The best budget electric bikes for 2025

Is the term budget electric bike an oxymoron? It might feel that way. Two things are certain about e-bikes: They’re really cool and can be very expensive. They often cost upwards of $2,500 to $5,000, so getting one is no small investment. That said, getting a decent e-bike for closer to $1,000 is possible. A few brands have designed relatively affordable direct-to-consumer e-bikes that deliver admirable functionality at the lower end of the price range—like our best overall, the $1,495 Ride1Up Roadster v3, or the even more affordable Lectric XPress 750. They tend to be foldable or compact versions for commuters, so they’re made for relatively light use, but there are options for trail bikers, too. So, let’s examine the benefits and limitations of the best budget electric bikes and get you on a comfortable, affordable outdoor expedition.

How we chose the best budget electric bikes

I’ve been an avid outdoorsman enthusiast for my entire life, which has resulted in several years of providing gear and tech coverage for outlets like Popular Science, the Daily Beast, Runner’s World, Thrillist, the Manual, and more. My love of cycling has been a recurring theme throughout all of it.

Over the past couple of years, I’ve ridden dozens and dozens of electric bikes at all different price points and categories. I have come to learn what to look for when separating genuine quality from flashy marketing. In certain cases, those tests were supplemented with research collating reviews from experts and impressions from customers alike.

The best budget electric bikes: Reviews & Recommendations

The best budget e-bikes span several different riding purposes and considerations. While most low-cost e-bikes are often very similar, our picks offer distinctive riding experiences. They got our attention; maybe you’ll see something in them, too. So, after you get a general sense of what to expect from riding an e-bike, you can take your pick, grab some of the best electric bike accessories, and off you go.

All prices may fluctuate based on tariffs and other factors.

Best overall: Ride1Up Roadster v3

We named the previous version of the Ride1Up Roadster as the “best overall” budget e-bike in 2023, and the updated edition once again takes the title as an all-around great e-bike that won’t break the bank. It’s just such a well-rounded, enjoyable, nice-looking bike that it’s hard not to be impressed. Its 500W motor provides plenty of power for commuting, and its 50Nm torque makes it a decent hill climber. A combination of a single-speed carbon belt or 10-speed chain and the Intui-Drive torque sensor driveshaft ensures smooth pedaling without the jerky operation that often plagues budget e-bikes. And a little less than 40 pounds, it’s one of the lightest e-bikes out there before you get into cost-prohibitive carbon fiber, which helps cut down on battery anxiety. 

While its 500Wh capacity battery is a decent size, it realistically delivers a range closer to the low end of the advertised 20-40 miles when using the higher pedal assist modes (or the throttle feature). But if you’re not taking on a lot of hills, the lower assist modes will improve its range considerably thanks to its low weight. 

I’d say one of its biggest pluses involves its minimalist design. While there are lots of techy, elaborate-looking e-bikes out there, they can often appear dated within a couple of years. The Roadster V3, however, looks more like a normal bike in a way that will age well. It’s an e-bike you’ll continue to enjoy for years to come, which is essential when considering a purchase and why it’s the best value.

Best for urban adventures (and apartments): Lectric Bikes XP Lite 2.0

Started in 2019 from a garage in Phoenix, Arizona, Lectric Bikes expanded quickly because of the company’s restless spirit. Not only are the company’s e-bikes intended for the intrepid—for gaining the experience points, XP, in the bike names—but the founders are continually listening to user feedback to refine the product line while maintaining affordability.

Foldable yet off-road- and cargo-friendly, the core Lectric XP4 model can comfortably accompany RVers and van-lifers. The less-expensive XP Lite 2.0, meanwhile, was developed as the optimal option for city dwellers needing a lighter-weight e-bike that could go from closet to commute. It even shows up quickly in a surprisingly compact box. At 49 pounds (41 bike+8 battery), and 36- x 16- x 26-inch folded dimensions, the XP Lite is small but spry and easy to tuck and transport via elevator, as shown above—or even stairs in a pinch, as shown below—while packing in a lot of features for its $799-$899 price point.

Class 1 and 2, the XP Lite features a twist-grip throttle plus five levels of pedal assist, with slimmer tires that assist the maneuverability needed in active urban environments. The 48V lithium-ion battery can get up to 40 miles on a charge (assuming you’re using no more than intermittent pedal assist level 1). Or you can use the throttle to scoot to/from work, the store, etc., quickly with the least effort and sweat (the single-speed drivetrain makes it easy—just twist and go—but you’ll get max 15 miles in this mode).

The base XL Lite includes front & rear safety lights, and a backlit heads-up LCD screen offers trip and battery info (electrical components are IP65-rated in case you get caught in incremental weather, but don’t leave the bike out in the rain). You’ll absorb some shocks if navigating uneven asphalt, and acceleration—while appropriately fast for street navigation—isn’t always the smoothest in transition. But you can buy an optional seat with a suspension post, and you’ll appreciate the nimble nature of the bike whether you’re zipping through downtown crowds or kicking up some dust on more developed trails. And then you can easily store it till your next adventure.

Most versatile: Lectric XPress 750

If you’re looking for a solid go anywhere, do anything e-bike, another Lectric bike delivers. While the XPress 750 is an excellent pavement commuter, its front suspension and grippy tires make it a good option for riding off-road as well. It’s also more portable than most commuter e-bikes thanks to its relatively low weight and toolless front wheel removal. It’s the kind of bike you can veer from road to gravel path, or toss in a vehicle to drive out to somewhat rougher terrain. 

It’s a beast in terms of performance. The 750W motor is powerful, and its Stealth M24 tech reduces noise while delivering smooth acceleration. It’s capable of peaks up to 1,310W with 85Nm of torque, so it’s a reliable hill climber even when carrying heavier riders or gear. The company’s new PWR+ torque sensor ensures a natural pedaling feel, while the big 672Wh battery provides above-average range.

My only gripe is the lack of fenders and rack, though it can be decked out with Lectric’s many optional accessories, and the full-color display kind of makes up for it. While it’s technically a commuter, the XPress 750 has such outstanding performance and versatility that it’s great for just about any type of ride. 

Best splurge: Velotric Breeze 1

The Velotric Breeze 1 is priced at the upper end of our budget range, but while it may cost a few hundred dollars more than the other inclusions on this list, you get a whole lot for the added expense. We were thoroughly impressed by its performance. Its 750W motor is plenty powerful, yet the bike still weighs in below 50 pounds. The range goes above and beyond, going for up to 70 miles when pedaled in eco mode, but still hitting 40 miles via the more power-hungry throttle. The entire setup is highly adjustable and ergonomic, resulting in outstanding comfort and handling. 

The Breeze 1 boasts a lot of slick tech. Its dual sensors allow you to choose between torque and cadence pedal assist, and its settings are customizable via a bright, wide, full-color display. It can be linked to FindMy for a boost of security, and synced to Apple Health to collect fitness-relevant data.

Really, the only downside is a lack of fenders and rack, though they can be added; it just seems like they should be included at this price point. It does come with front and rear lighting, however. It even has turn signals. All told, it’s a fun, fast, feature-rich cruiser, and if you’re looking for a Cadillac to crush the miles, you’re certain to love riding it.

Best mountain bike: Ancheer Electric Mountain Bike 350W 26”

It’s not uncommon for electric mountain bike prices to steer closer toward $10,000 than $1,000, making them a very hard sell. Luckily, Ancheer makes a highly capable alternative that costs less than $700.

With a 350W motor capable of cruising at 20 miles per hour, the Ancheer Electric Mountain Bike has no problem charging up inclines. It also has a substantial range, with many users reporting that it will go well over 20 miles if you’re using the throttle economically. 

Its design is also surprisingly solid for a budget electric mountain bike, inspiring several buyers to leave shining reviews after several months of hitting the trails. Shock absorbers in the fork deliver a smooth, capable riding experience. And its overall aesthetic is clean and sporty. 

Things to consider before choosing the best budget electric bikes

If you’ve come looking for the best budget electric bikes, rather than simply the best electric bikes, then we know the price is on your mind. Even cheap bikes cost a few hundred dollars, though, so you want to make sure you’re putting that money into something worth riding. There are several specific factors you should keep in mind, so you can figure out whether a budget e-bike is a bargain or, for lack of a better word, junk. The best budget electric bikes will deliver in these specific ways.

Price

First and foremost, you’re here because you’re looking for an electric bike that won’t cost as much as a used car—all of the bikes on this list cost under $2,000, and often closer to a grand. We also included a bike that costs around $500. These offer somewhat limited functionality and durability compared to full-size e-bikes, but they’re still great for the price.

Riding range

An electric bike that runs out of juice after a few miles isn’t worth buying, no matter the price. What good is a motor if it can’t get you from point A to point B? A large battery will ensure you get a boost from your e-bike, rather than pushing it home.

Most e-bikes rate their batteries in a combination of volts (V) and amp-hours (Ah), which you can combine to calculate a bike battery’s actual capacity in watt-hours (Wh). Watt-hours are the more useful specification, as they allow you to approximate how long the battery will last at a given speed.

Converting volts and amp-hours into watt-hours is easy. Simply multiply the two numbers together. A number of our picks, for example, boast 36V 8Ah batteries. 36 x 8 = 288, so we know that battery lasts for 288Wh. With this number, we can calculate how far the battery will take us by dividing the number of watt-hours by your speed to see how far you’ll go. So, at 20 miles per hour, a 288Wh bike should carry you about 14.5 miles.

“About” is an important word here. In the real world, your actual range will be affected by things like rider weight, road surface, flat vs. hilly terrain, and other factors that can demand more or less power. So, while you can’t measure and determine the minimum amount of juice you’ll need on spec, you can probably figure out if a bike can get you where you need to go.

If nothing else, remember that a bigger battery is always better.

Motor

There’s no point in having an e-bike if the motor isn’t powerful enough to take the edge off your pedaling effort. Power is one of the biggest differences between less expensive e-bikes and the cream of the crop. Many are so weak that you’ll barely notice the pedal assistance. However, all of the bikes on this list deliver at least 250 watts, meaning they’re capable of delivering solid pedal assistance or even propelling themselves at 20 miles per hour or higher.

Keep in mind that your actual speed will vary based on factors like payload, road conditions, stops and starts, and so on, but a high-watt motor is important, especially when looking to spend less money.

Durability

Whenever you’re going with a budget-tier version of a product, you need to pay extra attention to its overall construction. You aren’t saving money if you buy something cheap, but it breaks down after several uses. To verify the durability of our recommendations, we’ve scoured reviews from owners who can attest to the longevity of each bike.

When you’re checking out a specific bike in the real world, check over its various parts to find out if anything rattles to a worrisome degree. Some budget picks may feel more rickety than their more expensive brethren, but they should still be sturdy and comfortable to ride.

Accessories

E-bikes can come with an extremely wide range of accessories, including lights, bells, cargo carriers, and so on. While you don’t need accessories like these, they can make your riding experience safer, more fun, and more versatile. The only accessory you need is a helmet, and it doesn’t hurt to choose one made specifically for the speeds and surfaces most common with e-bikes.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best budget electric bikes

Electric bikes are an environmentally friendly, fun way to get around town, whether commuting, running errands, or simply going for a ride. While they often come with a hefty price tag, there is a price range, and you can get one that won’t cost too much. If $500-$1,000 is still too much, looking for a used or refurbished model may help you cut costs.

 

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The PopSci team has tested hundreds of products and spent thousands of hours trying to find the best gear and gadgets you can buy.