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Oct 28, 2024
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Affordability and value are often used interchangeably, but when purchasing a product like an e-bike, the distinction between the two is crucial. An affordable product may have a low price, but as indicated by the phrase “you get what you pay for,” it may not provide good value.
In this list of the Best Value Electric Bikes, we explain the importance of shopping smart before sharing our picks for the e-bikes we feel provide the most bang for your buck.
That’s the key here; the e-bikes that provide the best value are those that include the highest quality components, the most features, and/or the best performance for the dollar. They may not have the lowest prices, but they do equate to a good buy that you’d have a tough time beating elsewhere.
In many cases, the market is saturated with similar models from different brands – and options that may be cheaper but are of dubious quality. The following e-bikes are those that we’d consider buying for ourselves, as they offer the highest ratio of quality and performance for every dollar.
Our Best Value E-Bikes for 2024
*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.
As the third iteration of the renowned Lectric XP, the 3.0 (now more like the 3.5, but we’ll get to that) offers an impressive package of features for its price point of around $1,000.
The bike includes a 500W rear hub motor, a suspension fork, and knobby fat tires suitable for light off-roading. It also includes an integrated light system and a cargo rack with a carrying capacity of up to 150 lbs – enough to carry a child passenger!
In an industry first, Lectric upgraded the XP 3.0 (and its entire lineup of affordable e-bikes) to include hydraulic disc brakes, providing improved stopping power without increasing prices. This move raised the bar across the industry for what a budget-friendly bike should look like.
In our testing, we recorded solid range performance for the bike’s base-level specs. However, for those who don’t mind spending an extra $200, there’s also a Long-Range version of the bike with 35% greater capacity that can travel more miles on a single charge.
In our experience, Lectric just keeps making better and better bikes! We can’t wait to see what they do next, but we’re sure that the XP 3.0 will continue to provide some of the best value on the e-bike market.
Oh yeah, and did we mention it folds?
Pro’s- It’s incredibly affordable at around $1,000.
- The 500W motor has a peak of 1000W and 55Nm of torque for accelerating and climbing hills.
- Lectric recently upgraded from mechanical brakes to hydraulic disc brakes.
- The 50mm suspension fork smooths out bumps when riding off-road on the 20”x3” fat tires.
- The 150-lb capacity rack can accommodate a child seat.
Con’s- The battery must have its key inserted for the bike to operate.
Offering perhaps some of the best value in the brand’s already reputable lineup is the Ride1Up Prodigy V2 LX. This trekking and commuting e-bike has some seriously fancy gadgets that we rarely see at this price point.
First on the list of highlights is the remarkably dialed-in 250W mid-drive motor from Brose. With a torque sensor, the motor can respond and adapt to the rider and the road, providing a remarkably natural-feeling ride. Pedaling the Prodigy feels like riding a “regular” bike—just faster and easier!
The bike’s motor is paired with a gearless Enviolo continuously variable transmission (CVT) with infinite flexibility to provide the right amount of resistance on the pedals. The Prodigy V2 LX uses a Gates carbon belt to drive the rear wheel, providing a clean, quiet, and long-lasting alternative to a chain.
We measured up to 65 miles of range from the bike’s 36V, 504-Wh battery! While we tested it above its lowest power setting, we previously achieved over 90 miles with the same battery/motor combo in Eco Mode on previous versions of the bike. This distance can cover the morning and evening commute for days or allow for extended weekend adventures.
Speaking of commuting, the Prodigy V2 LX comes ready for duty with lights, fenders, and a cargo rack. It also includes a suspension fork with 100 mm of travel and 27.5”x 2.25” tires for added comfort – but they allow the bike to go beyond paved surfaces and into more difficult terrain.
We were highly impressed by the quality of the ride and the potential for adventure – especially at this price.
Pro’s- Ride fast (or not, your choice) and climb hills easily with the Brose 250W mid-drive motor.
- We liked the Enviolo CVT’s range of adaptability. Changing the amount of resistance was smooth and simple.
- It can ride for hours on end with a great range from the 504 Wh battery!
- The Prodigy is ready for daily use as a commuter with integrated lights, fenders, and a cargo rack.
- The 27.5” x 2.25” tires and suspension fork provide a smooth and comfortable ride.
Con’s- With only one frame size, smaller riders may need to consider the LS model.
Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus
Upon its release, the RadRover 6 Plus set a high bar for what defined fat-tire e-bikes. Despite a couple of years passing by, the bike has aged incredibly well; it was ahead of the curve, and it did everything right!
The RadRover 6 Plus features an expectedly robust 750W rear-hub motor for powering over hills, through dirt, or across town. We liked the motor’s smooth engagement and predictable distribution of speed, which are exactly what we have come to expect from Rad Power Bikes.
As a fat tire e-bike, the Rover is extremely flexible, offering the ability to adventure in off-road environments or stick to the pavement. The bike’s suspension fork and 26”x4” fat tires improve its stability and comfort regardless of the environment. With lights, fenders, and a rear cargo rack, the RadRover 6 Plus is also a functional commuter.
We liked the dual displays for easier access to more ride data and a bit more of a techy feel. We also think Rad nailed the Rover’s design and branding.
Reliability and performance are hallmarks of Rad’s e-bikes, so we think the RadRover 6 Plus’ inclusion on this list is a no-brainer.
Pro’s- The Rover’s powerful 750W motor has predictable PAS settings and smooth engagement.
- Its dual displays give a unique, futuristic feel with quick access to ride data.
- The bike can ride comfortably in many environments with fat tires and a suspension fork.
- It has a more dialed-in contemporary visual style than Rad’s previous models.
- The semi-integrated battery pack is easy to remove for charging or security.
Con’s- We think an under-the-bar shifter would fit the feel of the RadRover better than the over-the-bar model.
Who says a beach-cruiser e-bike has to be mellow? Why not have the option to enjoy the sunsets at a leisurely pace—or zoom down streets at exciting speeds? The Blix Sol Eclipse excels at both.
With the Sol Eclipse, Blix delivers a classic-looking beach cruiser with a beautiful, glossy paint job and brushed aluminum trim. Its swoopy styling has appealing, functional curves; with a standover height of just 17”, it’s easily mounted by any rider.
Make no mistake—this is one of the better-performing hill climbers we’ve ever tested. Where many cruisers casually meandered their way up our test hill, the Blix Sol Eclipse used its 750W motor to fly.
It’s also a remarkably comfortable and stable bike, thanks to its accommodating saddle, wide handlebars, and long wheelbase. The Sol Eclipse’s overall solid handling, great range, hill performance, and comfort help it stand out as one of the best value electric bikes. If you’re seeking a high-quality beach cruiser at a great price, we think you’ll be in love after the first ride!
Pro’s- Riding this bike is easy and enjoyable! It has simple operation and tons of motor power on tap when needed.
- It performed impressively in all areas of our testing, including great range, braking, hill climbing, and speed.
- The Sol Eclipse comes in 4 different colors, so it has heaps of personality.
- It’s extremely comfortable. The riding position, saddle, and sweeping handles make for a relaxing ride every time.
Con’s- While it’s not uncommon on many e-bikes, we found the lower two assist levels somewhat underpowered.
When looking for a cargo e-bike, it’s important to remember that your shopping likely isn’t done with just the bike. To truly unlock its full potential, you’ll need to pick up accessories to keep the kids on board, your gear secure, or your groceries contained.
We appreciated that the Aventon Abound shipped with a selection of basic but essential accessories that you won’t often find included on other cargo carriers. These include running boards, wheel guards, and a storage compartment behind the bike’s seat tube. Is that everything you’ll need to get by? Probably not, but it’s a great start.
The Abound’s value is further driven by the quality of its ride. The 750W rear-hub motor’s torque sensor provides a responsive and spirited feel. It also has the muscle to haul the bike’s 440-lb payload capacity up any hill. Trust us, this bike blasted up our test hill in style!
The bike includes plenty of smaller features we liked, too. Its integrated tail lights include turn signals for safety. The bike’s saddle includes a handle to make moving it around easier when stationary. And we always appreciate Aventon’s color display with Bluetooth and app connectivity.
The Abound is a quality cargo e-bike with lots to offer. We highly recommend it as one of the best value e-bikes we’ve tested.
Pro’s- The bike’s powerful 750W motor will get you up any hill with little effort, even with a heavy load of cargo.
- The Abound features more things standard than most cargo bikes. The included runner boards, wheel guard, and storage compartment are nice to have out of the box.
- Looks are subjective, but we think it has a little more eye appeal than many other cargo bikes on the market.
- The bike includes a collapsable stem for easier transport or storage.
- We liked the responsive feel of the bike’s motor engagement thanks to its torque sensor.
Con’s- Riders with larger shoes (men’s size 12+) may occasionally clip their heels on the running boards.
For those seeking a comfortable city cruiser with a responsive ride feel, the Lectric XPress 500 offers some of the best value we’ve seen at its price point of around $1,000.
Coming from a brand known for its affordable folding e-bikes, the XPress is one of only a handful of full-size models Lectric offers. The base model of the bike features a lively 500W rear hub motor with plenty of uphill power. It also has a torque sensor—an uncommon feature on such an affordable bike—giving it a highly responsive and natural feel.
The XPress can quickly and easily switch between Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 settings to meet the speed and throttle requirements of most municipalities. We found the standard motor to be plenty capable of Class 3 speeds, but those who want even more power can upgrade to a 750W hub motor with a larger battery for a few hundred dollars extra.
Lectric offers the XPress in both a high-step and step-thru (ST) frame. The ST model (pictured) features an upright riding position and curved, Dutch-style handlebars that we found highly comfortable and well-suited to casual rides. The high-step frame features flat handlebars and the forward-leaning position typical of a commuter e-bike.
With plenty of options for riders of all types to appreciate, the Lectric XPress is sure to impress.
Pro’s- Both the 500W base model and the upgraded 750W XPress are specced incredibly well for their prices.
- The bike comes in two frame styles with different riding positions to suit different types of riders.
- We found the base model to be plenty fun and fast, with plenty of climbing power.
- Users can switch between Class 1, 2, and 3 modes using the bike’s display.
- The bike’s fit can be tailored to its rider thanks to a quick-adjust stem.
Con’s- A trigger shifter and left-hand throttle would be more user-friendly than the current over-the-bar shifter and right-hand throttle.
With a price of around $2,000, the Euphree City Robin X+ features a hybrid commuter/cruiser design packed with tiny details that elevate the experience. Comfort is the bike’s primary focus, with luxurious trim, ergonomically shaped handlebars, a full suspension, and a wide, well-cushioned saddle. We think it rides like a dream!
The City Robin is available in two models (technically three with the 2022 model), with the X+ we tested featuring a torque sensor. This sensor allows the bike’s motor output to match your pedaling, so it feels similar to an analog bike but way more fun! It even includes an Auto-Assist feature that adjusts the bike’s power output naturally as you move faster.
With the bike’s 48V, 500W rear-hub motor, the ride is plenty fast (though it doesn’t have to be) and thoroughly enjoyable. It has a great range, too! The 672-watt-hour battery allows the bike to travel great distances before needing to be plugged in; we exceeded Euphree’s claimed 60 miles in our testing, making the City Robin a great long-distance commuter.
The real value exists in small but impactful extras like the suspension seatpost, the cafe wheel lock, the high-capacity cargo rack, and even the pleasant brass bell on the handlebars. The City Robin X+ is a joy to ride, and it comes well-outfitted for casual rides or use as a daily commuter.
As a staff favorite with a great price, we think the City Robin X+ is an excellent buy.
Pro’s- The City Robin has an incredibly comfortable ride due to its relaxed Dutch styling, suspension fork, and suspension seatpost.
- The ride feels smooth and natural, with a torque sensor to deliver more power when the rider puts in more effort.
- From a sleek paint job to the quality of the bike’s components, the City Robin feels like a step up from the norm.
- We liked the included security features, including optional passcode requirements and a cafe wheel lock.
- Users can ride on or off the pavement with hybrid 27.5”x2.125” tires.
Con’s- The initial motor engagement felt great, but we’d prefer faster re-engagement after coasting/braking.
How We Chose the Best Bikes for Value
After testing hundreds of e-bikes, we have gained an understanding of the features, components, etc., typically included at various price points within the market.
Plenty of great e-bikes can be had on the more affordable end of the spectrum, but we expect the quality of a bike’s components, its selection of features, and its overall performance to improve as its price increases. The e-bikes on this list exceeded our expectations based on price, though other factors contributed to their selection:
- Feature/Price Balance: In order to be a candidate for this list, each e-bike had to deliver an impressive experience for its price – whether by including uncommon features, demonstrating remarkable performance, or generally providing more than its competition within a similar price range.
- Variety: This list would mean little if it were packed full of folding e-bikes, especially considering that we already have a list of the best folders! It was important to find the best value e-bikes from among all styles of e-bike to establish diversity and present an option for everyone.
- Test Performance: Satisfactory performance was the bare minimum of our requirements for this list, but many of the bikes on this list excelled in at least one area of our testing.
- Lasting Impressions: We do our best to separate our own personal judgment when choosing the best electric bikes, but we can’t deny that we also enjoy a good deal! The members of our team said, “I’d buy that!” at multiple points during our review process of each of these memorable e-bikes.
Summary: The Best Value Electric Bikes
In these uncertain times where inflation is rampant, it’s essential to establish your e-bike budget range and maximize your purchasing power.
We recommend comparing a wide variety of models to learn what features should be expected within your price range so you can understand when an e-bike goes above and beyond. Our e-bike reviews can help you with that!
Whether you’re interested in a fat tire e-bike to get you to work every weekday and go exploring with on the weekends or a comfortable cruiser for relaxed evening rides, we hope that this list helps you find the best e-bike for your wallet AND for your overall enjoyment!
If this is your first dive into the world of e-bikes and you want to learn more about them, head over to our buyer’s guide to learn the basics. If you’re interested in more of the best electric bikes, please check out some of our other categories below!
Have a bike that you think would be a good contender for our best page? Let us know in the comment section below. At the very least, we always want to know what our readers are riding.
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