Best Electric Bikes Under $1,000 | Eight Bargains to Jump On
Nov 27, 2024
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When you’re on a budget, it can be tough to find the right balance between an affordable electric bike and a quality electric bike — but it’s not impossible. To help you sort out the affordable gems from the cheap lemons, the Electric Bike Report team has compiled our list of the best electric bikes under $1,000.
To be fair, it’s not easy to make a quality e-bike under $1,000 (even before inflation), so we’ve resigned ourselves to raising that price cap a little here and there to include some great deals. These bikes are priced near enough to that mark – or we’ve seen them on sale often enough – that we consider them worth a mention.
With a majority of budget e-bikes being sold online, it can be difficult to judge whether the bike you’re looking at is worth your money. Lucky for you, the experts here at Electric Bike Report have ridden hundreds of e-bikes. We are extremely familiar with all the bikes on this list, and we’re confident they’ll serve you well.
Please note that in June of 2024, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced the expiration of e-bike exemptions from Section 301 tariffs, resulting in increased import fees for many e-bike brands. The prices noted here were under (or around) $1,000 at the time of writing, but they may change at any point.
Our Best Electric Bikes Under $1,000:
*Electric Bike Report aims to help consumers find the right electric bike for their needs. When you buy a product we recommend, we may earn a commission.
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Lectric XPress 500
Where Lectric’s previous entries on this list featured folding frames, the XPress is a full-size commuter e-bike that continues the brand’s trend of cramming crap-tons of value into an affordable and highly functional package.
The base model is priced around $1k and includes a well-rounded spec package with tons of bang for the buck. It features a peppy 500W hub motor, a 499-Wh battery, a color display, and a custom suspension fork with a cushy 80 mm of travel. It’s available in either a high-step frame with flat handlebars or a step-thru (ST) frame with curved Dutch-style handlebars.
We tested the ST model with an upright and extremely comfortable riding position. The bike’s combination of cruiser-style handlebars, rubber grips, and a cushy saddle stood out as remarkably relaxed and ergonomic!
It’s also worth pointing out that the XPress 500 features a torque sensor that allows its motor output to vary in relation to the rider’s pedal effort. We thought it felt great—and it’s not often we find torque sensors on e-bikes in this price range.
Even the fully upgraded version is a great deal; a few hundred dollars extra will swap the 500W rear hub for a 750W motor and exchange the standard 499-Wh battery option for a larger 672-Wh power supply.
As Lectric’s first full-size commuter, we can’t recommend the XPress 500 enough.
Read Full Review | Watch Our Video Review
Need to see more? Check out our highest-recommended commuter e-bikes.
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Pro’s- It offers a fully functional, full-size frame with great specs for the price.
- The ride feels relaxed and comfortable, especially on the upright, Dutch-style ST model.
- The 500W motor felt responsive, powerful, and fun!
- As we hoped, it climbed steep hills without breaking a sweat.
- Users can switch between Class 1, 2, and 3 modes to meet personal preferences and local regulations.
Con’s- We’d have preferred a left-hand throttle and trigger-style shifter instead of the current right throttle/over-bar shifter.
Aventon Soltera.2
The Aventon Soltera.2’s design is simple and lightweight; it doesn’t immediately look like an e-bike. In fact, the manufacturer is reaching back to its roots here; Aventon was known for its stylish single-speed fixies before earning its reputation as a powerhouse in the e-bike market.
Like the Ride1UP Roadster V2 mentioned above, the Soltera.2 is an urban e-bike for active riders. It’s built around a reserved 350W motor and a modest 346-Wh battery. On paper, these figures might look low when compared to more powerful motors or higher-capacity batteries, but the Soltera.2 balances these differences out in a few ways.
First, with a small-ish motor, the Soltera naturally has to rely a bit more on rider input. This makes it feel more like an analog bike and ultimately makes the Soltera.2 pretty efficient. It also results in commendable range, speed potential, and uphill capability (though the latter will require some work).
Second, Aventon specced a highly sensitive and adaptive torque sensor, which allows the Soltera.2 to give riders more effort when pedaling harder—just like a “regular” bike!
Third, the bike weighs a manageable 46 lbs, so its motor has less weight to compensate for from the outset.
While the Soltera.2 doesn’t feature a ton of extra bells and whistles, it has it where it counts. It’s a Class 2 e-bike with a throttle, a cool design, some flashy color options, a variety of quality components, and solid performance – all from a reputable brand with demonstrated reliability. You can’t go wrong.
Read Full Review | Watch Our Video Review
Willing to spend a little more? Check out all our top-recommended electric city bikes.
Pro’s- Aventon’s torque sensors are some of our favorites; the Soltera feels natural and responds quickly to changes in pedal pressure.
- While looks are subjective, we love the throwback design and the fact that the Soltera.2 is not obviously an e-bike.
- The bike has great handling, quick steering, and a nimble feel thanks to its 46-lb weight and 700cx38mm tires.
- Compared to similarly economical city e-bikes, the Soltera.2 actually boasts a relatively large battery, giving it great range.
- Even as a “budget” option, it has some of the nice features of its more expensive siblings like its color display, inset tail/brake lights, and turn signals.
Con’s- We liked the extra breathing room with Class 3 mode, but the bike struggled to reach its 25 mph max speed.
Lectric XP 3.0
The folks at Lectric upped their game with the XP 3.0 by improving everything that defined XP 2.0 and adding even more.
Most notably, the XP 3.0 has an integrated rear rack with a weight capacity of 150 lbs, which allows for passenger-carrying capability. It retained the XP 2’s 500W motor, but it has better acceleration and hill climbing ability thanks to an increase in peak output. The new Passenger Mode tames its speed to increase safety and prevent loss of control.
The bike’s ride quality has been improved as well, with a redesigned, more comfortable saddle, better gearing for more efficient pedaling, larger brake rotors for better responsiveness, and greater travel on the suspension fork for smoother travel. As with all of Lectric’s models, it’s one of the most affordable e-bikes on the market to be specced with hydraulic disc brakes.
Plus, the XP 3.0’s folding frame comes in both a standard and step-thru design. All of that on a capable, comfortable e-bike for around $1,000? Sign us up.
The XP 3.0 is quite possibly the most popular e-bike in America for good reason.
Read Full Review | Watch Our Video Review
Looking at similar bikes? Check out the top-recommended electric folding bikes.
Pro’s- The 3.0 has great acceleration and climbing power thanks to its 500W motor.
- Pedaling is efficient at higher speeds thanks to a 7-speed drivetrain and an 11-28T cassette.
- The bike’s hydraulic disc brake system functions well and is uncommon at this price.
- A suspension fork with 50mm of travel makes for smoother travel on bumpy roads.
- Carrying a passenger is possible with the rack’s 150-lb weight capacity, a new Passenger Mode, and a line of optional accessories including a Thule Yepo Maxi Child Seat.
Con’s- Like a car, the XP 3.0 requires a key to remain inserted while riding. We’d prefer to be able to remove it.
Ride1UP Portola
The Ride1UP Portola is a strong competitor to the XP 3.0. It, too, packs in a whole bunch of features for the same price point of around $1k.
The Portola was clearly made to match (and beat) the XP. It lines up spec-for-spec in many areas and kicks things up a notch in others.
Case in point: the Portola is equipped with expected features such as a suspension fork, hydraulic disc brakes, and a welded cargo rack with a 130-lb weight capacity. And yes, it also folds down for easier storage or transport.
It’s also specced with an exhilarating and punchy 750W motor. The Portola is a fairly small e-bike, but the motor makes it quite mighty.
We dig the Portola’s sleek appearance and solid ride feel. It handles better than many other folding bikes we’ve tested thanks to a non-telescoping stem that doesn’t have the notorious wiggle telescoping ones often do. As a result, however, the bike is a bit more suited for smaller riders below 6′ (or those who don’t mind limited leg extension).
We’re impressed with the Portola’s value, too; it’s worth every penny of its price tag.
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Pro’s- It’s one of the most feature-packed e-bikes on the market for $1000 with hydraulic brakes, a suspension fork, a 750W motor, a passenger-capable rack, etc.
- We liked the handling and overall ride feel from the reinforced stem and the grippy tires.
- The 8-speed drivetrain is unique at this price, providing a gearing range capable of moving quickly or climbing.
- The Portola is more refined than most folders, with added touches including reinforced clamps and a strap for keeping the bike together when folded.
Con’s- Leg extension runs on the small side, so the bike is best for riders under 6′
Lectric XP Lite 2.0
No, this isn’t favoritism, and no, it isn’t a mistake. This is the second Lectric e-bike on this list – and it’s a testament to the brand’s determination to make fun e-bikes that anybody can afford.
To put it simply, the Lectric XP Lite 2.0 is the most affordable e-bike to earn our stamp of approval. And if we’re being honest, we don’t just give it a thumbs-up; we give it an emphatic two.
The number of features Lectric packed into the Lite is impressive. It’s the lowest-priced e-bike we’ve tested with hydraulic disc brakes, and its color display looks better than many black-and-white LCDs we’ve seen on bikes double the price. At the time of writing, Lectric is also throwing in their “Elite” 850-lux headlight.
To be clear, sacrifices had to be made to achieve such an affordable price tag, but these trade offs also have upsides. For example, the Lite 2.0 has a single-speed drivetrain, but this ultimately makes it less complicated to operate. The bike’s 300W motor and 374-Wh battery might seem limiting on paper, but the pairing gave us respectable mileage in our Range Test.
The Lite is also one of the more practical and portable folding e-bikes we’ve tested, as it weighs less than its more heavily-specced cousins.
To offset some of its limitations, Lectric offers a handful of uncommon upgrade options, including a larger 672-Wh battery and a Gates Carbon belt. The latter option takes an already low-maintenance setup and gives it a longer life, a smoother feel, and quieter operation!
The bottom line is that, while the Lectric XP Lite 2.0 is relatively stripped-down, most riders won’t miss anything—especially at this price.
Pro’s- We don’t think you’ll find better value at the Lite 2.0’s price point below $1k.
- Those who want more can choose to upgrade to a Gates Carbon Belt Drive or get nearly double the range with a larger battery.
- The included hydraulic disc brakes are extremely rare on e-bikes at this price point.
- A low weight of 48 lbs makes the Lite 2.0 an extremely portable option.
- The color display is another uncommon feature we love!
Con’s- It’s to be expected with a single-speed drivetrain, but the bike ghost pedals at higher speeds.
Retrospec Chatham Rev 2
For those who prioritize comfort and prefer casual rides, the Retrospec Chatham Rev 2 is a fun, relaxing, and extremely comfortable retro-style beach cruiser. We think it’s just as good of a commuter as it is for leisure rides at the park or boardwalk, and at the time of writing, its price below $1,000 makes it a bargain.
We’ve tested a handful of Retrospec’s e-bikes and found a running theme: they feel like more expensive models. This comes back to our reasoning for (usually) considering the $1k mark to be the starting point for quality; there’s usually a noticeable drop in build quality and ride feel on cheaper e-bikes. Not so with the Chatham Rev 2.
This bike’s beauty lies in its simplicity; it’s not decked out with complicated electronics and too many buttons. Instead, it has simple but solid frame construction, a small LED indicator/control panel instead of a display, a user-friendly 7-speed drivetrain with an over-bar thumb shifter, an easy-to-use throttle, and basic but effective mechanical disc brakes.
The Chatham’s most appealing features are its thick and accommodating saddle, its curved, ergonomic handlebars, and its stable and cushy 26×3” fat tires. We also found its reserved 350W motor to be fun, accessible, and capable when pedaling uphill.
If you’re looking for a classic, comfortable cruiser-style e-bike that won’t cost an arm and a leg, we think the Chatham Rev 2 might be the bike for you!
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Want more of the mellow vibes? See the top-recommended cruiser e-bikes.
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Pro’s- The Chatham has a remarkably comfy ride thanks to its plush saddle, cruiser-style handlebars, and shock-absorbing fat tires.
- The 350W hub motor was better than we expected when climbing hills.
- Cruising and cornering felt stable thanks to the rigid frame and 3”-wide tires.
- It pedals well without the motor thanks to the battery’s placement behind the seat tube.
- We liked the overall simplicity as well as the included extras—a chain guard, battery-powered lights, etc.
Con’s- The motor wasn’t the fastest to engage, but the throttle helped get up to speed faster.
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JackRabbit
The JackRabbit is a seriously unique e-bike.
Technically, it’s more of an electric scooter; it has no pedals, no drivetrain, and only one brake. It does have folding pegs that serve as footrests, a 300W motor powered only by a throttle, and no need for a second brake due to its extremely compact wheelbase.
The bike is incredibly maneuverable, and honestly, it’s a stupid amount of fun! We couldn’t help but feel like a kid when riding it; the JackRabbit’s small size feels toy-like, but its power and zippy ride are on the grown-up side of the spectrum.
The JackRabbit was clearly designed with a hyper-focus on one specific aspect: portability. There is an entire category of e-bikes that fold, collapse, slim down, etc. for storage and transport. Some of them even ring up under $1,000 and appear on this list.
None of the others weigh in at just 24 lbs or can be made as compact as the JackRabbit.
Designed for college students who need to travel across a large campus, the JackRabbit fills a very specific niche. The bike’s ability to sprint to nearby places allows it to be used in more common applications—down the street to a friend’s house, around the corner to the convenience store, or a couple of blocks over to that really great deli.
It’s good to mention that the bike’s 4.2 Ah battery is small, and its range won’t compare to that of any other bike on this list (but it can be charged much quicker). The JackRabbit was made to cover relatively short distances over relatively smooth and flat terrain quickly. It was also designed to be carried, stashed, and set back up just as efficiently.
Pro’s- The JackRabbit’s wheelbase can be shortened and its handlebars can repositioned, giving it a smaller footprint than even a folding bike.
- It’s speedy, highly maneuverable, and a whole lot of fun to ride!
- Weighing only 24 lbs, the bike is ultra-portable, and can even be carried over the shoulder with an optional sling.
- Surprisingly, the JackRabbit can handle both small and tall riders, all the way up to 6’2” and 240 lbs!
- The bike honestly serves its purpose well – it’s great for short trips across campus or running errands.
Con’s- Riders with larger feet may need to be wary of hitting the wheel when turning due to the short wheelbase.
Retrospec Beamont Rev 2
“Simplicity” is a funny concept. Depending on your interpretation, it could mean boring, bland, or just plain blah. On the other hand, it can be synonymous with being uncomplicated, relaxing, and easy to enjoy. In the case of the Retrospec Beaumont Rev 2, it’s very much in that second group. It’s simple in a great way.
The bike’s standout feature is comfort. It’s a relaxed cruiser with a comfortable riding posture, a cushioned wide saddle, and an easily accessible 19-inch standover height. Its 27.5×2.4-inch tires are ideal for gentle cruising, and the handling is smooth and easy to control.
A unique aspect of this bike is its aesthetic. It features a throwback, classically styled frame, but unlike most affordable e-bikes—which typically offer only two or three color options at best—Retrospec pairs its classic styling with six color choices, allowing you to find one that suits your taste.
There is solid all-around performance. The battery delivers a good 18-44 miles of range, and the bike has enough pep on flats to move up to 20 mph. It’s got nice acceleration to it though that doesn’t overwhelm the rider. It has solid hill help for a 350W motor, but we mainly like this bike for cruising flat environments in comfort and style.
Simple design done right might be a hard needle to thread, but Retrospec has managed to do it here. We appreciate the Beaumont Rev 2’s pleasant nature and think it is an excellent choice for anyone looking to get out more and move a little faster than walking or using a traditional bike allows.
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Pro’s- It’s a very comfortable ride. It has a comfortable saddle, good body positioning, and has the pleasant handling cruisers are known for.
- There are an uncommon amount of color options (six) on a brike priced this affordably.
- Surprising features included at the low price: reear rack, headlight and taillight, chainguard and fenders, etc.
Con’s- Pedaling above 15 mph feels a bit undergeared.
Why We Consider E-Bikes Around $1,000 “Entry-Level”
Buying an e-bike much cheaper than $1,000 can be likened to gambling. With costs cut so low — added to the high likelihood you’re ordering a bike that cheap off a website — you really don’t know what you’re going to get.
The truth is that e-bikes are not cheap machines. Quality e-bike motors and batteries are not inexpensive to make, so they’re not typically cheap to buy.
We’ve found a handful of companies that do a good job building safe, durable, and inexpensive e-bikes, but some others do little to ensure that the products they sell will work as advertised. Amazon and AliExpress are the Pandora’s Box of cheap e-bikes, so it’s wise to steer clear of them.
While there are some exceptions, our general rule of thumb is that $1,000 is your best starting point. That’s enough money to get you quality components and trustworthy manufacturing. It’s also the most common lowest price we see from reputable e-bike manufacturers.
How We Picked The Best E-Bikes Under $1,000
Every bike on this list has been tested and reviewed by the experts here at Electric Bike Report, but we had to whittle it down from the hundreds we’ve ridden. To determine which bikes made the cut, we considered the following factors:
- Utility/Usefulness: -Just because an electric bike has two wheels and a motor doesn’t mean it’s going to be useful. We analyzed each bike’s practicality to ensure that it lived up to its claimed capabilities.
- Quality to price ratio:– Regardless of how much you spend, the bike has to be worth the money. The higher the price, the more features and performance we expect from it. Each of these bikes matched or exceeded our expectations.
- Longevity: -There are plenty of bikes you can purchase under $1,000 that probably will not last more than a year or two. We made sure that wasn’t the case with each bike we chose by examining its componentry, its build quality, and its manufacturer.
- Ride Quality: -Is the bike worth riding? Five miles into a ride, are you still comfortable? We considered these factors (and many more) to ensure that the comfort, handling, and features of each bike added up to an enjoyable, comfortable, and user-friendly experience.
- Diversity: -A wallet-friendly list that contains only city bikes or beach cruisers wouldn’t be useful to shoppers seeking something of a different style. We selected a variety of options of different styles to appeal to a broad range of tastes.
Bottom Line: There Is Probably an Electric Bike Under $1,000 For You
The market is flooded with electric bikes under (or around) $1,000, but when you take quality, style, and availability into account, that list gets a lot shorter.
Every bike on our list is there for a reason. All of these bikes meet the qualifications for what we would look for in a budget-friendly electric bike. With so many options to choose from, which is right for you? We encourage you to read, compare, and ask questions!
What did you think about our picks for the best electric bikes under $1,000? Are there ones we missed that you’d like us to review? Let us know in the comments below!
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Enjoyed the write up. The lectric bike looks like the one for me. Can upgrade seat post and saddle for 99 more and also has a basket set front and back for about 148. Good deal
Prices have certainly gone up, and availabilty gone down. https://wooshbikes.co.uk/?rambletta is the only one I can find at the moment. I built my own with a step-through frame from AliExpress. I could not find a frame anywhere else. That cost about £800 with a 15ah battery, rack, mudguards etc. This may not be feasible for many, but is worth considering if you cannot find what you want.
Allow me suggest the Oggi Lite Tour E-500 from Brazilian Oggi Bikes. An 8 gear e-bike perfect for urban rides. It’s light, kind aggressive with 700cc (witch makes it very fun for those experienced on standard bycicles) and can be perfectly ridden without electric assistance even in climbs (due it’s Shimano Acera 8 speed setup)
That’s a cool looking $1500 bike. Then again, a lot of $1500 bikes look cool compared to $1000 bikes.
You guys are way off base. Ecotric offers a great product! No mention however! Many customers report thousands of mostly carefree riding with many, many options and GREAT CS!
Wrong. I have an Ecotic and nothing but problems. Chain broke off, gear not shift. Battery not seat in right ( fitting ) . Just very cheap bike. Never buy anything from that company.
4″ fat tires provide you with the comfort, stability, and confidence to take your Superhandsome wherever you want to adventure.
Electric bikes can help to alleviate some of the strain so that you can pedal easier and enjoy the activity of cycling more. In fact, whenever you feel tired after climbing up a steep hill, you can just activate your electric bike and let it do the heavy lifting while you enjoy the scenery.
Been researching e-bikes for purchase to take on RV trips. Good information about economical bikes.
Thank you 🙂
For those who already have a decent bicycle you should look into conversion kits. For under $500, including battery, I converted my Trek into a great ebike that after 2 years is still running flawlessly.
What about HeyBike? They have a whole line of $800 electric bikes.
I would appreciate I ate any feedback.
We’d need to test them out first before we could weigh in on them.
There are too many options on this “under $1,000” list that are, indeed, over $1,000.
Do u know anything about natko step though pony or Elegance ebiked for under $1000
Hi Colleen, thanks for the question! I’m not familiar with that brand, but after glancing at the pages for those bikes, a few things jumped out. First, price – they’re significantly below the level we consider to be a good starting place to balance quality, longevity, and performance. Second, they don’t give much detail on the components they use. Third, the motors and batteries on those bikes are relatively low-powered, which isn’t bad if you know to expect you’ll be putting in some legwork, but won’t give you as much assistance as most of the bikes on our list above.
This article is dated November of 2023 yet all the comments are dated prior to that. How does that work?
Hi Bill, thanks for the question. We originally created this page prior to November of 2023, but we made our most recent update to the content on the page at that time.