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.

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1,499
28 MPH
350W
374Wh

The Velotric Tempo is one of the most unique lightweight city ebikes we’ve tested, combining an experience that feels natural with smart features such as Pulse Mode heart-rate training. In this review, we test the ride, tech, and real-world performance to see if this is the best lightweight commuter ebike you can buy right now.

1,799
28 MPH
750W
940Wh

The Mokwheel Scoria is a 20-inch fat tire electric bike from Mokwheel, positioned as a versatile, compact option for riders seeking a balance of performance and maneuverability. It is designed for a wide range of use cases including urban commuting, errands, cargo hauling, and light off-road exploration, and is marketed as accessible to both beginners and experienced riders. Key differentiators include a 750W motor with 90Nm+ torque, a high-capacity 48V 19.6Ah battery rated for up to 80 miles of range, an IPX6 full-bike waterproof rating, and an integrated rear shelf for cargo carrying.

1,999
The Mokwheel Granite is a three-wheel electric trike from Mokwheel designed for riders who prioritize stability, comfort, and cargo capacity over traditional two-wheel cycling. It targets a broad audience including seniors, urban commuters, and recreational riders, with a step-through frame, ergonomic seating with back support, and a large rear cargo basket. Powered by a mid-drive motor system, it is suited for city streets, bike paths, and light trails, with a claimed range of up to 50–60 miles per charge depending on conditions and assist level.
1,599
720Wh
The Mokwheel Slate is a foldable electric bike from Mokwheel designed for recreational riding and spontaneous adventures. Its key differentiator is a quick-fold mechanism that collapses the bike in three steps and roughly 10 seconds, making it well-suited for riders who need compact storage or easy transport in a car trunk. The bike is powered by a 48V 15Ah battery aimed at delivering extended range, and it features integrated driving indicator lights—including brake-activated tail lights and turn signals—for added on-road safety.
1,599
750W
The Mokwheel Tarmac is an urban commuter electric bike from Mokwheel, designed for city streets, paved trails, and everyday riding. It targets commuters, fitness riders, and casual cyclists who prioritize a lightweight, agile build with road-oriented performance. Key differentiators include a torque-sensor pedal assist system, a 750W rear-hub motor, front suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, and Shimano 10-speed gearing — a combination less common at its price point in the urban e-bike segment. The Tarmac is positioned as a practical yet performance-leaning option for riders seeking a smooth, responsive ride on paved surfaces.
1,699
The Mokwheel Basalt ST 2.0 is an all-terrain fat tire electric bike designed for riders who want versatile off-road capability combined with easy accessibility. It features a low step-through frame paired with wide fat tires, a high-power motor, and hydraulic disc brakes, positioning it as a comfort-forward option for tackling sand, snow, mud, trails, and city streets. A notable differentiator is its optional solar charging system, which is intended to extend range beyond a single battery charge for off-grid use. The Basalt ST 2.0 is the step-through variant of Mokwheel's Basalt 2.0 platform, targeting riders of varying heights and skill levels who prioritize ease of mounting without sacrificing all-terrain performance.
1,699
The Mokwheel Basalt 2.0 is an all-terrain fat tire electric bike from Mokwheel, designed for riders seeking versatility across a wide range of surfaces including sand, snow, mud, trails, and city streets. It targets both recreational and commuting use cases, positioning itself as a capable crossover e-bike suited to beginners and experienced riders alike. Key differentiators include extra-wide fat tires (3.8–4.8 inches), hydraulic disc brakes, a suspension system aimed at rough-terrain comfort, and optional solar charging support for extended off-grid rides.
1,599
The Mokwheel Tarmac ST is an urban electric bike from Mokwheel designed for city commuters and everyday riders who prioritize comfort and practicality. It features a step-through frame for easy mounting and dismounting, a torque sensor-based pedal assist system, front suspension, and integrated lighting — positioning it as a practical, all-day city ride. The Tarmac ST is a variant of Mokwheel's Tarmac line, distinguished by its low-step geometry aimed at a broader range of riders seeking a blend of performance and accessibility.
1,399
20 MPH
350W
360Wh

The Mokwheel Flint is a lightweight urban electric bike from Mokwheel, designed primarily for city commuting and everyday riding. Built around a 6061 aluminum alloy frame, it weighs 36 lbs and is positioned as a nimble, efficiency-focused option for riders seeking a balance of performance and portability. The Flint features a dual torque-and-cadence sensor system, Shimano 8-speed gearing, Logan hydraulic disc brakes, and a UL-certified battery rated for up to 70 miles of range. It competes in the commuter e-bike segment for riders who prioritize a lighter, quieter ride experience.

1,600
20 MPH
250W
360Wh

The Mokwheel Flint Pro is a lightweight urban commuter e-bike from Mokwheel E-Bikes, positioned in the city and daily-commuter segment. At 31 lbs, it stands out in its class for portability, and is built around a Gates Carbon Belt Drive for low-maintenance, quiet operation. The bike is designed for riders seeking a practical, all-weather commuter, featuring a dual torque-and-cadence sensor system for natural pedal assist, hydraulic disc brakes, and a claimed range of 50–70 miles per charge. It is available in both Step Over and Step Through frame styles.

1,399
20 MPH
250W
360Wh
The Mokwheel Flint ST is a step-through commuter e-bike from Mokwheel E-Bikes, positioned as an upgrade within the brand's Flint lineup by adding an 8-speed Shimano drivetrain to the same lightweight, low-standover aluminum frame. It is designed primarily for everyday urban commuting, with accessibility in mind for riders who prefer easy mount and dismount. Key differentiators include a dual torque-and-cadence sensor system for natural pedal assist, hydraulic disc brakes, IPX6-rated weather resistance, and a UL-certified battery with a claimed range of 50–70 miles per charge.
1,995
20 MPH
750W
780Wh
The 2024 ZOOZ Ultra Ripster is a compact electric bike from ZOOZ Bikes, positioned as the smaller sibling to the brand's Ultra Urban model. Built around 20-inch wheels and a low seat height, it is designed to accommodate a wide range of rider sizes while sharing the same Thrillmatic motor found on ZOOZ's larger offerings, giving it a torque-focused character despite its compact form. Like other ZOOZ models, it features a chromoly steel frame and fork construction and a 52V electrical system, distinguishing it from entry-level aluminum-framed competitors in the urban and recreational e-bike segment.