Electric bicycles available through bike-sharing services such as Citi Bike, Lyft, Bird, and Lime are not elegant for their utility Aesthetics are secondary, and they are built to withstand the abuse of people and the elements

However, if you buy your own power-assisted bicycle, you can choose something more stylish, as Bird has proven with its first consumer electric-assisted bicycle

The Bird Bike is priced at $2,299 and comes in two colors (Stealth Black and Gravity Gray) and two designs: step-over (A-frame) and step-through (V-frame) The step-over model is available in limited quantities today (August 19) and will be available in a wider range this fall

As noted above, Bird bikes are available in both step-over (A-frame) and step-through (V-frame) configurations

The A-Frame model is very reminiscent of the VanMoof S3, another electric bike we reviewed this year, with the top tube extending in front of the handlebars and behind the seat post This section is adorned with a large Bird logo

Both models come with a small display located in the center of the handlebar that shows speed and battery level Each model also features a headlight and taillight, and a removable battery in the downtube Other common features include a thumb-operated throttle and a Bluetooth connection to link the bike to a smartphone

The Bird Bike is powered by a 36V/128Ah battery, which the company claims provides a range of up to 50 miles In the US, the bike will be powered by a Bafang rear hub motor with a maximum output of 500W; in the UK, the bike will be powered by a 250W motor However, the US version of the bike will have only one gear, while the European model will have a seven-speed shifter

Like most electric bikes, the Bird bike has a pedal assist feature However, the maximum speed is 20 mph

Bird's first consumer bike will be a solid product, even if its design resembles other popular models With a removable battery, it's very easy to charge and seems to have a decent range; at $2,299 and up, it's a bit more expensive than entry-level models like the $1,699 Charge Bikes City, but it looks a bit sleeker Hopefully we'll be able to test it properly in the near future with a real-world ride