Electric bicycles, or e-bikes, are becoming increasingly popular in Australia as an easy means of getting around without breaking a sweat. But with so many options on the market, it can be difficult to know which e-Bike is the best for you.

In this article, we'll take a detailed look at the best electric bicycles available in Australia, their features, pros, cons, and pricing. We also include a buying guide to help you decide, and e-bike maintenance tips to get the best out of whichever option you choose. Let's get into it!

Our Top Picks

We recommend reading our detailed and honest product reviews below to get the best e-bike for you and make a fully informed decision, but if don't have the time to go through all 12 options - then here are the best six. We have categorised them to help you easily pick which best suits your needs.

1. EL HEFE Cruiser E-Bike - Best Overall E-Bike in Australia
2. VAMOS EL HEFE Cruiser E-Bike - Second Best-Rated E-Bike in Australia
3. NCM Moscow Plus E-Bike - Best E-Bike for Speed Options
4. Phoenix Trekking E-Bike - Best Lightweight Electric Bike
5. ET CYCLE F720 E-Bike - Best Folding E-Bike
6. NCM Aspen Plus E-Bike - Best Fat Tyre E-Bike

1. EL HEFE Cruiser E-Bike

Best Overall E-Bike in Australia

The overall e-bike in Australia with the right balance of all key features is the EL HEFE 750W cruiser bike. It is made to stand out in design, function and power. It features a high-powerful 750W Bafang rear hub motor, which is more than enough power for any form of usage. It can deliver a top speed between 35 and 50 Km/h. But due to Australian speed regulations, it comes with a 25 km/h restriction.

More to its outstanding features, it is made with a lightweight alloy that carries up to 160 kg. The braking system is the efficient Tektro dual hydraulic disc. And you don't need to worry about pedalling with the half-grip throttle. It features the Shimano 7-speed gear set with fat KENDA tires adapted for any surface.

EL HEFE's cruiser bike has one of the best power supplies with an LG 48V 16Ah Battery. The display is LCD with battery level, speed and mileage displays. Comfortable riding is assured with a well-cushioned JUSTEK saddle. The seat can be adjusted with the ZOOM suspension seat post. You can ride the electric bike anytime with both front and rear lights and reflectors.

Pros

• High-power 750W motor
• Can have a top speed of 50 km/h
• Has 160 kg maximum weight
• Features half-grip throttles
• Strong LG battery
• KENDA fat tires can move on any range of surface

Cons

• High budget

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2. VAMOS EL HEFE Cruise E-Bike

Second Best-Rated E-Bike in Australia

The VAMOS EL HEFE Cruiser E-Bike is a great bicycle for users who want high motor power. It features a high-performance 500W Bafang rear hub motor which while it is 250W behind the HEFE model above it is still more powerful than every other option on our list. Though it is not a mountain bike, it has enough power to surmount most hills you will encounter. The KENDA fat tyre makes it fit for any terrain. The gear system uses the Shimano 7-speed and it comes locked to a maximum speed of 25 km/h.

This bike is adequately powered to run up to 55 km on a single charge by the Samsung Lithium-ion 48V 14Ah battery. It is made to last with a strong lightweight aluminium alloy frame and supports user weight of up to 160 kg. The seat is comfortable and adjustable with a ZOOM suspension saddle. It has a half-grip throttle which has leather grips for activating the 1:1 pedal assist.

You also have zero worries with the Tektro mechanical disc brakes fitted into the front and rear wheels. The bike has both front and rear LED lights for riding any time of the day. Plus, it features an LCD showing battery level, speed, and other vitals.

Pros

• Supports up to 160 kg
• Strong 500W Bafang motor
• LED lights for night riding
• Strong 48V 14Ah Samsung battery
• 1:1 pedal assist
• KENDA fat tires for any terrain

Cons

• It uses mechanical brakes instead of hydraulic
• Quite pricey

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3. NCM Moscow Plus Electric Bike

Best E-Bike for Many Speed Options

The NCM Moscow Plus Electric Bike is a mountain bike with a 250W Das-Kit X15 rear-drive motor and one of the biggest wheel sizes. This quality e-bike features Shimano, Tektro and other top bike components. It has a strong and durable frame and fork made of 100 per cent aluminium. The wheel is 29 inches with 0.23 meters in width. The grips are ergonomically fashioned for comfort.

NCM Moscow plus e-bike is designed for top performance with 24 speeds, second only to the Akez 001 Electric Bike. This is why it earned the badge of our best pick for speed options. It has a Shimano Acera crankset and rear derailleur. The brake system uses Tektro hydraulic discs with 180 mm rotors. Talking about modern displays, it has an LCD with a trip distance function.

This electric bike is well-powered with a DeHawk removable 48V lithium-ion battery. It supports up to 128 km of power-assisted travel. In addition, it has a USB port for charging phones or other devices. It is also a great mountain bike option but it stands out more with its varied speed levels.

Pros

• Sturdy and durable aluminium frame
• Powerful 48W lithium-ion battery
• Long 128 km of power-assisted travel
• Powerful Tektro hydraulic disc brake system

Cons

• The wheel may be too large for short riders
• The motor power can be better

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4. Phoenix Trekking City Electric Bike

Best Lightweight Electric Bike

The Phoenix Trekking City E-bike is made of a lightweight aluminium alloy frame that is sturdy deformation and fatigue resistant, making it the best pick for its lightweight design—it weighs 74.31 kg. It has a strong brushless motor with a 250 W rating capable of delivering up to 25 km/h. The Phoenix city e-bike is suitable for users with a height of 170-195 cm and a maximum weight of 120 kg.

It features a brushless 250W motor and a strong lithium-ion battery. The 10Ah 36V battery can last 40 km on a charge. The Phoenix Trekking City e-bike has a 27 inches wheel and Shimano 6-speed gear shifter. It has a dual-disc (front and rear) braking system. It also has a front fork suspension adapted for easy commuting on rough terrains.

This bike has some interesting extra features. It has a bright LED headlight for night riding. Also, there is a back rack that can be used to convey things or as storage. The seat is well-cushioned and adjustable for comfort and suitable for varying rider height. This bike is good for use in urban areas as a city bike.

Pros

• Lightweight design with aluminium alloy
• Has LED light for night riding
• Has back rack for extra storage
• Adjustable saddle for users with a height of 170 -195 cm

Cons

• Wheel size may be too big for short riders
• The battery is not strong enough

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5. ET CYCLE F720 Folding E-Bike

Best Folding E-Bike

For a versatile, folding e-bike option, choose the ET CYCLE F720. It is made of 100% aluminium alloy making it sturdy and lightweight. The 250W rear-drive motor is strong. It has a top speed of 25 km/h. The motor has a 6-level pedal-assist riding. And it can fold into a smaller unit in just two steps, making it ideal for transport and storage without hassle.

The F720 Folding e-bike has a Das-Kit C7 display that shows the battery level and pedal-assist level. The battery is a strong DeHawk removable 48V,  15Ah lithium-ion battery that can support up to 120 km of power-assisted riding on a full charge. It also has a USB port for charging your phone or other devices while riding.

It has a 21-speed system made up of quality shifters, derailleurs and cranks. The braking system is Tektro hydraulic discs. For extra safety, it has brake sensors on the left lever. The design is comfortable with ergonomic handlebars and with cushioned seat.

Pros

• It has brake sensors and Tektro hydraulic discs
• Strong DeHawk battery supporting 120 km power-assisted riding
• Lightweight and foldable frames
• The display shows battery and pedal-assist levels
• Has USB port

Cons

• It is not a cheap buy
• 20 inches wheel size may be small for tall riders

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6. NCM Aspen Plus

Best Fat Tyre E-Bike

The NCM Aspen Plus Fat tyre is built with a quality and durable aluminium frame and fork. It is a lightweight bike made to surmount obstacles. It has a 250W rear hub motor with a top speed of 25 km/h. The bike has 6 pedal-assist levels and reaches up to 120 km.

The fat tyre (26" x 4-inch) makes it outstanding as it is adaptable to many surfaces and terrains be it road, sand, or mountain. It has a powerful 48V 16Ah, 768Wh Panasonic battery. There is also a USB port for charging devices. It includes front and rear Cateye reflectors, but its rear and front lights must be purchased separately.

The drive unit is powerful as it consists of quality parts. The brake is Tektro hydraulic discs with sensors on both sides. The crank and derailleur are Shimano Acera and Shimano Altus respectively. The tyre comes with an anti-slip property and the pedal is wide for increased riding comfort.

Pros

• Strong battery power with USB port
• The fat tire adapts to varying surfaces
• Front and rear lights with reflectors

Cons

• May need a professional to assemble it
• An expensive buy
• You have to purchase the light separately

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7. Smartmotion E-City Electric Bike

Best for Daily Commute

A great city bike option is the Smartmotion E-City Electric Bike. It is made with strong aluminium alloy adapted for strength and durability. The motor is a powerful 250W rear hub design that can deliver up to 35 km/h speed making it an ideal transporter to work or school. This bike is faster than other ones with similar motor power, another testament to it being the best commuting pick. The drive system also contains the Shimano 8-speed cassette with an Altus derailleur.

The increased power is supplied with the 36V 15.6 Ah lithium-ion battery. The battery can supply a pedal-assist ride for up to 90 km. The throttle is set at 6 km/h with 6 speed-level options. The wheel is 26 inches and fitted with wear-resistant tyres. The strong frame can support weights up to 125 kg, quite more than its counterparts as well.

The brake system features Tektro hydraulic discs with 180 mm rotors. You can convey extra items with its rear battery rack with elastic. It has a unisex step-through frame. It is one of the best choices as a commuter bike packed with speed and power and an extra rear rack to carry your work or school bag.

Pros

• Has rear rack for luggage
• The step-through frame is unisex
• The battery's full charge can go up to 90 km
• Has wear-resistant tires
• Bears up to 125 kg

Cons

• Pricey for motor power

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8. Phoenix Vintage E-Bike

Best Vintage E-Bike

The Phoenix Vintage E-bike brings a blast from the past with its vintage design. The most alluring addition is the front basket which makes it a great option for storage space. In addition to this, it has an extra rear storage rack. For aesthetics, the blue colour and the brown saddle and handlebars give it a cool burst of colour.

It has a decent 250W brushless motor ready to go on the permitted maximum 25 km/h speed in Australia. The battery is a 36V 10Ah lithium-ion cell that can go for 40 km on a single charge. The gear is the Shimano 6-speed system. The brake is efficient with both front and rear hydraulic discs.

There are several luxury additions to this bike. It has an LED headlight for night riding. The seat is comfortable and can suit riders with 160 to 180 cm height. The 26-inch wheel makes it cool with durable tires.

Pros

• Vintage design with well-cushioned saddle
• Front basket and a rear rack for storage
• LED lamp for night riding
• Front and rear disc brake

Cons

• Can only go 40 km on a full charge

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9. Akez 001 Electric Bike

Best Mountain E-Bike

With a 350 W brushless motor, the AKEZ 001 electric bike is the best mountain pick. Most e-bikes in this category have motors with less power, usually 250W. The AKEZ 001 has a top speed of 35 km/h with 27-speed options. The frame and fork are built to support up to 130 kg which is another standout feature of this bike. It is made to overcome heights with speed and motor power.

The battery is a 36V 10Ah lithium-ion cell that can power-assisted pedalling for 40 km on a single charge which is amazing for mountaineering. It takes about 3 to 4 hours to charge fully. Considering the price of the motor power and the speed, it is a good pick for value. The bike has an internal cable design and anti-rust powder coating.

A dual-disc braking system ensures safe riding. It has a well-padded saddle with adjustments to accommodate different heights. The bike has a headlamp for night riding and an easy-release alloy clamp to quickly get you started. It has an LCD display and a wide handlebar for increased riding comfort.  

Pros

• It is easy to assemble
• Quick charge time of 3-4 hours
• Well-padded and adjustable saddle
• The anti-rust powder finish makes it durable
• Headlamp for night riding

Cons

• A full charge can only go 40 km
• Quite pricey

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10. Universal TDE03 Electric Bicycle

Best Sleek & Modern Designed E-Bike

The Universal TDE03 electric bicycle has a sleek and simple design that suits city or commute usage. It had a strong 250W Bafang brushless rear hub motor with a maximum speed of 25 km/h. The gear is Shimano 7-speed Acera with a Prowheel crankset. The pedals are foldable with front and rear medium-flanged alloy hubs giving a modern and uplifting look to the bike.

It has a powerful 36V 10.4Ah Samsung lithium-ion battery. It features a Kingmeter SW-LCD display. There are rear and front lights for night riding that are controlled by the display. The saddle is comfortable with an adjustable stem. It features the WiMAX RPM sensor for fast response assist pedalling.

The brake is Tektro hydraulic discs in both front and rear wheels with 180 mm and 160 mm rotors respectively. It also has a rear rack and heavy-duty aluminium fenders. The wheels are 26 inches with city-type tyres.

Pros

• It has a rear rack for extra luggage
• Foldable pedals
• Night riding is possible with LED lights
• Fast response assist pedalling with WiMAX sensor

Cons

• The wheels may be too big for shorter riders
• Quite expensive for its motor power

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11. HIMO C26 Electric Bike

Best E-Bike for Long Mileage

The HIMO C26 electric bike is made for mileage. It can accumulate up to 100 km assist mileage and 60 km power mileage which is quite more than most picks on this list. It also includes a 3-speed running mode powered with one button switch by a Shimano 7-speed gear and has a 250W rear hub motor capable of a maximum speed of 25 km/h.

The frame and fork (with a shock absorption feature) are made of aluminium alloy and carry up to 100 kg user weight. The brake system is a dual mechanical disc that works excellently. It is perfect as a low-profile option for all genders. The wheel is also 26 inches with KENDA pneumatic tyres.

HIMO C26 has a removable 48V 10Ah lithium battery with a 5 to 6 hours charge time. The battery has a 650-cycle life span. There is a support pedal for assisted riding and it can cruise at a fixed speed. And the saddle is adjustable to suit different heights. The electric bike, like most others, has a headlamp fitted for night riding.

Pros

• Can get up to 100 km mileage
• Has strong KENDA Pneumatic tires
• It is unisex

Cons

• Maximum weight capacity of 100 kg
• Uses mechanical brake

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12. 3rd Gen Freestyler Foldable E-Bike

Best Portable and Cheap E-Bike

Talk about portable design, then the 3rd Gen. Freestyler foldable e-bike comes to mind. The wheels on this e-bike are the smallest at only 14 inches. It can fold in two simple steps to 60 x 68 cm in dimensions, making it easy to transport in your car trunk. To aid movement, it is also made of lightweight aluminium alloy with just 17 kg net weight. It is the cheapest on our list.

The motor on the 3rd Gen electric bike has a decent power of 250W and a Samsung battery of 36V 8Ah capacity. It can produce a 25 km maximum mileage when fully charged. The maximum speed is set at 25 km/h but can be unlocked to 32 km/h. It offers a 5-pedal assist level and a full power assist mode.

Interestingly, the e-bike can support up to 120 kg user weight with an option of a rear racking upgrade. It has an LCD, a pedestrian horn, and a front LED lamp for night riding.  The seat and handlebars are adjustable to accommodate different heights, and the brake is a dual-disc brake that works well.

Pros

• Can carry up to 120 kg
• Has pedestrian horn
• Speed can be unlocked to 32 km/h
• Easily transportable with 14 inches wheel and foldable frame
• It is a cheap buy

Cons

• Small battery capacity
• Can't climb beyond 25° inclination angle

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How to Choose the Best Electric Bike

When you want to buy an electric bike, there are four important things you should consider. They include:

1. Purpose: There must be a specific reason why you started considering the idea of owning an electric bike. Are you thinking about leisure or do you want to exercise with it? This will help you pick a type that suits that purpose.
2. Bike Type: Based on your desired usage of the e-bike, you should consider the types that fit. Cargo bikes are best for conveying luggage, maybe on a grocery shopping trip. Commuter bikes on the other hand are suited for city movements. Mountain bikes are best for rough terrains while cruiser bikes are masters of leisure. For exercising, you should get a pedal-assist mode electric bike.
3. Budget: Money is a vital factor in making a purchase decision. The wide range of e-bike types is also met with an equally wide range of prices. Cross-check each bike that fits your purpose and their prices to pick what suits your budget.
4. Bike Weight: Transporting your new bike may be a challenge if you fail to plan ahead. Electric bikes are usually heavy because of the battery, motor and other electrical additions. So, you should look at the weight you will be dealing with and make a good plan for moving it home.

Types of Electric Bikes

There are several types of electric bikes based on the use and the working mode. Based on the working method, there are Pedelecs and Throttle-Controlled E-bikes. And based on usage and functionality, there can be Mountain Bikes, Folding Bikes, Road Bikes, Cruiser Bikes and Cargo Bikes.

Let us consider the two types based on working mode.

1. Pedelecs

This type of e-bike makes use of the pedal-assist system to aid the rider. The rider's pedalling effort is supported by the motor. First, the pedalling is detected by a sensor that initiates the assistance. The level of support provided can be adjusted by the rider. Once pedalling stops, the assistance does as well.

Pedelecs bikes are good for the traditional rider that wants a good blend between electric and manual bicycles. Also, they are good for exercise since they always require manual pedalling to initiate the pedal assist. The main con is the need for pedalling, it is not an efficient option for leisure and cruising. It is also not suitable for handicapped riders.

3. Throttle-Controlled E-Bikes

The throttle-controlled electric bikes have a throttle mounted on the handlebar that is used for engaging the motor. The speed can be controlled without pedalling using the throttles. Power is supplied to the rear wheels by the motor once the throttle is engaged. They are also called "twist-and-go" since the throttle twisting is enough to initiate motion.

Throttle-controlled bikes are best for cruising and leisure riding. They give more comfort to the rider since pedalling is not a required action. This makes the bike suitable for handicapped riders. Conversely, there may be some region-specific restrictions against the use of throttle-controlled e-bikes. Also, their maximum speed is usually restricted, it is 25 km/h for Australia.

Based on the usage and riding style of electric bikes, let's look at the 5 main available types:

1. Mountain E-Bikes: They are designed to be rugged and sturdy. Mountain bikes are suited for elevated surfaces. They usually have wide wheels and other features for withstanding rough trails.
2. Folding E-Bikes: These are designed for flexibility and portability. Usually, folding bikes have small wheels and easy steps to fold them into a smaller unit. They are safe for transporting in cars or even via buses or trains.
3. Commuter E-Bikes: These are also called urban or city bikes. They are the most common e-bike type, easy to use and may have racks for carrying extra things.
4. Road E-Bikes: These bikes are made for the road with lightweight parts. They usually have more speed options and aerodynamic designs such as drop handlebars. They have medium wheels for better traction on the road.
5. Cruiser E-Bikes: These are made for luxury with an upright riding position. The frames are lightweight, relaxed and adjustable. It is also common for cruiser bikes to have throttles.

E-Bikes Battery Life: How to Maintain & Prolong Their Use

An important part of electric bikes is the battery. Adequate care must be given to the battery to preserve its lifespan.

5 Tips to Prolong Your E-Bike's Battery Life

There are a few simple tips that should be followed to prolong the battery life of your e-bike.

1. When the bicycle is not in use, remove it and store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat.
2. Keep the battery away from extreme temperatures for extended periods. Ensure to take it off your car when it is parked in the sun.
3. If your e-bike comes with a battery management system, make sure you use it appropriately to regulate the charging and discharging of your battery
4. Avoid overcharging and discharging, remove the charger as soon as the battery is full. Don’t overuse the battery as well to completely discharge before charging.
5. Ensure to use your battery regularly. Do not store it away without use for too long. Don't store the battery either fully charged or fully discharged.

How to Properly Charge Your E-Bike's Battery

To charge your e-bike battery, ensure you have the right charger. Most bikes make use of standard plus but it is still very important to check that the specifications are in alignment. Then, proceed to remove the battery (if removable) from the bike. Locate the charging port and then connect it to the plugged charger.

Your battery lifespan can be prolonged if you avoid overcharging. So, you should monitor the charging. Some batteries have indicators to show the charge level. Once fully charged, discontinue the charge and reinstall the battery into the bike. The manual is a safe guide to charging your battery. Each battery may have peculiar procedures for charging.

How to Replace Your E-Bike's Battery

Replacing your bike’s battery is a simple DIY procedure. It is necessary to get the right battery for your bike. The first step is to turn off the bike before removing the old battery. Gather the necessary tools to remove the battery according to your manufacturer’s instructions.

Usually, you will need a screwdriver and wrench to unscrew the battery. After removing the old battery, install the new one following the instructions. Plug it into the electrical system and test it to ascertain it has been installed properly.

7 Checks to Improve the Lifespan of Your Electric Bike

Maintenance is essential to extend the life span of your electric bike. Just like any other gadget, your e-bike requires regular maintenance to keep it working well. Here are 7 maintenance tips to keep your e-bike at optimum operation:

1. Clean the bike regularly to remove any dirt, sand, salt or any other debris that can cause it to corrode or fade.
2. Always check the tires before and after a ride to ensure proper inflation or any sign of a tear that may call for replacement.
3. Lubricate the chain regularly to keep wear and tear away. The lubricant also ensures the chain and gears keep working well
4. Check the battery level and charge appropriately.
5. Check the brakes regularly to ascertain their status and don’t fail to replace them when necessary.
6. Regularly inspect the electrical parts to ensure the wires and connections are intact.
7. Examine the frames for any impact, bend, wear or any other sign of replacement.

Regularly carrying out these checks will help you discover any damage early enough for a repair or replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions: Electric Bikes in Australia

Wrapping It Up!

This guide is a complete analysis of the e-bike landscape in Australia. And we have carefully analyzed the best e-bikes available in Australia for you based on most user preferences. There is a bike for you—either for cruising, exercising or commuting, and we hope you found your best option here.