The Lectric XPedition cargo bike, priced at $1,350, has been put to the test. Electric bikes have become increasingly popular, particularly those under $2,000, due to their cost-effectiveness for daily transportation. These e-bikes offer convenience and enjoyment for short journeys and recreational use.

The Best Affordable E-Bikes

Explore additional holiday e-bike deals.

The term “cheap electric bikes” is used here to indicate their affordability in comparison to the higher-priced options available at many bike shops and online retailers. While premium e-bikes and electric mountain bikes can be exceptional, they often come with a hefty price tag, sometimes exceeding $10,000.

The e-bikes listed below, while more affordable, have proven to be reliable for everyday commuting and riding according to the team’s testing and research. Reviews focus on budget-friendly choices from brands like Aventon, Rad Power Bikes, and others, which are available for direct online purchase. The selection includes bikes for daily use, folding e-bikes, and even a fat-tire e-bike.

For those in search of a high-performance e-bike or the support and service of a specialty retailer, be sure to consider the recommendations for the best high-performance e-bikes, featuring 18 exceptional, award-winning bikes rigorously evaluated by the editorial team.

Testing the More Affordable E-Bikes

Experienced testers spent numerous hours and miles using these bikes for their intended purposes. They’ve personally ridden and tested many of these e-bikes for various tasks, including commuting, grocery shopping, passenger-hauling, and testing terrain adaptability as well as battery endurance.

The Bicycling gear team assessed each model based on performance, price, comfort, handling, value, reliability, fun, and overall e-factor. These recommendations aim to serve the needs of those seeking to enhance their rides with pedal assist.

Top Picks for E-Bikes

Best Overall E-Bike

Aventon Level.2 is a standout, offering a smooth and linear power delivery from its rear hub motor. The bike’s intuitive feel is enhanced by integrated lights and a user-friendly display, making it a top commuter e-bike choice. It excels in various testing situations and is an excellent option for an e-bike under $2,000, providing all the necessary features for commuting or city travel.

Best Amazon E-Bike

Troxus Sky Hopper stands out with its unique and enjoyable design. This commuter-style e-bike includes fat tires, a suspension fork, and a powerful rear hub motor. It comes with practical accessories like a rear rack, lights, fenders, and an adjustable stem. Troxus offers support through its California office and a network of U.S. dealers, making parts procurement and warranty service more accessible.

Best Urban E-Bike

The Aventon Soltera.2 offers simplicity and style in an affordable seven-speed model. It features a brushless hub motor that provides gentle assistance as you pedal, disc brakes, and an integrated light. The battery is cleverly hidden within the frame, a feature not common in this price range. Designed for smoother roads and bike paths, the Soltera is a lightweight city rider’s dream.

Best Utility E-Bike

Co-op Cycles Generation e1.1 is ideal for short city trips and general around-town use. It’s equipped with a rack, lights, puncture-protected tires, and hydraulic disc brakes for superior stopping power. REI also offers service and warranty for this bike.

Best Fat Tire E-Bike

The Aventon Aventure.2, with its torque sensor, provides better control over acceleration, making the ride feel more natural. It comes with updated features like an interface, integrated turn signals, and a front light. While the weight and components limit its use on singletrack and aggressive mountain biking, it’s well-suited for commutes and off-road trails.

Best Folding E-Bike

Ride1Up’s Portola is a compact folding e-bike with a powerful motor, hydraulic disc brakes, and a Shimano 8-speed drivetrain. It’s an excellent choice for those with limited storage space or who need a bike that’s easy to transport.

Best Value E-Bike

The Aventon Pace 350 offers quality at a low cost. This Class 2 e-bike provides a balanced and planted feel on various terrains, making it a viable option for daily commuting despite lacking certain accessories like lights or fenders.

Best Cruiser E-Bike

The Electric Bike Company Model E is a stylish beach cruiser, known for its high-quality assembly in the U.S. It’s fully customizable and offers a comfortable ride with its smooth tires and retro handlebar.

Best Budget Cargo E-Bike

The XPedition cargo bike is the most affordable e-cargo bike recommended by Bicycling, offering many features of higher-priced models but with lower-grade components. Its hub motor is adequate for shorter trips and lighter loads.

More Great Electric Cargo Bikes

Best Electric Trike

Rad Power Bikes’ RadTrike is perfect for those who prefer three wheels or need to transport items regularly. It features a front hub-drive motor, smooth-rolling tires, and a step-through frame for easy access.

Best Singlespeed E-Bike

The Ride1Up Roadster v2 is discreet, lightweight, and competitively priced. Ideal for short commutes on flat roads, it’s a durable option despite lacking some features to maintain its price and weight.

Hub Motors Save Cost

All e-bikes mentioned utilize hub motors, which are more economical than mid-drive motors. Hub motors provide a different balance and maneuverability compared to mid-drive motors, which offer a more natural bike feel due to their central positioning.

The Three Classes of E-Bikes

In the U.S., e-bikes are categorized into three classes based on the type of assist and speed. Class 1 and 3 are most common, with Class 1 providing pedal assistance up to 20 mph and Class 3 up to 28 mph. Class 2 e-bikes are gaining popularity with their throttle-assisted 20 mph capability.

Cheaper E-Bike Components

While less expensive bikes may have lower-quality parts, they are still designed with safety in mind. Brands like Aventon create their own e-bike systems to keep costs down while investing in high-quality components elsewhere.

E-Bike Battery Range and Integration

Batteries are becoming more integrated into the bike’s design, offering a more elegant look. However, the range is still limited, with most averaging around 40 miles. As with cars, actual range varies based on usage and conditions.