when buying an electric hybrid bike. First, which type of motor the e-bike uses – those at the lower end of the market will use a hub motor, with more expensive bikes running a mid-mount motor. Mid-mount are known to deliver a more natural ride ‘feel’ and a longer range between charges. They won’t support a throttle though. Hub motors are great, but might not feel as balanced as a mid-mount motor.
Battery size or riding range is a second consideration when buying a hybrid e-bike. A small riding range might not be a dealbreaker, especially if you plan to commute short distances, but for frequent riders, it might quickly become a frustration.
A third consideration when buying a hybrid e-bike is the overall weight of the bike. With some weighing upwards of 60 lbs, manoeuvring them in tight stairwells or busy transport hubs can be tricky.
Who Are Hybrid E-Bikes For?
Electric hybrid bikes are a fantastic option for many types of cyclists. They are for those who want to enjoy the outdoors, pedal errands, attain new levels of fitness or cycle to work.
Let’s be clear, electric hybrid bikes aren’t for those of us who are older or with less mobility, they’re for everyone! Indeed, electric bike statistics have shown that riders of e-bikes expend almost the same amount of energy as those riding normal bikes.
Because many electric bikes, hybrids especially, come equipped with all the traditional extras (pannier rack, lights, fenders etc.) they are well suited to riding year-round and in all weather conditions. Obviously, this puts them in the realm of commuter cyclists who want to ride to work every day of the week.
Plus with cheap recharge costs and other associated running costs which are equally low, hybrid e-bikes are an extremely appealing mode of transport, especially when compared to cars.
Hybrid Electric Bikes Pros + Cons
As we’ve already discovered, hybrid electric bikes really are the Swiss army knife of the bike world. Although some e-hybrids can be further subcategorised, these bikes will take pretty much every kind of bike ride in their stride.
Pros
- Huge amounts of choice
- Versatile, can adapt to different rides
- Most are sold ready equipped
- Various price points available
Cons
- Can be heavy
- Electric assistance comes at extra cost
Best Hybrid Electric Bikes
1. Trek Verve+ 4S
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$ 3,499
Prices are approximate
Weight: 24.5kg (54lb)
Wattage: 250W
Max. Range: 70 miles (112 km)
Gears: 10-speed
Wheel Size: 29″
Max Load: 136kg (300lb)
Removable Battery: 
Throttle: 
Lights:
Fenders:
Pannier Rack:
The Verve+ 4S is an excellent example of today’s electric hybrid bikes. It’s packed with all the components to make every ride fun and enjoyable.
The 10-speed gearing combined with the Bosch Performance Line Sport motor mean all gradients and distances (on tarmac) are attainable.
Pros
- Pedal assistance up to 28mph
- Different frame types are available
- Very well equipped
Cons
- Verve+ 4S not available in UK and EU
- No suspension fork
2. TENWAYS CGO800S
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£1,899 - $ 1,999
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€1,899
Prices are approximate
Weight: 19kg (41lb)
Wattage: 250W
Max. Range: 62 miles (100 km)
Gears: 1-speed
Wheel Size: 29″
Max Load: 120kg (264lb)
Removable Battery:
Throttle:
Lights:
Fenders:
Pannier Rack:
If you want to ride an e-bike in a flat city then the Tenways CGO800S should suit you to a tee.
With just one gear, all the rider needs to worry about is changing the assistance level. Simply sit back and pedal from A to B in serene comfort.
This city-orientated electric bike is available in one frame size to suit riders from 5’1″ up to 6’2″.
Pros
- Comfortable riding position
- Low-maintenance gates belt
- Suspension fork
Cons
- Single speed gearing
- Only one frame size
3. Engwe P26
- £1,199
- $ 1,249
- €999
Prices are approximate
Weight: 24.2kg (53.35lb)
Wattage: 500W (250W in UK & EU)
Max. Range: 65 miles (100 km)
Gears: 7-speed
Wheel Size: 26″
Max Load: 100kg (220lb)
Removable Battery:
Throttle:
Lights:
Fenders:
Pannier Rack:
The P26 would is an ideal first electric hybrid bike. This e-bike has an acceptable range, extra gearing for more versatility and all the accessories you’ll ever need.
For riders in the US, the P26 has a powerful 500W motor and the throttle option is a nice touch at this price point.
Pros
- Excellent value
- Throttle
- Fully equipped
Cons
- Slow rolling 26″ wheels
- One frame size
- Fairly heavy
4. RadCity 5 Plus
- £1,649
- $ 1,999
- €1,899
Prices are approximate
Weight: 29kg (65lb)
Wattage: 750W (250W in UK & EU)
Max. Range: 50 miles (80 km)
Gears: 7-speed
Wheel Size: 27.5″
Max Load: 124kg (275lb)
Removable Battery:
Throttle:
Lights:
Fenders:
Pannier Rack:
With all the required features for an electric hybrid bike, we wouldn’t be surprised if the RadCity 5 Plus made your buying shortlist.
Available to buy in both step-through and standard frame types, the bike comes pre-fitted with many extras like a pannier rack. Further customisation can be done at checkout to tailor the e-bike exactly to your needs.
Pros
- Step-through and standard frames available
- Fully equipped
- Saddle handle is a nice touch
Cons
- Pricey against similar bikes
- Low range
- Heavy
5. Specialized Turbo Vado
- £2,800+
- $ 3,250+
- €2,900
Prices are approximate
Weight: From 14.9kg (32lb)
Wattage: 250W (250W in UK & EU)
Max. Range: 90 miles (120 km)
Gears: Various
Wheel Size: 29″
Max Load: 136kg (300lb)
Removable Battery:
Throttle:
Lights: Optional
Fenders: Optional
Pannier Rack: Optional
Specialized’s Turbo Vado sits in the upper echelons of electric hybrid bikes. There’s a whole host of frame types, gearing options and specifications to choose from.
A Turbo Vado with a rigid fork and internal hub gear is great for city riding. Meanwhile a Turbo Vado with traditional derailleur gears and a suspension fork can cope with more varied rides over hillier terrain or rougher roads.
Pros
- Various models available
- Top-end motor
- Accompanying app featuring remote motor locking
- Big brand quality from Specialized
Cons
- Entry price might put you off
6. Aventon Level.2 Commuter e-Bike
- $ 1,799
Prices are approximate
Weight: 28kg (62lb)
Wattage: 500W
Max. Range: 60 miles (96 km)
Gears: 8-speed
Wheel Size: 27.5″
Max Load: 113kg (250lb)
Removable Battery:
Throttle:
Lights:
Fenders:
Pannier Rack:
This is an e-bike to ride in comfort and safety at all times of the day and on all kinds of terrain. A suspension fork and wide 2.1″ tyres soak up rutted roads and paths with ease.
Three rear lights and one light up front give excellent visibility at night. Fenders and a rack add further versatility.
Pros
- Torque sensor
- Full-colour display
- Supports speeds up to 28mph
- Four lights
Cons
- Limited availability outside of the US
7. TENWAYS Ago-X
- £2,399
- $ 2,499
- €2,399
Prices are approximate
Weight: 29kg (54lb)
Wattage: 250W
Max. Range: 62 miles (100 km)
Gears: 10-speed
Wheel Size: 29″
Max Load: 120kg (264lb)
Removable Battery:
Throttle:
Lights:
Fenders:
Pannier Rack:
Running a Bafang mid-mount motor and torque sensor the Ago X will feel extremely natural for anyone to ride. The 10-speed gearing caters to all too. Seasoned riders will like the range of the Shimano gearing and novices will find it easy to get to grips with.
The overall setup fo this electric bike makes it suitable for short to medium commuting, both on well-made roads and light off road sections.
Pros
- Mid-motor performance
- Torque sensor
- Striking looks
- Good value
- 10-speed gearing
Cons
- 250W motor might put some off
- Weighs over 60lbs
The post Best Hybrid Electric Bikes: 7 Picks for All Budgets in 2023 appeared first on Discerning Cyclist.