What a commuter e-bike needs
A commuter rides the same trip every day in most weather, so practical features beat raw power. Look for fenders, front and rear lights, a rack or basket, strong brakes and a weight you can manage at both ends of the trip. Check which come standard and which are add-ons: Segway sells a fender set and baskets for the MUXI, and the NAVEE Wolf X and Segway MUXI Pro add turn signals.
Range: plan for your worst day
Makers rate range with pedal assist and a light rider. Throttle riding, cold mornings and hills cut it sharply: Hiboy lists 62 miles with pedal assist for the EX9 but 31 miles on the throttle alone. Shop for a rated range about double your longest regular round trip. A removable battery, as on the Wolf X, the EX9 and the NANROBOT models, lets you charge at your desk.
Weight, stairs and storage
Commuters here that list a weight run from 46.3 lb on the folding NANROBOT N1 to 82.2 lbs on the Segway MUXI Pro. If you climb stairs or store the bike in a small apartment, a lighter or folding model saves effort every day. The MUXI and MUXI Pro are step-through cargo bikes with a 121 lbs rear rack load, built to carry rather than be carried.
Brakes, gears and comfort
Stop-and-go riding is hard on brakes. Hydraulic discs, fitted to the Segway models, the Wolf X and the EX9, need less hand effort than mechanical ones. The Myon and MUXI Pro shift gears automatically, and a torque sensor, as on the Myon and EX9, makes assist feel smooth and natural. Front suspension, or the Wolf X suspension seatpost, takes the edge off potholes.
Classes and local rules
Several commuters here switch between Class 1, 2 and 3, and the Hiboy EX9 rides at 20 mph by default with a Class 3 setting up to 28 mph. Where each class may ride differs by state and city, so check your local rules before you unlock a faster mode.
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