The electric bike market in the United States has exploded in recent years, leaving many first-time buyers wondering: where do I actually go to buy one? The short answer is that you have more options than ever before—from direct-to-consumer online brands to your neighborhood bike shop. Here’s a comprehensive guide to where you can buy a motorized bicycle (e-bike) in the U.S., along with the top brands dominating the market today.

Buying Online: The Direct-to-Consumer Revolution

The most significant shift in the e-bike industry has been the rise of direct-to-consumer (DTC) online brands. Companies like Rad Power Bikes, Aventon, Lectric, and Ride1Up have become dominant forces by offering compelling features at competitive prices. Buying online gives you access to brands and models not available locally, and allows for easy comparison of detailed specs and user reviews from the comfort of your home.

Major online retailers and platforms include:

• Brand Direct Websites – Most major e-bike brands sell directly through their own sites, often with free shipping within the contiguous U.S. For example, Ride1Up offers free shipping to the lower 48 states, and Radio Flyer ships free within two business days.

• Upway – A specialized online marketplace for new and refurbished e-bikes from major brands, offering up to 60% off retail. Upway has a 4.6/5 rating across over 16,000 reviews and provides a short quiz to guide you toward models that fit your needs.

• Used Ride Zone – A U.S.-based online store specializing in used electric vehicles including e-bikes, with flexible payment options, local pickup, and nationwide shipping.

• eScootz USA – Offers a complete collection of electric bikes, scooters, and accessories with free shipping and a 2-year warranty.

• Specialty online retailers – Sites like BikeAttack.com and askmybike.com offer traditional bikes and e-bikes alongside expert service. Epic Cycles is another specialized online retailer covering mountain, road, and electric bikes.

The trade-offs: Buying online means no test rides before purchase, and you’ll likely need to handle assembly yourself (though many brands offer easy assembly—some as quick as 5–15 minutes). Service and repairs may require finding a local mechanic or navigating potentially complex return processes.

Buying in Person: Local Bike Shops and Retailers

If you prefer to see, touch, and test ride before buying, physical retail remains a strong option. In fact, offline channels account for approximately 65% of e-bike sales in the U.S..

Local Bike Shops (LBS)

Local bike shops offer the gold standard for the in-person buying experience. Their knowledgeable staff provide expert guidance, helping you match the right bike type, size, and features to your riding style. Crucially, they offer test rides, allowing you to feel the motor’s power, check the bike’s fit, and compare models firsthand. Professional assembly ensures your e-bike is safe and ready to ride, and after-sales service provides peace of mind with easy access to repairs, tune-ups, and warranty support.

How to find one: Online maps and manufacturer websites usually feature dealer locators. Brands like Pedego have a network of locally-owned stores across the country, and HOVSCO provides an interactive dealer map on their official website.

Big-Box Retailers

Large retailers like Best Buy and Dick’s Sporting Goods may carry some e-bike models. Best Buy is an excellent choice for customers who have already done their research, know which popular model they want, and highly value convenience and purchase protection. However, selection is often limited to entry-level models, staff may lack specialized knowledge, assembly quality can vary, and post-purchase support may be less comprehensive.

For budget-conscious buyers, the used e-bike market is growing rapidly. Platforms like Upway offer fully reconditioned, pre-owned e-bikes at significant discounts. Used Ride Zone similarly specializes in high-quality used electric vehicles. This can be a great way to get a premium brand at a fraction of the cost—just be sure to check battery health and warranty coverage before purchasing.

Top 5 Electric Bike Brands in the U.S. Market

Based on market share, industry reports, and consumer recognition, here are the top e-bike brands dominating the American market today:

1. Trek

Market Position: Trek led the U.S. e-bike market with over 13.9% market share in 2025. As a legacy brand with nearly 50 years of experience, Trek is trusted by riders worldwide.

Flagship Model: Trek Allant+ Series – The Allant+ is an urban commuter e-bike featuring a powerful Bosch Performance Line CX motor (600W, 85 Nm torque) and an integrated battery. It’s a Class 3 e-bike with pedal assist up to 28 mph, making it ideal for daily commuting with built-in lights, fenders, and a rear rack.

2. Rad Power Bikes

Market Position: Founded in Northern California in 2007 and now based in Seattle, Rad Power Bikes helped shape the modern DTC e-bike category in North America. The brand is known for affordable, utility-first e-bikes.

Flagship Model: RadRunner 3 Plus / RadRunner Max – Starting at $1,799 for the Plus version, this utility e-bike features a redesigned low-step frame, hydraulic brakes, and up to 350 pounds of cargo capacity. The motor puts out 70 Nm of torque, and the bike has been reimagined with Rad’s most advanced technology and premium components.

3. Aventon

Market Position: Headquartered in Southern California, Aventon is a major e-bike brand known for stylish, high-performance urban commuters. The brand is a top choice for urban commuting.

Flagship Model: Aventon Level 2 – This commuter e-bike reigned for two-and-a-half years as Bicycling magazine’s Best Overall e-bike. It features a large 733 Wh battery with plenty of range for daily commuting, 5 pedal assist settings, a suspension fork, and a sleek, removable battery. Riders praise its smooth pedal assist and long battery life.

4. Lectric eBikes

Market Position: Lectric has built a reputation for offering exceptional value, with models frequently named “Best Budget” picks by reviewers.

Flagship Model: Lectric XP 4.0 – Starting at just $999, the XP4 is a folding e-bike that offers remarkable value. The upgraded XP4 750 features a 750-watt motor and a 17.5Ah battery, delivering up to 85 miles of range. It includes uncommon features at its price point: a torque sensor, turn signals, a color TFT display, and quick-release pedals. Reviewers note it “delivers performance and quality well above what you’d expect for its price point”.

5. ASKMY

Positioned as the most value-for-money electric bicycle brand in the mid-to-high-end market, ASKMY’s current flagship models include the E14, E500, and E26, covering commuter folding bikes, all-terrain mountain bikes, and road e-bikes.

As an integrated manufacturing and trading company, ASKMY maintains an online presence across all major platforms, including askmybike.com, Amazon, TikTok, and Temu. Offline, the company operates local warehouses on the East and West Coasts of the United States and maintains ASKMY brick-and-mortar stores in multiple U.S. locations, enabling local shipping and after-sales service.

Final Thoughts: Choosing Where to Buy

The best place to buy an e-bike depends on your priorities:

Before buying, always check for UL 2849 certification on the full system or at least UL 2271 on the battery—these certifications ensure the system has been rigorously tested for fire safety. And remember: the top-performing e-bikes in independent tests typically run between $2,000 and $3,000, though excellent budget options exist below that range.