The 10 Best Cheap E-Bikes, Determined By Our Testing and Commuting Experience (2024)

Electric bikes are great for everyday transportation, recreation, and exercise. Because of this, cost-effective e-bikes—priced less than $2,000—have skyrocketed in popularity in the past few years and are now common in cities, towns, and campgrounds across America. From seniors to teens to parents, it seems like everyone is riding electric bikes. The ease of use and all-around fun of e-bikes make the lower-cost models an attractive option for short trips or leisurely rides.

• Best Overall E-Bike: Aventon Level.2
• Best Value E-Bike: Co-op Cycles CTY e1.1
• Best Amazon E-Bike: Troxus Lynx
• Best Cruiser E-Bike: Electric Bike Co Model E
• Best Urban E-Bike: Aventon Soltera.2

We use the term “cheap electric bikes” here to describe their price relative to the more expensive electric bikes you can find in many bike shops and online retailers. We tested many of those premium e-bikes and electric mountain bikes—some are truly exceptional. But they can cost three or four times the models here, sometimes costing more than $10,000.

While the e-bikes below cost less, our testing and research show they are very reliable for everyday commuting and riding. To make these reviews as helpful as possible, we focused on lower-priced options from brands like Aventon, Lectric, and others that you can purchase directly online. In addition to bikes for everyday riding, we included folding e-bikes and even a fat-tire e-bike.

If you are looking for a higher-performance e-bike, or specifically want the help and service you can get from a specialty retailer, be sure to check out recommendations for our Best High-Performance E-Bikes. You’ll find 12 award-winning bikes rigorously vetted by Bicycling’s test team.

I worked for almost 30 years across many areas of cycling, from being a mechanic in top-rated bike shops to leading product development for global bicycle brands. Now, in my role as Bicycling’s Deputy Editor, I lead the Test Team in reviewing bikes and gear across all categories of bicycle products. I commute to work almost daily on an electric bike and typically have three to four e-bikes in my test fleet at any given time.

Our experienced test team spent many hours and miles using most of these bikes for their intended purposes. I rode and tested many of them to and from work, used them to stock up on groceries and beer, tested their passenger-hauling capability, and took them on questionable terrain to see how they handled. Plus, we run down their batteries to see how long they truly last on one charge.

We evaluated every model for its performance, price, comfort, handling, value, reliability, and overall fun to arrive at these recommended bikes. These e-bikes will meet the needs of anyone looking to add a little pedal assist to their ride.

Aventon's Level e-bike delivers smooth and linear power from its rear hub motor, giving this bike a natural and intuitive feel when riding. The addition of integrated lights and a small, easy-to-use display help make one of our favorite commuter e-bikes even better. Aventon's Level e-bike delivers smooth and linear power from its rear hub motor, giving this bike a natural and intuitive feel when riding. The addition of integrated lights and a small, easy-to-use display help make one of our favorite commuter e-bikes even better.

In our testing, the Level.2 performed better than expected in every situation. This e-bike has everything you need for commuting or getting around town.

Even nearly two years after we first reviewed the Aventon Level.2, this bike remains the best commuter e-bike you can purchase for less than $2,000. It holds its own against newcomers and much pricier offerings from big-name bike brands. The Level.2 is one of the best commuter bikes you can buy.

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REI’s CTY e1.1—from the outdoor retailer’s Co-op Cycles house brand—is one of the best e-bike values around. The Class 1 bike has a 300-pound carrying capacity and is powered by a Bafang hub drive motor and a 450Wh battery semi-integrated into the downtube. Additionally, REI equips the e1.1 with a Shimano Altus 7-speed drivetrain and Tektro hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors. Standard lights, center-mount kickstand, and Schwalbe Big Ben tires with added flat protection make this bike ideal for commuting or riding around town.

For those unsure about assembling a bike at home, the Co-op CTY can be purchased online and delivered to an REI store for assembly (or if you're buying it as a gift). Plus, for REI members, it comes with free flat tire repair and two years of free adjustments. This adds even more value to an already well-priced e-bike.

There are a lot of budget-priced e-bikes on Amazon. So, how do you know if you’re getting unrideable junk or a decent bike? Since e-bikes are electric items that require service, we recommend buying bikes from brands that have U.S.-based offices. Troxus has support from its office in Vista, California, and a network of dealers across the U.S. This allows you to procure parts or get warranty service on your e-bike more easily.

Troxus’ Lynx is unique and slightly quirky (in a fun way). It’s a zippy-riding commuter-style e-bike with 20”x4.0” fat tires, a suspension fork, a 750-watt rear hub motor, and a tall BMX-style bar. The Lynx also has a sturdy wood-topped rear rack, lights, fenders, and a comfortable saddle with a handle. The bike’s frame holds the 960Wh integrated downtube battery and a step-through design that makes getting on or off this e-bike easier.

Our biggest issue with this Lynx model is its cable-actuated disc brakes. While easier for many home mechanics to service, cable disc brakes do not offer the level of power or modulation of hydraulic stoppers. However, Troxus also offers the Lynx Plus with hydraulic brakes for an extra $300 via its website and dealer network.

The new Model E is a sturdy, elegant beach cruiser assembled and painted in the U.S. We tested the brand’s Model X last year and it impressed us with its high quality. All Electric Bike Company models are assembled in the U.S., and the attention to detail is immediately evident. Unlike the Model X, this e-bike is sleeker, with an integrated battery. But like that one, it’s fully customizable and built to order with your options.

The Model E’s Schwalbe Fat Frank tires and steel frame and fork combine to deliver a smooth ride. The comfortable saddle and retro handlebar beckon you to relax and let the e-assist do most of the work. And despite its weight, the disc brakes help you come to a smooth stop, whether dodging squirrels on the bike path or avoiding tourists on the boardwalk.

This relatively affordable seven-speed model from Aventon delivers simplicity and style that is tough to beat—and it comes in a new matte storm blue color. Simply push the throttle to get started and the brushless hub motor kicks in, assisting you more gently as you begin pedaling.

The Soltera features disc brakes and an integrated light. The battery is hidden in the bike’s frame, a surprising feature compared to the bolt-on vibe of many bikes in this price range. Best for smoother roads and bike paths, the Soltera delivers the essential features a city rider needs in a strikingly light 46-pound package.

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A torque sensor allows improved control over the acceleration of Aventure's 750W rear hub motor, making the bike's ride more intuitive. The Aventure also features an updated head unit interface, integrated turn signals, front light, rear rack, and fenders. A torque sensor allows improved control over the acceleration of Aventure's 750W rear hub motor, making the bike's ride more intuitive. The Aventure also features an updated head unit interface, integrated turn signals, front light, rear rack, and fenders.

We found the Aventure well-suited for commutes (especially on snowy days and gravel pathways) and off-road on doubletrack trails. The bike's weight and components limit its functionality on singletrack and for more aggressive mountain bike riding. (Check out our Best Electric Mountain Bikes guide For a comprehensive list of e-MTBs that withstand the rigors of trail riding use.)

Lectric’s One is a unique bike for one specific reason—its Pinion gearbox.

Pinion is a German brand that manufactures fully enclosed gearbox units. These operate similarly to an internally geared hub, except it is mounted at the bike’s bottom bracket instead of at the rear hub. But most riders have never heard of the brand because its gearboxes are more commonly found on bikes costing upwards of three times the price of the Lectric One.

We were impressed by the smoothness and precision of the Pinion system and by Lectric’s hub drive motor unit. However, since Lectric uses a cadence sensor, the motor feels disconnected from the rider. The cadence sensor has a slight lag, so the rider’s pedaling force does not relate to the motor’s output. This results in a slightly unnatural motor response. Additionally, the One has a lot of torque—we do not recommend it to young riders.

The One’s top-end features do not stop at the gearbox. Lectric also equips the bike with a Gates Carbon belt drive instead of a chain for ultra-low-maintenance performance. It also has hydraulic disc brakes, puncture-resistant tires, and a color LCD screen. Plus, the Pinion gearbox can be set up in an auto-shift function via an app.

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Ride1Up’s Portola folding electric bike packs a lot of punch for such a small package. Folding down to a compact 19”x29.5”x33” footprint, this bike features a 750-watt rear hub motor with 65Nm torque, hydraulic disc brakes, Shimano 8-speed drivetrain, and an integrated rear rack with 130-pound carrying capacity. For less than $1,000, this is a great deal for bimodal commuters, RVers, vanlifers, or folks living in a small apartment. The standard 10.4Ah battery has a claimed range of 20-40 miles or bump the range up to 45 miles with an optional 13.4Ah battery for an additional $100.

The word “hybrid” means something different for bicycles than for automobiles. Hybrid bikes combine elements of road bikes (lightweight frame, 700c wheels) and mountain bikes (flat handlebar, wide-range gearing, and sometimes suspension). This compelling combination of traits makes hybrids the best choice for many riders’ commuting, fitness, or leisure needs.

Earning a 2024 Bike Award, one of our favorite e-bikes is Velotric’s T1. The bike has a sporty and quick ride quality—the T1 handles much like some road bikes. The Velotric’s 350W rear hub motor and road bike-like geometry contribute to its snappy feel. But much of the feel comes from this e-bike’s low weight. At 36 pounds it is one of the lightest full-size e-bikes we have tested.

Velotric packs plenty of tech features into the T1, too. It has a torque sensor for a smooth and natural pedaling feel and a light-sensing headlamp that turns on when it gets dark. The T1 also has a fingerprint lock on the bike; plus GPS tracking and theft alert via Velotric‘s app for extra security.

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If you’re on a budget and looking to ditch the car for errands and trips around town, the Xpedition is the cheapest e-cargo bike Bicycling has ride-tested and is comfortable recommending. The bike has many features and capabilities of much higher-priced cargo e-bikes, achieving its price with lower-grade components (such as drivetrain and lights). The Xpedition’s hub motor feels less refined than pricier cargo bikes but is sufficient for shorter trips and lighter loads.

Every e-bike here uses a hub motor rather than a mid-drive motor. Hub motors (the original industry standard and more affordable of the two) can be located on either the front or, more commonly, the rear wheel. They typically don’t allow for the same natural maneuverability as today’s increasingly more common mid-drive motors because their weight is concentrated at the front or rear of the bike. In contrast, a mid-drive motor’s weight is low and centered over the bottom bracket, resulting in better control and a more balanced ride feel, much like a traditional bike.

In the U.S., there are three classes defined by the type of assist and how fast the motor will propel you. Most electric bikes are defined as class 1 or 3. Class 1 bikes have a motor (max 750w) that assists while you’re pedaling, up to 20 mph. Class 3, also known as “speed pedelec,” can also have up to only a 750w motor (aka 1 horsepower), but can assist you up to 28 mph.

Both are allowed in most states and cities without the need for a license. Rare just a year ago, Class 2 models are becoming more popular, especially at lower prices. These models have a throttle that can propel a bike up to, and maintain, 20 mph without having to continuously pedal. Some bikes blur the lines. Aventon’s popular Pace 500, for example, is technically a Class 3 e-bike in that it reaches speeds up to 28 mph, but it also has a throttle that tops out at 20 mph (the maximum legal speed for a throttle).

Usually, the cheaper the bike, the cheaper the quality of the parts. But this doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be riding around on a rattling tin can. It just means that the bike’s designers took into consideration where they could include lower-level parts without sacrificing safety while putting the money where it counts most—hydraulic disc brakes, decent tires, and a reliable e-system.

Although the electrical components on some of these bikes might not be plastered with a familiar name, like Bosch or Shimano, that doesn’t mean they’re not capable. Aventon, for example, pieces together its own e-bike systems—rather than buying a complete one from someone else—to keep the price down and allow for higher-quality parts elsewhere.

It used to be that most bikes at this price point didn’t hide their batteries with much elegance. Instead, companies installed them prominently on top of the down tube. But we’re beginning to see more batteries hidden within the down tube or tucked discreetly behind the seat tube.

Don’t expect to ride across the state on these bikes, either. The highest range in this list is 70 miles, but most average about 40. Like gas mileage in a car, real-world results vary depending on what assist level you use, terrain, and more. Still, it’s worth checking the bike’s battery range before you buy it to make sure it fits your daily needs.

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