3 best electric bikes that are compact, easily rechargeable and sleek

E-bikes can provide a much needed boost on long work commutes or hilly terrain

(Shutterstock/Zoltan Totka)

Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are designed to assist your pedalling rather than replace it. The motor will cut out once you reach 15.5mph so if you want to go faster than that, it’ll be down to your effort.

E-bikes come into their own when you want to start commuting on two wheels, say, but feel your journey is just that bit too long or strenuous.

Assisted pedalling means less exertion and less chance of arriving at work dripping in sweat.

There’s some evidence that e-bike owners cycle more, so even if it’s not as good a workout as a regular bike, it’s certainly better than nothing.

E-bikes are heavier than regular ones, often 15 pounds extra or more. So, if the battery goes flat, then you are pedalling a heavy bike. E-bikes are also pricier than those that thrive on push power alone.

Remember that you need to recharge the battery, which can take up to four hours, occasionally even more, to fully charge.

As with regular bikes, e-bikes come in different styles: mountain bikes, road bikes, hybrids and folders. These bikes were tested across a range of terrains including gentle slopes and city roads.

Brompton electric: From $3,499, Brompton

Weight: 16.6kg

Range: 25 miles

Gears: 2 or 6

When it comes to folding bikes, it’s hard to beat a Brompton thanks to its efficient, simple fold, decent drive and superb portability. That’s partly down to 16-inch wheels which are smaller than many rival folders. This is an electric version of the Brompton and it looks and feels just like the regular version. The battery here sits in a compact bag that clips to the front, with the motor driving the front wheel. This is a set-up that’s designed differently from most other electric models: simply remove the bag and plug it in to charge. There’s also a larger briefcase bag with the battery in, available as an optional extra. A folding bike has the security benefit that it’s easy to take it inside, and keep under your desk, say. Available in black or white.

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Gocycle GX: $3,299, GoCycle

Weight: 17.8kg

Range: 40 miles

Gears: 3

Gocycle’s foldable electric bikes are stunningly designed and highly delightful to ride. Some other models in the range have a folding mechanism that takes a moment to complete but this new model has a fast, easy fold. The range of 40 miles is good, but the recharge time is longer than most at up to seven hours. Like some others here, the gears are concealed for a cleaner, oil-free ride. A central LED display shows remaining battery life. The wheels are attached to the bike by bolts like on a car, making it easier to fix a flat tyre without removing it. The GX is powerful and very well-specced. It looks good, too.

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Specialized turbo vado 3.0: $5,150, Specialized

Weight: 23.2kg

Range: 93 miles

Gears: 10

It’s not the lightest of e-bikes but it’s one of the nippiest. It’s pretty powerful: you may find that you only need to engage the gentlest of the three assistance modes to have low-effort ride. The range is outstanding in economy mode, 93 miles, though this drops to 25 miles in the fastest, turbo setting. Realistically, you’ll find the actual figure somewhere between, depending on how and where you cycle. The bike has a handsome, solid design with the battery stealthily integrated inside. It has an especially comfortable, upright riding position.

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The Verdict: Electric bikes

For sheer style, the Gocycle GX is hard to beat. If space is a premium, the Brompton Electric is outstanding.