That's a lot of best bro. But this is generally smth everyone should be wondering abt. 

Alot of times when a product seems too complicated or niche we get lazy with the research and settle for surface level information 

And then just getting the first ebike recommended in reviews lol 

I did some digging and found out there are many criterias that make a brand the besttt but these 2 are my most important i think 

THE PRACTICAL CRITERION: the ecosystem test

1. Motor + controller + display 

The best brands build or deeply integrate an ecosystem from scratch. The best motors (bosch + shimano + specialised SL) all have one thing in common: 
 The motor, controller, battery, and display are designed to communicate.

This after because power delivery is tunable
Diagnostics are real 
And firmware updates can actually improve your ride over time. 

Some brands are just building a bicycle with a motor on it. 
Tbh thats fair too at a certain price point. But its srsly not even the same category lol

1. Serviceability 

This asks if you can fix smth 3 yrs from now. 
This is the part where most brands fall silent lol. 
The moment a brand discontinues a model or a if it goes under (all mortals are susceptible to bankruptcy lol) you're basically holding an expensive piece of modern art 

The top of the tier brands use these:

• bosch powertube
• powerpack batteries 
• Standard brake hardware 
• Motor with publicly available diagnostic tools 

• Shimano STEPS has the E-tube project app (v cool bcs you can do at home diagnostics)

• Parts Available 

The best of these e bike brands have parts that are available at your LBS and nt just their warehouse in one country. 
The exclusivity of parts is what eventually leads to consumers selling the product and opting for smth local 
That's how most of us function as buyers 

Bosch, shimano and fazua have dealer networks that span continents 

Trek, specialised, and giant. All have supplier chains built over decades

A brand that appeared on the radar 18 months ago with kickstarter funds and a bafang motor will have neither of these. 

I guess that isnt bad bcs everybody starts somewhere. But you should at least know what you're signing up for. 

1. Software maturity 

Nobody rly talks abt this 

Underrated feature tbh. 

The best brands have apps that truly feel like they want to help. 

Specialized has a mission control app. This one lets you tune the power curve per assist level. 

And not just pick from 3 preset modes, 

Bosch’s ebike flow has navigation. Also range prediction and theft protection. 

Fazua has a ride app that does custom tuning down to the motor’s response speed. 

Now when you compare these top brands where companion apps has a 2.1 star rating and haven't been updated since Q2 2022, which is better??

Okay now to the real part of the ordeal. When you combine all 4 categories you really only have a handful of ebike brands that fit the bill. 

Here are what the internet thinks are ‘the best of the best’. But you be the judge. 

1. Riese and Muller 

Passes all 4 categories. 
Bosch motor. Dual battery. 
Lifetime warranty. 
Expensive asl tho 

1. Trek (domane/Rail/Verve e line)

Again, passes all 4. 
Bosch ecosystem. Masssiveee dealer footprint so good resale value too. Good dealer network across europe and north american. 
Again, pricey pricey pricey $$$

1. Specialised Turbo 

Fits 3 of the criteria. 
Specialised mission control app is apparently the best tho. 
SL motor (lighter than bosch) 
Dealer not readily available tho. 

1. Giant (trance E + explore E)

Has a syncdrive motor. Yamaha under the hood tho. V v underrated. 
With incredible build quality at lower price than trek.
Dealer netwerk real tight tho. 
App is functional. Not the best tho tbh. 
Real good option still. 

1. Aventon

Unpopular opinion but this only fulfills 3 points. 
It has the best price as per ‘value per feature’ but has its own ecosystem. 
Great for 3 ish yrs. 
Goood price tho

1. Rad Power

This is B grade according to the internet but the specs are actually still v v good. 
This one has community backing. Smth not all brands can say. 
A lot of DIY friendly features 
Good battery, adequate QS but variable CS experience. Which is why it is not top tier yet. 
Solid bike. 
R&M can be disappointing tho so dont be surprised. 
Overall a good choice. 

There are still a few more criterias that consumers base their decision on. 
This criteria I think is the best one. 
Its practical and makes your question how easy it would be for you! AFTER you have purchased the bike. 

What are your thoughts on this?