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City Electric Bikes
Crush your commute and speed through city streets on electric city bikes built to take on any urban adventure.
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How to Choose an Electric City Bike
Choosing an electric city bike is mostly about matching the bike to how you actually ride. Here's how we think about it, from what makes a city bike a city bike to the features worth paying attention to.
What Is an Electric City Bike?
An electric city bike is an electric bike we build for city streets, short trips, and everyday errands. It pairs pedal assist with practical, ready-to-ride features on a relaxed, upright frame, so getting around town feels effortless. Ours add wide cushioned tires, comfortable grips, integrated head and tail lights, and a rear rack for storage. With pedal assist, hills and headwinds become a breeze and you arrive fresh instead of frazzled.
What to look for in an electric city bike, depending on how you ride
| How to Use | Product Spec | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| Short errands and stop-and-go streets | A step through frame and upright position | You can get on and off at every light without swinging a leg over |
| Hills and headwinds | Motor power and a torque cadence sensor | Assist matches your effort, so climbs flatten out |
| Longer city routes | Battery capacity and rated range | A bigger battery covers more ground before you need to plug in |
| Riding in the rain | Hydraulic disc brakes and full fenders | Stronger wet-weather stopping, and spray stays off you |
| Groceries, bags, and gear | A rear rack that's built in, not an add-on | Your load rides on the bike instead of on your back |
What to Look For in an Electric City Bike
An electric city bike is an electric bike we build for city streets, short trips, and everyday errands. It pairs pedal assist with practical, ready-to-ride features on a relaxed, upright frame, so getting around town feels effortless. Ours add wide cushioned tires, comfortable grips, integrated head and tail lights, and a rear rack for storage. With pedal assist, hills and headwinds become a breeze and you arrive fresh instead of frazzled.
How Much Do Electric City Bikes Weigh?
We'd start with the features that make daily city riding easier. Think about how portable the bike is if you carry it upstairs, then look at range for your usual trips, brakes that stop confidently in the wet, and which extras are already included. Frame style matters too, and every bike in this collection is step through. Find your kind of riding in the chart below and the priorities follow.
Electric City Bikes vs Commuter and Cruiser Electric Bikes
For most people riding around town, an electric city bike is the best place to start. It's nimble in traffic, easy to get on and off, and set up for errands out of the box. Commuter bikes edge ahead on longer, faster routes, and cruisers are the pick for laid-back comfort. Here's how the three compare.
| Longer, faster rides | Short city trips and errands | Boardwalks and easy loops |
| A little more forward | Upright and relaxed | Fully laid back |
| Steady over distance | Nimble in traffic | Easy and casual |
| Varies by frame | Step through at every light | Low and relaxed |
| Covering more ground | Daily city riding | Comfort-first cruising |
RELIABLY CAREFREE GEAR
What Goes Into Our Electric City Bikes
- Ananda electric drive system on every model
- Torque cadence sensor on the Beaumont Rev+ for effort-matched assist
- Mechanical disc brakes on the Beaumont Rev 3, hydraulic on the Beaumont Rev+
- Multiple levels of pedal assist plus a throttle
- Handlebar display for battery and assist level at a glance
- UL 2849 certified system with UL 2271 certified battery
Electric City Bikes for Every Kind of Ride
The same bike doesn't fit every rider, so here are our picks by how you like to get around, and why each one earns its spot.
| If you want to... | Go With | Starts at | Why it works... |
|---|---|---|---|
| Everyday errands and short trips | Beaumont Rev 3 City Electric Bike - Step Through | $999.99 | 350W of assist, mechanical disc brakes, up to 42 miles, and a rack for the grocery run |
| Hills, longer routes, and premium comfort | Beaumont Rev+ City Electric Bike - Step Through | $1,599.99 | 500W with a torque cadence sensor, hydraulic disc brakes, a color display, and up to 75 miles |
Charging and Caring for Your Electric City Bike
Range and charging are the first things most riders ask us about, and a little battery care keeps both in good shape for years. Here's the whole routine we'd follow.
How Far Can You Go on One Charge?
How far you can go depends on the model: our Beaumont Rev 3 travels up to around 42 miles on a single charge, and the higher-capacity Beaumont Rev+ is rated up to 75 miles. Real-world range depends on your assist level, the hills on your route, rider weight, and the weather, so plan for a little less if you ride on high assist or tackle steep climbs.
How Long Does Charging Take?
A full charge takes about 4 to 6 hours, depending on the model and how low the battery is when you plug it in. For most city riders, charging overnight is the simplest routine, so your bike is topped up and ready to ride each morning. When you charge, keep the battery and charger at least four inches from the wall in a well-ventilated spot.
Battery Care and Storage
Store your bike somewhere cool and dry, out of direct sunlight and ideally below 68°F. If you're storing it for a while, top the battery up every two to three months, since lithium-ion batteries slowly deplete when they sit unused. We'd aim to leave it somewhere between 40% and 80% rather than completely full or empty. Keep the tires inflated and the drivetrain clean, and wipe the battery casing with a damp cloth rather than submerging it.
RIDE READY
Electric Bike Classes, Speed, and City Riding Rules
Ride safe. Wear a properly fitted helmet every time you ride, use your lights, and follow local traffic laws. Browse our bike helmets and accessories to gear up.
Electric City Bike FAQs
What is an electric city bike?
An electric city bike is an electric bike built for city streets, short trips, and everyday errands. It pairs pedal assist with practical, ready-to-ride features like integrated lights, full fenders, and a rear rack, usually on a relaxed, upright frame with wide, cushioned tires. Ours, like the Beaumont Rev 3 and Beaumont Rev+, are built exactly this way so you can hop on and go.
What are the benefits of an electric city bike?
Riding across town becomes effortless. With electric pedal assist, hills and headwinds are a breeze, and you arrive fresh, sweat-free, and ready for your day. You also get more range to cover longer distances without tiring out, which is perfect for exploring the city, and less stress on your knees and joints than a regular bike. Every one of our electric city bikes has a rear rack for groceries, textbooks, or a gym bag.
Are electric city bikes hard to ride?
Not at all, we design them for ease of use. Pedal assist kicks in when you start pedaling, so takeoff feels natural and intuitive rather than jumpy. You can toggle through assist levels as you ride, adding more for hills and easing off on the flats. The low step-through frame also means you don't have to swing a leg over a high top tube to get started.
What should I look for when choosing an electric city bike?
Since electric city bikes are made for casual urban riding, we'd look for features that perform on asphalt and keep you safe around cars and pedestrians: • Frame style, and how easily you can get on and off • Weight, and whether you can lift it upstairs or onto transit • Battery range for your usual trips, and charge time • Brakes, since hydraulic disc brakes give the strongest stopping in the wet • Integrated extras like lights, fenders, bells, and a rear rack Every bike in our electric city bike collection is step through and ships with those extras included. Still deciding? Our 30 second quiz narrows it down fast.
How is an electric city bike different from a commuter or beach cruiser electric bike?
An electric city bike is lighter and more nimble than a commuter electric bike, and more upright and versatile than a cruiser. Our Beaumont Rev family focuses on short urban trips, quick handling, and easy on and off. If your rides run longer or faster, an electric commuter bike fits better, and if you want laid-back cruising, look at an electric beach cruiser.
Are retrospec electric city bikes step through?
Yes. Every electric city bike in our collection uses a step through frame, including the Beaumont Rev 3 and Beaumont Rev+. The low, open frame lets you get on and off without swinging your leg over a high top tube, which makes stops, starts, and parking easier, and it supports a relaxed, upright riding position.
How much do retrospec electric city bikes weigh?
Electric city bikes weigh more than a regular bike because of the motor and battery, though they stay manageable for everyday city use. Our Beaumont Rev 3 and Beaumont Rev+ keep handling easy with a low step through frame and a walk-assist mode that helps you guide the bike up ramps or into storage.
How fast do electric city bikes go?
Our electric city bikes reach a top assisted speed of 20 mph. Both the Beaumont Rev 3 and Beaumont Rev+ use multiple levels of pedal assist plus a throttle, and the motor stops adding power once you hit 20 mph. You can go faster pedaling on your own or downhill, but 20 mph is the assisted limit. If you want more speed, our electric commuter bikes go higher. Keep in mind some cities and states set their own limits.
What class of electric bike are retrospec electric city bikes?
Ours are Class 2 electric bikes. Class 2 means the bike has both pedal assist and a throttle, with motor power capped at 20 mph. That makes models like the Beaumont Rev 3 friendly for most city bike lanes and paths, though local rules vary, so it's worth checking the electric bike laws where you ride.
Do I need a license to ride an electric city bike?
In most US states, you don't need a license, registration, or insurance to ride a Class 2 electric city bike, since the motor is capped at 20 mph. Rules vary by state and city, though, and some set age minimums or limit where you can ride. Both of our electric city bikes are Class 2, so check your local electric bike laws before your first ride.
How far can an electric city bike go on a single charge?
On a single charge, our Beaumont Rev 3 travels up to around 42 miles, and the higher-capacity Beaumont Rev+ is rated up to 75 miles. Real range depends on battery capacity, terrain, rider weight, and how much pedal assist you use, so expect a little less on high assist or steep climbs.
How long does it take to charge an electric city bike battery?
Charging takes about 4 to 6 hours from empty to full, depending on the model, the battery, and the charger. For most city riders, charging overnight is the simplest routine, so your electric city bike is ready to ride each morning. Keep the battery and charger at least four inches from the wall in a well-ventilated space while it charges.
What is the difference between a torque sensor and a cadence sensor?
A torque sensor measures how hard you pedal and matches the motor's power to your effort, so the assist feels smooth and natural, like a stronger version of your own pedaling. A cadence sensor only detects that you're pedaling and delivers a preset level of assist. Our Beaumont Rev+ uses a torque cadence sensor, so it responds to how hard you pedal for that smooth, natural feel.
What are the different types of electric bike motors?
There are two main types: hub motors located in the wheels, and mid-drive motors positioned near the pedals. Hub motors are simpler and more affordable, while mid-drive motors give a more natural riding feel with better weight distribution. Our electric city bikes use rear hub motors, which keep things reliable and keep the price approachable for everyday city riding.
What is pedal assist, and how does it work?
Most electric city bikes use a pedal assist system, which means the motor doesn't power the bike on its own like a scooter or moped. Instead, it engages when you start pedaling, giving your effort a boost. You can adjust how much help you get, adding assist for a climb or switching it off entirely on a downhill. Our city bikes also have a throttle, so you can pull away from a stop without pedaling, and the same is true across our electric bike lineup.
Can I replace the battery on an electric city bike?
Yes, most electric city bikes have removable batteries that you can swap out or take off to charge separately. Store yours properly in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight, ideally below 68°F. If you need a replacement or a spare, check our EBike parts and accessories or reach out through the Help Center so we can point you to the right one for your bike.
What are some maintenance tips for an electric city bike?
Regular maintenance goes a long way on any bike. Keep your tires inflated, your chain lubricated, and your brakes adjusted, and store the bike somewhere cool and dry out of direct sunlight. At least twice a year, remove, clean, and lubricate the chain, drivetrain, cog set, and cables. Beyond that, check your owner's manual for guidance specific to your motor and battery. All of our owner's manuals are free to download from the Help Center.
How do I clean my electric bike battery?
In general, we'd avoid tampering with the battery at all. If the outside gets dirty, wipe it down with a damp, non-abrasive cloth. Skip harsh chemicals and never submerge it in water, and don't disassemble the battery for any reason. Your owner's manual has the specific instructions for your model.
Do electric city bikes require special storage?
It's best to store your bike in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight, ideally below 68°F. Top the battery up every two to three months during storage, since lithium-ion batteries slowly deplete when they sit unused, and long stretches without charging shorten battery life. We'd aim for somewhere between 40% and 80% charge rather than completely full or empty.
Can you ride an electric city bike in the rain?
Yes, you can ride an electric city bike in the rain. Our Beaumont Rev 3 and Beaumont Rev+ handle wet streets and puddles, and both include full fenders to keep spray off you. Avoid submerging the bike or pressure-washing the motor and battery, and note that hydraulic disc brakes, like those on the Beaumont Rev+, hold up especially well in the wet.
Can I lock my electric bike?
Yes, you can lock an electric bike just like a regular one, and just about any lock will fit. Because an electric bike is a bigger investment, we'd use a high-quality one. Our bike locks include the Fortitude Folding Bike Lock, with 5mm steel bars, a 180-degree rotating disc cylinder lock head, a retractable keyhole cover to keep debris out, and 37 inches of total length.
Are electric city bikes safe to ride in city traffic?
They're a safe, efficient way to get around town. Most of our models come equipped with front and rear lights, fenders, and reflectors to help drivers see you, and the upright riding position keeps your view of traffic clear. Always follow traffic laws and wear a helmet. Your safety does depend on where you ride, the weather and traffic, and your own experience and caution.
Electric bike vs regular bike: which is right for me?
If you want to conquer hills, sweat less on the way across town, or cover longer distances with ease, an electric bike is a great choice. If you'd rather have a more traditional workout, a lighter bike, and a lower price, a regular bike might be all you need. Our electric city bikes are the pick when you want the ride to feel easy.
Electric bike vs scooter or moped: what are the differences?
The biggest difference is paperwork: electric scooters and mopeds usually need a license, registration, and insurance, while electric bikes generally don't. Electric bikes are also more versatile. You can carry one indoors, store it in a stairwell or lobby, and ride it on greenways and bike paths where mopeds aren't allowed. They're cheaper, lighter, easier to maneuver in tight spaces, and you still get the exercise.
How much does an electric city bike cost?
Ours range from $999.99 for the Beaumont Rev 3 to $1,599.99 for the upgraded Beaumont Rev+. Across the wider market, city and urban electric bikes generally run from about $1,000 to $2,000, with price tracking features like motor power, battery size, brakes, and display. You can also pay over time at checkout with Affirm.
What is the difference between the Beaumont Rev 3 and the Beaumont Rev+?
Both are step-through electric city bikes, and the Beaumont Rev+ is the upgraded model. The Beaumont Rev 3 ($999.99) is the practical everyday pick, with mechanical disc brakes and an LED display. The Beaumont Rev+ ($1,599.99) steps up to a 500W motor with a torque cadence sensor, hydraulic disc brakes, a full-color display, and a larger battery for a smoother, more powerful ride.
Are electric city bikes worth it?
An electric city bike is worth it if you ride around town often and want to skip traffic, arrive without a sweat, and spend less on driving and parking. Pedal assist flattens hills and headwinds, so errands and longer trips feel easy. If daily city riding fits your routine, one of our electric city bikes earns its place through everyday convenience and use.
