When you don’t have much money to spend, it can be hard to find an electric bike that’s both affordable and good quality. But it’s not impossible. We’ve put together a list of the best electric bikes under $1,000 to help you choose wisely.
Making a really good electric bike for under $1,000 is not easy. So sometimes, we’ve included bikes that are a little bit more expensive but still close to that price. We’ve also included bikes that often go on sale, so they end up costing around $1,000.
Most of these budget electric bikes are sold online, which can make it tricky to know if you’re getting a good deal. But don’t worry; our team has conducted thorough research and tested electric bikes under $1,000 (or very close to that price). We know these bikes well, and we’re confident that they will work well for you.
Here are our top picks for the best electric bikes under $1,000:
- Best for Road Ebike — Aventon Soltera 2 Electric Bike
- Best Foldable Ebike — Fiido D11 Folding Electric Bike
- Best Commuter Ebike — KBO Breeze Step-Thru Electric Bike
- Best Budget EBike for City & Urban Living — Aventon Pace 500.2 ST
- Best Multi-Purpose Ebike — Lectric XP 3.0
1. Aventon Soltera 2 — Best Budget Road Ebike $1,199
The Aventon Soltera.2 is a lightweight electric road bike. It looks like an old-style fixed-gear bike but has an electric motor. There are two different frame styles to choose from.
This e-bike has a 350-watt motor in the rear wheel to help you when you pedal. The battery is built into the frame and can take you up to 46 miles on a single charge. The Soltera.2 has thin road tires and a traditional road bike shape. It’s for people who like to ride in a more forward-leaning, athletic position, not a relaxed, casual ride. It’s agile and easy to handle on the road, especially when turning corners.
The Soltera.2 has simple disc brakes that are easy to set up and maintain. They work well for this lightweight bike. It doesn’t come with racks or fenders, but it has spots on the frame where you can attach them if you want.
Specifications:
- Maximum Speed: 20 mph
- Range: Up to 46 miles
- Maximum Rider Weight: 300 lbs
- Bike Weight: 43 lbs
- Motor Power: 350-watt rear hub
- Speeds: 7-Speed Shimano Tourney
- Brakes: Mechanical Disc
- Wheel Size: 29 inch/700C
- Charging time: 4.5 hours
Pros:
- It’s a lightweight e-bike
- You can choose between a single-speed or 7-speed model
- It handles like a road bike and is well-designed to not look like an e-bike right away
Cons:
- It’s not as powerful or can’t go as far as some other e-bikes
- The riding position is more forward and athletic
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2. Fiido D11 Folding Electric Bike — Best Budget Foldable Ebike $799
The Fiido D11 is a standout choice among foldable electric bikes under $1,000 due to its emphasis on convenience and style. Unlike more powerful e-bikes, the D11 prioritizes practicality and aesthetics. It folds easily for storage and portability and offers a unique riding experience designed for comfort and leisure.
While not a speed demon, the D11’s 250W motor and 15 mph top speed excel in moderate hill climbs and provide a consistent, relaxed pace. With a range of up to 47 miles in the lowest assist level, it’s ideal for shorter urban commutes and casual rides. Its lightweight build and foldable design make it a versatile and stylish option for those seeking a balance between convenience and electric assistance in a foldable e-bike.
Specifications:
- Maximum Speed: 15 mph
- Range: 45–55 miles
- Maximum Rider Weight: 250 lbs
- Bike Weight: 43 lbs
- Motor Power: 250-watt rear hub
- Speeds: Shimano 7-Speed with 3 PAS mode
- Brakes: Mechanical Disc
- Wheel Size: 20 inch
- Charging time: 7 hours
Pros:
- Lightweight and compact
- Great choice for urban commuting
- With a good battery range
- Suitable for newbie riders
Cons:
- May not be suitable for taller riders (6 feet or more)
- Not designed for high-speed riding
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3. KBO Breeze Step-Thru Electric Bike — Best Budget Commuter Ebike $1,199
The KBO Breeze is a great choice if you need a bike for commuting, especially if you’re on a budget. It comes in two styles: one is easy to get on and off, and the other is more traditional. The easy-to-get-on style is good for shorter people.
This bike has a strong 500-watt motor that can go pretty fast. What makes it special is its big battery, which lets you ride for up to 55 miles on a single charge. That’s more than many other bikes in the same price range.
The KBO Breeze has five levels of pedal assistance, which makes it easy to control how much help you get from the motor. It’s nimble and fun to ride, especially in crowded areas.
Specifications:
- Maximum Speed: 25 mph
- Range: Up to 55 miles
- Maximum Rider Weight: 300 lbs
- Bike Weight: 62 lbs
- Motor Power: 500-watt hub motor
- Gears: 7-Speed Shimano Altus
- Brakes: Cable Pull Disc
- Wheel Size: 27.5 inches x 2.4 inches tires
- Charging Time: 5 hours
Pros:
- The bike feels agile and enjoyable to ride.
- It boasts an extended range thanks to its 16Ah battery.
- Easy mounting and dismounting with the step-through frame option.
- Includes essential accessories like fenders, a rack, and lights.
- User-friendly controls make operation straightforward.
- Smooth power delivery for easy maneuvering in tight spaces and around pedestrians.
Cons:
- Battery meter may inaccurately show 1–2 bars remaining when the battery is actually depleted.
- The included multi-tool may be prone to stripping.
- Acceleration may feel slow when traveling at speeds under 9 mph using the throttle.
4. Aventon Pace 500.2 Step-Through Ebike — Best Budget Electric Bike for City and Urban Living — $1299
The Aventon Pace 500.2 Step-Through Ebike boasts an array of impressive features that make it a top contender among e-bikes close to $1000. Notably, this electric cruiser bike has undergone a stylish redesign, featuring sleek ovalized tubing and a frame-integrated 48V, 12.8Ah battery (614.4Wh). This larger battery not only enhances the bike’s aesthetics but also extends its range, allowing for longer and more enjoyable rides.
The addition of a full-color LCD display is another standout feature, offering both practical information and fun elements like tracking environmental impact. Coupled with name-brand components, including a Shimano Altus 7-speed drivetrain and Tektro hydraulic disk brakes, the Pace 500.2 ensures reliability and performance. With its upright cruiser geometry, comfortable riding position, and snappy 500W rear hub motor, this e-bike strikes an excellent balance between comfort and capability. All these features combined make the Aventon Pace 500.2 Step-Through Ebike an exceptional choice for riders seeking an affordable, stylish, and powerful e-bike under $1000.
Specifications:
- Maximum Speed: 28 mph
- Range: Up to 40 miles
- Maximum Rider Weight: 300 lbs
- Bike Weight: 52 lbs
- Motor Power: 500-watt hub motor
- Gears: 7-speed Shimano Altus
- Brakes: Hydraulic discs
- Wheel Size: 27.5” x 2.2” road tires
- Charging Time: 5.5 hours
Pros:
- With snappy motor performance
- Has a larger battery for longer rides
- Offers a comfortable riding position
Cons:
- It may not be ideal for taller riders
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5. Lectric XP 3.0 — Best Multi-Purpose Ebike — $999
Distinguishing itself as one of the best electric bikes available for under $1,000, the Lectric XP 3.0 offers a compelling package of features. Notably, it combines affordability with impressive capabilities, making it accessible to a broad spectrum of riders. Despite its budget-friendly price point, Lectric has consistently improved the XP series, and the 3.0 model represents a refinement that enhances the bike without increasing the cost.
One of its standout features is the powerful 1000W peak output motor with 55Nm of torque, providing exceptional acceleration and hill-climbing capabilities. Furthermore, the bike’s ride quality has been significantly upgraded, featuring a redesigned saddle, improved gearing, larger brake rotors, and increased suspension fork travel, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable riding experience. Its versatility, which includes a foldable design and the ability to carry an additional rider with a 150 lb weight capacity rear rack and “Passenger Mode,” positions the Lectric XP 3.0 as a top choice for those seeking a high-performing electric bike under $1,000.
Specifications:
- Maximum Speed: 28 mph
- Range: 45–65 miles
- Maximum Rider Weight: 330 lbs
- Bike Weight: 64 lbs
- Motor Power: 500-watt hub motor
- Gears: 7 Speed Shimano Tourney
- Brakes: Hydraulic discs
- Wheel Size: 20 inch
- Charging Time: 4 to 6 hours
Pros:
- Enhanced motor, controller, and gearing compared to the XP 2.0
- Convenient folding design for easy storage
- Robust rear rack with a 150 lb capacity
- Equipped with strong hydraulic brakes
Cons:
- A bit heavy to carry around
Why We Consider E-Bikes Around $1,000 “Beginner-Friendly”
Choosing an e-bike that costs much less than $1,000 can be a bit like taking a chance. When the price is slashed so low, especially when buying from an online source, it becomes uncertain what you’ll end up with.
The truth is that e-bikes aren’t cheap machines. Quality e-bike motors and batteries are not cheap to produce, and they’re usually expensive. Some companies do a commendable job of creating safe and durable budget-friendly e-bikes, and you can find our favorites listed above.
Our general rule of thumb is that starting with a budget of $1,000 is your best bet. It’s enough money to get you reliable components and trustworthy manufacturing. Moreover, it’s the most common starting price point we see from reputable e-bike manufacturers.
How to Choose the Best E-Bike Under $1,000
Here are a few things we recommend for consumers to consider when selecting an e-bike under $1,000:
- Buy from a manufacturer with their own website, a warranty, and customer service.
- Opt for simpler e-bikes, such as single-speed models or those without suspension. Drivetrains and suspension systems can be costly, and lower-quality imitations of these components tend to be unreliable.
- Look for electric bike reviews and personal accounts of how the bike performed from real riders. Hearing about others’ experiences can provide valuable insights.
- Keep in mind that the best e-bikes may not always be the flashiest or loaded with features. Prioritize reliability above all else when making your choice.
What type of electric bike is the right choice for me?
When you’re in the market for a new electric bike, the key factor to keep in mind is what kind of biking adventures you have in mind.
- Off-Road Adventures: If your idea of fun involves tackling rugged trails and exploring the great outdoors, a foldable electric bike may not be the best fit for you. These bikes are better suited for urban or paved environments. Instead, consider an electric mountain bike with sturdy tires and suspension designed to handle rough terrain.
- Long Group Rides: If you aspire to join group rides covering long distances, it’s wise to opt for an electric road bike rather than a town or city bike. Electric road bikes are built for speed and endurance, making them ideal companions for group cycling endeavors.
- Daily Commuting: For those looking to use their electric bike as a convenient and eco-friendly replacement for their car during their daily commute, there are a couple of considerations. Look for a folding electric bike if you need to save space at home or during transit. Additionally, consider a bike with practical features such as a built-in pannier rack (for carrying bags or cargo) and mudguards (to keep you clean on wet roads). If the bike doesn’t come with lights, don’t worry; you can always buy your own high-quality bike lights to ensure visibility during your rides.
How We Selected the Top E-Bikes Under $1,000
Every e-bike featured in this list has undergone a thorough evaluation by our team. Our selection process involved carefully weighing the advantages and disadvantages of each model. Additionally, we assessed each bike’s performance in the following key areas:
- Utility and Practicality: Just having two wheels and a motor doesn’t guarantee a bike’s usefulness. We scrutinized how practical each e-bike is and whether it lives up to its stated capabilities.
- Value for Money: Regardless of the price point, an e-bike must provide good value for the money spent. The higher the price, the greater our expectations for performance.
- Durability: Some sub-$1,000 bikes may not withstand the test of time, lasting only a year or two. To ensure lasting quality, we thoroughly examined the components, frame, and reputation of the company behind each bike.
- Riding Experience: Is the e-bike enjoyable to ride? We considered the overall riding experience each bike offers, considering factors like comfort, handling, and component quality. This comprehensive evaluation helped us arrive at our selections.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How long can you expect an electric bike battery to last?
Most electric bikes utilize motors and batteries from a select few reputable brands. However, when exploring electric bikes priced under $1,000, you may encounter models with non-branded motors.
Another crucial factor to consider is watt-hours (Wh), which measures the amount of power available for a certain duration. Although it may appear complex, it’s actually quite straightforward. For instance, if your battery is rated at 300 watts, you can run it at 300 watts for one hour, 150 watts for two hours, or 75 watts for four hours.
Are e-bikes under $1,000 suitable for commuting?
E-bikes in this price range are a suitable choice for commuting, particularly if your daily route is relatively short and doesn’t involve steep hills. These electric bikes provide assistance that enhances comfort and speed, reducing the physical exertion required while pedaling.
Nevertheless, it’s important to take into account factors such as the length of your commute, the availability of charging facilities, and the overall quality of the bike’s components to ensure it aligns with your specific commuting requirements
Conclusion: Should You Buy an E-Bike Under $1,000?
E-bikes priced under $1,000 may not cater to everyone’s needs. Let’s be honest, in order to achieve such an affordable retail price, manufacturers often make compromises in certain aspects. Nonetheless, these e-bikes hold a significant place in the market and can bring immense satisfaction to many riders.
If you’re someone who rigorously uses their bike for extensive daily commuting, covering numerous miles, these budget e-bikes may not be the best choice. Instead, they are well-suited for occasional riders who prioritize simplicity over speed and acceleration.
The e-bikes featured in our selection may be affordable, but they are by no means cheaply constructed. These products offer quality and durability, ensuring longevity with proper care.
So, if you find yourself working with a tight budget and curious about the e-bike craze, we recommend starting with one of these models to explore the world of electric biking.
Have any thoughts on our selections for the best electric bikes under $1,000? Is there a particular model you’d like us to review that we might have missed? Feel free to share your feedback in the comments below!
