Last updated on April 3rd, 2023 at 05:53 pm
Is it possible for an electric bike to be affordable? Electric bikes are incredibly cool and costly, and both statements are factual.
Purchasing one is a significant investment because they frequently cost more than $2,000 per unit. Many folks need more means to buy one. Yet, a suitable e-bike may be purchased for less than $1,000.
Several manufacturers have created reasonably priced e-bikes that offer excellent functionality at the low end of the price spectrum.
There are alternatives for trail riders, although they often come in collapsible or compact designs for commuters and are meant for relatively modest usage.
Let’s look at the advantages and restrictions of the top cheap electric bikes.
Reviews & Suggestions For Best Inexpensive Electric Bicycles
The most affordable e-bikes cover a range of riding needs and factors. Even though affordable e-bikes are frequently similar, our picks provide unique riding experiences.
These captured our interest, and you may be as well.
Best For Apartment Life And Urban Exploration: XP Lite for Lectric Bikes
Why it was chosen:
The Lectric Bikes XP Lite is a small but nimble bike that doesn’t take up much storage space and allows you to breeze through crowds.
Specs
- Battery power: 48V 7.8 Ah (374 Wh)
- Range: 15-40 miles
- Motor: 720W peak, 300W nominal
Lectric Bikes, which began in 2019 in a garage in Phoenix, Arizona, swiftly grew due to the company’s restless nature.
The company’s e-bikes aren’t just for the adventurous—to earn the experience points, or XP, in the bike names—but the founders also constantly take user feedback into account to improve the product line while keeping prices low.
RVers and van lifers can easily travel with the core Lectric XP 3.0 model because it is foldable and off-road friendly.
In contrast, the less expensive XP Lite was the best choice for city dwellers requiring a lighter-weight bike that could be transported from the closet to commute. It even shows up swiftly in minimal packaging.
The XP Lite is simple to tuck away and move by elevator (or even stairs in a pinch) at 46 pounds and 36 x 16 x 26-inch folding proportions while packing in a lot of capabilities for its $899 price tag.
Pros
- Good power and range
- Solid build quality
- Class 1 or 2
Cons
- On bumpy roads, lacking suspension is noticeable.
Read: Hybrid Bikes under $500 – A complete guide for 2023
Optimal mountain bike: Ancheer Electric Mountain Bike 350W 26″
Why it was chosen:
Most electric mountain bikes cost thousands of dollars. This one is competent and only costs about $700.
Specs
- Battery power: 36V 10.4Ah (374.4Wh)
- Range: 20+ miles
- Motor: 350W
Electric mountain bikes typically cost more than $1,000, leaning more toward $10,000, which makes them difficult to sell.
Fortunately, Ancheer produces a far more affordable but highly effective substitute. The 350W engine on the Ancheer Electric Mountain Bike can go at 20 mph and has no trouble recharging up inclines.
It also has a sizable range; according to many users, if you’re using the throttle sensibly, it will travel well over 20 miles.
After using it for several months on the trails, several buyers have left glowing reviews, which is surprising for a cheap electric mountain bike.
Shock absorbers in the fork give a smooth, competent riding experience. Also, it has a modern and athletic look.
Pros
- Good power and range
- Solid build quality
- Shock-absorbing fork
- Throttle and a 21-speed shifter
Cons
- No built-in light
- Bad customer service from the manufacturer
Read: Reasons to Buy Honda Mini Bikes in 2023
Best folding: Vivi 26-inch Foldable Electric Mountain Bike
Why it was chosen:
The Vivi 26-inch Folding Electric Mountain Bike feels especially solid for a folding e-bike.
Specs
- Battery power: 36V 8Ah (288Wh)
- Range: Around 14 miles
- Motor: 350W
Due to their distinctive hinges, folding electric bikes feel a little rickety. On its 26-inch Electric Mountain Bike, low-cost bicycle manufacturer Vivi has reduced that jiggle without costing an arm and a leg.
You can accelerate up to 20 miles per hour with its powerful 350W motor using the throttle or the pedals.
While it falls short of high-level e-bikes in range, its 14 miles should be adequate for local commuters to complete their daily journey on a single charge. Moreover, the Shimano 21-speed gearbox makes climbing hills simple.
When you’re done for the day, folding the bike up to the store is easy, as is reassembling it to ride.
Most significantly, the bike feels strong despite the moveable points on the frame and gives a pleasant riding experience.
Moreover, it includes an integrated headlight that can be activated via the handlebar control pad.
It is also used to choose between the three riding modes of pedal-assist, pure electric power, and regular bike mode.
Although Vivi has a decent bike on its hands here, the firm has established a reputation for lousy customer support when faults have crept up.
It might affect the bike’s long-term survival, but it’s also a problem that budget-conscious firms often face.
Pros
- Solid all-purpose bike
- Generally excellent power and range
- Sway control devices
- Throttle and a 21-speed shifter
Cons
- Gradual charging
- Bad customer service from the manufacturer
Read: In A Search Of The Best Hardtail Mountain Bike Under 2000?
Best Compact: 14-Inch Electric Bike by Sailnovo
Why it was chosen:
The Salinovo 14-inch Electric Bike is very portable and reliable.
Specs
- Battery power: 36V 10.4Ah (374.4Wh)
- Range: The equivalent of 18 miles
- Motor: 450W
The Salinovo 14-inch Electric Bike is surprisingly powerful for a little electric bike. Its 450W motor can easily reach just under 20 miles per hour with either the throttle or the pedal assist.
Round it with a surprisingly respectable range, tiny touches like integrated head and tail lights, and a central shock absorber. You’ve got a reasonably solid bike for roughly USD 500.
At these prices, some serious cyclists might discover that compact, foldable bikes don’t provide the structural reliability they require from a bicycle.
Generally, they feel more rickety than their non-folding counterparts.
It’s essential to remember that you are making a compromise when choosing a bike like the Sailnovo, choosing affordability and portability over feel and stability.
All in all, though, it’s a great little commuter or a fun way to explore a neighborhood.
Pros
- Strong motor
- An acceptable range
- Waterproof
- Pedal and throttle assistance
Cons
- It could be more ergonomic.
- Some customers have had customer service issues.
Read: Best Fat Bikes Under 2000 – A Budget-Friendly Guide
Best Sub-$500: ENGWE Electric Bike
Why it was chosen:
The Engwe Electric Bike is as capable as affordable, offering surprisingly good performance for such a low cost.
Specs
- Battery power: 36V 8Ah (288Wh)
- Range: The equivalent of 18 kilometers
- Motor: 250W
When hunting for an electric bike with less than $500 to spend, you’ll look at many small foldable bikes.
The Engwe Electric Bike is an unusual exception that lets you have a vintage bike frame at a cheap price.
The Engwe has a 250W motor that can assist the rider or throttle the bike up to 20 mph, a commendable range of about 18 miles, front fork shocks, and hill-climbing Shimano 21-speed shifters.
Its no-frills and traditional design also look better than any e-bike in its price range. It provides a delightful riding experience without being expensive.
Like many of our recommendations, Engwe’s Achilles’ heel is customer service.
It’s also important to remember that riders taller than an inch or two above six feet likely find it too diminutive because of its tiny size.
However, the price will be too if the size is right for you. It may qualify as one of the top children’s bikes.
Pros
- Sturdy all-purpose bike
- Generally excellent power and range
- Shimano shifter and shocks
- Handles hills well
Cons
- Not for tall riders
- Poor customer service
