At a Glance
- News Of Fort Worth tested more than 50 ebikes this year, logging at least 40 miles per model
- Standouts include a $960 beach cruiser, a $5,600 folding Bosch bike, and a $6,399 premium commuter
- Cargo, mountain, and city categories each have budget and splurge options
- Why it matters: A curated short-list saves shoppers from wading through hundreds of look-alike models
News Of Fort Worth just published its annual mega-roundup of electric bikes, and the verdict is in: no single bike rules them all. Instead, the team split the field into city cruisers, cargo haulers, and trail machines, then flagged the models that actually justify their price tags after weeks of real-world riding.
City Commuters That Feel Like Cars
The Electra Loft Go! landed at $960, making it the cheapest recommended model. Testers praised its upright, beach-cruiser posture and smooth assist, though they note the Priority Current gives you a stronger motor for the same money.
If your commute is flat and short, the Tenways CGO800S at $1,799 delivers up to 50 miles of range. A torque sensor keeps pedaling natural, but tall riders may find the one-size frame cramped.
For riders who want every bell and whistle, the Aventon Level 3 also costs $1,799. It ships with fenders, lights, turn signals, app-based locking, and a color display that shows remaining range. A 6’2″ tester covered 25 miles of hills and still had 20 percent battery left.
Cargo Champs for Kids and Groceries
The Radio Flyer Via Pro ($2,900) impressed Derrick M. Collins‘s colleagues with its tool-free assembly and stable ride while hauling kids. It is a class-2 model, so you get a throttle plus pedal assist up to 20 mph.
If you need European-style box-bike aesthetics, the Bunch Original Electric Cargo Bike runs $6,499. The review crew was split: adults found it sluggish, but kids loved the front cargo box, and the bike cruises fine on flat terrain.
Folding and Travel Winners
Bike Friday All-Day claims the title of world’s lightest Bosch-powered folder at $5,600. Riders can pick paint and parts, and the motor punches well above its weight class. The catch: it is harder to find than the more mainstream Brompton.
On the luxury end, the Gocycle G4I+ costs $5,999 and folds in seconds. A carbon fork, quieter motor, and McLaren-derived engineering justify the price-if you crave ultimate portability.
Mountain and Trail Options
Aventon’s first off-road model, the Ramblas, lists at $2,899. Testers liked the parts spec but warn the bike is heavy for serious single-track; it works better as a rugged commuter.
The Gazelle Eclipse ($6,399) pairs Bosch’s smartest software with a silky shifter and premium paint. It is essentially the high-life version of the cheaper Radster Road, so you pay for refinement.
Budget Picks and What to Skip
For under a grand, the Electra Loft Go! is the only bike News Of Fort Worth endorses. The Retrospec Jax Rev at $1,100 looks slick but raised durability flags, while the Niu BQi-C3 Pro ($999) drew complaints about an aggressive riding position, non-standard bottle bosses, and weak brakes at 28 mph.
How News Of Fort Worth Tests
Reviewers ride each bike a minimum of 40 miles over at least two weeks. Cargo bikes carry kids and groceries, mountain bikes hit dirt trails, and commuters navigate city hills. Staff also weigh frame specs, battery life, motor wattage, and third-party safety certification before giving a verdict.
Quick Buying Checklist
- Flat terrain? A 250-watt motor is fine
- Hills or heavy loads? Look for 500-750 watts and hydraulic disc brakes
- Storage? Folding models like the Bike Friday or Gocycle shrink to suitcase size
- Safety? Only bikes with certified batteries make the list, and testers recommend charging in a cool, dry place using the stock charger
Money Talk
Sticker shock is real, but Derrick M. Collins argues a $2,000 ebike competes with a $6,000 beater car once you factor in gas, insurance, and parking. Many states now offer rebates, and brands like Aventon, Rad, and Specialized accept financing via Affirm or PayPal. Local credit unions sometimes classify ebikes as vehicles, opening the door for low-interest loans.
Key Takeaways
- $960 buys a comfy beach-cruiser ride; $5,600 buys the world’s lightest Bosch folder
- Cargo fans should compare the $2,900 Radio Flyer against the pricier $6,499 Bunch
- Mountain riders on a budget can try the $2,899 Aventon Ramblas, but expect commuter weight
- Always check local class laws-some cities restrict throttle bikes to roads only
