When owned four wheels get that expensive? Forget sky-high gas pump prices, dealer markups and the lack of new cars and go all-in on two wheels. Cycling is a great way to stay active and healthy, run errands around town and – just as importantly – it funny Right now, a bunch of our favorite e-bikes, helmets, cycling apparel and even escooters are on sale.
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Ebike offer
Read our best electric bikes and best escooters guides for more recommendations. If you are unsure about ebike classifications, we explain the difference between Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 right here.
The RadRover 6 Plus fat tire has been in the WIRED test fleet for a few months now, and it has performed admirably on rough terrain and steep hills. Weighing in at 73 pounds, this off-road bike is heavy and difficult to pedal unaided once you run out of charge in its 45-mile range, but the powerful 750-watt motor and hand throttle will carry you for 20 miles in hour, and its hydraulic braking system provides the power to stop when you need to catch your breath. This is the lowest price we have ever tracked.
Photo: Wing
Enter the code 1 WING at checkout to see the discount. The Freedom 2 has strong acceleration, weighs only 39 pounds, and comes with a host of features, including a built-in front and rear light and an integrated anti-theft alarm. I reviewed the nearly identical Freedom X (7/10, WIRED recommends) if you’d like to learn more. This deal also includes fenders, a throttle, and location tracking kit (that only works on the iPhone) for free with the code.
With a range of 40 miles, top speed of 20 miles per hour, and a weight of 48 pounds, the CTY e1.1’s specs are acceptable but not spectacular. We haven’t tested it yet, but its hydraulic brakes (for stronger braking) and integrated front and rear lights are welcome additions at this price. Your local REI collects any bike purchased at REI for free.
Photo: Apollo
This scooter can go fast (up to 27 miles per hour) thanks to its 500-watt motor, and WIRED reviews editor Julian Chokkattu managed to get 16 miles out of it on a single charge. He’s 6’4 though, so you can probably get closer to 20 miles of range, if not more. It weighs 57 pounds, so it’s not that easy to carry around. Apollo says it will ship the Pro model in August and the standard City in October (the Pro model can go even faster, is even heavier and has a slightly better range).
I’ve been testing the Scrambler for a while now and have been happy with the quality. It’s heavy at 71 pounds, but the powerful 750-watt motor allows it to reach 28 miles per hour, and the bike comes with hand throttle, 45 miles of range, and mini-offroad motorcycle looks.
Offers on bicycle accessories
Check out our best bike accessories and best bike locks guides for more goodies.
Let them hear you coming. Whether it’s pedestrians, cars or other cyclists, people tend to put themselves right in a cycle lane. Give them a friendly little nudge ding ding to raise the head. It’s a lot more polite and non-confrontational than yelling or, you know, plowing into them.
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Photo: Nutcase
Nutcase makes some of our favorite bike helmets. They are stylish and have a proven record of protection. This model comes with a Multi-directional Impact Protection System (MIPS), which reduces the risk of brain damage from rotational forces on the head during a crash. There is more designs also on sale if this Darth Vader-esque design isn’t your thing.
Even if you are driving in the city or on suburban roads lit by street lights, it is important to have lighting at night so that cars can see you. The NiteRider 500 lumen front light and 110 lumen rear light are brighter than most lights at this price, and the front light in particular should be enough to illuminate completely unlit roads at night.
Only selected colors are for sale. The Vio (8/10, WIRED recommends) is more than a helmet. It’s a viable alternative to slapping headlights and taillights on your bike. The 200-lumen forward-facing light isn’t quite enough to light up a pitch-black road, but the 360-degree LED coverage will help other riders and drivers see you. In my review, I note that it’s an excellent solution for people who ride multiple bikes, use bike sharing programs (who probably won’t have lights installed), or are tired of removing lights every time they leave their bike to avoid get them stolen.
Panniers are the best way to transport general cargo on your bike. They attach to pannier racks above the bike’s rear wheel and keep the center of gravity low. The problem is that once you jump off your bike, you have to drag them around in the strap. Bug converts into a backpack, so you can avoid a sweaty back while cycling, but keep your hands free when you’re off the bike. With a optional padded laptop sleeveit will also protect your computer from shocks.
That men’s size available at the same price. Good liner shorts do more than just cushion your rear end, although that is a big plus when you ride often or on long rides. They also wick away sweat and prevent chafing. These liner shorts slide on under your cycling pants or casual pants as a base.
Photo: Hiplok
This was the easiest bike lock to take on trips when I tested bike locks. It has a built-in clip that easily slips over a belt or backpack strap so you don’t have to mount it to your bike frame, and at just 2.4 pounds, it won’t weigh you down. Its U-lock is 14 millimeters thick, which means it has plenty of protection against thieves’ tools.
At just 6 ounces (for a medium size), the Helium is a lightweight jacket that keeps you dry without suffocating you with a lot of extra, unnecessary insulation. Perfect for hot summer rains. WIRED editor Adrienne So likes the Helium, calling it an affordable classic in her guide to the best rain jackets. That women’s size is available for $127 at another retailer (Backcountry does not have many sizes or lots of stock).