Why You Can Trust CNET The Best E-Bikes and Scooters to Give for the Holidays in 2023
Rev up your gifting game with the hottest e-bikes and scooters of the season.
The holiday shopping season is here, and e-bikes and scooters are hot items this year. If there's someone on your list who's hoping for a new shiny ride, we've got the lowdown on the best e-bikes and scooters to give this holiday season. Whether you're shopping for a commuting spouse, an adventure-loving teen, or you know someone who needs a little boost getting up hills, there's something for every type of rider on this list.
If you do splash out on a rideable for a friend or loved one, be sure to check the model's specs, class and age recommendations and review your local laws to find out if there are any restrictions in your area.
There are a few safety-oriented "must haves" for an e-bike you're going to be riding around a city, but when you start shopping for folding bikes, a few of those features quickly become optional. Unless, that is, you buy from Heybike. The Ranger S foldable bike not only comes with a great headlight and a surprisingly good integrated horn, but it's also got integrated turn signals and an easy release mechanism for the battery so it can be changed even when the bike is locked outside. The rear rack makes it great for hauling groceries or gear from the office, and the folding mechanism makes it easy to tuck the bike away when not in use. It's a great bike for just about any environment, but for a city rider, this frequently my first and last recommendation.
-- Russell Holly
The Lectric XP Trike takes Lectric's award-winning XP series and adds a third wheel, bigger battery and hydraulic brakes to create the industry's first fully foldable, fully assembled e-Trike, retailing at $1,499. Accommodating a wide range of abilities, XP Trike offers the increased stability of a third wheel with the lowest standover height Lectric's offered to date at 13.8 inches. Mobility, balance and age are no longer factors when pursuing adventure, providing newly electrified riders the confidence to get on or off a bike. The XP Trike comes fully equipped with a 1,092-watt peak rear hub motor on an open differential rear axle system for improved turning stability. Shop Lectric's XP Trike Black Friday sale and get $304 in free accessories!
Cruiser bikes are their own unique experience. You're not riding for the most intense workout or to get somewhere as fast as possible, and you're not flinging yourself down a mountain for thrills. Cruisers are for the love of roaming, and when you add an e-bike motor to an already great cruiser, you get the SixThreeZero Ride in the Park Electrified. A 500-watt motor with a rear-mounted 48-volt battery (an integrated battery model also exists) can reach 20 mph if you really need to go fast, but it's clear from the extra comfortable seat and large display that this is a ride for savoring the experience. And by coming it at just under $1,000, it's an experience you don't need to take out a loan to enjoy.
-- Russell Holly
The M20, especially the green and brown version, looks almost exactly like a motorbike from World War II, with the two gas tanks being replaced with batteries. It's not exactly a bike for long-distance riders -- the seat isn't designed for that -- but it is a constant joy to ride on small trips as well as off-road. The suspension is good and the 750 watts can get you across just about any terrain. Oh, and the double battery version easily does 75 miles on throttle alone. If the person you're giving it to loves to have fun, I'd recommend the M20.
-- James Bricknell
There are a lot of scooters out there and most of them are fun to ride. The Turboant X7 Max is fun, but it's also large enough to feel more stable for a big guy like me. The range is around 25 miles when an adult rides it, but the top speed of 20 mph works for either kids or adults. My middle schooler rides this to school every morning and loves it, and I ride it whenever I want to have fun on my trips to the gym.
-- James Bricknell
The Super73-Z Adventure Series is a top choice among older teens and young adults thanks to its undeniable cool factor. With its rugged looks and powerful 600-watt motor, it feels almost like riding a stripped-down motorcycle. This e-bike can tackle most terrains at impressive speeds. One drawback is that if you're going over rough trails, you'll probably notice its lack of full suspension. The front fork and fat tires help, but it can still be a bit of a bumpy ride. The comfortable seat is a welcome addition, and it's long enough to fit an extra rider in the back.
Yes, CNET gave its sibling, the Super73-R, a lackluster ranking -- don't go for this brand if you're looking for a pedal-friendly bike -- but the Super73-Z listed here has a lower price while still maintaining the Adventure Series' head-turning aggressive design and ease of control over speed. Build out of the box is relatively easy, but keep in mind that you'll likely need to tune it up after breaking it in.
-- Desiree DeNunzio