By Kate Harvey
Writer | Kaituhi
An electric bike can transform your commute, replace car trips and make cycling more accessible, but it's also a significant investment. Choosing the right model can save you money, reduce maintenance headaches and help ensure years of enjoyable riding.
Our expert testing helps separate the standouts from the disappointments. We assess performance, range, comfort, handling and braking, then combine those results with reliability data to identify the bikes that deliver the best overall ownership experience.
Our buying guide can help you understand the differences between e-bike styles, motors and batteries. We've also got advice on keeping your e-bike in top condition and what to look for when buying a used e-bike.
Stay on this page for our top e-bike picks, whether you're looking for a commuter bike, a weekend adventure machine, a hill-climbing specialist or simply the best-value e-bike you can buy.
Best electric bikes in New Zealand
Best all-round e-bike
Best cheap e-bike
Best cargo e-bike
Best road e-bike
Which electric bike brands are best?
We asked thousands of Consumer members about their experience with products they've used to find out which brands are most reliable and satisfying to own. The results are available to members and Digital Pass holders.
How Consumer NZ tests electric bikes
We test e-bikes for five uses: Mountain, Trail, Road, Daily, and Cargo. We check how well they handle cargo, how easy they are to mount, and how good their suspension, stability, and brakes are. We also look at how the e-bike's motor responds to pedalling, its assistance levels, ability to climb hills, and battery range.
