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6 Best Mid-Drive Electric Bikes for 2023

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Mid-drive e-bikes are considered the best on the market. Here's what to look for when choosing one, along with the six best mid-drive electric bikes for 2023.
robb dorr
Written by Robb Dorr
Co-founder

The magic power of an electric bike lies in the motor. Thanks to the motor, the bike can help power you forward using its pedal assist system (PAS).

However, not all electric bike motors are created equal. There are two main types of e-bike motors: hub drive and mid-drive. Mid-drive e-bikes are generally considered better because they offer more stability and a lower center of gravity — giving you a smoother ride.

Discover six of our favorite mid-drive motor electric bikes below.

What To Consider When Choosing a Mid-Drive Electric Bike

If you’ve opted for a mid-drive over a hub drive motor, you’ve made a smart choice. A mid-drive electric bicycle usually offers a more comfortable riding experience. But there are some points to consider when shopping for your mid-drive e-bike. We highlight a few.

Power and Performance

Motor power is measured in watts. You’ll see these specs provided by the manufacturer, for example, 250, 500, 750 watts, and so on. The higher the wattage, the more powerful the motor.

Another consideration is torque. When the e-bike motor runs, it creates torque — a force that measures the engine shaft. Torque is measured in a unit called Newton meters (Nm).

You also want to look at battery capacity. This is measured in amp hours and tells you how much power the battery can hold. The higher the number, the farther the bike can ride on a single charge.

Comfort and Convenience

Cycling is supposed to be fun. An uncomfortable bike can ruin it! Consider these three points to maximize comfort and convenience when cycling:

  • Frame style: Different bike frames suit different purposes. For example, a commuter bike frame is ideal for commuting. If you want to race cross-country, a road bike is better. In contrast, an electric mountain bike (e-MTB) is for off-road riding. An e-MTB has full suspension and fat tires, which makes the ride feel smoother and adds stability on unpaved surfaces.
  • Step-through vs. high-step: A high-step frame requires you to mount the bike by swinging your leg over the seat. With a step-through (or step-thru) frame, you can step right into it. A step-through frame might be better for kids or people with mobility issues.
  • Personal fit: Once you pick the bike frame, you have to fit it to your body. This means adjusting the seat post and handlebars.
  • Comfort features: Finally, look for features that enhance comfort and convenience, like a kickstand, rear rack, fenders, headlights, tail lights, and LCD.

Price and Value

An e-bike can cost anywhere from $600 to more than $8,000. For a decent mid-drive model, expect to spend around $3,000 to $4,000.

Note that many factors impact a bike’s price, not just the type of motor. For example, a titanium bike frame costs much more than an aluminum alloy frame. Similarly, a bike will be more costly if it has a torque sensor — which measures your pedal power and adapts the motor’s power accordingly.

Check out state tax credits and rebate programs to save on your e-bike. You might be able to get money back on your e-bike purchase.

Top 6 Mid-Drive Electric Bikes for 2023

Is 2023 the year you buy your mid-drive e-bike? Here are some high-quality picks.

Ride1UP Prodigy

Ride1UP Prodigy Mid-Drive Electric Bike

The Ride1UP Prodigy has a powerful motor that can reach top speeds of 28 miles per hour (mph) and has an excellent 90 Nm of torque. It also has a good-sized 504-watt-hour frame-integrated battery. Pick from a step-over or step-through frame.

Reviews of the Ride1UP Prodigy love its affordability and the smooth ride it gives, as well as the sleek appearance. That said, some reviewers would like to see pedal upgrades and a better front shock.

Pros:

  • 9-speed Shimano Alivio gearing
  • Dual piston hydraulic disc brakes
  • Front and rear LED lights

Cons:

  • No throttle assist
  • Uncomfortable seat
  • Bad pedals for trail riding

Price: Starting at $2,195

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers

Trek Allant+ 8S Stagger

Trek Allant+ 8S Stagger Mid-Drive Electric Bike

The Trek Allant+ 8S has a great range of 55 miles and a battery that charges in just six hours. Another highlight is the COBI.Bike app, which lets you use your phone as a controller to check your bike’s stats (like speed and battery capacity).

In our review of the Trek Allant+ 8S, we summed this bike up as light yet powerful. The BOSCH Performance Speed motor doesn’t lag. That said, the bike doesn’t come with throttle assist, and the 11-tooth highest gear isn’t the most comfortable, requiring a lot of pedal power.

Pros:

  • Good range
  • Three frames to choose from
  • App allows you to use your phone to control the bike

Cons:

  • No throttle assist
  • High-level gearing can be strenuous
  • Rear rack can accommodate only a pannier, not a trunk bag

Price: Starting at $4,449.99

Best for: Hilly routes

Gazelle Ultimate T10

Gazelle Ultimate T10 Mid-Drive Electric Bike

The Gazelle Ultimate T10 offers high levels of comfort on bumpy roads thanks to the integrated 30-millimeter (mm) suspension front fork and active posture. This bike also features 65 Nm of torque and a 500-watt-hour integrated battery.

Reviewers love the bike’s comfortable ride, smooth power, and excellent braking system. They also note the award-winning design. That said, the bike isn’t perfect. It lacks smart connectivity, and the LCD screen is modest.

Pros:

  • 10-speed Shimano Deore drivetrain
  • 70-mile range
  • High-quality BOSCH motor

Cons:

  • No smart connectivity
  • Small LCD screen
  • Limited frame selection

Price: Starting at $3,999

Best for: Bumpy rides

Specialized Turbo Vado 3.0

Specialized Turbo Vado 3.0 Mid-Drive Electric Bike

The Specialized Turbo Vado 3.0 features a specialized kickstand and commuter pedals, making it great for city riding and jobs like delivery driving. It has a 42V battery and a 50 Nm torque motor with 250 watts.

In our review of the Specialized Turbo Vado 3.0, we were big fans of its durable and weather-resistant frame. We also love the internal cable routing. Drawbacks include the low motor power and limited range.

Pros:

  • Shimano hydraulic disc brakes
  • Lightweight aluminum frame
  • Includes safety features like a bell, taillight, and headlight 

Cons:

  • Limited range
  • Low power motor
  • Not suited for hilly routes

Price: Starting at $3,250

Best for: Everyday commuting

Verve+ 2 Lowstep

Verve+ 2 Lowstep Mid-Drive Electric Bike

The Verve+ 2 Lowstep prioritizes comfort and safety, featuring a 250-watt 40Nm motor and top speeds of 20 mph. It has puncture-resistant tires, hydraulic disc brakes, and a 400-watt-hour battery.

Reviewers of the Verve+2 Lowstep like its stability and safety and rank it high for comfort. However, many people complain about the lower-power motor, saying the price point doesn’t match the quality of the motor.

Pros:

  • Alpha gold aluminum frame
  • Comfortable Bontrager Boulevard saddle
  • Comes with safety and comfort features like ergonomic grips, stability tires, and front and rear lights 

Cons:

  • Not great for hills
  • Cargo bag is tough to remove
  • Pricey for the power it gives

Price: Starting at $2,849.99

Best for: Safety-conscious consumers

Bulls Iconic Evo TR 1 Speed

Bulls Iconic Evo TR 1 Speed Mid-Drive Electric Bike

The Bulls Iconic Evo TR 1 Speed is a full-suspension bike you can take on and off the road. You can even comfortably hop curbs on it. It features a BOSCH Gen4 CX motor that goes up to 28 mph.

Reviewers like the bike’s durability and the variety of frame sizes available. Other perks include the frame-integrated BOSCH PowerTube battery and 180-mm hydraulic disc brakes. That said, this bike is on the heavier side.

Pros:

  • Powerful hydraulic disc brakes
  • Protective aluminum fenders
  • Available in four frame sizes

Cons:

  • No quick release on the rear wheel
  • Heavier build at about 61 pounds
  • On the pricier side

Price: Starting at $5,799

Best for: Aggressive riding

Mid-Drive E-Bike FAQ

These motor e-bike FAQ give you the facts on mid-drive motors.

What Is the Difference Between a Hub Motor and a Mid-Drive Motor?

Mid-drive motors are located on the bike’s bottom bracket between the two pedals. In contrast, hub-drive motors are at the bike’s front or rear wheel hub.

In a mid-drive motor, the bike’s drivetrain transfers the motor’s power to the back wheel so that the bike goes forward. In a hub motor, the motor is directly integrated into the wheel. 

Can I Still Pedal a Mid-Drive E-Bike?

Yes, you can pedal a mid-drive e-bike. The e-bike motor’s pedal assist system (PAS) is optional. You don’t have to engage it. However, the motor can make for an easier, more comfortable ride while pedaling, amplifying your pedal power.

What Is the Average Price of a Mid-Drive E-Bike?

A mid-drive e-bike can range from $600 to upward of $8,000. The average mid-drive e-bike costs about $3,000 to $4,000, but there’s a range of prices for all budgets.

Find Trusted E-Bike Reviews at eBikes.org

Buying the right e-bike starts with the right research. That’s what we’re here for. eBikes.org offers buying guides and product reviews of top electric bike brands, giving you the essential info you need.
Learn more about e-bikes.

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About Our Editorial Team

robb dorr
Written by Robb Dorr
Co-founder
Robb is a massive cycling enthusiast who has more than 20 years of non-motorized cycling experience. He started eBikes.org to lower the barrier of entry to cycling and reduce the intimidation people can experience when getting into the cycling world.

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