I’ve spent countless hours here at Electrek doing detailed hands-on testing of hundreds of electric bikes. Through thousands of miles of riding, I’ve been fortunate to learn these e-bikes inside and out, top to bottom and front to back. That long-term experience with real-world e-bike testing has helped me find the best electric bicycles on the market for just about any budget.
Below are some of the top e-bikes I’ve hand-tested for every price range, current as of December 2024. It’s the last chance to grab some great holiday deals on a new e-bike! And just like the ultra-competitive e-bike selling year last year, 2024 has turned into a year of impressive e-bike sales not to be missed. So check out the awesome e-bikes below, any one of which could become your next electric bike.
This list is divided into several price ranges. We’ll start with the best e-bikes under $1,000, then move on to the under-$2,000 category, under-$3,000 category, etc. The goal is to highlight some of my favorite models in various budget ranges to help you make the right decision based on your needs and budget.
The sub-$1,000 electric bike category is critical for a few reasons.
First, it’s pretty hard to produce a quality e-bike and sell it for under $1k. Most of the options in this price category make too many sacrifices in quality or longevity to earn a spot on this list as one of “the best.”
Second, many newcomers to the e-bike industry just aren’t prepared to drop several thousand dollars on a brand-new concept, making this price range critical for many first-time e-bike shoppers.
Fortunately, we’ve found some excellent options for cheap electric bikes that can still save you some serious dough.
Lectric XP LITE 2.0
The Lectric XP LITE 2.0 was recently updated and is now quite likely the king of bang-for-your-buck electric bikes.
For years, the $999 Lectric XP 3.0 has reigned supreme in the budget electric bike category. That’s still a great bike, and we’ll discuss it next, but the more affordable $799 Lectric XP LITE 2.0 is an even more wallet-friendly electric bike.
That new e-bike offers some great riding at under 800 bucks.
It’s a throttle-enabled Class 2 folding electric bike with 20″ wheels, a max speed of 20 mph (32 km/h) and a motor rated for 300W continuous and 819W peak. It’s not going to be the strongest hill climber, but it does get going quickly on flat and modestly hilly terrain.
And the biggest upgrades include hydraulic disc brakes as well as an optional Gates carbon belt drive system for an extra $100. Riders can also opt for a nearly double-sized battery for an extra $200.
This is the only e-bike in this price range that I know of with a 48V electrical system. All the other budget e-bikes under $800 use a 36V system and thus suffer from weaker power.
There are some things that you give up with this model, such as that the fenders aren’t included free. But for just $799, you’re still getting built-in lights, a hidden battery, large color LCD display and a lightweight folder. Plus it comes in five color options.
There’s a lot of value there!
Lectric XP LITE 2.0 quick specs
- Motor: 300W (819W peak) geared rear hub motor
- Top speed: 32 km/h (20 mph)
- Range: Claimed up to 72 km (45 mi) or 130 km (80 mi) with long range battery)
- Battery: 48V 7.8 Ah (375 Wh)
- Weight: 22 kg (49 lb)
- Price: $799
Lectric XP 3.0
If you like the idea of a low-cost US-based company like Lectric eBikes but want something with more power than their XP LITE, consider the $999 Lectric XP 3.0. The XP 3.0 is the newest version of America’s best-selling electric bike, and now it’s even better with hydraulic disc brakes! In my opinion, this is the current king of bang-for-your-buck electric bikes right now. It’s clear why this is the best-selling electric bike in the US.
Between the fast 28 mph speed, comfortable ride with front suspension, nimble yet thick three-inch tires, and the powerful 1,000W peak-rated motor, the bike combines high performance with an awesome price. The new version comes with a higher power motor featuring more torque, a new rear rack that can support 150 pounds (and has a passenger package option for carrying a friend), has longer travel suspension, and several other key upgrades.
There are both step-over and step-through frames available. To be honest, the frame member is low on both of them and so they’re both easy to mount, but I actually prefer the step-through. Even though low-step bikes are often considered to be “women’s bikes,” the Lectric XP 3.0 looks badass enough that no one would ever think of calling the step-through option a ladies’ bike. It’s just a more comfortable way to hop on and off.
Plus, the folding frame of the Lectric XP 3.0 means you can bring this high-value e-bike with you in a car or truck. I know several people who keep one in their RV, and I’ve even heard of folks traveling with it on their boat or light airplane.
The company also has longer-range batteries for the XP 3.0 that add 45% more range. If you’re the kind of person who likes to ride fast, that battery will help you use that power for longer rides at higher speeds.
It’s hard to find a better combination of low cost and high performance anywhere in the e-bike market right now. That’s why this is the bike I used when I worked undercover as an e-bike delivery rider.
Check out my first ride experience on the Lectric XP 3.0 here.
Lectric XP 3.0 quick specs
- Motor: 500W (850W peak) geared rear hub motor
- Top speed: 45 km/h (28 mph)
- Range: Claimed up to 72 km (45 mi), but less if you’re heavy on the throttle
- Battery: 48V 9.6 Ah (460 Wh), or larger 14Ah battery available
- Weight: 29 kg (64 lb)
- Price: $999
Ride1Up Portola
When Ride1Up launched the Portola, it was pretty obvious what the game plan was: fire a shot across Lectric Ebike’s bow with a direct competitor to the Lectric XP 3.0. By all accounts, Ride1Up nailed it with an impressive competitor, the best-selling e-bike out there.
The Ride1Up Portola has a lot more going for it than just the awesome price of $995. The bike has great performance with a maximum speed of 28 mph (45 km/h) and great components including hydraulic disc brakes, front suspension, a built-in rear rack, and a 750W motor.
There are two battery options available, either a 48V 10.4Ah or a 48V 13.4Ah, and the larger battery only costs an extra $100.
I love the sleek-looking frame and apparently, I’m not alone. Those who are on the hunt for a good-looking folding fat tire e-bike that doesn’t break the bank will likely find this to be one of the more fashionable options.
Ride1Up Portola quick specs
- Motor: 750W geared rear hub motor
- Top speed: 45 km/h (28 mph)
- Range: Claimed up to 72 km (45 mi), but less if you’re heavy on the throttle
- Battery: 48V 10.4 Ah (504 Wh), or larger 48V 13.4 Ah battery available
- Weight: 27.2 kg (60 lb)
- Price: $995
Propella Mini
The $849 Propella Mini almost looks a bit odd at first glance, but the quirky proportions result in a super nimble and lightweight e-bike.
It’s not particularly fast at just 18 mph. And it’s also a pedal-assist e-bike, meaning you don’t have a throttle for the days when you feel lazy. But for anyone that doesn’t mind pedaling as long as you get a decent electric boost, the Propella Mini is a great option for you.
I love the bright blue rims, white chain, and slim black frame. The look is killer. And the bike rides both smoothly and efficiently. There’s no suspension to speak of, but the upside is there’s no suspension fork to break. The bike should last a long time with modest upkeep, and it’s a definite winner for anyone that’s low on space.
See my full review of the Propella Mini here.
Propella Mini quick specs
- Motor: 250 W (400 W peak) Bafang rear geared hub motor
- Top speed: 30 km/h (18.5 mph)
- Range: 32-56 km (20-35 mi) depending on pedal assist level
- Battery: 36V 7Ah (250 Wh)
- Price: $849
- Weight: 14.9 kg (33 lb)
Once you bump up above the $1,000 limit, you start to see many more great options for e-bikes in a wide range of categories.
From electric cargo bikes to cruisers and even electric mopeds, there’s something for everyone in this price range.
Lectric One
The Lectric ONE is listed in the “Best under $2,000” category, but in many ways, it’s the best in under a significantly higher dollar value. To put it into perspective, it’d be hard to buy the gearbox alone on this bike for under $2,000, and yet that’s the price tag of the entire bike! For just $1,999, you’re getting an e-bike with components normally found on $10,000+ bikes.
The Lectric One was unveiled as a lightweight commuter e-bike designed with an ultra high-end drivetrain based around the Pinion C1.6i auto-shifting gearbox. Paired with a Gates carbon belt drive and a true 750W-rated Stealth M24 motor (with 1,300 peak watts!), the Lectric ONE hits class 3 speeds in style with some extra premium components.
Lectric ONE quick specs:
- Motor: 750W rear hub motor (1.3 kW peak)
- Battery: 48V 10.4 or 14Ah (500Wh or 672 Wh)
- Top speed: 28 mph (45 km/h)
- Range: up to 75 miles (120 km)
- Weight: 55 lb (25 kg)
- Price: $1,999
JackRabbit OG2 micro e-bike
The $1,249 JackRabbit OG2 is in one of these fuzzy areas between e-bikes and other e-rideables. In this case, it straddles the line between an electric bike and an electric scooter.
It more or less feels like an electric bike based on its ride geometry. However, the lack of pedals means that it could also be classified as an electric scooter, albeit a large-wheeled e-scooter.
But with those 20-inch wheels and bicycle seat, the JackRabbit OG2 rides much more like a small folding e-bike than an e-scooter. And its electronics match that of a light e-bike too.
The 300W motor gets the little runabout up to 20 mph (32 km/h). The small 158 Wh battery only offers around 10 miles (approximately 16 km) of range, but is also conveniently small enough to easily keep a spare battery in a cargo pocket or even a small purse.
The biggest benefit of the JackRabbit is that it is so simple that the lack of frills keeps the weight down to just 25 lb (11.3 kg)! For an e-bike, that’s almost so light that it floats.
The company also released a higher power and larger battery capacity version too, which might be good for riders who want to push harder and go farther. For those that want to see a few more upgrades on this minimalist e-bike, the JackRabbit OG2 and XG might be more your size.
See my full review of the JackRabbit OG2 here.
JackRabbit OG2 quick specs
- Motor: 300W geared rear hub motor
- Top speed: 32 km/h (20 mph)
- Range: 20 km (12 mi)
- Bike weight: 11.3 kg (25 lb)
- Brakes: Rear mechanical disc brake
- Price: $1,249
Lectric XPedition 2.0
We called the Lectric XPedition e-cargo bike a runaway success right from the start, and that’s exactly what it turned into. Now with the new Lectric XPedition 2.0 on the road, it’s better than ever.
With heavy-hauling weight capacity, the option for one or two batteries for extra long range, hydraulic disc brakes and torque sensor-based intuitive feeling pedal assist, this e-bike is dragging electric cargo bikes into the future.
The $1,399 Lectric XPedition 2.0 has turned the electric cargo bike market upside down, bringing a heavy-hitting cargo e-bike to market for an ultra-affordable price.
While it’s not the fanciest cargo e-bike on the market (you’ll find those in the $4,000-$6,000 price range further down this article), it’s definitely the best bang for your buck thanks to a combination of high value parts and reasonable pricing.
Lectric XPedition 2.0 quick specs:
- Motor: 750W rear hub motor
- Battery: 48V 14Ah (672 Wh) with the option for a second battery (and higher capacity batteries)
- Top speed: 28 mph (45 km/h)
- Range: up to 75 miles (120 km)
- Weight: 74 lb (33.5 kg)
- Price: $1,399
Rad Power Bikes RadKick
The RadKick is Rad’s most recently unveiled budget e-bike and is a return to form for the company that got its start as a budget-minded e-bike brand.
The RadKick is designed with minimalism in mind, yet still offers a number of great features. Available in both a 7-speed version ($1,399) and a single-speed belt-drive version ($1,199), the RadKick is great for those that want a fairly lightweight e-bike for a great price.
You give up a bit of power and range compared to Rad’s other models with more battery capacity and higher power motors, but you get a lot of value in return. The bike features a torque sensor for great performing pedal assist, hydraulic brakes for smooth and maintenance-free braking, included rack and fenders, LED lighting, a color LCD display, right-side half-twist throttle, SafeShield potted battery from Rad (UL-compliant and designed to be fireproof), and is compatible with a wide range of Rad accessories.
To be honest, this is the e-bike that I’ve been waiting for Rad to launch.
- Motor: 500W rear hub motor
- Battery: 36V 10Ah (360 Wh)
- Top speed: 20 mph (32 km/h)
- Range: Up to 35 miles (56 km)
- Weight: 55 lb (25 kg)
- Price: $1,199 to $1,399
Aventon Soltera.2
The $1,399 Aventon Soltera.2 is the latest version of Aventon’s beautiful city bike that offers some of the best quality fabrication that I’ve seen in this price range – or even in higher price ranges. It is offered in either a single-speed or seven-speed format.
The bike rolls on narrow tires for that efficient city ride, while still packing in a 500W motor.
The battery is a bit smaller at 36V and 10Ah, but the bike makes up for a smaller battery by being able to integrate it into the frame in a sleek and attractive package.
The beautiful color display also adds to the bike’s charm, as do the powerful headlight and frame-integrated tail light. There’s even an awesome companion app that lets your phone track your bike’s important stats. Basically, you’re getting a lot for $1,199 here!
Check out my in-depth Aventon Soltera.2 review here.
Aventon Soltera.2 quick specs:
- Motor: 500W peak-rated rear hub motor
- Battery: 36V 10Ah (360 Wh)
- Top speed: 20 mph (32 km/h)
- Range: 20-63 miles (32-101 km)
- Weight: 46 lb (21 kg)
- Price: $1,199
Ride1Up Roadster V3
Ride1Up has proven itself as a high-value electric bike brand, focusing largely on efficient and speedy commuter e-bikes. While the company has many models in the $1,000 to $2,000 range, the $1,295 Ride1Up Roadster V3 is one of the best bang-for-your-buck options in the lightweight category.
This 500W-rated e-bike offers Class 3 performance, meaning you can hit speeds of up to 28 mph (45 km/h), or a still impressive 20 mph (32 km/h) if using the throttle. But sticking to pedal-assist means you get to enjoy that quality torque sensor for smoother pedaling. The bike even comes with an option for either a belt drive or a 10-speed Shimano transmission, and three frame sizes to choose from.
The V3’s design was updated with many new features, including a now-removable battery for even more convenient charging both on and off the bike. And with a sub-40 lb weight, it’s hard to beat this one on a pound for pound basis!
Ride1Up Roadster V3 quick specs:
- Motor: 500W rear hub motor
- Top speed: 45 km/h (28 mph)
- Range: 32-64 km (20-40 mi) throttle vs. pedal assist
- Battery: 36V 10Ah (360 Wh) with genuine LG cells and UL certified
- Weight: 17.6 kg (39 lb)
- Price: $1,295
Check out my full review of the Ride1Up Roadster V3 here:
Lectric XPeak
Lectric Ebikes recently expanded into larger territory with the launch of the new Lectric XPeak. It’s the company’s first e-bike with a larger than 20″ wheel size, bringing some chunky 26×4.0″ tires into the company’s inventory.
The XPeak takes the form of a typical adventure-style fat tire electric bike. It features a hardtail design with a suspension fork, high volume tires, hydraulic disc brakes and a relatively large battery that is certified by the Swiss testing agency SGS to meet UL 2849 standards.
The bike is also tested to higher standards for ruggedness of the frame and fork than most e-bikes in this price range, meaning it’s likely going to last longer too. As far as fat tire adventure-style e-bikes go, there’s no better bang for your buck than the Lectric XPeak.
Lectric XPeak quick specs:
Ride1Up Cafe Cruiser
The Ride1Up Cafe Cruiser is Ride1Up’s first non-purely commuter electric bike, and boy did they knock it out of the park on this one. Plus, at its current crazy-good sale price of US $1,095, this is an unimaginable steal!
The Cafe Cruiser, as its name suggests, is part cruiser bike, part fast motorbike.
The cruiser bars, suspension fork, comfortable seat and pedal-forward geometry make it a pleasure to ride. The high-performance 750W hub motor and 28 mph (45 km/h) top speed make it a blast for quick errand running and fun commutes.
High-quality parts like hydraulic disc brakes complete the package, and the included fenders and rear rack increase the bike’s value.
One of the coolest features though is the passenger package that adds a rear bench seat, wheel skirt, and foot pegs, so you can carry a second rider on back. The second seat has a quick release so you can easily pop it on and off the bike whenever you need to swap back and forth between carrying your friends or a basket full of groceries home.
At just $1,595, the Ride1Up Cafe Cruiser is priced way below fair market value, which makes this an absolute steal of a deal.
Ride1Up Cafe Cruiser quick specs:
- Motor: 750W rear geared hub motor
- Top speed: 45 km/h (28 mph)
- Range: 50-80 km (30-50 mi)
- Battery: 48V 15Ah (720 Wh)
- Weight: 29 kg (65 lb)
- Price: $1,095
Rad Power Bikes RadRunner
The RadRunner from Rad Power Bikes has been an industry favorite ever since it was first announced back in 2019. The company is actually on the RadRunner 2 now, but the update only made minor changes since the original was already so well-designed.
The bike uses a step-through moped-style frame to create a short utility bike or mini cargo e-bike. It’s quick up to the 20 mph top speed and offers a ton of uses. When outfitted with the Passenger Package, it has a seat and footpegs that let you carry kids or adults on the back, turning this into a multi-passenger e-bike.
The high-capacity battery and powerful motor also make for sprightly acceleration and longer than average rides, so you’ll have enough power to ride all day.
The RadRunner is truly one of those do-anything e-bikes because it has so many uses. The same bike can be used for fun recreational riding, city commuting, trail riding, or grocery shopping. There’s something for everyone.
There’s even an upgraded version known as the RadRunner Plus, which adds suspension, a seven-speed transmission, a more detailed display, and the passenger package, though the RadRunner Plus costs a bit more at $1,899.
Check out my complete review of the RadRunner 2 here.
RadRunner 2 quick specs:
- Motor: 750W rear geared hub motor
- Top speed: 32 km/h (20 mph)
- Range: 45-72 km (25-45 mi) depending on user input
- Battery: 48V 14Ah (672 Wh)
- Weight: 29.5 kg (65 lb)
- Price: $1,399
Electric Bike Company Model Y
Electric Bike Company is one of the only e-bike manufacturers that actually builds its electric bikes in the US from the ground up.
They start with bare frames and perform the entire build locally with highly trained e-bike technicians. That also allows them to offer more customization options than any other e-bike company out there.
The $1,949 Model Y is a step-through cruiser e-bike with a hidden battery in the front basket. It offers fast speeds up to 28 mph and high-quality parts like hydraulic disc brakes and top-end hardware. The color screen and leather accents on the seat and bar ends add to the classy look too!
The real treat though is getting to select the custom paint on every surface of the bike, plus your own rim colors, trim colors, and tire options. It’s incredibly customizable to the point where you’re virtually guaranteed to be able to create a truly one-of-a-kind electric bike if you wish.
Check out my full review of the Electric Bike Company Model Y here.
Electric Bike Company Model Y quick specs:
- Motor: 1,000W peak rear geared hub motor
- Top speed: 45 km/h (28 mph)
- Range: Up to 80 km (50 mi) with moderate pedaling
- Battery: 48V with either 9Ah (432 Wh) or 18Ah (864 Wh) options
- Weight: 26 kg (58 lb)
- Price: $1,949
Velotric Discover 2
Velotric has a number of interesting e-bikes in its lineup, and I’m enjoying testing several of the company’s new models. But one of my favorites so far—thanks to its excellent on-road abilities—has got to be the Velotric Discover 2.
The e-bike isn’t just powerful or surprisingly smooth pedaling, it’s also quite safe. The punchy hydraulic disc brakes offer quick and controlled stops while the UL-certified battery and e-bike systems offer safe operations, removing the worry of dangerous thermal events.
For just $1,899 at its current sale price, riders are getting 15 pedal assist settings, a torque sensor, IPX7 waterproof rating on the battery (meaning the battery can be submerged in water), and robust strength testing that goes above and beyond typical ISO testing for e-bikes. This is an excellent bike for both commuting and pleasure rides, making it a great all-around option!
Check out my full review of the Velotric Discover 2 here.
Velotric Discover 2 quick specs:
- Motor: 1,100W peak rear geared hub motor
- Top speed: 45 km/h (28 mph)
- Range: Up to 120 km (75 mi) on pedal assist
- Battery: 48V 14.7Ah (705.6 Wh) frame-integrated, removable
- Weight: 28.5 kg (63 lb)
- Price: $1,899
Ride1Up Rift
Ride1Up’s first adventure-style electric bike was a smashing success, helping the San Diego-based electric bike maker enter an entirely new category with a bang.
This fat tire electric bike has a powerful motor, a massive 960Wh battery and an ultra rugged frame with built-in rear rack that can carry heavy cargo or even an adult passenger on back.
With fenders, built-in LED lights and cargo capabilities, the Ride1Up Rift would also make a surprisingly good commuter bike that will traverse pot holes and other rough street imperfections just as well as it handles off-road conditions.
Check out my full review of the Ride1Up Rift XR here.
Ride1Up Rift XR quick specs:
- Motor: 750W continuous-rated rear geared hub motor
- Top speed: 32 km/h (20 mph) on throttle, or 45 km/h (28 mph) on pedal assist
- Range: Up to 96 km (60 mi) on pedal assist
- Battery: 48V 20Ah (960 Wh) frame-integrated, removable
- Weight: 38 kg (84.5 lb)
- Price: $1,395
Velotric Packer electric cargo bike
There are a lot of electric cargo bikes on the market, but the Velotric Packer has recently become one of my go-to recommendations for several reasons. It’s fairly priced, has loads of cargo accessories, includes a UL-certified battery, comes in some eye-catching colors, and works well for transporting my three nieces and nephews around with me.
At its sale price of $1,899, this is definitely an electric cargo bike to have on your short list for it’s slick-looking design and great functionality.
Check out my full review of the Velotric Packer here.
- Motor: 750W (1,200W peak) rear-geared hub motor
- Top speed: 20 mph (32 km/h) or 25 mph (40 km/h) when unlocked
- Range: Up to 52 miles (84 km)
- Battery: 48V 15Ah (692 Wh)
- Weight: 75 lb (34 kg)
- Price: $1,899
By the time you surpass the $2,000 dollar mark, you’re starting to get into serious e-bikes with serious performance or build quality.
If you’re spending this much, you’ll want to ensure you’re buying from a reputable company with top-notch products and service.
Ride1Up Prodigy V2 mid-drive e-bike
The $2,295 Ride1Up Prodigy V2 has brought new meaning to the phrase “low-cost mid-drive electric bike”, updating an already impressive e-bike with a new next-gen setup.
This e-bike sports a high-end German-manufactured Brose mid-drive motor and can hit speeds of up to 28 mph (45 km/h), yet is price similarly to much cheaper hub motor-based electric bikes.
It’s a perfect commuter e-bike for someone who wants high-quality parts like that German mid-drive motor with 90Nm of torque, hydraulic disc brakes, bright LED lights, included fenders, rear rack, and a very comfortable saddle. Plus there’s a choice between a nice 9-speed chain drive transmission or a fancier Gates Carbon Drive belt setup with an Enviolo continuously variable transmission.
This e-bike is easily worth another $500 more than the price tag, if not more. In fact, you’ll find many of these same components on e-bikes with $3,000-$4,000 price tags all over the place. So if you’re looking for a higher quality e-bike that doesn’t cost as much as a fancy bike shop e-bike, this is the one to consider.
Ride1Up Prodigy quick specs:
- Motor: Brose TF Sprinter mid-drive
- Top speed: 28 mph (45 km/h)
- Range: 30-50 miles (50-80 km)
- Battery: 36V 14Ah (504Wh)
- Weight: 58 lb (26 kg)
- Price: $2,395
Priority Current Plus
I love the $3,299 Priority Current electric bike so much that it has become one of my daily riders. It’s the one I grab when I’m doing city riding and I know I want to be pedaling.
While the original version was already a great bike, the new Current Plus adds some key improvements, such as an included throttle and a nearly 50% larger capacity battery for more range. The throttle is great in a pinch, but the bike is also just so much fun to pedal thanks to a torque sensor-based pedal assist that provides natural feeling assistance up to a fast 28 mph top speed.
The internally geared rear hub combined with a Gates belt drive system and powerful hydraulic disc brakes make this a very nice e-bike for the price. Plus that mid-drive motor offers tons of torque (140 Nm!) for climbing hills or accelerating quickly.
I’m also a fan of the built-in lights and included fenders, not to mention the punchy hydraulic disc brakes and Goodyear tires.
Mid-drive electric bikes aren’t cheap, but the price is definitely a fair one for this e-bike.
Priority Current Plus quick specs:
- Motor: 500W mid-drive motor with torque sensor
- Top speed: 28 mph (45 km/h) or 20 mph (32 km/h) user-selectable
- Range: 40-75 miles (64-120 km)
- Battery: 720 Wh frame-integrated battery
- Weight: 24 kg (53 lb)
- Price: $3,299
Ride1Up CF Racer1
I’m not normally a carbon fiber, drop bar, race bike kind of guy. But then again, that’s usually because those types of bikes are way out of my price range… until now.
The Ride1Up CF Racer1 brings carbon fiber road e-bikes to the common man, offering both a traditional road bike and a gravel bike edition.
At under 29 lb (13 kg), these e-bikes are some of the lightest around. I picked one up with my index finger and was shocked at how easily it left the ground.
To get there, that meant a relatively low-power motor and a smaller battery were required. But for the folks that ride these types of bikes, a big motor and heavy battery probably aren’t on their wishlist anyway. Instead, a simple extra boost, as if you’ve always got a tailwind, helps augment your own pedaling.
For just $2,295, there’s no better deal out there for a budget-friendly carbon fiber road e-bike.
Ride1Up CF Racer1 quick specs
- Motor: 250W 42 Nm torque
- Top speed: 28 mph (45 km/h) on pedal assist
- Range: 16-40 miles (26-64 km)
- Battery: 252 Wh frame-integrated battery
- Weight: 12.9 kg (28.6 lb)
- Price: $2,295
Ride1Up REVV1 FS
This full-suspension electric moped-style e-bike is a masterclass in high performance electric bike design. Sure, it’s an obvious SUPER73 imitation, but it’s a really well done imitation.
It handles well, it’s got great rubber between you and the road, the suspension gives a comfortable ride, and it’s got plenty of extra power.
Despite the 750W label, the e-bike can be unlocked to make use of nearly 1,500W of peak power. I was able to reach a top speed of 37 mph (59.5 km/h) during my testing (not on public streets!).
But the bike ships in Class 2 mode with a 750W limit and 20 mph (32 km/h) maximum speed, meaning you’ll have to contact the company to request an unlock for the bike to be used above Class 2 speeds and power levels.
All in all, the $2,395 Ride1Up REVV1 FS is an amazing e-bike for anyone who wants a moped-style ride with full-suspension, high quality 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes and a design that rides almost like a motorcycle, yet in a bike form factor.
Check out my complete Ride1Up REVV1 FS review here.
Ride1Up REVV1 quick specs:
- Motor: Bafang 750W continuous rear hub motor
- Top speed: 20 mph (32 km/h) out of the box, 37 mph (59.5 km/h) when unlocked
- Range: 30-60 miles (48-96 km)
- Battery: 52V 20Ah (1,040 Wh)
- Weight: 93 lb (42 kg)
- Price: $2,395
Tern Quick Haul
The Tern Quick Haul is an electric cargo bike from the famed cargo e-bike company Tern. It holds the distinction of being the most affordable model in Tern’s lineup.
That says a lot, because Tern is known for its high quality e-bikes that are built to be ridden every day for real world errands, carpool duty and more. These e-bikes are meant to replace cars, and they do just that for many riders. With a huge list of accessories, you can outfit a Quick Haul for just about any job.
The Tern Quick Haul features a mid-drive Bosch motor, hydraulic disc brakes, Tern’s vertical parking rack, and a relatively lightweight but high utility design that is meant to carry just about anything in your life.
We had the chance to test a pair of Quick Hauls at Eurobike in Frankfurt last year, which you can learn more about here.
Motor: Bosch Active Line Plus mid-drive motor
Top speed: 20 mph (32 km/h) with pedal assist (no throttle)
Range: Up to 60 miles (96 km), less when riding in highest power
Battery: 400Wh, removable/lockable
Weight: 50 lb (22.8 kg)
Price: $2,999
Ariel Rider X-Class
When it comes to fast, powerful electric mopeds on a budget, it’s hard to compete with the $2,399 Ariel Rider X-Class. This is the e-bike I usually recommend when someone simply wants the most power and speed for the least amount of money.
The impressive performance comes from a powerful 1,000W motor that actually puts out closer to 2,000W of peak power. It can be limited to 20 mph if you’d like, but I got it up to 36 mph in unlimited mode.
The bike rolls on 20″ moto-style wheels and comes with nice parts including hydraulic disc brakes, a bench seat, dual suspension, and a big moto-style headlight.
You can see my full review of the Ariel Rider 52V X-Class here.
- Motor: 1,000W (2,000W peak) rear hub motor
- Top speed: 36 mph (58 km/h), but can be limited to Class 2 speeds
- Range: Up to 75 miles (120 km), less when riding at top speed
- Battery: 52V 18Ah (936 Wh), removable/lockable
- Weight: 80 lb (36 kg)
- Price: $2,399
Rad Power Bikes Rad Rover 6 Plus with accessories
Technically the Rad Rover 6 Plus is priced at $1,599. And with its free shipping, it comes in under the $2k mark. But I’m including it in the $2k-$3k category because you’re going to want to add a couple of important accessories to this one.
Rad Power Bikes has one of the widest arrays of e-bike accessories on the planet. In fact, it might have THE widest selection. And I’d highly recommend adding the rear rack ($79) to the RadRover 6 Plus, at the very least. It simply adds even more utility and turns an adventure bike into an adventure/hauling bike.
Accessories aside, the RadRover 6 Plus is an awesome ride and packs in some real value. It is the highest-spec e-bike in Rad’s lineup and includes hydraulic disc brakes, redesigned suspension fork, an upgraded frame with a new semi-integrated battery, new displays that are easier to read and use, and so much more.
This is absolutely an e-bike that is worth checking out for anyone that does adventure-style riding and needs big tires combined with high power, and who wants the support and comfort provided by going with North America’s largest e-bike company.
Check out my full RadRover 6 Plus review here.
RadRover 6 Plus quick specs:
- Motor: 750W geared rear hub motor
- Top speed: 32 km/h (20 mph)
- Range: 45-72 km (25-45 mi) depending on throttle or pedal assist
- Battery: 48V 14Ah (672 Wh)
- Weight: 33.3 kg (73.4 lb)
- Price: $1,599
Above $3.5k, you’re entering some seriously dedicated e-bike territory.
These e-bikes either feature top-shelf components like drivetrain and brake parts, or pack in so much power that they couldn’t possibly be priced any lower.
Either way, you’re not in Kansas anymore. You’re heading down the e-bike rabbit hole.
Tern HSD
Tern is renowned for building high-quality electric bikes that double down on utility features. The newly updated Tern HSD is the company’s more affordable utility e-bike, offering many features you’ll find on its higher end GSD but at a price that more riders can stomach.
The HSD uses small 20″ wheels and includes a folding stem, making it nice and compact. But taking it one step further, Tern outfitted it with its innovative rack that lets you park the bike on its tail, meaning it takes up barely more space than a coat rack in the corner of a room.
The bike’s Bosch mid-drive and high capacity batteries provide a high-end e-bike drive, and they are matched with a variety of performance drivetrain options that you can select from, depending on how high you want to spec the bike.
Whether you’re ferrying around kids or buying a week’s worth of groceries, the HSD is a solid option.
Check out my detailed first ride experience on the Tern HSD here.
Tern HSD quick specs:
- Motor: Bosch Active Line Plus mid-drive
- Top speed: 32 km/h (20 mph) with electric assist
- Range: 42-110 km (26-69 mi) depending on pedal input
- Battery: Bosch PowerPack 400 Wh
- Weight: 25.4 kg (55.9 lb)
- Price: $4,299
CSC FT1000MD
The CSC FT1000MD sounds like a motorcycle name because it comes from a company with motorcycle heritage. CSC Ebikes was born out of CSC Motorcycles, a company with several decades of two-wheeler experience.
The FT1000MD is the company’s highest power option. The fat tire e-bike comes with a 1,000+ watt motor known as the Bafang M620 Ultra. It’s the most powerful and highest torque e-bike mid-drive motor on the retail market. CSC paired it with a big battery, quality suspension, hydraulic brakes, built-in lighting, and more to create a high performance and high-quality adventure e-bike.
I was able to hit speeds of around 34 mph with the motor in unlocked format, though you can limit it to 20 or 28 mph to fit into class 2 and class 3 designations.
Check out my full review of this incredibly powerful e-bike here.
CSC FT1000MD quick specs:
- Motor: 1,000W continuous Bafang M620 mid-drive
- Top speed: 54 km/h (34 mph) when unlocked
- Battery: 48V 16Ah (768Wh) with Samsung 35E cells
- Frame: 6061 aluminum
- Suspension: Front suspension fork with preload and damping adjustment, plus lockout
- Brakes: Tektro hydraulic disc brakes with 180 mm rotors
- Weight: 34 kg (75 lb)
- Price: $3,299 or save $200 with discount code ELECTREK
Ariel Rider Grizzly
When it comes to all-wheel-drive electric bikes, the $3,299 Ariel Rider Grizzly is one of my favorites.
This incredible e-bike is really more of a small electric motorcycle. It uses two high-power motors – one in each wheel – to offer speeds in the mid-30s and acceleration that will get you there in the blink of an eye.
Full suspension and hydraulic disc brakes make this an e-bike that handles well at any speed, and the bright red paint job looks as aggressive as the e-bike feels. It even comes with footpegs pre-installed so you can carry a passenger with you.
Plus it’s got double batteries to feed those two power-hungry motors, so you’ll be able to ride this e-bike pretty darn far too, as long as you aren’t too demanding from the throttle.
Check out my full in-depth review of the epic Ariel Rider Grizzly e-bike here.
Ariel Rider Grizzly quick specs:
- Motors: Dual 1,000W continuous hub motors (1,850W peak or 3.7 kW combined)
- Top speed: 36 mph (58 km/h) when unlocked, but can be limited to Class 2 speeds
- Range: Up to 75 miles (120 km), less when riding at top speed
- Battery: 52V 35Ah (1,820 Wh) between two removable/lockable batteries
- Weight: 105 lb (47.6 kg)
- Price: $3,299
Specialized Turbo Como SL
For more of a cruiser/city e-bike experience, the $4,800 Specialized Turbo Como SL is a great option. This e-bike offers a much more upright ride for a fun, relaxed vibe.
The e-bike features a high-quality mid-drive motor, hydraulic disc brakes, Gates carbon belt drive, and an eight-speed internally geared hub. Those are a lot of nice parts!
And don’t forget the slim fenders, front basket, and cruiser bars that all look super elegant, complimenting the nice lines of the Turbo Como SL.
This may not be a low-cost e-bike, but it definitely offers a ride that makes it worth it.
See my full review of the Specialized Turbo Como SL here.
Specialized Turbo Como SL quick specs:
- Motor: Custom Specialized SL1.1 mid-drive motor
- Top speed: 45 km/h (28 mph)
- Range: Up to 100 km (62 mi), or 50% more with range extender
- Battery: Downtube-integrated 320 Wh battery
- Weight: 20.5 kg (45 lb.)
- Price: $4,800
Greyp T5
If you’ve been looking for a high-end trekking electric bike that was built with a combination of high-quality parts and the latest technology, look no further than the $4,550 Greyp T5.
There’s a reason why Porsche bought this e-bike company – it’s simply one of the best.
It uses Greyp’s own in-house developed 700 Wh battery combined with a mid-drive motor to offer a hardtail trekking e-bike. In addition to the awesome bike design, the built-in tech is what really opens people’s eyes. Integrated cameras at the front and rear of the bike can serve as dash cams or livestream your rides. Plus you can capture all of your ride footage on the bike instead of bringing along a Go-Pro camera.
There’s also an app that allows you to take full advantage of the built-in eSIM card, giving you connectivity to the bike and letting you check all your vital stats, find its location, and more – right from your phone.
The bike is truly a high-end offering by itself, but the embedded tech makes it a rarity in any category.
See my first ride review of the Greyp T5 e-bike here.
You just couldn’t stop, could you? I showed you plenty of awesome e-bikes that didn’t cost most of a paycheck. But you just haaaaaaad to keep going.
Fine, here they are. These are some of the most expensive e-bikes out there that we’ve tested and that I’d actually recommend someone buying, if you can pony up the cash.
GoCycle G4i+
When it comes to ultra-premium folding electric bikes, there’s only one name that comes to my mind: GoCycle. These are the most impressive folding e-bikes I’ve ever seen. And they better be – they were designed by a former McLaren engineer.
Between the carbon fiber work, single-sided wheels, high-tech tires, trippy LED dot display, innovative rear suspension, and completely enclosed drivetrain, there’s a lot of high-end stuff going on here.
The speed will vary from 15-20 mph depending on which country you buy the bike in, but the performance is only part of the equation. The quick folding and light, compact design of the e-bike is the real winner here.
Check out my full review of the GoCycle G4i+ here.
GoCycle G4i+ quick specs:
- Motor: 500W front hub motor
- Top speed: 20 mph (32 km/h) in the US
- Range: up to 50 miles (80 km)
- Battery: 36V 10.4Ah (375 Wh)
- Weight: 37.2 lb (16.9 kg)
- Price: $6,999
FREY EX Pro electric mountain bike
The FREY EX Pro is a high-end electric mountain bike with crazy high power. It uses the same motor as the CSC FT1000MD we featured above (the Bafang M620 mid-drive), but cranks up the current to provide closer to 1,500W of power.
It’s enough to destroy chains if you aren’t careful. We know. Several of us here at Electrek have done it.
The FREY EX Pro not only features high-end parts like a RockShox Lyric fork and Magura MT5e hydraulic brakes, but it even comes with dual batteries so you can ride farther and stay on the trails longer.
I’ve personally taken this e-bike back UP a downhill mountain bike course – that’s how powerful it is.
It may be expensive, but it saves you several thousand dollars compared to many European electric mountain bikes with similar components but a fraction of the power in the FREY.
See my full review of the FREY EX Pro here.
- Motor: 1 kW continuous, 1.5 kW peak-rated Bafang Ultra mid-drive motor
- Top speed (tested): 59 km/h (36 mph)
- Battery: Dual 48V 14Ah packs (1,344 Wh total)
- Range: Varies considerably by ride style/terrain, but 30-100 km (20-60 miles) is the ballpark
- Weight: 34 kg (75 lb)
- Price: $5,580
Tern GSD
The Tern GSD improves upon the Tern HSD with even more capability and even nicer components. There are multiple versions that can take you up to nearly $10k, but even the lower-tier versions are not “low tier,” if you know what I mean.
Parts like automatically engaging electric locks, 10-speed Shimano Deore transmissions, Magura MT5e quad-piston hydraulic disc brakes, and more set these e-bikes apart from the rest of the pack.
If you’re getting a Tern GSD, you’re getting a fully qualified car replacement. There are many people that use these instead of buying a second car. When you look at it like that, the price suddenly seems pretty reasonable.
Check out our full review of the Tern GSD here.
- Motor: Bosch Cargo Line mid-drive
- Top speed: 32 km/h (20 mph) with electric assist
- Range: 42-85 km (26-53 mi) depending on pedal input
- Battery: Bosch PowerPack 400 Wh
- Weight: 33.6 kg (74 lb)
- Price: $5,399
