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Best Electric Bikes Under $1,000 | Nine Bargains to Jump On

Best Electric Bikes Under $1,000 2025

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 over the past 12+ months, the e-bike industry has been affected by numerous tariffs. 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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Bosch Unveils CX-R Race Motor, Adds OTA Power Boost to Gen 5 CX Motors

Bosch is rolling out major upgrades: a new Performance Line CX-R motor with Race-specific tuning and hardware, and a free over-the-air update for existing Gen 5 CX motor users that boosts power output.

Bosch Unveils CX-R Race Motor, Adds OTA Power Boost to Gen 5 CX Motors

Bosch eBike Systems made a plethora of announcements including new products headlined by the Performance Line CX-R race motor with premium construction materials, and new riding modes that will take advantage of a 400% boost to rider’s efforts with 750W of power and 100Nm of torque.

Bosch also showed off the Kiox 400C top tube display (which is an upgrade option available for many existing CX Gen 5 owners), and announced a forthcoming OTA update in July for current Perfomance Line CX riders that will increase the current 600W and 85Nm of torque to the same top levels of the Race motor, but will not have the new riding modes.

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Lectric XP 4 (750 Watt) Review | The Bar Has Been Raised

The Lectric XP 4 is versatile, fun, and delivers performance and quality well above what you’d expect for its price point. The upgraded motor and battery model offer a performance boost for those seeking additional power.

Lectric XP 4 (750 Watt) Review

Redefining expectations is no small accomplishment, but that’s exactly what Lectric’s original XP did—showing just how much $999 could get you in the world of e-bikes. The XP series built its reputation by packing in more features, versatility, and value than expected for a grand, and Lectric has been building on that formula ever since (while keeping the same starting price).

Now in its fourth iteration, the XP raises the bar yet again with smart upgrades, sharper looks, better ride quality, and—for the first time—the option to upgrade the motor and battery, like with the Lectric XP 4 750W model I’ve been riding for the past several weeks.

This XP 4 750W’s Stealth M24 motor packs a serious punch and feels intuitive to ride thanks to its easy-to-use torque sensor. For only a few hundred dollars more, you get 50% more nominal power and a 67% larger battery compared to the standard model, along with a premium headlight and a suspension seatpost. The battery capacity upgrade alone could easily justify the extra cost, making the total value exceptional.

The XP 4 750W dominated many of our testing categories and was simply a blast to ride. Power is readily available, handling feels easy, and the overall experience is far from “budget” when you’re out on the road.

The bike has a relaxed, accommodating ride that suits a wide range of rider sizes, and it packs enough utility for everything from joyrides to exploration to daily commuting. Visually, the XP series has never looked better: the XP 4 offers color options, a sleeker design, and more visible safety features, including built-in lighting and turn signals. It even debuts its own signature line of brakes made by Star Union, which—spoiler alert—delivered some all-time performance in our testing.

It’s a bit heavy, so moving it around while folded takes some effort. But given how much the XP 4 can do—and how small it folds down—it remains a highly impressive package overall.

The XP 4 is positioned as one of the best bang-for-your-buck e-bikes on the market. But is the 750W upgrade worth the extra investment? Read our full review to find out

[Read more…] about Lectric XP 4 (750 Watt) Review | The Bar Has Been Raised

Lectric XP 4 (500W) Review | Our Best Budget XPerience Yet?

The 4th generation of Lectric’s flagship folding e-bike is likely to be its best to date. Our testing is still in progress, but we’ve been impressed with its improved look, feel, and functionality.

Lectric XP 4 (500W) Review

Throughout our history of testing and reviewing e-bikes, the $1,000 mark has generally been the point at which a bike’s cost and quality are balanced well enough to earn our recommendation. With a handful of exceptions, Lectric has largely dominated our list of approved affordable e-bikes, with the XP line of folding e-bikes leading the charge.

The original model of the XP propelled Lectric toward success; its popularity among RV enthusiasts and entry-level e-bikers formed the brand’s foundation. Lectric built upon that base with each new generation of the XP, and through a wide range of its other affordable models, to reach its current status as a titan in the industry.

The XP 4 is the newest generation of the brand’s flagship. As with previous versions of the bike, it boasts a variety of upgrades and new features—along with a fully redesigned frame—all while maintaining its starting price of $999!

In addition to relatively standard features, such as a 500W rear hub motor and a modest 499-Wh battery, the bike includes a lengthy list of uncommon features for its price. These include a torque sensor, integrated turn signals, a custom color display, and a handful of trim elements that stood out as feeling better-than-average for a budget-friendly bike.

Lectric also offers an upgraded version of the XP 4 with a 750W motor and 840-Wh battery, as well as a few other notable enhancements, though we’ll save that for a separate review.

Our team had the opportunity to test both versions of the bike at Lectric’s announcement event at the Grand Canyon, but we brought the XP 4 back to our home base in Utah for a more thorough evaluation. See below to learn how it compares to the best folding e-bikes we’ve reviewed when we put it through our series of standardized performance tests!

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Aventon Aventure 3 Review | Recapturing the Fat Tire Crown?

The newest version of Aventon’s versatile, all-terrain adventure e-bike adds a variety of security and ride customization features to an already stellar foundation.

Aventon Aventure 3 Review

Aventon has largely raised the bar among fat-tire e-bikes with each new model in the Aventure line. The original model delivered a comfortable, capable, and stable ride with its upright geometry, powerful 750W motor, and genre-defining 4-inch-wide tires.

The second-generation bike added a torque sensor for improved responsiveness and range. Great overall performance and value additions like a color display, Bluetooth connectivity, and integrated turn signals cemented it as our go-to recommendation for the best fat-tire e-bike on the market. It also turned out to be one of the best e-bikes we’ve tested and reviewed, period.

Now, Aventon has brought the Aventure 3 to market, boasting a redesigned frame manufactured with the brand’s recently adopted method of gravity casting and equipped with its hi-tech ACU module.

The ACU is noteworthy for its integrated 4G chip, enabling owners to monitor the bike’s location via GPS tracking, limit its riding area through geofencing, and remotely deactivate it in the event of theft. The module also governs the mechanisms for a rear wheel lock and an ejectable battery, along with a motor customization feature in the Aventon app.

Based on our previous experiences with the Aventure and other new Aventon models, the Aventure 3 has been one of our most anticipated releases. We knew to expect refined geometry, improved programming, and a suite of security features, but we weren’t sure how well it would perform. After all, the competition has had a couple of years to catch up.

Did the Aventure 3 continue to build on the excellent foundation laid by its predecessors, or do we expect it to get lost in a sea of superior fat tire e-bikes? Continue reading our full review below to arrive at our verdict!

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Best Electric Bikes for Seniors | 13 Bikes for Better Health

Best Electric Bikes For Seniors

Electric bikes offer one of the most low-impact and senior-friendly modes of exercise. Their motors can help to take the edge off of hills that seniors using traditional pedal bikes might otherwise avoid. Yet, depending on the type of e-bike, they can still require enough physical effort to make for a great workout.

E-bikes have also been proven to help maintain cognitive and mental health among older riders; according to one study, low levels of pedal assistance from an e-bike can inspire confidence and improve self-esteem in older people who may feel limited by mobility issues.

Prospective senior cyclists often ask our team of reviewers for our opinion on the best electric bikes. To answer that question definitively, we decided to put our heads together and created this list of our favorites.

Our Best Electric Bikes for Seniors for 2025

*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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Best Electric Cargo Bikes 2025 | Twelve Top Cargo Haulers

Best Cargo E-Bikes of 2025

Cargo bikes have been in use since the 19th century when tradesmen used them to deliver and transport their goods around Holland. These tradesmen must have been on to something because the idea stuck!

Electric cargo bikes may look a bit different from those early models, but their motors make them even more practical. These days, cargo e-bikes are great for carrying loads of groceries, taking the kids to school, delivering food or packages, and generally serving as a versatile alternative to a car when running errands around town.

As the cargo e-bike category has grown in popularity, our team of reviewers has tested a myriad of makes and models. In our experience, not all of them are up to snuff! Rest assured that we’ve sorted the good from the bad—and we’ve assembled this list to make your search simple and straightforward.

While there are quite a few proven designs for cargo e-bikes, our list will focus on the short-tail/utility and long-tail (ST and LT, respectively) styles. Both types of bike share similar functionality—the only major differences are length and carrying capacity (usually volume, but also sometimes weight).

Whether you’re looking to live a healthier lifestyle while spending more time with the kids or seeking a dependable ride for gig work (think Doordash or Instacart), check out our top electric cargo bike picks below!

Our Best Cargo Electric Bikes for 2025

Long-Tail (LT) Cargo E-Bikes

Short-Tail (ST) Cargo/Utility E-Bikes

*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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E-Cells Goes Bust, Rad Refreshes The Runner, A Procumbent Bike? | TWR Ep 29

Plus California’s E-Bike Voucher Delayed, Cargo Bike For Hauling Twins, Regen Braking & More!

In this week’s e-bike news roundup: industry icon Rad Power Bikes has refreshed and renamed its RadRunner lineup, adding new features and tech across all models. Meanwhile, E-Cells—a brand known for pushing limits—announced it is shutting down due to tariff hikes and market challenges. Martoni also unveiled a new micromobility concept with a unique standing, forward-leaning “procumbent” riding position. And California’s e-bike voucher program hit a snag, with its launch delayed due to website issues.

In our weekly Rider Q&A, we tackle two family-focused questions: which longtail cargo bikes are best for riding with two kids, and which bikes are good for towing a child trailer? We also explore why many brands list size ranges by rider height instead of inseam, what’s holding back regenerative braking on e-bikes, and whether there’s an affordable step-thru fat tire model with a mid-drive motor.

Our Trail Highlight takes us to neighboring Nevada for a closer look at the River Mountains Loop Trail—a 35-mile paved path southeast of Las Vegas, connecting riders to Henderson, Lake Mead, and even the Hoover Dam.

[Read more…] about E-Cells Goes Bust, Rad Refreshes The Runner, A Procumbent Bike? | TWR Ep 29

Trek FX+ 7S Review | Lightweight, Yet Feature-Loaded

Quiet, light, and packed with premium features—this stealthy city bike feels more like a regular bike than just about anything we’ve ridden.

Trek FX+ 7S Review

City commuter e-bikes are prized for being lighter, quieter, and more agile than other e-bike styles. They also tend to fly under the radar, with a more stealthy look that doesn’t immediately scream “e-bike” thanks to fewer obvious giveaways.

Trek’s FX+ 7S isn’t just trying to fit that mold—it’s aiming to elevate it, delivering a more premium and polished experience that nails those attributes and then some.

It starts with the motor. The TQ HPR50 uses a fundamentally different construction than most e-bike drive systems, giving the FX+ 7S an ultra-natural feel and keeping it whisper-quiet. It’s a motor that complements active riders by helping you go faster and climb better without replacing the personal satisfaction of putting in the effort.

Handling is another highlight. With four sizes available—or eight if you count the mid-step frames—the FX+ 7S offers well-balanced geometry that strikes a nice blend between active and comfortable riding. A carbon fork further improves the experience by keeping weight low and soaking up road vibrations better than standard aluminum would.

The design is clean and thoughtful, from the internally routed cables to the carefully constructed frame. The bike weighs close to 40 pounds and even includes a built-in grab section that makes carrying it upstairs much easier.

There are several standout features you don’t often see at this level, like a Quadlock mount integrated into the stem that can charge your phone (with a compatible case), and an app that pulls in some bike computer functions. It’s a great setup for riders who aren’t just commuting (though it’s great for that) but also serious about tracking fitness goals.

All in all, the FX+ 7S is a seriously impressive package that should appeal to a wide range of riders who want an active experience and are willing to pay a little extra for higher-end performance and features. Check out the testing sections below for all the details.

[Read more…] about Trek FX+ 7S Review | Lightweight, Yet Feature-Loaded

Bimotal Elevate Review | Adding the “e” to MTB

The Bimotal Elevate finds a clever way to introduce a motor to acoustic bikes. It’s power-packed and removes in mere seconds to return your bike to its original handling.

Bimotal Elevate Review

“I like my bike now; I just wish it was electric” is a sentiment I’ve heard a thousand times from riders on standard mountain bikes who haven’t made the electric leap. One of the biggest problems in mountain biking that eMTBs solve is taking the sting out of climbs so you can stay fresh for the fun stuff.

But eMTBs come with their own tradeoffs: extra weight, different handling, and buying into a second bike isn’t cheap, or you’d have to consider saying sayonara to the ride you like now for the cash/garage space to make the switch.

The Bimotal Elevate we’ve been reviewing is a clever conversion kit that aims to address all of those problems with a unique brake-integrated mounting system that allows for quick motor and battery attachment and detachment to your current acoustic bike. Strap on the motor for an easier climb, then stow the motor and battery in a pack to restore your bike’s handling to exactly how it was before. In other words, it’s a “have your cake and eat it too” solution — at least in theory. But how does it do in practice?

Overall, the execution is impressive. The motor feels punchy (which our testing data more than backed up), and it has a solid power-to-weight ratio. It’s a Class 2 throttle-based system, so while it’s not ideal for highly technical climbs, it is a super useful shuttle service that helps you breeze through the more tiring parts of the ride so you can extend your time ripping through XC trails, berms, and downhill.

This isn’t a true eMTB replacement — at least not yet. But if you’re already enjoying riding your acoustic bike, the Elevate will unlock even more for you. It’ll help you squeeze in more laps or longer rides. It’s essentially adding new features to what you already have, making it an additive upgrade to your experience.

Even though you can stow the motor and battery, it isn’t a necessity. The total added weight is closer to that of SL eMTBs, so if you’re not too concerned about a few extra pounds of unsprung mass on a full-sus, it’s fully capable of hitting the downhill with you — where it sits surprisingly solid on its mount.

What it can do today in electrifying a beloved bike is highly impressive, and the future applications are even more tantalizing if they’re fully realized. For more on what it can do today and what’s coming next, check out how it performed in our testing below.

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