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Best Electric Bikes Under $1,000 | Nine Bargains to Jump On

By: Griffin Hales

When you’re on a budget, it can be tough to find the right balance between an affordable electric bike and a quality electric bike — but it’s not impossible. To help you sort out the affordable gems from the cheap lemons, the Electric Bike Report team has compiled our list of the best electric bikes under $1,000.

To be fair, it’s not easy to make a quality e-bike under $1,000 (even before inflation), so we’ve resigned ourselves to raising that price cap a little here and there to include some great deals. These bikes are priced near enough to that mark – or we’ve seen them on sale often enough – that we consider them worth a mention.

With a majority of budget e-bikes being sold online, it can be difficult to judge whether the bike you’re looking at is worth your money. Lucky for you, the experts here at Electric Bike Report have ridden hundreds of e-bikes. We are extremely familiar with all the bikes on this list, and we’re confident they’ll serve you well.

Please note that over the past 12+ months, the e-bike industry has been affected by numerous tariffs. The prices noted here were under (or around) $1,000 at the time of writing, but they may change at any point.

Our Best Electric Bikes Under $1,000:

*Electric Bike Report aims to help consumers find the right electric bike for their needs. When you buy a product we recommend, we may earn a commission.

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Lectric XP 4

Lectric caught lightning in a bottle with the XP. This compact folding bike took off and became the number one selling e-bike in North America, with over 400,000 riders and counting. Its secret? Packing in more performance and features at the $999 mark than anyone thought possible.

Now in its fourth iteration, the Lectric XP 4 takes things even further in terms of design, functionality, and fun—while still holding the line at that same budget-friendly price. It’s easily one of the best values in the e-bike world today.

The XP 4’s 500W motor delivers impressive punch, and its 10.4Ah battery provides solid real-world range. Riders get a comfortable, upright ride thanks to relaxed geometry, upgraded touch points, and an easy-to-navigate color display.

It’s also a folding bike that doesn’t feel flimsy. The frame packs down small enough to fit in most car trunks, but still feels planted and stable at speed. That confidence is boosted by an intuitive torque sensor and an 8-speed Shimano drivetrain that makes hitting top-end Class 3 speeds doable, but you can push softer for a more mellow and slow ride too.

Versatility is another standout trait. The 150-lb capacity rear rack supports a wide range of use cases, from carrying another adult (with passenger package add-ons), to mounting a Yepp child seat, or even outfitting it with cargo accessories like fishing rod holders or insulated food delivery bags.

And if you want even more power and range, for a few hundred dollars more, Lectric offers an upgraded XP 4 model with a 750W motor and a massive 17.5Ah battery—one of the largest we’ve ever seen in a folding frame.

Oh, and did we mention it set new benchmarks in our hill and brake tests? The XP 4 didn’t just catch on—it earned its place as a best-seller for all the right reasons.

XP 500:Read Full Review | Watch Our Video Review

XP 750:Read Full Review | Watch Our Video Review

Looking at similar bikes? Check out the top-recommended electric folding bikes.

Sponsor Pro’s

• The XP 4 has great acceleration and climbing power thanks to its 500W motor (while the 750 has even more).
• Pedaling is efficient at higher speeds thanks to an 8-speed drivetrain and an 11-32t cassette.
• The bike’s hydraulic disc brake system functions well with one of the best results we’ve seen in our brake test.
• A suspension fork with 50mm of travel makes for smoother travel on bumpy roads.
• Carrying a passenger is possible with the rack’s 150-lb weight capacity, a new Passenger Mode, and a line of optional accessories including a Yepp Maxi Child Seat.

Con’s

• When folded, the frame can make contact with itself. Add a little rubber or silicone patch to make sure the paint doesn’t chip.

Lectric XPress 500

Where Lectric’s previous entries on this list featured folding frames, the XPress is a full-size commuter e-bike that continues the brand’s trend of cram-packing value into an affordable and highly functional package.

The base model is priced around $1k and includes a well-rounded spec package with tons of bang for the buck. It features a peppy 500W hub motor, a 499-Wh battery, a color display, and a custom suspension fork with a cushy 80 mm of travel. It’s available in either a high-step frame with flat handlebars or a step-thru (ST) frame with curved Dutch-style handlebars.

We tested the ST model with an upright and extremely comfortable riding position. The bike’s combination of cruiser-style handlebars, rubber grips, and a cushy saddle stood out as remarkably relaxed and ergonomic!

It’s also worth pointing out that the XPress 500 features a torque sensor that allows its motor output to vary in relation to the rider’s pedal effort. We thought it felt great—and it’s not often we find torque sensors on e-bikes in this price range.

Even the fully upgraded version is a great deal; a few hundred dollars extra will swap the 500W rear hub for a 750W motor and exchange the standard 499-Wh battery option for a larger 672-Wh power supply.

As Lectric’s first full-size commuter, we can’t recommend the XPress 500 enough.

Read Full Review | Watch Our Video Review

Need to see more? Check out our highest-recommended commuter e-bikes.

Pro’s

• It offers a fully functional, full-size frame with great specs for the price.
• The ride feels relaxed and comfortable, especially on the upright, Dutch-style ST model.
• The 500W motor felt responsive, powerful, and fun!
• As we hoped, it climbed steep hills without breaking a sweat.
• Users can switch between Class 1, 2, and 3 modes to meet personal preferences and local regulations.

Con’s

• We’d have preferred a left-hand throttle and trigger-style shifter instead of the current right throttle/over-bar shifter.

Ride1UP Portola

The Ride1UP Portola is a strong competitor to the XP 3.0. It, too, packs in a whole bunch of features for the same price point of around $1k.

The Portola was clearly made to match (and beat) the XP. It lines up spec-for-spec in many areas and kicks things up a notch in others.

Case in point: the Portola is equipped with expected features such as a suspension fork, hydraulic disc brakes, and a welded cargo rack with a 130-lb weight capacity. And yes, it also folds down for easier storage or transport.

It’s also equipped with an exhilarating and punchy 750W motor. The Portola is a fairly small e-bike, but the motor makes it quite mighty.

We dig the Portola’s sleek appearance and solid ride feel. It handles better than many other folding bikes we’ve tested thanks to a non-telescoping stem that doesn’t have the notorious wiggle telescoping ones often do. As a result, however, the bike is a bit more suited for smaller riders below 6′ (or those who don’t mind limited leg extension).

We’re impressed with the Portola’s value, too; it’s worth every penny of its price tag.

Read Full Review | Watch Our Video Review

Sponsor Pro’s

• It’s one of the most feature-packed e-bikes on the market for $1000 with hydraulic brakes, a suspension fork, a 750W motor, a passenger-capable rack, etc.
• We liked the handling and overall ride feel from the reinforced stem and the grippy tires.
• The 8-speed drivetrain is unique at this price, providing a gearing range capable of moving quickly or climbing.
• The Portola is more refined than most folders, with added touches including reinforced clamps and a strap for keeping the bike together when folded.

Con’s

• Leg extension runs on the small side, so the bike is best for riders under 6′

Aventon Soltera.2

The Aventon Soltera.2’s design is simple and lightweight; it doesn’t immediately look like an e-bike. In fact, the manufacturer is reaching back to its roots here; Aventon was known for its stylish single-speed fixies before earning its reputation as a powerhouse in the e-bike market.

Like the Ride1UP Roadster V2 mentioned above, the Soltera.2 is an urban e-bike for active riders. It’s built around a reserved 350W motor and a modest 346-Wh battery. On paper, these figures might look low when compared to more powerful motors or higher-capacity batteries, but the Soltera.2 balances these differences out in a few ways.

First, with a small-ish motor, the Soltera naturally has to rely a bit more on rider input. This makes it feel more like an analog bike and ultimately makes the Soltera.2 pretty efficient. It also results in commendable range, speed potential, and uphill capability (though the latter will require some work).

Second, Aventon specced a highly sensitive and adaptive torque sensor, which allows the Soltera.2 to give riders more effort when pedaling harder—just like a “regular” bike!

Third, the bike weighs a manageable 46 lbs, so its motor has less weight to compensate for from the outset.

While the Soltera.2 doesn’t feature a ton of extra bells and whistles, it has it where it counts. It’s a Class 2 e-bike with a throttle, a cool design, some flashy color options, a variety of quality components, and solid performance – all from a reputable brand with demonstrated reliability. You can’t go wrong.

Read Full Review | Watch Our Video Review

Willing to spend a little more? Check out all our top-recommended electric city bikes.

Pro’s

• Aventon’s torque sensors are some of our favorites; the Soltera feels natural and responds quickly to changes in pedal pressure.
• While looks are subjective, we love the throwback design and the fact that the Soltera.2 is not obviously an e-bike.
• The bike has great handling, quick steering, and a nimble feel thanks to its 46-lb weight and 700cx38mm tires.
• Compared to similarly economical city e-bikes, the Soltera.2 actually boasts a relatively large battery, giving it great range.
• Even as a “budget” option, it has some of the nice features of its more expensive siblings like its color display, inset tail/brake lights, and turn signals.

Con’s

• We liked the extra breathing room with Class 3 mode, but the bike struggled to reach its 25 mph max speed.

Lectric XP Lite 2.0

To put it simply, the Lectric XP Lite 2.0 is the most affordable e-bike to earn our stamp of approval. And if we’re being honest, we don’t just give it a thumbs-up; we give it an emphatic two.

The number of features Lectric packed into the Lite is impressive. It’s the lowest-priced e-bike we’ve tested with hydraulic disc brakes, and its color display looks better than many black-and-white LCDs we’ve seen on bikes double the price. At the time of writing, Lectric is also throwing in their “Elite” 850-lux headlight.

To be clear, sacrifices had to be made to achieve such an affordable price tag, but these trade offs also have upsides. For example, the Lite 2.0 has a single-speed drivetrain, but this ultimately makes it less complicated to operate. The bike’s 300W motor and 374-Wh battery might seem limiting on paper, but the pairing gave us respectable mileage in our Range Test.

The Lite is also one of the more practical and portable folding e-bikes we’ve tested, as it weighs less than its more heavily-specced cousins.

To offset some of its limitations, Lectric offers a handful of uncommon upgrade options, including a larger 672-Wh battery and a Gates Carbon belt. The latter option takes an already low-maintenance setup and gives it a longer life, a smoother feel, and quieter operation!

The bottom line is that, while the Lectric XP Lite 2.0 is relatively stripped-down, most riders won’t miss anything—especially at this price.

Read Full Review | Watch Our Video Review

Pro’s

• We don’t think you’ll find better value at the Lite 2.0’s price point below $1k.
• Those who want more can choose to upgrade to a Gates Carbon Belt Drive or get nearly double the range with a larger battery.
• The included hydraulic disc brakes are extremely rare on e-bikes at this price point.
• A low weight of 48 lbs makes the Lite 2.0 an extremely portable option.
• The color display is another uncommon feature we love!

Con’s

• It’s to be expected with a single-speed drivetrain, but the bike ghost pedals at higher speeds.

Retrospec Chatham Rev 2

For those who prioritize comfort and prefer casual rides, the Retrospec Chatham Rev 2 is a fun, relaxing, and extremely comfortable retro-style beach cruiser. We think it’s just as good of a commuter as it is for leisure rides at the park or boardwalk, and at the time of writing, its price below $1,000 makes it a bargain.

We’ve tested a handful of Retrospec’s e-bikes and found a running theme: they feel like more expensive models. This comes back to our reasoning for (usually) considering the $1k mark to be the starting point for quality; there’s usually a noticeable drop in build quality and ride feel on cheaper e-bikes. Not so with the Chatham Rev 2.

This bike’s beauty lies in its simplicity; it’s not decked out with complicated electronics and too many buttons. Instead, it has simple but solid frame construction, a small LED indicator/control panel instead of a display, a user-friendly 7-speed drivetrain with an over-bar thumb shifter, an easy-to-use throttle, and basic but effective mechanical disc brakes.

The Chatham’s most appealing features are its thick and accommodating saddle, its curved, ergonomic handlebars, and its stable and cushy 26×3” fat tires. We also found its reserved 350W motor to be fun, accessible, and capable when pedaling uphill.

If you’re looking for a classic, comfortable cruiser-style e-bike that won’t cost an arm and a leg, we think the Chatham Rev 2 might be the bike for you!

Read Full Review | Watch Our Video Review

Want more of the mellow vibes? See the top-recommended cruiser e-bikes.

Sponsor Pro’s

• The Chatham has a remarkably comfy ride thanks to its plush saddle, cruiser-style handlebars, and shock-absorbing fat tires.
• The 350W hub motor was better than we expected when climbing hills.
• Cruising and cornering felt stable thanks to the rigid frame and 3”-wide tires.
• It pedals well without the motor thanks to the battery’s placement behind the seat tube.
• We liked the overall simplicity as well as the included extras—a chain guard, battery-powered lights, etc.

Con’s

• The motor wasn’t the fastest to engage, but the throttle helped get up to speed faster.

Sponsor

Heybike Mars 2.0

The Heybike Mars 2.0 is one of the punchier and more powerful bikes on this list, so if you want something fast that’ll get you over some steep hills easily, this bike fits the bill! Depending on which version of the bike you get, it has speeds up to 32 miles per hour, and it did a really solid job in our Hill Test.

We liked that the Mars came with both a suspension fork and a suspension seatpost to make the ride cushioned and comfy. Many of the bikes on this list can be upgraded to include a suspension seatpost, but in this case, it comes standard. The fork has 65 millimeters of travel, and the seatpost has 45 millimeters, so there’s plenty of squish for riding on or off-road in comfort.

The final highlight is the Heybike app that the Mars 2.0 can be paired with. This is one of the more functional apps you’ll find on a bike at this price point; you can use it to change class settings and the top speeds of each of the bike’s assist levels, plus you can track ride data and get turn-by-turn navigation using either Apple or Google Maps.

Read Full Review | Watch Our Video Review

Pro’s

• A zippy 750W rear-hub motor (peaking at 1200W) delivers snappy acceleration and solid hill-climbing ability.
• Smooth and cushy ride quality, courtesy of a 65mm-travel suspension fork and a 45mm suspension seatpost.
• Fine-tune your top speed and PAS settings through the Heybike app for a personalized riding experience.
• The rear cargo rack isn’t just functional with its 120-lb capacity—it also adds to the bike’s sleek aesthetic.

Con’s

• The cadence sensor keeps the ride effortless, but a broader gear range would help prevent ghost pedaling at higher speeds.
• We’d like it if the apps speed limits could change PAS and throttle independently.

Retrospec Beamont Rev 2

“Simplicity” is a funny concept. Depending on your interpretation, it could mean boring, bland, or just plain blah. On the other hand, it can be synonymous with being uncomplicated, relaxing, and easy to enjoy. In the case of the Retrospec Beaumont Rev 2, it’s very much in that second group. It’s simple in a great way.

The bike’s standout feature is comfort. It’s a relaxed cruiser with a comfortable riding posture, a cushioned wide saddle, and an easily accessible 19-inch standover height. Its 27.5×2.4-inch tires are ideal for gentle cruising, and the handling is smooth and easy to control.

A unique aspect of this bike is its aesthetic. It features a throwback, classically styled frame, but unlike most affordable e-bikes—which typically offer only two or three color options at best—Retrospec pairs its classic styling with six color choices, allowing you to find one that suits your taste.

There is solid all-around performance. The battery delivers a good 18-44 miles of range, and the bike has enough pep on flats to move up to 20 mph. It’s got nice acceleration to it though that doesn’t overwhelm the rider. It has solid hill help for a 350W motor, but we mainly like this bike for cruising flat environments in comfort and style.

Simple design done right might be a hard needle to thread, but Retrospec has managed to do it here. We appreciate the Beaumont Rev 2’s pleasant nature and think it is an excellent choice for anyone looking to get out more and move a little faster than walking or using a traditional bike allows.

Read Full Review | Watch Our Video Review

Sponsor Pro’s

• It’s a very comfortable ride. It has a comfortable saddle, good body positioning, and has the pleasant handling cruisers are known for.
• There are an uncommon amount of color options (six) on a bike priced this affordably.
• Surprising features included at the low price: rear rack, headlight and taillight, chainguard and fenders, etc.

Con’s

• Pedaling above 15 mph feels a bit undergeared.

Why We Consider E-Bikes Around $1,000 “Entry-Level”

Buying an e-bike much cheaper than $1,000 can be likened to gambling. With costs cut so low — added to the high likelihood you’re ordering a bike that cheap off a website — you really don’t know what you’re going to get.

The truth is that e-bikes are not cheap machines. Quality e-bike motors and batteries are not inexpensive to make, so they’re not typically cheap to buy.

We’ve found a handful of companies that do a good job building safe, durable, and inexpensive e-bikes, but some others do little to ensure that the products they sell will work as advertised. Amazon and AliExpress are the Pandora’s Box of cheap e-bikes, so it’s wise to steer clear of them.

While there are some exceptions, our general rule of thumb is that $1,000 is your best starting point. That’s enough money to get you quality components and trustworthy manufacturing. It’s also the most common lowest price we see from reputable e-bike manufacturers.

How We Picked The Best E-Bikes Under $1,000

Bottom Line: There Is Probably an Electric Bike Under $1,000 For You

The market is flooded with electric bikes under (or around) $1,000, but when you take quality, style, and availability into account, that list gets a lot shorter.

Every bike on our list is there for a reason. All of these bikes meet the qualifications for what we would look for in a budget-friendly electric bike. With so many options to choose from, which is right for you? We encourage you to read, compare, and ask questions!

What did you think about our picks for the best electric bikes under $1,000? Are there ones we missed that you’d like us to review? Let us know in the comments below!

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