Durable e-bikes under $1,500

(Image credit: mbr)

If you want to go for a ride without going over your budget, these are the best cheap electric bikes. However, it’s also critical that they function properly, which is why we tested their adjustability, comfort, battery life, and uphill performance.

They’re a great starting place for e-bikes, particularly because many of the top models may cost upwards of $2,000; however, you might want to start with a less expensive model until you’re comfortable riding one.

Based on our road testing, we concluded that the Ride1Up Turris is the finest low-cost electric bike overall because of its comfortable riding position and ample pedal help.

The Ride1Up Roadster V2, which has a lot of features for an electric bike under $1,000, also won our admiration. However, these aren’t your only options; we’ve compiled a list of inexpensive electric bikes that are suitable for long commutes, leisurely rides around town, and congested commutes.

QUICK LIST

• BEST OVERALL: Ride1Up Turris
• BEST UNDER $1,000: Ride1Up Roadster v2
• BEST FOR COMMUTING: Wing Freedom 2
• BEST FAT TIRE: Juiced Ripracer
• MOST ADJUSTABLE: Propella 9S Pro V2

(Image credit: electrifiedreviews)

1. Ride1Up Turris

An inexpensive electric bike that hits all the marks

SPECIFICATIONS

Battery: 48V, 12.8Ah Reention Prism, LG cells

Estimated range: 25-45 miles

Max assist speed: 28mph

Motor: 750-watt, 48V Shengyi geared hub motor, 60Nm torque

Gearing: Shimano 7-speed, 11-32 cassette and 44T chainring

Weight: 55 pounds

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

A great example that an e-bike doesn’t have to be costly or fancy to be good is the Ride1Up Turris. The 750W motor of the Turris was more powerful than expected and adequate in most circumstances. The motor engaged very fast when we began pedalling, which was even more amazing (albeit there was a minor lag when using just the throttle).

Its appearance, mechanical disc brakes, and well readable digital display were very appealing to us. The broad, 27.5 x 2.4-inch tyres, front and rear fenders, adjustable kickstand, and bright 60 Lux lights made the vehicle even better. Since there isn’t a taillight, you should view our selection of the top bike lights.

In contrast to more expensive electric bikes, the Turris needs some assembly work, such as attaching the handlebars, front wheel, and pedals. You may need to visit your neighbourhood bike shop to make these changes. Additionally, we believed that the front suspension fork was a little unnecessary.

However, if you’re looking for an inexpensive electric bike to ride around town, the Turris ought to be at the top of your list.

(Image credit: electrek)

2. Ride1Up Roadster V2

The best budget electric bike under $1,000

SPECIFICATIONS

Battery: 36V, 7Ah Samsung 35e Cells

Estimated range: 20-30 miles

Max assist speed: 24 mph

Motor: 500W peak, 350W nominal hub, 40Nm of torque

Gearing: 64/20T singlespeed Toptrans Belt Drive

Weight: 33 pounds

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

The V2 of the Ride1Up Roadster Though it appears to be an ordinary non-motorized commuter bike, its frame conceals a battery that may provide up to 30 miles of pedal assistance power. This is one of the lightest e-bikes we’ve tested, at only 33 pounds. Available in two sizes, it should fit almost all riders’ heights.

We found the Roadster V2 to be fast and enjoyable on flat and rolling terrain, but because it is a single-speed model and has a slight pedal assist latency, it can be challenging to get going on hills. Additionally, the Roadster V2 lacks head- and taillights, just as the Core-5. Other cost-cutting measures include rim brakes instead of disc brakes and a small display, but it does use a belt drive system instead of a chain, which makes it quieter when driving.

(Image credit: tomsguide)

3. Wing Freedom 2

One stylish ride with antitheft features

SPECIFICATIONS

Battery: Panasonic 8.8/10.4/14aH

Estimated range: 35-60 miles, depending on battery

Max assisted speed: 20 mph

Motor: 36V/550W Bafang rear hub motor

Gearing: 7-speed Shimano Tourney

Weight: 39 pounds

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

It’s not a VanMoof, though the Wing Freedom 2 looks a lot like the discontinued electric bike that cost over twice as much. Still, if you’re on a tight budget, this is the bike to acquire. The Wing Freedom 2 was a lot of fun to ride, and even while it’s not as nimble as other more expensive models, it responds rather quickly and is really comfortable.

The Freedom 2 can also be customised with a few useful anti-theft features from Wing, like an AirTag that helps you locate the bike in the event that it is stolen, a surprisingly loud built-in alarm that can be activated with a key fob, and the ability to remove the battery, which also simplifies charging. The Freedom 2’s integrated lights were another feature we enjoyed. The more lights, the better.

(Image credit: electrek)

4. Juiced Ripracer

A truly fun fat tire BMX-style ebike for less

SPECIFICATIONS

Battery: 800 aH

Motor: 1300W (Peak) 750W (Sustained), Rear Hub Motor

Gearing: Single speed

Weight: 66 pounds

Max advertised range: 55 miles

Max advertised assist speed: 28 mph

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

You can get a lot more fun for a lot less money than you might expect with The Juiced Ripracer. It’s one of the more reasonably priced off-road e-bikes we’ve tested, and it’s really versatile. With a 40.3-inch wheelbase and 20-inch wheels made for trails and other muddy surfaces, this fat-tire bike offers a rougher ride than an e-bike with those components.

This bike is really powerful, and it went almost anywhere we wanted it to. Its low-end torque, which was excellent for climbing hills, was something we truly enjoyed. Its torque sensor is not a torque sensor, though, therefore it requires one or two pedal rotations to activate the help. The Ripracer is much smaller than other mountain e-bikes because it is designed in the BMX manner, which also makes it easier to manoeuvre in confined situations.

(Image credit: tomsguide)

5. Propella 9S Pro

A solid and affordable e-bike that fits riders of many sizes

SPECIFICATIONS

Battery: 36V, 350Wh LG Li-Ion, UL-certified, removable

Estimated range: 55 miles (max)

Max assist speed: 20 mph

Motor: MIVICE 350 Watt (500 watt peak) rear hub motor, 40NM torque

Gearing: 9-speed shimano

Weight: 43.5 pounds

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

We appreciate that the Propella 9S Pro features adjustable handlebars, which will make it easier for riders of smaller stature to customise the bike to fit their body, even though taller users could find it a little small. It is also available in a step-through or step-over design, which expands your options.

Other than that, we thought riding the 9S Pro V2 was enjoyable and practical. This variant has a torque sensor and a new motor that engages considerably more quickly once you start pedalling than the original. It’s also rather powerful: even on steep hills, we managed to move forward, but it wouldn’t hurt to have a throttle. An even better upgrade is that the 9S Pro V2’s removable battery is now integrated into its frame, which not only improves the bike’s appearance but also gets rid of the original’s unpleasant rattle.

Similar to the previous model, the 9S Pro V2 features fitted fenders to keep dirt off your clothes in rainy conditions and a headlight (but no taillight). Additionally, it boasts hydraulic disc brakes, which are uncommon at this price.

How to choose the best budget electric bike

In contrast to the high-end bikes, which may cost thousands of dollars, you will have to make some sacrifices if you’re searching for an affordable electric bike—typically under $1,500.

But before you choose a particular model, there are a few important things to watch out for. The motor is the most important. Two sensors are found in assisted bikes: one for torque and one for cadence.

Most low-cost electric bikes use cadence sensors, which identify when the crankshaft is moving. They are typically less expensive than torque sensors, which identify the force acting on the crankshaft. They are marginally less accurate, though.

As a result, there can be a little lag between when you pedal and require help and when the motor starts. Additionally, single-gear bikes are harder to start on hills, so you might want to stay away from them if you live in a hilly area.

When purchasing an inexpensive electric bike online, it’s critical to read numerous reviews—including ours—to see how well the bike’s construction is regarded. However, if you can get to a showroom and test ride the bike, it will be simpler to evaluate this.

You should also consider the fact that many businesses choose not to use integrated lights in order to reduce costs. It’s important to keep well-lit if you plan to ride in low light or darkness, but you can always add some of the finest bike lights later.

How we test electric bikes

We evaluate the low-cost electric bikes in the same manner as we test other electric bikes, which naturally entails giving it a lot of rides. We assess the comfort of the handlebars, grips, and seat of the bike, as well as our riding position and how simple it is to adjust the seat in particular.

While budget models frequently come disassembled, many electric bikes do require you to attach a handlebar, wheel, or other component. In those situations, we consider how simple it is to assemble the bike, how long it takes, and how clear the instructions are.

Although we don’t anticipate affordable electric bikes to match more expensive versions in terms of performance, they ought to still be fun to ride. Therefore, we test the electric motors of the bikes by riding them up hills to evaluate how much assistance they provide and how quickly they respond to pedalling; cheaper models will not engage as quickly, which results in more difficult uphill beginnings.

We test an electric bike to determine how quickly the battery runs out under various riding circumstances. We test this by applying throttle when available and pedal assist to evaluate how much of an impact this has on the battery.

Finally, we consider the bike’s other features, such as a huge display, integrated lighting, disc brakes, etc., and weigh them against the bike’s price to assign a rating.

FAQs

What is the difference between an e-bike and an electric bike?

You may have heard people refer to motor-assisted bikes as “e-bikes” and “electric bikes” interchangeably if you have been researching them. Thankfully, the terms “e-bike” and “electric bike” are interchangeable and denote the same thing.

Standard bicycles require your input to move, therefore you must continuously pedal the bike and change the resistance to increase your speed or go up steep slopes. Some may find cycling difficult as a result, and for certain situations—such as commuting to work—intense exercise isn’t the best option.

Thus, electric bikes began to gain traction. These resemble standard bikes, but they have a connected motor and battery to help you cycle. It’s not like a car, where the engine performs all the work for you; instead, they lessen the ride’s intensity to make navigating hills and roads easier.

As the electrically assisted bikes gained popularity, this was eventually abbreviated to e-bikes, or just ebikes. For this reason, you’ll frequently hear people refer to them as electric bikes, e-bikes, or e-bikes, but they all mean the same thing.