Let’s face it: electric bikes are pretty amazing. They’re eco-friendly, fun to ride, and perfect for getting around cities or exploring nature.
But owning an eBike isn’t just about the bike itself—it’s about how you use it. That’s where apps come in. With the right apps on your phone, you can make your eBike rides smarter, safer, and just way more enjoyable.
Whether you’re navigating busy streets, tracking your fitness progress, or worried about running out of battery (been there), these 8 apps will have your back. Let’s dive in!
Komoot – Plan Your Next Big Adventure
Ever dreamed of exploring new trails but didn’t know where to start? Komoot is the app for you. It’s like having a personal trail guide in your pocket, helping you find the best routes based on your preferences.
What Makes It Awesome:
- Plan your routes ahead of time, with detailed info about elevation, trail type, and difficulty.
- Works offline—so no worries about losing signal in the middle of nowhere.
- Tons of community-shared routes, so you can explore like a local.
Why U.S. Riders Love It:
- Komoot is perfect for America’s diverse landscapes, whether you’re biking along the California coast or exploring national parks like Yellowstone.
Strava – Get Competitive
If you’re even a little into fitness, you’ve probably heard of Strava. It’s not just a tracking app; it’s a whole community of cyclists, runners, and fitness enthusiasts. Strava lets you track your rides, compete with friends, and even join challenges.
What Makes It Awesome:
- Tracks your distance, speed, elevation, and calories burned.
- Social features let you see how you stack up against others or just share your achievements.
- Works with fitness devices like Apple Watch and Garmin.
Why U.S. Riders Love It:
- It’s super popular here, so you’ll always find local routes and challenges. Plus, it’s motivating to see your progress over time.
Ride with GPS – For the Route Nerds
If you’re the kind of person who likes to plan your rides to the last detail, Ride with GPS is your app. It’s specifically built for cyclists and has some seriously powerful tools for route planning and navigation.
What Makes It Awesome:
- Voice-guided, turn-by-turn navigation.
- Route customization, so you can avoid hills (or seek them out, if you’re feeling ambitious).
- Integrates with Garmin and Wahoo for the pros out there.
Why U.S. Riders Love It:
- It covers everything from city streets to backroads, so you’re ready for any adventure.
PlugShare – Never Run Out of Juice
Let’s be honest: one of the biggest worries with an eBike is running out of battery mid-ride. PlugShare solves that problem by showing you nearby charging stations, so you’re never left stranded.
What Makes It Awesome:
- Find eBike-friendly charging stations in real-time.
- Filter by station type or read reviews from other users.
- Covers both urban and rural areas.
Why U.S. Riders Love It:
- With cities like Portland and San Francisco investing heavily in eBike infrastructure, PlugShare keeps you connected and stress-free.
Bosch eBike Connect – For Bosch Riders
If you own a Bosch-powered eBike, this app is like a secret weapon. It connects directly to your bike and gives you all the data you need to optimize your rides.
What Makes It Awesome:
- Check your battery range and health at a glance.
- Get real-time performance stats.
- Automatically adjusts routes based on your battery level.
Why U.S. Riders Love It:
Bosch is a big name in the U.S. eBike market, and this app makes their bikes even smarter.
Trailforks – Explore Nature Like Never Before
For mountain bikers and outdoor lovers, Trailforks is a game-changer. It’s packed with trail maps, user reviews, and photos to help you find the best routes for your skill level.
What Makes It Awesome:
- Detailed maps of over 300,000 trails.
- Offline mode for when you’re deep in the woods.
- Difficulty ratings, so you know what you’re getting into.
Why U.S. Riders Love It:
- From the Rockies to the Appalachians, Trailforks is the ultimate companion for outdoor adventures.
Bike Citizens – Navigate the City with Ease
If you’re commuting in a big city, Bike Citizens is here to make your life easier. It’s all about finding the safest, fastest bike routes through urban areas.
What Makes It Awesome:
- Traffic-aware bike routes that help you avoid the chaos.
- Local cycling tips and guides.
- Works offline, so no need to worry about cell service.
Why U.S. Riders Love It:
Covers major cities like New York, Chicago, and LA, with routes designed specifically for bikes.
Cyclemeter – Your All-in-One Ride Tracker
Cyclemeter is like the Swiss Army knife of cycling apps. It tracks your rides, provides real-time stats, and even offers voice updates while you ride.
What Makes It Awesome:
- Tracks everything from speed and distance to cadence and heart rate.
- Customizable to fit your specific goals.
- Syncs with Strava and other fitness platforms.
Why U.S. Riders Love It:
- It’s super detailed but still easy to use, making it great for both casual riders and data nerds.
Quick Comparison Table
| App Name | Best For | Price | User Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Komoot | Adventure routes | Free/Premium | 4.7/5 |
| Strava | Fitness and social fun | Free/Pro | 4.8/5 |
| Ride with GPS | Precise navigation | Free/One-time | 4.6/5 |
| PlugShare | Finding charging spots | Free | 4.5/5 |
| Trailforks | Trail exploration | Free/Premium | 4.7/5 |
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re an urban commuter, a weekend warrior, or an all-out adventurer, these apps will take your eBike experience to the next level. From planning epic routes to making sure your battery lasts, there’s something here for everyone.
Pro Tip: Don’t limit yourself to just one app. For example, use Strava to track your performance and PlugShare to find charging stations—it’s all about making the ride work for you.
What About You?
Do you have a favorite eBike app? Or maybe you’ve tried one of these and have a story to share? Drop your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear from you!
FAQs
Which electric bike app acts as a companion app for electric bikes?
Bosch eBike Connect is a top choice for a dedicated companion app, especially for Bosch-powered eBikes. It monitors battery life, tracks performance, and optimizes your ride.
What is the number 1 eBike?
The Rad Power Bikes RadCity 5 Plus is often considered the best eBike due to its affordability, versatility, and reliable performance, making it a favorite among U.S. riders.
What is the best free cycling app?
Strava is widely regarded as the best free cycling app, offering GPS tracking, performance stats, and a thriving social community for cyclists.
