11 Best Electric Bikes Under $2,000 for All Types of Riders

Over the past decade, electric bicycle technology has rapidly progressed and is now fast and highly affordable, resulting in the mainstream adoption of eBikes around the world. More and more people are realizing the health benefits of cycling on eBikes, with aged and injured people specifically benefiting from electrical assistance.es

If you enjoy cycling but don’t want to arrive at work sweaty and out of breath, an electric bike could be for you.

Not only are they environmentally friendly, but they’re also much cheaper and healthier for you than driving a car. With a small initial investment, you could save thousands of dollars on fuel by commuting to work on an eBike rather than in a car. For as little as $1,000, you can buy a decent entry-level eBike, or upgrade to $2,000 for a more powerful, longer-lasting machine. 

In this electric bike review, we investigate several good quality and affordable eBikes that cost less than $2,000.

$1,000 vs $2,000 vs $3,000 eBike

• $500 – $999 | Entry-level hub motor eBikes
• $1,000 – $1,500 | Mid/entry hub motor eBikes
• $1,500 – $2,000 | Mid-range hub-motor, entry-level mid-drive eBikes
• $2,000 – $3,000 | Mid-range hub & mid-drive eBikes
• $3,000 – $4,000+ | High-end hub motor, and mid/high-end mid-drive eBikes

In the $1,000 to $,2000 range, you’re really looking at entry-level eBikes – but that doesn’t mean they’re bad. Even eBikes under $1,500 should be sufficient for work commutes, collecting groceries, or visiting friends. They will typically have low-powered, Class 1 pedal-assist motors that can handle flat roads fine but might struggle a bit on hills. Gears, brakes, and other components should work fine but won’t be of high quality.

Around $2,000, you’ll find some eBikes have upgraded motors with added torque, enough to push you and your luggage up hills more easily. The brakes, gears, and components will be noticeably better and some of these bikes will handle off-road conditions better. It’s difficult to find a decent electric mountain bike under $2,000, so if you plan to do a lot of MTB riding, prepare to spend closer to $3,000.

At $3,000 and above, you should be able to get a high-quality eBike, including electric mountain bikes, touring bikes, and other specialties. These bikes use high-powered motors with durable components, long-lasting batteries, and strong frame materials.

What Can You Expect from E-Bikes in 2024?

Disc brakes, wider tires, and a strong frame are a must for electric bikes.

While some eBikes are specifically built for a particular purpose, others are simply standard bikes with an added motor and battery. This is because eBikes are very similar to normal bikes, with the same kinds of gears, brakes, wheels, and frames.

However, there are some features that should be included on an eBike to improve the performance, aside from the motor and battery. These include disc brakes, thicker tires, and more durable frame material. 

Most electric bike prices fall between $1,000 and $5,000. A cheap electric bike under $1,000 is probably of very low quality and won’t provide too good value for money – but there are definitely some exceptions!

RELATED

• Best eBikes Under $1,500
• Best eBikes Under $1,000

1. Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus

One of the best-selling fat tire e-bikes out there

Best fat tire electric bike under 2,000$

Weight – 69lb | Battery – 48V 14Ah (672Wh) | Motor – 750W | Range – 45mi | Torque – 80Nm

MSRP: $1,999
Rad Power Bikes

If you like riding fat bikes and want some added power in your pedals, the RadRover 6 eBike could be just what you’re looking for. With massive 4″ Kenda Juggernaut tires (max 4.5″), this beast of a machine comfortably takes on mountains, beaches, forests, or snow with no trouble and little effort from you. The one-size frame comes in both step-through and standard design, for riders from 5’4″ to 6’2″ / 5’2″ – 6′” on the Step-through frame.

However, at a hefty 72.5lb (31kg), you certainly feel the weight of the rock-solid design and tough materials. Like the Ride1UP, the RadRover 6 also features a powerful 750W brushless geared hub motor, although this one has slightly less torque at only 80Nm. Still, you’ll have no trouble getting yourself up a steep dirt track with a heavy bag on your back.

The 48V 14Ah battery provides 672Wh of running time, which should give you around 45 miles (72km) on one charge if you pedal sufficiently. As a Class 2 electric bicycle, you can reach a maximum speed of 20 mph (32km/h), on the pedal-assist mode or the throttle. The RadRover 6 drivetrain is supported by a 7-speed Shimano Altus derailleur.

This is more of an electric off-road bike designed for mixed terrain, so it’s ideal for those planning to spend a lot of time riding in nature rather than cities. At under $2,000, it’s an absolute steal!

• Tektro 180mm hydraulic brakes
• 7-speed Shimano Altus derailleur
• 6061 aluminum frame
• 26″ x 4″ Kenda Juggernaut tires
• Backlit LCD
• Class 2 eBike

Buy from RadPowerBikes.com

2. Co-op Cycles CTY e1.1

Best city electric bike for the money

Weight – 48lb | Battery – 450Wh | Motor – 250W | Range – 40mi | Torque – 40Nm

MSRP: $1,299
REI.com

If you’re looking for a quick way to zip about town, visit friends, or commute to work, the CTY e1.1 is made for you. This high-quality electric commuter bike from Co-Op is a Class 1 pedal-assist bike, providing up to 20mph (32km/h) and 40Nm of torque from the 250W Bafang hub-drive motor.

With thick tires, a comfortable upright seating position, and rear rack and fender mounts, this bike is clearly designed for comfort and convenience. It has a 450Wh removable battery that charges overnight and gives you up to 40 miles of assistance – more than enough for a day of cycling.

The super-tough 1.95″ Schwalbe Big Ben tires are specifically built to take on city street debris like glass, nails, and broken concrete – so you won’t have to worry about punctures. In addition, the Tektro hydraulic disc brakes supply exceptional stopping power – come rain or shine, you can cycle with confidence knowing that you’re safe.

• Upright riding position
• 27.5″ x 1.95″ Schwalbe tires
• Tektro hydraulic disc brakes
• Charge time: 6 hours
• Class 1 eBike

Co-op CTY e1.1 size recommendations

S – 5’0″ – 5’6″
M – 5’3″ – 5’9″
L – 5’6″ – 6’3″

Buy from REI.com

3. Ride1UP 700 Series

Best electric comfort bike under $2,000

Weight – 62lb | Battery – 48V 14Ah (672Wh) | Motor – 500W | Range – 30-50mi | Torque – 60Nm

MSRP: $1,695
Ride1UP

Like the LMT’D, this electric assist bicycle from Ride1UP is a steal at under $2,000. It’s slightly heavier than the LMT’D but benefits from a rear rack and an aluminum frame that feels slightly more solid. As a Class 3 pedal-assist bike that can reach up to 28mph (45km/h), the 700 Series would make an excellent electric commuter bicycle.

The 750W Shengyi geared-hub motor pumps out 60Nm of torque so you’ll feel a nice kick when twisting the throttle and needn’t pedal too hard when going uphill. This is all powered by a removable 48V battery that delivers up to 50 miles (80km) on a single charge, tracked by an integrated sensor that informs a handlebar-mounted display.

For better off-road handling, you get a full 100mm of travel on the Mozo Hydraulic fork plus excellent traction and absorption from the Schwalbe Super Moto-X tires. This really gives you a lot of confidence when tackling rough terrain on the 700 series, particularly when you factor in the Tektro dual-piston hydraulic disc brakes.

With an 8-speed Shimano Acera drivetrain, front and rear lights, fenders, and kickstand, this eBike ticks all the boxes. Just pack your bags, hop on, start riding, and discover a whole new world of electrically charged adventure.

• 8-speed Shimano Acera
• Mozo hydraulic suspension
• 27.5″ x 2.4″ Schwalbe Super Moto tires
• Tektro hydraulic brakes
• Adjustable speed color display
• Class 3 eBike

Buy from Ride1UP.com

4. Lectric XP 3.0 Step-thru

Fat-tire folding e-bike with great off-road ability

Weight – 64lb | Battery – 48V 10.4Ah (500Wh) | Motor – 500W | Range – 45mi

MSRP: $999
Lectric eBikes

The XP 3.0 is Lectric’s flagship e-bike with a fully electric throttle. A powerful combination of a 500Wh battery and 500W motor with 7-Speed gearing gives you the ability to reach 45 miles on a single charge. Additionally, 500W of power allows you to comfortably pull cargo wherever you go.

To take advantage of this bike’s all-terrain 3″ puncture-resistant tires and ensure control and comfort at top speeds of 28mph, Lectric has included other off-road components such as 50mm fork suspension and powerful mechanical disc brakes with 180mm rotors.

• Class 2 or 3
• Tektro mechanical disc brakes
• 50mm Suspension Fork
• 7-Speed Gearing
• 20″ x 3″ All-Terrain Tires

Buy from Lectricebikes.com

5. Velotric Go 1

Sleek urban fat bike

Weight – 65 lb | Battery – 691 Wh | Motor – 500W | Range – 55 mi 

MSRP: $1,799

The Velotric Go 1 is the company’s most popular fat tire option. This budget-friendly e-bike is built to be tough, stylish, and highly functional.

What gives the Go 1 its ability is its powerful electrics including a large 500W motor and a 691 Wh battery for a max range of 55 miles.

Helpful components such as hydraulic disc brakes and 20″ x 3.0″ fat tires allow riders to take this bike off-road in comfort and with confidence.

• Class 2 or 3 eBike
• Hydraulic Disc Brakes
• Front suspension fork
• 7-Speed Shimano Tourney Drivetrain
• 20″ x 3″ All-Terrain Tires

Buy from Velotric Bikes

6. Ride1UP LMT’D

Best electric bike under $2,000

Weight – 53lb | Battery – 48V 14Ah (672Wh) | Motor – 750W | Range – 30-50mi | Torque – 100Nm

MSRP: $1,695
Ride1UP

Despite its tongue-twisting name, The Ride1UP LMT’D is probably our favorite eBike for under $2,000. The powerful 750W motor is something seldom seen on even more expensive bikes, punching out an incredible 100Nm of torque. You almost certainly won’t find a more powerful eBike under $2,000.

Despite the added power, the Ride1UP LMT’D is surprisingly light for an eBike, weighing in at only 53lb (24kg). This is thanks to its lightweight alloy frame and high-end components, like the RST fork and Schwalbe Super-Moto tires.

The MXUS Geared Motor is powered by a 48V 14ah battery that provides up to 50 miles (80km) of cycling on a single charge. As a Class 3 electric bike, you can go up to 28 mph (45km/h) on the Ride1UP LMT’D, making it seem more like a motorbike at times.

To swallow up any bumps and vibrations in the road, you get an RST Asteria fork with 80mm of travel and Tektro Auriga hydraulic brakes to quickly stop in both wet and dry conditions. Overall, this is a really fun bike to ride and, at under $1,900, offers incredible value-for-money!

Available as a normal or step-through electric bike.

• Class3 eBike
• Tektro Auriga hydraulic brakes
• 80mm RST Asteria it suspension
• Lightweight alloy frame
• Adjustable display

Buy from Ride1UP

7. Buzz Cerana

Comfortable and versatile step-through utility bike

Weight – 57lb | Battery – 36V  | Motor – 350W | Range – 40mi

MSRP: $1,499
Buzz Bicycles

The Cerana by Buzz is the company’s utility bike and most versatile model. It’s one of the best you can find for less than $1500.

Two of the most important features of this e-bike are its comfort and versatility. Buzz chose 24″ x 2.8″ tires, a low-step frame, and upright geometry to ensure a smooth and comfortable ride quality on varied terrain.

A punchy 350W motor and a moderate size lockable integrated battery make riding tough hills easy.

Riders can also expect a max range of 45 miles and plenty of gearing from a 7-speed Shimano drivetrain.

Finally, integrated lights, fenders, and a smart backlit LCD screen mean that this bike performs well above its entry-level price tag.

• Mechanical Disc Brakes
• 2.8″ tires
• 7-Speed Gearing

Buy from Buzzbicycles.com

8. Rad Power Bikes RadCity 5 Plus

Electric city bike with a utilitarian twist

MSRP: from $1,999
Rad Power Bikes

The RadCity 5 Plus is an affordable urban electric bike with a powerful 750W motor and a fully equipped setup from purchase.

This e-bike can maneuver urban streets with ease. Rad Power chose powerful hydraulic disc brakes, grippy and puncture-resistant 2″ tires, and a durable 6061 aluminum frame to achieve this versatility.

The electronics used are a small 672 Wh battery combined with a geared hub motor. This combination, along with a 7-speed drivetrain, provides ranges of up to 50 miles.

Finally, although the RadCity 5 Plus e-bike has a high base weight of 65lb, it has a great payload capacity of just 275lb, perfect for carrying cargo.

• Motor: 750W geared hub
• PAS / Throttle
• Battery – 672Wh
• Weight – 65lb
• Max capacity – 275lb
• 27.5×2″
• Hydraulic disc brakes

Buy from RadPowerBikes.com

9. Aventon Level.2

Affordable commuter e-bike with fork suspension

Weight – 59lb | Battery – 52V 15Ah (780Wh) | Motor – 750W | Range – 65mi

MSRP: $1,799
Aventon

Aventon’s Level.2 is a unique e-bike designed with a traditional hybrid look and feel while also having the potential of a versatile utility bike.

For power, you get a 500W rear hub motor which gives plenty of punch and pairs with a 672Wh battery and a reliable 8-speed drivetrain. With this combination, riders can expect speeds of up to 28mph for max distances of 60 miles. In addition, you get torque and cadence sensing for a smoother power transfer.

Aventon’s choice of components makes this bike very comfortable and fast in the city. This includes 65mm fork suspension, comfortable 2.1″ tires, hydraulic disc brakes, and upright geometry.  Lastly, the Level.2 has a rack, fenders, and lights to make it the perfect commuter bike.

• Class 3 eBike
• Hydraulic disc brakes
• 65mm fork suspension 
• 8-speed drivetrain
• Integrated headlight and taillight
• Recommended Rider Height: 5’3″ – 6’4″

Buy from Aventon.com

10. sixthreezero AroundtheBlock 500W

Best electric beach-cruiser bicycle under $2,000

Recommended height range: 5′-6′

Weight – 65lb | Battery – 48V 10Ah (480Wh) | Motor – 500W | Range – 20-40mi | Torque – N/A

MSRP: Check on Amazon

Beach cruiser bikes are ever-popular amongst holiday goers or seaside dwellers, offering a comfortable way to slowly meander along the coastline enjoying the salty sea breeze. Now, beach cruising is easier than ever, with this awesome electric beach cruiser from boutique Californian brand sixthreezero. Don’t let the cruiser design trick you though – as a Class 3 electric bike, this baby can reach up to 28 mph (45km/h) in pedal-assist mode.

With a powerful 500W motor, mid-range 480Wh battery, and thick cushioned tires, you’ll have no trouble enjoying a full day out in the saddle.

Admittedly, it’s not the lightest electric bike on the market at 60lb (27.2kg), but the AroundtheBlock has a strong aluminum frame and steel fork that can carry up to 300lb (136kg) of total weight.

The drivetrain and brakes are made up of a 7-speed Shimano Tourney gearset and mechanical disc brakes, which aren’t top-class but do the job sufficiently. The main draw factor with this bike is the simple operation, classic eye-catching design, and laid-back seating position. In each and every way, it’s designed to provide an enjoyable, relaxing ride.

• Mechanical disc brakes
• 26″ x 2.125″ tires
• 7-speed Shimano Tourney
• Class 3 eBike

Buy on Amazon

11. Vvolt Alpha

Best belt-drive electric bike under $1,500

Weight – 44-46lb | Battery – 375Wh| Motor – 350W | Range – 40mi

MSRP: $1,399
Vvolt

Vvolt is a well-known producer of recreational belt drive eBikes, popular for their reliability and lightweight design. The 375Wh Cellxpert battery can take you a full 40 miles on a single charge, costing less than 10c in electricity. The 350W Xplova rear hub motor is smooth and quiet, carrying you along at up to 20mph.

Vvolt has chosen the reliable Gates Carbon CDN system, offering single-speed gearing and fast hydraulic disc brakes. A strong aluminum frame and fork provide a solid foundation that responds rapidly.

At a light weight of 44-46lb, you’ll find this ebike performs great on flat roads and long, uphills slogs.

On the rear, you’ll find convenient mounts for fenders and a rack. Additionally, you have USB charging options and Bluetooth connectivity. 

• Hydraulic disc brakes
• Gates Carbon belt drive
• Kenda Kwick-seven 5 tires

Buy from Vvolt.com

A Quick Buying Guide

What is an eBike?

An eBike, or electric-assist bike, is a bicycle with an added motor that helps you to cycle. On most eBikes, the motor isn’t powerful enough to carry you along on its own, so you do still need to pedal a bit. The more power you put into pedaling, the longer the battery will last – so you should still get a bit of exercise out of eBikes. However, if you reach a steep hill or you’re feeling a bit tired, you can keep going without breaking a sweat.

How much should I spend on an electric bike?

Electric bicycle prices vary greatly, from as little as $500 to over $10,000. However, you shouldn’t spend less than $1,000 on an ebike. In our experience, bicycles below $1,000 are made from cheap materials that break quickly. You also needn’t spend more than $2,000 unless you want a specialty eBike like a high-quality mountain bike or touring bikes.

Are cheap electric bikes any good?

Although you can get good quality cheap electric bicycles, you should read lots of reviews first and do your research. For every good cheap eBike available, there are ten low-quality copies – so make sure you’re getting the real thing! All the bikes we have listed here are from trusted manufacturers with a track record of high quality.

Which is better – mid-drive or hub motor eBike?

Mid-drive motors are placed at the pedal crank of the bike, while hub motors are in the rear wheel. Mid-drive motors are more expensive and more efficient, offering a better gear ratio and more torque.

Hub motors are cheaper but less powerful and the extra weight in the rear wheel makes the bike feel a little unbalanced. For most people, this isn’t a problem but it is noticeable.

Do electric bikes go without pedaling?

The majority of eBikes on the market are pedal-assist electric bikes, meaning you still have to pedal a bit for them to operate. However, there are also available Class 2 electric bikes that have throttle installed. With those, you don’t need to pedal at all and can use only a throttle.

There are also some Class 3 eBikes that have Class 3 pedal assistance combined with Class 2 throttle. Those electric bicycles have 28 mph pedal assistance and 20 mph throttle. 

Do electric bikes without pedals exist?

Although you do find some electric bikes with no pedals, they are not very popular because the batteries don’t last long. Until battery technology can be improved to provide long-lasting power with low-weight batteries, pedal assistance will remain a necessity.

Torque vs Range

Depending on the purposed field of use, there are two key points when making a decision to buy an electric bike.

• Torque – Great for heavier riders, or riding on harsh terrains (including off-road trails, steep hills). Usually rear hub motors have better torque compared to mid-drive motors.
• Range – If you are planning to ride for commuting, the torque is not as important since even the simple eBikes offer plenty of assistance. Mid-drive motors tend to be more economical when it comes to long-range riding.

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About the Author

Mark Hartley

Mark is a cycling enthusiast and freelance writer specializing in travel and technology. He has traveled to 56 countries worldwide, cycling through Africa and Europe. You can contact him on Twitter @splshrollstmble. Mark is behind most of the current bicycle reviews in Bikexchange today. You can check his journeys @splashrollstumble. Specializes in best-of reviews, bike brand reviews, bicycle reviews.