Best Cheap Electric Bikes: Budget-Friendly E-Bikes for All

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!

Our picks for the top cheap electric bikes

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.

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.