No matter which bike I recommend, most people I know personally buy this one. It has a seemingly magic blend of affordability and usefulness. Seattle-based Rad Power Bikes ships its bikes direct-to-consumer, and rather than working exclusively with companies like Bosch and Shimano, it also develops its own custom hub-motor drivetrains with a number of different vendors. Extras like aluminum pedals and extra gears are stripped off in favor of a burly 120-pound rear rack and big, stable, custom Kenda tires.
Almost anyone can use the RadRunner (7/10, WIRED Review)—whether you want a comfy cruiser for beach rides, a stable seat for your 4-year-old, or you just want to ditch your gas-powered Vespa. If you’ve never been on a bike before, the Elby S1 also has an easy step-through frame and premium trimmings, like Tektro hydraulic brakes. It’s much more expensive, though ($3,000 on Amazon).