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Electric Bikes
Pedal on another level with retrospec's bestselling electric bike collection. Whether you want an electric bike for commuting, leisure, or off-roading, the best ebike for you is waiting in our fleet. Shop city ebikes, electric beach cruisers, fat tire ebikes, hybrids, commuter ebikes, and more!
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How to Choose an Electric Bike
Choosing one of our electric bikes is mostly about matching the bike to how you ride. Here is how we think about style, sizing, and weight capacity, plus what to look for in a motor, battery, and brakes.
How Do You Choose the Right Electric Bike for Adults?
Start with how you plan to ride, then match that to a style. Commuters love a nimble city bike, beach riders want a cruiser, adventurers reach for fat tires, and small spaces call for a folding model. From there, look at range, comfort, and included extras. Find your kind of riding in the chart below, and the style follows.
Electric bike styles, by how you ride
| How to Use | Product Spec | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday city riding and errands | Electric city bikes | Light, nimble, and easy to park at every stop |
| The daily commute | Electric commuter bikes | Longer range, integrated lights, fenders, and a rack |
| Relaxed boardwalk cruising | Electric beach cruisers | Upright seating and a smooth, easy ride |
| Sand, gravel, dirt, and snow | Electric fat tire bikes | Wide tires add grip, cushion, and stability |
| A workout with a boost | Electric hybrid bikes | Road speed mixed with everyday comfort |
| Small spaces, trunks, and RVs | Electric folding bikes | Folds down for storage and easy transport |
| Hauling loads or a passenger | Electric cargo bikes and trikes | Built for heavier payloads and family duty |
What Size Electric Bike Do You Need?
Start with how you plan to ride, then match that to a style. Commuters love a nimble city bike, beach riders want a cruiser, adventurers reach for fat tires, and small spaces call for a folding model. From there, look at range, comfort, and included extras. Find your kind of riding in the chart below, and the style follows.
How Much Weight Can an Electric Bike Hold?
Sizing comes down to your height and frame style. Many of our electric bikes use an accessible step-through frame that fits a wide range of riders and makes getting on and off easy. Each product page includes a sizing tool and a recommended height range, so you can confirm the fit before you buy.
Motor, Battery, and Brakes: What to Look For
Weight capacity varies by model, so the exact number is always on the product page. In general, our frames support everyday riders plus a loaded rack or basket. The Boca Rev 2 Electric Tricycle, for example, carries a 350 lb rider with a 500 lb total payload. If carrying capacity matters most, our electric cargo bikes are built to haul heavier loads and even a child passenger.
How Does an Electric Bike Work?
Think of an electric bike as a regular bicycle with a battery and motor along for the ride. You pick how much help you want, and the motor handles the rest. In the United States, electric bikes fall into three classes based on how the motor helps and how fast it assists, and that class decides where you can legally ride.
| Class | How the motor helps | Where it fits |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Pedal assist only, up to 20 mph | Bike paths and multi-use trails |
| Class 2 | Pedal assist plus a throttle, both up to 20 mph | Everyday city and casual riding, and most of our bikes |
| Class 3 | Pedal assist up to 28 mph | Faster commuting, where local rules allow it |
RELIABLY CAREFREE GEAR
Why Ride a retrospec Electric Bike
- UL 2849 certified electrical system, tested as a whole: battery, charger, controller, and motor
- Tektro disc brakes with vibration resistant rotors for confident stopping in any weather
- Integrated headlight and bell, so you stay visible on early starts and late returns
- Steel frames on our Beaumont city bikes, lightweight aluminum across the rest of the lineup
- Ships with a rear rack, full fenders, a padded saddle, and an assembly multi-tool in the box
Electric Bikes for Every Kind of Rider
The same bike does not fit every rider, so here are our picks by how you like to ride, and why each one earns its spot.
| If you want to... | Go With | Starts at | Why it works... |
|---|---|---|---|
| Everyday city riding | Beaumont Rev 3 City Electric Bike - Step Through | $999.99 | Five levels of pedal assist, a throttle to 20 mph, and up to 42 miles of range |
| Longer rides and hills | Beaumont Rev+ City Electric Bike - Step Through | $1,599.99 | A 500W motor with a torque sensor, hydraulic disc brakes, and up to 75 miles |
| Relaxed boardwalk cruising | Chatham Rev 3 Beach Cruiser Electric Bike | $999.99 | Upright seating, 3 inch tires, and up to 42 miles at a 20 mph top assisted speed |
| Extra stability and cargo | Boca Rev 2 Electric Tricycle | $1,699.99 | Three wheels, a 350 lb rider capacity, hydraulic brakes, and a cargo basket included |
Setting Up and Caring for Your Electric Bike
There is not much fuss about owning one of our electric bikes. Here is the whole routine we would follow, from the first charge to keeping it happy through the seasons.
How Do You Charge an Electric Bike?
Plug the included charger into any standard household outlet, then connect it to the battery. Depending on the model, you can charge the battery while it stays on the bike, or remove it to charge indoors near a desk or workbench. Most of our batteries charge fully in about 4 to 6 hours.
How Long Does the Battery Last?
Most electric bike batteries last around three to five years, or roughly 1,000 charge cycles, before the range noticeably drops. Store the bike somewhere cool and dry, out of direct sunlight, and keep the battery partly charged between rides if it is going to sit for a while. With that kind of care, a lithium-ion battery can last five years or more.
Do retrospec Electric Bikes Come Assembled?
Our electric bikes arrive mostly assembled and need only a few simple final steps before your first ride. The multi-tool you need is included in the box. Every bike also comes with a step-by-step assembly and owner's manual, which you can find on its product page under the Assembly and Owner's Manuals tab. If you would rather not do it yourself, a local bike shop can finish the setup quickly.
Can You Ride an Electric Bike in the Rain?
Yes, you can ride in light rain and on wet roads. The electrical parts are built to handle everyday moisture, so a rainy commute is no problem. Just avoid riding through deep puddles or standing water, do not submerge the bike, and wipe it down and store it somewhere dry afterward.
RIDE EASY
Electric Bike Safety and Where You Can Ride
Ride within the rules. Laws vary by state and city, including where each class can ride and any minimum age requirements. Check your local guidelines before your first ride, and always ride within posted speed limits.
Electric Bike FAQs
What is an electric bike?
An electric bike is a regular bicycle with a built-in motor and battery that give you a boost while you ride. You still steer, brake, and pedal like normal, but hills flatten out, and headwinds stop mattering so much. We build every retrospec electric bike to make longer trips and daily errands feel easy, so you get where you are going without arriving worn out. Want the full rundown? Start with our E-Bikes 101 guide.
How does an electric bike work?
The motor is the heart of it. On our bikes, it sits in the rear wheel hub and draws power from a rechargeable lithium-ion battery mounted on the frame. When you pedal, a sensor detects your effort and tells the motor how much assistance to provide. You set the assist level from the handlebar display, and on our Class 2 models, you can also use the throttle to move without pedaling at all. Every retrospec electric bike uses a rear hub motor for smooth, quiet acceleration.
What is a pedal-assist bike?
A pedal-assist electric bike, sometimes called a PAS bike, is one where the motor only kicks in when you pedal. It reads your effort and adds a proportional boost, and you pick how much through the assist levels on your display, usually 1 through 5. There are two sensor types: cadence sensors add a steady boost the moment you start pedaling, and torque sensors measure how hard you push and scale the power to match for a more natural feel. Every retrospec electric bike includes pedal assist.
What is a throttle on an electric bike?
A throttle is a thumb lever on the handlebar that moves the bike without any pedaling. Press it, and the motor does the work. Every electric bike uses pedal assist as its primary power source, but our Class 2 models also include a throttle. It is genuinely handy for pulling away from a stop, pushing through a headwind, or giving your legs a break. By law, a throttle is capped at 20 mph, even on Class 3 bikes.
Do you have to pedal an electric bike?
Usually, but not always. It comes down to the class. Every electric bike has pedal assist, which requires you to pedal for the motor to engage. Most of our retrospec bikes are Class 2, though, so they also have a throttle you can use to ride without pedaling at all. In short: Class 1 needs pedaling, Class 2 does not, and Class 3 depends on the model and your state laws.
What are the three classes of electric bikes?
Electric bikes are sorted into three legal classes based on the motor and top assisted speed, and the class decides where you can legally ride: • Class 1: pedal assist only, no throttle, assist up to 20 mph. • Class 2: pedal assist plus a throttle, both up to 20 mph. • Class 3: pedal assist up to 28 mph. The Class 3 definition varies slightly by state. Some allow a throttle, some do not, and some cap the throttle at 20 mph even when pedal assist reaches 28. Most of our bikes are Class 2.
What is a Class 2 electric bike?
A Class 2 electric bike has both pedal assist and a throttle, with motor help capped at 20 mph. The throttle is what separates Class 2 from Class 1, letting you power the bike with a thumb lever instead of your legs. Once you hit 20 mph, the motor stops assisting, and anything faster is down to you. Most of our retrospec bikes are Class 2, and in most states, they are treated just like a regular bicycle.
How fast can you ride an electric bike?
In the United States, 28 mph is the legal ceiling for motor assistance. Class 1 and Class 2 bikes are capped at 20 mph, and Class 3 bikes assist up to 28 mph. Most of our retrospec bikes are Class 2, so the motor helps up to 20 mph. Like any bicycle, you can pedal faster than that on flat ground; the motor just stops adding to it. Always ride within the posted limits for your road or path.
How far can an electric bike go on one charge?
It depends on the model, your assist level, the terrain, your weight, and even the temperature. Here is roughly what to expect across our lineup: • Electric city bikes: up to about 50 miles • Electric beach cruisers: up to about 45 miles • Fat tire electric bikes: up to about 50 miles • Electric commuter bikes: up to 72 miles, our longest Lower assist on flat ground and properly inflated tires will stretch it further.
How long do electric bike batteries last?
Most electric bike batteries last around three to five years, or roughly 1,000 charge cycles, before you notice the range dropping. To get the most out of yours, store the bike somewhere cool and dry, away from direct sun, and if it is sitting for a long stretch, keep the battery charged between 30 and 70 percent. Every retrospec electric bike comes with a UL 2271-certified battery.
How long do electric bikes last?
With decent care, a decade or more. The trick is regular maintenance: check and tighten bolts, keep the chain lubricated, and inspect your brakes and tires. Wear items like tires, brake pads, and chains will need replacing along the way, and the battery is usually the part that determines long-term life. Replacement batteries are available when the original reaches the end of its run.
How do you charge an electric bike?
Plug the included charger into any standard household outlet, then connect it to the battery. Depending on the model, you can leave the battery on the bike or pull it off and charge it indoors at a desk or workbench. Most of our batteries fill up in about 4 to 6 hours. For the exact charger and charge time for your bike, check the specs on its product page.
What are the types of electric bikes?
Just like regular bikes, electric bikes come in different shapes for different rides. We make eight types: • Electric city bikes: upright and practical, with fenders, racks, and lights for city streets. • Electric fat tire bikes: oversized tires for trails, sand, gravel, and snow. • Electric beach cruisers: relaxed and comfortable for boardwalks and bike paths. • Electric commuter bikes: long range and high top speeds for daily miles. • Electric hybrid and fitness bikes: city comfort with light trail ability. • Electric trikes: three wheels for extra stability. • Electric folding bikes: fold down for small spaces and mixed commutes. • Electric BMX bikes: sturdy frames for street-style riding.
How do you choose the right electric bike for adults?
Start with how and where you plan to ride, then work backward. Think about your terrain, how far you need to go on a charge, whether you want a throttle or pedal assist only, and whether a step-through or step-over frame suits you better. From there, it comes down to range, comfort, and the extras you actually use. If you would rather skip the research, our 30-second quiz narrows it down for you.
What do you need to know before buying an electric bike?
Start with what you will use it for most: commuting, recreation, off-road riding, fitness, or a bit of everything. From there, the things worth weighing are the class, which determines where you can legally ride, the range per charge, the top speed, the pedal-assist levels, and whether it has a throttle. Also look at frame style, brake type, and tire width. Every retrospec electric bike is UL 2849 certified with a UL 2271 certified battery.
What size electric bike do you need?
Sizing comes down to your height and the frame style. Most of our electric bikes use a step-through frame that suits a wide range of riders and makes getting on and off easy. Every product page has a sizing tool and a recommended height range, so you can check the fit before you buy. If you land between two sizes, the step-through is the more forgiving choice.
Is a step-over or step-through electric bike better?
Neither one wins outright, which is why we build nearly every model in both. Step-over frames give you a sportier position, slightly sharper handling, and a bit less weight. Step-through frames drop the high top tube, so getting on and off takes no effort at all, which is ideal if you have limited mobility, ride in everyday clothes, or just prefer the convenience of hopping straight on.
How much weight can an electric bike hold?
It varies by model, so the exact figure always lives on the product page. As a rule, our frames handle an everyday rider plus a loaded rack or basket without complaint. The Boca Rev 2 Electric Tricycle, for instance, carries a 350 lb rider with a 500 lb total payload. If hauling is the whole point, look at our electric cargo bikes.
What type of brakes are best on an electric bike?
Short answer: hydraulic disc brakes. Bikes use either rim brakes, which squeeze the wheel rim, or disc brakes, which grip a rotor at the hub. Because electric bikes are heavier and usually quicker, disc brakes are the better fit. They stop harder, hold up in wet, muddy conditions, and shed heat better on long descents. Among disc brakes, hydraulic systems give you more precise control and need less maintenance than mechanical ones.
What does UL 2849 certification mean?
UL 2849 covers the entire electrical system of an electric bike, not just one part of it. Independent safety body UL Solutions tests the electrical drivetrain, battery, charger, battery management system, wiring, and power inlet together as a complete system, with a focus on fire safety. So when a bike carries UL 2849, the whole system has been checked and verified. Every retrospec electric bike is UL 2849 certified.
What does UL 2271 certification mean?
Where UL 2849 covers the whole electrical system, UL 2271 is the standard for the battery itself. It is the accredited national safety standard for electric bike batteries in the United States, and it confirms the battery has passed rigorous electrical, mechanical, and environmental testing at a UL accredited lab. Every retrospec electric bike ships with a UL 2271 certified battery.
Do you need a helmet to ride an electric bike?
Yes, and in some states it is legally required. Electric bikes get you up to speed faster than a regular bicycle, which raises the stakes if something goes wrong, and a properly fitted helmet cuts that risk dramatically. We would put one on for every ride, however short. Look for a snug fit, a buckled chin strap with about two fingers of room underneath, and straps that form a Y just below each ear.
Can you ride an electric bike on the road?
In the vast majority of United States states, yes, and the same rules that apply to a regular bicycle apply to you, with no registration, license, or insurance needed. A handful of states are stricter, and some treat Class 3 bikes more like motor vehicles. Rules also change from one trail or bike path to the next, so it is worth checking your state, county, and city guidelines before your first ride.
Do you need a license to ride an electric bike?
In most of the United States, no. You do not need a license, registration, or insurance for a Class 1, Class 2, or Class 3 electric bike. Since most retrospec bikes are Class 2, they are treated much like a regular bicycle in most places. Rules do vary by state and city, though, so take a quick look at your local guidelines before you head out.
Can kids ride electric bikes?
We would not recommend it for younger children. The Consumer Product Safety Commission advises that children under 12 should not operate anything that exceeds 10 mph, which rules out electric bikes entirely. Most states also set a minimum age of 16 for Class 3 bikes. Older teens near driving age may well have the judgment for it, but check your state laws first and make sure they wear a properly fitted helmet every time.
Can you ride an electric bike in the rain?
Yes, light rain and wet roads are no problem. The electrical parts are built to handle everyday moisture, so a rainy commute will not hurt anything. We would avoid riding through deep puddles or standing water, and you should never submerge the bike. Wipe it down and store it somewhere dry afterward, and a little care in the wet keeps it running well for years.
Do retrospec electric bikes come assembled?
Our bikes arrive mostly assembled and need only a few simple final steps before your first ride. The multi-tool you need is right there in the box. Every bike also comes with a step-by-step assembly and owner’s manual, which you can find on its product page under the Assembly and Owner’s Manuals tab. If you would rather someone else handle it, a local bike shop can finish the setup quickly.
How much do electric bikes cost?
Because of the battery, motor, and electronics, electric bikes cost more than regular bicycles, and we would budget at least $1,000 for one that is properly safety certified. Ours start at $999.99, and every single model at every price is UL 2849 certified with a UL 2271 certified battery. Our most specialized bikes, such as long-range commuters, fat-tire models, and cargo builds, run up to about $2,000. For the full picture, read how much an electric bike costs.
Can you finance an electric bike?
Yes. You can pay over time with Affirm and split the cost into monthly installments, starting from about $91 per month on the Beaumont Rev 3 City Electric Bike. There is also an interest-free Pay-in-4 option at checkout if you would rather clear it quickly. What you actually pay each month depends on the bike you pick and the terms you qualify for.
Are electric bikes worth it?
For most riders, yes. An electric bike pays you back in saved time, cheaper trips, and journeys you would otherwise have skipped or driven. It turns a sweaty commute into an easy one and makes errands quicker. With ours starting at $999.99, UL 2849 certified safety, and a limited lifetime frame warranty backed by 2 years on the battery, motor, and parts, we think it is an easy call.
Are electric bikes eco-friendly?
Next to a gas-powered car, very much so, since they produce no carbon emissions while you ride. Compared with electric cars,, they also use far fewer raw materials; the heaviest electric bike weighs under 100 lbs, compared with roughly 3,000 lbs for an average car, and they require much less energy to build and maintain. Battery mining and electricity generation do carry costs, but the overall footprint is dramatically smaller than driving.
What makes a retrospec electric bike different?
Classic looks with a modern ride, at a price that makes sense. We pair vintage-inspired styling with up-to-date motors, batteries, and brakes, so you get a bike that turns heads and rides easy. Every model is UL 2849-certified, with a UL 2271-certified battery, backed by a limited lifetime frame warranty and 2 years on the battery, motor, and parts, and priced from $999.99. Add 23,700+ verified customer reviews and free shipping over $35.
Where can you buy a retrospec electric bike?
Right here. Our electric bikes collection has the full lineup, with free shipping on orders over $35 and delivery in about 3 to 5 business days after it ships. Buying direct means you see every model, current pricing, and financing in one place. Not sure which one fits? Take the 30 second quiz or browse by type.
