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Wirecutter's top commuter pick and WIRED's best all-purpose ebike: a powerful 700 W hub-drive Class 3 bike with a big battery, rack, fenders and very bright lights. It weighs at least 75 lb, its Class 3 rating can bar it from some paths, and CPSC recalled its seat post in June 2025.
Real-world range: Specialized claims 60 miles (WIRED). WIRED rode 40 miles carrying kids around Portland and still had more than half of the 772 Wh battery left. Wirecutter could cruise at 20 mph with about 200 lb of rider and cargo up all but the steepest hills on its 8-mile desert test loop.
Weight: At least 75 lb depending on accessories (Wirecutter)
Recalls (CPSC): CPSC recall (2025-06-05): about 11,100 Globe Haul ST and LT e-bikes, because the original 13-inch telescopic seat post can break when its lower part is fully extended; 13 reports, two minor injuries. Remedy: stop riding and get a free repair (a new post) at a Specialized retailer.
E-bike class: Class 3 (pedal assist to 28 mph); an optional $50 plug-in throttle works only to 20 mph (Wirecutter)
Battery safety certification: Wirecutter only picks ebikes certified to UL 2849 (the whole electrical system) with UL 2271 batteries, and the Globe Haul ST is its top pick.
Top complaints
- Seat post recalled for breaking
CPSC announced a recall on 2025-06-05 for about 11,100 Haul ST and LT bikes sold January 2023 to March 2025: the telescopic seat post can break when fully extended (13 reports, two minor injuries). Owners should stop riding and get a free replacement post from a Specialized retailer.
- Very heavy, and rear flats are a pain
Wirecutter says it starts around 75 lb, too heavy to carry up even one flight of stairs, and needs a heavy-duty hitch rack. Removing the hub-motor rear wheel is complicated and some shops won't do it.
- Class 3 only, with jerky power at times
It only comes as a Class 3 bike, which some areas and multiuse paths restrict, and California doesn't allow a throttle on Class 3 bikes. Wirecutter found power delivery too reactive at some speeds; WIRED notes there's no suspension and the passenger kit suits only tiny passengers.
What owners love
- Plenty of power and range
700 W hub motor and 772 Wh battery; Wirecutter cruised at 20 mph up all but the steepest hills, and WIRED had over half its battery left after 40 miles.
- Ready for commuting out of the box
Fenders, a rear rack with pannier rails, and a 1,500-lumen headlight and taillight powered by the main battery.
- Easier to repair, parts kept longer
Wirecutter says a hub drive spreads parts out so repairs should cost less, and Specialized committed to parts for seven years after the last production date; lifetime frame warranty, two years on the drive system.
- You have to carry it up stairs
- Your local paths ban Class 3 ebikes
- You want suspension
- Errands and school runs with cargo or a small child
- Steep hills and busy roads
- Riders who want dealer service and long parts support
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- Wirecutter (best ebike for commuters): Top pick (updated 2026-03-27): sturdy, practical and capable on hills; flaws are its weight, Class 3-only rating, fiddly rear flats and jerky assist at times. Listed at $2,400.
- WIRED (best electric bikes): Best all-purpose ebike (updated April 2026): comfortable, stylish and carries a big payload. Listed at $2,700.
- WIRED (Specialized Globe Haul ST review): Review (2023, 9/10): great to ride with huge range and power; no suspension, no belt drive, and a passenger kit for tiny passengers.