They are a friendly solution either for a city ride or an off-road adventure. Which are the best models and what should you consider?
We know that most urban riders will benefit from an e-bike that can be taken for a ride along busy city streets and jump into a bit of off-road fun in no time.
An electric hybrid bike is the answer for most people, including me.
I know it can be frustrating not to jump over the curb and go on the grass to take a shortcut.
Below, you will find a few reviews of the best electric hybrid bikes for 2022. Some of them are 2019 models but are still popular this year.
Schwinn Sycamore Hybrid Electric Bike Review
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Hybrid Electric Bike Buying Guide 2022
If you typically commute by bike and feel you need a bit of pedaling aid, an e-hybrid bike can be a great option.
This guide will introduce some of the main aspects, benefits, and limitations to clarify the ” hybrid ” concept.
What is the trend in 2022?
The market is constantly evolving. Manufacturers are realizing that bikes have to be versatile in many ways, as there is an increase in demand for city commuting bicycles.
As you may know, most commuter e-bikes will be fitted with a basic frame.
One of the main things trending now is the design of commuter-style bikes. They can now be modified to install a front suspension system and wider tires.
This I learned because of a friend’s comment regarding his new Focus hybrid bike. Although there was no suspension or wide tires fitted, the frame was designed to get them on.
Also, you will see that most frames are more sturdy, with wider forks.
On the other hand, manufacturers are trending to build e-bikes much lighter than they used to be.
As a result, motors and batteries are slightly smaller. In addition, the suspension system goes to a maximum compression of 100 mm.
What will be the next movement? We’ll have to wait and see!
What is an electric hybrid bike?
The term “hybrid” has caused confusion in the bicycle world. If we think of the definition, then they are a blend between a mountain and road e-bicycle.
An easy-to-ride, all-terrain bicycle perfect for commuters and weekend warriors.
You see, an e-MTB is characterized by having thick tires and front suspension, whereas a road style one will have a lightweight frame and not such sophisticated gears and brakes (pad or disk).
Of course, the motor and battery need to be part of the package to assist with pedaling.
Since this encompasses pretty much all e-bikes, we believe that whoever invented this term had that first definition in mind.
| Hybrid e-Bike Advantages | Hybrid e-Bike Disadvantages |
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Electric hybrid bike buying considerations
Getting your hands on the best electric hybrid bike doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Despite what you may have heard in other places, here’s what you should consider to invest wisely.
How are they categorized?
Like all electric bikes, the hybrid ones also fall into one of the two categories below:
– Pedal-assist (pedelec):
Perhaps the most common electric bike type on the market is the hybrid model. These bikes don’t run on their own as scooters do; you will have to pedal all the way while a motor assists.
Most hybrid pedal-assist e-bikes can reach speeds of 15mph (24 km/h). This is due to the motor and battery configuration and size.
– Throttle mode
Far less common than their pedal-assist counterpart (due to various country laws and regulations), these e-bikes are a true hybrid between a bike and a motorized two-wheeler.
Read More: Electric Bike without Pedal Assist: Is it worth it?
The throttle-operated engine propels the bike forward without any additional pedaling, but you can still pedal to get more oomph if you feel like it.
These e-bikes are typically limited to 28mph (45 km/h), so before getting one, check your local laws to make sure it’s legal to ride one on public roads in your area.
In reality, these types of hybrid e-bicycles are not so common due to their added cost and weight. They’re not bad, but I don’t think it is worth it.
The frame
Combining the best of the mountain bike world and road bike designs, they have softer lines that are more user-friendly than their counterparts.
However, you can still choose from diamond-style and step-thru frame styles, such as the Pegasus Premio Evo 10.
There is no real advantage of one over the other, but the step-thru tends to be more comfortable for women and individuals with limited mobility, such as the elderly. Shorter riders might also prefer the step-thru frame.
Luckily, most frames are now built using aluminum. They were steel fabricated back in the day, which was not so great. The best option is carbon-fiber, but of course, this is an added cost.
Front suspension quality
As you know already, a hybrid electric bicycle will typically ride easily on all terrains.
Some high-end models, like the Cube Reaction Hybrid Eagle 500, have excellent front suspension with enough absorption ability to provide the best comfort on bumpy roads.
Typically, the suspension for a hybrid model will have a travel compression between 100 to 120 mm.
If you usually ride over very bumpy terrains, it is a good idea to invest a bit more in an e-hybrid bike with good suspension specifications.
If the above is not the case, you can also change the front suspension with a compatible one.
Motor power
The type of motor can also make or break the deal. For now, e-hybrid bikes have mid-drive motors rather than hub-drive ones.
It makes sense since they will be more balanced for an off-road adventure and reduce the chances of losing control.
The power is expected to be between 250w and 500w. You won’t need more than that. In terms of the torque, it will be around 40Nm, which may not be so much.
Read More: Electric Motor Bike Guide: What to Know About It.
Braking efficiency
When you’re riding at over 15mph on a public road, how fast you can brake can make the difference between life and death.
Luckily for the rider, they are only built with hydraulic disks rather than pad brakes.
Regardless, the braking efficiency cannot be compared to top electric mountain bikes, like the Specialized Turbo Levo SL 2022 model.
Tire size and specifications
These bikes need all-terrain tires with good tread.
You will see that both the front and rear tires have the same specification, whereas e-MTB will be different from each other.
For an all-purpose e-bike used by multiple individuals, standard 26-inch tires are a common choice.
Note that since you will be riding a lot on asphalt or concrete, the tires will become worn out faster due to increased friction caused by the treads.
You may also notice that pedaling can be more challenging than usual. Again, this is due to the high friction of the tires.
You should also check the tire thickness. As a rule of thumb, the wider the tire, the more cushioning and suspension it will provide (that is why some e-bikes lack suspension).
Read More: Electric Bike Tire – Buying Guide for Beginners
Battery specifications
Getting to the juice of the hybrid electric bike, you must also consider the battery.
Nowadays, most e-bikes come with 36V lithium-ion batteries, but not all were created equal.
Many brands utilize differing battery chemistries that can influence both run-time and lifespan. Without getting into annoying tech details, the higher-tech (and more expensive) the battery is, the longer it will last.
The battery’s amp-hour rating determines run time, which can vary from about 7.5 to 18Ah.
It would be best to consider whether the battery is detachable or not. We recommend detachable batteries; they may not look as sleek as frame-integrated ones but are serviceable, easy to reach when charging, and help with the overall weight when carrying it upstairs or mounting it on a bike rack.
Required maintenance
When buying an e-hybrid bike, it is also crucial to consider how much maintenance it requires.
Since the components used are not so fancy, you can quickly troubleshoot a faulty item if you have at least little understanding of bike parts.
Although I wouldn’t mess around with either the motor or the battery – this is the territory for someone with the correct knowledge!
If your e-bike is in trouble, I would suggest to:
– Contact the e-bike’s manufacturer to troubleshoot the faulty component or ask for a replacement.
– Visit the nearest bike shop to your location as they may be able to help quicker than the manufacturer.
You can also ask for good electric bike forums such as the one offered in EBR.
Other Important Considerations
Besides all of the above, there are a few other things to consider before giving away your hard-earned money.
Should you test-drive it?
Overall, they are quite different from conventional and specialized ones. Take it for a test drive to make sure you feel how it performs and know the quality.
Don’t be afraid of testing the suspension and brakes. Maybe the seller would not be willing to let you do that, but your comfort and safety matter.
Finding the right brand
A brand name is not always a guarantee for good quality, but a brand with a good reputation is less likely to disappoint. Famous brands also enjoy better after-sale service, and finding replacement parts will also be more straightforward.
Even though it feels good to invest in a well-known brand, some less-known ones, like the Schwinn Sycamore Hybrid, still offer good value for money.
Carrying weight and portability
Most hybrid e-bikes are pretty heavy, but some are lighter than others. If you have to carry it during your commute or up the stairs, investing in a more lightweight model could be a wise choice in the long run.
Here is where a removable battery plays an important role. It will surely make your life easier.
Buying Guide Wrap Up
The best model for you should be chosen based on your needs.
Please think of the purpose of buying it. Will you primarily use it for commuting or for weekend rides? What is your budget? Are weight and portability important to you?
It would be best if you answer these questions beforehand. There are so many models with different standards that you could be spending more than necessary.
All in all, an electric hybrid bike is a good alternative in the long run for riders that like cycling but are not into pedaling 24/7!