Whether riding to work, college classes, running errands, or getting the kids to school, commuter bikes play an important role in cyclists’ lives and the transit ecosystem. Some commuter bikes are simple, lightweight, and no-frills while others are heavy-duty and loaded with tech and features. There is a commuting bike for you, regardless of your riding needs or budget.
Commuter bikes fall into many bicycle categories. They are often called city, urban, commuter, cargo, utility, folding, fixed gear, or hybrids—almost any bike can be used for commuting if you want to. However, some are better suited to the task than others. And increasingly, many riders are choosing electric bikes for their commutes.
If you need to haul a ton of stuff, make a quick run for some essentials, or load up the kids and get out of the house you need the right bike. Our test team rides and reviews hundreds of bikes each year. These are some of our favorite and best-tested bikes for commuting.
Wear your protection before hitting the road or bike path. Check out our picks for the best bike lights, helmets, and light sets to strap on your next ride.
The Best Commuter Bikes
- Best Overall: Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0
- Best Commuter E-Bike: Aventon Level 3
- Best Value Electric Commuter: Trek Dual Sport+ 2 Stagger
- Best Budget Foldable: Zizzo Liberte
- Best Cargo Bike: Specialized Globe Haul ST
How We Selected the Best Commuter Bikes
Our experienced testers spent many hours and miles using each of these bikes for their intended purpose. We’ve commuted to and from work on them, used them to run errands, put their passenger-hauling capability to work, ridden them during rush hour traffic, loaded them up with groceries and beer, tested how easily folding bikes fold (and ride), and run the e-bikes’ batteries down to officially see how long they last on one charge.
We evaluate bikes on performance, price, comfort, handling, value, reliability, fun, and aesthetic appeal to come up with this list of bikes that will best serve the needs of anyone looking to get from point A to point B quickly, efficiently, comfortably, and in style.
Best Commuter E-Bikes
Pros
- 50mm tires are great for rough roads Pro
- Very light, for an e-bike
- Hidden battery
- Optional range extender
Cons
- Doesn't come with fenders or racks
| Weight | 38 lb. |
|---|---|
| Sizes | S, M, L |
Trek's excellent Dual Sport+ 2 Stagger is on sale now and is a steal at $1,500. Weighing a scant 38 pounds, it boasts a sleek integrated battery and an optional range extender—though with a range of up to 35 miles you're unlikely to need more. This lightweight city bike is a rare find at this price. While hub drive motors aren't as smooth or powerful as their mid-drive counterparts, the Dual Sport+ 2 Stagger excels in other areas: 650b wheels and 50c tires make for a comfortable ride over rough city roads and hydraulic disc brakes provide ample stopping power. Integrated lights are a convenient feature for any hybrid bike, and the bike has mounts for front and rear racks and fenders. However, you will have to buy racks and fenders separately, if you want them. You can purchase the bike online and have it shipped directly to your home, or opt to have it ship to your local Trek dealer for assembly.
If everything about this bike sounds great except the pedal-assist motor and subsequent high price, at $700 the Dual Sport 1 Gen 5 is right up your alley. It boasts the same frame and fork, and huge tires, and the non-electric version has a 2 x 8-speed drivetrain instead of the 1 x 9-speed drivetrain found on the Dual Sport+ 2 Stagger.
Pros
- Great value
- Magura hydraulic disc brakes
- Adjustable stem
Cons
- Charging port can be tough to access
| Weight | 67.5 lb. |
|---|---|
| Sizes | Regular, Large |
Until now, the Aventon Level 2 was Bicycling’s Best Overall e-bike. It reigned for two-and-a-half years, and judging by the number of Levels we see on the roads, bike paths, and rail trails, many riders are fans of Aventon’s highly functional and sharply priced commuter e-bike, too.
However, a new bike now claims the Best Overall Electric Bike title—Aventon’s Level 3.
Aventon’s updates to the Level focus largely on comfort, aesthetics, and usability. Some changes are quite visible while others, like the electronic wheel lock, are almost entirely hidden. The third-gen Level receives two notable rider comfort updates compared to the Level 2. One is a suspension seatpost to smooth the ride and add some cush’ for the tush. The other is an adjustable-rise stem with up to 90 degrees of angle adjustment. Aventon’s most significant update is one that many riders may gloss over when shopping for an e-bike but some users might find it quite useful. Introduced last year on the brand’s Abound SR cargo bike, the Level 3’s new ACU (Aventon Control Unit) adds several smart features to the already well-equipped platform. The wheel lock and motion sensor alarm are passive theft deterrents when you stop for a mid-ride coffee or run into the post office. A 4G chip in the ACU provides GPS tracking from Aventon’s mobile app so you can find your bike if you forget where you locked it. 4G connectivity also allows you to set geofence restrictions on your Level 3 for teens or housemates.
Even without the connectivity features, the Level 3’s frame, comfort upgrades, and improved brakes make it surpass the Level 2 with ease as our Best Overall E-bike. The tracking, custom power settings, lock, geofencing, and alarm add to the bike’s usability in daily life without added cost.
None of this, however, diminishes the quality of the Level 2. If you don’t need the connectivity features and are looking for a great deal on a solid e-bike, the Level 2 is now on sale for $300 less than the Level 3.
READ FULL AVENTON LEVEL 3 REVIEW LEVEL 3 STEP-THROUGH READ AVENTON LEVEL 2 REVIEW
A big reason to consider Lectric’s One is its Pinion gearbox and Gates belt drive system. The Pinion is a fully enclosed gearbox unit—like an internally geared hub except mounted in the bottom bracket—that requires almost no maintenance. Typically, Pinion systems are used on bikes costing two or three times the One’s price, so finding it on a $2,300 e-bike is a big deal.
In testing, we were impressed by the Pinion system’s smoothness and precision and the hub motor’s power and torque. While the cadence sensor is an improvement over previous ones we’ve tried on Lectric bikes, it still makes pedaling the One feel disconnected from the motor. This feeling is from a combination of lag (though very slight in this case) and because the force put into the pedals does not relate to the motor’s output. Both factors result in a slightly unnatural motor response.
However, it didn’t take most test riders long to adjust to the One’s power and torque. The One is ideal for commuters who seek a dependable, low-maintenance, all-weather bike with the bells and whistles of a bike that usually costs much more.
Pros
- REI service
- Shimano components
- Hydraulic disc brakes
Cons
- Does not have a throttle
| Weight | 48 lb. |
|---|---|
| Sizes | S, M |
REI’s CTY e1.1—from the outdoor retailer’s Co-op Cycles house brand—is one of the best e-bike values around. The Class 1 bike has a 300-pound carrying capacity and is powered by a Bafang hub drive motor and a 450Wh battery semi-integrated into the downtube. Additionally, REI equips the e1.1 with a Shimano Altus 7-speed drivetrain and Tektro hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors. Standard lights, center-mount kickstand, and Schwalbe Big Ben tires with added flat protection make this bike ideal for commuting or riding around town.
For those unsure about assembling a bike at home, the Co-op CTY can be purchased online and delivered to an REI store for assembly (or if you're buying it as a gift). Plus, for REI members, it comes with free flat tire repair and two years of free adjustments. This adds even more value to an already well-priced e-bike.
Pros
- Natural and intuitive ride feel
- Comes with full fenders, rear rack, and integrated lights
- Very functional
Cons
- May feel like overkill for some
- Expensive
| Weight | 58.25 lb. |
|---|---|
| Sizes | S, M, L, XL |
Specialized’s Turbo Vado 4.0 is one of the best commuter bikes on the market. Exceptionally well-designed—Specialized knows quite a bit about making great electric bikes—the Vado 4.0 features a SRAM NX, 11-speed drivetrain, powerful SRAM Level brakes, and an SR Suntour Mobie A32 suspension fork for a smooth feel. Power settings are adjustable via an easy-to-manage phone app, plus all of the needed accessories for commuting—rack, fenders, and lights—come standard.
Of course, one of the best bikes you can buy comes with a commensurate price tag. Besides a high quality product, buying a Specialized means you have access to a robust global dealer network for service. There are many variations of the Turbo Vado, and all are excellent bikes. The cheapest model is the Turbo Vado 3.0. But cheap is still relative, because this one will still set you back $3,000.
Pros
- Amazing versatility
- Speedy, powerful, and great battery life
- Compact size
Cons
- No suspension
| WEIGHT | 77 lb. |
|---|---|
| SIZES | One Size |
Cargo bikes are quickly revolutionizing cities and suburbs across North America. Long a fixture of European metropolises, modern cargo bikes have added versatility thanks to electric motors and long-range batteries. Specialized’s Globe Haul ST has you covered if you need to carry a lot of stuff. With a whopping 419-pound carrying capacity, it’s good for a range of riding tasks, from grabbing groceries to dropping your child off at daycare. (if you need to carry even more stuff or two kids, check out the Haul LT.)
Specialized designed this bike with the average commuter in mind, motivating riders to swap those short- and medium-distance car trips with a bicycle instead. The result is a well-designed short-tail cargo bike with wide 20- x 3.5-inch tires that can eat bumps while keeping you stable and low to the ground. It’s also a blast to ride.
Best Non-Electric Commuter Bikes
Pros
- Zippy, smooth ride
- Great hybrid for mild gravel and rough streets
- Loaded with mounts for hauling your junk
Cons
- Slightly pricey for casual commutes
Key Specs
| Weight | 23.8 lb. |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XS, S, M, L, XL |
We love the Specialized Sirrus X 4.0. Specialized builds its Sirrus line with solid components and highly accessible parts. This makes them easy to work with and tune when needed. While the Sirrus X 4.0 model is a slightly high-priced hybrid bike, it is one of the brand’s best bikes for commuting over potholes and gravel. It boasts the company’s proprietary Future Shock, a coil shock positioned above the head tube that provides 20mm of suspension to eat bumps and bobbling gravel, reducing rider fatigue. We deem this an upgrade due to its better-than-most components, but if the Sirrus X 4.0 is too steep for you, check out one of the brand’s other 20+ Sirrus models. You can’t go wrong with one.
Pros
- Rigid Cannondale Lefty fork
- Dependable Shimano hydraulic disc brakes
Cons
- Only comes in bbq black
Key Specs
| Weight | 26.75 lb. |
|---|---|
| Sizes | S, M, L, XL |
The Bad Boy is Cannondale’s fast-riding city and urban commuter. Sporting the brand’s signature Lefty fork, the Bad Boy 3 stands out from the crowd, featuring a fully blacked-out look designed to blend in. It’s an exciting mix, but works perfectly for the Bad Boy. Other features include a Shimano Altus 2x8-speed drivetrain with a wide gear range, powerful hydraulic disc brakes, and 650b wheels that blend durability and speed.
Pros
- 1 year of free adjustments from REI after purchase
- Fast rolling 700c x 40mm tires
- Standard and step-thru style frames
Cons
Key Specs
| Weight | 30.25 lb |
|---|---|
| Sizes | Standard: XS, S, M, L, XL Step-through: XS, S, M |
Co-op Cycles is REI’s house brand of bikes, offering some of the best value on the market. For $600, you get a lightweight aluminum frame and fork, Shimano 24-speed drivetrain, a nice Comfort Plus saddle with memory foam, and fast-rolling 700x40c tires. The CTY 1.1 is offered in two colors, five sizes for the standard frame style, and three sizes in a step-through variant.
By buying at REI, members get 20% off shop service and free tubes with purchase of flat tire repair. This is your ticket if you want a fantastic deal and a well-featured bike.
Pros
- Very small and compact frame
- Great for commuting on public transits
Cons
- Subpar components
Key Specs
| Weight | 23 lb. |
|---|---|
| Size | One-size |
Can we say a lot about the Liberté? For the price, yes. At less than $500, you can grab this 20-inch wheel foldable bike equipped with a decent Shimano 11-32T 8-speed cassette, solid wheel, and an adjustable stem—all in a compact package. It’s agile and packs down easily, making it excellent for commuters who take public transit or live in tight spaces. Best of all, it’s only 23 pounds; it is lightweight given its price compared to other foldables in this category. (This is half the price of the Dahon Mariner D8 and two-thirds of the weight.) This bike is frequently on sale at BJ’s and Amazon. If you need a small bike for your space and commute, consider the Liberté, or, the even cheaper Campo model.
Pros
- Available in both performance- and commuter-focused models
- Belt drive is clean, quiet, and low maintenance
- Easy to switch between fixed and freewheel
Cons
- Singlespeed not ideal for every commuter
- ThickSlick tires aren’t the best for rainy commutes
Key Specs
| Weight | 24 lb. (Clubs), 22 lb. (Spades) |
|---|---|
| Sizes | S, M, L, XL |
The Ace is Priority’s fixie with a touch of class. It’s designed for commuters who like a little pep in their daily ride but aren’t fans of bike maintenance. Recreational-focused riders will do fine with the easier gear ratio and budget-friendly parts of the Ace of Clubs. Performance-minded riders will appreciate the Ace of Spades for its carbon fork and seatpost, and higher gear ratio.
Both models feature a flip-flop hub with a cassette body and fixed thread that lets you easily swap between fixed and freewheel cogs with a standard bottom bracket tool. And all adult Priority models use a quieter, cleaner, less-mess Gates belt drive instead of a traditional chain and cassette. A 680mm-wide, flat handlebar and 28mm WTB ThickSlick tires round out this clean-looking, stylish city fixie.
As Deputy Editor, Tara Seplavy leads Bicycling’s product test team; after having previously led product development and sourcing for multiple bike brands, run World Championship winning mountain bike teams, wrenched at renowned bicycle shops in Brooklyn, raced everything from criteriums to downhill, and ridden bikes on six different continents (landing herself in hospital emergency rooms in four countries and counting). Based in Easton, Pennsylvania, Tara spends tons of time on the road and trail testing products. A familiar face at cyclocross races, crits, and bike parks in the Mid Atlantic and New England, on weekends she can often be found racing for the New York City-based CRCA/KruisCX team. When not riding a bike, or talking about them, Tara listens to a lot of ska, punk, and emo music, and consumes too much social media.
