1. MiRider One
The MiRider One is one of the best-value folding electric bikes around. It may not be as neat or as light as a Brompton Electric but it’s much cheaper and also a great deal of fun.
The bike is designed and built in the UK, by a family-run company from Wigan. The frame is made from magnesium alloy and folds in two. The motor is built into the cranks and chainstay, so there’s no need for a derailleur. That might seem like a negative but it makes the bike much easier to maintain. A simple elastomer shock provides a small amount of suspension travel, and it helps to smooth out the ride on rough roads.
With a maximum speed of 24mph (without pedal input), the MiRider One can keep up with traffic in towns and cities. Its trigger-operated auto assist is a huge help in urban traffic and makes it easy to get up steep climbs. The only thing that might hold you back is the fact that it doesn’t come with gears. That’s a sensible choice for a bike this size, as gears would make it hard to fold and could damage the wheels.
A standard front light runs off the battery and there are mudguard mounts for added practicality. A rear carrier is available for carrying luggage or groceries, and a weather-proof case protects the MiRider One when it’s not in use.
Unlike many folding e-bikes, the MiRider One actually feels very solid when riding. This is partly due to the frame geometry, which is cleverly designed to suit riders from 5ft to 6ft tall. It also has a high spoke count for greater strength and durability.
There is a slight price rise over the 2020 model but at £1395 it’s still far cheaper than GoCycle’s GX or Fiido’s D11. The MiRider also comes with a UK-made warranty, which might give you more confidence than the one-year guarantee that you’d get with a Chinese-made product. For the full package, you can add a winter pack, which includes a rear light and a rain-proof cover, for an extra £50.
2. Shimano Ultegra Di2
Whether you’re upgrading your existing bike, or buying a new one, there’s no reason to look past the incredible Shimano Ultegra Di2. Shimano’s second-tier groupset has closed the gap on Dura-Ace to the point that it is now a non-issue. The new Di2 105 groupset has some amazing features that really make it stand out from previous models.
The most obvious difference is that the new groupset uses Shimano’s wireless technology for both shifting and braking. This new system removes the wire that normally runs from the shift levers to the derailleurs, replacing it with an internal main battery. This makes for a cleaner build on the frame and saves weight, while maintaining the lightning-fast shift speed that made the Di2 drivetrain a staple of the pro peloton.
As for the braking, Shimano’s game-changing HYPERGLIDE+ technology is now at work here as well. This system uses a unique chain-and-cassette interface to guide the chain up and down the cassette smoothly, even when under extreme pedaling load. The result is flawless shifting and braking at all times, with no noise or rubbing whatsoever.
Shimano has also updated the ergonomics of the shifters. The dual control levers are now slightly more curved and feature an increased offset between the two switch buttons, making them easier to reach from the drops or while on the tops. Each lever also has two accessory ports, allowing you to run satellite shifters if you wish.
Overall, the new Ultegra Di2 groupset offers world-class performance and reliability at a reasonable price. You’ll still pay a premium for it over Dura-Ace, but that gap is smaller than ever before. It’s not a reason to upgrade, unless you really want that little bit extra weight savings or the extra performance boost of a full Dura-Ace groupset. For most people, the new Ultegra Di2 will be more than enough for them to go electric.
3. Ribble Endurance SL e
Ribble is a name that has been synonymous with high-end road bikes and it’s no surprise that they have an ebike in their range. The Endurance SL e takes the brand’s popular Endurance SL platform and adds a discreet motor and battery to make it even more appealing for those that want a little extra help with long rides and blasting their PBs.
This particular model is a carbon monocoque with a frame that weighs just over 6.7kg and uses a special blend of Toray T1000 and T800 fibres for maximum strength and stiffness. The frame also features internal cable routing and a slim battery that is concealed within the downtube. There is a control button on the top tube that allows riders to select from three power assistance levels as well as indicating the remaining battery life. A range extender is also available for those that need a little more help with longer rides.
The ebike is powered by a Mahle Smartbike Systems X35+ rear hub motor that offers a subtle push without imposing on the overall aesthetics of the bike. This is a much quieter and lighter system than those found on e-MTBs and delivers 40Nm of torque, which is enough for most people to enjoy. The system is easy to set up and can be easily removed for those that prefer to ride with the assistance turned off.
Like all of the brand’s bikes, the Endurance SL e is built to order and can be tweaked for each individual customer. It is also able to be used for the Cycle to Work scheme as it accepts all major vouchers.
The bike can be customised with paint schemes and a choice of parts including wheels and finishing kit. The top spec Hero edition comes with a Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 Disc groupset, a Mavic Cosmic Pro Carbon wheelset with 45mm deep rims and suitably premium finishing kit. The full build price is just under PS8,900. The bike can be preordered with delivery in early July or late August.
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If you’re looking for a bike that oozes retro charm, the Electra Cafe Moto Go is sure to get thumbs-up and “cool bike” comments wherever you go. But while its classic, vintage-look frame may draw compliments from admirers, it’s also loaded with modern features that make for a comfortable and high-quality ride. Its unique feet-forward riding position with a Brooks saddle and wide top-tube give it a custom motorcycle look, and its big 26-inch tires roll on massive Vee Rubber Speedster wheels for added style. And while the Cafe Moto Go is designed to be a city bike, it’s also equipped with front and rear lights, as well as fenders for riding in inclement weather.
Powered by Buick’s 455 cu. in. (7.5 L) engine between 1971 and 1976, Electras of this era were known for their stylish designs and comfort. Despite declining horsepower ratings due to new exhaust and fuel emission regulations, the Electra was still a fast and fun way to travel around town. Its chrome VentiPorts were a trademark of this model, and it was the only Buick model to carry them in its 1960 redesign, which included wider rocker panel bright moldings with the Electra script and a circled Electra badge on the deck lid.
The Electra Townie Path Go is the ultimate city e-bike, featuring the latest in electric bicycle technology to improve your riding experience. Its lightweight, Bosch mid-drive system and integrated battery pack provide plenty of power for your commute or leisurely spin around town. And it offers three modes to choose from: Go! 7D provides a 7-speed internal drivetrain with powerful Bosch electronics, while the Go! i8 and Go! 8D offer traditional gearing and Shimano Acera components. All three models have a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph, and their estimated range is up to 100 miles.
When choosing a city e-bike, you should consider how far you want to go and what type of terrain you’ll be riding on. Low- and mid-range options have batteries that are expected to take you up to a maximum of 35 miles on their lowest assist setting, but if you plan on going longer distances, you’ll need a more powerful battery with more wattage. And for off-road riding, you’ll want an e-MTB with more specialized suspension and larger tires.
