What makes an electric bike "affordable"? The answer this question will differ from person to person, and where you live is a big determining factor. Dropping a couple thousand bucks on an e-bike makes a lot more financial sense in a city with good cycling infrastructure, where it can become your primary transportation and quickly pay for itself. If you live somewhere with poor cycling infrastructure or "way out in the boonies", then your e-bike may be more of a hobby purchase and the price tag suddenly seems a lot heftier.
For our purposes, we've set our "affordable" threshold at $2,000 USD; if it costs less than that, it's in!
E-bikes in this category provide a good price-to-value ratio, offering good performance while skipping some of the fancy bells and whistles that more premium (and expensive) alternatives offer. While it can be tempting to look for the cheapest e-bike possible, we actually advise against this! A good rule of thumb to follow, at least in the US, is that an e-bike will cost at least $1,200 if it's a product of worthwhile quality.
Yes, there are exceptions, and even in this day and age you can still find electric bikes for less than $1,000 USD, but these brands tend to compromise too much on quality and offer little or no post-purchase support. The lower the price, the more caution you should exercise as a buyer! Research online, read consumer reviews, and (of course) read our expert opinions here to get the Freshly Charged take.
The Segway Myon is what happens when you stop building e-bikes like toys and start building them like vehicles. This isn't just a commuter; it’s a masterclass in refinement. Featuring industry-leading electronic shifting from Shimano and Segway’s proprietary TurboTuned™ torque sensor, the Myon eliminates the jerky, unrefined feel of standard e-bikes, delivering power that feels like a natural extension of your legs. It crushes hills with a peak output of 1500W and glides through the city with a stealthy, whisper-quiet confidence.
The Velotric Discover 2 is the latest commuter e-bike from Velotric, featuring upgraded components and notable new tech for budget-conscious riders. It sports a 750W continuous motor with 75 Nm torque, hydraulic front suspension, and a high-capacity 705 Wh battery rated at IPX7 waterproof. The Discover 2 offers an improved display, TEKTRO hydraulic disc brakes, and Shimano Altus 8-speed drivetrain. Designed for commuting and recreational rides, it comes in four vibrant colors and boasts ultra-waterproof features. Velotric bikes are shipped from a US warehouse, backed by US-based customer service with some parts sourced from China.
