E-bikes vary widely in price; some start at a couple hundred bucks, while others extend up to (and sometimes even beyond) the cost of a full-size sedan. Premium e-bikes are awesome, but let’s be real—not everyone has that kind of cheddar!
On the opposite end of the spectrum, the cheapest e-bikes are just that—cheap. Everyone’s definition of “affordable” is different, but we typically consider a price around $1,000 to be a good starting point when searching for an affordable electric bike. Models in this range typically balance an approachable price with quality components and construction.
Lower-priced e-bikes tend to be relatively simple; common features on higher-priced models, such as Bluetooth connectivity, torque sensors, color displays, etc., are often left out to reduce costs. But bikes in the affordable range are no less functional when getting you from point A to point B.
Additionally, we’ve noticed that brands making budget-friendly bikes keep finding ways to up the ante as technology progresses. Not long ago, hydraulic disc brakes were reserved for mid and top-tier models, but they are now common in entry-level models, too. We expect this trend to continue, making affordable e-bikes more practical and packed with features.
The bottom line is that you don’t need to drop a huge wad of cash to get a great bike. The models showcased in the reviews below include a wide variety of different styles to meet the needs of various types of riders. Our affordable e-bike reviews include folding bikes, cruisers, city bikes, commuters, and more.
If you’d prefer not to sift through our entire catalog of reviews, we recommend checking out our picks for the best electric bikes under (or around) $1,000.