10 Best Electric Bikes for Budget-Conscious Riders

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Electric bikes come with all kinds of cool bells and whistles, but thanks to rapid innovation you can now get a cheap electric bike with many of the same standout features in 2024. You can still count on a cheap e-bikes to be a reliable form of transportation. Cheap e-bikes are also perfect for riding around a neighborhood, a park, or a trail (if built with offroad capability). Gone are the days when you’d be forced to shell out more than two grand to ride a two-wheel behemoth with a wimpy battery pack.

Many affordable e-bikes make big promises, but which brands can you trust to deliver the goods? There are dozens of dirt-cheap alternatives from no-name brands popping up everywhere online (and some are actually pretty good). Before you drop hundreds—even thousands—of dollars on a new or new-to-you e-bike, you should know what you’re getting into.

Our gear-obsessed editors and writers researched and vetted dozens of electric bikes over the last few years. We personally tested every feature and spec that matters, from the durability to the battery capacity to the onboard electronics to the “fun factor” (that’s really a thing). For this roundup, we hand-picked the ten models we think are the best cheap electric bikes—all under $1,700—worth buying in 2024. So let’s ride!

Best Folding Electric Bikes | Best Electric Scooters | Best Hoverboards | Best Air Bikes | Best Exercise Bikes | Best Cycling Shorts

Electric Bike for Adults with 750W Motor

You'd be forgiven if you've never heard of Troxus. But, you might be surprised to learn just how much e-bike you get for your money with this little-known adult electric bike brand.

The 48V/12.8Ah lithium battery of this model provides up to 40 miles on a single charge. It features a comfortable, upright riding position, even for long-haul rides. The Shimano 7-speed derailleur makes it a snap to navigate everything from your morning commute to crushing the toughest hills after work. Beefy (20" x 4") fat tires provide solid traction and stability, even on light, loose-pack trails. The Tektro hydraulic disc brakes provide plenty of stopping power, even when fully loaded. There's also a bright, integrated LED headlight and taillight to keep you safe after dark.

At 65 pounds, this isn't the lightest nor the heaviest electric bike we tested this year—it falls squarely in the middle of the pack. It is, however, a welcome upgrade from some of the 80-plus-pound behemoths we've tested.

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Generation e1.1 Electric Bike

The best e-bikes can be a blast to ride, but if you're looking for something more functional than fun, Co-op Cycles has you covered. Its Generation e1.1 Electric Bike is an all-business model targeted at buyers looking for something practical, affordable, and easy to ride.

At its core is a simple and reliable 350W Bafang rear hub motor. It's not the most powerful, but it's more than enough to provide a subtle electric boost for around-town scoots and morning commutes—up to 20 mph with pedal assist. The 417Wh battery pack is good for about 30-40 miles on a single charge. With 20-inch tires with a 2.4-inch profile, it's surprisingly stable over pavement and light urban terrain, too. Co-op prioritizes safety via Tektro hydraulic disc brakes (rare in this class of cheap ebike).

The best part, though, is the price. While it retails for almost $1,500, it's clearance priced right now for less than $900 delivered. Plus, aftersale service is handled directly through REI.

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Level.2 Commuter Ebike

We're consistently surprised at just how affordable Aventon's drool-worthy electric bikes are. Case in point: It's feature-packed Level.2 Commuter Ebike offers a boatload of next-gen tech and beefy specs to match—all for around $1,700.

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 additional extra, like pre-installed fenders to keep you dry-ish 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 priciest 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 lot more money.

Read more: Best Folding Exercise Bikes

X26 Fat Tire Electric Bike

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 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. 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 26x4-inch fat tires makes for a buttery smooth ride. The beefy, 180mm hydraulic disc brakes provide serious stopping power, even from top speed.

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 big, heavy batteries.

Still, the best part? It's priced at under $2,000 in either battery setup (not including the $150 delivery fee).

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XPedition Cargo eBike

"Beast of burden." That's how we'd describe the all-new XPedition Cargo eBike from perennial Men's Health favorite Lectric eBikes. It's big, it's heavy, and it's built for serious hauling.

This is an all-around capable workhouse with the features and specs to match. The 1,310W peak motor output can propel the XPedition Cargo with up to a whopping 450 pounds of cargo. The ample amount of juice comes courtesy of a 48V lithium-ion battery with an optional dual battery setup good for up to 150 miles in pedal-assist mode. We also like the seven-speed functionality and hydraulic mineral oil brakes.

"Yup, this thing is heavy," noted gear tester Mike Richard, who personally tested the XPedition Cargo with a dual-battery setup around his town. "But it is an absolute beast. It's durable, stable, and seriously capable. I honestly can't believe that an electric bike this cheap can haul this much."

Dollar for dollar, this is the best value cargo electric bike we've ever personally tested. With an on-sale price under $1,400 for the single-battery setup and around $1,600 for the dual-battery trim, it's an absolute steal.

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750W-1000W Electric Bike

Oraimo's been flying 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.

Unfolded, it delivers a comfortable ride on 20x4-inch fat tires that are versatile enough to tackle pavement and light urban 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. While it retails for about $800, it's frequently on sale from Amazon for closer to $600.

Adventure Neo Allroad Low Step-Through Electric Bike

Cannondale's ultra-premium two-wheelers typically come with a premium price tag to match. This e-bike is surprisingly affordable at well under $2,000 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 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.

At nearly $1,700, the Adventure Neo Allroad is 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.

Soltera.2 Ebike

In the world of cheap electric bikes, good models under $1,300 are a bargain, while those under $1,000 are usually a downright steal. The Solteria.2 Ebike clocks in just under a grand, yet it ticks every box on our list of must-have ebike essentials—another homerun for Aventon.

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 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. Did we mention it's less than $1,000 delivered?

Cruiser Go! Step-Thru Electric Bike

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 simple but well-made model with a tasteful design and don't mind splurging a little, this one is worth a look.

500W Electric Bike for Adults

If you're 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 have all the essential components and, at a little more than $500, is a real deal.

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. This looks and feels like a basic "starter" bike. It lacks the 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.

What to Look for When Shopping for the Best Cheap Electric Bike

No matter what type of cheap electric bike you’re shopping for—a folding model, a rugged, go-anywhere mountain two-wheeler, or an e-bike for your daily commute—these are the most important things to consider before you buy:

Weight

Their beefy built-in battery packs make most electric bikes heavier than your average pedal-powered two-wheeler. Some models weigh 80 pounds or more and can be a real pain when lugging them frequently, especially if you have to travel up steps. If you live in an apartment or anywhere you anticipate carrying your bike a lot, we recommend prioritizing a lighter e-bike.

Lighter electric bikes are typically a little less powerful and not as feature-rich (with cargo racks, headlights, rugged suspension setups, etc.). But in the end, they can save you a lot of time and energy. If you don't have to worry about weight as much and plan on carrying your e-bike in an SUV or RV or storing it at a vacation home, then, by all means, shop for a more feature-loaded bike. Examples include those with thicker tires, more rugged frames with cargo-carrying capabilities, and bigger batteries.

Battery Capacity

Power is critical when it comes to shopping for e-bikes. For most buyers, it’s the single most important feature. A good wattage range for most e-bikes—even the best cheap electric bikes—can be from 350-750 watts, depending on the size and design of the bike. More wattage usually requires a bigger battery. So you'll want to take into account added size and weight. But if you want to go far and fast, then you can usually go with a higher-wattage battery. We say "usually" because e-bikes also rely a lot on torque for speed and potential range, as well as the general build of the bike—is it heavy and designed for off-roading, or is it light and meant for paved road riding?

E-Bike Class

To help build local legislation for safety, e-bikes have been divided into three classes. Without getting too deep into the weeds, here's a rundown of each class of electric bike:

• Class 1 e-bikes are defined as pedal-assisted and can go up to 20 mph, but no throttle

• Class 2 e-bikes are defined as having a throttle (along with pedal assist) and can go up to 20 mph

• Class 3 e-bikes are defined by having a throttle and a top speed of up to 28 mph

Check your local laws to see if there are any guidelines about what class of e-bike you can use freely and legally in your neighborhood. Some cities only allow Class 1 e-bikes, while others allow up to Class 3. The same is true for different state and national parks. It may indeed be hard for authorities to enforce which class of e-bike you can use. But the reality is if you're using an e-bike in a town or city that's not in code with the local law, you risk getting a ticket.

How We Chose the Best Cheap Electric Bikes of 2024

We consulted with Men's Health writers and editors on the best folding e-bikes in 2024. Our in-house experts—including Senior Gear and Commerce Editor, John Thompson, and gear expert, Mike Richard—reviewed dozens of cheap electric bikes and evaluated their design, performance, durability, and features. We also considered the price point of each, as some folding e-bikes promise a better overall value than others. Ultimately, we agreed on the models above as our picks for this year's best cheap electric bikes.

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