So, let's say that you are e-bike curious, but you're struggling with the whole idea of being seen as an e-cyclist, or you just think e-bikes are hideous. (Some of them really are.)
Maybe you've heard it said that e-bikes are a form of cheating, and you can maybe see the point. And, yes, if you are competing with people on non-e-bikes, you probably are cheating. Stop being a jerk. Just go find some e-bikers and compete with them. Problem solved.
On the other hand, if you're riding an e-bike to (work, school, errands, hang out, etc.), you really are cheating. Here's a short list of the groups you are cheating:
- the petroleum industry
- the automobile industry
- cardiologists
- endocrinologists
- the DMV
- that voice in the back of your head that says you'll never go anywhere
I don't know about you, but I think I can justify that kind of cheating and sleep well (even better) at night.
Or maybe you just love the simple aesthetic of a non-electric bicycle and can't stand the thought of the extra bulk and overall clunkiness getting in the way of your idyllic riding experience.
Well, regardless of your reason for not wanting to be seen on an e-bike, I have an eye-opening list for you! This is a list of (reasonably attainable) e-bikes that look like regular bikes. I don't know if riding them will make you feel like a cheater, but you sure won't look like one. (And you know how vain we cyclists are.)
Click on each pic to visit that bike on the web.
Bikes under $1500
I've seen this bike in person and it's impressive. If you're looking for simple, light (Only 33 pounds!), cheap, stealthy, and super-low maintenance, this thing is amazing. More advanced riders may want to look for a bike with more gear choices, but this thing is rock-solid for uncomplicated commuting on a budget.
I've not seen this model in person, but I've seen some others and have been impressed with the finish and build quality. The owners have spoken highly of their bikes and have no buyer's remorse. For two hundred more than the Roadster V2 you give up the belt drive; however, you gain a seven-speed drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes. Not bad.
Fiido is a company I know very little about, but they have an impressive range of bikes and lots of techno-perks. (It's the first company that I've seen offer a fitness-tracking/bike-unlocking smartwatch as an optional accessory.) It does have hydraulic disc brakes and a 5-speed drivetrain. You can even order an external battery to extend your range. Definitely worth a look. It's very similar to the Aventon above and costs the same.
The first of 2 from Velotric. The T1 ST is also quite similar to the two above it. It costs $100 more and weighs a little less. Velotric has a good reputation and reviews. I really like the minimalist electronic controls. The lower top-bar should make this one a little easier to ride if you have a shorter inseam, and it comes in two different frame sizes. The drivetrain is an 8-speed Shimano setup. It is a very nice bike for the money.
The middle-child of Ride1Up's stealthy bike is a nicely upgraded version of the Roadster V2 that started this list. This one has wider/cushier gravel tires, slightly lower gearing, and mechanical disc brakes. The Gravel model still has the belt drive system and still weighs less than most of the bikes we've seen so far. The one drawback I see here is the lack of a multi-speed drivetrain. If you ride on mostly flat ground (like we do here in Lubbock) that should not be much of a problem, but if you live in a hilly area, you might consider a different bike.
Bikes Over $1500
The following bikes jump up at least $500 but are still considered inexpensive in the e-bike market - especially when you consider the materials, components, and design work that has gone into them. These are significantly different than the bikes above.
Above all the other bikes here, this is the one I drool over. The Luna Stealth is the only one that has a mid-drive motor. The others all have rear hub motors. This is also the only bike that offers a belt drive and a multi-speed drivetrain. The frame is aluminum. In spite of all it has packed into it, The Fixed still weighs under 40 pounds. It comes in three sizes. It's fast, simple, and designed for super-low maintenance. Very few people will have any idea this bike is an-bike, but the rider will definitely feel the difference. It's just oh so cool!
This Velotric T1 is gorgeous! The designers put in a lot work keeping it stealthy and light. The frame is hydro-formed aluminun. The cables are all routed out of sight. The control panel blends into the frame. It only weighs 36 pounds. The components are higher quality than most on this page. If you want the classiest of the bunch, check this one out!
The most expensive bike on this page is one the least expensive bikes you will find with a carbon-fiber frame. At 28. pounds, this the lightest bike on the page, and most likely the fastest. The CF Racer1 is rated as a Class3 e-bike which means it can run up to 28mph with electric assist. Stronger riders should be able to pedal it to much higher speeds. It has an eleven-speed SRAM drivetrain and a very aggressive riding position. It probably doesn't belong on this list, but it is quite a bargain for such an exotic machine and it sure doesn't look like it's electric.
