Best electric bikes under $400

Top pick: Windhorse W3 — the best all-round commuter here. A 500W motor (715W peak) with a 35-mile range and 22 mph top speed covers most city rides, and it has the strongest owner feedback of the group by a wide margin. It's also the one I'd trust to keep working through a daily commute.

Who the others suit:

• VIVI Gopina — if you want the most proven, well-reviewed bike and don't need a big motor; it's heavier and slower, but owners rate it highly.
• VIVI MT26 — if your commute mixes in gravel, paths or rough pavement; it's built for commuting and light off-road.
• SYX MOTO 20" fat tire — if you ride in snow, sand or badly broken streets; the fat tires and suspension soak it up, but it's bulky.
• Windhorse W2A — if you need to fold it and carry it into an office or apartment; lighter motor, shorter battery.
• Rexei Yeki 14" folder — if space is the priority and the ride is short; small wheels are twitchy on rough roads.
• ZEFIORA / ELHIXNH / SNNAFFOB folders — budget folding options with baskets; fine for short, flat trips, but thinner ratings and less range confidence.

Skip the Setohet 26" — its few reviews are poor.