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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 in June of 2024, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced the expiration of e-bike exemptions from Section 301 tariffs, resulting in increased import fees for many e-bike brands. 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.
Lectric XP Lite 2.0
The Most Affordable Option
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.
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- 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!
- It’s to be expected with a single-speed drivetrain, but the bike ghost pedals at higher speeds.
Lectric XP 3.0
Best Multi-Purpose Option
No, this isn’t favoritism, and no, it isn’t a mistake. This is the second Lectric e-bike on this list – and it’s a testament to the brand’s determination to make fun e-bikes that anybody can afford.
The folks at Lectric upped their game even further with XP 3.0 by improving everything that defined XP 2.0 and adding even more.
Most notably, the XP 3.0 has an integrated rear rack with a weight capacity of 150 lbs, which allows for passenger-carrying capability. It retained the XP 2’s 500W motor, but it has better acceleration and hill climbing ability thanks to an increase in peak output. The new Passenger Mode tames its speed to increase safety and prevent loss of control.
The bike’s ride quality has been improved as well, with a redesigned, more comfortable saddle, better gearing for more efficient pedaling, larger brake rotors for better responsiveness, and greater travel on the suspension fork for smoother travel. As with all of Lectric’s models, it’s one of the most affordable e-bikes on the market to be specced with hydraulic disc brakes.
Plus, the XP 3.0’s folding frame comes in both a standard and step-thru design. All of that on a capable, comfortable e-bike for around $1,000? Sign us up.
The fact that we have two Lectric models at the top of our list speaks volumes about the brand’s commitment to quality and value. In truth, we’ve never featured the same brand twice in a row before, but the brand has impressed us so consistently that we have to give them props.
The XP 3.0 is quite possibly the most popular e-bike in America for good reason.
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- The 3.0 has great acceleration and climbing power thanks to its 500W motor.
- Pedaling is efficient at higher speeds thanks to a 7-speed drivetrain and an 11-28T cassette.
- The bike’s hydraulic disc brake system functions well and is uncommon at this price.
- 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 Thule Yepo Maxi Child Seat.
- Like a car, the XP 3.0 requires a key to remain inserted while riding. We’d prefer to be able to remove it.
Ride1UP Portola
Best Folding Option
We might have awarded the Lectric XP 3.0 as the best multi-purpose option, but the Ride1UP Portola is a strong competitor. 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 specced 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.
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- 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.
- Leg extension runs on the small side, so the bike is best for riders under 6′
Lectric XPress 500
The Best Commuter Option
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 cramming crap-tons of 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.
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- 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.
- We’d have preferred a left-hand throttle and trigger-style shifter instead of the current right throttle/over-bar shifter.
Retrospec Chatham Rev 2
The Best Cruiser Option
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!
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- 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.
- The motor wasn’t the fastest to engage, but the throttle helped get up to speed faster.
Aventon Soltera.2
The Best Torque Sensor Option
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.
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- 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.
- We liked the extra breathing room with Class 3 mode, but the bike struggled to reach its 25 mph max speed.
JackRabbit
The Best Micro Option
The JackRabbit is a seriously unique e-bike.
Technically, it’s more of an electric scooter; it has no pedals, no drivetrain, and only one brake. It does have folding pegs that serve as footrests, a 300W motor powered only by a throttle, and no need for a second brake due to its extremely compact wheelbase.
The bike is incredibly maneuverable, and honestly, it’s a stupid amount of fun! We couldn’t help but feel like a kid when riding it; the JackRabbit’s small size feels toy-like, but its power and zippy ride are on the grown-up side of the spectrum.
The JackRabbit was clearly designed with a hyper-focus on one specific aspect: portability. There is an entire category of e-bikes that fold, collapse, slim down, etc. for storage and transport. Some of them even ring up under $1,000 and appear on this list.
None of the others weigh in at just 24 lbs or can be made as compact as the JackRabbit.
Designed for college students who need to travel across a large campus, the JackRabbit fills a very specific niche. The bike’s ability to sprint to nearby places allows it to be used in more common applications—down the street to a friend’s house, around the corner to the convenience store, or a couple of blocks over to that really great deli.
It’s good to mention that the bike’s 4.2 Ah battery is small, and its range won’t compare to that of any other bike on this list (but it can be charged much quicker). The JackRabbit was made to cover relatively short distances over relatively smooth and flat terrain quickly. It was also designed to be carried, stashed, and set back up just as efficiently.
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- The JackRabbit’s wheelbase can be shortened and its handlebars can repositioned, giving it a smaller footprint than even a folding bike.
- It’s speedy, highly maneuverable, and a whole lot of fun to ride!
- Weighing only 24 lbs, the bike is ultra-portable, and can even be carried over the shoulder with an optional sling.
- Surprisingly, the JackRabbit can handle both small and tall riders, all the way up to 6’2” and 240 lbs!
- The bike honestly serves its purpose well – it’s great for short trips across campus or running errands.
- Riders with larger feet may need to be wary of hitting the wheel when turning due to the short wheelbase.
Velotric Fold 1
The Best Comfort Option
When traveling long distances, it’s important to ride comfortably and in style. The Velotric Fold 1 is another affordable folding e-bike that checks all the boxes. It has an appealing design, an extremely comfortable ride, and impressive long-range potential.
The Fold 1 is priced slightly above $1k, but we think it’s worth the extra money. It’s one of the best-feeling bikes we’ve tested in its price range. The bike’s cushy saddle, wide handlebars, and ergonomic grips make it possible to enjoy long-distance rides without worrying about getting sore.
We were blown away by the Fold 1’s Range Test results: with a 750W hub motor and a 608-Wh battery, the bike traveled well over 70 miles on a single charge. Velotric’s e-bikes have traditionally performed well; the brand’s custom-designed motors prioritize efficiency to make the most of their batteries.
The Fold 1 is also one of the better options on this list for carrying cargo or larger riders. The bike has a staggeringly high payload capacity of 440 lbs, and its passenger-capable welded rear cargo rack can carry up to 120 lbs.
If you’re looking to commute or run errands and still have enough charge left for a leisure-time adventure, the Velotric Fold 1 might be right up your alley.
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- Even with a price above $1k, we think the Fold 1’s comfort, handling, and overall feel are worthwhile.
- The bike is capable of remarkably long rides thanks to its 608-Wh battery and efficient motor.
- It has great steering control and handling thanks to its wide handlebars and small wheels.
- The Fold 1 can carry up to 440 lbs, making it great for larger riders and/or carrying cargo and passengers.
- The bike’s speed is easy to control when throttling, as it has 5 different speed limits governed by the PAS.
- We had to fuss with the latch when unfolding the bike, but it felt secure and strong once connected.
Why We Consider E-Bikes Around $1,000 “Entry-Level”
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.
If your personal entry-level budget is more than $1,000, however, you can always head to our best overall electric bikes page for a larger variety of options.
How We Picked The Best E-Bikes Under $1,000
Every bike on this list has been tested and reviewed by the experts here at Electric Bike Report, but we had to whittle it down from the hundreds we’ve ridden. To determine which bikes made the cut, we considered the following factors:
- Utility/Usefulness: -Just because an electric bike has two wheels and a motor doesn’t mean it’s going to be useful. We analyzed each bike’s practicality to ensure that it lived up to its claimed capabilities.
- Quality to price ratio:– Regardless of how much you spend, the bike has to be worth the money. The higher the price, the more features and performance we expect from it. Each of these bikes matched or exceeded our expectations.
- Longevity: -There are plenty of bikes you can purchase under $1,000 that probably will not last more than a year or two. We made sure that wasn’t the case with each bike we chose by examining its componentry, its build quality, and its manufacturer.
- Ride Quality: -Is the bike worth riding? Five miles into a ride, are you still comfortable? We considered these factors (and many more) to ensure that the comfort, handling, and features of each bike added up to an enjoyable, comfortable, and user-friendly experience.
- Diversity: -A wallet-friendly list that contains only city bikes or beach cruisers wouldn’t be useful to shoppers seeking something of a different style. We selected a variety of options of different styles to appeal to a broad range of tastes.
Bottom Line: There Is Probably an Electric Bike Under $1,000 For You
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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