Choosing the best electric bike for you is a truly personal decision. Rather than get bogged down in price, mileage, speed or assembly, think first about what you plan on doing with the electric push bike. Will you be using it to travel to and from work? Then chances are, you need something that is light, durable and easy to store once you get there. In that case, it might be worth exploring the idea of a foldable electric bike.

While some people may bill them as a slow motorcycle or scooter, electric bikes feature more of an assist function rather than a full-blown electric engine. Essentially, most electric bicycles work by assisting your pedal movement as you ride, taking some of the pressure off your legs and alleviating some of the more challenging aspects of riding. The motor cuts in when your speed drops below a certain level, allowing you to keep powering through regardless of how tired you are or how steep that hill is.

Unsurprisingly, electric bikes aren’t cheap, as is the case with most specialist hobbies. However, as the appeal of electric bicycles grows, slowly the price is lowering. Sure, you might not be able to get one of the best electric bikes Australia has seen for under $5,000, but that doesn’t mean you can’t score a pretty decent one for a little over a thousand dollars.

The last thing you want to do is run out of juice right when you’re sitting at the bottom of a monster hill. Most electric bikes have lithium-ion battery packs with 8Ah-14Ah capacity, with voltage from 24V-36V. Depending on the model you choose, your battery life can differ greatly. As a general guide, the most common battery in electric bikes is a 36V 10Ah battery. This battery will take you 50km using the highest level of assistance or 100km using the lowest. The higher the Ah range of your battery, generally, the longer you can ride for.

Choosing the best electric bike isn’t exactly the easiest decision, especially if you don’t have much experience in the matter. Certain factors outweigh others, but there are some key considerations you need to make front and centre. Here is what to look for in an electric bike;

Now you’ve got your essentials down, it’s time to delve deep into the best electric bikes on the market. Some of these will be brands you’ve grown up with, either pushing BMX or mountain bikes, whereas others will be new ventures entirely. Nevertheless, buckle up, there is a lot to get through.

Designed for ease of use with a low-step frame and curved cruiser handlebars, the Leitner Electric Folding Bike wouldn’t look out of place on the Venice Beach boardwalks. The bike also scores puncture-resistant tires, genuine Samsung battery cells and a powerful hub motor.

This versatile, full-suspension electric mountain bike is a real off-road warrior. Trek’s 30mm trail bike features a powerful Bosch motor, a RockShox fork, Shimano drivetrain and a durable Alpha Platinum aluminium frame. The Trek Powerfly FS 5 G2 also has a removable integrated battery for better balance on the trail.

The GIANT REVOLT E+ PRO is a versatile drop-bar e-bike that gives you the power to hit gravel roads and live out your ultimate off-road adventure. It features a powerful SyncDrive Pro motor attached to its durable ALUXX SL aluminium frame. The smooth-riding tubeless tyres also allow you to tackle any terrain. One of the best electric bikes for those looking to stray from the path.

When you want a bike, you go to Amsterdam. This minimal yet practical electric bike design is a smooth riding-commuter. The lightweight 250W rear engine keeps momentum and allows you to glide through the inner city streets. While not the best electric bike for off-road trails, this Amsterdam + e bike will get you where you need to go, and quick.

Specialized’s pinnacle build, the S-Works Turbo Creo SL is easily one of the best electric bicycles you can buy, provided you can afford it. This machine features a FACT 11r chassis and Future Shock 2.0 with hydraulic damper with a smooth ride. It’s also the lightest e-bike in its class.

While the Michael Blast Greaser Springer might not be the best electric bike performance-wise, it is definitely the coolest. This modern machine is inspired by the 1920s board tracker and is 100% Australian designed. It’s got a beefy Bafang 500W geared brushless rear hub motor, meaning you can hit speeds of over 40kmph.

For those who don’t have a lot of room, a folding electric bike is a great option. This Dyson 26′ adventure e-bike features a powerful 250W motor and a lighter hardtail design. At AUD$1,999 it’s also on the cheaper end for folding e-bikes

While an obvious step-down in price and performance compared to the Specialized Turbo Creo SL, the Turbo Vado 3.0 is still one of the best electric bikes to buy. The ultra-lightweight frame houses the 1.2 E motor that has been custom-tuned for city riding. According to Specialized, it “intuitively reacts to the force of your pedalling, so the harder you pedal, the more power it delivers.”

Designed for those looking for a long-form trail ride, the Trek Rail 9.8 is one of the best electric bikes for adventurers. This edition features an upgraded fork, drivetrain and dropper for exceptional performance on long runs.

Incorporating high-end Bosch technology for an affordable price makes the Cube Reaction Hybrid Pro 500 one of the best e-bikes Australia has to offer. The versatile bike is perfect for commuting or for a weekend adventure with the family; whatever takes your fancy.

Another great electric bicycle from Specialized, the Turbo Como 3.0 650b is a ride that focuses on comfort rather than speed. Ergonomically designed for city-riding, the Como is a sleek and near-silent electric bike, that is perfect for commuting

With a compact and powerful motor, the GIANT FASTROAD is a great option for those looking for a reliable daily ride. The lightweight aluminium frame is easy to carry and houses the SyncDrive Pro motor and a long-lasting EnergyPak 375Wh Smart battery.

This beast of an e-bike has been designed to traverse the toughest terrain across the country. The Norco Range VLT C1 features a unique combination of long-reach, slack head tube angle and steep seat tube angle to create a more forward weight distribution. Want to head down a mountain? Too easy.

One of the best electric bikes for the daily commuter, the Cell ULTIMO E2.o is a modern take on the traditional step-through frame. Matched with a Shimano 9-Speed drivetrain the give the rider a lot more range in speed, the e-bike is a sure-fire winner for a new rider. At AUD$1,599, it’s also great value.