Electric bicycles aren’t as new as the recent trend would have you think, but they’ve become extremely popular lately due to plummeting prices. New technology, longer-lasting batteries, and cheaper materials mean high-quality, affordable electric bikes are now available to the wider public.
Although they were once scoffed at by traditional cyclists, the benefits of electric bikes can no longer be ignored. Older people, people with disabilities, or simply those who don’t want to exert themselves are finding ebikes to be a life-saver. The more people cycling, the less traffic and fewer emissions, so we hope ebikes have a bright future!
Best Electric Bikes Under $2,000
1. Aventon Level.2: Fully-equipped Commuter
2. Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6: Fat Tire Hybrid e-Bike. New, upgraded model
3. Ride1UP LMT’D: City Hybrid by an e-specific
4. Co-op Cycles CTY e2.1: Great value mid-drive city hybrid/commuter e-bike
5. Electra Townie Go! 7D: Cruiser & commuter style eBike
6. Charge Comfort 2: An urban cruiser with innovative design features
7. Lectric XP 2.0: 3 in 1 – folding fat-tire eBike. One of the best-selling units ever sold – over 30,000 units!
8. Co-op Cycles Generation e1.1: A new utility eBike, a reliable and versatile Co-op Cycles bike with a great price to match
9. Buzz E-Bike: Mid-drive commuter eBike at an affordable rate. They also have an e-trike for sale.
Aventon Level.2 Step-Over
Versatile and affordable commuter e-bike
Weight – 53 lbs | Battery – 672Wh| Motor – 500W | Range – 60mi
MSRP: $1,949
- 27.5″ x 2.1″ tires
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- Charge time: 4-5 hours
- Class 3 eBike
- Integrated rear rack
The Aventon Level.2 eBike is a low-price city commuter with everything needed to replace your car.
Aventon equipped the Level.2 with an integrated rear rack, fenders, and a kickstand. However, they didn’t include lights, which is disappointing.
The Level.2 has an 8-speed Shimano Acera drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes for reliable shifting and powerful stopping. Comfort comes from the plush 2.1″ tires, a 65mm coil fork, and ergonomic touchpoints.
- Read our full review: Aventon Level.2 Review
A punchy 500W motor can deliver max speeds of 28mph (20mph throttle), which is plenty for any urban riding. This motor pairs with a 672Wh battery that returns a max range of 60 miles.
Overall, this is a reliable and versatile option and one of the best commuter bikes you’ll find in the sub-$2,000 range.
Size Recommendation
Regular – 5’7″- 5’11”
Large – 5’11” – 6’4″
Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6
Best electric bike under $2,000
Weight – 73 lbs | Battery – 48V 14Ah (672Wh) | Motor – 750W | Range – 45mi | Torque – 80Nm
MSRP: $1,999
- Hydraulic brakes
- Class 2 eBike (Speed limited to 20mph with throttle & pedal-assist)
- 7-speed gearing
- 26″ x 4″ Kenda Juggernaut tires
- Size Recommendation: 5’4″ – 6’2″
With massive 4″ tires, front suspension, and a custom motor, the RadRover 6 is no ordinary ebike. This rather heavy beast of a bike is an off-road machine that can take on sand, snow, or mud with no trouble at all.
The fat Kenda tires are fitted on 26″ wheels and feature a puncture-resistant liner for added protection. They’re driven by a powerful 750W geared-hub motor with 5 levels of pedal assistance, taking the stress out of uphill cycling while still giving you some exercise. With a 672WH semi-integrated, removable battery, you’ll easily get a full day of cycling before needing to pop it out and recharge it.
The rest of the bike’s components are fairly standard, including hydraulic disc brakes, a 6061 aluminum frame, and a basic 7-speed drivetrain. The focus is mainly on the electric side of things but it tackles rough terrain with ease. One thing is for sure, it’s one of the best electric bikes under $2,000 on the market!
More from Rad Power Bikes
| RAD POWER | TYPE | MSRP $ | FRAMES | SPEEDS | TIRES | FORK |
| RadMission 1 | Fixie | 1,099 | ST & Standard | Single-speed | 700c | Rigid |
| RadRunner 1 | Utility | 1,299 | ST & Standard | Single-speed | 20×3.3″ | Rigid |
| RadRunner Plus | Utility | 1,799 | ST & Standard | 7 | 20×3.3″ | 80mm |
| RadWagon 4 | Cargo | 1,899 | Step-Through | 7 | 22×3″ | Rigid |
| RadMini 4 | Folding | 1,499 | ST & Standard | 7 | 20×3″ | 80mm |
| RadRover 5 | Fat Hybrid | 1,699 | ST & Standard | 7 | 26×4″ | 80mm |
| RadRover 6 Plus | Fat Hybrid | 1,999 | Standard | 7 | 26×4″ | 60mm |
| RadCity 4 | Hybrid | 1,599 | ST & Standard | 7 | 26×2.3″ | 100mm |
Ride1UP LMT’D
Weight – 53 lbs | Battery – 48V 14Ah (672Wh) | Motor – 750W | Range – 30-50mi | Torque – 100Nm
MSRP: $1,895
- Class 3 eBike with a 20mph throttle
- Tektro Auriga hydraulic brakes
- 80mm RST Asteria Air suspension
- Lightweight alloy frame
- Adjustable display
With a powerful 750W motor, thick tires, and air-sprung front fork, you’d be forgiven for thinking the price on this bike is wrong. It’s an impressive collection of parts for under $2,000!
Not only that, the motor kicks out an astonishing 100Nm of torque and as a Class 3 bike, you can reach a full 20mph (32km/h) with the throttle alone before you even have to start pedaling.
Beyond that you continue to get pedal assistance to 28mph (45km/h), making this bike feel more like a motorbike than a bicycle. All this power does put a strain on the battery which only lasts about 30-50 miles (48-80km) but it’ll get you to work and back.
The fork provides a decent 80mm of travel to swallow up bumps and you get quality disc brakes for instant stopping power. The Shimano 8-speed drivetrain is sufficient and on the handlebars, you get a color display, thumb throttle, and Rapidfire shifters.
If you’re looking for one of the best electric bikes under $2,000 with hydraulic brakes, look no further than the Ride1UP LMT’D.
Size Recommendation
XR: 5’6″ – 6’4″
ST: 5’1″ – 6’2″
| RIDE1UP | TYPE | MSRP $ | FRAMES | SPEEDS | TIRES | WEIGHT | COLORS | TORQUE |
| Roadster V2 | Fixie | 1,095 | S-L | 1 | 700x28c | 33lbs | 3 | 40Nm |
| Core-5 | City | 1,195 | XT/ST | 7 | 27.5″x2.2 | 49lbs | 2 | 60Nm |
| 500 Series | City | 1,395 | XT/ST | 8 | 27.5×2.2″ | 55lbs | 2 | 60Nm |
| 700 Series | Hybrid | 1,595 | XT/ST | 8 | 27.5×2.4″ | 62lbs | 2 | 60Nm |
| LMT’D | Hybrid | 1,895 | XR/ST | 8 | 27.5×2.4″ | 53lbs | 2 | 100Nm |
| Prodigy | Mountain | 2,195 | XR/ST/XC | 9 | 27.5×2.0″ | 48lbs | 1 | 90Nm |
Co-op Cycles CTY e2.1
Reliable mid-drive commuter e-bike
Weight – 50.5 lbs | Battery – 36V 11.6Ah (418W) | Motor – 250W | Range – 50mi | Torque – 40Nm
MSRP: $1,799
- 27.5″ x 1.95″ Schwalbe tires
- Shimano Altus hydraulic disc brakes
- Charge time: 6.5 hours
- Class 1 eBike
- Integrated rear rack
Co-op Cycles CTY range is a long-running and trustworthy brand name that gets the REI seal of approval as its parent company. It’s a lightweight Class 1 commuter ebike, pre-fitted with a rear rack, kickstand, and front and rear lights. Some quality components include the Shimano Altus groupset with a matching 9-speed drivetrain and hydro disc brakes.
- Related post: 10 Best Mid-Drive Ebikes We Recommend
The 250W motor only has 40Nm of torque so it takes some time to get rolling but will carry you along with pedal assistance up to 20mph (32km/h). The 418W battery delivers a decent 50 miles (80km) worth of cycling power and pops out for easy overnight charging.
You even get 75mm of travel on the front suspension fork, which works with the 1.95″ puncture-resistant Schwalbe tires to give you a smooth, hassle-free ride. Overall, the CTY e2.1 doesn’t have any outstanding features but rather provides a reliable, lightweight ebike for getting around town.
Size Recommendation
S: 5’0″ – 5’6″
M: 5’6″ – 5’9″
L: 5’6″ – 6’3″
Electra Townie Go! 7D
Stylish, affordable electric bike under $2,000
Weight – 47 lbs | Battery – 250 Wh | Motor – 250W | Range – 16-40mi | Torque – 40Nm
MSRP: $1,750
- Class 1 eBike
- 26″ x 2.35″ tires
- Tektro mechanical disc brakes
- Charge time: 4 hours
- Sizing: 5’3″ – 6’4″
Electra is popular for its affordable ebikes and the Townie Go! is one of their best-selling models. Its classic style and simplicity are its winning factors, combined with a lightweight frame and practical design. Electra’s patented Flat Foot Technology means you’ll never have to lean over when stopping, keeping you upright and comfortable all day long.
As a Class 1 bike, the 250W motor provides pedal assistance up to 20mph (32km/h), after which you can speed up with the 7-speed Shimano drivetrain. The 250 Wh battery charges in just over 4 hours but only provides you with a maximum 40-mile range – and that’s if you pedal a lot!
However, it’s the perfect town commuter for collecting groceries, visiting friends, or going to work. You get a convenient integrated rear rack and kickstand, comfortable balloon tires, and powerful disc brakes.
In our opinion, this is among the best electric mountain bikes under $2,000 as long as cruisers are considered.
Charge Comfort 2
Cruiser-style urban e-bike
Weight – 55 lbs | Battery – 418 Wh | Motor – 250W | Range – 50mi | Torque – 45Nm
MSRP: $1,899
- Class 2 eBike
- 27.5″ x 2.6″ tires
- Mechanical disc brakes
- Charge time: 3-7 hours
- Sizing: 4’11” – 6’3″
Charge is one of the newest brand’s to go fully electric, releasing its first lineup of e-bikes in 2020, and the Comfort 2 is the second iteration of the popular cruiser-style urban e-bike.
All charge bikes are designed to make urban living easier. They have folding pedals and handlebars for neater storage, tire pressure indicator caps, and puncture-resistant Goodyear tires, and they arrive almost fully assembled.
This model has 2.6″ balloon tires, a plush saddle with suspension, swept-back handlebars, an upright riding position, and a low-step frame, creating an unbeatable smooth ride feel.
A no-frills groupset comprises a 7-speed Shimano drivetrain and mechanical disc brakes. Finally, you have a fully-equipped setup and plenty of range to make commuting hassle-free.
Best Electric Bikes Under $1,500
Lectric XP 2.0
Best budget folding electric bike
Weight – 63 lbs | Battery – 460Wh | Motor – 500W | Range – 45mi | Torque – 60Nm
MSRP: 1,099
- Class 2 eBike (option to change it to class 3)
- 20″ x 3″ tires
- Tektro mechanical disc brakes
- Charge time: 4-6 hours
- Integrated rear rack and lights
Lectric is a new company that’s exploded onto the scene with its range of cheap folding electric bike models. The XP 2.0 folds up to be suitcase-sized 37x18x27 inches, perfect for going in elevators, storage, or taking on public transport.
At 63 lbs (28kg), it’s not the lightest ebike but it sure packs a punch for its size. A powerful 500W motor gives you 60Nm of torque powered by a throttle that will take you up to 20mh (32km/h) before you have to pedal. The 460Wh battery will keep going for 45 miles (72km) on one charge, making the XP 2.0 a great long-distance ebike.
On top of all that you get lights, a rack that holds 75lbs (34kg), solid disc brakes, and comfy 3″ tires. You can even upgrade the top speed to 28mph (45km/h) if the laws in your area allow it. The components aren’t brand names but for the price, it’s convenient and easy to commute.
There’s no doubt that this is one of the best electric bikes under $2,000 with a foldable frame that you can get.
Size Recommendation
Standard: 5’0″ – 6’4″
Step-Thru: 4’10” – 6’3″
Co-op Cycles Generation e1.1
Best affordable electric utility bike
Battery – 418Wh | Motor – 350W | Range – up to 40mi
MSRP: $1,499
- Class 1 eBike
- 20″ x 2.4″ Schwalbe Super-Moto-X puncture-resistant
- Shimano Altus 7-speed drivetrain
- Aluminum frame and fork
C0-op Cycles is becoming a household for its range of quality bicycles, which now includes a new line of inexpensive electric utility bikes. These are designed to offer a more functional alternative to the eCTY line.
This bike is clearly designed for comfort over speed with comfort touchpoints, 70mm of front suspension, upright geometry, a step-through frame, and an adjustable stem.
The 350W Bafang motor kicks out a decent 20mph pedal-assist speed, more than enough to tackle moderate hills with some cargo on board.
Tektro hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors brakes keep you stopping reliably in all conditions and a 7-speed Shimano drivetrain allows you to maximize the 418Wh battery for up to 40 miles of range.
This bike is also equipped to carry large cargo loads on the frame-integrated rear rack.
Buy if: You need a bike that’s comfortable and equipped for running errands or commuting.
Buzz Cerana E-Bike
One of the best ebikes under $1,500 with a mid-drive
Weight – 57 lbs | Battery – 374Wh | Motor – 350W | Range – 40mi
MSRP: $1,499
- 24″ tires
- Disc brakes
- 7-speed Shimano Tourney
- Front and rear lights
- Lockable battery
E-bikes have certainly become a buzzword lately, so much so that there’s an actual ebike called the Buzz. The Buzz Cerana e-Bike is a fun little machine for zooming around town with your friends, grabbing some drinks, and hitting the park. It’s got compact 24″ wheels, a front basket, an easy step-over frame, and just enough juice to go 40 miles (64km).
The 7-speed Shimano drivetrain is an impressive addition, allowing you to push a bit beyond the 20mph (32km/h) pedal-assist speed limit that the 350W motor provides. You also get decent disc brakes and front and rear lights for added safety at night. I wouldn’t try to go cross-country on it but it’s an ideal and affordable way for getting around town.
FAQ
How much are electric bikes worth in 2021?
These days, you can get great ebikes under 2000 dollars if you shop around a bit. Some of the best low-cost electric bikes are found online but you should really check the components and read the reviews, as some are low quality.
The most affordable electric bike that still provides good quality is around $1,500 but if you can push it to $2,000 you’ll appreciate the difference. Above $2,000 you can start finding the best budget electric mountain bikes and specialty bikes for touring or gravel.
$500 – $999 | Entry hub motor
$1,000 – $1,500 | Mid-range hub motor & entry mid-drive
$1,500 – $2,000 | Mid-range hub motor & entry/mid level mid-drive
$2,000 – $3,000 | High-end hub motor & mid-range mid-drive
$3,000 – $4,000+ | High-end hub motor & high-end mid-drive
$1,000 vs $2,000 vs $3,000 eBike
At $1,000 or less, you’re getting the type of bike that is only used on the occasional weekend for short, fun rides. It could be a bit unsafe and probably won’t have much power or gearing options.
For a decent yet affordable electric bike, you should look between $1,500 and $2,500. Bikes in this price range will have better parts and feel more solid and safe. Currently, the best electric bike under 2000 is probably the Ride1UP L’td.
Above $3,000, you can get some good quality mountain bikes, gravel bikes and carbon road bikes.
How much should I spend on an electric bike?
Always buy eBike with disc brakes, wider tires, and a strong frame.
If you’re just looking for any cheap motorized bicycle, you can get something for under $1,000 but it won’t be good. You really want to get something with disc brakes, wider tires, and a strong frame because ebikes are heavy and need extra safety features.
Between $1,500 and $2,000 is a good range for the best affordable e bike.
Are cheap electric bikes any good?
Although you can get cheap ebikes under $1,000, it’s not recommended because they will probably break down quite often. The best inexpensive ebikes are between $1,500 and $2,000. At this price, you’re likely to get decent components, strong materials, and a better guarantee.
Which is better – mid-drive or hub motor eBike?
It’s hard to find an affordable mid drive ebike because the motors are more expensive but are also more powerful and reliable. If you just want to ride around town, a hub motor is more than adequate. However, most of the low-cost, affordable eMTB bikes lack the necessary power for off-road if they don’t have a mid-drive motor.
