Best Step-Thru Commuter E-Bikes: 3 Easy-On Options Tested

Step-Thru Commuter E-Bikes: We Test 3 Options From $600 to $4,000

Price doesn’t always dictate everyday usability. With my latest round of testing, I was looking for an affordable commuter bike that would be comfortable for everyday use. I see a useful trend for those bikes to use “step-thru” designs that are very easy to mount and dismount.

But do you need to spend $4,000 for a classy import, or is it possible to get a great daily driver for less than $1,000? We tested three distinct step-thru commuter e-bikes—from the top of the market to the entry-level—to find out.

The Contenders: At a Glance

Here is how our three test bikes stack up on paper.

1. Gazelle Easyflow C7 ($3,999)

The Premium Dutch Choice

The Gazelle Easyflow C7 is a Class 1 e-bike of Dutch design and build. It is nicely finished, as you would expect at this price point, featuring a pine green finish and a rarely seen fully adjustable stem.

• The Ride: It is very comfortable, with a wide seat, far-forward pedals, and a laid-back operating position. Getting on and off is effortless, as the bar to clear is only 14 inches off the ground.
• The Drawbacks: Despite the high price, I had issues climbing hills. The mid-mounted Shimano EP5 motor (36.8 lb-ft torque) struggled on steep inclines, partly due to the Shimano seven-speed shifter taking several seconds to register gears.
• Verdict: A quality build for the casual rider who wants stability, but it lacks the punch you might expect for $4,000.

2. Batch Step-Thru E-Bike ($2,600)

The “Just Right” Mid-Range Option

The aluminum-framed Batch Step-Thru is a Class 1 e-bike that is Bosch-friendly, sporting that German company’s Active Line motor and a 400-watt-hour battery.

• The Ride: This bike was a pleasure to shift, with instant response from the Shimano nine-speed Rapidfire Plus. Even without a throttle, it had plenty of hill-climbing power and quickly became a favorite “go-to” bike for all kinds of riding.
• The Tech: The frame-mounted Bosch battery is easily detached and features its own embedded LED display showing remaining battery life at a glance—a feature I haven’t seen elsewhere.
• Verdict: With dual Tektro disc brakes and high-quality components, this bike offers a premium feel without the stratospheric price tag.

3. Huffy Vienna ($599)

The Budget Surprise

Is it possible to get a decent e-bike for under $1,000? The Huffy Vienna proves that the answer is yes. Recently cut from $1,000 to around $600, this bike offers surprising value.

• The Ride: It lacks suspension, so you will bounce on irregularities, though a suspension seatpost helps. At a svelte 47 pounds, it is easy to move around.
• The Drawbacks: It is a Class 2 bike with a thumb throttle, but engaging it doesn’t add much punch. The mechanical disc brakes also require a hefty pull compared to the hydraulic brakes on the pricier models.
• Verdict: It feels a bit flimsy in places, but it performs reliably for the price. It’s a bike you could ride every day and be happy with—especially after checking your bank balance.

Final Thoughts

If you have the budget, the Batch Step-Thru offers the best balance of power, comfort, and quality. However, the Huffy proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to join the e-bike revolution. All three step-thru commuter e-bikes offer the easy-on convenience we were looking for, proving the trend is here to stay.

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