Affordable Electric Bikes


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.

1,999
2026
500W
722Wh


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.

999
2021
500W
460.8Wh


The Lectric XP 2.0 stands out in a crowded foldable ebike market with its affordable $999 price tag and feature-rich design. Highlights include portability, powerful motor, metal fenders, clear display, and comfort package, though cable management and some upgrades disappoint. Ideal for first-timers and RV owners, it’s an excellent entry-level choice for e-bike enthusiasts.
1,695
2023
750W
720Wh


The Ride1Up 700 Series stands out for its high-quality components—like premium suspension, hydraulic brakes, and Schwalbe tires—at a budget-friendly $1695 price. While it requires significant assembly, its features, ride performance, and overall appearance make it a top choice among budget ebikes, especially for those handy enough to handle setup themselves.
1,799
2023
500W
672Wh


The Aventon Sinch Step Through (ST) stands out as a top-tier, portable folding e-bike with beautiful design, easy assembly, a seamless built-in battery, and feature-rich Bluetooth color display. While it impresses with ride apps, looks, and practical features, drawbacks include mechanical brakes, no fenders, low water-resistance, and missing lights, making it ideal for those prioritizing convenience and style.
1,199
2022
W
360Wh


The Aventon Soltera is a sleek, lightweight, single-speed e-bike that stands out for its refined construction, seamless welds, and standout paint job. With features like a vibrant color display, a mobile app, integrated lights, and competitive pricing, it's ideal for riders seeking a traditional road bike feel with modern tech and style. Downsides include a smaller battery and caliper brakes.
999
2023
500W
624Wh


The Heybike Mars is a budget-friendly folding fat tire eBike offering features found in pricier models, like Shimano components, quick throttle response, and a removable battery. While it impresses with portability and style, drawbacks include throttle limitations, weak suspension, and quality control issues. Ideal for casual riders on a budget, but not suited for heavier or more demanding users.
1,999
2021
750W
720Wh


The Aventon Aventure is a rugged, fat tire ebike praised for its stability, comfort, and built-in features like hydraulic brakes and a color display. While the massive tires boost rider confidence and comfort, minor drawbacks include a delayed throttle, lack of rear suspension, and no bell. It's ideal for cruising and community rides, but not built for speed demons or
1,099
2023
350W
345Wh


The KBO Hurricane e-bike is a great value commuter bike for those traveling under 15 miles each way. It shines with its affordability, sleek design, low maintenance, and decent range. While the ride can be bumpy and the battery isn’t removable, its simplicity and reliability make it a solid choice—just upgrade the seat!