Best budget electric bikes in 2022 Tom s Guide
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Pedal-assist electric bikes employ one of two kinds of sensors in their motors: Cadence and Torque. A cadence sensor detects when a bike's crankshaft is moving, whereas a torque sensor detects increased force on the crankshaft. Cadence sensors are less expensive - and thus are used on the majority of budget electric bikes - but they're also less responsive than torque sensors. As a result, it may take a revolution or two of the crankshaft before the motor kicks in - which can be a problem if you're trying to start a heavy electric bike on a hill. Lights
Here's another area where companies cut costs; some electric bikes may not have integrated lights, which will make it harder for you to see and be seen in dimmer conditions. Fortunately, this can be remedied with a set of the best bike lights. It's an added expense, though. Gears
Less expensive electric bikes may only have one gear. While not a huge deal for something with a built-in motor, it can be an issue if you live in hillier areas. That being said, even a budget electric bike shouldn't be cheap. Look for models that are well built - if you can take a test ride on one, all the better. You'll also want to look for features that best suit your needs. If you live in a city, or have limited space, you'll want to prioritize electric bikes that are smaller and lighter, so you can squeeze it into your apartment, or carry it up a flight of stairs. If you live in the suburbs, you're less constrained by size, and will want to look for an electric bike that's capable of transporting you longer distances. If you're planning to use it to go to the store, you'll want one that can easily accommodate a rack or basket of some sort.
Best budget electric bikes in 2022
By Dan Cavallari, Mike Prospero published 21 October 2022 The best electric bikes under $1,500 Included in this guide:1AventonSolteraCheck Price (opens in new tab)2Wing Freedom 2View (opens in new tab)3Ride1UpCore 5Check Price (opens in new tab)4Ride1UpRoadster V2Check Price (opens in new tab)5Propella7SCheck Price (opens in new tab)6SwftVoltCheck Price (opens in new tab)7LectricXP 2.0 BlackCheck Price (opens in new tab)8JackrabbitView (opens in new tab) (Image credit: Tom's Guide) The best budget electric bikes deliver much of what we like about the best electric bikes - but for less. These models offer power assist to make it easier to get around and go up hills, and go farther without breaking a sweat. They're great for those who are looking for an alternate means of transportation, but don't want to spend a lot, and want a little more exercise and range than the best electric scooters can provide. But, there are a lot of budget electric bikes that are cheap, and not made of the best stuff, or have subpar parts. That's why we tested a number of electric bikes under $1,500 to bring you what we think are the best.What are the best budget electric bikes
After riding a number of models, we think the best budget electric bike is the Aventon Soltera. It's a great looking bike that's fun to ride and pretty zippy, too. It has an integrated battery, a nice, large display, and integrated head and tail lights. And, it has a starting price of $1,299 for the single-speed model, and $1,299 for a 7-speed version. However, we did find it was a bit underpowered when going up steeper hills. Ride1Up has two models we like: The Core-5 and the Roadster V2. Both models start at $1,095, and come in two sizes and multiple color options. Both also look like regular bikes, too. The biggest nitpick we have is that neither model has integrated lights, so you'll want to pick up a set of the best bike lights to make yourself seen at night. Read on for our picks of the best budget electric bikes, and be sure to get one of the best bike helmets before you head out on the road.The best budget electric bikes you can buy today
(Image credit: Tom's Guide)1 Aventon Soltera
The best budget electric bike overallSpecifications
Battery: Phylion Lithium-Ion 36V, 10Ah with LG cells (removable)Estimated range: 20 to 63 miles, depending on assist settingMax assisted speed: 20 mphMotor: 36V, 350W brushless rear hub motorGearing: single-speedWeight: 41 poundsToday's Best DealsView at Aventon Bikes (opens in new tab)View at Best Buy (opens in new tab)Check Amazon (opens in new tab)Reasons to buy
+Impressive comfort+Easy to read head unit+Throttle is helpful getting the bike going from a dead stopReasons to avoid
-Motor assist lags-Motor feels underpowered, particularly on hills The price of electric bikes is coming down, but many of the best electric bikes still cost more than $1,500. The Aventon Soltera is a much more modestly priced model that sacrifices little in the name of economy. In our tests, we found it very comfortable to ride, and it looks great, too. However, the Soltera's rear hub motor does feel a little underpowered, especially on hills, and if you want the least expensive version, you'll have to go with a single-gear model. Still, if you're looking for a low-cost electric bike to get you around town, this is definitely a model to consider. Read our full Aventon Soltera electric bike review. (Image credit: Tom's Guide)2 Wing Freedom 2
One stylish ride with antitheft featuresSpecifications
Battery: Panasonic 8.8/10.4/14aHEstimated range: 35-60 miles, depending on batteryMax assisted speed: 20 mphMotor: 36V/550W Bafang rear hub motorGearing: 7-speed Shimano TourneyWeight: 39 poundsToday's Best DealsView at Wing Bikes (opens in new tab)Reasons to buy
+Removable battery+Comfortable ride+Nice designReasons to avoid
-Pedal assist and throttle a little slow to respond-Basic display No, it's not a VanMoof; the Wing Freedom 2 certainly bears more than a passing resemblance to the electric bike that's twice as much, but if you don't have two grand to spend, this is the bike to get. We had a grand time riding the Wing Freedom 2, and though it's not as peppy as some higher-priced models, it was reasonably fast to respond, and very comfortable to ride. Wing also lets you customize the Freedom 2 with a few handy antitheft features, such as an AirTag so that you can find the bike if it's ever stolen; a built-in alarm, which you can activate using a key fob, is surprisingly loud; and, you can remove the bike's battery, which also makes charging easier. We also liked that the Freedom 2 has integrated lights - the better to be see and be seen. Read our full Wing Freedom 2 review. (Image credit: Tom's Guide)3 Ride1Up Core-5
An inexpensive electric bike that hits all the marksSpecifications
Battery: 48V 10.4ah Reenton Eel Pro LG cells with Smart BMSEstimated range: 20-40 milesMax assist speed: 28mphMotor: 48V Geared Hub Shengyi, 28mph (500w)Gearing: Shimano 7-speed, 11-32 cassette and 44T chainringWeight: 49 poundsToday's Best DealsView at Ride1UP (opens in new tab)Check Amazon (opens in new tab)Reasons to buy
+Looks cool+Fun, zippy ride+Removable batteryReasons to avoid
-Underpowered-Not as comfortable for taller riders-No integrated lights The Core-5 from Ride1Up is solid proof that an e-bike doesn't have to be expensive or fancy to be good. Nor does a bike need to be expensive to look great. In our tests, we found the bike's motor to be powerful enough for most situations, but it felt a bit weak going up steeper hills. We also liked its looks, mechanical disc brakes, and easy-to-read digital display. However, the Core-5 does not include any integrated front or rear lights, so you'll want to invest in a pair of the best bike lights. Unlike more expensive electric bikes, the Core-5 requires you to attach the handlebars, front wheel, pedals, and make a few adjustments, which might require a trip to your local bike shop. Also, while Ride1Up says the bike should fit riders up to 6' 4", it felt small to a 5-foot 11-inch rider, so taller riders may be more comfortable on the Aventon Soltera. But for those who want an affordable electric bike to get around town, the Core-5 should be towards the top of your list. Read our full Ride1Up Core-5 review. (Image credit: Tom's Guide)4 Ride1Up Roadster V2
The best budget electric bike for city commutersSpecifications
Battery: 36V, 7Ah Samsung 35e CellsEstimated range: 20-30 milesMax assist speed: 24 mphMotor: 500W peak, 350W nominal hub, 40Nm of torqueGearing: 64/20T singlespeed Toptrans Belt DriveWeight: 33 poundsToday's Best DealsView at Ride1UP (opens in new tab)Check Amazon (opens in new tab)Reasons to buy
+Light+Sleek+Doesn't look like an e-bike+Fun, zippy ride+A great, inexpensive option for city commutingReasons to avoid
-Would prefer disc brakes over the included rim brakes-LCD unit is difficult to read The Ride1Up Roadster V2 It looks like a regular, non-motorized commuter bike, but hides inside its frame a battery capable of delivering up to 30 miles of pedal-assisted power. At 33 pounds, this is one of the lightest e-bikes we've tested, and it comes in two sizes, so it should accommodate riders of nearly all heights. In our rides with the Roadster V2, we found it to be fast and fun on flat and rolling terrain, but was a bit hard to get going on hills, as it's a single-speed model, and its pedal assist lags a bit. And, like the Core-5, the Roadster V2 lacks head- and taillights. Other concessions in the name of economy include a small display and rim rather than disc brakes, but it does have a belt drive rather than a chain, making it quieter as you go about town. Read our full Ride1Up Roadster V2 review. (Image credit: Tom's Guide)5 Propella 7S
A solid and affordable e-bikeSpecifications
Battery: 36V, 250Wh, removable, Samsung Li-Ion cellsEstimated range: 40 miles (max)Max assist speed: 18.5 mphMotor: Bafang 250-watt (400 watt peak) hub motorGearing: Shimano Altus 7-speedWeight: 37 poundsToday's Best DealsCheck Amazon (opens in new tab)$1,249 at Propella (opens in new tab)Reasons to buy
+Very light for an e-bike+Fun to ride+Flashy looks+Rear hub motor offers surprisingly strong assistReasons to avoid
-Battery mount rattles-No integrated lights This is indeed a good e-bike at a good price. You'll do without the fanciest features, but the 7S is super functional and fun to ride. We also loved its bright blue aluminum wheels. At 37 pounds, it's also quite light for an e-bike. Its rear-drive Bafang motor proved surprisingly powerful, providing an assist up to 18.5 MPH, and was aided by the 7-speed Shimano geartrain. However, there are a few things we think could be improved. For starters, there are no integrated lights, so you'll want to invest in a set of the best bike lights to make yourself better seen on the road. We also found that the Propella's battery - which is externally mounted and looks like a water bottle - tends to rattle around a bit, which is annoying. But overall, this is a great value bike for the price. Read our full Propella 7S review. (Image credit: Tom's Guide)6 Swft Volt
Best electric bike under $1,000Specifications
Battery: 10Ah, 36VMax estimated range: 32 milesMax assisted speed: 19.8 mphMotor: 350WGearing: Single gearWeight: 44.1 poundsToday's Best DealsView at Best Buy (opens in new tab)View at Best Buy (opens in new tab)Check Amazon (opens in new tab)Reasons to buy
+Inexpensive for an electric bike+Responsive throttleReasons to avoid
-Non-removable battery-Basic display The best electric bikes aren't cheap; most models start at $1,500 and go up from there. If you're looking for something more affordable, then the Swft Volt is worth a look. It's reasonably powerful, has both pedal-assist and a throttle, and has enough range to get you a good distance. For better or worse, it doesn't look like an e-bike, either. However, this bike is not without its compromises: It only has one gear, its battery is not removable, and its display is rather basic. It also required a bit more setup than most other electric bikes we've tested. But, at this price, it's a good alternative for those with a limited budget. Read our full Swft Volt review. (Image credit: Tom's Guide)7 Lectric XP 2 0
The best budget folding electric bikeSpecifications
Battery: Lithium-Ion 48V, 9.6ahMax estimated range: 45+ milesMax assisted speed: 20 mph (class 2); 28 mph (via change on display to class 3)Motor: 500W (800W+ peak) brushless geared rear hub, 5 pedal-assist levels; class 2 and 3 capabilitiesGearing: 7-speed ShimanoWeight: 64 poundsToday's Best DealsView at Lectric eBikes (opens in new tab)Check Amazon (opens in new tab)Reasons to buy
+Fun to ride+Comfortable handling+Good rangeReasons to avoid
-Assist lag-Poor key location-Heavy Folding bikes are great for those who need something that can fit on a train or bus, or don't have room in their apartment for a full-size model. However, the best electric folding bikes - Brompton and GoCycle, specifically - each cost more than $3,000, making them prohibitively expensive for many. The $999 Lectric XP 2.0 is the low-cost answer for those riders. This folding model comes with a suspension fork, big 3-inch tires, plenty of mounts for racks and other accessories, front and rear lights, and cable-actuated disc brakes. It was a treat to ride, especially when we hit the throttle, and its excellent range meant more time between charges. The biggest downside is that the XP 2.0 weighs a hefty 64 pounds, more than twice as much as other folding bikes, so it could be a real bear to get up and down stairs. But once you get going, it's a blast. Read our full Lectric XP 2.0 review. (Image credit: Tom's Guide)8 Jackrabbit
A real blast to rideSpecifications
Battery: Li-Ion, 36V, 4.2 Ah, 151.2 Wh, removableMax estimated range: 12 milesMax assisted speed: 20 mphMotor: 300-watt rear hub brushless electricGearing: N/AWeight: 24 poundsToday's Best DealsView at Jackrabbit.com (opens in new tab)Reasons to buy
+Compact, simple design+Fun to ride+Great for tossing in the trunk of the car or stowing in a small apartment+Fast charge timeReasons to avoid
-Too small for riders over 6 feet-Steering is so sensitive as to become unstable-Short battery range The Jackrabbit is a curious little e-bike, if you can call it that. It has no pedals - just two pegs to rest your feet - so all the power is provided via the bike's 300W rear hub motor, which can get you going at up to 20 miles per hour. And, at just 24 pounds, it's super light, too. The Jackrabbit is a lot of fun to ride, but it does require more attention than a normal bike. That's because it's so short, and the rider's weight is so far forward, that even small turns of the handlebars translate into a lot of movement. The bike's small size also makes it uncomfortable for riders taller than 6 feet. And, because you're completely reliant on the motor to power you, it has a much shorter range than other e-bikes. But, if you're looking for some compact fun, the Jackrabbit could be it. Read our full Jackrabbit review.How to choose the best budget electric bike
When compared to some of the best electric bikes that cost upwards of $1,500, you're going to have to make some compromises when buying a budget electric bike.MotorPedal-assist electric bikes employ one of two kinds of sensors in their motors: Cadence and Torque. A cadence sensor detects when a bike's crankshaft is moving, whereas a torque sensor detects increased force on the crankshaft. Cadence sensors are less expensive - and thus are used on the majority of budget electric bikes - but they're also less responsive than torque sensors. As a result, it may take a revolution or two of the crankshaft before the motor kicks in - which can be a problem if you're trying to start a heavy electric bike on a hill. Lights
Here's another area where companies cut costs; some electric bikes may not have integrated lights, which will make it harder for you to see and be seen in dimmer conditions. Fortunately, this can be remedied with a set of the best bike lights. It's an added expense, though. Gears
Less expensive electric bikes may only have one gear. While not a huge deal for something with a built-in motor, it can be an issue if you live in hillier areas. That being said, even a budget electric bike shouldn't be cheap. Look for models that are well built - if you can take a test ride on one, all the better. You'll also want to look for features that best suit your needs. If you live in a city, or have limited space, you'll want to prioritize electric bikes that are smaller and lighter, so you can squeeze it into your apartment, or carry it up a flight of stairs. If you live in the suburbs, you're less constrained by size, and will want to look for an electric bike that's capable of transporting you longer distances. If you're planning to use it to go to the store, you'll want one that can easily accommodate a rack or basket of some sort.