Two-seater electric bikes are becoming increasingly popular, and it’s easy to see why. Riding 2-up on an electric bike is cool, it promises great rides and it’s twice the fun! Here you’ll find the best road-approved 2-seater electric bikes.
The best 2 person electric bike
Rad Runner 2 with passenger seat
Rad Power Bikes has released a new version of its “utility” RadRunner electric fat bike: the Rad Runner 2. It’s a customizable version with improved ride comfort. It’s one of the cheapest electric bikes in the range.
If you need a 2-seater electric bike to go for rides with your loved one, the Rad Power Bikes Rad Runner 2 with the 2-seater kit (long saddle, footrests) is for you. The reviews are already very positive: the motor is powerful enough for 2 people to ride it and climb hills, the promised range is well respected and, above all, the bike is really very comfortable to ride.
The Ariel Rider Grizzly
Ariel Rider stands out as an e-bicycle manufacturer that offers powerful electric bikes without the hefty price tags.
Their top-end model, the Ariel Rider Grizzly, boasts unmatched power, reaching speeds of up to 35 mph (56 km/h) when ridden solo and over 30 mph (51 km/h) even with a second rider. Its distinct features include dual motors, dual batteries, and dual suspensions, ensuring maximum performance and endurance. The Grizzly packs a remarkable punch in terms of capacity and power for its size.
Priced at $3,299, the Grizzly may not fit everyone’s budget. If you’re looking for something more affordable from Ariel Rider, the 52V X-Class, priced at $2,399, is worth a glance. Although it has a single motor and battery, typical of most e-bikes, it still offers impressive speeds close to the Grizzly’s. Furthermore, its full suspension design and sleek appearance make it look like a genuine electric moped, earning it rave reviews, including mine from last year.
Choosing the right 2-seater electric bike
More fun, more practical, more environmentally friendly: more and more people want to buy a 2-seater electric bike. So, if you’re one of them but don’t know the first thing about it, this guide is for you!
Power, battery, motor, design, brakes… There are so many criteria to consider when buying an electric bike for 2 people. Especially since there are so many different models on the EAB market!
Why ride a 2 seater electric bike?
Riding an electric bike for 2: good times guaranteed!
The two-seater electric bike is a novelty in the world of electrically-assisted bicycles. More and more people are opting for this 2-seater bike, which offers a serious alternative to the car.
Environmentally friendly, it’s equally at home in everyday situations and in more sporty lifestyles. With it, you can do your shopping, go for a ride or even get to work. As you’ve probably noticed, the electric two-seater is already a must-have on the electric bike market!
What type of electric tandem bike is right for you?
There are 3 different designs in the 2-seater electric bike family: cargo bikes, tandems and electric bikes with a 2-seater saddle.
Electric bikes with a 2-seater saddle
Electric bikes with a two-seater seat are the most popular 2-seater bikes. Operating on the same principle as a moped, scooter or motorcycle, the two-seater saddle accommodates one person behind the rider. These models are often customizable and modular, making them highly versatile.
In fact, a whole host of accessories can be added to suit your desires and budget (front and rear baskets, mirrors, central trunk, etc.).
Cargo bikes
Cargo bikes are comfortable and versatile. Eco-friendly and inexpensive to buy, a 2-seater electric cargo bike means you don’t have to worry about fuel, parking or insurance.
If you’re the head of a family, this is the perfect bike for you. Whether you’re taking your kids to school or running errands without getting too tired. Cargo bikes are the perfect alternative to the car, thanks to their capacity to carry a substantial load of up to 150 kg. This type of bike comes in different models: the two-wheeler, the longtail and the three-wheeler. To find out more, take a look at our guide to electric cargo bikes.
Tandems
Tandems are 2-seater electric bikes that are not yet widely available on the electric bike market. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a thrilling ride, a tandem electric bike offers a real experience for two. Whether you’re a couple, a group of friends or a family, everyone pedals! Designed to be sturdy and adaptable to all types of road, they’re ideal for all types of use. Most tandem bikes are equipped with 2 batteries, doubling their range!
Which motor to choose for a 2-seater electric bike?
If the motor is primarily used for assistance, it will propel you at around 25 km/h: a limit imposed by the electric bike law. The type of assistance is another factor not to be overlooked. There are 2 types.
The first type of assistance found on 2-seater electric bikes is the rotation sensor. Here, the motor starts as soon as you start pedaling. It’s a simple, easy and low-maintenance technology.
The second is the pressure sensor. All you have to do is press down on the pedals, and the motor works immediately. Similarly, by adapting to the environment, it optimizes the battery. The harder you press on the pedals, the stronger the assistance. Conversely, if you push less hard on the pedals, the assistance will be weaker.
The battery: an essential element!
The battery is one of the most important criteria in the purchase of a 2-seater electric bike. Why is it so important? Because the motor needs to be given enough power to support the weight of 2 people (especially if you’re going uphill!).
In this case, we advise you to look at the battery’s voltage, a unit of measurement that tells you how powerful it is. The more volts, the greater the level of assistance. For thrill-seekers who want to ride through tricky, complex terrain, the battery on a 2-seater electric bike needs to be as powerful as possible.
You should also find out about its range and charging time. Battery autonomy is expressed in Ampere-hours (Ah) and is usually found next to the voltage figure. Here, as with power, the higher the figure, the greater the autonomy.
Today, almost all 2-seater batteries are removable. So all you have to do to recharge the battery is plug it into the mains. However, the battery may be integrated into the bike. In this case, unless you store your bike at home, you won’t be able to recharge it. This can be a disadvantage, especially if you live in an apartment.
The design
Design may also be one of your criteria when choosing an electric bike for 2 people. After all, buying an EAB is an investment, and it has to suit you. A bike’s personality can be a determining factor.
The first thing to look at is the shape of the frame, which must be comfortable for you. If the frame is open, then it’s easier to get your legs through. A closed frame provides greater stability and comfort, especially over long distances. It’s up to you to decide what suits you best.
Similarly, depending on the shape of the handlebars, you’ll be able to sit more or less upright and handle your bike with more or less precision. The size and weight of the bike are also factors to consider. They should enable you to ride comfortably and with ease. Electric bikes for 2 people tend to weigh more than conventional bikes, so make sure you can lift your bike so you can handle it with as much ease as possible.
Brakes
When it comes to braking, there are 2 types of brake: mechanical and hydraulic.
Mechanical disc brakes pinch the wheel, triggering braking. This type of braking is therefore more likely to damage the bike’s wheels. Hydraulic disc brakes, on the other hand, pinch the disc with a fluid, enabling more gradual braking without damaging the wheels. This type of braking is most often recommended, as it is highly efficient and causes less damage to the bike.
This is also reflected in the price of the electric bike, since mechanical disc brakes are less expensive than hydraulic disc brakes. So, depending on your needs, it’s important to adopt the best possible braking system. All the more so for a 2-seater electric bike, which carries a heavy load and therefore needs good braking power to stop.
Where to buy a 2-seater electric bike?
2-seater electric bikes are available from a growing number of brands and retailers, but the quality varies widely from one manufacturer to another. We recommend Amazon for longtails and cargo bikes. For tandems, look no further than Rad Power Bikes. For electric bikes with a 2-seater saddle, you’ll find what you’re looking for at Ride1Up or Aventon.
Second-hand and reconditioned
Are you terrified by the prices of new 2-seater electric bikes? Then opt for the reconditioned and second-hand market to get yourself a two-seater electric bike!
These models may be recent, but some are already available on certain bike resale sites. This technique can save you hundreds of euros on little-used or even virtually new bikes. We can recommend Troc-vélo, a site specializing in second-hand bike sales, which features many ads for electric bikes. Then, especially dedicated to reconditioned electric bikes, there’s the Upway site, which offers a very wide choice of recent bikes.
Can 2 people (legally) ride an electric bike?
Electric bikes that can carry 2 people are, like all electric bikes, subject to the EN 15194 standard. They must therefore meet a number of important criteria:
- The assistance system must engage automatically while pedaling, and stop once pedaling is complete.
- Maximum speed is limited to 25 km/h.
- The electric bike must be equipped with a motor whose power does not exceed 250 W.
More specific to 2-seater and “utility” electric bikes, the French standards agency (AFNOR) recently created the NF30050 standard. Among other things, it calls for static and dynamic stability tests for two-seater cargo bikes, scooters and longtail bikes.
Conclusion
The 2-seater electric bike market is booming! More and more models are being created. Whether it’s a cargo bike, a tandem or a two-seater, we’re sure you’ll find what you’re looking for. We hope this guide will help you choose the right electric bike for 2 people. We can only encourage you to invest in a bike of this type if you’re looking to reduce the use of your car, or even do away with it altogether.