The best commuter bikes come in different shapes and sizes. The commuter bike has a simple concept: It’s a functional and environment-friendly bike that takes you to and from work, shops, stores, town, wherever. This bike category is best for daily commuting and offers maximum comfort. Also, commuting bikes are eco-friendly and give better mileage at reasonable prices.
There is no one type of commuter bike. From folding bikes that you can carry inside your car to hybrid bikes on which you can attach different accessories, there are different types of commuter bikes for different purposes. To buy the best one, you first have to ensure it’s practical and comfortable for the riding you want to do. Your commuter bike could be a hybrid bike, mountain bike, folding bike, electric bike, or cruiser bike, depending on what type of riding you prefer and where you live.
Our skilled testers have tested more than 60 commuter bikes to narrow down the best picks. We finally picked our 5 best picks after testing them on different levels and terrains. We have considered factors like performance, comfort, price, value, handling, reliability, online reviews, and aesthetic appeal. In the end, there are some buying tips and also FAQs to help you a little more. Let’s begin.
Best Commuter Bikes of 2023 | Experts Recommended
Best Commuter Bikes | An In-Depth Review
We, as bike experts, spend hundreds of hours and cover long miles on these commuter bikes to check their performance. We used these bikes to commute to work and shop, ride them in traffic, loaded them with daily essentials, examined how long the e-bike battery lasts, how easily the folding bikes fold, and more. Let’s check out what we found.
1. Heybike Mars E-Bike | Folding Commuter Bikes
| Brand | Jasion |
| Wheel Size | 20 Inches |
| Suspension Type | Front |
| Special Feature | Foldable |
| Number of Speeds | 7 |
| Color | Black |
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Brake Style | Disc |
| Item Weight | 66 Pounds |
If your journey combines bus ride, train, or car mode, then you must have one of the best folding bikes for your daily commute. This time we got our hands on the Heybike Mars folding bike, and we tested it for 3-4 days on various roads, traffic, and narrow lanes. To our surprise, this folding bike has lots to offer at such an economical price. Let’s check out why this bike deserves to be in the top spot of our review.
Best Features of Heybike Mars E-Bike
First of all, we find this bike extremely economical because, at such a price tag, it does beat competitive bikes that cost twice of it. For around $1000, you get tons of impressive features like a full-throttle mode and 3 pedal assistance levels. With a thumb throttle, you can ride this folding bike without pedaling.
Another thing we love about Heymars bike is its 500W geared hub motor. This bike has a 20mph max speed which helios you ride extremely faster while dealing. It easily covers a 20- to 45-mile range, as per the pedal assistance level.
When we first saw its 20-inch tires, we were a bit skeptical about comfort, but after testing it, we realized this is the most comfortable bike we have ever used. While riding, it felt even more comfier than huge 26-inch bikes. Heybike gives you this comfort by equipping its bike with a front suspension fork and fat tire.
Overall, if you have limited space and want an affordable commuter bike that you can carry in your trunk, buying Heybike Mars is best. It’s the best commuter bike with a low frame to prevent transportation issues. Just click on the link below and grab today’s amazing deals.
2. VIVI City Cruiser Bike | Cruiser Commuter Bikes
| Bike Type | Folding Electric Bike, Cruiser Bike, City Ebike |
| Brand | Vivi |
| Wheel Size | 20 Inches |
| Suspension Type | Dual |
| Special Feature | Foldable |
| Number of Speeds | 7 |
| Color | Dark black |
| Frame Material | Carbon Steel |
| Brake Style | Disc |
The second spot on our best commuter bike review goes to VIVI City Cruiser E-Bike, which our experts find affordable, appealing, and easy to use bike. Its advanced features like the headlamp are something that attracts us a lot. Let’s check out what more impressive features you get with this cruiser commuter bike.
Best Features of VIVI Cruiser City Commuter Bike
The Vivi city commuter bike comes with 26-inch wheels and tires, which you normally find only in mountain bikes. But we believe that someone who buys a VIVI 26-inch tire e-bike will buy it only for local commuting because this sturdy bike can give you a comfortable yet fast ride around your neighborhood and a casual ride with your family or friends.
We found many amazing parts on this bike that we have seen only on premium bikes so far. For example, the rear and front mechanical disc brakes. Not only this, but you also get many extras like a comfortable bike seat with a white and red flame pattern.
Another exceptional extra with this bike is its front headlamp, and to our surprise, it comes pre wired to the motor/battery. Just push and hold the “+” button beside the power meter to turn on the front headlamp and to turn it off; just press the same button again.
All in all, we are really impressed with the ViVi city cruiser commuter bike because no matter how many miles we ride, it does not reduce comfort. This commuter bike is perfect for riding around town, local commuting, shopping, and even on mountain terrains.
3. Mongoose Switchback Bike | Mountain Commuter Bikes
| Bike Type | Mountain Bike |
| Brand | Mongoose |
| Wheel Size | 27.5 Inches |
| Specific Uses For Product | Trail |
| Suspension Type | Front |
| Special Feature | Lightweight, Aluminum Frame, Mountain bike |
| Included Components | Bike |
| Number of Speeds | 9 |
| Size | Medium Frame |
If you live in a hilly or mountainous area, you need a Mongoose Switchback expert adult mountain bike to commute daily. As you can guess from its name, this bike is best for commuting in tough areas. We used this mountain bike on various hills and mountainous ways to check if it’s suitable for commuting and provides maximum comfort or not. Let’s find out why we feel it deserves to be on our review.
Best Features of Mongoose Switchback Mountain Bike
First of all, you get this bike in different models like Mongoose Switchback Comp, Mongoose Switchback Expert, & Mongoose Switchback Sport. Plus, you get these variations in both small and large frames with different colors like orange, grey, navy blue, and black.
The internal cable routing plays a huge part in enhancing the look even more. The cabling is extremely neat and gives this bike a clean, sophisticated look. Besides looks, the neat cabling also prevents the wires from fraying, rusting, and failing.
The Mongoose bike has mechanical disc brakes that stop your bike even when you are riding at the highest speeds. We love how smoothly the brakes stop the bike and do not abrupt your body as compared to cheap bikes.
We also checked its patented design during our test to examine how durable it is. Well, the buckle is extremely strong and holds tightly while riding to give structurally good riding. Also, we did not experience any wobble or shaking when riding on different terrains.
Last but not least, Mongoose gives you an extended five-year warranty on this model. So, if you ever get any defects, you get easily ask for a replacement. All in all, you must not let slip this best commuter bike from your hand.
4. ECOTRIC Fat Tire | Best Fat Tire Commuter Bikes
| Brand | ECOTRIC |
| Wheel Size | 26 Inches |
| Specific Uses For Product | Trail |
| Suspension Type | Front |
| Special Feature | Fat tire, Aluminum Frame, Electric, Mountain bike |
| Included Components | E-Bike Accessory Kit |
| Number of Speeds | 7 |
| Size | Large |
If you want a versatile commuter bike to ride on dirt roads, hills, or even off roads, there is nothing better than an ECOTRIC fat tire bike. To be honest, there was no road or hill where we could not ride with this bike. This e-bike is built from aluminum and comes with a detachable lithium battery. Let’s check out what features impressed us and what we dislike about this bike.
Best Features of Ecotric Fat Tire Bike
The Ecotric fat tire e-bikes design looks like a mountain bike but comes with an electric motor and a removable lithium battery. Its fat tires offer exceptional cushioning and a comfortable riding experience no matter how far you ride it.
You get 4 working modes with this e-bike. 1. Pedal Assist Mode: In this mode, the motor helps you with decent power when you pedal the bike. 2. Complete Electric Mode: You have to twist the throttle to increase the power. 3. Pedal Mode: You need to pedal the bike normally like any bicycle. 4. Booster Mode: Your bike will run at 6 km/ h (3.73miles/h), plus it becomes easy to push.
We felt the Ecotric hybrid commuter bike is extremely easy to ride, and we can engage its motor at any time. It offers a smooth ride even on steep hills and makes your ride very enjoyable. Plus, this bike delivers good range and top speed like high-end bikes.
The only part where this bike might disappoint some commuters is its large tires. You might think that the large tires are unnecessary, but they give you comfort and prevent front shocks. This is something we rarely see on bikes with such a price range.
What we love most about this bike is an 18 months warranty on manufacturing defects like frame, battery, display, motor, and controller. Overall, the ECOTRIC e-bike is a perfect commuter bike that looks not only amazing but also feels awesome to ride.
5. VELOWAVE Electric Bike For Adults | Electric Commuter Bikes
| Brand | VELOWAVE |
| Wheel Size | 26 Inches |
| Specific Uses For Product | Gravel |
| Suspension Type | Front |
| Special Feature | Rechargeable |
| Included Components | Kickstand |
| Number of Speeds | 7 |
| Color | Black |
If your commute covers steep hills, high mileage, or you simply do not want to arrive home or at work with sweaty clothes, you need some best electric bikes from Velowave. Velowave e-bikes feature neat styling and integrated batteries with exceptional Bafang rear hub motors. After looking at the online reviews, we find this range very promising. Let’s check what we love and dislike about this commuter bike in detail.
Best Features of VELOWAVE E-Bike
Velowave comes with a powerful and high-speed 750W BAFANG geared motor. This model delivers even much better electric power with 28+mph speed. This way, it acts not only as a commuter bike but also as a fun ride.
You get a removable larger battery with 48V/15AH LG cells that work for a lifetime and cover around 25-40+ miles with a single full charge. Its detachable battery makes it extremely convenient for you to bring it to your office or friends’ home to recharge.
You get 28+MPH max speed by pedal and 36 miles by the throttle. This calculation is based on a 75kg rider’s weight. The range can differ as per the rider’s weight, weather, and road conditions. Such speed is rarely seen in any other e-bike with the same price range.
We love the extras with this bike like LCD, hydraulic suspension fork, hydraulic disc brake system, bright front light, adjustable seat, stability, comfort, anti-skidding fat tire, and powerful riding experience.
The best part is you get 1-year warranty on the motor, battery, charger, and controller. Some users complain that they saw some dirt on Velowave e bikes after ordering online, but it’s all because each new bike goes through rigorous testing before packing. Hence, sometimes, dust stays on the tires. Make sure your hands do not slip this amazing commuter bike.
Different Categories of Commuter Bikes
Few bikes can be considered under the commuter bike category. The most common types of commuter bikes include road bikes, mountain bikes, hybrid bikes, and electric bikes.
Road Bikes
Road bikes are designed for speed and efficiency. They typically have narrow tires and a lightweight frame that makes them ideal for riding on paved surfaces. Best road bikes can be expensive, but they offer a smooth ride and great performance.
Mountain Bikes
Mountain bikes are designed for off-road riding. They have wider tires and a heavier frame that make them capable of handling rough terrain. Mountain bikes can be more difficult to ride on paved surfaces, but they offer a great workout and are perfect for exploring the outdoors.
To Buy Best Affordable Mountain Bikes Read: 5 Best Mountain Bikes Under $700
To Buy High-End Mountain Bikes Read: Best Mountain Bikes Under $2000
Hybrid Bikes
A hybrid commuter bike crosses between a road and a mountain bike. They have wider tires than road bikes, but they’re still lightweight and efficient. Hybrid bikes are a good choice for riders who want a bike that can handle both paved and unpaved surfaces.
Electric Bikes
Electric bikes are powered by batteries, requiring no pedaling effort. These bikes are becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to traditional commuter bicycles. Electric bikes are perfect for commuters who want a break from pedaling or who need a little extra help getting up hills.
Folding Bikes
Another popular type of commuter bike is the folding bike. These bikes are perfect for those who need to store their bike in a small space, such as an apartment or office. Best folding bikes typically have smaller wheels than traditional commuter bicycles, making them easier to transport and store.
Fat Tire Bikes
Another option for commuters is a fat tire bike. These bikes are designed for stability and traction, making them ideal for riding on rough terrain or in inclement weather. Fat tire bikes usually have larger wheels than traditional bicycles, making them more difficult to transport and store.
Vintage Bikes
Also known as retro commuter bikes !! These bikes are for those who want a vintage-inspired option. These bikes often have classic features, such as metal fenders and chain guards, that give them a retro look. Vintage bikes can be either lightweight or heavyweight, depending on the materials used in their construction. You can consider checking some best Schwinn vintage bikes if you love retro-type bikes.
Buy Best Commuter Bike | Buyer’s Guide
It can be tough to decide which is the best commuter bike for you. There are so many factors to consider, from budget and maintenance requirements to the type of terrain you’ll be riding on. But don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you shop for the best commuter bikes –
Budget
Of course, one of the most important considerations when choosing any bike is your budget. Commuter bikes can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, so it’s important to set a realistic budget before starting your search. If you are tight on budget, buy a bike with a single-speed, fewer frills, with a low price tag.
But keep in mind that cheaper bikes may require more maintenance and may not be as durable as expensive options like ANCHEER 350/500W Electric Commuter Bike, so it’s important to strike a balance between price and quality. Also, keep checking the website on holidays and festive seasons to see if there are commuter bikes for sale or discounts.
Maintenance Requirements
Another key consideration is the maintenance required to keep your bike in good condition. If you’re not mechanically inclined or don’t have much time for upkeep, look for a bike that doesn’t require too much work. For example, bikes with disc brakes may require less frequent brake pad replacements than those with rim brakes. Likewise, bikes with internally-geared hubs tend to be lower-maintenance than those with derailleurs.
Type of Terrain
The type of terrain you’ll be riding on is also an important factor to consider when choosing a commuter bike. If you’ll be sticking to well-paved roads, a road bike or hybrid bike might be the best option. But if you need to navigate gravel roads or even off-road trails, a mountain bike might be more your speed. It’s important to choose a bike that’s well-suited to the terrain you’ll be riding on most often.
Storage and Transportation
If you’re planning on using your commuter bike for running errands or commuting to work, consider how you’ll transport it when you’re not riding it. If you have a car, look for a bike that can easily be attached to a rack or fitted into the trunk. And if you don’t have access to a car, make sure the bike you choose is light enough to carry and includes features like folding pedals that make it easy to store. There is also an alternate option to carry your bikes; just check out some of the best bike racks to transport your bike/s.
Comfort and Fit
Finally, don’t forget to consider comfort and fit when choosing the best commuting bicycle. If you’ll be riding long distances, make sure the bike is comfortable to ride and adjust the seat and handlebars to fit your height. It’s also important to make sure the bike is the right size – too small and you won’t be able to ride comfortably, too big, and it will be difficult to control.
Style
You get a vast range of options when it comes to commuter bike style. But we believe that instead of picking the coolest look bike, you should consider the climbing profile and distance of your commute. If you have the four-mile route, then you can go for a single-speed pick. But if you have a more than 10-mile rough route, then buying something geared will be ideal.
Commuter Bike vs Road Bike
Sometimes, users consider commuter bike and road bike as the same. But they have few differences. A road bike basically drives fast, but commuter bikes are comfortable and do not break any speed records. These bikes are used for daily commuting like shopping, running errands, going to work, school, or office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How can I make my commute by bike more comfortable & enjoyable?
You can do a few things to make your commute by bike more comfortable and enjoyable.
- Invest in good-quality cycling gear that is designed for comfort.
- Take to map out a route that avoids busy roads and hills.
- Try during off-peak hours when there is less traffic on the roads.
- Buy a comfortable bike seat to get maximum comfort while riding.
Q2. How often should I get my commuter bike serviced?
Generally, you have your commuter bike serviced at least once a year. However, if you ride frequently or in harsh conditions, you may need to service your bike more often. Be sure to check your owner’s manual for specific service recommendations.
Q3. What are some safety tips for commuting by bike?
You should keep a few safety tips in mind when commuting by bike.
- Always wear a bike helmet and knee cap.
- Be visible to other motorists by wearing bright clothing and using lights at night.
- When riding in traffic and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
- Check your bike is properly maintained and serviced to ensure it is safe to ride.
Q4. How can I make sure my commuter bike is properly sized for me?
The best way to ensure that your commuter bike is properly sized is to have a professional fitting done at a local bike shop. This will help you find the perfect frame size and seat height for your body. It is also important to ensure that your handlebars are the right widths for you.
Q5. How much should I expect to spend on a good commuter bike?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on some factors, including your budget, riding style, and the distance you will be riding. However, a good rule of thumb is to expect to spend at least $500 on a quality commuter bike.
Q6. How can I carry stuff on my bike while commuting?
There are a few different ways to carry stuff on your bike while commuting. One option is to use a backpack or pannier. You can also use a front or rear rack to attach bike baskets or bags. Finally, some bikes have built-in storage features, such as a front basket or rear cargo rack.
Q7. How can I keep my commuter bike in good condition?
Here are a few tips to help you keep your commuter bike in good condition:
- Regularly clean and lubricate your chain by using some best chain lubes and oils.
- Inflate your tires to the proper pressure.
- Check your brakes and wheels for wear and tear.
- Keep an eye on your bike’s bolts and nuts to make sure they are tight.
- Have your bike regularly serviced by a professional.
- Store your bike indoors if possible to protect it from the elements.
