Best electric bicycle for commuting and Riding

[Jahnagir]

I'm currently looking for the best electric bicycle for commuting — something reliable, comfortable, and powerful enough for daily travel to work or school. I’ve spent the past few days reading reviews on TechRadar, NYTimes, CNET, and Consumer Reports, and these two electric bikes keep coming up as great choices for city commuters:
Likebike Electric Bicycle — Certified 350W Motor, Suspension, 26" Tires
https://www.amazon.com/Likebike-Electric-Certified-Suspension-Bicycles/dp/B0CSK1V1XW
This bike is built for city commuting with a smooth ride thanks to the front suspension and a 350W motor that provides reliable power for your daily routes. With a 36V battery, it’s perfect for short to medium-distance commutes (up to 30 miles), and the 26” tires give it that extra stability. The certified motor also ensures it's legal for use on roads. A solid, affordable choice for someone looking for a good commuter e-bike.
Ridingtimes Electric Bicycle — 500W Motor, Removable Battery, 26" Mountain Tires
https://www.amazon.com/Ridingtimes-Electric-Suspension-Removable-Mountain/dp/B0DQPWR97V?th=1
This model comes with a powerful 500W motor, ideal for tackling more demanding commutes and hills. It features a removable battery that makes charging easy, and the 26" mountain tires give it extra durability for mixed terrain. With a range of up to 50 miles, it's perfect for someone who needs a bit more power and distance for longer commutes or weekend rides.
I’m leaning toward the Ridingtimes model for the extra power and range, but I’m curious if anyone has experience with either of these. I would love to hear your thoughts before making a final choice.

 

[Gionnirocket]

I would definitely go with the Likebike because it has a 350w CERTIFIED motor.
I've been searching for the CNET, Consumer Reports articles you mentioned but so far I've only found these bikes on TerdRadar.

 

[PedalUma]

@Jahnagir,
Honestly, these are junk bikes and will only be disappointments. This is the kind of stuff that does not last three weeks, and leaves you high and dry; maybe even burning down your house. Bezos does not service these. Go to a local bike shop that services what they sell and test ride three or four bikes. You will not be throwing away perfectly good money. Get a bike that is legal and has dealers in all states. It should have the ability to have a rack and it should have an adjustable saddle with an upright riding position. It should also not be too heavy. Look into maybe an Aventon Level 3.

 

[BlackHand]

Are you asking, or placing ads in the form of a question? I seriously doubt those 2 specific bikes are recommended by all the publications mentioned as top choices for commuting.

 

[Chargeride]

As pedal says , servicing is the key.
If you can fix it yourself, maybe with generic parts and a hacksaw then fine

 

[PedalUma]

generic parts

A lot of these bikes have controllers with one-off connectors and odd wire colors. They are often over clocked and fry. Customer service is 12-hours away and is an AI chatbot that loops the same dumb prompts until you give up. They often have an influencer at a beach town in LA create a video saying how great they are. Then forks fall apart in the first 30-days.

 

[Chargeride]

I'll put you down for two then madam.

 

[Biplaneguy]

The first bike you linked does not match the description you quoted... and shows as "currently unavailable". It's not a "certified motor"; UL 2489 is a safety standard for the electrical system saying it won't catch fire or electrocute you. A good thing, but it doesn't say whether the rest of the bike is any good.

The second bike's 1500W motor and 31 mph top speed makes it not street legal in most jurisdictions.

I started my ebike search looking at this kind of cheap bike and ended up buying from an established company (Radster Trail).

 

[PedalUma]

down for two them

Another thing is the brakes. Now, I have worked on quality bikepacking bikes with high-end mechanical disc brakes that are a joy. The reason for mechanical is that if you are in the Andes or 100 miles from civilization, you do not want to spring a hydraulic leak or vapor lock. That said, these bikes have the worst mechanical (cable actuated) disc brakes. Most of them on the road have no rear stopping power after about three weeks. And it is mostly young teens riding them. Many cannot be properly adjusted because the rear hub motor blocs access to the inner adjustment. The inner pad is fixed and needs to be adjusted weekly. The parents do not check that the kids have no stopping power. Here are what good mechanical brakes look like. These are like jewelry and work super well. So, it is not just hydraulic vs. mechanical. It is all about quality. Stopping is a good thing.

 

[Gionnirocket]

You're all going to a lot of effort for and advertising bot