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Cycling is an activity widely enjoyed by people of all ages. From kids who get their first bicycle as Christmas presents to pro cyclists competing in international tournaments, bicycles serve as efficient modes of transport and exercise. Moreover, with the rising popularity of Electric bikes, more people have discovered a taste for cycling.

Electric Bikes (also called e-bikes and power bikes) are electric motor bicycles. They use rechargeable batteries and have pedals and gearing similar to traditional bikes. Some e-bikes can travel as far as 28mph (45km/h), significantly more than the average human can achieve on their own. Using the pedal-assist feature, you can easily tackle inclines and challenging hills, getting from point A to point B faster, without breaking a sweat. Interestingly, riders don’t have to be experienced cyclists to master e-bikes. You can enjoy pleasant trips right from the first test ride.

For city dwellers, the advantages e-bikes offer to the daily commute are endless. They are low-cost alternatives to cars and save you from being stuck in traffic. Ebikes are also emission-free (which means you’d be doing the environment and other humans a favor by ditching your car). Plus, e-bikes help you keep fit without overexerting yourself. You can choose to overcome hills on your own by riding the bike like a normal one or let pedal-assist take over when it gets too intense for you.

Getting your first e-bike can be very exciting, but a quick glance through the internet might have you reeling from the high prices. E-bikes can cost as much as $8,000—although pro-level mountain bikes are usually the types to be seen at this price mark. Typically you will find e-bikes priced between $2,000 to $4,000.

While a bike purchase of $2,500 may be too much of an investment for most, buying one of $400 might have you leaving sad reviews on merchant sites. You might also spend lots of money on accessories and repairs.

However, contrary to the common claim that you can’t find a good e-bike under the $1000 mark, many excellent bikes cost less than that and still give you the best bang for your buck.

In this article, we’ll give you a rundown of the best e-bikes under $1,000. We’ll cover everything from e-bikes perfect for your daily commute to folding bikes that are easy to move around and mtbs strong enough for off-road adventures.

Top 6 Ebikes Under $1000

• RadPower RadMission1
• Lectric XP 2.0
• Ariel Rider Rideal
• Ride1Up Roadster V2
• Ancheer 27.5 Inch Wheel Electric Mountain Bike
• Aventon Pace 350 Step-Through

Rad Power Bikes RadMission 1 – $999 – Perfect for Urban Commutes

Rad Power Bikes is a well-established American e-bike company that was founded in 2007 by Mike Radenbaugh. Headquartered in Seattle, this company outshines most other e-bike brands due to its excellent customer support. With offices across North America and Europe, you will have reliable help for all your questions and complaints.

Although Rad Power’s bikes are often priced well over $1,000, in 2020, they released the budget RadMission 1. Currently the cheapest bike in the Rad range, this electric metro bike is great for your daily commute to work. On the downside, it has a weaker gear hub motor of 500W than other Rad Power bikes equipped with 750W motors. However, the smaller battery doesn’t affect its performance. It also makes the e-bike considerably lighter than other Rad bikes at about 48lbs (21.8kg).

Bike Specs:

Motor: Geared hub motor (500W)

Battery: 48V, 10.5Ah [to get the estimated watt-hours (energy capacity) of a battery, multiply the voltage by the amp hours. In this case that’s 48 x 10.5 = 504Wh]

Range: 25 to 45+ miles (depending on PAS level used)

Pedal Assist System (PAS): 4 levels

Claimed Top Speed: 20mph

Drivetrain – Single-Speed

Throttle – Yes

Brakes: Mechanical Disc

Ebike Class: 2

Frame Type: Available in High-step (standard) and Mid-step (step-through) model.

• High-step: Best for riders between 5’7 – 6’4
• Mid-step: Best for riders between 5’2 and 6’2

Pros:

• Offers exceptional value for a name-brand e-bike priced so low.
• A simple, uncomplicated single-speed drivetrain means you spend less on mechanical maintenance and exercise better.
• The battery offers even more power than is expected of a 500Wh capacity. This bike can handle long-distance rides across the city and short trips within a campus with ease.
• Twist throttle makes it easy to reach 20mph.
• The RadMission comes in 5 colors; steel blue, red, black, white, and grey. There’s an option for every personality.

Cons:

• Brakes are not the preferred hydraulic brakes.
• No suspension fork. The RadMission1 may not deliver the most comfortable ride as it has no suspension fork or rear shock.
• Control panel comes with buttons and LEDs rather than a display. The panel does not show battery life, so you’ll have to check the battery periodically.

Last thoughts: If your city doesn’t have too many steep hills and you weigh under 200lbs, the RadMission1 is an all-around reliable entry-level bike for leisure and work trips.

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Lectric XP 2.0 – $999 – Best Folding Electric Bike

Lectric eBikes has gained popularity in the US since it launched the Lectric XP in 2018. Although Lectric bikes get delivered in the ‘dreaded’ big boxes, they are easy to assemble, have 1-year warranties, and the brand has proven to be reliable.

Foldable and equipped with fat tires, Lectric bikes are functional and stylish. The Lectric XP 2.0 comes with 3″ tires. While it’s not as fat as its older sibling – the XP – it still offers a considerably smooth ride than other cheap e-bikes.

The XP 2.0 is also pretty heavy, weighing about 63lbs (28.6kg). In any case, you can easily fold and plop your bike in the car trunk when heading out or when carrying it up and down staircases.

A great feature is that this electric bicycle comes with all the essentials. There’s an integrated headlamp, backlights, a rear rack, fenders, and a built-in LCD display. The bike also comes with a removable battery that you can charge at the office or home.

Unlike the XP 1.0, the 2.0 has a suspension fork at the front wheel to make rides enjoyable, even on gravel and long-distance trips.

Bike Specs:

Motor: Geared hub motor (500W)

Battery: 48V, 9.6Ah, 460.8Wh

Range: 25 to 45+ miles (depending on PAS level used)

Pedal Assist System (PAS): 5 levels

Claimed Top Speed: 20mph (28mph with class 3 activation)

Drivetrain – Shimano 7-speed

Throttle – Yes

Brakes: Mechanical Disc

Ebike Class: 2 (also has Class 3 capabilities)

Frame Type: Available in Standard and Step-Thru frames.

Pros:

• Foldable, easy to move around
• Standard and Step-Thru frames cater for tall and short riders, respectively.
• Achieves high speeds on relatively flat terrain with minimal pedal effort.

Cons:

• The XP 2.0 gear is not great for hill-climbing despite being a 7-speed bike.
• It can be pretty bulky to pack despite being foldable.

Last thoughts: While the suspension isn’t the best, and this bike could do with some fine-tuning, the XP 2.0 is a beautiful city bike that can handle mild inclines and will get you around in style. Plus, it’s had a lot of rave reviews, so your investment in one is definitely safe.

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Ariel Rider Rideal – $999 – Best All-Round Bike

While Ariel Rider isn’t exactly a new company in the bike scene, it only recently gained much attention after releasing the Rideal in 2020.

The Rideal will blow your mind with its impressive specs. With a budget price point of $999, this e-bike company offers much more value than other bikes in its range (e.g., RadMission 1). Sporting a powerful 750W hub motor, it’s surprising that the Rideal still remains light at just 52lbs (23.6kg). This springy and fast bike will easily carry riders who weigh 200+lbs (90+kg) over steep hills without getting all the way to PAS5.

The Rideal also has a 6061 aluminum frame, giving it a very sporty look that makes it feel like a mountain bike. However, this e-bike isn’t designed for mountain trails, so don’t get carried away with its build.

The Rideal comes in 3 colors; a striking blue, a sharp red, and classic black.

Bike Specs:

Motor: Geared hub motor (750W)

Battery: 48V, 14Ah, 672Wh

Range: 30 to 60 miles (according to the Ariel Rider website. After taking it for a couple spins, though, a more accurate mark would be 25 to 50 miles)

Pedal Assist System (PAS): 5 levels

Claimed Top Speed: 20mph

Drivetrain – Shimano 6-speed

Throttle – Yes

Brakes: Mechanical Disc Brakes

Ebike Class: 2 (also has Class 3 capabilities)

Frame Type: Available in High-step (standard) and Mid-step (step-through) models.

Pros:

• Shimano 6-speed gears seamlessly get the bike and its riders up steep inclines.
• The powerful 750W motor delivers an impressive 65 Nm of torque, giving you a smooth and enjoyable ride.
• Well-designed Pedal assist system quickly shifts from level 1 to 5.
• Better spokes than RadMission 1.
• Comes equipped with a Kickstand.

Cons:

• At first glance, there’s no PAS 0.

Tip: We discovered level Zero by continually pressing the ‘minus’ button on the control panel until all pedal assist level LEDs went off!

• Grips aren’t all that great. Consider upgrading to ergonomic grips for more comfort, especially if you’ll be using the bike for long trips.
• No LCD display, and Rideals currently do not support upgrades. You’ll have to contend with LEDs and buttons, unlike the RadMission, which can be upgraded.
• Derailleur is not of the best quality.

Last thoughts: If you live in a hilly area like Seattle, want a strong motor, and don’t mind a couple trade-offs to get an affordable bike, the Rideal is an ideal choice!

Ride1Up Roadster V2 – $1,045 (on sale) – Best Belt Drive Electric Bike

Based out of San Diego, Ride1Up is a new brand in the electric bicycle market that started producing in 2019. Despite its relative newness compared with other older and trusted brands, this company has managed to deliver top-quality wheels at affordable rates time and again!

The Roadster v2, priced slightly above the $1,000 mark, is possibly the lightest e-bike you can get under $2,000. Weighing a simple 33lbs (15kg), the Roadster can easily move around and be ridden without pedal assist. The streamlined and clean design, reminiscent of traditional bicycles, coupled with a belt drive that keeps your ride quiet, will leave bystanders none the wiser.

The battery is also integrated into the bike, concealing any obvious resemblance to an e-bike.

The Roadster v2 comes in 3 muted colors; Burgundy, Black, and Silver, making it easier to maintain.

Bike Specs:

Motor: Geared hub motor (350W – 500W peak)

Battery: 36V,7ah, 252Wh

Range: 20-30 miles ( contrary to the website’s humble claim, our range tests show that the Roadster v2 can handle as much as 45+miles per charge. This is factoring in lower PAS levels and rider weight under 160lbs ~ 72.6kg.)

Pedal Assist System (PAS): 5 levels

Claimed Top Speed: 24mph

Drivetrain – Single-Speed belt drive

Throttle – No

Brakes: v-Brakes

Ebike Class: 3

Frame Type: Standard

Pros:

• Lightweight build. Bikers can enjoy rides on the Roadster without pedal assist. This feature is better appreciated when you miscalculate the range you can get, and you’re left miles from home with zero battery.
• Sturdy aluminum frame just like the Rideal e-bike.
• Battery cells are durable Samsung products.
• 700c Kenda Kwest tires give great traction when riding on pavement and roads.
• Silent, simple, and maintenance-free drivetrain.

Cons:

• Encased battery limits range since you cannot use a second one.
• This bike is not equipped with a kickstand, even though the lower-priced Rideal does.
• Not well suited to short riders – < 5’5″.
• Has the less preferred v-brakes.
• Doesn’t include headlights or brake lights.

Last thoughts: For lovers of simple, light, and fast bikes on a budget, the Roaster v2 will check all your boxes and some more! You’re sure to have some very fun rides!

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Ancheer 27.5 Inch Wheel Electric Mountain Bike – $899

Ancheer is an American e-bike company that has been in operation since 2008. Ancheer bikes are manufactured in Taiwan and China, but they are based in Los Angeles, California.

The Ancheer 27.5 eMTB can travel up to 40miles on its 374Wh battery, an impressive distance for the otherwise small battery. With a 24-speed gear, it is super versatile and has terrific uphill power. In addition, big 27.5 wheels give the e-bike more stability on roads and trails.

Despite being advertised as a mountain bike, your best bet is to stick to level dirt roads with this bicycle. The suspension with this bike is too basic to tackle the hard bumps and bounces of off-road trails. Also, consider changing the seat as they are rather uncomfortable and can become quite a pain on a long ride. The bike weighs 53lbs (24.04 kg) and is advertised as capable of carrying a load up to 330lbs (149.7kg).

Bike Specs:

Motor: Geared hub motor (350W)

Battery: 36V, 10.4Ah, 374.4Wh

Range: 28 – 43 miles (depending on PAS level used)

Pedal Assist System (PAS): 5 levels

Claimed Top Speed: 20mph

Drivetrain – Shimano 24-Speed

Throttle – Yes

Brakes: Mechanical Disc Brakes

Ebike Class: 2

Frame Type: Mid-step (step-through) model.

Pros:

• Beautiful, sleek finish.
• Offers excellent value; the bike comes with a suspension fork, a big LCD display, and many other features typically found in more expensive e-bikes.
• Entry-level suspension works well on bumpy city streets.
• Easy to put together; Bike comes 85% assembled.
• Charges fast.

Cons:

• Works better as a commuter bike than a mountain bike.
• Provided mechanical disc brakes aren’t great with stops. Riders have to be very cautious when biking and activate brakes 22 feet from their projected stop. Consider upgrading to hydraulic brakes.
• Ancheer does not provide a user manual, increasing the likelihood of users making mistakes when setting up the bike.

Last thoughts: While it’s not the best mountain bike (and we wouldn’t recommend it if you plan on doing a lot of biking on off-road trails), the Ancheer 27.5″ e-mountain bike is the closest thing to one at this price point. The Blue Spark model even has reports of impressive off-road performance. So it’s a great choice if you need a bicycle with overall good handling and long range. With a couple upgrades, this bike will keep you rolling comfortably for 3 – 5 years.

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Aventon Pace 350 Step-Through – $1,199 – Best Bike Slightly over $1,000

While the Pace 350 is $200 above the $1,000 budget, it offers so much value that it’s worth considering parting with those extra dollars. It would have been at the top of the list if not for the higher price.

Produced by a reliable company with high standards, the Pace 350 is a charming cruiser that offers a comfortable ride around the city. The Aventon can add that extra oomph to your ride, reaching up to 24mph when you modify its settings. You’ll find yourself riding across town often, just for the fun of it. The bike weighs 46lbs (21kg), so it’s not too heavy.

Bike Specs:

Motor: Rear hub motor (350W)

Battery: 36V, 11.6Ah, 417.6Wh

Range: 25 – 40 miles (depending on PAS level used)

Pedal Assist System (PAS): 5 levels

Claimed Top Speed: 20mph (24mph without speed restrictions)

Drivetrain – Shimano 7-Speed

Throttle – Yes

Brakes: Mechanical Disc Brakes

Ebike Class: 2 (also has Class 3 capabilities)

Frame Type: Step-through model.

Pros:

• Charges very fast in about 4 hours
• Easy to get on, courtesy of the step-through design.
• Relaxed bicycle geometry offers a very comfortable ride.
• A large, backlit display makes it easy to read essential data, e.g., range, both day and night.
• Durable bike. Covers 1000 miles and beyond.

Cons:

• The battery removal process is complicated.
• Slower speeds when compared to other bikes at this price range.

Last thoughts: The Aventon Pace 350 electric bike is designed for those leisurely rides on bike paths and boardwalks in the evenings. For someone obsessed with speed, this bike will be seen as rather slow. Still, it keeps up the pace when riding in a group with bigger and stronger e-bikes.

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To Wrap Up,

While $1,000 bikes have lower performance than $1,500 – $2,000 bikes, they still make excellent entry-level bikes. When making your first e-bike purchase, buying one under $1,000 is a smaller risk than forking out thousands of dollars on something pricier. With examples such as those above, you can explore the world of e-biking (and the literal world while at it) to discover what components matter most to you in an e-bike. This knowledge will serve you well on your next purchase. For example, you’ll know whether to place more emphasis on suspensions, mid-drive motors, etc.

$1,000 bikes also make good options if you just need a decent bike for daily commutes and the occasional joy rides with friends and family.

Basically, your bike purchase will be determined by your needs and budget. No matter the case, the bikes listed above certainly won’t fail you.