The Top-Rated Electric Bike of 2022

The start of a new year is always an opportunity for reflection, and here at Charge, we've been evaluating our efforts and looking back at our accomplishments in 2021. 

One thing that tells us we’re on the right road is the fact our bikes are consistently rated as some of the best in the industry by independent experts. We’re especially proud of honors we racked up last year, such as being named the “Best E-Bike for Small Spaces” by Gear Patrol and the “Best Lightweight Electric Bike for Women” by Woman’s World. 

When it comes to these types of objective reviews, our bikes are regularly in the top ranks. That fuels our determination to keep doing what we’re doing and to do it even better as we grow.

As we look forward to 2022, we’re excited to the best electric bikes on (and off) the road. Whether you’re looking for electric commuter bikes, electric mountain or cargo bikes, or electric recreational bikes, all Charge electric bicycles are made to move you—in every way. With three dynamic models to choose from, there’s one that’s just right for your lifestyle and cycling needs.

So, what makes Charge bikes the best electric bikes on the market, and what has everyone from the folks over at Forbes to MSN to CNET raving?

Well, after years of work to perfect the ideal e-bikes, we’re delivering a small-but-mighty lineup of bikes that checks all the boxes. Our bikes are stylish, comfortable, affordable, and durable. They offer a superiorly smooth ride, and we’ve we’ve made it so owning and operating one is super easy, and super fun. Customers and reviewers alike agree, which is why we’re the top-rated electric bike company of 2022 on (and off!) the road. 

The Charge Difference

We get it: there are a lot of electric bike manufacturers out there to choose from and a lot of people trying to buy electric bikes. In 2021 alone, an Americans bought an e-bike every 52 seconds. With so much activity in the market and so many options out there, you may be wondering what sets Charge apart. 

Let’s start from the beginning.  When we first started crafting bikes back in 2004, our mission was simple: to bring the joy and freedom of cycling to more people than ever before. For the next several years, we produced an assortment of affordable and durable traditional bikes, but we never stopped thinking about how we could make the biking experience even better and more accessible. As a team of like-minded, big-hearted individuals, supported by the technical expertise of Schwinn and Cannondale, we wanted to make bikes for real people’s actual lives.

That’s why, when electric bike technology first emerged, we immediately recognized it was a game changer. With the addition of an electric, rear-wheel motor, many of the barriers to cycling virtually disappear. Suddenly, hills aren’t a problem, and you can use your e-bike to move through your life daily while enjoying all the little moments during the ride. With the ability to choose between multiple levels of pedal assistance, you can travel safely at high speeds, and get where you need to go faster and easier.

So, after a lot of research and consideration, we decided to focus solely on creating the ideal electric bike. We moved forward with a mission to eliminate the frustrations we’ve experienced ourselves and seen others face when looking for a bike—things like intimidating jargon, an overwhelming number of product choices, and oftentimes, brands that only seem to care about men or competitive cyclists.

Fast forward to 2022, and we’re proud to offer three models of e-bikes that aren’t only nice to look at, but also come equipped with premium features that truly elevate the electric-bike-riding experience. They’re bikes made to celebrate real life, not chase an ideal version of it, and they’re a pleasure to ride.

We certainly don’t take your business for granted, and we’re committed to being an electric bike company you can trust. It’s been the Charge way for nearly 20 years, and it always will be.

Which Charge Electric Bike is Right for my Lifestyle and Cycling Needs?

Before we discuss what sets our models apart from each other—and which electric bike is best for your lifestyle and cycling needs—let’s first review what they have in common.

All Charge E-Bikes are Classified as Class 2 Electric Bikes

Due to rules and regulations, electric bicycles are divided into three classes, which indicate their level of motor assistance and dictate where they can be ridden:

Class 1 Electric Bikes are the most common introduction to e-bikes, since they’re affordable and accepted on all city streets and bike paths. The motor on a Class 1 electric bicycle will only start once the rider begins to pedal, and it will stop providing assistance once a top speed of 20 mph is reached.  

Class 2 Electric Bikes are also allowed on most city streets and bike paths. Unlike a Class 1 e-bike, however, the motor on a Class 2 e-bike can be activated without any pedal assistance from the rider—meaning you can cruise effortlessly, if you’d like—and the motor assistance will continue until a max speed of 20 mph is reached. 

Class 3 Electric Bikes are the most powerful—and therefore, also the most expensive—of the three classes of electric bicycles. Like a Class 2 e-bike, the motor on a Class 3 e-bike can be powered without any pedal assistance by the rider. The difference between a Class 2 and Class 3 e-bike is that the motor assistance on a Class 3 can continue until a top speed of 28 mph is reached (versus a max speed of 20 mph on a Class 2 e-bike). As a result, Class 3 electric bikes are not allowed on most bike paths or mountain bike trails.

Every Charge e-bike is classified as a Class 2 Electric Bike. We focus on these bikes because they offer the most freedom and flexibility while still delivering significant speed and distance capacity. 

All Charge E-Bikes Come Equipped with Premium Features—Standard

Here at Charge, we’re all about empowering riders with a superior riding experience. We also are committed to making, buying and owning an electric bike more accessible and affordable. That’s why our bikes come equipped with everything you need, and nothing you don’t, including these premium features—standard:

✹ High-quality, aluminum frame that’s lightweight, but built to last and ready to ride in any weather.

✹ Powerful, rear-hub motor, which provides electric assist up to 20 mph.

✹ Locking, removable battery that gives you up to 50 miles on a single charge and can easily be recharged on or off the bike.

✹ Folding handlebar and pedals that open and close in seconds—meaning you need less space to store or transport your bike.

✹ Comfortable seats and grips, so you can get there and back with ease.

✹ Puncture-resistant Goodyear tires that offer unsurpassed, all-weather traction and robust flat protection.

✹ Automatic tire pressure sensors that take out the guesswork and show red when you need air, or green if you're good to go. 

✹ High-powered, integrated front and rear lights and reflective tire walls that ensure you can see and be seen, day or night.

✹ A sturdy rear rack that makes it easy to attach baskets, crates, or bins for all your daily essentials.

Find the Right Charge E-Bike for Your Lifestyle & Cycling Needs

At Charge, we like to keep things simple. We offer three, high-quality models of electric bikes, all of which deliver a superiorly smooth ride with less fatigue. So, what’s the difference between them, and how do you know which is the right Charge e-bike for you? 

It really comes down to two things: 1) Where you plan to ride your bike most; and 2) how you prefer to cycle.

Here’s a quick rundown of the Charge e-bike lineup:

The City, designed for urban commuting.

The Comfort, made for leisurely, upright rides.

The XC, ready for on- and off-road adventures. 

Want to learn more? Keep reading for specifics on each bike and to find out which Charge e-bike fits your lifestyle and cycling needs.

For Daily Commuting: City Electric Bike

From the makers of Cannondale and Schwinn bikes, the City Electric Bike is an electric commuter bike that brings ease to urban life. It’s easy to store (even in tight places like a studio apartment) and transport (think: a subway car or bus) thanks to folding handlebars and a lightweight design. But don’t let the slim profile fool you; the City was expertly designed for city living. It has tough Goodyear tires to provide a smooth ride on any terrain, offers five levels of pedal assist with a convenient, push-button throttle at your fingertips, and is equipped with built-in lights to keep you safe. It’s all about getting you where you want to go, how you want to get there. Available with a standard or low-step frame, with the City Electric Bike, your daily route is about to get a whole lot more fun.

For Recreational Riding: Comfort Electric Bike

The Comfort Electric Bike is our everyday, electric recreational bike that’s all about keeping things easy and upright, even on hills. With a low-step frame, bump-proof shocks, and super-comfy seat, the Comfort makes cycling a total breeze—and so much fun. Plus, the easy-to-use thumb throttle lets you choose between five levels of pedal assist, so you’re in complete control of how much you want to pedal… or not pedal.. The Comfort is built for leisurely rides that will keep you active and leave you feeling empowered and exhilarated, not exhausted.

For On and Off-Roading: XC Electric Bike

When adventure calls, the XC Electric Bike—our rugged, electric mountain bike from the makers of Cannondale and Schwinn—is ready to take on any terrain. With fat, Goodyear tires, tough shocks, and front suspension fork, the XC e-bike can handle gravel roads and dusty trails, and it keeps you comfortable all day long. Thanks to a powerful, mid-drive motor that can flatten steep hills, plus an integrated battery that provides up to 50 miles on a single charge, you’re set for long adventures on- or off-road with the XC Electric Bike.

Why Go Electric with Charge?

When we first started making bikes in 2004, we produced an assortment of well-priced and durable, traditional bikes that were both easy and fun to ride. We quickly grew in popularity, but we couldn’t help but wonder how we could reach even more riders. So, in addition to deciding to focus solely on crafting electric bikes, our team also took the opportunity to reimagine and redesign every aspect of the electric bike experience—from buying and assembly to storage and ownership—looking for smart solutions to the pain points they had witnessed over the decades building and riding bikes.

Keep reading to learn how Charge has reinvented the electric bike experience, and why choosing a Charge e-bike can make your life—in a word—easier.

Problems. Solved.

Still not sold on electric bikes? We get it, especially if you haven’t ridden one or any kind of bike in years for that matter. The fact is, however, that offer endless possibilities potential and are equipped with solutions for most of the problems you might think they present. Here are a few to consider.

PROBLEM: BIKES ARE HARD TO STORE, ESPECIALLY IF YOUR APARTMENT IS ALSO YOUR BIKE GARAGE.

Solution: Folding handlebars and pedals save space, and they make it easier to move and store your bike.

PROBLEM: YOU NEVER KNOW IF THERE IS ENOUGH AIR IN YOUR BIKE TIRES.

Solution: Automated tire pressure sensors take out the guesswork by turning red when you need air, or green if you're good to go.

PROBLEM: YOU NEVER KNOW IF YOU WILL HAVE ENOUGH BATTERY CHARGE TO GET THERE AND BACK AGAIN.

Solution: Powerful battery provides up to 50 miles in range, and the display shows range in miles to go—not just as a percentage.

PROBLEM: YOU WANT TO FEEL SAFER ON THE ROAD.

Solution: Integrated front and rear lights and reflective tires provide better visibility in all light conditions, ensuring you can see and be seen, day or night.

PROBLEM: YOU NEED YOUR BIKE TO WITHSTAND DAILY COMMUTES ON POTHOLED STREETS.

Solution: High-quality, aluminum frame is lightweight yet durable, and puncture-resistant Goodyear tires offer unsurpassed all-weather protection and robust flat protection, meaning you’re ready to ride no matter what Mother Nature has in store.

PROBLEM: THERE ISN'T AN ELECTRIC OUTLET NEAR WHERE YOU KEEP YOUR BIKE.

Solution: Removable (yet lockable) batteries make it easy to safely recharge at home, work, or wherever you have power.

Anything Else?

We’re glad you asked! We’ve also made the process of buying an electric bike online and assembling it yourself simpler and easier. Most bike manufacturers today ship their bikes in pieces, and it takes numerous, complicated steps—and not to mention, a bunch of tools—to put them together. To solve this problem, we designed a box that allows us to ship our e-bikes nearly fully assembled. Once a Charge bike arrives, it can quickly (we’re talking under 10 minutes) be put together by following four simple steps and using just one tool.

In addition to being cycling fanatics and outdoor enthusiasts, we’re also deeply committed to helping to protect our environment. By choosing a Charge electric bike, you are reducing your carbon footprint every time you go out for a bike ride instead of starting up your car, and our packaging has been intentionally designed to minimize waste by eliminating all foam and plastic wrap and using only 100% recyclable materials. Meaning you’ll be doing good for the environment before you even get out the door!

Hit the Road with the Top-Rated Electric Bike of 2022!

  As you can see, there are a lot of reasons why Charge is the top-rated electric bike of 2022. From premium features that come standard on all our models to a customer service team that’s here to answer all your questions, plus so much more, we’re making life easier, one electric bicycle at a time. 

Don’t just take out word for it, though. Take one out for a spin and see for yourself. A test ride lets you experience a Charge electric bicycle without commitment, and with a growing network of dealers and test-ride locations, we’ve made it easier to find one near you.

Here’s to a happy, healthy, and ELECTRIC 2022!