The Best Cheap Electric Bikes, Tested by Gear Editors

We’re consistently surprised at just how affordable Aventon’s drool-worthy electric bikes are. Case in point: Its feature-packed Level.2 Commuter Ebike offers a boatload of next-gen tech and beefy specs to match—all for well under $2,000.

At its core is a sizable 500-watt brushless hub motor with the chops to take you up to 20 mph via pedal-assist (or a Class 3 top speed of 28 miles per hour when properly “unlocked”). It’s more than capable for your daily commutes and then some. This is one of the most comfortable bikes we’ve tested as well with a wide, comfy saddle and generously sized 27.5-inch-by-2.1-inch wheels bolstered with a Zoom suspension fork. Translation: One buttery smooth ride.

We also appreciate the extras, like pre-installed fenders to keep you dry in the rain and a beefy rear rack with a 55-pound capacity. Built-in front and rear lights add nighttime versatility, while an IPX4 water-resistant construction keeps you riding in light showers.

While the Level.2 is one of the pricier models in this roundup, it’s easily our pick for the best cheap electric bike overall. If you want any more features in your next powered two-wheeler, you’re probably going to need to shell out a whole lot more money.

Read more: Best Folding Exercise Bikes

Engwe pulled no punches when it released the X26 Fat Tire Electric Bike in 2023. It’s a beast of a machine designed for all-terrain use. Unlike lesser “pavement princess” e-bikes (especially folding e-bikes), this model is purpose-built for mountain biking enthusiasts who appreciate serious off-road riding.

The default setup features a 48V/19.2Ah lithium-ion battery that powers the 1,000W brushless motor with a 1,200-watt peak. Range-wise, it’s good for around 40 miles. Upgrading to the dual-battery setup is where things get interesting, pushing the range of the X26 to nearly 100 miles. That’s more than enough for even the most hardcore mountain biking adventures. In either trim, this electric bike boasts a top speed of 31 miles per hour, which feels like it’s flirting with electric motorcycle territory. An eight-speed Shimano shifter coupled with 26×4-inch fat tires makes for a super-smooth ride. Plus, the beefy, 180mm hydraulic disc brakes provide serious stopping power, even from top speed, when you need it.

We’re hard-pressed to find much of anything to dislike about this beast. It is heavy in the single-battery setup, and downright monstrous (nearly 100 pounds) with two batteries. But battery technology is what it is at the moment, and there’s no getting around the fact that big power requires very big and very heavy batteries.

The best part, though? It’s surprisingly affordable compared to similar competitor models that cost 50% more.

Pros

• 70-mile range is impressive at this price point
• Great value for the money
• Simple, minimal assembly required
• Modern, minimalist design
• Pairs with custom VanLife app

As with electric vehicles, there’s no getting around the fact that e-bikes are limited in range. If range anxiety has you second-guessing your first (or next) electric bike purchase, Vanpowers has you covered. The UrbanGlide-Pro model boasts a 692Wh battery with an impressive 70-mile range. While there are longer-lasting ebikes on the market, there are few at this price point with the same range.

Beyond its beefy battery pack, this is a true Class 2 electric bike. The integrated 500-watt brushless hub motor can reach up to 20 miles per hour with throttle capability. An eight-speed Microshift shifter, suspension seat post, and Zoom hydraulic suspension fork with up to 80mm of travel provide a smooth ride over even and uneven city terrain. The standard hydraulic 180mm disc brakes deliver plenty of stopping power, too. Bonus points for the clean, modern minimalist aesthetic, which we love.

The UrbanGlide-Pro’s price tag puts it squarely in the midrange of the most affordable electric bikes we tested over the last year. It’s not the cheapest, nor the most expensive. For new riders looking beyond the most entry-level models or those interested in upgrading their first starter model, the UG-P is well worth a look.

Budget shopper tip: If you don’t mind a seven-speed shifter, mechanical disc brakes (versus hydraulic), and a more basic seat, opt for the UrbanGlide-Standard, which is often several hundred dollars cheaper.

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If you’re a first-time buyer dipping your toes into the world of electric bikes or just don’t want to drop north of a grand on one, this basic model from Gocio is worth a look. It’s not the most elegant, the most powerful, or the most feature-rich. But it does offer all the essential components we look for with a surprisingly affordable price tag.

All the must-have specs are here: A 500-watt brushless motor powered by a 48V/7.8Ah battery—enough pep to take you up to 50 miles on a single charge. The step-through design is easy to use for riders of all heights and skill levels, while the ride components—including the seat, oversized tires, and built-in suspension—provide plenty of comfort even on longer trips.

The design is simplistic and, dare we say, inelegant. It looks and feels like a basic “starter” bike. It lacks the sleek, premium aesthetic of higher-end budget ebikes from the likes of Aventon and Cannondale. But many of those models are two to three times the price.

Oraimo’s flown under the radar here in the U.S. for a while, but we’ve been especially impressed with its electric bikes and its folding e-bikes, in particular. This model is a great mix of weight, power, and capability—all at a very approachable price.

At under 55 pounds, it’s lighter than most of its e-bike competition, even compared to other folding two-wheelers. The 48V/12Ah powers a capable 750W brushless motor with a peak output of 1,000 watts. Not too shabby for such a compact design. It’s good for a range of up to 50 miles. Especially nice is the fast-charging technology, allowing this model to charge from zero to full in about 3.5 hours. It’s great when you can’t be bothered to wait all night for a recharge.

Unfolded, it delivers a comfortable ride on 20×4-inch fat tires that are versatile enough to tackle pavement and light urban and off-road terrain. When you’re ready to make it portable, it collapses down to a more manageable 37.4″ x 28.7″ x 18.1. What we love most, however, is the price. It’s the cheapest in our roundup, with a price tag that puts it at less than 50% of many comparably equipped electric bikes.

Of course, “cheap” is relative. While Cyrusher’s Scout Pro isn’t exactly cheap when compared to most traditional e-bikes, it’s a steal when stacked next to a legit gas-powered moped. And that’s exactly what this high-octane model is: A near-perfect electric alternative to most street-ready mopeds.

It’s bigger, heavier, and beefier than any other e-bike we recently tested. That’s largely thanks to twin 750-watt Bafang Hub motors powered by two massive LG batteries good for 52V/40Ah for insane performance. This setup provides a top speed of just under 30 miles per hour. It also makes for more than 110 miles of maximum range (in the bike’s most economical single-drive mode), so you never have to worry about range anxiety. The list of premium components includes 180mm dual Tektro hydraulic disc brakes for serious, moped-like stopping power. Everything is effortlessly controlled by the responsive fingertip controls.

It rides smoother than every other electric bike in our roundup, too. The extra long, comfortable seat paired with a full suspension setup (including rear air suspension) absorbs shocks on any type of terrain, from pavement to gravel. It feels more like “gliding” than “riding.”

What further sets this model apart is the clear attention to detail. We appreciate nice-to-haves like the large, easy-read LCD display, 20W integrated headlight, ergonomic hand grips, and built-in turn signals. All of these make for a leveled-up design that’s worth the premium price tag.

Pro tip: If you’re looking to save some cash, opt for the non-pro Scout e-bike model, which is often available for more than $1,000 less.

If you appreciate the simplicity of a traditional two-wheeler over the technical aesthetics of many modern electric bikes, the Cruise Go! from Electra might be just the trick. The design is deceptively simple and more like a pedal-powered cruiser bike than a hardcore e-bike. In this case, that’s a good thing.

Everything about the Cruiser Go! is easy, breezy, and designed for light cruising. The 250-watt motor is paired with a 250Wh battery good for a maximum range of about 40 miles and a top speed of 20 miles per hour in pedal-assist mode. The step-through design makes mounting and dismounting a snap for riders of any height, while the ride components are purpose-built for cruising in comfort.

While this is a reasonably cheap electric bike, it lacks some of the finer components of more premium models. Mechanical disc brakes (versus hydraulic) are standard, and there is no onboard trip computer. Instead, you get a simple throttle control with LED lights to indicate power and remaining battery life. But if you want a dead-simple, well-made model with a tasteful design and don’t mind splurging a little, this one is worth a look.

The frames of many ebikes are thicker and chunkier than most of their non-electric counterparts. That can make them slightly more challenging to mount and dismount, especially for new riders, shorter riders, and those with mobility issues. The best solution is often to go with a more accommodating step-through design like that found on Buzz’s Cerana 2 electric bike.

The 15-inch low-slung frame makes getting on and off a breeze with minimal effort. But there’s plenty more to love about this cheap electric bike, too. The throttled, 500-watt motor is powerful enough to deliver a top speed of up to 20 miles per hour—more than enough for most riders, especially newbies. A 48-volt battery gives the Cerana 2 a range of up to 40 miles, which is plenty for average commuters looking for a reliable ebike to take them to and from work on the daily.

Nice-to-have features include a large, easy-to-read LCD display that features a trip odometer and tracks all the essentials, like speed, battery life, and pedal-assist level. A manual dropper seat post raises and lowers with a single lever to make finding your personal best ride height even easier. Plus, an integrated front suspension ensures a smooth ride on pavement and even over occasionally rougher urban terrain.

Cannondale’s ultra-premium two-wheelers typically come with a premium price tag to match. In stark contrast, this e-bike is surprisingly affordable while offering many of the must-have features and specs we look for in a good, cheap electric bike.

It’s powered by a 250-watt Bafang GO2O hub motor with plenty of get-up-and-go for scooting around the neighborhood or tackling your daily commute. In pedal-assist mode, the 418-watt-hour removable battery is good for just under 50 miles of range. A thumb throttle gives you easy access to power on-demand with a top speed of 20 mph (using pedal assist). The mechanical disc brakes also provide solid stopping power so you can keep safety first. We also love the large, easy-to-read LCD display for tracking your power and boost levels on every ride.

While it is affordable relative to the very best e-bikes on the market (especially many of its more premium Cannondale counterparts), the Adventure Neo Allroad is still one of the priciest electric bikes in our roundup. Comparing the spec sheet of this model with others listed here, it doesn’t seem to stack up. But what you’re getting is the legendary Cannondale build quality and construction at a ridiculously affordable price. If you’re looking for a handsome, easy-riding e-bike for leisurely cruising around town, this is your rider.

In the world of cheap electric bikes, good models under $1,500 are a bargain. The Soltera.2 Ebike is another homerun from Aventon, and it clocks in with a very affordable price tag while ticking every box on our list of must-have features and specs.

It’s powered by a respectable 350-watt motor and a 9.6Ah battery that together can take you up to 40 miles (46 miles in PAS mode) at a top speed of 20 miles per hour. The 300-pound payload capacity is solid, and we appreciate the nice-to-have features like integrated turn signals and a full-color trip computer. This isn’t a blisteringly fast e-bike or a mountain-ready beast, but rather a lightweight, easy-riding model that’s perfect for tooling around town on mostly paved roads and urban bike paths.

The Soltera.2 won’t “best” most of the other bikes in this roundup on its specs alone. But, at this price point, we love just about everything about this electric bike. If you’re looking for your first beginner-friendly ebike with everything you need and nothing you don’t, this is a great model to start with.