Best electric hybrid bikes: e-hybrids for commuting, shopping and riding around town

Many of the first electric bikes to hit the market were hybrids. With flat handlebars and a comfortable, upright riding position, they’re a good option for general recreational riding, beginners, shopping and trips around town.

Electric hybrid bikes also work well for commuters who aren’t pressed for storage space and want a little assistance when cycling to work. If space is tight, take a look at our guide to the best electric folding bikes.

Many first-generation hybrid electric bikes were fairly heavy, with hefty frames and wheels coupled to chunky motors and batteries, and limited range. That’s changing now, with brands such as Specialized slimming down its hybrid ebikes: its latest Turbo Vado SL model gives you 130km range in a 15kg package.

Stats such as those make a hybrid ebike a good option for the commute or if you want to simply enjoy the benefits of an electric bike without charging up too often between trips.

For more information on what to consider when buying an electric hybrid bike, we’ve got a full buyer’s guide at the bottom of this article.

You can also read our guide to electric bike types to help you choose the right ebike for you. For example, if you decide you’d like drop bars, then consult our best electric road bikes guide.

The best electric hybrid bikes reviewed by BikeRadar

Canyon Pathlite:ON 5

• £2,499 as tested
• Delivers lots of power
• Handles and rides well
• Very bulky

The Canyon Pathlite:ON 5 is all you want in a commuter bike. It soothes rough roads and presents great value, while Bosch’s Gen 4 motor is powerful and the drivetrain is superb.

Our testing was consistent with Canyon’s claimed 100km range. The battery slots into the down tube and falls out at the click of a key. Its charger is easy to carry in a rucksack, which is a bonus for commuting. Mudguards and integrated lights add to its ride-to-work credentials.

Where the Pathlite:ON 5 stands out from the field is off-road. Its handling, gearing, suspension fork and tyres make it at home on mountain bike trails, but it has an upright riding position for urban riding and bike paths.

The Bosch motor is discrete when you’re pedalling unassisted. A welcome boost comes on steep inclines. You switch between off, Eco, Tour, eMTB and Turbo modes using the Bosch’s Purion display.

Since it weighs 23kg, one place you won’t want to take the Pathlite:ON 5 is up a flight of stairs.

• Read our full Canyon Pathlite:ON 5 review 

Specialized Turbo Vado SL 4.0

• £2,600 / €2,999 / $3,500 as tested
• Well-tuned power delivery
• Low weight
• Lights included

Weighing under 15kg and with a 130km range, the Turbo Vado SL is intended to take ebike use for recreation and city riding mainstream.

Its motor weighs under 2kg and the concealed battery makes for clean looks, although the 35Nm torque output is lower than most ebike motors.

Support feels very natural, without any bursts of acceleration but still helping out well on inclines, although it feels a bit underpowered on the steepest climbs, even in its top Turbo mode.

All models come with lights, and higher specs add a rack and mudguards.

• Read our full Specialized Turbo Vado SL 4.0 review

VanMoof S3

• £1,998 as tested
• Outstanding value
• Easy and comfy to ride
• Integrated lights

Weighing in at 21kg, the VanMoof S3 is a smooth-riding urban ebike with substantial range thanks to a 504Wh battery in the frame. The front wheel hub holds a 250W motor.

Our tester managed almost 130 rolling kilometres relying on the battery alone with the 378Wh power bank attached but not turned on. The S3 fully recharges in four hours and the battery tops up halfway in 80 minutes.

The bike’s automatic four-speed rear-hub shifting mostly works well in hilly and flat settings. The assistance correlates with your speed and the turbo gives a blast of power if required. The S3’s two sizes should cater for riders of most heights.

The nifty LED display on the top tube doubles up as an accurate speedometer and battery indicator. When parked, you can set the in-built alarm and freeze the rear wheel, so you don’t need to tether it to something. Both can be disabled via an app or code.

• Read our full VanMoof S3 review

VanMoof X3

• £1,998 as tested
• Versatile ride
• Intuitive LED display
• Solid range

The VanMoof X3 is a brilliant bike to ride around town, combining agility, pace and comfort along with a host of useful extras, including integrated lights and security features. You can also strap a bag to the front carrier.

Power delivery is steady and correlates to the force you exert on the pedals. These can, however, lack grip in the rain.

Our tester eked out 64km and 500m elevation from the battery, a respectable distance. As for charging, the battery weighs 867g, so it’s easy to remove and carry. It charges fully in four hours.

The VanMoof X3 does only come in one size, but this should suit the majority of female and male riders.

• Read our full VanMoof X3 review

Bianchi E-Spillo Luxury

• £2,159 as tested
• Attractive aesthetics
• Quality build
• Luggage options

Coming with a rear rack for proper panniers and an upright riding position, the Bianchi E-Spillo Luxury is made for cruising stylishly to the shops or work.

The Shimano Steps E5000 motor is partially concealed in the position of the bottom bracket. It has three modes – normal, eco and turbo.

The 418Wh battery slides under the rear rack, bringing maximum claimed range to 120km. Our tester found the power gauge dipped sharply after 97km, underlining the bike is best for short, urban trips.

The E-Spillo Luxury has Shimano’s 9-speed Altus groupset. The 34t front ring, matched with an 11-36 cassette, suits most town riding. The brakes do a decent job of slowing the bike’s bulk.

Steel mudguards are included and match the brand’s iconic celeste frame. It weighs 21.65kg in size 53cm and also comes in 47cm.

The easy-to-read Shimano Steps E6100 head unit displays speed, predicted range, distance and journey time.

• Read our full Bianchi E-Spillo Luxury review

Cannondale Quick 4 Disc with Cytronex C1 motor kit

• £1,646 as tested
• £995 for Cytronex C1 kit, £579.99 for Cannondale Quick 4 Disc, £71 for optional lights
• Cytronex add-on kit electrifies a standard hybrid bike
• Subtle power delivery

The Cytronex C1 kit includes a front-hub motor and bottle cage battery to electrify a standard hybrid bike, adding just over 3kg to the weight.

We tried it out on the Cannondale Quick 4 Disc, which was responsive and sporty, with a good gear range. It’s one of a range of pre-built options from Cytronex.

Add the motor and the Quick becomes a competent ebike with around 60km of range and progressive power delivery. The motor is controlled easily via the single bar-mounted button.

You can also spec lights when you order the bike, while the Quick has mounts for mudguards and a rack, making this an all-weather commuting machine.

• Read our full Cytronex C1 kit on the Cannondale Quick 4 Disc review

Canyon Precede:ON CF 9

• £4,999 / €4,999 as tested
• Top-spec motor and large battery
• Belt drive with CVT transmission
• On the heavy side

The Precede:ON’s futuristic design includes comprehensive integration for a slick, fast-looking commute.

Power comes from a top-spec Bosch Performance Line CX motor, with a high-capacity integrated battery that gives plenty of range and is easy to remove for charging.

There’s a belt drive with a constantly variable transmission system that means you don’t need to change gears.

There’s a slick-looking cockpit, too, and the Precede:ON feels stable without being sluggish or lacking agility. At 23kg, it’s heavy though.

• Read our full Canyon Precede:ON CF 9 review

Carrera Crossfuse

• £1,899 as tested
• Bosch motor and battery
• Comfortable ride
• Quality Shimano gears and brakes

Halfords’ Carrera brand offers the competitively priced Crossfuse, with a 50Nm Bosch motor and lockable battery.

The ride position is upright, and the saddle and handlebar grips comfortable, while wide tyres with a deep tread work well on a variety of surfaces and the short-travel fork helps smooth the way. Range is good – we got close to 100km – and you can remove the battery for charging.

The single-chainring drivetrain offers a wide spread of gears and the hydraulic disc brakes come from Shimano, making for effective stopping power. Coupled with a very comfortable ride, we rated the Crossfuse a great commuter option.

• Read our full Carrera Crossfuse review

Carrera Impel IM-2

• £1,299 RRP as tested
• Commuting and off-road capability
• Respectable range and punchy motor
• No mudguards, disappointing brakes

The Carrera Impel IM-2 is a capable commuter with all-road potential and a nippy ride. 

Carrera says the 367Wh battery will see you through 50km, but our tester found this was slightly optimistic. Its assistance is supplied by a 45Nm/250W rear-hub motor, which has three modes. 

The battery can be taken off the bike and recharged in five and a half hours. 

The Impel’s agile handling, 650b wheels and 47mm tyres make it no slouch off tarmac. 

The 1x drivetrain is unfussy and effective. It comprises a Shimano nine-speed Alvio rear derailleur and the brand’s Altus shifter. The 11-36 ratio is perfect for most commuting. 

The absence of mudguards and powerful brakes are among few downsides to this keenly-priced bike.

• Read our full Carrera Impel IM-2 review

Genesis Smithfield

• £3,000
• Stylish urban option
• Steady handling
• Disappointing drivetrain

The Genesis Smithfield is a sleek urban ebike that rides nicely with a sizeable 150km claimed range and all you need for commuting, such as metal mudguards, a nurse’s lock and bosses for bottle cages or racks.

Although the price tag calls for a better drivetrain than the nine-speed Shimano Acera, the Smithfield does boast a capable Shimano STEPS motor, long-lasting battery and disc brakes.

The Smithfield might not be the snappiest given it weighs 23kg, but it has the range and compliance for you to incorporate off-road sorties into your route home.

Our tester managed an undulating 81.5km using the variety of modes and found the battery recharged to 80 per cent in two hours and full charge in four.

• Read our full Genesis Smithfield review

GoCycle G4

• £3,999
• Clever design
• Nimble ride
• Expensive

The GoCycle G4 is a class-leading collapsible bike with an excellent motor and reasonable range. A carbon fork and mid-section reduce weight but increase cost to just shy of £4,000.

The GoCycle is well-specced. It has hydraulic brakes and a three-speed Shimano Nexus hub gear with ratios low enough for steep hills. Its battery should be good for 50km-60km rides.

The G4 motor has so much torque it really whizzes around town, and beyond, including tow paths, thanks to wide tyres, suspension and traction control.

The GoCycle’s app, which allows fine-tuning and displays loads of data, gets the best out of a fun-to-ride bike.

• Read our full GoCycle G4 review 

LeMond Prolog

• £4,350 / $4,795 / €5,195 as tested
• Lightweight
• Sporty
• Slick integration

Former professional road racer Greg LeMond is back in the bike business with this impressive electric bike.

The LeMond Prolog is impressively lightweight and sleek looking, but one of its biggest surprises is its dynamic ride. Unlike many electric hybrid bikes, which look to mountain bikes for their relaxed, upright designs, the Prolog is much sportier and consequently has faster handling.

The stiff and responsive carbon frame has wide tyres and comfortable contact points to cushion your ride.

The bike has a one-by Shimano GRX drivetrain and an oversized rear hub that houses a 250W motor, putting out 40Nm of power. We found the battery life to be decent in testing, with the bike only running out of power after 60 miles / 100km of riding.

At over £4,000 / $4,500, the Prolog is at the pricier end of the electric hybrid spectrum. But if you’re looking for a sporty assisted bike, we reckon it should be high on your list.

• Read our full LeMond Prolog review

Mycle Classic

• £999.99 as tested
• Budget-friendly
• Good components
• Comfy ride

The British-made Mycle Classic looks and performs like a far pricier bike. Its white step-through frame contrasts the black features. The 1.7in tyres have fetching cream sidewalls. They cushion rough road surfaces and cope with towpaths. 

An LCD screen displaying speed, distance, time and charge level sits on the swept-back handlebar, which has walnut ‘vegan’ leather grips. 

The Classic’s extra-large seatpost holds an integrated battery that runs the 250W 36v rear-hub motor. Its five modes provide sufficient boost for commuting. Our tester came close to the Classic’s 50km claimed range. 

The assistance works in tandem with the seven-speed drivetrain, consisting of a 48t chainring and 14-28t cassette, for a relaxing ride. 

Handy extras include integrated lights, mudguards and rear-wheel locking. 

At this price, compromise is inevitable – the Classic only comes in one size and the brakes lack bite. 

• Read our full Mycle Classic review

Pure Electric Flux One

• £999 RRP as tested
• Value-for-money
• Smooth motor
• One size, no mudguards

The Pure Electric Flux One is simplicity itself. The single-speed drivetrain will reduce maintenance and deal with flat commutes.

The Gates Belt has a 55t chainring and 22t sprocket, which will see you up to 35km/h before spinning out.

The rear-hub 250Wh motor has 35Nm of torque. Our tester found the 252Wh battery sends the Flux One beyond its claimed range of 40km.

You adjust the motor’s three modes with buttons on the LCD display, which has an odometer and shows speed and battery life.

The battery can be taken off the bike to charge fully in five hours, and three hours tops it up by 80 per cent.

The riding position is similar to a hybrid, while still offering good visibility. The Flux One’s comfy saddle and agile handling make it a joy to ride.

However, riders taller than 6ft 2in might be cramped by the size. The lack of mudguards is a glaring omission on a commuter bike.

• Read our full Pure Electric Flux One review

Revolutionworks Whippet

• £1,499 RRP as tested
• Slimline
• Racy ride
• Rapid charging

With sleek steel tubes, skinny tyres and a responsive feel, the Revolutionworks Whippet looks and rides more like a pedal-powered commuter than an ebike.

As a result, extensive off-roading is best avoided on the aptly-named Whippet, which is light for an ebike at 16kg.

The weight advantage, 700c tyres and relative aerodynamics bring range beyond 55km despite its modest 250Wh rear-hub motor and 200W compact battery. The portable charger fills this up in two hours.

The motor assistance is easy to use. A readout on the bars displays power level and battery life.

The standout component is Shimano’s MT200 hydraulic brakes. The brand’s seven-speed Altus drivetrain and Prowheel chainset outperform their budget price.

The Whippet is fitted with full-length mudguards, but not lights.

• Read our full Revolutionworks Whippet review

Ribble Hybrid AL e Fully Loaded

• £2,099 / €2,326 / £2,270 as tested
• Sophisticated motor and app-based control
• Quality finishing kit

Ribble uses the Mahle ebikemotion rear-hub motor with its fully enclosed 250Wh battery to provide gentle assistance rather than a burst of power.

It’s simple to control the assistance level and monitor the battery via the top-tube button, and the phone app adds more info, including the option to use your heart rate to control the motor’s power.

Other kit is good too, with Mavic wheels, Schwalbe Marathon tyres and a SRAM single-ring drivetrain. The Fully Loaded spec adds mudguards, rack, lights and a bell.

• Read our full Ribble Hybrid AL e Fully Loaded review

Also consider…

These bikes scored fewer than 4 out of 5 stars in our reviews but are still worth considering.

Bergamont E-Horizon Expert 600 Gent

• £3,329 as tested
• Classic upright style
• Large battery and Bosch motor

Bergamont’s E-Horizon Expert ebike has been the subject of a long-term test by BikeRadar’s technical editor, Tom Marvin.

The E-Horizon bike is designed for sit-up comfort around town and comes with a Bosch motor and large 625Wh battery.

With the rack and mudguards also included, you’ve got everything you need for around-town duties, but the position of the front light isn’t ideal for spotting hazards.

• Read our Bergamont E-Horizon Expert 600 Gent long-term review

Boardman Hyb 8.9E

• £2,199 as tested
• Cleanly integrated Fazua motor
• Sharp handling

Boardman’s sporty commuter comes with the angles of a road bike and a neatly integrated German Fazua motor for a 16.2kg weight.

Power output is tuneable via the phone app to extend range or tweak performance. The motor assistance has a natural feel, helping rather than driving you, and the 100km-plus range is impressive.

The Boardman is more for sporty riders though, better suited to padded shorts than commuter clothing, and with slender handlebar grips and a firm ride.

• Read our full Boardman Hyb 8.9E review

Cowboy ebike

• £1,790 / €1,990 as tested
• Simple belt-drive system
• Quirky handling

The Cowboy’s singlespeed belt-drive transmission makes for easy maintenance. You’ve also got hydraulic disc brakes and integrated lighting, while the battery sits behind the seat tube.

Everything is controlled by a smartphone app, which also acts as a digital key to switch the Cowboy on and off, and keeps track of the bike’s location.

The handling is a little quirky, though, and is better suited to travelling in a straight line than going round corners.

• Read our full Cowboy ebike review

Raleigh Motus Tour

• £2,200 / €2,548 as tested
• Bosch motor and bar-mounted control unit
• Quite heavy

Raleigh uses Bosch’s Active Line motor and a removable battery for smooth power delivery on the Motus Tour.

The Intuvia display on the bars lets you control the built-in lights as well as monitor system performance, while a bar-mounted remote changes assistance level.

The Motus is on the heavy side though, weighing just under 25kg, so the walk function is useful when pushing the ebike. The weight also limits range and we got around 80km on a charge. We appreciated the fully enclosed chain, lights, integrated lock, mudguards and rack for urban duties.

• Read our full Raleigh Motus Tour review

Buyer’s guide: what to look for in a hybrid electric bike

Types of hybrid ebike

Most hybrid ebikes can perhaps be best described as all-rounders. They’ll usually have mudguards (or mudguard mounts, at the very least), often come equipped with lights, and there will probably be mounts for a rack, so you can carry extra stuff.

But there are more specialist machines such as the Canyon Pathlite:ON, where not only do you get lights, mudguards and a rack, but the higher-spec machines come with a second 500Wh battery for long-distance trekking.

There are also flat-bar versions of sporty drop-bar road ebikes, such as the Orbea Gain and Focus Paralane2.

Other options we’ve reviewed include the Tern GSD and Rad Power RadWagon electric cargo bikes, and the Orbea Katu-E, an e-shopper.

Hybrid ebike motor systems

Mid-mounted motors are a popular choice for hybrids. These have a motor mounted between the cranks that powers the rear wheel when you’re pedalling.

It’s a position that provides plenty of stability because it puts the motor’s weight low down and centrally on the frame. Look out for systems from Bosch and Shimano. A rear-hub motor is another option, but front-wheel motors are less common on hybrids.

Batteries are typically mounted low on the down tube, also for stability, although some hybrid electric bikes stash the battery out of sight within the frame.

More expensive models tend to have larger-capacity batteries for additional range and there may be the option to plug in a second battery, if you want to go further.

There’s usually a controller on the handlebar, where it’s within easy reach, that lets you select assistance level and keep an eye on your battery status as you ride.

Range

Some quoted ranges are pretty accurate or even conservative, but look out for exaggerated claims if you’re planning to use your ebike for anything more than local excursions, or don’t have access to convenient charging.

In general, you’ll want a battery capacity of 250Wh or more for a decent range. Most hybrid electric bike motors will push out a maximum of 250 watts, so that would give you an hour if you were using the motor at full power, though in reality that will rarely happen.

In practice, the motor will be working less hard than this, but your real range will depend on where you’re riding, the assistance level selected and other factors.

Added extras

For practicality, it’s nice to have mudguards, and front and rear lights as part of the package, giving you all-weather rideability.

Also look out for a rear rack or rack mounts, so you can use your hybrid ebike with panniers or other cycling luggage for shopping or longer excursions.

And if you’re planning on longer rides on your ebike, the option to add a second battery will more or less double your range.