The Best Budget Electric Bikes
Electric bikes can be wildly useful, but they don't have to be wildly expensive. We're always on the lookout for exceptional values, and this review focuses on the five best-value e-bikes we've come across. We don't just check out the specs and make comparisons; we buy each bike, assemble it, weigh it, measure its power and torque output, ride it to determine its maximum range, test its acceleration, and evaluate its build quality. This process takes months of evaluation and dozens of miles of riding to compile the data that lets us score these bikes precisely.
These five bikes vary widely in price, but each represents an exceptional value in its category. Our favorite budget electric bike is the simple, torque sensor-equipped Ride1Up Roadster V3; it's exceptionally easy to use and has a premium feel that escapes most bikes at this price point. With its single-speed drivetrain, weight and maintenance are kept to a minimum, but its motor and throttle make it incredibly versatile.
The Lectric XP 3.0 is a great bike at an exceptional price point. It's powerful, comfortable, and easy to ride. It has a rack that can hold a passenger (up to 150 pounds), and it just happens to fold up. The least expensive bike in this review is the Ancheer Blue Spark, which has utility that far outweighs its price tag. The Blue Spark rolls on 27.5" wheels and can propel you over 20 miles on a single charge without pedaling.
Editor's Note: On November 13th, 2024, we updated this review to add the new Ride1Up Roadster V3.