10 Best Mid-drive Electric Bikes in 2020

To help you find the best mid-drive electric bike for your travels, we have tried out a multitude of top models, testing to ensure they provided plenty of acceleration and speed. We also liked electric bicycles with long-lasting batteries that charge quickly and those with plenty of safety features, including dual hydraulic braking systems.

The best mid-drive electric bike we tried was easily the Verve+ 2 Lowstep. This high-grade electric bicycle features a Bosch Powerpack 400 lithium battery, which can get more than 40 miles on a single charge and reaches a maximum charge in just over three hours. We also loved the sturdy aluminum frame and hydraulic disc brakes. Keep reading to learn more about other amazing mid-drive electric bicycles available for purchase.

Top 10 Best Mid-drive Electric Bikes

 #1  Verve+ 2 Lowstep Mid-drive Electric Bike

Award: TOP PICK

WHY WE LIKE IT: Ultra-sturdy bike with a proprietary Alpha Gold aluminum frame, a Bosch Powerpack 400 lithium-ion battery, and hydraulic disc brakes with plenty of stopping power, even while riding in mud or on wet roads.

The Verve+ 2 Lowstep Mid-drive Electric Bike is the perfect all-in-one for daily commutes and traversing light mountain trails, with an ultra-sturdy Alpha Gold aluminum frame and fantastic hydraulic disc brakes that excel during wet and muddy conditions. We loved the Bosch Powerpack 400 battery, as it can reach more than 40 miles on a single charge and reaches a maximum charge in just over three hours. The Bosch Purion display is also backlit, making this a great choice for night riding.

Though this is a fantastic Bosch mid-drive electric bike with plenty of climbing power, the 250w motor does max out at 20 miles per hour, which may be an issue for some consumers. Still, this is the best electric bike due to its hydraulics, sturdy frame, and charge time.

 #2  Bulls Iconic Evo TR1 Mid-drive Electric Bike

Award: HONORABLE MENTION

WHY WE LIKE IT: Great for mountain riding, thanks to ultra-stable SR Suntour shocks and suspension fork, with Schwalbe Super Moto-X Snakeskin 27.5” fat tires for easy maneuverability.

Read Full Review: Bulls Ebikes

The Bulls Iconic Evo TR1 Mid-drive Electric Bike truly lives up to its namesake, with a classic and iconic design that absolutely excels on both asphalt roads and difficult terrain. This is the best mid-drive electric mountain bike due to the inclusion of SR Suntour rear shocks, SR Suntour suspension fork, and Shimano Deore 10-speed gear shifter, combining to create a smooth and stable ride across a variety of terrain types. We loved the Schwalbe Super Moto-X Snakeskin 27.5” fat tires, as they further add to this bike’s stability rating.

The integrated Bosch CX Motor is a beast at inclines and at acceleration turbo boosts but does max out at 20 miles per hour, so take that into consideration. Also, we found the Selle Royal eZone saddle to be somewhat rigid during testing, though it softened up a bit after breaking in. Its stability on many terrains is similar to the best adult tricycles.

 #3  Cube Compact Sport Mid-drive Electric Bike

Award: BEST HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE

WHY WE LIKE IT: Extra-long seat post, telescoping height steer post, and adjustable angle stem allow this bike to accommodate a wide variety of heights, with a highly useful Bosch Purion display and a comfortable memory foam saddle.

Read Full Review: Cube Compact Electric Bike

The Cube Compact Sport Mid-drive Electric Bike can accommodate riders of nearly any height, thanks to an extra-long seat post, telescoping height steer post, and adjustable angle stem. We loved the highly usable Bosch Purion display, which not only relays useful metrics but features a USB port for smartphone charging. The Bosch Powerpack 500 lithium-ion battery is also fantastic, as it can reach 80 miles of use on a single charge.

Though the battery is top-notch with a stellar range, it uses a somewhat antiquated charger that takes around 11 hours to reach full power. Additionally, the front fender is lengthy, which is great for keeping your legs and feet dry but can scrape on curbs if you aren’t careful. For those who enjoy the outdoors read our buying guide on the best off road electric bikes.

 #4  Schwinn Voyageur Mid-drive Electric Bike

Our #4 Pick is the Schwinn Voyageur Mid-drive Electric Bike

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Award: BEST FOR BEGINNERS

WHY WE LIKE IT: Best for Beginners

Read Full Review: Schwinn Voyageur

This Schwinn Voyageur Mid-drive Electric Bike is a fantastic choice for beginners, as it offers a smooth and stable ride, thanks to the integrated Shimano 8-speed drivetrain and aluminum Tektro mechanical disc brakes. We found the lithium-ion battery to be long-lasting and durable, going for up to 65 miles on a single charge, and the SR Suntour coil-sprung suspension fork, which provides excellent shock absorption.

Though the Bafang 250-watt max-drive motor offers pretty good climbing ability just like with the best kids mountain bikes, it does max out at 20 miles per hour. Also, the included LCD display is not backlit and offers limited functionality as far as what metrics it can observe.

 #5  Moustache Samedi 27 Xroad 5 Mid-drive Electric Bike

Award: BEST QUALITY

WHY WE LIKE IT: High-quality ebike with an amazing feature set, including an integrated Bosch 625Wh Powertube battery that gets up to 80 miles on a single charge and a durable 6061 aluminum alloy frame.

Read Full Review: Moustache Ebike

The Moustache Samedi 27 Xroad 5 Mid-drive Electric Bike is of exceptionally high quality, as it includes Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes with a 180mm front rotor and a 160mm rear rotor, offering incredible and reliable stopping power. This electric bicycle is made from an ultra-durable 6061 aluminum alloy frame and boasts a top-of-the-line Bosch 625Wh Powertube battery, which not only charges quickly but can go up to 80 miles on a single charge. The Hutchinson Python 27.5 inch fat tires also make this a great bike for mountainous terrains.

We found the Axendo headlight to be exceptionally luminous and perfect for night riding, though the tail light is dim in comparison. Thankfully, the tail light can easily be replaced if desired. This is one of the best bikes owing to its hydraulics and sturdy frame.

 #6  Besv 250W TRB1 AM Mid-drive Electric Bike

Award: BEST BATTERY

WHY WE LIKE IT: Features industry-leading 756Wh lithium-ion battery that can ride up to 100 miles on a single charge, depending on the load, with an included downtube bumper to provide protection from debris and mud.

Read Full Review: Besv TRB1 Review

The Besv 250W TRB1 AM is the best mid-drive electric bike kit with battery, as it includes an industry-leading 756Wh lithium battery that boasts a maximum range of 100 miles per charge. We also loved the stable and smooth ride offered here, thanks to a RockShox front fork and rear shocks. The integrated downtube bumper was also incredibly handy, as it easily protected us from debris and mud as we took this bike around trails and mountainous terrain types.

This is a durable bike, but it can only accommodate up to 264 pounds, which includes any cargo you may be transporting. Also, your purchase here does not include a headlight, or headlamp, though it is easy enough to buy and install one yourself. And with this, you should also purchase the best bike lock that will come in handy when it’s time to park, especially in the middle of a bustling city.

 #7  NCM Moscow Mid-drive Electric Bike

Our #7 Pick is the NCM Moscow Mid-drive Electric Bike

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Award: BEST ON A BUDGET

WHY WE LIKE IT: Value-conscious bike with plenty of high-end features, including a Dehawk battery that gets 75 miles per charge and a 21-speed Shimano drivetrain, which we found perfect for steep inclines.

Read Full Review: NCM Bike Review

The NCM Moscow Mid-drive Electric Bike comes in at a value-friendly price point while still offering features in line with higher-priced competitors, such as a removable Dehawk battery that can reach a maximum of 75 miles on a single charge. We loved the Velo ergonomic non-slip grips, which increase safety during lengthy rides, and the 21-speed Shimano drivetrain, which excels on hills and steep inclines.

Though this electric bicycle does feature a display attached to the handlebar, we found it to be quite barebones compared to displays found with other models. Additionally, the 500w motor is plenty powerful and is great for acceleration and inclines, but does max out at 20 miles per hour. Be sure to read about our list of the best electric fat bikes.

 #8  Grace MX II Trail Mid-drive Electric Bike

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Award: BEST SAFETY FEATURES

WHY WE LIKE IT: Filled to the brim with advanced safety features, including a double-leg kickstand, best-in-class headlights and taillights, and an integrated mirror, along with reliable hydraulic disc brakes.

Read Full Review: Grace MX

The Grace MX II Trail Mid-drive Electric Bike is perfect for consumers looking for a safe commuting option, as it is rated for pavement and asphalt and integrates a multitude of safety features. These include Busch & Muller Scheinw Lumotec LED headlight and taillight, a double leg kickstand, and hydraulic disc brakes. We loved that the Bosch battery can get up to 65 miles on a single charge and reach a maximum charge in just 3.5 hours. The maximum speed here is also 28 miles per hour, which is fantastic.

Though the display is fairly useful and detachable, it does not feature a backlight, rendering it somewhat useless during night riding pursuits. Also, the Ergon MTG saddle is definitely durable, but we found it slightly rigid during use, though that faded slightly as we went about testing. For the more casual riders, also consider some of the best electric beach cruiser bikes.

 #9  iZIP Brio Mid-drive Electric Bike

Award: BEST COMFORT

WHY WE LIKE IT: Comfort-forward ebike with proprietary non-slip grips, an adjustable aluminum alloy seatpost, a custom-made saddle, and an SR Suntour NEX-E25 suspension fork, for eliminating vibrations from riding over debris and bumps.

The iZIP Brio Mid-drive Electric Bike makes for an extremely comfortable ride, thanks to proprietary non-slip grips, ergonomically designed handlebars, a custom-made saddle, an adjustable aluminum alloy seatpost, and a best-in-class SR Suntour NEX-E25 suspension fork, which easily eliminates discomfort derived from riding over bumps. We loved the lithium-ion battery, which gets 61 miles per charge, and the Tektro mechanical disc brakes, adding some safety and peace of mind.

Though the battery is awesome, the 2 amp charger does it a bit of a disservice, as it takes six or more hours to reach a maximum charge. Additionally, the motor can only reach a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour, so take that into consideration. And then there are also the best ebike for heavy riders, great for those with larger builds.

 #10  Ariel Rider C-Class Mid-drive Electric Bike

Award: BEST AESTHETICS

WHY WE LIKE IT: Aesthetically pleasing electric bike available in pearl white or blue, with a gorgeous leather saddle and stylized handlebars, all the while featuring a maximum payload of 320 pounds.

The Ariel Rider C-Class Mid-drive Electric Bike is extremely easy on the eyes, with a hand-painted exterior available in two colors, a gorgeous leather saddle, and ultra-stylized handlebars. We loved the integrated lithium-ion battery and the c-class motor, which can handle speeds of up to 28 miles per hour. The LCD display is plenty useful, relaying a wide variety of metrics, and includes a USB charger for smartphones.

Though the max payload here is 320 pounds, which is great for using this bike to run errands, the company recommends it not to be used by riders under 5’7”. Also, this bicycle requires a fair bit of assembly upon receipt, though we appreciated that it came with tools and instructions. If you live in areas without a lot of paved roads, be sure to read about the best gravel e bike.

How We Decided

To help narrow down to the above list, we focused primarily on bikes that featured powerful mid-drive motors with plenty of torque. To that end, we ensured that these electric bikes absolutely excelled with riding up steep inclines and hills and featured plenty of acceleration power, often hitting maximum speed in just a few seconds.

Battery life and range were also important considerations as we went about composing this list. Mid-drive motors are incredibly efficient and, as such, the integrated batteries often feature excellent max ranges. Many of the above bikes can ride 60 or more miles before needing a recharge and many of the batteries can reach a full charge in under four hours.

As for safety, we ensured the brakes included with these bikes were stable and effortless to use, even while riding downhill or in the rain. We liked strong frames made from aluminum alloy or carbon steel and high-grade suspension forks that absorbed bumps and vibrations from the road. Finally, we liked bikes with additional features, such as LED headlights, LCD displays and bells.

Best Mid-drive Electric Bike Buyer’s Guide

The Most Important Features to Consider

1. Mid-drive Motor
   Mid-drive motors are known for being particularly powerful, especially while riding up steep hills. Make sure the bike you decide to purchase features a true mid-drive and powerful motor, as there are knockoffs out there. Mid-drive motors also feature an even and unchanging center of gravity, thanks to the placement of the motor, thus increasing safety during arduous rides. These electric motors generally also include assisted speed options and pedal assist. The power offered with mid-drive bikes also makes them handy as cargo bikes, once a rear rack is installed.
2. Battery and Range
   Because mid-drive motors are so powerful, they offer added efficiency to their integrated lithium battery packs. To that end, look for bikes that can ride long distances before needing a recharge, with some on the above list going to 75 and 100 miles. These batteries also typically charge rather quickly, in under four hours, and can usually be removed for easy charging and for theft deterrence.
3. Safety Features
   Look for electric bikes with plenty of safety features, so as to keep you and your family safe as you go about daily commutes. These safety features include reliable hydraulic brake systems, durable suspension forks, full-suspension shocks, and integrated LED headlights and taillights. Other safety-forward implementations include built-in bells and horns and ultra-durable frames, often made from aluminum alloy.

Mid-drive Electric Bike FAQs

How do mid drive electric bikes work?

A mid-drive motor works slightly differently than other motor types that are typically found with electric bikes. A mid-drive motor drives the crank, instead of the wheel itself. The end result? More torque and more power.

Which electric bike has the longest range?

In general, mid-drive bikes boast batteries with ultra-long ranges. The highest to be found, however, is the Besv 250W TRB1 AM Mid-drive Electric Bike, which can get around 100 miles on a single charge.

How long do electric bike motors last?

Depending on how regularly you maintain them, electric bike motors can last anywhere from three to five years. Mid-drive motors, however, tend to be of ultra-high quality and typically fall on the latter end of the spectrum, if not a bit longer.

Who are the best mid-drive electric bike manufacturers?

We made sure the above list was filled with many renowned manufacturers of mid-drive electric bikes, including Verve+, Cube, and Schwinn. Other great companies include If you can’t afford a true mid-drive electric bike, may we suggest purchasing a mid drive electric bike kit with battery or one of the best mid drive electric bike conversion kits.

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