Have you tried pedaling up a hill while carrying a longboard on your arm? Not the easiest thing in the world! So what if we tell you that there’s a motorized bike that can do half of the work so you can save your energy and spend it more on surfing instead?
E-bikes or electronic bikes have been around for several years; however, only affluent surfers were able to buy them back then. Now that they’re gaining popularity, more affordable options are available in the market to make them accessible to everyone.
From WSL pros to kooks, surfers of all skill levels are now seen sporting e-bikes at the beach because they’re convenient to use. These e-bikes allow you to pedal your way to the beach for quick spotting and sessions. Much better, they can be parked practically anywhere!
If you’re eyeing purchasing your own e-bike for surfing, you’re on the right track. This guide contains everything you need to know about them, including a list of our top 5 best picks.
Table of Contents
What are e-bikes?
Beaches and hard-to-reach surfing spots become more accessible, thanks to the invention of e-bikes or bicycles that use electric motors to assist with pedaling.
Electronic bikes are battery-powered motors that give the experience of riding a beach cruiser bike but with added boost because of their pedal and throttle systems. Unlike motorcycles, however, e-bikes’ motors only assist instead of being a full-blow motorized vehicle. They take some of the pressure off your legs and help you when going uphill or riding through beach sand.
Years ago, e-bikes were bulky and heavy because of the big batteries that they come with. This means you have to be physically fit to ride one, and unlike today’s e-bikes wherein the power can last for hours, the previous ones had limited battery life.
Those days are long gone. Today, e-bikes are made lighter with smaller batteries that have extended battery life. Now, you don’t have to strain your calves pedaling uphill with a heavy bike when your battery runs out at the most unfortunate time.
Modern e-bikes also have cheaper options — with the low-end models’ prices starting from $1500.
Now, decent electronic bikes have a ballpark price of $3,000. These models have power and features that will provide you with just enough convenience and luxury. Meanwhile, higher-end electronic bikes with smart controls and features like automatic LED lights, LCD, and mounted racks are priced at $4,000 to $15,000.
You may be thinking how the heck these e-bikes could get so expensive, but it’s helpful to think of them as vehicles, and not simply as bicycles. E-bikes can carry up to 300 pounds of weight load, and it’s able to sustain speeds that can reach 28 mph. Aside from that, being a specialist hobby also contributes to these bikes’ astounding price tag.
Top 5 Best E-Bikes for Surfing
For this comprehensive guide, we’ve listed 5 electronic bikes from different categories to help you find which one’s best for you. Here is their lineup at a glance.
- Super 73 S2 — Our Top Pick
- Rad Power Bikes Radrunner 1 — Best Budget
- Cannondale Tesoro Neo X 3 — Best High-End
- Electric Bike Company Model X — Most Customizable
- Juiced Bikes Hyperscorpion — Fastest E-Bike
1: Super73 S2 — Our Top Pick
Specifications:
- Price: $2,695
- Weight: 73 lbs.
- Weight capacity: 325 lbs.
- Battery: 960 Wh
- Top Speed: 30 mph
- Classification: 3 (Pedal-assist and Throttle)
Based in Orange County, California, Super73 has been around since 2016. Since then, this company has built good brand recognition because of its strong customer base which consists of celebrities and athletes. But marketing aside, perhaps everyone will agree that the Super73 is the most recognizable on the beach because of the flashy logos scattered all over their bikes’ bodies, tire treads, seats, and even in the nuts.
Super 73 may not have the most subtle advertising you’ve seen, but thankfully, their bike’s stylish silhouettes and powerful performance make up for their tackiness. If you’re a surfer who lives miles away from the beach and needs an e-bike for convenient wave spotting and surfing come-and-go, we recommend any of the Super73’s electronic bikes.
For this lineup, we’ve chosen the S2 from Super 73’s mid-range S-series. It’s a sport-cruiser e-bike that can operate in all three different classifications. That said, the S2 is a street-legal bike that requires no license, registration, or insurance.
The S2 is a high-performance electronic bike that has a 615 Wh battery and a 1350-watt motor. Speed is this e-bike’s greatest strength, as it can reach a maximum speed of 28 to 30 mph in non-road situations. However, if riding uphill, its acceleration is a bit slow and it will need some pedaling assistance before it reaches its top speed.
For its body, the S2 is constructed with an aluminum-grade alloy frame. Also, this electronic bike includes BDGR tires —the first-ever tires that combine bicycle and motor tires to improve traction, reduce noise, and provide stability in off-road conditions.
Some electronic bikes can only accommodate lone riders, but the S2 gives you the option of accommodating another small passenger with its extendable seat. What we dislike is even if this e-bike gives a motorcycle-like riding experience, sitting on its seat can hurt especially during long rides.
Finally, the S2 also features smart controls such as its integrated electronic suite that’s compatible with iOS and Android and can be accessed through the Super73 app. It’s not the most advanced technology out there, but it does its job really well.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comes with a headlight that’s useful for night-driving | Slow acceleration, weak power when coming from a stop |
| Has its own community page for its users | Suspension doesn’t work well in off-road conditions |
| Stylish retro-design | Power instantly drops off when low-battery |
2: Rad Power Bikes Radrunner 1 — Best Budget
Specifications:
- Price: $1,299
- Weight: 65 lbs.
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs.
- Battery: 672 Wh
- Top Speed: 20 mph
- Classification: 2 (Pedal and throttle assist)
When it comes to entry-level utility electronic bikes, you can’t go wrong with Rad Power Bikes — North America’s largest e-bike brand. This Seattle-based company is slowly gaining recognition because of its affordable e-bikes fit for everyday use. Their electronic bikes are so functional, even Domino’s uses them for their pizza deliveries!
The cheapest in Rad Power Bikes’ lineup is the Radrunner 1, hence why it’s a good choice if you’re looking for your first-ever utility e-bike. It’s a high-performance ride that features a pedal-assist and half-twist throttle, and because it’s a single-speed ride, it is low-maintenance and you will have no trouble with shifting issues.
The main purpose of Rad Power Bikes is to create an electronic bike that can replace cars. Hence the reason for its large batteries, hub motors, and thick tires. The Radrunner 1 is the lightest in the Rad Power Bikes lineup, but not if you will compare it to other brands’ e-bikes. With that in mind, you shouldn’t let your Radrunner 1’s battery run out because it can really get heavy if you will pedal without its motor assistance.
For its design, the Radrunner 1 is as simple as it can be, and it’s because it’s a fully customizable e-bike. It has a cheap base price because you have the option to upgrade it and to put additional features on it only when the time comes that you need it. For instance, if you want to change your LED display to LCD.
It also has limited features such as the LED headlight and brake light that are most useful during night driving, and the integrated rear rack for extra cargo or passengers. If you want to travel with your surfboard, you can easily mount your rack on its side.
The Radrunner 1’s 750 W geared hub motor and puncture-resistant tires are also an advantage during driving through tough terrains. You can easily ride uphill or downhill trails with its powerful torque without having to worry about having flat tires.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Has plenty amount of storage space | The controller doesn’t come with a skid plate for protection |
| Modular and can be upgraded | Can only reach a top speed of 20 mph |
| Affordable | The pedals are made from plastic |
3. Cannondale Tesoro Neo X 3 — Best High-End
Specifications:
- Price: $3,350
- Weight: 55 lbs.
- Weight capacity- Rear rack: 44 lbs.
- Battery: 500 Wh
- Top Speed: 28 mph
- Classification: 3 (pedal assist)
The Cannondale Tesoro Neo X 3’s style may not catch your attention at first glance, but this electronic bike is more than what meets the eye. It’s an e-bike made for adrenaline junkies who not only surfs but also enjoy adventure and other sports like biking.
The Tesoro Neo X 3 is an electronic bike built for comfort and speed. It’s an ultra-responsive ride that you can use for off-road riding in the mountains, as well as cruising around town. Even if you ride it through either wet or dry sand, this bad-ass e-bike won’t have any trouble moving forward as its powerful torque thrives in gravel and rough roads.
This is all possible because of Neo X 3’s 29-inch wheels with AI drivetrain technology that opens up in a triangular shape for more tire clearance, as well as the innovative Bosch bike computer that controls and stabilizes your pace. Because of these features, the Neo X 3 can easily reach its top speed of 25 mph by European standards, and 28 mph in the United States.
With this e-bike’s pedal assist, your pedaling becomes much easier and less straining to the legs on steep inclines. Meanwhile, its motor is mounted so you can ride in a low, forward position for better handling. Oh, and may we also add that its suspension is adjustable.
The Neo X 3 also comes with a removable battery for charging, which only takes a little over four hours before it becomes fully charged.
For its exterior, the Neo X 3 is constructed from Smartform C1 Alloy which makes it lightweight and durable. Its body is integrated with reflective accents to give you better visibility in low-light conditions. It also has a rear rack that can carry a cargo of up to 20 kg or 44 lbs.
While its features are more on the high-end spectrum, we don’t know how to feel about its non-puncture-resistant tires. This e-bike is meant for adventure. But outdoors, there are sharp rocks, shells, and other pointy things that could easily puncture the tires. With its price of more than $3,000. why not make them extra durable?
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Made from lightweight and durable material | Not as powerful as other brands |
| Comes in different colors, sleek design | Expensive |
| Removable battery, easy charging | |
4: Electric Bike Company Model X — Most Customizable
Specifications:
- Price: $1,949
- Weight: 53 lbs.
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs.
- Battery: 500 Wh
- Top Speed: 28 mph
- Classification: 3 (pedal-assist)
Founded in Newport Beach, California, the Electric Bike Company holds the title for manufacturing the most customizable e-bikes for surfing and cruising. What’s better is that all their designs and materials are 100% built in the United States, meaning they’re able to keep their prices low and affordable because you don’t have to pay for any import fees. For this brand, we’ve chosen Model X as the best e-bike model for surfers because of the wide variety of functional accessories it comes with.
But first, let’s talk about its performance. The Model X is a pedal-assist electronic bike with a speed that can reach over 25 mph; therefore classifying it as a type 3 e-bike. It has a powerful 48V battery with a geared hub motor that can deliver 1,000 watts of power. Since Electric Bike Company directly manufactures their EBC-approved lithium-ion NMC battery, they offer a 5-year warranty for it, while the motor has a 10-year warranty.
Aside from its motor, this e-bike’s frame and structure are also built to last. The Model X is constructed with non-corrosive and stainless materials that you can use and abuse for your daily commute to the beach. Its seat is made from leather and high-density foam that’s very comfortable to seat even during long rides, while its premium rims are double-walled with Aluminum alloy for puncture protection for off-road adventures.
This e-bike also features a plug-and-play wiring system that’s color matching. It’s easy to install, so you’ll get your e-bike running in no time.
Speaking of which, the Model X requires no assembly, unlike other electronic bikes. This is because after you’ve customized its designs online/direct store, it will arrive in your place fully assembled. This line only comes in two colors black and red, but if you’ll add in $399, you can have it painted and altered in another design and color you prefer.
The Electric Bike Company also prioritizes road safety. That’s why the Model X comes with LED front and rear lights for night driving, as well as reflective sidewalls for its Fat Frank tires. If you will add a basket feature, it’ll also come with extra light!
On its LCD screen, you can see the battery level, speed, and distance you’ve covered. You can also find controls on its left-side handlebar. As the cherry on top, EBC’s customer support is also worth mentioning. They make sure to answer each of their customer’s queries and concerns promptly, so you can rest assured to always get good after-sales service.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comes with 5-year and 10-year warranties | Customization is expensive |
| Fairly priced for an entry-level e-bike | No rear rack or basket |
| Good customer service | |
5: Juiced Bikes Hyperscorpion — Fastest E-Bike
Specifications:
- Price: $2,499
- Weight: 102 lbs. / 90 lbs. without battery
- Weight capacity: 275 lbs.
- Battery: 994 Wh
- Top Speed: 30+ mph
- Classification: 3 (pedal-assist)
Juiced Bikes has been in the business since 2009, and since then they’ve been offering high-performance options for people looking for the most thrilling e-bike experience ever. For our last surfing e-bike, we picked Juiced Bikes’ Hyperscorpion because we believe that we should end this list with a bang!
The Hyperscorpion is a retro-inspired electronic bike that has the same vibe as mopeds and motorcycles. It has a massive 1,000W Retroblade motor that’s able to reach a speed of over 30 mph and can reach a 70+ mile range. On the road, this e-bike can easily keep up with other vehicles, so it easily earns respect from other motorists.
When it comes to performance, this e-bike features dual suspension, torque, and pedal-assist system with 8-speed transmission. It also features 5 driving modes that include Eco, Sport, and Race modes.
Hyperscorpion’s features are on par with the models of high-end brands such as Cannondale, but its price is much lower. This e-bike also has safety features that the others don’t have, such as rearview mirrors, integrated brake light, turn signals, its own horn, and alarm systems. Its other features include a daylight running halo, headlight, LCD, and USB port for phone charging.
Because it comes with tons of accessories and features, it’s a given that the Hyperscorpion is downright heavy. Weighing at 102 pounds with its battery intact, the Hyperscorpion isn’t the lightest option in this list; therefore, it might be hard for you to put it at the back of a truck when transporting.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Integrated with safety features | Not allowed on public pathways because of its speed |
| Stylish retro-inspired design | May need license and registration in some places |
| Faster than its competitors | Very heavy |
Buyer’s Guide: What to Look For in E-Bikes
With different e-bike brands and models online, choosing the best one to suit your surfer’s lifestyle can be complicated. You need to take into account where you’re going to use it, your budget, and the e-bike’s features.
Battery Capacity
Modern e-bikes have batteries consisting of lithium-ion with a capacity that ranges from 8Ah to 14 Ah and 24V to 36 V, with the most common having 36V, 10Ah capacity. This enables them to have more power and longer battery life compared to older models.
Depending on how much assistance you’ll need, the battery’s power can take you 50 to 100 kilometers.
Motor
Electronic bikes have two different motors — the front and the rear hub motors. The front hub is easier to install and remove for maintenance, while the rear will give your e-bike better traction and a smoother ride. The latter is also sleeker in appearance.
Weight
The size of the battery will contribute to an e-bike’s weight. Keep this in mind if you will carry different surfing accessories and gear in every session. The heavier your e-bike is, the more power it will use.
Throttle and pedal assist
Depending on the e-bike, some have pedal assist only, while others have both pedal and throttle assist.
Pedal-assist electronic bikes allow you to travel and cover more distance because it uses less power, and they also give the experience of traditional bikes. Meanwhile, higher-end models have throttle assist that does all the work even if you don’t pedal.
Classification
There are different driving regulations for certain cities and states in the United States; therefore, you have to know an e-bike’s classification so as not to violate any rules.
Classification 1 is low-speed pedal-assisted e-bikes. These are just like any regular bike, but they can reach speeds of up to 20 mph.
Classification 2 comes with a throttle assist, which means the throttle work even when you’re not pedaling. These can also reach speeds of up to 20 mph; however, they are restricted from single-track mountain bike trails.
Classification 3 e-bikes are pedal-assists only. They are only allowed on roads because of their speed limit which reaches 28 mph. These kinds of e-bikes are restricted from driving through pathways and bike trails.
Features and Accessories
Electronic bikes offer a wide variety of accessories like racks, and cords/locks. Expensive ones may also have smart features like lights that automatically turn on when you use your bike and digital monitors where you can see your speed and battery usage.
Other features may include thicker tires for traction, suspension forks for absorbing shock, and disc brakes for slowing down at high speeds.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Electronic Bikes
To buy or not to buy? If you’re still undecided, here are some pros and cons of electronic bikes you can deliberate on.
What to like
Electronic bikes have a lot of benefits, that’s why they’re popular not only among surfers but also commuters. They provide convenience in parking, as you don’t need to secure permits with bikes and you can park them near the spots where you frequently surf at.
Aside from that, e-bikes also let you travel faster. Even if you live miles away from the beach, you can easily pedal your way to it and go back home when the waves aren’t any good. They can also help you get fit, but unlike regular bicycles, they don’t let you do all of the work.
Although electronic bikes have huge tires that are quite intimidating, you’d be surprised that they are actually a fuel-efficient alternative to surf vehicles. According to studies, they help lower carbon footprints (compared to riding a van or an SUV to the beach). That’s why the United States government plans to give up to $1,500 or a 30% tax credit to encourage people in using e-bikes.
If you care about the environment, switching to e-bikes will help you lessen your carbon footprint and consume less fuel.
Now, we all know that surfing requires a lot of stuff. You have your board, wetsuit, hanger, leashes, extra clothes, action camera, and other more if you travel with all the shenanigans. What we like about electronic bikes is that they have a load capacity that’s much higher than the normal bicycles, and it’s also customizable so you can mount surfboard racks and add extra storage spaces.
Last but not least, e-bikes will let you get to the spots you wouldn’t be able to reach on a regular bike. We all know how treacherous and time-consuming it is to get to hard-to-access surfing locations like Trestles. But by riding an electronic bike, you can easily scope these beaches and go for quick sessions before you head to work.
What to dislike
Electronic bikes weren’t always accepted in the surfing world. Surfers who ride them to beaches were often considered kooks, and if territorial and aggressive surfers see an e-bike unguarded, they would slash out its tires. Why’s that so?
From the perspective of hardcore surfers, the commitment of trying to get to a difficult surfing spot is the only way to earn your place in the lineup. You have to go to these places by your own efforts, and not with the help of any motorized or electrical vehicles.
While some reasons may be stereotypical, they really do have a point. If you have surfed on less-crowded and remote spots before, you’ll notice that as time goes by, electronic bikes are slowly filling up the parking spaces and sandy areas of the beach. Even North Shore’s bound to share the same fate as Trestles. It’s only a matter of time before its roads become e-bike highways.
That’s what purists dislike about electronic bikes — they make good surfing spots accessible to kooks and non-surfers. And whoever wants to surf in a crowded lineup? Not us. But let’s face it. Times are changing, and now even locals are using them.
Another disadvantage of electronic bikes is that they’re easy to steal. If you don’t have locks or other features, it will likely get stolen especially if you’re in a bad neighborhood. In this event, having an e-bike that’s lightweight and easy to carry wouldn’t do you any favor.
We’ve also talked about the top speed of an e-bike. They can be fast, but you may not be able to use their full speed because there are certain classification regulations and the speed limit for electronic bikes (the most common is 20 mph). Also, they are considered motorcycles and mopeds in some places, so if you’re living outside the US, you’ll need a driving license before you can drive one.
Finally, the purpose of an e-bike is to make you pedal-less on long rides and assist you in steep and tough terrain. But what may be its advantage could easily become the opposite. If your e-bike doesn’t let you do all the work, then it won’t practically get you in better shape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What kinds of e-bikes are best for surfing?
Since surfers carry their surfing gear in every surf session, their e-bikes must be lightweight to accommodate more equipment. The most popular e-bikes for surfers are the Super 73 S2 for its speed and the Radrunner 1 for its affordability.
Q: Can you customize your e-bike for surfing?
Yes, to create a surfer e-bike, you will need certain things. First are surf racks to carry your board, these are usually attached to the side of the bike.
You will also need a saddle bag that you can mount on your bike where you’re going to keep your wetsuit, towels, and extra clothes. For added security when parking in crowded beach areas, we recommend investing in bungee cords and cable locks.
G’day, my name is Rach Taylor and I’m the proud Founder of Surf Hungry. I am a former Australian Olympic athlete and Australian representative surf sports athlete. I’ve worked in the surf industry and lived at many of Australia’s best surf spots, sparking a life-long love of the ocean and a passion for surf sports which also rubbed off on my two young sons! I am also lucky to spend a lot of ocean-time in my favorite second home, Indonesia. In addition to SurfHungry I have founded several other websites in my areas of passion, namely coffee and rock climbing, and am also a regular rowing content contributor.
