What is the price of affordable eBike?

08 Apr.,2024

 

Best Budget Electric Bike


Ride1Up Turris-XR


82

OVERALL
SCORE

  • Ride

    8.0

  • Range

    8.0

  • Power

    9.0

  • Interface

    8.0

  • Assembly

    7.0

REASONS TO BUY

Reasonable price

28 mph top speed

Integrated battery

Suspension fork

Available in step-through or step-over designs

REASONS TO AVOID

No rack or tail light

Knobby tires might be noisy on pavement

Our testers were thoroughly impressed with the Ride1Up Turris XR, which exceeded our expectations in terms of performance, comfort, and value, earning it our highest accolades. Boasting a 750W motor, this Class 3 bike can reach 20 mph quickly with the throttle and up to 28 mph with the pedal assist function. Its frame is not only sleek and stylish but also has a 614 Wh battery, giving the bike a respectable range. Additionally, the 27.5-inch wheels roll smoothly, and the high-volume tires dampen vibration. The bike is agile and responsive yet stable while cruising. Furthermore, the seated position is comfortable, the seat height is adjustable, and the seat and grips feel high quality. The frame is available in two styles (ST/step-thru and XR/step-over) to accommodate different user preferences.

The Turris XR boasts various comfort features such as a headlight, suspension fork, fenders, and all-terrain tires. Its upright design ensures a comfortable and relaxing ride perfect for enjoying the scenery. Though not the most athletic bike, it's built for comfort and feels high quality. It's also the most expensive bike in our budget category. Despite a few minor complaints, its overall value and quality make it an excellent option for those who wish to explore bike paths and beyond. If you want to spend a few hundred dollars more and get more range and an included rack, check out our Editors Choice from our best electric commuter bike review, the Ride1Up 700-Series. It is more powerful and has a longer range.

Read more: Ride1Up Turris XR review

The Turris can be used with throttle only.

Credit: Joshua Hutchens


Best Value Cargo Bike


Lectric XPedition


REASONS TO BUY

Large motor

Solid range

Huge carrying capacity

REASONS TO AVOID

Acceleration could be smoother

Bumpy ride

Cargo bikes can easily cost $2000-5000, but the Lectric XPedition offers incredible performance for a fraction of the cost of many of the models in our best cargo bike review. It doesn't skimp on specs. You get both power and usefulness with a large battery and motor and many included accessories like fenders, lights, and a clear digital display. It hauls up to 450 pounds, which few other cargo bikes can match at any price. The telescoping seatpost makes it fast to adjust the seat height for different loads you might be carrying. It is short enough to fit on many bike racks.

One downside to the smaller size and wheelbase is that this bike does not handle as well as bigger bikes at high speeds. You also feel most bumps on rough terrain. With no front shock, you have to be more careful with your tire placement in areas with potholes. This bike performs admirably and is much less expensive than the cargo bikes that performed higher.

Testing the fully loaded XPedition.

Credit: Joshua Hutchens


Best Budget Folding Electric Bike


Lectric XP 3.0 Step-Thru


Battery Size: 500 Wh | Measured Weight: 62 lbs 8 oz

REASONS TO BUY

Arrives pre-built

Folds in seconds

Knobby tires expand its range

Amazing value

Class 3 speeds

REASONS TO AVOID

Smaller wheelbase is less comfortable

Uninspiring battery range

500 Wh |62 lbs 8 oz

The Lectric XP 3.0 is an electric bike that can be folded and stored in tight spaces, such as a car trunk, small office, or hall closet. Despite its compact size, it has various adjustable features to accommodate a wide range of user heights. The bike has convenient features like a cargo rack carrying 150 lbs, fenders, lights, a comfortable seat, and ergonomic grips. Lectric sells additional accessories like a passenger seat, turning you into a taxi. The XP 3.0 has a 500W motor, which allows it to reach speeds up to 28 mph using pedal assist and 20 mph with the throttle. The bike runs on a 500Wh battery, which fits inside its folding frame. A long-range battery is also available for purchase. With 3-inch wide knobby tires and a suspension fork, the bike provides a relatively smooth ride and can be ridden on various surfaces. Moreover, the bike is easy to use straight out of the box. It comes almost completely assembled and can be set up and ridden with little time and effort.

This bike's small size and folding convenience have many advantages, but there are also some drawbacks. The XP 3.0's smaller battery gives it less range than models with larger batteries. The bike has a tight turning radius and is quite maneuverable, but the short wheelbase and tall handlebar at higher speeds make it feel unstable. Despite this, we never felt uncomfortable riding this bike, even at 28mph. It folds into a compact package, but it's quite heavy at 62.5 lbs, so carrying it up a flight of stairs or lifting it into a trunk can be challenging. Nonetheless, this affordable folding model is an excellent option for anyone looking for a compact e-bike that's easy to store and transport.

Read more: Lectric XP 3.0 review

THe XP 3.0 is user-friendly and quick to assemble. It is not, however, easy to lift.

Credit: Joshua Hutchens


Another Great Value


Nakto Camel 250


68

OVERALL
SCORE

  • Ride

    8.0

  • Range

    7.0

  • Power

    6.0

  • Interface

    6.0

  • Assembly

    6.0

Wheel Size: 26-inch | Battery Capacity: 360 Wh

REASONS TO BUY

Reasonable range

20 mph speed

Rack and basket are functional

REASONS TO AVOID

Less powerful motor

One pedal assist level

Very basic display

26-inch |360 Wh

The Nakto Camel 250 is a very affordable Class 2 e-bike with a retro cruiser style that impressed us with its value. This bike features a 360Wh battery and 250W hub motor capable of traveling almost 20 miles using only the throttle. The Nakto's frame features a low, step-thru frame, making ingress and egress simple. The included rack and basket allow you to carry some items along, while its long stem and seatpost accommodate various height riders. The Nakto is simple and comfortable, with an upright seating and a smooth ride. It features a twist throttle for effortless movement and can reach speeds up to 20 mph. The bike also has fenders, a kickstand, and a headlight. The included basket and rear rack make it ideal for commuting and running errands in town.

The Nakto Camel 250 is noteworthy due to its positive user reviews and included features. We compared the Nakto to several similarly priced competitors, finding its simple pedal-assist system less impressive than its range, speed, and comfort. The quality of this bike isn't of the caliber that we're accustomed to testing, but it feels like a good option for those on a tight budget.

Read more: Nakto Camel 250 review

The Nakto Camel 250 is a simple and affordable way to enjoy the benefits of an e-bike.

Credit: Laura Casner


Best Lightweight Budget Electric Bike


Propella Mini


59

OVERALL
SCORE

  • Ride

    6.0

  • Range

    4.0

  • Power

    6.0

  • Interface

    7.0

  • Assembly

    8.0

Wheel Size: 20-inch | Battery Capacity: 250 Wh

REASONS TO BUY

Very lightweight

Compact size

Affordable

Simple, sleek design

REASONS TO AVOID

Top speed of 18 mph

No throttle

Shorter range

Small wheels result in less stable handling

20-inch |250 Wh

The Propella Mini stands out from other bikes due to its small size and lightweight design. While it may not be the most powerful or have the longest range, its weight of only 35 pounds and 5 ounces makes it easy to carry up and down stairs. Plus, its compact shape allows for easy storage compared to non-folding bikes. This Class 1 bike features a 250W motor and five pedal assist levels, allowing for up to 18 mph speeds. The 250 Wh battery provides a decent range, especially considering the bike's low weight. The 20-inch wheels may not be as stable as larger wheeled models, but the bike is highly maneuverable and has quick handling. If you prefer larger wheels, Propella also offers the SS and 7S models with the same motor, battery, and lightweight design but with 700c wheels and tires.

The Mini is highly agile and can easily make sharp turns. However, its 20-inch wheels make for a less stable ride and can cause a slight reduction in stability at high speeds. Its maximum assisted speed is 18 mph, which we found adequate. While the 250 Wh battery offers a decent range, it was not as impressive as models with larger batteries in our test. Additionally, it does not include features such as fenders or lights; these must be purchased separately. Nevertheless, the Mini is an excellent choice for city environments, flat terrain, shorter trips, or those who value simplicity and lightweight design.

Read more: Propella Mini review

The aptly-named Mini stands out for its very light weight and compact size.

Credit: Abriah Wofford


Compare Products

select up to 5 products to compare Score Product Price

82

Ride1Up Turris-XR


Best Budget Electric Bike

$1,295

82

Lectric XP 3.0 Step-Thru

$999

74

Ancheer 27.5-inch Blue Spark Electric Bike

$509

68

Nakto Camel 250


Another Great Value

$690

68

MICLON Cybertrack 100

$800

64

Ecotric Vortex Electric City Bike

$740

59

Propella Mini


Best Lightweight Budget Electric Bike

$999


Our test process is multi-faceted. We performed specific range and handling tests, and used each bike for commuting, running errands, and just cruising around town.

Credit: Jason Peters


Why You Should Trust Us


After researching the best, most popular, and most highly regarded affordable electric bikes, we purchased 10 for our side-by-side test. We ran each model through the same rigorous testing process while focusing on several key performance attributes. We did our distance range testing on the same course with the same rider using the throttle only to see how far each model could travel on a full charge. We also tested our other key performance metrics, discussed below.

We performed several quantifiable tests to directly compare the different models, determining each bike's strengths and weaknesses. Instead of arbitrary testing, we focused on several specific performance attributes, such as ride quality, distance range, power output, user interface, and ease of assembly. Our head-to-head testing exposes the individual performance of each bike and shows how they stack up next to one another.

We used five rating metrics to evaluate these bikes:
  • Ride Performance(25% of overall score weighting)
  • Range on a full charge (25% weighting)
  • Motor Power (25% weighting)
  • Interface Quality (15% weighting)
  • Ease of Assembly (10% weighting)

We usedto evaluate these bikes:

Our budget electric bike test was led by Jeremy Benson. Benson is the Senior Mountain Bike Review Editor for OutdoorGearLab and has years of experience testing mountain, gravel, and electric bikes. He is an obsessive cyclist and racer competing in the professional class's endurance gravel and mountain bike events. While he loves to ride using only his power, he doesn't discriminate and can often be found riding e-MTBs on the trails and electric bikes around town. His years of experience testing and riding bikes for fun and training have allowed him to sense the nuanced and often subtle differences between the products he tests while on the road or trail. Benson is also the author of two guidebooks, Mountain Bike Tahoe and Backcountry Ski and Snowboard Routes: California, published by Mountaineers Books in 2017.

Each bike's handling was tested in several ways including in a figure-eight course to test steering and cornering capabilities.We tested the user interface of each model during our test rides.We performed range tests on the same course with the same rider using GPS to track each model's performance.

Analysis and Test Results


We tested a broad range of bike styles that include Class 1, 2, and 3 models. Despite their differences, we put each bike through the same tests to bring you apples-to-apples comparisons.


Value


The electric bikes in this review all qualify as relatively affordable, yet they still represent a broad range in price. Though we don't consider price when scoring products, we still love a good value. Our testing revealed a clear correlation between price and performance, and the top-rated models are the most expensive.

Big wheels and girthy tires give the Ride1Up Core-5 a smooth ride while the seated position is relaxed and comfortable without being too relaxed.

Credit: Abriah Wofford


Ride


A bike's ride quality is one of its most important attributes, and we give it a 25% weight in the overall score. Each model we tested was different and had varying handling characteristics, comfort levels, and features that helped define how they rode. Wheel size and geometry are integral to how a bike feels while turning and how stable it feels at speed. Fit adjustments for the seat and handlebar are essential elements that affect comfort across a range of user heights. Additional features like racks, bike lights, and fenders also play into the overall quality of the user experience.


The Ride1Up Turris XR impressed us the most with its excellent, comfortable ride. It may be light on features, but this bike has composed and predictable handling and is very stable at speed. The 27.5-inch wheels roll smooth and fast, and the girthy tires provide decent damping for bumps and cracks in the road. It has a relaxed seated position and comes in 2 frame styles to suit a wide range of rider heights and preferences.

The Nakto Camel 250 impressed us with its ride quality, comfort, and wealth of features. It handles smoothly and predictably, with a cruiser bike style and a comfortable upright body position. It also came fully equipped with useful features like fenders, a headlight, a horn and bell, a covered front basket, and a rear cargo rack which enhanced user-friendliness.

For a folding model with small, 20-inch tires, we were impressed by the ride quality, versatility, and included features of the Lectric XP 3.0. (testing of the 2.0 shown)

Credit: Jason Peters


We were also pleasantly surprised by the ride quality of the Lectric XP 3.0. Its smaller wheels and compact folding design do decrease its stability somewhat compared to the larger wheeled competition, but a suspension fork and girthy 3-inch wide knobby tires provide a relatively smooth ride and expand its versatility to a wider range of surface conditions. It has a very wide range of fit, and it also comes equipped with lights, fenders, and a rear cargo rack that can hold 150 lbs, passenger kit is available.

Our standardized range testing allows us to directly compare the distance our test bikes can travel on a single charge.


Range


How far an electric bike can travel on a single charge is its distance range. Many factors play into a bike's range, including battery storage capacity, rider weight, terrain, and rider input. We weigh this metric at 25% of each bike's overall score. To make our range test as consistent as possible, we used the same rider on the same test course for each one. We rode all of these bikes from a full charge until the battery died while recording all of the ride info with a GPS-enabled cycling computer. For the Class 2 models, we also removed the rider input/pedaling variable by performing this test using the throttle only. For the Class 1 models without a throttle, we turned the cranks to activate the cadence sensor but didn't put any effort into pedaling, making the bike do all of the work. This test gave us an accurate assessment of the low end of each bike's range, and more importantly, how they compare to each other. Our test course contained around 100 vertical feet of elevation gain/loss per 2 miles. It is safe to assume that every bike we tested could be ridden much farther on perfectly flat terrain, especially while pedaling and using pedal-assist instead of just the throttle.


It didn't come as much as a surprise that the top-performing models in our range testing also happened to have the largest batteries. With its 614Wh battery, the Ride1Up Turris XR rode away from the field with 22.1 miles and over 1500 feet of elevation gain/loss. Not only that, but at 17.3 mph, it held the highest average speed of all the models tested. Not too far behind was the Lectric XP 3.0 with its 500 Wh battery. We were able to ride it for 24.5 miles with just over 1,000 vertical feet of elevation.

The Turris XR is an excellent value.

Credit: Joshua Hutchens


Power


The point of electric bikes is that they have power, and as one of the three most essential elements, we give power test results a 25% weighting in the overall score. A bike's power output depends primarily on its motor's size, and the models we tested have motors ranging in size from 250W up to 750W. For the Class 2 and 3 models, we performed various tests using the throttle and pedal assistance to determine each bike's top speed, acceleration, and ability to hold speed up moderately pitched uphills. For the Class 1 models, we performed the same tests, just without the throttle, and soft-pedaled to let the motor do all the work.


With a 750W motor, the Ride1Up Turris XR blew the competition away in this metric. It was able to accelerate from a complete stop up to 20 mph in just under 10 seconds using the throttle, and it was able to accelerate and hold speed up hills that made other models slow and bog down. This Class 3 model is also capable of supporting speeds up to 28 mph using pedal-assist. Nipping at the Turris XR's heels was the Lectric XP 3.0. It has a 500W motor, and it is also Class 3 capable for speeds up to 28 mph using pedal assist. We found the smaller wheels to allow for very quick acceleration using the throttle, and it felt eager to get up to its top throttle speed of 20 mph. The Miclon Cybertrack 100 has a 350W motor and was no slouch in the speed department. Again, not the fastest, but it was surprisingly quick to accelerate, given its smaller motor size.

The controls and display on the Lectric XP 3.0 were among the best in the test.

Credit: Jason Peters


User Interface


The controls and display are the primary ways that riders interact with an electric bike, and we weighted this metric at 15% of the overall score of each cycle. Their quality and user-friendliness vary dramatically among the models we tested. All serve their intended purpose, but some shine as ergonomic and cutting-edge, while others are more rudimentary. The top-rated models have ergonomic control buttons that are easy to reach while riding and digital displays that provide a wealth of information at a glance. Battery charging was nearly identical amongst all of the models tested, with relatively standard charging ports, cables, and times for each. All but one model had removable batteries, a design we appreciate for easier charging and security purposes.


The Lectric XP 3.0 has a great user interface. The buttons and throttle are very straightforward with good ergonomics, and the large digital display is very easy to read.

For an inexpensive bike, the Ancheer Blue Spark has a quality user interface.

Credit: Laura Casner


The Ancheer Blue Spark featured good controls and a digital display. The control buttons sit close to the left grip and are easy to reach, and the screen is affixed in the middle of the handlebar for easy viewing. The display shows various stats, including current speed, remaining battery, and pedal-assist setting. Unfortunately, this electric bike did not have instructions for its display/controls, nor could we find them online, which left us stuck with the info displayed in kilometers instead of miles.

Simple yet effective, the interface on the Ride1Up Core-5 gets the job done.

Credit: Abriah Wofford


The Ride1Up Turris XR has a slightly simpler interface that consists of a thumb paddle throttle and a combo control/display unit. It's super easy to use and the display shows everything you need pertaining to your ride, but its position by the left grip isn't quite as easy to see as those that are positioned in the middle of the handlebar.

Most bikes arrive in a box like this with roughly 80% of the assembly completed. The remaining setup is up to the consumer.


Assembly


We ordered every bike tested in this review. They were all shipped to us directly in a box, and most require some assembly to get up and rolling. However, since it is a one-time task, we only give a 10% weight to the difficulty of assembly. The majority of these bikes came mostly assembled and required only a few relatively simple steps to finish the job. Those unfamiliar with bikes may be best off taking their bike to a shop with skilled mechanics, but all of the tested models can be assembled by the consumer at home using the included tools and instructions. However, sometimes it is nice to keep some extra tools handy in case you need to do any adjusting or maintenance later on.


The Swagcycle EB5 and Lectric XP 3.0 were by far the easiest to get up and running, as they arrived completely assembled, and unboxing them and removing the protective packing materials only took a few minutes. Of course, both bikes needed to be unfolded and locked into their open and rideable positions, but that was the extent of it. It couldn't be easier to get either of these bikes ready for use.

The Swagcycle EB5 is unique in that it comes fully assembled and folds up very small for storage or transport.

Credit: Laura Casner


The Propella Mini had an easy assembly processes, taking 30 minutes or less to complete.

There are lots of electric bikes on the market. We hope this review helps you find the right one.

Credit: Laura Casner


Conclusion


Electric bikes are becoming increasingly popular for good reason. Whether for a commute, running errands around town, or just for exercise, e-bikes are a great way to save some gas money, get around quickly and efficiently, and have some fun to boot. We love them as a way to make trips to the grocery store not only more eco-conscious but also an easy and fast affair. They make riding to work on a hot summer day a less sweaty event and are just plain old fun to cruise around on. We know that there are lots of options on the market, and not all of them are easily affordable. We hope that with this review, you'll be able to find one that suits your needs without breaking the bank or sacrificing quality.

Electric bikes are becoming increasingly popular for good reason. Whether for a commute, running errands around town, or just for exercise, e-bikes are a great way to save some gas money, get around quickly and efficiently, and have some fun to boot. We love them as a way to make trips to the grocery store not only more eco-conscious but also an easy and fast affair. They make riding to work on a hot summer day a less sweaty event and are just plain old fun to cruise around on. We know that there are lots of options on the market, and not all of them are easily affordable. We hope that with this review, you'll be able to find one that suits your needs without breaking the bank or sacrificing quality.

Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we may earn a commission from our partners’ links. This content is created independently from TIME’s editorial staff. Learn more about it.

Although e-bikes are an ideal solution for people looking to cycle to work without sweating through their shirt, their high price point can be off-putting for many. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of the best cheap electric bikes, which features the top budget models, as picked by e-bike connoisseurs. Jump on and let’s go for a spin!

The three classes of e-bikes

“E-bikes are categorized into three main classes, based on their electric assistance capabilities,” explains Kelly Dong, operations manager at Upway. He breaks down the three classes as follows:

Class 1 E-Bikes

Also known as pedal-assist e-bikes, these provide electric assistance only when the rider is pedaling. They have a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph and do not have a throttle. These e-bikes are popular for commuting and recreational cycling, offering a natural riding experience with added assistance.

Class 2 E-Bikes

These feature a throttle in addition to pedal-assist. Riders can choose to pedal or use the throttle for electric power, and they also have a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph.

Class 3 E-Bikes

These e-bikes provide pedal-assist up to 28 mph, making them suitable for longer commutes and faster rides. Like Class 1 e-bikes, they do not have a throttle.

Read also: How Fast Do Electric Bikes Go? A Complete Guide

How to choose the best budget electric bike

“There are quite a few factors to consider when purchasing an e-bike!” stresses Dong. He particularly emphasizes the following:

Open vs closed frame

This is important, as the frame style dictates your position when riding the bike. Be sure to go with something that’ll be comfortable on longer rides (and since you’ll be getting some powered assistance, you can go pretty far!)

Manufacturer

Going with a more popular manufacturer (such as Aventon or Cannondale) is advantageous, as it means you’re more likely to easily find a service center when needed.

E-bike class

Deciding whether you would like a throttle is a key consideration when purchasing an e-bike and will change how you ride on a daily basis. At lower price ranges, you’re not going to get significant deviation in performance regarding range.

For more in-depth information about e-bikes, read our guides to what an electric bike is and how to choose an electric bike.

Our picks for the top cheap electric bikes

Best overall cheap electric bike: Lectric XP Lite

As our favorite all-rounder, we’ve gone with the Lectric XP Lite. It comes recommended by Tyler Swartz, co-founder of E-bike Commuting, who praises it for being so compact and easy to store, as well as its strong motor and solid range. “Plus, of all the low cost e-bike companies, Lectric has the best reviews when it comes to customer service,” he adds. “That’s something that I think is very important.” Shopping tip: The Lectric XP Lite also made our list of the best folding electric bikes.

Specifications:

  • Power: 720 watts
  • Weight: 46 lbs
  • Top speed: 20 mph
  • Range: 40 miles
  • Price on publish: $799

What we like:

  • Lightweight
  • Smooth ride thanks to its large tires

What we don’t like:

  • Folding and unfolding it can be a little tricky at times

The bottom line:

A folding, compact e-bike that ticks all the boxes for a high quality budget model.

Best overall cheap electric bike

Lectric XP Lite

buy on lectrice bikes

amazon

$799.99

$749.00

Best value cheap electric bike: Swagtron EB5 Pro

For a really inexpensive option that still gets the job done in style, Joan Denizot, cycling expert at Zize Bikes, advises checking out the Swagtron EB5 Pro. She recommends this model due to it being foldable, lightweight, and reliable, all without spending a fortune. Its range and top speed are admittedly a little lacking, but it makes up for this with its handy portability.

Specifications:

  • Power: 250 watts
  • Weight: 37 lbs
  • Top speed: 15 mph
  • Range: 15.5 miles
  • Price on publish: $439.99

What we like:

  • Folding
  • Lightweight

What we don’t like:

  • Shorter range and lower top speed than most other models

The bottom line:

You might not go as far (or as fast) on this highly portable e-bike, but for short trips, it’s a great value option.

Best value cheap electric bike

Swagtron EB5 Pro

buy on Walmart

amazon

$549.99

Best cheap cruiser electric bike: Nakto Camel

From its easy, step-thru design to its snack-friendly basket, everything about this bike says fun, leisurely cruising. Praised by Denizot for its “comfortable design for casual rides,” it’s still capable of taking off when it has to, with a 450 watt motor and a top speed of 25 miles an hour. It also has several lights and reflectors to make sure people can still see you if your laidback cruise keeps you out past sundown.

Specifications:

  • Power: 450 watts
  • Weight: 60 pounds
  • Top speed: 25 mph
  • Range: 32 miles
  • Price on publish: $779

What we like:

  • Comfortable design
  • Easy to assemble
  • Smooth ride

What we don’t like:

  • Some customers note that it has difficulty with steeper hills

The bottom line:

A comfortable, laidback e-bike, ideal for weekend cruising.

Best cheap cruiser electric bike

Nakto Camel

buy on Nakto bikes

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Best cheap electric bike for city riders: Charge City

“The Charge City is a great option for city riders,” says Dong. “It comes with integrated lights, a rack, options for both closed and open frames, and multiple colors.” It also features a thumb throttle as well as pedal assist, folding pedals, a locking, removable battery, folding handlebars, and puncture-resistant tires.

Specifications:

  • Power: 250 watts
  • Weight: 45 pounds
  • Top speed: 20 mph
  • Range: 50 miles
  • Price on publish: $1,799

What we like:

  • Folding pedals and handlebars for easier storage
  • Puncture-resistant tires

What we don’t like:

  • On the more expensive side for this list (although pretty affordable in general for a quality e-bike)

The bottom line:

A more expensive option for this list, but still a very reasonably priced e-bike overall, and one that’ll work perfectly for city commuters.

Best cheap electric bike for city riders

Charge City

buy on Charge bikes

Most stylish cheap electric bike: Aventon Soltera.2

With its smooth, minimalist design, Aventon’s Soltera.2 will definitely turn a few heads. Dong, certainly, is a big admirer, saying that, “It’s available in a really striking citrine yellow color, which is a fan favorite!” It’s not all about the looks, though—this e-bike has a 350 watt motor, an aerodynamic frame, built-in turn signals, and a backlit LCD display. It’s also surprisingly lightweight at just 42 pounds.

Specifications:

  • Power: 350 watts
  • Weight: 42 pounds
  • Top speed: 20 mph
  • Range: 46 miles
  • Price on publish: $999

What we like:

  • Built-in turn signals
  • Looks gorgeous
  • Lightweight

What we don’t like:

  • Some reviewers note that the range sometimes falls short of the advertised 46 miles

The bottom line:

A great-looking, lightweight e-bike with a truly thoughtful design.

Most stylish cheap electric bike

Aventon Soltera.2

buy on Up way

Best folding cheap electric bike: Lectric XP 3.0

As we’ve already established, Swartz is a fan of Lectric’s bikes, and that includes their XP 3.0. In particular, he praises its powerful 1,000 watt motor with 55 NM of torque, which will definitely let you speed through your daily commute. On top of all that, it’s foldable, so you can store it safely away when not in use. All in all, it’s accessible, reliable, and a whole lot of fun.

Specifications:

  • Power: 1,000 watts
  • Weight: 64 lbs
  • Top speed: 28 mph
  • Range: Up to 45 miles (or 65, with larger battery–$200 extra)
  • Price on publish: $999

What we like:

  • Foldable
  • Powerful
  • Option for a larger battery

What we don’t like:

  • On the heavy side

The bottom line:

Stuffed with worthwhile features while still remaining affordable, this folding bike will save both space and your wallet.

Best folding cheap electric bike

Lectric XP 3.0

buy on Lectric bikes

Best cheap fat tire electric bike: Heybike Mars 2.0

Anyone wanting to ride off the beaten path—and especially those who love to ride on sand, snow, or swampy mud—will want to consider a fat tire bike. If portability and fun color choices are also a consideration, then you definitely want to try out the Mars 2.0 from Heybike. Its powerful 1,200 watt motor will propel you across any surface, while its rugged, four-inch-wide tires will make sure it’s always a smooth ride. And if you go for the pumpkin orange option, you’ll definitely get noticed on your way.

Specifications:

  • Power: 1,200 watts
  • Weight: 75 pounds
  • Top speed: 28 mph
  • Range: 45 miles
  • Price on publish: $999

What we like:

  • Powerful
  • Stable
  • Foldable

What we don’t like:

  • Heavy

The bottom line:

A fun, portable fat tire e-bike with the power and traction to get you where you’re going.

Best cheap fat tire electric bike

Heybike Mars 2.0

buy on Hey bike

amazon

$1,049.00

$999.00

Best lightweight cheap electric bike: Ecotric Vortex

While there are admittedly some even lighter models on this list, Denizot recommends the Ecotric Vortex for its ideal balance of weight, power, and price, describing it as, “Lightweight yet powerful for urban commuting.” Indeed, for less than half a grand, you get a high-strength, carbon steel frame, large, 26-inch wheels, an 18-month warranty, and a 350 watt motor. And it’s still only just over 50 pounds!

Specifications:

  • Power: 350 watts
  • Weight: 51 pounds
  • Top speed: 20 mph
  • Range: 33 miles
  • Price on publish: $489

What we like:

  • Large wheels
  • Strong frame

What we don’t like:

  • A minority of customer reviews say that some components need regular tightening

The bottom line:

A lightweight, inexpensive e-bike with high-end features.

Best lightweight cheap electric bike

ECOTRIC 26" Ebike Electric Powerful City Bicycle Bike 350W 36V/12.5AH Removable Lithium Battery Assist Disc Brake System Throttle Pedal UL Certified (White) (White)

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Most impressive range for a cheap electric bike: Ancheer 26" Electric Cruiser Bike

One aspect to seriously consider when looking at more affordable e-bikes is battery life, and that’s what Denizot loves about Ancheer’s e-cruiser. Its range of up to 60 miles is frankly amazing for the price, but on top of that, you get large, 26-inch wheels, a fast charge time (three and a half hours), front and rear lights, and cruise control.

Specifications:

  • Power: 350 watts
  • Weight: 61 pounds
  • Top speed: 20 mph
  • Range: 60 miles
  • Price on publish: $359.99

What we like:

  • Great range, especially for the price
  • Fast charge time

What we don’t like:

  • Some customers complain that the assembly instructions are difficult to follow

The bottom line:

A highly affordable e-bike with truly impressive range.

Most impressive range for a cheap electric bike

ANCHEER Electric Bike for Adults, 26" City Commuter Bike with 48V/10.4AH Battery, 3H Fast Charge, Low Frame, Soft Seat, Step-Thru Ebike with 500W Peak Motor for Women Men

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$359.99

How we selected the best cheap electric bikes

To compile our list of the best cheap electric bikes, we turned to experts in the field for their advice and product recommendations. We also conducted thorough research to make sure that all the bikes we listed have strong customer feedback, especially in terms of ease of use, comfort, longevity, and overall satisfaction.

If you found this list helpful, be sure to also check out our guides to the best electric bikes, the best three wheel electric bikes, and the best electric bikes for commuting.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Are cheap electric bikes worth it?

“Absolutely!” says Dong. “You can still get a high-quality ride, even at a more budget-conscious price. There are plenty of manufacturers which specialize in providing e-bikes with high quality components in a lower price range (such as Aventon or Rad Power). E-bikes can quite literally change your life, by vastly improving your daily mobility options.”

How much does a cheap e-bike cost?

Obviously this one depends on your definition of “cheap,” but Swartz points out that you can pick up a good value e-bike for around $700, while Dong says that between $1,000 and $2,000 is a good spot for an affordable but well-made bike.

Which brand is best for cheap electric bicycles?

“My favorite brand for inexpensive e-bikes is Lectric Bikes,” says Denizot. “They make a variety of e-bikes that are less than $1,000 and have good quality batteries with excellent range.”

Dong, meanwhile, recommends Aventon or Rad Power, saying that they, “provide multiple robust options at a reasonable price point. They offer city-commuter, fat-tire, cargo bikes, and more! Aventon also has some really fun colors.” Fun fact: Rad Power made our lists for the best electric bikes, the best electric commuter bikes, and the best fat tire electric bikes.

What features should I look for in a cheap electric bike?

“I’d look for one that has a motor that’s at least 200 watts and has an estimated range of at least 30 miles,” says Swartz. “Most inexpensive e-bikes will have a cadence sensor and rear hub motor.”

Dong also lists the following features to look out for:

  • Throttle: Having a throttle can make your life much easier when riding! If you’re tired out, you can stop pedaling and keep zooming forward.
  • Rack: Having a bike rack is great to transport goods, whether that’s your backpack, groceries, or more. You can also attach things such as a child seat, pannier bag, or crate.
  • Integrated Lights: These lights are built into the e-bike’s system and can help you stay safe during dark rides.
  • Torque Sensor: While these are not on all e-bikes at the lower price range, these are great as they allow for fine-tuning the amount of assist you’re getting out of your bike. They will match the strength of your pedaling, in contrast to a cadence sensor, which simply prescribes a fixed amount of power when pedaling is detected.

What is the price of affordable eBike?

9 Best Cheap Electric Bikes of 2024