Choosing the Right EBike: 3 Riders Try Different EBikes & Pick Their Favorite: Which Will They Pick?

If you’ve ever wondered which electric bike would actually feel right once you’re in the saddle, you’re not alone. I’m Dustin, and I’ve been in the bike and e-bike industry for nearly 20 years. In this ride session, I brought out three riders, handed them a lineup of sixthreezero e-bikes, and let them test everything, back-to-back.

They didn’t just ride them—they each picked a favorite.

Here’s how it went, what they rode, and why three very different riders landed on three different e-bikes.

Meet the Test Riders

We had a great mix of ages, bodies, and riding backgrounds:

• Bruce – 68 years old, 5'8", 200 lbs
• Rides a regular bike often, but has never owned an e-bike.
• Mike – 56 years old, 5'10"
• Rides a bike every day and has some prior e-bike experience.
• Regina – 51 years old, 5'5"
• Rides a regular bike almost daily, but had never tried a two-wheel e-bike before this.

Bruce and Mike are also Navy veterans, so they know a thing or two about handling equipment and reading how something feels under them.

The EBikes They Tested

Across the session, they rode several sixthreezero models, each with a different personality, riding position, and power profile:

• Around The Block Electric Cruiser – 500W rear hub motor, classic beach cruiser style
• Zip & Fold – 750W rear hub motor, compact, folding, powerful and zippy
• Simple Step-Through – 500W, low step-through frame, upright cruiser feel
• Relaxed Body – 500W, semi-recumbent style with forward pedaling, very laid-back riding position
• EVRYjourney – 500W with forward pedaling frame, upright and ergonomic, one of our most popular all-around bikes

All of them feature pedal assist, throttle, and multiple gears, but how that power feels is very different from bike to bike.

We started with the Around The Block Electric Cruiser – a 500W rear hub motor paired with a beach cruiser frame, seven speeds, upright posture, and a thumb throttle.

Mike hopped on first.

• He immediately liked the pedal assist feel and how easily it pulled him up to speed.
• The upright riding position felt natural and comfortable.
• His reaction summed it up well: it “handles good” and feels like a bike he’d happily take on trails or around town.

This bike set a pretty high bar right away. It’s simple, familiar, and powerful enough to feel fun without being intimidating.

Next, we moved to something with a little more punch: the Zip & Fold, a compact folding e-bike with a 750W rear hub motor and twist throttle.

Mike went first again, and you could see the difference instantly:

• He loved the power and acceleration.
• The higher riding position and scooter-like controls felt natural to him, especially with his background riding scooters and motorcycles.
• He described it as “a cool bike” – fast, fun, and very confidence-inspiring.

Price came up too. When he heard it was around the mid-$1,000s range, his reaction was that it was “way more doable” than he expected for that level of power.

This quickly became his early front-runner.

Then we brought out the Simple Step-Through – same 500W motor as the cruiser, but with a very low step-through frame that makes mounting and dismounting easy, especially when you’ve got groceries or limited mobility.

All three riders appreciated the step-through design:

• Mike liked how it looked and how it rode – he called it a “really nice riding bike.”
• Bruce commented on how much he liked the step-through as he gets older; it’s easier than swinging a leg over a high top tube.
• Handling was a big positive: several times they used words like “smooth,” “handles really nice,” and “comfortable.”

This model started to stand out for riders thinking about daily practicality – errands, groceries, and everyday use.

We also let them try a smaller-wheel, more compact e-bike with a powerful rear motor and quick acceleration.

Reactions were similar across the riders:

• It felt very nimble and “zippy.”
• Lightweight and easy to handle, especially at lower speeds or tight turns.
• Good option for shorter riders or those who want something small and quick.

However, both Bruce and Mike noted that while it was fun, its nimbleness also meant they’d need to be a bit more careful with sharp turns. It’s playful, but not the “relaxed cruising” feel of the larger cruisers.

Then we brought out something totally different: the Relaxed Body Electric Bike.

This one has:

• A forward-pedaling design – pedals are out in front rather than directly below.
• A more laid-back, semi-recumbent riding position.
• Swept-back handlebars that come to you, so you don’t lean forward.

Reactions were strong:

• Mike described it as “almost relaxing” – like a low-rider or even a cruiser motorcycle.
• Bruce called it the most comfortable bike of the day.
• The ergonomics were a big win: less strain on the back, shoulders, and wrists, and a very secure, stable feeling.

It quickly became the favorite for anyone prioritizing all-day comfort over maximum agility.

Finally, they tried the EVRYjourney – our best-selling frame design, available in both standard and electric versions.

Key features they noticed:

• Forward pedaling allows the rider to keep the seat a bit lower while still getting full leg extension.
• Very upright, ergonomic riding position.
• Feels natural and “dialed-in” right away, even for a first-time e-bike rider.

Mike especially liked how balanced it felt:

• He said it felt like it was almost on “autopilot” – not twitchy or demanding, but still responsive.
• He normally doesn’t love wider handlebars, but on this bike, the cockpit felt “just right.”

It’s the kind of e-bike that feels familiar to a regular bike rider but adds power and comfort in a way that isn’t overwhelming.

After riding everything, I asked each rider to choose one favorite—the bike they’d actually want to take home.

Regina’s Pick: EVRYjourney

Regina chose the EVRYjourney as her top choice.

Why she chose it:

• She felt secure and stable on it.
• The riding position felt natural and confidence-inspiring.
• The step-through version made it easy to get on and off, especially as a shorter rider.

For her, it struck the best balance between comfort, control, and style.

Bruce’s Pick: Relaxed Body

Bruce went straight for the Relaxed Body as his favorite.

What sold him:

• “Most comfortable” of all the bikes he tried.
• Loved the laid-back seating and forward pedals.
• The easy step-through frame mattered to him as he thought about aging and long-term rideability.

If you want something that feels like a lounge chair on wheels but still has real power, this is that bike.

Mike’s Pick: Zip & Fold (750W)

Mike had the hardest time picking just one, but in the end he chose the Zip & Fold 750W.

His reasons:

• He loved the power and acceleration – it felt alive and fun.
• The scooter-like feel matched his experience with mopeds and scooters.
• It still felt controllable and stable, not out of hand.

He named the EVRYjourney and Simple Step-Through as close seconds for comfort—but when it came down to what he’d actually ride daily, the Zip & Fold won.

Three riders. Three different picks. That’s the point.

• If you’re looking for maximum comfort and a laid-back ride, something like the Relaxed Body will probably feel perfect.
• If you want a do-everything, everyday e-bike that feels familiar and easy to ride, the EVRYjourney is a strong choice.
• If you’re a more experienced rider who likes power and snap, a 750W compact like the Zip & Fold is likely to be your favorite.

All of them were impressed by:

• How smooth the pedal assist felt.
• How far the bikes would coast thanks to good bearings and wheel setup.

How important fit and riding position are—far more than just motor size or color.

How to Choose an Electric Bike That Fits You

Fit came up again and again on test day, so here's how each bike sizes up. Start with your height and weight, then pick the frame and feel you liked best in the riders' stories.

• Around The Block 500W: a classic step-through cruiser e-bike with 26" wheels and a thumb throttle. Fits riders 5'0" to 6'0", up to 250 lbs.
• Simple Step-Thru 500W Deluxe: built for the easiest possible on and off, with 26" wheels. Fits riders 5'0" to 6'4", up to 300 lbs.
• EVRYjourney 500W Deluxe: Regina's pick. A low step-through frame and 26" wheels, with a thumb throttle. Fits riders 5'0" to 6'4", up to 300 lbs.
• Relaxed Body 26" 500W Deluxe: Bruce's pick. Forward pedaling lets you sit low and still get full leg extension, and its 48V 14Ah battery offers up to 50 miles of range. Fits riders 5'0" to 6'4", up to 300 lbs.
• Zip n' Fold 750W: Mike's pick. A 750W motor, 20" x 3" tires and a frame that folds small enough to fit two in a hatchback or SUV. Fits riders 5'1" to 6'4", up to 300 lbs.
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Thumb Throttle or Twist Throttle?

It's a small detail that changes how a bike feels. The Around The Block, EVRYjourney and Relaxed Body use a thumb throttle you press down with your thumb, which most riders find easy to learn. The Zip n' Fold uses a right-hand twist throttle, like a scooter or motorcycle, which is part of why Mike, a longtime scooter rider, felt right at home on it.

All the e-bikes the riders tested are available on the sixthreezero website, and you can:

• Take a BodyFit Quiz to match a model to your height, weight, riding style, and comfort needs.
• Ride with peace of mind thanks to a 30-day test-ride policy—if you don’t love your e-bike in the first month, you can send it back.
• Get a one-year warranty on parts and labor for added security.

You can also join the sixthreezero Pedalers Facebook group and download our app to:

• Talk to real riders about the bikes they chose
• See how many miles they’re logging
• Share ride photos, routes, and tips

In the end, the “best” e-bike isn’t the one with the biggest motor or fanciest spec sheet—it’s the one that makes you actually want to ride.

It’s your journey, your experience. Enjoy the ride.

EBike FAQs:

What's the best ebike for seniors?

Look for a low step-through frame and an upright or relaxed riding position. Bruce, 68, chose the Relaxed Body because it was the most comfortable bike he rode all day. Browse more bikes for seniors.

What's the best electric bike for a shorter rider?

Check the rider height range first. The Around The Block, Simple Step-Thru, EVRYjourney and Relaxed Body all fit riders from 5'0", and the Zip n' Fold from 5'1". Regina, at 5'5", picked the EVRYjourney. See our guide to the best electric bike for a short woman.

How far can these ebikes go on a charge?

The EVRYjourney and Around The Block reach about 20 miles on full electric and 20 to 40 miles with pedal assist. The Relaxed Body's larger battery offers up to 50 miles.

Which of these ebikes folds?

The Zip n' Fold. It folds small enough to fit two in a hatchback or SUV.

How heavy are they?

The EVRYjourney weighs 64.8 lbs, the Around The Block 65.3 lbs and the Zip n' Fold 68.34 lbs, each with the battery.