#7 on this list
Myon
Segway
The Segway Myon is designed to tackle one of the most frustrating aspects of cycling: sustained, lung-busting hills. Tailored for suburban commuters, campus riders, and hilly-neighborhood explorers, this bike puts motor torque and climbing efficiency at the forefront of its design. It appeals to riders who need dependable motorized muscle to conquer steep topography without spending five thousand dollars on a high-end European drive system. In field reviews, the Myon earns praise for its sheer hill-climbing tenacity. When pointed up severe grades that cause standard hub motors to bog down or overheat, the Myon maintains momentum with impressive steady-state power delivery. The step-through or low-standover frame architecture makes mounting and dismounting safe, even when stopped on an incline. Ergonomics are clearly tuned for comfort, offering an upright riding posture, swept-back handlebars, and a forgiving saddle. However, the bike lacks the refined handling of higher-end performance bikes. Its weight distribution is somewhat rear-heavy, which can make the front wheel feel light when powering up extreme inclines. Componentry like the drivetrain and brakes are functional but utilitarian, lacking the crisp engagement found on higher-spec mountain bikes. It is built as a workhorse climber, not an agile corner carver. **Highlights** - High-torque motor mapping specifically engineered for steep hill climbing - Accessible frame design allows easy mounting and dismounting on slopes - Upright riding position prioritizes comfort and rider visibility - Reliable battery integration provides sufficient range for hilly commutes - Competitive pricing around the $2,000 threshold **Watch-outs** - Rear-biased weight distribution can make front-end handling feel light on steep climbs - Basic mechanical components lack the refined feel of premium groupsets - Utilitarian aesthetics and heavy overall mass
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#8 on this list
Gain
Orbea
The Orbea Gain stands out as one of the most customizable and elegantly integrated electric road and gravel bikes available. Built in Spain, it is aimed at discerning drop-bar riders who want the aesthetics, handling, and lightweight characteristics of a traditional performance bicycle, but with an on-demand boost to conquer alpine climbs. Through Orbea's MyO program, buyers can customize paint, components, and gearing to create a truly bespoke machine. Out on the tarmac and hard-packed gravel, the Gain is defined by its subtlety. The hub-based drive unit and internal battery are so neatly tucked into the carbon frame that casual observers rarely realize it is motorized. The assistance curve is tuned according to Orbea's 'Enough Energy' philosophy: it does not propel you like a scooter, but rather acts as an invisible tailwind that amplifies your natural pedaling input. Handling remains sharp, precise, and communicative, mimicking the feel of an endurance road bike. The trade-off is clear: power output is intentionally modest. If you are looking for an effortless ride that does all the work, the Gain will feel underpowered on steep ascents. Approaching $10,000 depending on the build, it is also a massive financial investment aimed strictly at dedicated enthusiasts. Finally, rear-wheel maintenance—such as fixing a flat tire—is more complicated due to the integrated hub motor wiring. **Highlights** - Exceptional integration makes the motor and battery virtually invisible - Extensive MyO program allows custom frame paint and component spec - Lightweight carbon construction delivers authentic road-bike handling - Natural, progressive assist tuned for fitness-focused endurance riding - Clean cockpit design with minimal display clutter **Watch-outs** - Extremely expensive, particularly on high-end custom builds - Lower torque output requires meaningful rider effort on steep grades - Rear flat repairs require unplugging motor cables
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Myon | Gain |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | Around $1,999 | — |
| Motor Class | High-torque hub drive | — |
| Frame Style | Low-standover step-through utility | — |
| Riding Posture | Upright and visibility-focused | — |
| Primary Specialty | Sustained steep-grade climbing | — |
| Target Surface | Paved roads and graded bike paths | — |
| Frame Material | — | OMR Carbon |
| Motor Type | — | Integrated rear hub motor |
| Customization | — | Orbea MyO factory personalization |
| Bike Style | — | Endurance road and light gravel |
| Estimated Price | — | Around $9,999 (spec dependent) |
| Cockpit Interface | — | Integrated top-tube control button |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Myon
- High torque delivery excels on severe, sustained hills where other hubs stall
- Low-standover step-through design makes starting and stopping on inclines easy
- Upright cockpit geometry offers relaxed comfort and excellent road visibility
- Competitive value for riders needing dedicated climbing muscle around $2,000
- Rear-biased weight distribution can cause a light front wheel feel on steep climbs
- Utilitarian drivetrain components lack the crispness of premium groupsets
- Substantial overall weight makes manual carrying and unassisted pedaling difficult
Gain
- Sleek hub motor and battery integration preserves traditional road bike aesthetics
- MyO program allows factory-level paint, ergonomic, and component customization
- Virtually drag-free pedaling above the electric assistance speed cutoff
- Lightweight carbon chassis delivers sharp, predictable endurance handling
- Steep financial investment approaching $10,000 for top-tier builds
- Modest motor torque requires significant rider effort on steep alpine grades
- Rear flat repairs are complicated by the hub-motor wiring harness
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.