E-Bike Guide: Best Electric Bikes Made in the USA

E-bikes are gaining more prominence in the United States, with many owners and enthusiasts combing the market to evaluate all the different models when searching for their ideal choice. Luckily, America offers various options, with some e-bike companies providing customization. Here’s the ultimate guide on the best electric bikes made in the U.S.A.

Are There American-Made Electric Bikes?

Yes, there are electric bikes made in the U.S.A. Many electric bicycle companies make this claim without really knowing what it means. Consumers who want American-sourced and assembled units should diligently fact-check brands to see whether they fit the bill.

For reference, the Federal Trade Commission declares that Made in U.S.A. claims should mean virtually all products and assemblies should be from America. Unfortunately, this definition is difficult to follow.

Many e-bike manufacturers may outsource its materials or station its assembly lines elsewhere. For example, they’ll order a European hub motor shipment and have an Asian factory assemble the components at a lower price. The e-bikes listed here are designed and manufactured in America by American workers.

Benefits of Electric Bikes Made in the U.S.A.

Electric bikes have significantly evolved over recent years, garnering plenty of attention from adventurers and cycling enthusiasts. The hype is all for good reason, as these units are truly advantageous over the traditional bike available in North America.

Quality Assurance

Electric bikes typically involve expensive components related to advanced technology since they’re designed with an electric battery system and motor. Units made in the U.S. will undergo robust quality assurance tests to ensure quality upon assembly. The most common practices include visual inspection and performance tests on components and finished items.

Local Economy Support

One essential perk of buying electric bikes made in the U.S. is supporting the local economy. American jobs like technicians, designers, product managers and more need recognition for developing these versatile transportation offerings. Uplifting local and small businesses can also improve their growth and prompt further production of e-bikes to satisfy the e-bike market.

Sustainability Impact

One of the main benefits of getting an electric bike is how it lowers an individual’s environmental impact. An e-bike’s climate impact is 93% smaller than fossil fuel vehicles. Imagine if all car users made the switch. The sustainability movement needs more support, and getting an e-bike for work, leisure and more is a step in the right direction.

Top American-Made E-Bikes

The advantages of electric bikes make them more attractive than ever. Luckily, making the switch is easy since the industry offers many different types of bikes with a variety of options, even adhering to custom orders. Here’s a list of some of the best electric bikes on the market.

1. Trek Bikes

Trek Bikes in Waterloo, Wisconsin, has been a popular provider of mountain bikes and road bikes since 1975. For cyclists wanting more speed and distance, the electric bikes are a great hit. Its website has a quiz to help you choose between various ebike models to help you choose the model most suitable for your tastes.

2. Life EV

Life EV is a hidden gem with product line up of great electric bikes made in the U.S. It prides itself on contributing to sustainable cycling by making high-quality products that produce zero emissions with each ride. Based in Deerfield Beach, Florida, all e-bike parts are carefully picked out to ensure good quality. It has a 60,000-square-foot production facility in South Florida for assembly.

3. Aventon

Aventon e-bikes are quite a hit in the American market, especially for beginners looking for their first bikes. They are a California-based company where they pre-assemble the units in Ontario and include the necessary tools to complete the remaining assembly. While many components come from China, in most cases, they come from Aventon facilities there. A thorough inspection process ensures all units released are ready for users.

4. Bike Friday

Bike Friday is a unique American-made brand that aims to make, customize, and assemble parts of its bikes in Eugene, Oregon, by hand. It also offers exceptional services of converting adding electric assist to all their traditional bicycles for an enhanced riding experience. Whether it’s a tandem or folding e-bike, give the enterprise a ring and let it take a whack at it.

5. Small Town Bike Co.

Known as Boogie Bikes in the past, Small Town Bike Co. offers electric bikes in Hingham, Wisconsin. It outsources bicycle parts worldwide and assembles them at its headquarters. Its two main offerings are the Boogie Cruiser and Fat Tire. Both have long-range and a powerful motor.

6. Electric Bike Company

Electric Bike Company is one of the newer providers in the market, based in San Diego, California. With its custom-built electric assist bikes, it aims to provide luxury and leisure. Materials are sourced globally, but everything is assembled in its California factory. It also has an E-BikeKit conversion system with American-made wheels.

7. Christini Bicycles

Electric bikes sometimes get a reputation for being unable to handle extreme terrains. While it’s wise to use this transportation on regular cycling lanes and roads, Chrisitni Bicycles, based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania aims to create all-wheel drive bikes. Their design can handle snow and sand, offering a smoother ride.

8. Lectric E-Bikes

Lectric EBikes is based in Phoenix, Arizona, and its mission is to manufacture and market quality electric bicycles. The models have improved greatly over the last few years, so you’re sure to get a sturdy and dependable mode of transportation. You can also look forward to great deals, as it usually offers free items like bike seats and pedals for its listings.

9. Outrider USA

Outrider USA is an e-bike provider with a great reputation throughout the industry. Their slogan says it all: “Designed for able-bodied & disabled riders alike.” Their 4-wheel units are the ultimate in adaptive outdoor fun! Outriders are proudly built in Mars Hill, North Carolina and have been since 2009. Almost all components are sourced locally, except the motor parts. The brand focuses on reducing shipping costs and times and lessening its environmental impact.

10. Hi-Power Cycles

Hi-Power Cycles in Chatsworth, California, is focused on providing quality electric bikes made in the U.S.A. to bring renewable energy into riders’ lives. It formulates its batteries in-house to achieve this goal. What’s even better is they are vocal about providing American jobs and giving a fair wage to its workers. Explore the catalog to see what catches your eye.

11. Optibike

Optibike is another pioneer in the e-bike world, operating since 1998. The Paonia, Colorado organization is similar to Outrider in having American-made parts and globally sourced motors. You can look forward to bikes with robust performance, up to 1700W for the motor power. Check out their pre-owned bikes if you want to be more eco-friendly and save money, too.

12. QuietKat USA

QuietKat offers various e-bikes assembled in the U.S.A. Some parts are sourced from other regions, but QuietKat tries to integrate American-made components when possible. Another Colorado company, QuietKat is based in Eagle. Their models vary in specs. If you want to cycle to work as a transportation replacement, look for a higher unrestricted top speed like the Apex Sport.

13. Spark Cycleworks

Spark Cycleworks is an American brand based in North Branford, Connecticut that makes the outdoors a more fun place to be in. They’re behind the popular Bandit e-bike, with its edgy design. You can either get the Javelin or Brute variation. You can also customize certain parts like the headlights and handlebars. Frames are fabricated in-house, which really lives up to the Made in the U.S.A. claim.

14. Ride Scoozy

Ride Scoozy is also prominent in the e-bike industry, hailing from St. Petersburg, Florida. Although their components are sourced outside the country, designs and assembly are all done in America. The Veego Fat Tire is one of their more popular options since it combines larger tires and an electric motor with a cargo bike design.

15. Vintage Electric

As the name suggests, Vintage Electric offers modified vintage bikes with an electrical system. Some parts are outsourced, but there are also U.S. components involved. Everything is assembled at their factory and showroom in Santa Clara, California. The retro products are high quality and functional, contributing to its higher price tag.

16. Worksman Cycles

Worksman Cycles has been around for a while, making bicycles, scooters, trikes, and more. The family-owned and operated manufacturer in Conway, South Carolina now offers e-bikes to provide even more speed and efficiency to the riding experience. They disclose that they utilize both imported and domestic components in their models.

17. Montague Bikes

Montague Bikes has been around the block in the cycling industry, operating from Cambridge, Massachusetts. However, they are new to providing electric bikes, offering up the M-E1. This full-size folding electric bike provides all the same perks as other options while offering easy portability and storage when necessary.

18. Nakto USA

Nakto USA is one of the most affordable e-bike brands, which is excellent if you want to test the waters of having this vehicle. All bikes are assembled in the company’s warehouse in Placentia, California. Apart from having lower prices, they also offer plenty of variation. For instance, they have electric mountain bikes and folding bikes with fat tires.

19. Foes Racing USA

Foes Racing is a trusted U.S.A.-made provider of handcrafted mountain bikes, based in San Dimas, California. However, they aim to penetrate the e-bike business with the Fat-E bike. This offering has a fat tire bike frame with a smart system for a smoother riding experience. Thanks to its battery, it also provides a longer cycling time. The brand will be taking orders for the model soon.

20. FireFly Bicycles

FireFly Bicycles is a reputable bike provider, sourcing components from around the country and assembling them in Melrose, Massachusetts. You can get one of their readily available units or request a custom titanium and carbon high-performance e-bike. They aim to create a deeper connection between riders and the art of cycling.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Electric Bike

What exactly makes an electric bike worth buying? Every person has their own priorities when getting this vehicle. From pedal assist to hydraulic brakes to the best safety features, there are many factors to consider. Here are a few considerations to get you starting in finding your perfect bike and get the ultimate riding experience.

1. Bike Types

All electric bikes fall under a certain category of biking design. You have to consider your future use of this vehicle to determine what terrain and pressure you will put it under. After all, you want to make the most of your investment.

Here are a few example bike types:

• Electric mountain bike: Electric mountain biking can be the best part of off-road adventures. It typically has a fat tire design and a thicker frame for support.
• Electric cruiser bike: Cruiser e-bikes are standard for leisurely driving on regular pathways. Their priority is comfort rather than performance.
• Electric cargo bike: An electric cargo bike has multiple racks and a good weight capacity to accommodate items. Whether you’re getting groceries or making deliveries, it’s a solid form of transportation to get you to and fro.
• Electric folding bike: Folding e-bikes are incredibly versatile, whether bringing them around or storing them at home. This version has minis to emphasize the compactness, but models expand to full-sized bicycles.

2. Price Tag

Electric bikes come in all shapes, sizes, and prices. A few are around $1,000, but more premium options will likely cost more. More expensive doesn’t always mean higher quality, so focus more on performance than the price tag.

Consider other expenses that come with the e-bike purchase as well. Listings with free shipping can help you save a couple of dollars. Future regular maintenance is also a significant factor.

3. Battery Range

Electric bikes have batteries to improve their speed and efficiency when riding. If you’ll use it for longer periods, explore models with extended battery life. You can watch YouTube videos that do these tests and comparisons to see whether an e-bike suits your lifestyle.

4. Materials

While many electric bikes aim to be high quality, it’s still worth checking out reviews of those materials. You can also look for specific features when browsing. For instance, some riders prefer hydraulic disc brakes over normal ones since they offer smoother control over the brake pads.

5. Customer Service

Buy from an e-bike business you can contact and seek maintenance from in case you run into any issues in the near future. Look for kind and responsive customer service. It’s also ideal to find providers who take their privacy policy very seriously to keep your personal information safe and sound.

Find the Best E-Bike For You

Enthusiasts may find some of the best electric bikes are made in the U.S.A. All that’s left to do is to choose the enterprise and model. Compare models and specifications to narrow down your list and find a unit that is suitable for you. Take a test ride to confirm your choice and you’ll be on your way!

About the Author

Beth Rush

Beth Rush is the Managing Editor and Content Manager at Body+Mind.

Body+Mind features articles about diet, fitness, mental health, parenting and health care.