The 10 Best Electric Bikes Under $1000: Cheap & Budget Ebike Reviews

Last Updated on August 6, 2022 by Editorial Staff

An electric bike is simply a traditional bike with an electric motor. The motor can propel the rider without their input, or it can make pedaling easier, which makes climbing hills and cycling over long distances less strenuous.

Previously, e-bikes were prohibitively expensive, but nowadays, you can get a decent model for less than 1,000. However, it can be tricky to know where exactly to spend your money because there are so many options available. If you’re feeling stuck or spoilt for choice, here are ten of the best e-bikes under $1,000 to check out first.

List of Cheap & Budget Electric Bikes (Under $1000)

1. ANCHEER 350W Adults Mountain Bike

For a first-time electric mountain bike, you couldn’t do much better than the entry-level ANCHEER Ebike for adults. The 26” electric bike has a 350W brushless motor that produces up to 50nm of torque and a 21-speed Shimano drivetrain. Therefore, it is capable of tackling long slopes (no steeper than 40 degrees) and ferrying you across town at an impressive top speed of 20 MPH.

10.4aH 36V Li-ion battery will give you up to 22 miles of range if you rely entirely on electric power. In the pedal-assisted (PAS) mode, however, you can get up to 40 miles out of a single charge. The fact that it offers a separate throttle mode where you don’t have to pedal at all makes it ideal for all types of riders, including seasoned cyclists and newbies who just want to get from point A to point B.

Its 26-inch wheels roll over most terrain without a hitch, especially since the bike’s aluminum frame only weighs 52 pounds. For tackling off-road trails, it is equipped with a high-strength carbon front fork, which absorbs shock to keep your ride smooth and enjoyable no matter where you’re riding.

The bike arrives mostly assembled, and it’s easy to set it up with or without instructions. That’s partially due to its beginner-friendly construction. It includes a quick-release skewer for quick front tire changes.

Pros

• Features throttle-only and PAS (pedal assistance) mode
• Easy to assemble
• LED color display (for speed, battery status, PAS level, etc.)
• Charges quickly (4 – 6 hours)
• PX4 water resistance (battery and motor only)
• High-strength front suspension

Cons

• Poor kickstand positioning (luckily, it is replaceable)

2. eAhora XC100 350W Mountain Bike

The eAhora XC100 is an excellent mountain bike/e-bike hybrid that is bound to make any cycling enthusiast happy. It comes with a 350W brushless motor that is capable of speeds of up to 23 MPH, not to mention three riding modes (Electric, PAS, Sport) to choose from. With its maximum torque of 45nm, it can comfortably carry you up inclines measuring 20 to 25 degrees in grade.

Its powerful motor is complemented by a 14aH 48V battery that’s sealed in a waterproof housing. You can expect up to 70 miles of range in the PAS mode, 95 miles in the riding (sport) mode, and 60 miles in the fully electric mode. The battery charges to completion in just 4 – 6 hours, plus it comes with multiple protection features, including an auto power-off function.

Under its light aluminum frame that weighs only 52 pounds, you’ll find a 7-speed Shimano drivetrain that lets you ride through different terrains with ease. You’ll also get plenty of stopping power from the dual mechanical disc brakes with 160mm rotors.

Upfront, it features a fancy LCD dashboard that’s fully waterproof and that you can lock with a password. It also comes equipped with a 5W LED headlight, a useful attachment that allows you to ferry up to 280 pounds (maximum rider weight) at night in total safety.

Pros

• Powerful front and rear suspension (up to 100mm travel)
• Bright, user-friendly display
• Three riding modes
• Ergonomic, lightweight aluminum frame
• Ergonomic handlebar grips and soft saddle ensure safer and comfortable riding for long-distance

Cons

• Lacks assembly instructions
• Slow customer service

3. ANCHEER 500W/350W Folding Commuter

With a motor that’s capable of 350W – 500W of power and a foldable frame, this ANCHEER city bike is the epitome of urban cycling convenience.

It’s a scooter-like commuter bike with three cycling modes, Pure Electric, Boost Mode (PAS), and Manpower Mode (manual riding), a versatile three-pronged combination for riders of all abilities. Its 500W motor will give you up to 20 MPH and up to 70NM of torque, which is enough to speed up 20-degree inclines with ease.

It packs a 7.5aH 48V lithium-ion battery with multiple protections (short circuit, overcharge, power-off, etc.) and a maximum range of 20 miles. Stopping power is more than sufficient courtesy of its front and rear disc brakes, which allow you to ride safely and confidently.

Its folding design makes it very urban-friendly. When folded, it is small enough to comfortably fit in your car trunk or to carry with you if you commute by bus or subway. Its pneumatic, anti-slip rubber wheels are designed for riding in all types of conditions and work with the suspension to provide a buttery-smooth ride experience.

IPX5 waterproof protection keeps the battery and motor safe from dust, moisture, and impact, giving the e-bike a much longer lifespan. It has a twist-throttle with in-built cruise control, which you activate by twisting and holding it for eight seconds, then pressing the switch to lock in your current speed of travel.

Pros

• Very compact when folded
• Functioning headlights and tail light
• Waterproof, dustproof, and shockproof design
• Suitable for short people
• LED smart display & cruise control

Cons

• Not suited for off-road trips (small, 14-inch wheels)
• Hard to get replacement parts

4. Vivi 26-inch Mountain Bike

This Vivi e-bike is an optimal choice for riders that are looking for a trail bike with an electric motor to fit their small budgets. It packs a 350W high-speed brushless motor that drives the bike to a maximum speed of 22 MPH (hybrid mode). Riders that rely entirely on electrical horsepower can get 15 – 20 MPH depending on their weight.

Backed by an ample 8aH 36V lithium-ion battery, this electric mountain bike can achieve a maximum range of 30 miles. Its long-life battery is equipped with charging protection, anti-leak technology, and can be removed and charged separately. It’s also easy to carry and only needs a few hours to charge to completion.

The drivetrain is a quality 3×7 Shimano featuring a 3-speed chain wheel and a 7-speed freewheel. Coupled with its 26-inch wheels and formidable motor torque, it hauls the bike up inclines of 15 – 20 degrees without breaking a sweat.

Such power requires good stopping abilities, which is why this Vivi e-bike comes with dual disc brakes with brake power-cut protection for faster, safer stopping. Four working modes (Pure Electric, Assisted, Pedal, Boost Push) allow riders of different abilities to kick off the bike in their preferred launch style.

Pros

• Adjustable seat height & handlebars
• Waterproof cables & bright LED headlamp for night riding, even on a rainy day
• Removable cable connections
• Pedals have speed sensors for accurate assistance
• Great for off-road riding

Cons

• Quite heavy and large
• Poorly written assembly instructions (easy to assemble, though)

5. ANCHEER Folding Commuter

Riders that need a smaller electric bicycle, preferably one that’s built for commuting, can look towards this affordable 20” ANCHEER collapsible e-bike.

Its small profile makes it perfect for city living as it is easier to haul up apartment buildings, store in car trunks, and carry on public transit. It weighs about 55 pounds but can carry up to 265 pounds, making it ideal for the average adult.

A 350W high-speed brushless motor allows it to reach a maximum speed of 20 MPH and provides 44nm of torque, which is enough to climb slopes with a 20-degree gradient. Meanwhile, its 10aH 48V battery, which only takes 6 – 7 hours to charge fully, allows you to travel as far as 40 miles on a single charge, depending on the mode you choose.

With the throttle mode, which only uses electric power, you get about 22 miles of range before you need to recharge it. The pedal assist mode gives you up to 40 miles, which feels comfortable courtesy of its 7-speed Shimano gears.

Upfront, the bike features a high-strength carbon-steel fork that provides adequate shock-absorbing to make your ride pleasant. Its 20-inch tires are quite adept at handling different terrain, and dual mechanical brakes (rear and front disc brakes) allow you to come to a halt quickly and safely.

Most importantly, this e-bike folds quickly into a compact size to allow easy storage and transportation. It has an intelligent LCD that gives you real-time data like battery life; distance traveled, speed, and mileage.

Pros

• Easy to assemble (arrives 85% assembled)
• Removable lithium-ion battery
• Very quiet but powerful motor
• Great front suspension
• Perfect for traveling holidays because of easy transparent and storage system

Cons

• LCD speedometer is a bit small
• Poor assembly instructions

6. GForce Zhengbu Folding Fat Tire

The Gforce is exactly what you need if your priorities are power and portability, two aspects in which it excels at. It is a folding e-bike with a 750W motor, which delivers approximately 72NM of hill-climbing torque and speeds of up to 28 MPH, making it a very speedy commuting bike. The fat tire bike handles incredibly well on and off the road courtesy of its 20”×4” CST all-terrain tires, which are suitable for urban, mountain, beach, and snow trails.

The powerful motor is backed by a 10.4Ah 48V LG battery, a stable, durable cell that is nested in a tube for better protection and to retain the bike’s sleek form factor. It is equipped with overload protection and auto power-off, which prevents charging overload.

Its transmission system consists of a 7-speed Shimano gear system, which includes a stabilized shifter that is easier to change gears with in different riding modes. Going off-road is a comfortable experience thanks to the large 10cm active travel front shocks, which you can turn off at your leisure when riding on smooth surfaces.

With its high-speed motor, it only makes sense that the GForce comes with XOD hydraulic brakes, which are sensitive and very reliable. Using both brakes simultaneously automatically powers off the engine for added stopping power.

The cockpit features electric gears, brake levers, a Shimano shifter, a thumb throttle, an electric horn, and an LCD that acts as your data center for current speed, distance traveled, and cycling mode.

Pros

• Good customer service
• Easy assembly
• Quick folding system and easy to store
• Very fast (up to 30 miles per hour)
• Comfortable shock-absorbing seat and tube

Cons

• Lacks rear suspension

7. ANCHEER Aluminum Commuting City Bike

For adults that need a worthy city e-bike with a long-range and powerful motor, this 26-inch ANCHEER commuting city bike is an excellent choice.

Even though its 250W motor will only give you a top speed of 19 MPH, it more than makes up for it with its range. It comes with a 12.5aH 36V motor with an impressive 35 -45-mile range on a single charge, despite only requiring 6 – 8 hours to charge up.

The electric bike weighs about 59 pounds, but its step-through aluminum alloy frame is light for its size and stable at high speeds. Front and rear disc brakes give you an optimum amount of stopping power regardless of how fast you’re going, and if you need to take the less-traveled path, this e-bike has what it takes.

It sports 26”×1.95” wheels on durable, double-walled aluminum rims, which enables it to travel over different terrains with relative ease. It comes with two riding modes: the throttle mode gives you 35 miles of range, while the pedal-assist mode gives you 45 miles. It can support up to 330 pounds, so most adults should be able to ride comfortably.

Upfront, a high-strength aluminum fork provides adequate suspension to make your ride silky smooth on tarmac and paved roads and to explore off-road trails in comfort and style. You can ride anywhere you want, courtesy of the 6-speed gears, which allow the bike to perform differently depending on where you want to go and how fast you need to get there.

Pros

• Spectacular build quality
• Sleek form factor (no bulky battery)
• Comfortable seat and wide swept-back handlebar helps for relaxed riding
• User-friendly control pad

Cons

• Heavy
• Assembly can be difficult

8. ANCHEER 4.0 Fat Tire Dirt Bike

With this 20-inch fat tire ANCHEER electric dirt bike, you don’t have to choose between power and portability as you can have them both. It’s run by an incredible 500W motor with a 20MPH top speed and 64nm of torque, plenty for climbing 20-degree slopes. Backing this powerful setup is a 12.5aH 48V that churns out 600Wh on a single charge. That translates to 8-10 hours charging time for 22 – 50 miles of range.

The highlight of this ANCHEER electric bike is its fat 20”×4” fat tires that are built to cruise over bumps and give you a smooth ride over rough terrain. They’re assisted by a high-strength carbon steel front fork, which provides adequate suspension to greatly improve ride quality.

At 64 pounds, it is a bit heavier than casual riders would prefer, but its sturdy 16-inch aluminum alloy frame and rims can comfortably support up to 280 pounds. Best of all, the electric dirt bike can fold in half, which makes it small enough to fit in your trunk or even the space under your office desk.

Aside from its ultra-portability, you may want to look into this option if you need multiple pedal assist modes. It offers five of them, and you can quickly switch from one to the other, courtesy of the crisp LCD at the cockpit.

Like other electric bikes, it also gives you the option to go fully electric or fully manual, so you have the freedom to decide whether you want a relaxing ride or a proper cycling workout as you ride.

Pros

• Easy gear changes
• Long-lasting battery and it’s easy to removable
• Powerful and easy to ride for beginners
• Comes with integrated lights and horn
• 4.0-inch thick tires are best for snow and mud roads

Cons

• Saddle feels uncomfortable
• Tricky throttle assembly
• Reversed brake positioning (rear brake lever is on the right)

9. Angotrade 26-inch Folding Mountain Bike

A full-sized trail bike that folds down for easier storage can be hard to find, which is why this Angotrade folding electric MTB is a rare find.

It is an adult-sized, 21-speed mountain bike with an aluminum frame and 26” tires that are designed for rough trails, a bike worthy of exploring off-road destinations with. Despite its size, it only weighs 55.12 pounds, so it’s not difficult to lug around if you plan on carrying it on public transit.

Its motor is a 250W brushless workhorse capable of hauling you up 30-degree inclines and reaching top speeds of 18 MPH. Its 8aH 36V lithium-ion battery will take you up to 34 miles on a single charge and only needs 4 – 6 hours to charge from dead to full.

Front suspension plus a 21-speed gear allow you to shred the trails just like you would with any mountain bike. The aluminum alloy wheels are extremely durable, and the front fork ensures that you remain comfortable no matter the terrain.

When it’s time to put it away, it folds in half to become a conveniently trunk-sized package that you’ll find easy to carry and store. You can also adjust the seat height and handlebar height to suit your dimensions and make your ride more comfortable.

Pros

• Easy to assemble
• High- strength suspension fork gives you a comfortable ride
• Reliable customer service
• Adjustable seat and handlebars height
• Powerful in-built headlight

Cons

• Noisy motor
• Acceleration is slightly delayed

10. ECOTRIC Folding City Bike

In this 20-inch ECOTRIC electric city bike, riders find a compact yet powerful commuting bike that collapses into a compact, space-saving design. It is one of the most compact options in the market, featuring a narrow, foldable upper tube as well as a collapsible handlebar stem. In total, this aluminum alloy e-bike only weighs around 53 pounds, which makes it ideal for urban commuting.

Its 350W brushless gear motor has a top speed of 20 MPH and is backed by a 12.5Ah 36V battery that can give you up to 36 miles in the pedal-assisted mode. Charging it to completion only takes 4 – 6 hours, so it is the ideal daily commuter.

Upfront, it features a V-brake, while in the rear, it has a disc brake to improve travel safety. The drivetrain is a powerful 7-speed Shimano that works with the motor to deliver smooth riding in the pedal-assisted mode.

In full-throttle mode, the electric bike is capable of climbing up relatively steep slopes and power through rough terrain with little input from the rider. Since it arrives 90% pre-assembled, it’s easy to put together, even for a total newbie. While you assemble it, you’ll notice that it is very adjustable. You can change the positioning of most of its components, including the horizontal frame-head tube distance and the handlebar-ground distance.

Each bike comes with an 18-month warranty that covers the motor, frame, battery, display, and controller.

Pros

• Strong, sturdy frame
• Easy folding system and easier to carry
• Accelerates uphill
• Quick customer service
• This is the UL certified product

Cons

• Badly written manual
• Uncomfortable seat

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best E-bike Under $1,000?

Shopping for an e-bike can feel intimidating if it’s your first time. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the numerous options available, especially if you’re unsure what features to prioritize.

If you’re faced with this dilemma, there is a way out. These are the factors you should consider before buying an electric bike for under thousand dollars.

Your needs

Are you a power commuter or an adventurer? Do you need an e-bike to get from point A to point B, or are you more interested in exploring all the trails, on and off-road, in your neighborhood?

Your needs are the most influential factor when deciding which electric bicycle to buy. If you’re certain that you won’t be venturing off-road and only need a bike that can simplify your daily commute, then it makes sense to invest in an ebike, which can travel faster downhill than any electric mountain bike.

But, if you need an all-terrain electric bike, then you’re better off buying a cheap hardtail. They’re suited to all types of terrains, so you can easily transition from a commuter to a weekend explorer when you need it.

Motor (power and torque)

How much does the motor matter when it comes to electric bikes?

To answer that question, you need to refer to the first factor. Are you going to use your bike primarily for commuting or for exploring off-road trails?

Also, the type of motor you need depends on how much hill-climbing you intend to do. For mild slopes (15 – 20 degrees), an electric bike with a 250W – 500W motor will have sufficient torque.

But, if you need a real hill-climbing monster that can go up inclines over 40 degrees, don’t settle for anything with less than 1000W. You may have to shell out more than $1,000 for such power.

Battery (range)

Aside from the motor, the battery is the most important consideration. If you want an e-bike that can go the distance, consider getting the biggest battery you can find in the sub $1,000 range.

But, if you barely cover 10 miles in a day, then you’ll find most e-bikes to have more than adequate battery capacity for your daily commute.

Riding modes

These days, most electric bikes come with a throttle. Previously, e-bikes were mostly push-activated, where you had to kick off like you would a scooter.

That gives you multiple power options. Aim for at least these three: a throttle-only mode (full electric), a pedal-assisted mode, and a pedal-only (full manual) mode.

Electric bikes have thumb throttles, which are conveniently placed on the handlebar for easy access. Some have twist-throttles, which can be more tedious to deal with but are also easy to handle.

If you commute over long distances on smooth roads, consider going for an e-bike with cruise control. It will be much easier to handle on long trips.

Suspension

You only need to think long and hard about suspension if you intend to go off-road a lot. Urban commuters don’t need fancy shock-absorbers, just enough to handle potholes and the occasional gravel pathways.

For off-road adventuring, the cheapest e-mountain bike you can hope to get is a hardtail. Hardtail bikes have front suspension but lack rear suspension, so they perform adequately but are not designed for jumps and extreme riding.

For road bikes, the suspension is often adequate for streets and pavements, so you don’t need to worry too much about it.

Brakes

With an electric bike that’s capable of top speeds over 20 MPH, you need good brakes to stop quickly and safely. That’s why you should look out for dual mechanical brakes, preferably disc brakes, when shopping for your first e-bike.

You can also spring for hydraulic brakes, which are even safer but tend to cost slightly more. Ensure that the brake levers are sensitive and that the brakes are easy to maintain and replace.

Display

Electric bikes these days have integrated displays, which is a great thing. Previously, you needed to buy a separate LCD screen, which is a huge step back from the color LCDs that you’ll find on most e-bikes in the market.

The display shows you your current speed, mileage, distance traveled, and battery status, among other useful data. Ensure it is visible and bright enough to see at a glance because you need to keep your attention on the road.

Customer service & warranty

Any e-bike you buy should come with a warranty, at least for 12 months. Defective components can greatly affect your riding experience and shorten the lifespan of your bike.

To that end, ensure that the manufacturer offers great customer service because if anything goes wrong, you’ll not want to wait days to get feedback or assistance from your retailer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are electric bikes worth buying?

You might be wondering if buying an electric bike is something you should do in this day and age. The short answer is yes. These days, electric bikes can be cheaper than non-electric bikes. Considering that they’re faster and more adept at climbing hills, not to mention very powerful commuters, you’ll definitely be making a wise investment if you buy one.

Some people might argue that an electric bike won’t keep you as fit like a traditional one, but that’s not true either. On the contrary, you are more likely to get on a bike instead of your car if it’s easier and more fun to ride.

Riders say that e-bikes are better fitness machines simply because they’re so much fun to ride. An ordinary bike will pick up dust in your garage if you live in a particularly hilly area, but with an electric bike that conquers slopes and travels long distances, you will feel more encouraged to get on and get going no matter the terrain.

How do you maintain an electric bike?

Fortunately, most e-bike motors are completely maintenance-free. However, an electric bike still needs to be maintained to stay in good condition. These are some of the maintenance practices:

Always keep the battery topped off. Don’t make a habit of draining it until it’s empty because it shortens its life cycle.

Check and top up tire pressure occasionally. This is an important maintenance practice for all types of bikes, whether electric or not.

Check your brakes routinely. You want to ensure that they’re in perfect working order every time you get on. Damaged brakes can be very dangerous.

Keep your chain clean and lubricated. Even on an electric bike, it is a crucial component of the drivetrain, without which your bike won’t be efficient.

Take it for regular servicing. It’s recommended that you visit a bike shop every few months to ensure that all components, including the wheels, brakes, drivetrain, and gears, are in excellent shape.

Are electric bikes street legal?

In most of the United States, electric bikes are street legal. But, different states have specific laws governing the use of e-bikes on public roads.

In Alabama, these are road legal, but riders require a Class M Driver’s License to commute on state roads. Minors can’t ride them without a restricted license, and you must be at least 14 years of age to ride one.

In Alaska, e-bikes must be restricted to bike paths and sidewalks and can only go on roadways when there are no explicit road signs. Illinois laws govern electric bikes under the same clauses as traditional bikes, but for your bike to be road legal, it must have less than 750W of power and fully operable pedals. In Maryland, e-bikes can’t go on the road unless they meet Federal law requirements.

It’s a good idea to check your state laws before buying it as they determine how and when you can ride your e-bike. Breaking these laws can attract significant penalties and even jail time in some states.

Final Thoughts

In the near future, human-propelled bikes will be reserved for athletes and fitness enthusiasts because they’re slowly becoming less practical in a world powered by motors. Therefore, this is the best time to invest in a quality electric bike for commuting or adventuring purposes.

It’s easy to find what you’re looking for in the sub $1,000 range if you understand the features that matter most to you. Remember, your daily use is the greatest consideration and possibly the biggest influencer to the type of e-bike you will need.