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Editor’s Note: We have reviewed this article and still stand by our recommendations for the best cheap electric bikes on the market as of February 2023. We’ll be evaluating this list monthly to make sure we bring you the most up-to-date products and industry information. If you’re ready to click purchase, consider the Aventon Level.2, which we named the best overall cheap e-bike.
The joy of riding e-bikes and the cost-effective convenience they bring to everyday transportation have helped electric-assist bicycles, especially the cheap e-bike models that cost less than $2,000 recommended here, skyrocket in popularity. Concerns about the volatility of gas prices have made these lower-cost e-bikes an even more attractive option for short trips or leisurely recreation.
Best Cheap E-Bikes
The Expert: I’ve been testing bikes and other gear for more than 20 years, leading the product review and gear teams for half a dozen magazines and web sites. For four years, I oversaw product testing for Bicycling, in addition to Popular Mechanics and Runner’s World. I’ve been testing e-bikes since 2013, when the Haibike entered the U.S. market with its first electric mountain bike. I commute to work and anywhere else I can on a Benno Boost e-cargo bike (often with my kids riding on the extended rear platform) and typically have three to four e-bikes in my garage to test at any one time. Last year, using a decibel meter, I compared the loudness of various e-bike motors to see which had the least offensive output (the Bosch Performance line CX used on many premium bikes had the lowest noise to torque levels). More recently, I reviewed the Woom Up kids e-bike for Bicycling.
We use the term cheap electric bikes here to describe their price relative to the more expensive electric bikes you can find in bike shops and some online retailers. We’ve tested many of those premium e-bikes and electric mountain bikes too and some are truly exceptional. But they can cost three or four times the models here. Some run as much as $10,000. These bikes cost less, but our testing and research show them to be very reliable for everyday commuting and riding. To make these reviews as helpful as possible, we focused on lower-priced options from brands like Aventon, Rad Power Bikes, and others that you can purchase directly online. In addition to bikes for everyday riding, we included folding e-bikes and even a fat-tire e-bike.
If you are looking for a higher-performance e-bike, or specifically want the help and service you can get from a specialty retailer, be sure to check out recommendations for our Best High-Performance E-Bikes. You’ll find 18 exceptional, award-winning bikes rigorously vetted by our editorial team.
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Hub Motors Save Cost
Every e-bike here uses a hub motor rather than a mid-drive motor. Hub motors (the original industry standard and more affordable of the two) can be located on either the front or, more commonly, the rear wheel. They typically don’t allow for the same natural maneuverability as today’s increasingly more common mid-drive motors because their weight is concentrated at the front or rear of the bike. In contrast, a mid-drive motor’s weight is low and centered over the bottom bracket, resulting in better control and a more balanced ride feel, much like a traditional bike.
The Three Classes of E-Bikes
In the U.S., there are three classes defined by the type of assist and how fast the motor will propel you. Most electric bikes are defined as class 1 or 3. Class 1 bikes have a motor (max 750w) that assists while you’re pedaling, up to 20 mph. Class 3, also known as “speed pedelec,” can also have up to only a 750w motor (aka 1 horsepower), but can assist you up to 28 mph. Both are allowed in most states and cities without the need for a license. Rare just a year ago, Class 2 models are becoming more popular, especially at lower prices. These models have a throttle that can propel a bike up to, and maintain, 20 mph without having to continuously pedal. Some bikes blur the lines. Aventon’s popular Pace 500, for example, is technically a Class 3 e-bike in that it reaches speeds up to 28 mph, but it also has a throttle that tops out at 20 mph (the maximum legal speed for a throttle).
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Cheaper E-Bike Components
Usually, the cheaper the bike, the cheaper the parts. But this doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be riding around on a rattling tin can. It just means that the bike’s designers took into consideration where they could include lower-level parts without sacrificing safety while putting the money where it counts most—hydraulic disc brakes, decent tires, and a reliable e-system. And although the electrical components on some of these bikes might not be plastered with a familiar name, like Bosch or Shimano, that doesn’t mean they’re not capable. Aventon, for example, pieced together its own e-bike system for the Pace 350—rather than buying a complete one from someone else—to keep the price down and allow for higher-quality parts elsewhere.
E-Bike Battery Range and Integration
It used to be that most bikes at this price point didn’t hide their batteries with much elegance. Instead, companies installed them prominently on top of the down tube. But we’re beginning to see more batteries hidden within the down tube or tucked discreetly behind the seat tube. Don’t expect to ride across the state on these bikes, either. The highest range in this list is 70 miles, but most average about 45. Like gas mileage in a car, real-world results vary depending on what assist level you use, terrain, and more. Still, it’s worth checking the bike’s battery range before you buy it to make sure it fits your daily needs.
How We Tested These Cheaper E-Bikes
Our team of experienced testers spent many hours and miles using most of these bikes for their intended purposes. I’ve personally ridden and tested many of them to and from work, used them to stock up on groceries and beer, tested their passenger-hauling capability, ridden them on questionable terrain to see how they handle, and run their batteries down to officially see how long they last on one charge. The Bicycling gear team evaluated every model on performance, price, comfort, handling, value, reliability, fun, and overall e-factor to come up with these recommendations that we believe will best serve the needs of anyone looking to add a little pedal assist to their ride.
BEST OVERALL CHEAP E-BIKE
Aventon Level.2
Aventon Level.2
Aventon Level.2
Pros
- Excellent performance and value
- New torque sensor, lights, and LCD head unit
- Rack, fenders, and hydraulic disc brakes
Cons
- More expensive than the original
Key Specs
| Power | 500W |
|---|---|
| Weight | 59.8 lb. |
| Top Speed | 28 mph |
| Range | Up to 60 miles |
Available in Step-Through Read Full Review
BEST VALUE E-BIKE
Aventon Pace 350
Pros
- Five levels of assist
Cons
- Mechanical disc brakes aren’t as powerful as hydraulic brakes
Key Specs
| Power | 350W |
|---|---|
| Weight | 46 lb. |
| Top Speed | 20 mph |
| Range | Up to 40 miles |
Drop below the $1,000 price level and e-bikes start to get sketchy. Most use lithium-ion battery technology, which is still pricey, and including it could mean cutting corners elsewhere if the overall price is that low. At $1,399, the Aventon Pace 350 gets close, but our test revealed it’s not too cheap to be high quality. The Class 2 e-bike tops the assistance out at 20 mph, whether you get there by pedal-assist or a throttle. There’s a 7-speed Shimano Tourney drivetrain and five levels of e-assist, giving you various pedaling options. Of the e-bikes we put through our handling circuit, the Pace 350 felt the most balanced and planted on pavement and dirt. You don’t get lights or fenders, but the Pace 350 felt viable for daily commuting. Aventon also offers the Pace in a step-through model.
BEST LIGHTWEIGHT E-BIKE
Ride1up Roadster V2
Ride1Up Roadster v2
Ride1Up Roadster v2
Pros
- Lightweight, simple design
Cons
- Shorter range than some
Key Specs
| Power | 350W |
|---|---|
| Weight | 35 lb. |
| Top Speed | 24 mph |
| Range | Up to 30 miles |
There’s a lot to like about the Roadster. It’s discreet, lightweight, and makes getting around a big city or small town a breeze. Plus, it’s priced very competitively. It does give up lights, a rack, fenders, gears, and disc brakes to hit both its price point and weight, and the range is shorter than other more expensive options. Because of that, the Roadster is ideal for short commutes on mostly flat roads and paths. But, if you’re looking for a low-cost, durable e-bike, then it’s worth considering the Roadster.
BEST CRUISER CHEAP E-BIKE
Electric Bike Company Model E
Electric Bike Company Model E
Electric Bike Company Model E
Pros
- Impressively customizable for the price
- Sturdy, high-quality frame design
Cons
- Add-ons hike up the price quickly
Key Specs
| Power | 500W |
|---|---|
| Weight | 53 lb. |
| Top Speed | 25 mph |
| Range | Up to 70 miles |
The new Model E is a sturdy, elegant beach cruiser assembled and painted in the U.S. We tested the brand’s model X last year and it impressed us with its high quality. All Electric Bike Company models are assembled in the U.S., and the attention to detail is immediately evident. Unlike the Model X, this one is sleeker, with an integrated battery. But like that one, it’s fully customizable and built to order with your options. The Schwalbe Fat Frank tires and steel frame and fork combine to deliver a smooth ride, and the comfortable saddle and retro handlebar beckon you to relax and let the e-assist do most of the work. And despite its weight, the disc brakes help you come to a smooth stop, whether you’re dodging squirrels on the bike path or avoiding tourists on the boardwalk.
GREAT FOR CITY RIDERS
Aventon Soltera
Pros
- Lightweight
- Integrated Battery
Cons
- Rim brakes
Key Specs
| Power | 350W |
|---|---|
| Weight | 41 lb. |
| Top Speed | 20 mph |
| Range | Up to 63 miles |
This affordable single-speed model from Aventon delivers simplicity and style that is tough to beat. The bike also comes as a 7-speed geared option, but we like the easy maintenance and convenience of this one-speeder. Simply push the throttle to get started and the brushless hub motor kicks in, assisting you more gently as you start pedaling. There are disc brakes (on the 7-speed) or rim brakes (on the singlespeed) and an integrated light. The battery is hidden in the bike’s frame, a surprising feature compared to the bolt-on vibe of many bikes in this price range. Best for smoother roads and bike paths, the Soltera delivers the most essential features a city rider needs in a strikingly light 41-pound package.
BEST STEP-THRU E-BIKE
Schwinn Coston DX 27.5 Step-Thru
Schwinn Coston DX Adult Electric Hybrid Bike
Key Specs
| Power | 250W |
|---|---|
| Weight | 55.8 lb. (small/medium) or 56.8 lb. (large/extra-large) |
| Top Speed | 20 mph |
| Range | Up to 35 miles |
It took some time, but one of the most well-known bike brands has embraced the fastest-growing bike category: e-bikes. Judging by Schwinn’s first offerings, which are appealing, it should have made the move sooner. The Coston is one of several new electric-assist models that offer a lot of attractive features at a low price. This one has a 250W hub-mounted motor and up to a 35-mile range, making it a capable option for commuting, cruising, or exploring. There’s an integrated front light, and one on the battery that makes you more visible when riding at night. There’s also an easy-to-use control unit, 7-speeds, and mechanical disc brakes—nice features for the price.
BEST FOLDING E-BIKE
Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5
Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5
Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5
Pros
- Burly tires add versatility to your ride
Cons
- Bulkier than some competitors’ folding bikes
Key Specs
| Power | 750W |
|---|---|
| Weight | 62.5 lb. |
| Top Speed | 20 mph |
| Range | Up to 45 miles |
Rated as our top value pick among the best folding e-bikes on the market, Rad Power’s RadExpand 5 succeeds the RadMini 4, the brand’s previous folding model, in stellar fashion. Shedding almost 5 pounds and sporting a 750-watt motor, the RadExpand seeks the road less traveled with plush 4-inch tires wrapped around nimble 20-inch rims. A range of up to 45 miles makes this bike worthy of day-long excursions, and it folds up easily for storage or transit. The bike is also outfitted with fenders, a rear rack capable of carrying 55 pounds (almost the weight of the bike itself), and fully integrated front and rear lights, making this machine a more-than-capable city commuter.
BEST SINGLESPEED E-BIKE
Rad Power Bikes RadMission
Rad Power Bikes RadMission
Pros
- Single-speed drivetrain means significantly less maintenance
Cons
- Slightly narrower, stiffer tires than other commuter options
- Cheap mechanical disc brakes
Key Specs
| Power | 500W |
|---|---|
| Weight | 49.4 lb. |
| Top Speed | 20 mph |
| Range | Up to 45 miles |
One of the most affordable e-bikes right now is Rad Power’s RadMission, a city bike with commuter potential. For $899, you get a stripped-down single-speed that moves along at 20 mph with a throttle to help you get up to speed or the top of punchy hills. The 27.5 x 1.95-inch-wide Kenda Kontact tires are slightly narrower than the 2-inch or wider tires we typically see on commuter e-bikes, but they were wide enough to feel speedy and provide comfort on pavement and bumpy bike paths. You also get integrated lights and a bell and a long list of options to add. The Rad Power–branded hub motor drive unit that delivers 50Nm of torque, and a 504Wh battery. The battery is removable and backup batteries are available from Rad Power if you want to have a spare at work or home. In addition to this mid-step-through version that makes it easier to get on and off, Rad also offers a traditional step-over model.
