Updated May 13, 2024
You might be wondering just what qualifies as an electric bike. What is under review here can be described as pretty much regular bikes that have electric power components. They can be pedaled for propulsion but also have an electric motor with a battery and a drivetrain that can be used as an additional source of power to make the going easier.
The bikes are designed for different styles of riding for both on and off-road excursions to suit your needs. There are different levels of electric power assistance to go with the bike’s standard gearing mechanism and other features like suspension and brakes to create the model that matches your needs,
To help you make your way through the weeds of the marketplace, some top e-bikes in several categories have been selected as an introduction. All have pricing that can be considered affordable in a range from $500 to $1,600. There is a comparison table to start, followed by reviews with descriptions, key features, photos, videos, and a basic buying guide.
Please use the comments section at the bottom if you have any questions or concerns. I’d love to know your thoughts.
For more information on other categories of bikes, please check out these reviews:
Women’s Mountain Bikes BMX Bikes Mountain Bikes Under $1,000 Budget Mountain Bikes Fat Bikes Single Speed Bikes Beach Cruisers
Best Affordable Electric Bikes in 2023
- Ancheer Hummer 27.5″ Electric Mountain Bike
- DJ Electric Fat Bike
- Nakto Cargo Electric Bike
- Schwinn Monroe Unisex Electric Bike
- Swagtron EB-6 Bandit Electric Fat Bike
- Nakto Adult Unisex Electric Fat Bike
- Cyclamatic Power Plus CX1 Electric Mountain Bike
- Schwinn Voyager Electric Bike
Affordable Electric Bikes Comparison Table
| Photo | Bike | Frame | Gears | Wheel-Size | Motor | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Ancheer Hummer 27.5" Electric Mountain Bike | Aluminum | 21 Speed | 27.5" | 48V 500W | $$ |
  | DJ Electric Fat Bike | Aluminum | 7 Speed | 26" | 48V 750W | $$$ |
  | Nakto Cargo Electric Bike | Aluminum | 6 Speed | 26" | 36V 250W | $ |
 | Schwinn Monroe Unisex Electric Bike | Aluminum | 1 Speed | 27.5" (700mm) | 350W | $$$ |
  | Swagtron EB-6 Bandit Electric Fat Bike | Aluminum | 7 Speed | 20" | 36V 350W | $$$ |
  | Nakto Adult Unisex Electric Fat Bike | Carbon Steel | 6 Speed | 26" | 36V 300W | $$ |
 | Cyclamatic Power Plus CX1 Electric Mountain Bike | Steel | 21 Speed | 26" | 36V 250W | $ |
  | Schwinn Voyager Electric Bike | Aluminum | 8 Speed | 27.5" (700mm) | 250W | $$$ |
| Photo | Bike | Frame | Gears | Wheel-Size | Rating | Price |
Ancheer Hummer 27.5″ Electric Mountain Bike
It has a durable 6061 aluminum frame with a front suspension to smooth out the bumps and a 500W motor for plenty of assistance when needed for speeds up to 22 mph.
A 48 V 10Ah lithium-ion battery packs enough power for 22 unassisted miles in throttle mode and a 21-speed Shimano drivetrain provides plenty of adaptability to the terrain when pedaling.
Equipped with a quality LCD display, you can continuously keep track of battery level, mileage, and speed.
With a load capacity of 330 pounds, this sturdy bike is suitable for a wide range of riders from 5’1” to 6’4”.
- Size: recommended for riders 5’1” to 6’4” with a weight capacity of 330 pounds
- Frame/Fork Material: 6061 aluminum frame, carbon steel suspension fork
- Suspension: front suspension
- Tires: 27.5-inch x 1.95-inch mountain professional
- Rims: double-wall aluminum
- Gears: 21-speed Shimano
- Brakes: front and rear Shimano mechanical disc brakes
- Meter: LCD 5-speed level display
- Motor: 48V 500W high-speed brushless gear motor
- Maximum Speed: 22 mph
- Running Distance Per Charge: 22 miles (throttle mode), 38 miles (pedal assist mode)
- Battery: 48V 10Ah lithium-ion battery
- Charging Time: 6 hours
- Color: black
- Warranty: ask for details of the warranty
- Price: $$
It has a sturdy 6061 aluminum frame and fat 26 x 4-inch tires, a Mozo suspension fork, and a soft cushioned saddle to smooth out the ride.
The Powerful Bafeng 48V 750W LG battery delivers a peak of 1,000W for speeds up to 20 mph with a running distance from 25 to 37 miles. Recharging only takes 4 hours.
It is equipped also with a quality 7-speed Shimano drivetrain, Tektro mechanical disc brakes front and rear, an integrated LED headlight, and alloy fenders, all to make the ride more convenient, comfortable, and effective.
The King Meter LCD display is backlit and keeps you alert to the speed, top riding speed, local time, riding distance, and battery life.
At the top end of pricing for the models reviewed here, though still quite reasonable, it comes with a 1-year warranty to help assure satisfaction.
- Size: suitable for a wide range of riders
- Frame/Fork Material: 6061 aluminum frame and fork
- Suspension: Mozo suspension fork with lockout and preload adjustment
- Tires: 26-inch x 4-inch Kenda brand
- Rims: heavy-duty alloy
- Gears: 7-speed Shimano
- Brakes: front and rear Tektro mechanical disc brakes
- Saddle: extra-comfortable cushioned
- Meter: King meter LCD 5-speed level display
- Motor: 48V 750W Bafeng brushless motor with peak power of 1,000W
- Maximum Speed: 20 mph
- Running Distance Per Charge: 25 to 37 miles
- Battery: 48V 10Ah LG lithium battery
- Charging Time: 4 hours (safety design to prevent overcharging)
- Color: black
- Warranty: 1-year manufacturer warranty
- Price: $$$
It has a durable aluminum frame and carbon steel suspension front fork to even out the bumps, and a basic set of a front V-brake and rear expansion brake to go with a 6-speed Shimano drivetrain for easy pedaling on different terrains.
The 36V 250W rear hub motor will speed you up to 25 mph over distances as great as 35 miles in pedal-assist mode.
It also sports a handy front cargo basket, rear rack, front headlight, horn, and fenders for more comfort, safety, and convenience.
There is also a 1-year warranty to go with the low price.
- Size: recommended for riders from 4’9” to 6’6”, load capacity 300 pounds
- Frame/Fork Material: aluminum frame with a carbon steel fork
- Suspension: suspension fork
- Tires: 26-inch x 1.75-inch
- Gears: 6-speed Shimano drivetrain
- Brakes: front V-brake, rear expansion brake
- Cargo Basket, LED Headlight, Rear Rack, Horn, and Fenders included
- Motor: 36V 250W
- Maximum Speed: 25 mph
- Running Distance Per Charge: 28 miles (throttle mode), 35 miles (pedal assist mode)
- Battery: 36V 10Ah removable lithium battery with a power display
- Charging Time: 6 hours
- Color: black, white
- Warranty: 1-year manufacturer warranty
- Price: $
Schwinn Monroe Unisex Electric Bike
It has a unisex design that comes in 3 frame sizes to suit a wide range of riders with a sturdy aluminum frame, steel fork, and basic rigid suspension.
The 350W hub motor has 5 levels of assistance with a maximum speed of 20 mph and a range of 45 miles.
Stopping power is assured with front and rear mechanical disc brakes.
The pricing is high considering the basic design and features but it does come with a generous warranty and the Schwinn reputation.
- Frame Sizes: SM – 14-inch, MD – 16-inch, LG – 18-inch
- Frame/Fork Material: aluminum alloy frame and steel fork
- Suspension: rigid
- Tires: 27.5-inch tires with Rhino skin puncture protection
- Rims: deep V alloy
- Gears: 1 speed
- Brakes: front and rear mechanical disc brakes
- Meter: LED display with a thumbpad controller on the handlebar for 5 levels of assistance
- Motor: 350W
- Maximum Speed: 20 mph
- Running Distance Per Charge: 45 miles (pedal assist mode)
- Battery: lithium-ion rechargeable battery
- Color: blue/black
- Warranty: 2-year warranty on the battery and electric-assist parts, lifetime warranty on the frame and fork
- Price: $$$
Swagtron EB-6 Bandit Electric Fat Bike
It’s a durable model with a lightweight aluminum frame and rigid fork with 20 x 4-inch tires for excellent traction and a smooth ride.
The 36V 350W brushless motor allows the achievement of a maximum speed of 18.6 mph and the capability to mount an incline of 25˚under power of the throttle, while a Shimano cycling freewheel makes for easy coasting when not pedaling.
The battery will last for 20 miles in throttle mode and it recharges in under 5 hours.
In addition, it also comes with high-quality mechanical disc brakes and a limited 1-year warranty.
- Size: suitable for smaller riders, weight capacity of 264 pounds
- Frame/Fork Material: 6061 aluminum frame and fork
- Suspension: rigid
- Tires: 20-inch x 4-inch
- Rims: heavy-duty alloy
- Gears: 7-speed Shimano drivetrain with Shimano SIS shifter
- Brakes: dual lever-actuated front and rear mechanical disc brakes
- Meter: LED battery indicator
- Motor: 36V 350W brushless motor
- Maximum Speed: 18.6 mph
- Running Distance Per Charge: 20 miles (throttle mode)
- Battery: 36V 7.8Ah lithium battery
- Charging Time: 4-5 hours
- Color: black or white
- Warranty: 1-year limited warranty
- Price: $$$
Nakto Adult Unisex Electric Fat Bike
The 26 x 4-inch fat tires absorb a lot of the shock even without any front suspension, and quality front and rear disc brakes provide the stopping power.
The 36V 300W electric motor will take you to a maximum speed of 20 mph for up to 28 miles on one charge.
It comes with fenders, a horn, a comfortable seat, an LED headlamp for safe nighttime rides, and a multi-function LCD display that keeps you abreast of all the important data.
The pricing is quite reasonable and is backed up by a 1-year warranty.
- Size: suitable for riders from 5’3” to 6’3”, weight capacity of 242 pounds
- Frame/Fork Material: carbon steel frame and fork
- Suspension: rigid
- Tires: 26-inch x 4-inch
- Gears: 6-speed Shimano
- Brakes: front and rear disc brakes
- Saddle: comfortable with adjustable height
- LED Front Headlamp
- Fenders, Horn, and Kickstand included
- Meter: Smart multiple-function LCD display
- Motor: 36V 300W
- Maximum Speed: 20 mph
- Running Distance Per Charge: 22 to 28 miles
- Battery: 36V 10Ah lithium battery
- Charging Time: 4 to 6 hours
- Color: black
- Warranty: 1-year manufacturer warranty
- Price: $$
Cyclamatic Power Plus CX1 Electric Mountain Bike
It has a durable steel frame with a suspension fork to go with a Shimano 21-speed drivetrain, and front and rear disc brakes just like many expensive bikes.
The 36V 250W motor with 3 levels of pedal assist can deliver speeds to 15 mph for distances up to 31 miles on one battery charge. Easily removable, the battery recharges in 4-6 hours.
Riders 5’4” and taller and a total weight of up to 220 pounds are well supported on the 19-inch frame suitable for light trail riding and road travel.
- Size: 19-inch frame suitable for riders 5’4” and age 14 and over, weight capacity of 220 pounds
- Frame/Fork Material: steel frame and fork
- Suspension: suspension fork
- Quick-Release Front Wheel
- Tires: 26-inch Kenda brand
- Gears: 21-speed Shimano drivetrain
- Brakes: front and rear disc brakes
- Motor: 36V 250W
- 3 Levels of Pedal Assist
- Maximum Speed: 15 mph
- Running Distance Per Charge: 25 to 31 miles
- Battery: 36V 8.8Ah removable lithium battery
- Charging Time: 4 to 6 hours
- Color: white
- Warranty: ask for details of the warranty
- Price: $
The SR Suntour NEX coil-spring suspension fork has lockout so it can be adjusted to rigid for smooth conditions or provide meaningful shock absorption when it is a little bumpier.
The Bafeng 250W hub motor can deliver assisted speeds to 20 mph and lasts up to 65 miles on a charge.
An LCD display on the handlebar lets you keep track of the battery and assist levels.
The 8-speed Shimano drivetrain and shifters give some versatility to cover variable terrain and front and rear mechanical disc brakes provide precise stopping power.
Available in two sizes that cover a large range of body sizes, the Voyager line also has step-through and mid-drive versions to choose from.
- Frame Sizes: SM/MD, LG/XL
- Frame/Fork Material: 6061 aluminum alloy frame and steel fork
- Suspension: SR Suntour NEX suspension fork with lockout
- Tires: 27.5-inch urban road tires
- Rims: double-wall aluminum, 32 hole
- Gears: 8-speed Shimano drivetrain and shifters
- Brakes: front and rear mechanical disc brakes
- Meter: center-mounted LCD display with battery life and assist level
- Motor: 250W Bafeng hub drive with 5 levels of assist
- Maximum Speed: 20 mph
- Running Distance Per Charge: 45 to 65 miles
- Battery: lithium-ion rechargeable battery
- Color: white, dark blue, black
- Warranty: ask for full details about the warranty
- Price: $$$
Electric Bikes Buying Guide
Types
Electric bikes are available in a number of styles to suit different riding activities just like regular bikes. They can be designed for commuting, cruising, mountain biking, and hybrids of these. You’ll need to determine what sort of use you plan to make a suitable match.
There is also a classification system that divides up electric bikes:
- Class 1 – This refers to pedal-assist models where the motor operates only when the pedals are in use. This class is allowed on roads without special licensing. There are speed limits for assisted models in the US and Europe – approximately 20 mph in the US and 15 mph in Europe. Manufacturers can put governors on motors to stay within the limit, if necessary.
- Class 2 – These are throttle-operated bikes that don’t require any pedaling to operate the motor. In the US, there is little in the way of limitations in their use for speeds up to 20 mph. Europe and some other countries have restrictions.
- Class 3 – This includes pedal-assist models like those in Class 1 except that speeds can get as high as 28 mph. In some areas, such performance requires a license, though not in the US.
Motor
Motors can be mounted in one of the hubs or mid-drive. The amount of power is designated in the wattage of the motor. Models reviewed here range from 250W to 750W. The higher numbers will yield more speed and generally add to the expense of the bike.
Battery
Most batteries in use on e-bikes are lithium-ion batteries. A powerful battery can extend the running distance. The models reviewed here have a range between 20 to 45 miles depending on the terrain when used in pedal-assist mode. Larger batteries are more expensive.
These batteries typically can be recharged from an electrical outlet using a charger that comes with the bike, taking from 4 to 8 hours depending on the design.
More Details on Types, Motors, and Batteries: Electric Bicycle Types Explained, Buyer’s Guide to Electric Bicycles
Brakes
The best and most effective brakes for electric bikes and all bikes are disc brakes, either hydraulic or mechanical versions. Hydraulic disc brakes are a bit more powerful and precise than mechanical disc brakes and also come at a higher price. Linear pull rim brakes and rear expansion brakes are also offered especially on cheaper bikes. They are the least expensive and many riders consider them adequate.
Wheels
Electric bikes are available in wheel sizes from 20 to 29 inches. They come with tires to suit the activities the bike is designed for whether it be trail riding, commuting, or touring. Several bikes reviewed here are fat bikes that use extra-wide 4-inch tires. Look for durable aluminum rims to go with the tires, as well.
For more information on other categories of bikes, please check out these reviews:
Women’s Mountain Bikes BMX Bikes Mountain Bikes Under $1,000 Budget Mountain Bikes Fat Bikes Single Speed Bikes Beach Cruisers
Feedback and Comments
I hope you found this post on affordable electric bikes interesting and useful. If you have any questions or ideas, please feel free to share them in the comments section. If there is no comments section directly below, click here: >>comments<<
Leave a Reply