E-bike range claims are wildly optimistic, so comparing on the headline number is a trap. This ranks every popular model by cost per mile of range, and shows the battery size next to it, because watt-hours, not the marketing range, is what really predicts how far you will get. Filter by type to compare like with like.
Prices and specs reviewed 11 July 2026. E-bike prices move on sales; check the live listing.
| E-bike | Type | Motor | Battery | Range | Top speed | Price | $/mile |
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Usually 40-60% of the claim, which is measured at the lowest assist with a light rider. The honest predictor is battery watt-hours: about 1-1.5 real miles per 10Wh, so a 700Wh battery does roughly 45-70 real miles.
The sweet spot is $1,000-2,000. Below ~$800 corners get cut; above $2,000 you pay for refinement and mid-drive motors. Budget long-range models give the most miles per dollar.
250W suits flat commutes (and is the EU limit); 500-750W handles hills and cargo; 1000W+ is moped territory. Torque and mid-drive vs hub matter too.
US: Class 1 pedal-assist to 20mph, Class 2 adds throttle to 20mph, Class 3 assists to 28mph. Faster moped-style bikes may not be road-legal as bicycles.