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Best Commuter E-Bikes: Aventon, Velotric, Rad Power, Ride1Up & More (2026)

We compare 11 commuter and city e-bikes from Aventon, Velotric, Rad Power Bikes, Ride1Up, Heybike, Hiboy and Jasion. Every figure comes from the maker's product page: rated (nominal) motor power, battery capacity, claimed range, top assisted speed, payload, weight, torque, brake type and water rating. A figure the maker doesn't publish shows as "Not listed" and scores as the weakest published value in the category. We don't test bikes or use prices or reviews.

Updated 2026-11-1211 products compared9 scored criteriaHow this ranking works

Affiliate disclosure: We earn a commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. It never affects our rankings, which come from the published scoring formula. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more.

Top pick

Velotric Summit 1

Score 7.3/10 · Check price

Why it wins: 750 W, 90 Nm and a 440 lb payload in a hybrid-style commuter. Top payload capacity in this comparison (440 lb).

Also great: Rad Power Bikes Radster Road (6.4) · Ride1Up Portola (6.4)

7.3/10
Check price at Amazon See pros, cons & specs

Side-by-side comparison

Swipe sideways on mobile. Green marks the best figure in each column.

Product Score Battery capacityRated motor powerClaimed rangePayload capacity Best for Price Buy
1Velotric Summit 1
7.3/10
705.6 Wh750 W70 mi440 lb 750 W, 90 Nm and a 440 lb payload in a hybrid-style commuter Check price View deal
2Rad Power Bikes Radster Road
6.4/10
720 Wh750 W65 mi320 lb 100 Nm Class 1–3 commuter with a 720 Wh battery Check price View deal
3Ride1Up Portola
6.4/10
720 Wh750 W60 mi342 lb Compact 20-inch utility commuter, 342 lb capacity Check price View deal
4Velotric Breeze 1
6.2/10
627 Wh750 W70 mi330 lb Light 48 lb commuter with a 750 W motor Check price View deal
5Aventon Pace 4
5.5/10
733 Wh500 W70 mi300 lb Step-through cruiser commuter with a 733 Wh battery and 28 mph setting Check price View deal
6Ride1Up 700 Series
5.2/10
720 Wh750 W50 mi300 lb 750 W sustained Class 2–3 commuter Check price View deal
7Hiboy EX9
5.1/10
556.8 Wh750 W62 mi330 lb 750 W Class 3 commuter with a 330 lb payload Check price View deal
8Aventon Level 3
5.0/10
733 Wh500 W70 mi300 lb Commuter with a 733 Wh battery and full fenders and rack Check price View deal
9Jasion EB5
4.2/10
528 WhNot listed62 mi330 lb Budget step-through with mechanical discs Check price View deal
10Velotric T1
4.1/10
352.8 Wh350 W70 mi330 lb The lightest bike here at 36 lb Check price View deal
11Heybike Cityscape 2.0
3.5/10
468 Wh500 W50 miNot listed Budget commuter with a 500 W motor Check price View deal

"Not listed" means the manufacturer page we used does not publish that figure. Prices show "Check price" until a retailer feed provides a current price.

Every commuter e-bike, ranked

#1 · Top pick

Velotric Summit 1

Best for: 750 W, 90 Nm and a 440 lb payload in a hybrid-style commuter

7.3/10

What we like

  • Top payload capacity in this comparison (440 lb)

Watch out for

    Score breakdown

    Rated motor power 15%
    Battery capacity 20%
    Claimed range 15%
    Top assisted speed 10%
    Payload capacity 15%
    Bike weight 10%
    Motor torque 10%
    Hydraulic disc brakes 3%
    Water resistance 2%
    Rated motor power750 W
    Battery capacity705.6 Wh
    Claimed range70 mi
    Top assisted speed28 mph
    Payload capacity440 lb
    Bike weight62 lb
    Motor torque90 Nm
    Hydraulic disc brakesYes
    Water resistanceIPX6 class (powerful jets)
    Motor750 W rear hub, 90 Nm
    Battery705.6 Wh (UL 2271)
    Water ratingFrame IPX6, battery IPX7
    BrakesShimano hydraulic disc
    PriceCheck price
    Check price at Amazon Full specs
    Specs source:
    #2

    Rad Power Bikes Radster Road

    Best for: 100 Nm Class 1–3 commuter with a 720 Wh battery

    6.4/10

    What we like

    • Top motor torque in this comparison (100 Nm)

    Watch out for

    • Highest bike weight in this comparison (74.5 lb)

    Score breakdown

    Rated motor power 15%
    Battery capacity 20%
    Claimed range 15%
    Top assisted speed 10%
    Payload capacity 15%
    Bike weight 10%
    Motor torque 10%
    Hydraulic disc brakes 3%
    Water resistance 2%
    Rated motor power750 W
    Battery capacity720 Wh
    Claimed range65 mi
    Top assisted speed28 mph
    Payload capacity320 lb
    Bike weight74.5 lb
    Motor torque100 Nm
    Hydraulic disc brakesYes
    Water resistanceIPX6 class (powerful jets)
    Motor750 W, 100 Nm
    Battery48 V 15 Ah, 720 Wh
    Range65+ miles
    Class1, 2 or 3
    Water ratingIPX6
    PriceCheck price
    Check price at Amazon Full specs
    Specs source:
    #3

    Ride1Up Portola

    Best for: Compact 20-inch utility commuter, 342 lb capacity

    6.4/10

    What we like

      Watch out for

      • Water resistance not published by Ride1Up

      Score breakdown

      Rated motor power 15%
      Battery capacity 20%
      Claimed range 15%
      Top assisted speed 10%
      Payload capacity 15%
      Bike weight 10%
      Motor torque 10%
      Hydraulic disc brakes 3%
      Water resistance * 2%

      * Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

      Rated motor power750 W
      Battery capacity720 Wh
      Claimed range60 mi
      Top assisted speed28 mph
      Payload capacity342 lb
      Bike weight61 lb
      Motor torque90 Nm
      Hydraulic disc brakesYes
      Water resistanceNot listed
      Motor750 W sustained geared hub, 90 Nm
      Battery48 V 10 Ah or 15 Ah (720 Wh computed for 15 Ah)
      Range25–45 mi (10 Ah), 30–60 mi (15 Ah)
      Class1–3
      Water ratingController IPX6; no bike rating listed
      Weight61 lb (one listed configuration)
      PriceCheck price
      Check price at Amazon Full specs
      Specs source:
      #4

      Velotric Breeze 1

      Best for: Light 48 lb commuter with a 750 W motor

      6.2/10

      What we like

        Watch out for

          Score breakdown

          Rated motor power 15%
          Battery capacity 20%
          Claimed range 15%
          Top assisted speed 10%
          Payload capacity 15%
          Bike weight 10%
          Motor torque 10%
          Hydraulic disc brakes 3%
          Water resistance 2%
          Rated motor power750 W
          Battery capacity627 Wh
          Claimed range70 mi
          Top assisted speed28 mph
          Payload capacity330 lb
          Bike weight48 lb
          Motor torque65 Nm
          Hydraulic disc brakesYes
          Water resistanceIPX6 class (powerful jets)
          Motor750 W (900 W peak), 65 Nm
          Battery48 V 13.4 Ah, 627 Wh
          Speed20 mph default, adjustable to 28 mph
          Water ratingFrame IPX6, battery IPX7
          PriceCheck price
          Check price at Amazon Full specs
          Specs source:
          #5

          Aventon Pace 4

          Best for: Step-through cruiser commuter with a 733 Wh battery and 28 mph setting

          5.5/10

          What we like

          • Top battery capacity in this comparison (733 Wh)

          Watch out for

          • Lowest payload capacity in this comparison (300 lb)

          Score breakdown

          Rated motor power 15%
          Battery capacity 20%
          Claimed range 15%
          Top assisted speed 10%
          Payload capacity 15%
          Bike weight 10%
          Motor torque 10%
          Hydraulic disc brakes 3%
          Water resistance 2%
          Rated motor power500 W
          Battery capacity733 Wh
          Claimed range70 mi
          Top assisted speed28 mph
          Payload capacity300 lb
          Bike weight58.2 lb
          Motor torque60 Nm
          Hydraulic disc brakesYes
          Water resistanceIPX5 class (water jets)
          Motor500 W sustained, 60 Nm
          Battery36 V 20 Ah, 733 Wh
          Class2, convertible to Class 3
          Water ratingIPX5
          BrakesTektro hydraulic disc
          PriceCheck price
          Check price at Amazon Full specs
          Specs source:
          #6

          Ride1Up 700 Series

          Best for: 750 W sustained Class 2–3 commuter

          5.2/10

          What we like

            Watch out for

            • Lowest claimed range in this comparison (50 mi)
            • Lowest payload capacity in this comparison (300 lb)
            • Motor torque not published by Ride1Up
            • Water resistance not published by Ride1Up

            Score breakdown

            Rated motor power 15%
            Battery capacity 20%
            Claimed range 15%
            Top assisted speed 10%
            Payload capacity 15%
            Bike weight 10%
            Motor torque * 10%
            Hydraulic disc brakes 3%
            Water resistance * 2%

            * Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

            Rated motor power750 W
            Battery capacity720 Wh
            Claimed range50 mi
            Top assisted speed28 mph
            Payload capacity300 lb
            Bike weight62 lb
            Motor torqueNot listed
            Hydraulic disc brakesYes
            Water resistanceNot listed
            Motor48 V 750 W sustained geared hub
            Battery48 V 15 Ah (720 Wh, computed)
            Range30–50 miles
            Class2–3: 28 mph pedal assist, 20 mph throttle
            TorqueNot published by the maker
            Water ratingNot published by the maker
            PriceCheck price
            Check price at Amazon Full specs
            Specs source:
            #7

            Hiboy EX9

            Best for: 750 W Class 3 commuter with a 330 lb payload

            5.1/10

            What we like

              Watch out for

              • Motor torque not published by Hiboy
              • Lowest water resistance in this comparison (IPX4 class (splashes))

              Score breakdown

              Rated motor power 15%
              Battery capacity 20%
              Claimed range 15%
              Top assisted speed 10%
              Payload capacity 15%
              Bike weight 10%
              Motor torque * 10%
              Hydraulic disc brakes 3%
              Water resistance 2%

              * Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

              Rated motor power750 W
              Battery capacity556.8 Wh
              Claimed range62 mi
              Top assisted speed28 mph
              Payload capacity330 lb
              Bike weight64.5 lb
              Motor torqueNot listed
              Hydraulic disc brakesYes
              Water resistanceIPX4 class (splashes)
              Motor750 W (1000 W peak)
              Battery48 V 11.6 Ah (556.8 Wh, computed)
              Speed20 mph default, up to 28 mph
              Weight64.5 lb net
              Water ratingBike IPX4, battery IPX5
              TorqueNot published by the maker
              PriceCheck price
              Check price at Amazon Full specs
              Specs source:
              #8

              Aventon Level 3

              Best for: Commuter with a 733 Wh battery and full fenders and rack

              5.0/10

              What we like

              • Top battery capacity in this comparison (733 Wh)

              Watch out for

              • Top assisted speed not published by Aventon
              • Lowest payload capacity in this comparison (300 lb)

              Score breakdown

              Rated motor power 15%
              Battery capacity 20%
              Claimed range 15%
              Top assisted speed * 10%
              Payload capacity 15%
              Bike weight 10%
              Motor torque 10%
              Hydraulic disc brakes 3%
              Water resistance 2%

              * Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

              Rated motor power500 W
              Battery capacity733 Wh
              Claimed range70 mi
              Top assisted speedNot listed
              Payload capacity300 lb
              Bike weight67 lb
              Motor torque60 Nm
              Hydraulic disc brakesYes
              Water resistanceIPX5 class (water jets)
              Motor500 W sustained (864 W peak), 60 Nm
              Battery36 V 20 Ah, 733 Wh
              ClassClass 2 as listed
              Top speedNot published by the maker
              Total weight limit300 lb
              Water ratingIPX5
              PriceCheck price
              Check price at Amazon Full specs
              Specs source:
              #9

              Jasion EB5

              Best for: Budget step-through with mechanical discs

              4.2/10

              What we like

                Watch out for

                • Rated motor power not published by Jasion
                • Water resistance not published by Jasion

                Score breakdown

                Rated motor power * 15%
                Battery capacity 20%
                Claimed range 15%
                Top assisted speed 10%
                Payload capacity 15%
                Bike weight 10%
                Motor torque 10%
                Hydraulic disc brakes 3%
                Water resistance * 2%

                * Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

                Rated motor powerNot listed
                Battery capacity528 Wh
                Claimed range62 mi
                Top assisted speed28 mph
                Payload capacity330 lb
                Bike weight65 lb
                Motor torque60 Nm
                Hydraulic disc brakesNo
                Water resistanceNot listed
                Motor1200 W peak (rated power not listed), 60 Nm
                Battery48 V 11 Ah (528 Wh, computed), battery IPX6
                BrakesMechanical disc
                Water ratingBattery IPX6 only
                PriceCheck price
                Check price at Amazon Full specs
                Specs source:
                #10

                Velotric T1

                Best for: The lightest bike here at 36 lb

                4.1/10

                What we like

                • Lowest bike weight in this comparison (36 lb)

                Watch out for

                • Lowest rated motor power in this comparison (350 W)
                • Lowest battery capacity in this comparison (352.8 Wh)
                • Lowest top assisted speed in this comparison (25 mph)
                • Lowest motor torque in this comparison (45 Nm)

                Score breakdown

                Rated motor power 15%
                Battery capacity 20%
                Claimed range 15%
                Top assisted speed 10%
                Payload capacity 15%
                Bike weight 10%
                Motor torque 10%
                Hydraulic disc brakes 3%
                Water resistance 2%
                Rated motor power350 W
                Battery capacity352.8 Wh
                Claimed range70 mi
                Top assisted speed25 mph
                Payload capacity330 lb
                Bike weight36 lb
                Motor torque45 Nm
                Hydraulic disc brakesYes
                Water resistanceIPX6 class (powerful jets)
                Motor350 W (600 W peak), 45 Nm
                Battery36 V 9.8 Ah, 352.8 Wh
                Speed20 mph Class 1, 25 mph unlocked
                Water ratingIPX6
                PriceCheck price
                Check price at Amazon Full specs
                Specs source:
                #11

                Heybike Cityscape 2.0

                Best for: Budget commuter with a 500 W motor

                3.5/10

                What we like

                  Watch out for

                  • Lowest claimed range in this comparison (50 mi)
                  • Top assisted speed not published by Heybike
                  • Payload capacity not published by Heybike
                  • Bike weight not published by Heybike

                  Score breakdown

                  Rated motor power 15%
                  Battery capacity 20%
                  Claimed range 15%
                  Top assisted speed * 10%
                  Payload capacity * 15%
                  Bike weight * 10%
                  Motor torque * 10%
                  Hydraulic disc brakes * 3%
                  Water resistance 2%

                  * Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

                  * Other unpublished figures are scored at the category median so missing data neither helps nor hurts.

                  Rated motor power500 W
                  Battery capacity468 Wh
                  Claimed range50 mi
                  Top assisted speedNot listed
                  Payload capacityNot listed
                  Bike weightNot listed
                  Motor torqueNot listed
                  Hydraulic disc brakesNot listed
                  Water resistanceIPX6 class (powerful jets)
                  Motor500 W (1200 W peak)
                  Battery468 Wh
                  Water ratingIPX6
                  Top speedNot published by the maker
                  PayloadNot published by the maker
                  WeightNot published by the maker
                  PriceCheck price
                  Check price at Amazon Full specs
                  Specs source:

                  Buying guide: how to choose the right commuter e-bike

                  Rated vs peak watts

                  Makers often print the peak figure largest (Hiboy 1000 W, Jasion 1200 W, Heybike 1200 W). We rank the rated (nominal) figure, which is what the motor sustains: 750 W for most bikes here, 500 W for Aventon's Pace 4 and Level 3, and 350 W for the Velotric T1. Jasion publishes only peak figures for the EB5.

                  Range claims aren't comparable test results

                  Each maker measures range its own way, usually in the lowest assist level with a light rider on flat ground. Battery watt-hours are a steadier comparison: 352.8 Wh (T1) to 733 Wh (Aventon).

                  Weight matters if you carry it

                  If you take stairs or a train, the Velotric T1 (36 lb) and Breeze 1 (48 lb) are the lightest bikes here with published weights. Most others are 58–75 lb.

                  E-bike classes in the US

                  Most US states use a three-class system. Class 1: pedal assist only, assistance stops at 20 mph. Class 2: has a throttle, and motor assistance stops at 20 mph. Class 3: pedal assist that stops at 28 mph, often with a speedometer requirement. Many bikes here ship in one class and can be switched to another in an app or display, which can change where you're allowed to ride. A bike set to go faster than 28 mph on motor power, or with a motor above 750 W, may not count as an e-bike under your state's law at all.

                  Safety and local rules (not legal advice)

                  Rules differ by state, county and city. They can cover age limits, helmet requirements, whether Class 2 or 3 bikes may use bike paths and trails, and speed limits on shared paths. Check your state's vehicle code and your city or park district's rules before you ride. This is general information, not legal advice. Wear a helmet. Use lights at night. Charge with the maker's charger. Look for batteries and systems certified to UL 2849 (the whole e-bike electrical system) or UL 2271 (the battery), which several makers here list.

                  How this ranking is calculated

                  Score = weighted average of normalised specs, out of 10. Full method

                  Rated motor powerThe motor's nominal (rated, sustained) output as the maker states it, not the higher peak figure. Peak figures appear in each bike's notes. A bike whose maker publishes only a peak figure scores as the lowest rated figure in the category. Scale: 250 → 1000 W.
                  15%
                  Battery capacityBattery capacity in watt-hours. Where the maker lists only volts and amp-hours, we multiply them (for example 48 V x 15 Ah = 720 Wh) and say so in the product's notes. Larger batteries generally go farther under the same conditions. Scale: 350 → 1000 Wh.
                  20%
                  Claimed rangeThe maker's own maximum range claim, usually in the lowest assist level. Real range depends on rider weight, hills, wind, temperature and assist level, so treat it as a comparison figure, not a promise. Where a maker gives a span, we use the top of it. Scale: 25 → 100 mi.
                  15%
                  Top assisted speedThe highest assisted speed the maker lists, including settings unlocked in the app or display. 28 mph is the Class 3 ceiling, so anything above it scores the same as 28 mph. Scale: 20 → 28 mph.
                  10%
                  Payload capacityThe maker's maximum load for rider plus cargo. Where the maker gives a gross vehicle weight instead, we subtract the bike's weight and say so in the notes. Scale: 230 → 450 lb.
                  15%
                  Bike weightLighter bikes are easier to lift, carry upstairs and ride with the motor off. A weight published without the battery is not comparable, so it shows as Not listed. Scale: 100 → 35 lb.
                  10%
                  Motor torquePeak torque in newton-metres as the maker states it. More torque helps on hills and when starting with a load. Scale: 28 → 100 Nm.
                  10%
                  Hydraulic disc brakesYes when the maker lists hydraulic disc brakes. They generally need less hand force than mechanical (cable) discs.
                  3%
                  Water resistanceThe water digit of the IP rating the maker lists for the bike (the second digit, so IPX5 and IP65 both count as 5). Where only the battery or motor carries a rating, we say so in the notes and leave the bike rating blank. Scale: 4 → 7.
                  2%

                  Frequently asked questions

                  Why aren't Trek or Specialized ranked?

                  Their spec pages didn't load in a readable form for us, so we couldn't verify the motor, battery and weight figures. We'd rather leave them out than guess.

                  Why does the Jasion EB5 score low on motor power?

                  Jasion publishes only a 1200 W peak figure, not a rated figure. A missing rated figure scores as the lowest rated figure in the category.

                  What does 'computed' mean on a battery figure?

                  The maker lists volts and amp-hours but not watt-hours, so we multiplied them (volts x amp-hours = watt-hours).

                  Top pick · 7.3/10Velotric Summit 1
                  Check price