(Last updated on February 27th, 2023)
Cycling is an incredible sport and in recent years, has hugely grown in popularity. More people are turning to bikes for commuting and cycling as a sport is growing a wider audience.
One of the biggest factors for growth was the fact that electric bikes have become very accessible. Years ago, electric bikes were very hard to get, and you would need to spend a lot of money to own one, and they generally were not very good.
In recent years though, with battery and motor technology advancing as much as it has, you can now pick up an excellent electric bike for a very small amount. In this article, we’ll be telling you about some of the best cheap electric bikes and how to pick the right one for you.
Can You Get Good Electric Bikes for Cheap Prices?
Before we start, it’s important to answer the question, “can you get good electric bikes for a cheap price?” Years ago, we would have told you that it would be difficult, but in modern times we are seeing incredible bikes for less than $1000.
We no longer have weak motors that struggle to get you up hills and large batteries that wouldn’t give you more than 10 miles. Now we have much smaller motors that produce much more power and super lightweight batteries that give you up to 100+ miles on a single charge. If you want to learn more about electric bikes and what they are check out this video:
What Do We Look for When It Comes to Picking the Best Cheap Electric Bikes?
Finding a cheap electric bike which can perform is tough. There are many bikes you will want to avoid, and you want to ensure you’re getting something that’s going to work perfectly. Here’s how we pick our best bikes;
Is the Design Good?
When it comes to an electric bike, we need to know it is designed well. We look for bikes that look great, have good geometry to keep you comfortable while riding and are designed to make the cycling experience the best it could possibly be.
Can It Perform?
If we’re going to recommend an electric bike, we want the best performance we can get for what we’re spending. We want motors that have enough power to pull you up hills, bikes with high top speeds for overtaking, and batteries that are going to give you miles and miles of good riding.
Is It Fit for Purpose?
Bikes come in all shapes and sizes and are made for all types of riding. It’s important for us that if we recommend a mountain bike, then it will be excellent for mountain biking. We ensure each bike we recommend is completely fit for purpose.
Is It Value for Money?
Finally, the last thing we look for is value for money. For every cent we are spending, we want to know we’re getting the best value for money possible. We look for the best electric bikes at the best prices, so you know the value is there.
| Bike | Frame | Suspension | Motor Battery | Gearing | Brakes | Price | Rating |
| Schwinn Coston DX | Aluminum | Rigid Fork, Rear seatpost | 250w with 45 mile range | MicroShift 7-speed | MechDisc | $1633 | 8/10 |
| Jasion EB3 E-Bike | Aluminum | Rear | 350w with 25 mile range | Single Speed | Mech Disc | $399 | 10/10 |
| Vivi Electric Bike | Aluminum | Front | 500w with 50 mile range | 7-Speed gearing | Mech Disc | $820 | 9/10 |
| Rad Rhino 6 Plus | Aluminum | Front | 250w with 50 mile range | 7-Speed gearing | HydraulicDisc | $1100 | 8/10 |
| Heybike Mars | Aluminum | Front and Seatpost | 250w with 48 mile range | MicroShift 7-speed | MechDisc | $999 | 9/10 |
| Nakto E-Bike | Aluminum | Front | 350w with 35 mile range | 21-Speed gearing | RimBrakes | $670 | 9/10 |
Best City Cruiser
1. Schwinn Coston DX
Our Rating
8/10
$1599
KEY SPECS
| Frame: Aluminum | |
| Motor: 250w | |
| Range: 45 Miles (PAS) | |
| Suspension: Suspension Seatpost | |
| Groupset: MicroShift 7-Speed | |
| Brakes: Mechanical Disc | |
| Wheels and Tires: 27.5” with 2.6” Tires | |
| Intended Use: Mixed Terrain Riding |
PROS
- Looks Great
- Schwinn Quality
- Good motor and battery
- 27.5” wheels with large tires
- Lighting and fenders
CONS
- The top end of our price range
- Not the lightest bike
Schwinn is well known for making incredible bikes, and they specialize when it comes to smaller budgets. The Coston is the most expensive bike on this list, coming in at $1599, but it does boast some incredible features, and the fundamentals of this bike are excellent. It’s a 6061 aluminum frame, and this comes with lightweight aluminum front forks. We love the oversized tubing, and it actually blends the motor into the frame perfectly.
It comes with a 250w motor and a large battery, which is going to get you 45 miles in range. The bike itself has a relaxed geometry, so you can ride big miles on this bike without needing to stop. It is made for mixed terrain riding and will be great in a city or on a light trail. It comes with a MircoShift 7-speed groupset which offers you a great range of gears alongside the motor and battery.
This groupset is paired with mechanical disc brakes, which can help you stop in all conditions. It has 27.5” wheels, and these are paired with oversized tires to add to that comfort. It also comes as standard with a suspension seat with storage. It doesn’t stop there though. You get lights and fenders to make the ride even more enjoyable.
OUR VERDICT
The Schwinn Coston is an excellent electric bike. It has great components, and it’s built to last. It’s not the cheapest, but we feel it offers a lot of value for the money you’re spending, especially with all those accessories.
Best Budget
2. Jasion EB3 Adults
Our Rating
10/10
$399
KEY SPECS
| Frame: Aluminum | |
| Motor: 350w | |
| Range: 25 Miles (PAS) | |
| Suspension: Rear Suspension Shock | |
| Groupset: Single Speed | |
| Brakes: Mechanical Disc | |
| Wheels and Tires: 14” with 2.1” Tires | |
| Intended Use: City |
PROS
- A small and compact bike
- It can fold into a boot
- A lot of fun to ride
- Excellent handling
- Lighting, fenders, and tri-spoke wheels
- Powerful 350w motor
CONS
- The size isn’t for everyone
- Limited range of 25 miles
If you are looking for a bike with a huge amount of character, which is going to be a huge amount of fun to ride, then look no further than the Jasion EB3. This mini electric bike had so much to offer, and coming in at only $399, it’s just incredible value. It’s a compact frame with a small, low down top tube. It has a rear suspension shock to take the edge out of the road but does have rigid forks.
It comes with a 350w motor which will feel incredibly punchy and paired with its battery, you will get 25 miles in range. It has a single-speed groupset, so you are going to be using the motor when it comes to steep climbs. You have mechanical disc brakes for stopping, which on those small wheels work excellently.
Talking of the wheels, these are super small 14” wheels, and they come with large 2.1” tires. It’s going to be really fun, especially when it comes to turning quickly. It comes packed with excellent features such as lighting and carbon fiber style fenders, and we also love the tri-spoke wheels.
OUR VERDICT
The Jasion EB3 isn’t like any other bike on this list. It’s a tiny compact electric bike and is made for city streets. It’s not got the biggest range on it, but besides that, it’s an incredible machine and coming in at only $399, a great buy.
Best Performance
3. Vive Electric Bike
Our Rating
9/10
$820
KEY SPECS
| Frame: Aluminum | |
| Motor: 500w | |
| Range: 50 Miles (PAS) | |
| Suspension: Front MTB Suspension | |
| Groupset: 7 Speed | |
| Brakes: Mechanical Disc | |
| Wheels and Tires: 26” with 4” Tires | |
| Intended Use: Off-road |
PROS
- Great for off-road
- Powerful motor
- Great range of 50 miles
- 26” wheels with large 4” tires
- Fenders, lighting, and kickstand
- Good value for money
CONS
- Very large bike
- Not amazing for city riding
The Vive is the most powerful electric bike on this list, and if you are looking for a bike that will rip up a trail at high speeds, this just might be it. It’s a lightweight aluminum frame with a relaxed mountain bike geometry. This is made for off-road riding and has suspension forks to give it the necessary ability.
This bike has a 500w motor which gives you a top speed of 25mph, and you get a huge range of 50 miles. To help assist that motor, they give you a 7-speed groupset on this bike, and it’s paired up with powerful disc brakes, which you will need when riding this in poor conditions.
It has large 26” wide wheels with huge 4” tires. They offer incredible comfort and grip, are excellent off-road for loose terrain, and can even work on sand. You also get big off-road fenders, lighting, and even a kickstand too.
OUR VERDICT
The Vive is a very cool bike and great if you want an electric bike to take off-road. It’s not ideal if you lack storage space and the bike is not suited to city riding. Overall though, it has power, range, and ability and looks great. It is highly recommended.
Best All Rounder
4. Rad Rhino 6 Plus Step-Thru
Our Rating
8/10
$1100
KEY SPECS
| Frame: Aluminum | |
| Motor: 250w | |
| Range: 50 Miles (PAS) | |
| Suspension: Front Suspension | |
| Groupset: 7 Speed | |
| Brakes: Hydraulic Disc | |
| Wheels and Tires: 26” with 4” Tires | |
| Intended Use: Mixed terrain |
PROS
- Great bike for off-road
- Well comfortable to ride
- Lighting and fenders
- Large wheels and 4” tires
- Good range of 50 miles
- Very high-quality bike
CONS
- Not the cheapest
- It’s a heavy bike
When it comes to electric bikes, Rad Power Bikes is a very big name, and they make an incredible product. The Rad Rhino 6 Plus is one of their budget models but offers a huge amount of quality and some great specs. The aluminum frame is a hybrid design. It’s going to be very comfortable to ride with its upright riding position and being a step-thru easy to get on and off.
It has a 250w motor which is tame for Rad Power Bikes, but it does give you a top speed of 15mph and a range of up to about 50 miles on a single charge. It comes with 7-speed gearing, which, alongside the motor, makes this bike very capable up and down climbs. This is the only bike on this list to come with hydraulic disc brakes so it can stop very quickly and efficiently.
Like the Vive, it comes with huge 26” wheels and 4” tires. This bike is incredibly comfortable and gives it great off-road ability. You also have a suspension fork adding to the bike’s ability. It also comes with fenders, lighting, and a comfortable spring saddle too.
OUR VERDICT
If you want a top quality electric bike, then Rad Power Bikes is a good way to go. The Rad Rhino 6 for a budget electric bike offers so much. It’s got great ability on and off-road, it looks excellent, and it is easy to ride. It may not be the cheapest or the lightest, but it’s a great bike and will give you years of excellent service.
Best for commuting
5. Heybike Mars
Our Rating
9/10
$999
KEY SPECS
| Frame: Aluminum | |
| Motor: 500w | |
| Range: 50 Miles (PAS) | |
| Suspension: Front Suspension | |
| Groupset: 7 Speed | |
| Brakes: Mechanical Disc | |
| Wheels and Tires: 20” with 4” Tires | |
| Intended Use: Mixed Terrain |
PROS
- Folding Ability
- Great handling
- Powerful motor
- Great range
- Disc Brakes
- Rear bags
CONS
- Not the best looking bike
- Not the lightest bike
The Heybike Mars is an excellent bike and perfect if you commute into a city or are short on space at home. Why is that you may ask, well it’s the only folding bike on this list. The frame is compact frame, and it comes with the ability to fold in the center. It’s made for city riding but has the ability to hit trails as it has off-road wheels and front suspension.
It has a 500w geared motor and comes with a battery that will give you 48 miles on a single charge pedaling or 30 miles on the throttle. It has 7-speeds of gearing, which gives you an ok range to work with, and it’s paired with mechanical disc brakes for stopping quickly.
The wheels are small 20” wheels and they have huge 4” tires. It is going to work on city roads and also light trails very well. With wheels this small, it will handle exceptionally well and be super fun going round sharp corners. You also get lighting, fenders, rear bags, and a suspension seat post.
OUR VERDICT
The Heybike Mars is one of the best bikes on this list because it just offers so much. It can work excellently on road and off-road. It’s perfect for saving space, an excellent commuter with its folding ability, and even comes with rear bags too. It might not be the coolest looking bike, but you get an amazing value for money for less than $1000.
Best Shopper
6. Nakto Electric Bike
Our Rating
9/10
$670
KEY SPECS
| Frame: Aluminum | |
| Motor: 350w | |
| Range: 35 Miles (PAS) | |
| Suspension: Front Suspension | |
| Groupset: 6 Speed | |
| Brakes: Rim Brakes | |
| Wheels and Tires: 26” with Hybrid tires | |
| Intended Use: City Shopping |
PROS
- Lots of carrying space
- Great shopping bike
- Powerful 350w motor
- Great price
- Front suspension
CONS
- Rim brakes
- Basic gearing
Our final bike on this list is the Nakto electric shopper bike. It’s a great bike that is perfect for some city commuting or exploring. The Nakto has a very relaxed geometry frame which is made for easy rides to the shop, which are going to be very comfortable with that front suspension.
The motor is surprisingly powerful and comes in at 350w, and it also gives you 35 miles range on a single charge in pedal assistance mode. It has basic gearing and only 6-speed, provided you’re not on incredible steep climbs. It will be just fine. It comes with Shimano gearing, but it’s an older 6-speed model compared to other bikes on this list.
The brakes are pretty basic rim brakes and will not be great in poor weather conditions or extreme riding. The wheels are classic 26” wheels, and they come equipped with hybrid tires. The bike comes with lots of extras. A wicker front basket, front suspension, fenders, a rear rack for panniers, and it even comes in two colors.
OUR VERDICT
If you are looking for an electric shopper on a budget, we can highly recommend the Nakto. It may not have the best gearing or brakes, but if you’re just popping to the shops, you don’t need that. For only $670, it’s an excellent bike and looks great too.
Budget Electric Bikes Buyers Guide
We have recommended some excellent budget electric bikes for you, but how do you pick the right one for you? Here’s our buyer’s guide to help you.
Will It Do What You Need It To?
The first question you need to ask yourself is, is this bike right for you? If you want to go off-road and on trails, then you are going to want a bike with suspension and off-road tires. If you plan on city riding, you will want road tires. Ensure you pick the right bike for the riding you are doing.
Do They Make a Size for You?
Companies that make electric bikes because they typically cost much more to make than a standard bike they limit the sizes so they are not left with unwanted stock. It’s important to check the size you are buying and ensure it’s going to work properly for you, whatever height you may be.
How Much Do You Want to Spend?
We feel that before buying a bike, have a long think about what you want to spend. Typically when it comes to cycling, you get what you’re paying for. The more you can budget for, the better the bike you will get, the longer duration before it will need replacing, and the better experience you will get from it.
Maintenance and Repairs
Electric bikes do generally have much more power, and because of this, you might need them to get serviced a bit more often. If you get an electric bike with incredible components, then when maintenance comes around, it will cost more. We say each year to allow 10-20% of the cost of the bike for repairs or a service.
Conclusion
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a great electric bike, and you can see by this list you can get a lot for as little as $400. Electric bikes are a fantastic tool for commuting and going out for long days out exploring. We highly recommend getting one and hope you enjoyed our list. If you want to learn more about the price of electric bikes check out this article, how much are electric bikes.
Frequently Asked Questions
You don’t have to spend a huge amount of money to get a decent electric bike. The technology has become much better over the years, and you can get a great experience out of an electric bike for less than $500. Some people even convert their bikes. For more details check out this article on electric bike kits.
If you look after your electric bike well, you can get many years out of it. Typically electric bikes don’t just break. All you get is lower top speeds and less range as they get older.
You can charge it after every ride, but the best way to do it is to let it drop to around 10% and then charge it fully again. It’s good for battery health to use as many cells as possible without fully draining them.
Electric bikes, although excellent, do come with some disadvantages. The first thing to mention is that they are heavier than normal bikes. They typically look much bulkier and cost much more. You do get a lot in return for these drawbacks. To learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of electric bikes check out this video.
Electric bikes use next to no electricity. You will find yourself roughly spending around 10 cents a charge which could give you around 50 miles. They are the best bang for your buck when it comes to travel.
Jeffrey Brown is a writer, editor, and professional bike mechanic with over 7 years of experience working in full-service and community-based bike shops. As a bicycle educator, he has supported youth programs across the US that teach bike mechanics and life skills to prepare the next generation of cyclists.
Jeffrey began his professional mechanic career at his university bike co-op, so he recognizes the grassroots power of the cycling community. Initially self-trained as a mechanic, his subsequent positions as manager and lead educator gave him official training. He has won various awards and grants for his role as a bicycle and environmental advocate.
