The 8 Best Cheap Electric Bikes Under $1,800

Let’s face it: “Cheap” and “e-bike” aren't usually terms you hear in conjunction with one another. At least, on paper, attaching a motor to a bicycle seems like it'll cost an arm and a leg. But we've come a long way since the invention of the e-bike, and as their popularity has exploded, they've also become more accessible in price than ever. Believe it or not, you can now grab an electric bike at the same cost as a conventional one. Having access to a trusty e-bike means you can pedal—and sweat—less, conserving your energy as you ride. If you're looking for an e-bike to assist with your commute, or just something to casually ride on weekends, check out one of these fantastic rides.

The Best Cheap Electric Bikes

What to Consider

E-bikes are a different beast from conventional bicycles. Here's what to know about these motorized electric rides.

Type

Not all bikes are built the same, and that includes electric ones. Consider what you’ll be using an e-bike for and reach for the one that makes the most sense for your lifestyle. If you live in the city and are looking for an e-bike to use for your commute to work, for example, you’ll want to find a lightweight commuter-style bike. Need an e-bike to assist you on the trails? Reach for a mountain or utility bike. There are plenty of options out there for every riding style.

Bike Class

E-bikes are separated into three categories: Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3. Class 1 e-bikes are low-speed bicycles with pedal assistance, equipped with a motor that works while pedaling, and will cut off after the bike reaches 20 mph. Class 2 bikes also support a 20 mph upper speed, but include a throttle button to the bike that can boost your ride without the need to pedal. Class 3 bikes are usually equipped with speedometers and feature a motor that can reach up to 28 miles per hour. Class 3 bikes are street legal and meant for roads and roadside bike lanes. Most bikes on this list will be considered Class 2, which are suitable to ride on sidewalks and trails in most of the United States.

Motor

Out of the variety of e-bike motor options out there, hub drive motors are going to be the most common among budget-forward e-bikes. These simple motors attach to either the front or rear axle—though the latter is most common—and spin to propel the rider forward. Their power can range anywhere between 250 to 750 watts. The more wattage a motor has, the more power it can produce for a responsive ride in terms of reacting to torque, climbing steep hills, and accelerating.

Battery

Batteries on cheaper e-bikes are usually external and highly visible, sometimes even heavy. Most e-bike products will show an average range of how far you can ride on a single charge. Keep in mind that battery capacity will vary depending on how much throttle you use on a ride, as well as a rider’s weight. Similar to motors, the higher the wattage of a battery, the longer it can assist a rider. Batteries also add to an e-bike's weight.

Weight

Aluminum or not, e-bikes are heftier than their non-motorized counterparts. Heavier e-bikes may require more wattage for power, while heavier riders may see their results vary in terms of range distance and assistance.

Additional Components

Because budget e-bikes are cheaper in price, they sometimes lack a lot of the bells and whistles you'd expect from a traditional bicycle. This means, in most cases, you’ll have to buy components like headlights and tail lights, cargo baskets, and water bottle cages separately.

How We Evaluated

To find the best affordable e-bikes on the market, we consulted several buying guides and critic reviews from Bicycling and Best Products. We also researched which bikes were frequently recommended by users on online message boards as reliable, affordable e-bikes, and scouted happy customers from direct-to-consumer and third-party e-bike sellers. We also sifted through hundreds of user reviews to bring you the eight cheap e-bikes you'll find below.