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What are moped e-bikes exactly? There are certain distinguishing characteristics on these bikes, even though there isn’t a clear description for them—they are a category that has only recently gained significant attention as a result of their growing appeal.
Moped-style e-bikes aim to combine many of the comfort and convenience aspects of mopeds or other types of generally gas-powered motorbikes with the key e-bike attributes of having pedals and a relatively low-powered electric assist motor system. This typically entails a motorcycle-grade suspension and tires, a bench seat (which may also be able to accommodate a passenger), as well as illumination components like turn signals or a full-on headlamp.

What makes an e-bike resembling a moped desirable, then? Undoubtedly, for some people, the motorcycle aesthetic is quite alluring, while for others it may be the celebrity endorsements of Super 73 or similar businesses.

Above all, however, moped e-bikes offer genuine, useful advantages. Large tires, a long bench seat, and suspension all provide more comfort than many other e-bike designs, and features like an upright riding position, well-equipped lighting, and a strong motor with some throttle control can make them feel extremely secure in congested town traffic. Unfortunately, because they have so much more heavy-duty equipment, they usually have a weight penalty.

Similar to other e-bike categories, moped e-bikes also have their advantages and disadvantages. While some may be better suited for commuting, some may be better for off-roading, and so on, all moped e-bikes have an easy-to-define, instantly recognisable fun and quirky ride feel. So without further ado, let’s look at what we believe to be the top moped e-bikes available at the moment.

Our picks for the Best Moped Electric Bikes of 2024

• Ride1UP Revv 1 FS 
• Himiway C5 
• EUYBike S4 
• Electric Bike Company Model J 
• Superhuman Bandit 2 

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No 1. Ride1UP Revv 1

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We were completely astounded by the appearance, cost, and general performance of the Ride1UP Revv 1:

The bike’s low frame, expanded seat, dual-crown suspension fork, and motorcycle-style headlamp all contribute to its cafe-racer-inspired aesthetic. It’s just one of the most attractive bikes we’ve ever seen, and for that reason alone, we could have easily included it in our list of the top e-bikes that resemble mopeds.

Thankfully, the Revv 1 also lags far behind in terms of performance. With a 750W motor, the bike is more likely to comply with Class 2 and Class 3 legal standards for e-bikes. The bike’s maximum speed when shipped is 20 mph, however it can be unlocked to 28 mph with pedal assistance or to ride at full speed (which is immensely exciting)speeds in Off-Road mode.

Compared to a 36V or 48V system, the 52V engine and battery that the bike employs provide significantly greater power. This enables the bike to climb slopes like a pro and reach amazing speeds. The Revv 1’s performance was the greatest we’ve seen from an e-bike that resembles a moped, even though it didn’t quite break our records in the Hill Test.

It’s also extremely affordable, as we would have anticipated from a Ride1UP bike, and it comes in two models with varying specifications and pricing ranges to fit any budget. The more expensive model we tested has a rear shock and a double-crown fork for a smoother ride, while the cheaper variant is a hardtail with a normal front suspension. The Ride1UP Revv 1 was a no-brainer for our list of the top moped electric bikes since we adored it.

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No 2. Himiway C5

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One of Himiway’s newest models, the C5, is heavily inspired by dirt bikes, both in terms of its tough appearance and its potent performance potential. With a unique access code from Himiway, this Class 2 e-bike may be converted to a Class 3 model. It has a 750W rear hub motor with a torque sensor for improved responsiveness.

The C5 demonstrated its capability in our testing when it went 30 kilometres on a single charge by using its 960 Wh battery and the throttle alone. With just the throttle, it finished our Hill Test in 1 minute and 29 seconds, and with pedalling, it took 2 minutes and 4 seconds. In our Brake Test, the bike had exceptional braking performance, averaging a stopping distance of 19’1″. The C5 costs $2299 and is made to accommodate riders that are 5’4″ to 6’3″ in height and up to 330 lbs in weight.

The Himiway C5 is perfect for off-road excursions because to its robust engine, complete suspension system, and specially designed “Kenda X Himiway” K5 tires. With a travel of 147mm, the suspension is an inverted double crown fork. The dirt bike’s overall aggressive and striking design is reminiscent of those with an emphasis on off-road appeal.

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No 3. EUYBike S4

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In the low-cost moto-style e-bike segment, the EUYBike S4 stands out for providing an incredibly enjoyable ride without the high price tag. With both throttle and pedal help, this unclassified e-bike can reach a maximum speed of about 31 miles per hour thanks to its 1000W rear hub motor. In our range test, our test model’s 960 Wh battery provided 28 and 49 miles; however, more recent models include 1200 Wh batteries, which promise even greater range.

The S4 passed our hill test, taking one minute and forty seconds to accelerate and one minute and fifteen seconds to pedal. In our Brake Test, it also showed great braking capability, with an 18-foot 11-inch stopping distance. The S4, which can support up to 400 pounds and is appropriate for riders between 5’7″ and 6’5,” is presently available for an enticing price of $1200.

The S4 is a fast bike that can easily reach over 30 miles per hour right out of the box, making it an exciting experience to ride. A complete suspension system combined with its strong performance provides a stable yet thrilling ride. The bike is one of the finest values for a bike of its calibre and features; it was originally reviewed at $1500 and is currently available for even less.

Through its settings menu, the S4 also offers riders numerous customisation choices, including control over motor engagement, speed, and throttle behaviour, but some familiarisation is necessary.All things considered, the S4’s features and cost make it an appealing option for both off-road and on-road travel. This bike can tackle a variety of terrains with ease, whether it’s riding on rugged paths or fire roads for an urban commute. For riders seeking an unbeatable price on a quick, enjoyable, and customisable biking experience, this is the perfect bike.

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No 4. Electric Bike Company Model J

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The Model J, which is akin to a moped, could have been included on this list, but the Electric Bike Company is more well-known for their beach cruisers. In the e-bike industry, EBC is taking steps that are essentially unheard of in the present era. Constructed and put together in the United States of America, offering endless personalisation possibilities and exceptional build quality. With the introduction of the Model J by EBC, an entirely adjustable e-bike that resembles a moped and can be as mild or crazy as you choose, all of that carries on this history. We haven’t had a chance to thoroughly test it yet, but from what we’ve seen here at the office, it looks quite promising.

Although this bike is initially configured as a Class 2, it can be changed to a Class 3 in accordance with local laws. It has a 500W rear hub motor with a torque sensor as standard, but users who want a more responsive riding experience can upgrade to one.

The bike has a 672 Wh battery that may be tripled to a maximum capacity of 2,016 Wh for increased range. The Model J is strong and adaptable, with a weight capacity of up to 420 pounds and a wide range of rider heights from 5 feet to 6’8′′.

With additional customisations, the price might go up from $1399 to $13,499, depending on the demands and tastes of the customer. This setup flexibility makes it a compelling choice for cyclists seeking a customised riding experience.

(Image credit: superhumanbikes

No 5. FLX Superhuman Bandit 2

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The FLX Superhuman Bandit 2 is a value-for-money device that catches our eye with its appealing look and a few good functions. The Bandit, a Class 2 e-bike, is driven by a 750W rear hub motor with a cadence sensor and can reach a maximum speed of 25 miles per hour with either throttle or pedal help.

It performed better in our range test than the manufacturer had predicted, covering 49 and 70 miles on an 840 Wh battery. In our Hill Test, the bike showed strong climbing ability, finishing the throttle-only climb in 1 minute and 16 seconds and somewhat improving to 1 minute and 13 seconds with pedal assistance. It also demonstrated consistent stopping power, exhibiting an average braking distance of 20  feet 3 inches.

The Bandit 2 costs $1499 and is made to fit riders who are 5’5″ to 6’4″ tall and can support up to 275 pounds. A twin crown fork and rear coil suspension compliment its overall design, providing a pleasant ride over a variety of terrains. The 4.25-inch tires contribute to the ride quality’s feeling of stability and groundedness. A standout feature of the bike is its extended saddle, which provides ample room for two riders when foot pegs are added, making it an excellent option for group rides.

The Bandit 2 is distinguished not only by its performance but also by its attractive appearance. It comes in four colour variations that not only give character to the vehicle but also improve visibility and road safety.

The Bandit 2’s remarkable range and passenger capacity make it not only adaptable but also alluring to a variety of riders seeking an e-bike that blends enjoyment and utility. The Bandit 2 is a fantastic option for anyone looking for performance and value since it provides a good balance of style, comfort, and practicality, whether riding through cities or on bike lanes.

How we picked the best moped electric bikes

Our team of experts at EBR has rode a lot of e-bikes, so the choices made for moped e-bikes are the result of thousands of hours of riding and meticulous performance comparisons.
There are hundreds of different types of e-bikes, even in a very limited market like moped e-bikes. We’ve utilised our expertise to evaluate each competitor’s paper specs and combined it with our actual riding experience to narrow down the field and determine which moped e-bikes work best for particular purposes.

However, we assessed the bikes in each instance using a few fundamental standards, principally:

Value: What is the e-bike’s dollar value to you? There are now many cheap, expensive, and poorly equipped electric bikes available on the market. We consider each bike on this list to be reasonably priced.
Add-ons and accessories: What more does the e-bike include? Does it have fenders, lights, bags, racks, and other accessories, and are those items necessary? Is there anything more that’s missing that need to be mentioned?

Does it provide something distinctive? What makes this bike stand out from the competitors in a crowded market full of options? Numerous e-bike categories, especially those closer to the more economical end of the market, are crowded with imitation companies and e-bikes that aren’t all that exceptional. We’re trying to locate the  ones that are.

For what purpose does the maker claim it was designed? How successfully does this bike accomplish the goal for which it was designed? Naturally, you are free to ride your bike anyway you see fit, but we want to ensure that the e-bikes on this list perform as promised.
How does it ride in reality? Finally, and perhaps most importantly, how does the e-bike ride? Thanks to extensive testing, we are quite familiar with several of these e-bikes.

Bottom line: The Best Moped E-Bikes of 2024

Since moped-style e-bikes are a relatively new product category, we anticipate that this small list of favourites will grow significantly in the upcoming months and years. New designs that aim to circumvent some of the critiques of moped-style e-bikes, such their heavier-than-average weight and usually fixed seating position, may very well arise along with design tweaks in response to new technologies.
Although not an exhaustive list, we believe that all of the motorcycles on this list provide a good diversity among the moped e-bikes that are now available. We also anticipate seeing a lot more of this category in the future!