7 Best Pedal Assist Bikes in 2024: Cargo, Cruiser, Mountain, & More
July 18, 2024
What is a pedal assist electric bike (ebike)? Pedal assist is a mode (or several modes) on an ebike that activates the motor when you pedal. The pedal assist levels give you added juice to cruise up hills with less effort and enable you to ride farther and faster than before. It feels just as fun as riding a traditional bike, but with less effort.
To find the best pedal assist bikes, you’ll want to shop around before picking your new ebike. Not only are there several bike brands to choose from, but there are also plenty of styles for any rider and any type of ride. Whether you want an electric bike to haul cargo, a cruiser that can sail through city streets, or a mountain bike that tackles off-road trails, there’s a pedal-assist bike on the market for you.
In this article, we’ll review the best ebikes and crown several winners in categories including:
- 1. Best Pedal Assist Bike & Best Pedal Assist Mountain Bike
- 2. Fastest Pedal Assist Bike & Best Pedal Assist Fat-Tire Bike
- 3. Best Pedal Assist Cruiser Bike & Best Pedal Assist Bike for Seniors
- 4. Best Affordable Pedal Assist Bike
- 5. Best Pedal Assist Commuter Bike
- 6. Best Throttle Assist Ebike
- 7. Best Ebike With Throttle & Pedal Assist
- 8. Best Pedal Assist Ebike Accessories
1. Best Pedal Assist Bike & Best Pedal Assist Mountain Bike: Ramblas
Highlighted Specs:
- ✓ Pedal assist levels: 3 (Eco, Trail, Turbo)
- ✓ Max speed: 20 mph
- ✓ Battery range: Up to 80 miles
- ✓ Torque sensor: Yes
- ✓ Payload: 300 lbs
- ✓ Warranty: Two-year warranty
- ✓ Throttle: No
The Aventon Ramblas is our top pick for the best pedal assist bike overall and the best pedal assist mountain bike. This electric mountain bike (eMTB) has a hardtail frame, making it ideal for riders who want a bike that’s optimized for comfort, ease of use and reliability.
Equipped with the Aventon A100 mid-drive motor, Ramblas boasts a 250-watts of sustained power and 750-watts of peak output, plus 100 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque power.Its built-in torque sensor that seamlessly adjusts to your pedaling, so you get the right amount of boost when you need it.
The front suspension fork offers 130mm of travel for a more comfortable riding experience, even on the roughest terrain. Without a rear suspension fork, all of your power goes directly to your rear wheel to charge uphills, meaning your bike is more efficient. Plus, it offers a more connected feel with the terrain.
This class 1 ebike features a top speed of 20 miles per hour and no throttle, meaning it’s allowed on most off-road trails. A long battery life offers a range of up to 80 miles and is paired with three levels of pedal assist, which means you can ride farther into the mountain range. Hydraulic disc brakes and a dropper seat post provide a safe and comfortable ride along the way.
With a price tag of $2,699 MSRP, this is an affordable eMTB. Plus, Aventon offers access to more than 1,800 bikes shops, so you can easily schedule a test ride or regular maintenance.
2. Fastest Pedal Assist Bike & Best Pedal Assist Fat-Tire Bike: Aventure
Highlighted Specs:
- ✓ Pedal assist levels: 4 (Eco, Tour, Sport, Turbo)
- ✓ Max speed: 28 mph
- ✓ Battery range: Up to 60 miles
- ✓ Torque sensor: Yes
- ✓ Payload: 400 lbs
- ✓ Warranty: Two-year warranty
- ✓ Throttle: Throttle on demand
The Aventon Aventure is our choice for the fastest pedal assist bike and the best pedal assist fat-tire bike. This off-road bike comes out of the box as a class 2 ebike with a top speed of 20 miles per hour (mph). However, you can unlock it to a class 3 ebike with top speeds of up to 28 miles per hour.
Equipped with four-inch wide tires, the Aventure offers versatility in any type of terrain, whether your adventure takes you down snowy streets in places like Colorado and Minnesota or sandy trails in Maine and mud in Louisiana. The rear hub motor offers 750-watts of sustained motor power to get you where you’re going. Plus, built-in-fenders keep you clean and dry along the way, while a front suspension fork absorbs impacts on the trail.
This fat-tire ebike features a $1,999 MSRP price tag, giving you a lot of bike for an affordable price. Plus, it comes with features you won’t find from many bike brands, including integrated turn signals and a full-color LCD display to keep track of riding stats.
Want more options to tackle tough terrain? Consider these fat tire ebikes. And if you have the need for speed, check out these fastest ebikes.
3. Best Pedal Assist Cruiser Bike & Best Pedal Assist Bike for Seniors: Pace
Highlighted Specs:
- ✓ Pedal assist levels: 4 (Eco, Tour, Sport, Turbo)
- ✓ Max speed: 28 mph
- ✓ Battery range: Up to 60 miles
- ✓ Torque sensor: Yes
- ✓ Payload: 300 lbs
- ✓ Warranty: Two-year warranty
- ✓ Throttle: Throttle on demand
The Aventon Pace takes the crown for the best pedal assist cruiser bike and the best pedal assist bike for seniors. Featuring a step-through frame, it’s easier to get on and off this bike, since you don’t have to raise your leg over a high top bar. Plus, the upright frame, cushioned saddle with double coil springs, swept-back handlebars, and padded seat all create a comfortable ride.
With the Pace, you get control over speed and how you want it delivered. It comes as a class 2 ebike with top speeds of 20 mph out of the box, but you can unlock it in the Aventon app to reach speeds of 28 mph. Toggle between four levels of electric assist to get a little boost or maximum power for easier riding.
The Pace features front and rear lights so you can see where you’re going and be seen when riding on city streets. It also boasts built-in turn signals so you can indicate when you’re about to switch lanes. With a price tag of $1,799 MSRP, cyclists get a lot of bang for their buck with this ebike.
Looking for more options to sail around town? Take a look at these cruiser ebikes. Or if you or a loved one is an older adult, consider these other ebikes for seniors.
4. Best Affordable Pedal Assist Bike: Soltera
Highlighted Specs:
- ✓ Pedal assist levels: 4 (Eco, Tour, Sport, Turbo)
- ✓ Max Speed: 20 mph
- ✓ Battery range: Up to 46 miles
- ✓ Torque sensor: Yes
- ✓ Payload: 300 lbs
- ✓ Warranty: Two-year warranty
- ✓ Throttle: On demand
Looking for a road bike to cruise up mountain passes or navigate city streets? Consider the Aventon Soltera, our top pick for the best affordable pedal assist bike—thanks to its $1,199 MSRP. Weighing just 46 pounds, this lightweight ebike provides an agile riding experience while delivering sleek urban styling.
It boasts a removable battery that offers up to 46 miles of range. The drivetrain consists of a 7-speed Shimano derailleur along with four levels of pedal assist for maximum power control. The geometrically laced aerodynamic frame and sturdy platform pedals provide an intuitive ride, whether you’re pumping your way up a steep hill or in a tuck, navigating a windy downhill road.
The rear hub drive motor delivers 350-watts of power, letting you put in more effort to get a workout or rely on the electric motor to push through tough sections of your ride. You can even stay connected on the go, thanks to a full-color LCD display that shows ride stats and a concealed USB port that allows you to charge your phone while riding.
If you want more affordable bike options, check out these budget pedal assist ebikes.
5. Best Pedal Assist Commuter Bike: Level
Highlighted Specs:
- ✓ Pedal assist levels: 5
- ✓ Max speed: 28 mph
- ✓ Battery range: Up to 60 miles
- ✓ Torque sensor: Yes
- ✓ Payload: 300 lbs
- ✓ Warranty: Two-year warranty
- ✓ Throttle: Throttle on demand
For the best pedal assist commuter bike, look no further than the Aventon Level. Available in step-through and step-over frames, the Level fits a wide range of riders from 4’11” to 6’4” tall. It offers a maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds and a built-in rear rack, so you can take the kiddos to school or haul gear to the office with ease. It’s a class 2 ebike out of the box, but you can unlock it to reach speeds of 28 mph.
This commuter ebike offers a comfortable riding position thanks to a cushioned saddle, ergonomic comfort handlebar grips, and preinstalled fenders that keep you clean, even if your commute involves wet surfaces. A front suspension fork with 65mm of travel absorbs impacts from potholes on city streets to small tree roots on paths in the park.
The Level costs $1,899 MSRP, making it an excellent option whether you want a bike to casually ride around town or a sturdy commuter that can handle daily trips to the office. With a fully integrated battery and range of up to 60 miles, it’s easy to commute back and forth without worrying about having to recharge.
Want more ways to commute to and from work or run errands? View the best commuter ebikes for sale.
6. Best Throttle Assist Ebike: Sinch
Highlighted Specs:
- ✓ Pedal assist levels: 4 (Eco, Tour, Sport, Turbo)
- ✓ Max speed: 20 mph
- ✓ Battery range: Up to 55 miles
- ✓ Torque sensor: Yes
- ✓ Payload: 300 lbs
- ✓ Warranty: Two-year warranty
- ✓ Throttle: Throttle on demand
Sometimes you just need a little extra power, and the Aventon Sinch delivers just that. As our selection for the best throttle assist ebike, the Sinch offers seamless on-demand throttle control and four levels of pedal assist to get you where you’re going fast—and while having fun.
This folding ebike quickly reaches top speeds of 20 miles per hour thanks to the throttle, and you can switch between four levels of pedal assist to get as much, or as little, power as you want. The foldable frame lets you quickly store the ebike so you can save space in your garage or apartment—or quickly bring it in your sedan or on the metro for further exploration.
For a $1,699 MSRP, the Sinch delivers a ton of power and versatility. It’s powered by a 500-watt motor and features a torque sensor for intuitive pedaling. Plus, four-inch fat tires let you take the scenic route, even if it means navigating mud, snow, sand, or gravel.
If you want more options for easy riding, check out these ebikes with throttles.
7. Best Ebike With Throttle & Pedal Assist: Abound
Highlighted Specs:
- ✓ Pedal assist levels: 4 (Eco, Tour, Sport, Turbo)
- ✓ Max speed: 20 mph
- ✓ Battery range: Up to 50 miles
- ✓ Torque sensor: Yes
- ✓ Payload: 440 lbs
- ✓ Warranty: Two-year warranty
- ✓ Throttle: Throttle on demand
For the category of best ebike with throttle and pedal assist, we’ve chosen the heavy-duty Aventon Abound. This cargo bike boasts a powerful motor that delivers 750-watts of sustained power and an on-demand throttle to get moving fast. Four levels of pedal assist allow you to seamlessly switch into the mode that best suits your ride.
With a total maximum weight capacity of 440 pounds, this beast lets you carry it all—whether you’re riding around with your kiddos or hauling sports gear. The integrated rear rack has a weight limit of 143 pounds, which is about the same as a large Saint Bernard, several bags of potting soil, or three large suitcases.
Best of all, this throttle and pedal assist ebike won’t cost you an arm and a leg. With an affordable price point of $1,999 MSRP, you get plenty of bang for your buck. The Abound boasts added features, including built-in footboards for passengers, an integrated storage bag in the bike frame, a dropper seat post, and a front suspension fork with 50mm of travel.
For more options, consider these ebikes with throttle and pedal assist.
Best Pedal Assist Ebike Accessories
Once you’ve found the best pedal assist bike for your riding style, make it even better with accessories. Whether you’re focused on keeping your new investment secure or want ways to make it more functional, these are some of our favorite accessories to get the most out of your ebike.
Aventon Hitch Rack
Explore new horizons on your ebike thanks to the Aventon Hitch Rack, which is compatible with most two-inch hitch bars. This rack boasts a quick pin design to easily get it mounted, and a responsive tilting system to swiftly load and unload bikes. Suitable for up to two bikes with a combined weight of 155 pounds, or 77 pounds each, you can bring a friend along for the adventure.
Aventon Single Child Trailer
Share the joys of riding your new ebike with the family using the Aventon Single Child Trailer. Features like a built-in chest strap and cushioned headrest keep your child safe and secure along the way. Tinted front and side windows provide great views, while shock absorbers provide stabilization, even on rough surfaces.
Aventon Chain Lock
The Aventon Chain Lock ensures your new ebike stays secure when you’re not riding it. Boasting a chain-link construction with 8.3mm thick links made of hardened steel, this bike lock provides strength and durability. It’s covered by a protective nylon sleeve to prevent scratches.
