Electric bikes can make urban commuting faster and easier than getting to the office by car—and a whole lot more fun.

Though they look and generally handle just like regular bikes, most electrics employ an intelligent pedal-assist system that adds a motorized boost to your own pedaling efforts. Most will let you dial in exactly how much assistance you want, all the way up to levels that will let you hit Tour de France speeds without breaking a sweat.

You can buy aftermarket kits, like the one from BionX, to convert your current bike to pedal assist. Or you can opt for a fully motorized design with no pedals, like the YikeBike. But most ebikes are designed from the ground up, with the electronics neatly integrated into the wheels and frame. Ebikes are generally at least 50 percent heavier than a typical city bike, so beware if you have to take the stairs. Depending on the setting, the batteries will last from 30 minutes to several hours. If you ever do run out of juice, though, you wont be stranded. Even without power, an e-bike is still a bike.

We’re not saying texting while cycling is smart. It isn’t. But the Kalkhoff is comfortable and forgiving. In fact, we found ourselves concocting tweets on the go. Branded the “BMW of ebikes,” this touring ride does indeed handle as smoothly as a luxury sedan, with a suspension fork and a long wheelbase for extra stability.

The 300-watt motor and 6.8-pound lithium-ion battery is mounted near the cranks to keep the weight low and centered and, as is common with ebikes bikes, has multiple power settings. In this case, the choices are between 50, 100, or 200 percent pedal assist. So, for instance, in the middle setting, whatever power your legs put into the pedals will be doubled by the time it gets to the rear wheel.

Beyond bonus details like the Ergon handlebar grips and full-length chain guard, the drive train was, frankly, bananas. The 3-speed internal hub combines with a rear derailleur and 9-speed cassette for a whopping 27 gears, which ensures that you can take the motor to its limits at both speed and incline. Translation: We rarely stood up while climbing. Even on 20 percent grades, the Kalkhoff maintained a gentility that was unmatched by the other ebikes we’ve tested.

Comfort is king as far as Kalkhoff is concerned. Though for this princely a sum, it sure better be!

WIRED: Motor got us up every San Francisco hill we threw it at, often in half the time of other ebikes we’ve ridden. Battery life for days and days (after 30+ miles, more than 50 percent juice remained). On-board computer with speedometer, odometer, and vivid backlit LCD. Headlights and taillights included. Dual-drive SRAM grip shift allows for single-handed gear changes. Biggest gear range of all the ebikes we tested.

TIRED: Motor won’t help you handle the steep price tag. (Another $500 buys you a new Vespa. Really!). It’s great at hills but, at 49 pounds, is a beast on the stairs. As with actual Beemers, public parking causes anxiety for the owner.

$4,000, Kalkhoff

Rating: 9 out of 10

Photo: Stan Musilek