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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.
Fenders, rear rack, front and rear lights, folding design, front suspension, mounting points for front rack, kickstand, IP-65 rated for water resistance
The simple lines and form factor of the Ride1Up Roadster V3 are refreshing and clean. There is no phone cord-wrapped tangle of wiring, no giant battery bulge, and not much indication at all that this is an e-bike. Weighing less than 42 pounds, it rides with an agile, sporty feel. The single-speed drivetrain might be daunting for some, but the 250W hub motor negates the need for gearing in most situations. In our range test, the bike's 360Wh battery pushed us 18.9 miles in its most powerful setting using the throttle alone. A torque sensor modulates power to the drivetrain and gives the bike an intuitive feel to its assist.
The Roadster features a clever little VeloFox all-in-one display with an integrated throttle that keeps the front end tidy but doesn't skimp on functionality. Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, a Dayco belt drive system, and a Selle Royal saddle give the bike a premium feel. Lights, fenders, a kickstand, and a bell are all included and prepare you for all conditions, while mounts for a rack and water bottle let you customize the bike to your needs.
The bike doesn't have much adjustability, but three frame sizes should allow most riders to find a fit that works. The 45c tires offer limited cushion between you and the road, but they roll efficiently and offer a bit of traction in off-pavement excursions. The frame has space for higher-volume tires if you want additional comfort. The Roadster V3 has a top pedal assist speed of 25mph and a top throttle speed of 20mph for riders up to its maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds. We think this bike is an excellent value for a premium-feeling, simple e-bike.
The Roadster V3 is way more bike than its price tag might suggest.
Cargo bikes can be quite expensive, but the Lectric XPedition 2.0 offers incredible performance at a fraction of the price of most cargo bikes in our review. The XPedition doesn't skimp on the specs or accessories. You get ample power and utility, as much battery as you want, and a 750W hub motor. Accessories like fenders, lights, and a color digital display give the bike a high-end feel. This little workhorse can haul 450 pounds of riders and gear! There aren't many other cargo bikes of any size or price range that can match that. An adjustable stem and suspension seatpost make it comfortable and easy to adjust for riders of different sizes.
This model is almost 6" longer than the outgoing model but still feels compact enough to park and store in spaces for standard bikes. The smaller wheels transmit more road vibrations, but the suspension fork and 2.5" tires do a great job of muting the chatter. The suspension seatpost didn't work as well as we would have liked, and the quick-release pedals have a bit of wobble, but those are minor concerns on this awesome cargo hauler.
Overall, the bike performs admirably and can haul some serious gear. It's also much less expensive than most other cargo bikes and very well-equipped. The Xpedition is a great way to ditch your car for in-town trips.
You'll be hard pressed to find a better value in the cargo bike market. The XPedition 2.0 is designed to grow with your family without costing you a fortune.
The Lectric XP 3.0 can quickly be folded and stored in tight spaces, such as a car trunk, small office, or hall closet. Despite its compact size, it has numerous adjustable features to accommodate a wide range of user heights. The bike has multiple convenience features like fenders, lights, a comfortable seat, ergonomic grips, and a cargo rack that can carry 150 lbs. Lectric even sells a passenger seat to turn your foldable bike into a taxi. The XP 3.0 has a 500W motor, which allows it to reach speeds up to 28 mph using pedal assist and 20 mph with the throttle. The bike runs on a 500Wh removable battery, which fits inside its folding frame. A longer-range battery is available for a bit more money for those wanting more range. 3-inch knobby tires and the bike's suspension fork provide a relatively smooth ride over most terrain. Moreover, the bike is easy to use straight out of the box. It comes almost completely assembled and can be set up and ridden with little time and effort.
This bike's compact size and ability to fold are awesome, but it's not all roses. The XP 3.0's smaller battery gives it less range than models with larger batteries. The bike has a tight turning radius and is quite maneuverable, but the short wheelbase and tall handlebar at higher speeds make it feel less stable. Despite this, we never felt uncomfortable riding this bike, even at 28mph. It folds into a compact package, but it's quite heavy at 62.5 lbs, so carrying it up a flight of stairs or lifting it into a trunk can be challenging. Nonetheless, this affordable folding model is an excellent option for anyone looking for a compact e-bike that's easy to store and transport. We constantly recommend this bike to friends and family, even folks who don't need its folding feature.
This bike now ships with a 350W hub that produces 500W at peak power.
The Nakto Camel 250 is a very affordable Class 2 e-bike with a retro cruiser style that impressed us with its value. This bike features a 360Wh battery and 250W hub motor capable of traveling almost 20 miles using only the throttle. The Nakto's frame features a low, step-thru frame, making ingress and egress simple. The included rack and basket allow you to carry some items along, while its long stem and seatpost accommodate riders of various heights. The Nakto is simple and relatively comfortable, with upright seating and a smooth ride. It features a twist throttle for effortless movement and can reach speeds up to 20 mph. The bike also has fenders, a kickstand, and a headlight. The included basket and rear rack make it ideal for commuting and running errands in town.
The Nakto Camel 250 is noteworthy due to its positive user reviews and included features. We compared the Nakto to several similarly priced competitors, finding its simple pedal-assist system less impressive than its range, speed, and comfort. This bike's quality isn't the caliber we're accustomed to testing, but it feels like a good option for those on a tight budget. If you just can't spend more, the Nakto will make your commute more enjoyable but probably give you the bug for a nicer e-bike.
The Nakto Camel 250 is a simple and affordable way to enjoy the benefits of an e-bike.
Credit: Laura Casner
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Our test process is multi-faceted. We performed specific range and handling tests, and used each bike for commuting, running errands, and just cruising around town.
Credit: Jason Peters
Why Trust GearLab
After the most highly regarded affordable electric bikes, we purchased 10 for our side-by-side test. We ran each model through the same rigorous testing process while focusing on several key performance attributes. We did our distance range testing on the same course with the same rider using the throttle only to see how far each model could travel on a full charge. We also tested our other key performance metrics, which are discussed below.
We performed several quantifiable tests to directly compare the different models, determining each bike's strengths and weaknesses. Instead of arbitrary testing, we focused on several specific performance attributes, such as ride quality, distance range, power output, user interface, and ease of assembly. Our head-to-head testing exposes the individual performance of each bike and shows how they stack up next to one another.
We used five rating metrics to evaluate these bikes:
Ride Performance(25% of overall score weighting)
Range on a full charge (25% weighting)
Motor Power (25% weighting)
Interface Quality (15% weighting)
Ease of Assembly (10% weighting)
Our budget electric bike test was led by Joshua Hutchens. Hutchens is the Senior Bike Review Editor for OutdoorGearLab and has years of experience testing mountain, gravel, and electric bikes. He is an obsessive cyclist and lifelong bicycle industry wonk. While he loves to ride using only his power, he doesn't discriminate and can often be found riding and commuting on e-bikes. His years of experience testing and riding bikes for fun and training have allowed him to sense the nuanced and often subtle differences between the products he tests on the road or trail.
An incredible value and packed with features; we'd recommend the XPedition even for people without kids.
We tested the user interface of each model during our test rides.
Analysis and Test Results
We tested a broad range of bike styles that include Class 1, 2, and 3 models. Despite their differences, we put each bike through the same tests to bring you apples-to-apples comparisons.
What's the Best Value?
The electric bikes in this review all qualify as relatively affordable, yet they still represent a broad range in price. Though we don't consider price when scoring products, we still love a good value. Our testing revealed a clear correlation between price and performance, and the top-rated models are the most expensive.
Larger wheels and tires generally provide a smoother ride but smaller wheels coupled with a suspension fork also perform quite well.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Ride
A bike's ride quality is one of its most important attributes, and we give it a 25% weight in the overall score. Each model we tested was different and had varying handling characteristics, comfort levels, and features that helped define how they rode. Wheel size and geometry are integral to how a bike feels while turning and how stable it feels at speed. Fit adjustments for the seat and handlebar are essential elements that affect comfort across a range of user heights. Additional features like racks, bike lights, and fenders also play into the overall quality of the user experience.
The Ride1Up Roadster V3 impressed us the most with its excellent, comfortable ride. It may have light features, but this bike is lightweight and easy to ride. The 700c wheels roll smooth and fast, and the gravel tires dampen bumps and cracks in the road. It has a relaxed seated position and comes in 2 frame styles to suit a wide range of rider heights and preferences.
The Nakto Camel 250 impressed us with its ride quality, comfort, and wealth of features. It handles smoothly and predictably, with a cruiser bike style and a comfortable upright body position. It also came fully equipped with useful features like fenders, a headlight, a horn and bell, a covered front basket, and a rear cargo rack, which enhanced user-friendliness.
For a folding model with small, 20-inch tires, we were impressed by the ride quality, versatility, and included features of the Lectric XP 3.0. (testing of the 2.0 shown)
Credit: Jason Peters
We were also pleasantly surprised by the ride quality of the Lectric XP 3.0. Its smaller wheels and compact folding design decrease its stability somewhat compared to the larger wheeled competition, but a suspension fork and girthy 3-inch wide knobby tires provide a relatively smooth ride and expand its versatility to a wider range of surface conditions. It has a very wide range of fit and comes equipped with lights, fenders, and a rear cargo rack that can hold 150 lbs; a passenger kit is available.
The Nakto Camel is a budget offering that is still quite enjoyable to ride with mellow handling and some nice included features.
Credit: Laura Casner
Range
How far an electric bike can travel on a single charge is its distance range. Many factors play into a bike's range, including battery storage capacity, rider weight, terrain, and rider input. We weigh this metric at 25% of each bike's overall score. To make our range test as consistent as possible, we used the same rider on the same test course for each one. We rode all of these bikes at full charge until the battery died while recording all of the ride info with a GPS-enabled cycling computer. For the Class 2 models, we also removed the rider input/pedaling variable by performing this test using the throttle only. For the Class 1 models without a throttle, we turned the cranks to activate the cadence sensor but didn't put any effort into pedaling, making the bike do all of the work. This test gave us an accurate assessment of the low end of each bike's range and, more importantly, how they compare to each other. Our test course contained around 100 vertical feet of elevation gain/loss per 2 miles. It is safe to assume that every bike we tested could be ridden much farther on perfectly flat terrain, especially while pedaling and using pedal assist instead of just the throttle.
Unsurprisingly, the top-performing models in our range testing also happened to have the largest batteries. With its 624Wh battery, the Lectric XPedition 2.0 has impressive range, but what impressed us is the bike's dual battery capability and range of batteries available at purchase. You can choose from 624Wh, 1248Wh, or 1680Wh batteries. The Lectric XP 3.0 has a 500 Wh battery, making it 24.5 miles with just over 1,000 vertical feet of elevation on a single charge.
Buying just as much battery as you want provides value and the ability to add power when needed.
Credit: Joshua Hutchens
Power
The point of electric bikes is that they have power, and as one of the three most essential elements, we give power test results a 25% weighting in the overall score. A bike's power output depends primarily on its motor's size, and the models we tested have motors ranging in size from 250W up to 750W. For the Class 2 and 3 models, we performed various tests using the throttle and pedal assistance to determine each bike's top speed, acceleration, and ability to hold speed up moderately pitched uphills. We performed the same tests for the Class 1 models, just without the throttle, and soft-pedaled to let the motor do all the work.
With a 750W motor, the Lectric XPedition blew the competition away in this metric. It registered 1247 watts and 46.3 Nm of torque on our dyno test machine. The Ride1Up Roadster V3 didn't have nearly as much power but at less than 42 pounds, it didn't need to have the hauling power and torque of the XPedition.
The controls and display on the Lectric XP 3.0 were among the best in the test.
Credit: Jason Peters
User Interface
The controls and display are the primary ways that riders interact with an electric bike, and we weighted this metric at 15% of the overall score of each cycle. Their quality and user-friendliness vary dramatically among the models we tested. All serve their intended purpose, but some shine as ergonomic and cutting-edge, while others are more rudimentary. The top-rated models have ergonomic control buttons that are easy to reach while riding and digital displays that provide a wealth of information at a glance. Battery charging was nearly identical amongst all of the models tested, with relatively standard charging ports, cables, and times for each. All but one model had removable batteries, a design we appreciate for easier charging and security purposes.
The Lectric XP 3.0 has a great user interface. The buttons and throttle are very straightforward with good ergonomics, and the large digital display is very easy to read. We particularly like how the display is centered in the middle of the handlebars.
Simple yet effective, the interface on the Ride1Up Turris gets the job done.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The Ride1Up Roadster V3 has a slightly simpler interface that consists of an integrated thumb-paddle throttle and a combo control/display unit. It's super easy to use, and the display shows all the data you need for your ride; its position on the left grip isn't quite as easy to see as those that are positioned in the middle of the handlebar.
Most bikes arrive in a box like this with roughly 80% of the assembly completed. The remaining setup is up to the consumer.
Assembly
We ordered every bike tested in this review. They were all shipped to us in a box, and most require some assembly to get up and rolling. However, since it is a one-time task, we only give a 10% weight to the difficulty of assembly. Most of these bikes came mostly assembled and required only a few relatively simple steps to finish the job. Those unfamiliar with bikes may be best off taking their bike to a shop with skilled mechanics, but the consumer can assemble all of the tested models at home using the included tools and instructions. However, sometimes it is nice to keep some extra tools handy in case you need to adjust or maintain later on.
The Lectric XP 3.0 was by far the easiest to get up and running, as it arrived completely assembled. Unboxing it and removing the protective packing materials only took a few minutes. Of course, it needed to be unfolded and locked into its open and rideable position, but that was the extent of its assembly; It couldn't be easier.
There are lots of electric bikes on the market. We hope this review helps you find the right one.
Credit: Laura Casner
Conclusion
Electric bikes are becoming increasingly popular for good reason. Whether for a commute, running errands around town, or just for exercise, e-bikes are a great way to save some gas money, get around quickly and efficiently, and have some fun to boot. We love them as a way to make trips to the grocery store not only more eco-conscious but also an easy and fast affair. They make riding to work on a hot summer day a less sweaty event and are just plain old fun to cruise around on. We know that there are lots of options on the market, and not all of them are easily affordable. We hope that with this review, you'll be able to find one that suits your needs without breaking the bank or sacrificing quality.
