Electric bikes have come a long way in the last decade or so. There has been an upsurge in demand for an affordable and environmentally-friendly form of transport. This means that more and more manufacturers want a slice of the market, and, consequently, competition and technological advances have grown.
As a result of this, where once there were only high-end bikes with equally high-end prices, the cost of an average e-bike has reduced to a much more affordable amount.
It’s even possible to get a practical, functional electric bike for under $1,000.
Best Electric Bikes Under $1000 Quick-Find Table
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Of course, the e-bikes in this price range can vary considerably in their quality, and even the best of them aren’t going to be suited to experienced bikers that want a lot of versatility, power and range.
For an electric bike newbie, however, some of these options will be a perfect starter model. Just make sure you do your research as, when selecting a bike in this price bracket, it’s easier to end up with something that won’t last well or will be disappointing in terms of its capabilities.
When you’re making your selection, you should consider where you plan to use it and also what your priorities are. For bikes in this price range, some compromises may be needed.
Reviews of the Best Electric Bikes under $1000
- Type of Bike: Class 2, pedal assist
- Motor: 500w (peak) 350w (nominal) Geared Hub Shengyi
- Battery: 36V 7.0ah Samsung 35e Cells battery
- Charging Time: 2 – 4 hours
- Brakes: Tektro R315 Dual Pivot V-Brakes
- Max Speed: 25mph
- Max Distance: 20 – 35 miles, depending on rider weight, terrain, incline, level of assist, etc.
- Bike Weight: 32 lbs
- Max Weight Capacity: 260lbs
- MRP: $995
What We Loved
There’s a lot to love about the Roadster V2, especially when you consider how much bang you get for your buck!
If you’re all about the aesthetics, the sleek, minimalist design will appeal. The compact battery is well-disguised and integrated into the frame. Even the most hipster of commuters won’t feel out of place on this bike.
Undoubtedly, one of the biggest selling points when it comes to the Roadster V2 is how lightweight the bike is. Clocking in at just 32lbs, it’ll be much less of a challenge to haul the frame onto transport or up stairs to an office or apartment than it would be with many less sophisticated budget e-bikes. E-bikes under $1,000 usually weigh considerably more.
The weight and the high-pressure tires will mean that using pedal power won’t be the huge effort it can be with more bulky models.
It’s unusual to see a bike at this price point sporting a belt drive rather than chains. Bikes using belt drives need less maintenance, last longer, and you’re not going to get greasy pant legs before you go into work! And, of course, belt drives ensure a smoother and quieter riding experience.
Why it Might Not Work For You
If you have a particularly long commute, or you want to take your bike on a rangy trip, the Roadster V2 won’t be the bike for you.
To allow the bike to stay light, there has to be a compromise with the battery size. This means the range on the bike isn’t particularly generous. Although Ride1Up detail that you could get up to 35 miles from one charge, this is highly optimistic.
If you’re happy to put in a little extra effort on long rides, however, you could save the pedal-assist mode for the hills. Given the bike is so lightweight, it won’t be too much effort to pedal yourself on the flat surfaces.
Another compromise has been on the brakes. Most e-bikes have mechanical or hydraulic disc brakes, whereas the Roadster V2 only has basic direct-pull V-brakes.
Although they’re lighter and nice and easy to maintain, they don’t offer the sophisticated stopping power of disc brakes. If, however, you’re only using your bike for gentle commuting and not always cycling at breakneck speed, especially in wet weather conditions, the V-brakes should be perfectly adequate and responsive enough.
This bike also keeps its weight down by not offering any gears to shift through. Although this makes it easier to use and it’ll require less maintenance, you’ll have to put more effort in on less smooth or hilly terrain.
Overall Verdict
The Roadster V2 is a great-looking, well-designed and incredibly lightweight bike that will work perfectly for commuting and leisurely street riding. If you want it to take you further, you’ll need to be prepared to put some effort in as it doesn’t have a generous range.
>> Tap Here to Read More Reviews and See Today’s Price on Ride1Up.com <<
- Type of Bike: Class 3, with throttle assist
- Motor: Powerful 800w (peak) 500W (sustained) geared motor with 56nm torque
- Battery: 48V10.4ah Reention Eel Pro LG Cells, Smart BMS
- Charging Time: 2 – 4 hours
- Brakes: Tektro 160mm Mechanical Disc, w/ Electric Cut Off Sensor
- Max Speed: 28mph pedal assist and 20mph throttle assist
- Max Distance: 20-40 miles depending on rider weight, terrain, incline, level of assist, etc.
- Bike Weight: 48lbs
- Max Weight Capacity: 275lbs
- MRP: $1,095
What We Loved
If you’re happy to splurge a little more and go just above the $1,000 mark, the Core-5 model from Ride1Up offers several additional benefits that you don’t get with their Roadster V2.
For starters, it has disc brakes. This will offer greater peace of mind if you like to ride fast and in wet weather conditions. They’re much more responsive and consistent than V-brakes, and they are less likely to cause wear to the tires.
It also has a more generous range on pedal-assist mode, ideal for those with a slightly longer commute. Plus, for lazy, short commute riders, the throttle power option is sure to appeal – although this will, of course, run the battery down more quickly.
Unlike the Roadster V2, the Core-5 has 7-speed gears. It’s still not as sophisticated as what some of the higher budget models will offer, but it can help reduce your effort, especially when pedalling without assistance.
In general, for not a lot more than the Roadster V2, you’re getting a faster, more powerful and responsive bike, and it has the ability to take you further on a single charge.
Why it Might Not Work For You
If you have to lug your bike on and off public transport or carry it up flights of stairs, this bike is considerably heavier than the Roadster V2. Of course, this results in a better range, but you’ll need to balance up where your priorities lie.
Also, despite being heavier, just like the Roadster, this really is just designed as a commuter-style bike. It doesn’t have any suspension and isn’t designed for any off-roading.
Overall Verdict
If you want a rangier, more powerful bike with more responsive brakes, the Core-5 may be a preferable choice over the Roadster V2 – just be prepared for the extra weight.
>> Tap Here to Read More Reviews and See Today’s Price on Ride1Up.com <<
- Type of Bike: Pedal-assist and throttle on demand
- Motor: 350W Rear Hub 36V
- Battery: 36V 10AH
- Charging Time: 5 – 8 hours
- Brakes: Rear disc brakes
- Max Speed: 25 mph
- Max Distance: 35 miles
- Bike Weight: 50.7lbs
- Max Weight Capacity: 220lbs
- MRP: $699
What We Loved
This bike might not be as sophisticated or sleek-looking as the Ride1Up models we’ve reviewed, but it’s considerably cheaper. In terms of value for money for someone new to e-bikes, it’ll be hard to beat the Ecotric Starfish.
Considering how much under $1,000 this comes in at, you get a lot of nice features.
For starters, it’s easy to assemble and folds down without hassle into a very compact shape. This is perfect when carrying it on busy public transport, for popping it in the trunk of your car, or for putting under your desk in the office.
Despite the price point, it still has a 7-speed shifter and decent disc brakes. The fat tires, if they aren’t pumped up too hard, will also ensure you have a comfier ride on bumpy road surfaces and this is a bonus as the suspension on this bike is pretty non-existent.
The step-thru frame is ideal for those with mobility issues or who might be wearing skirts or other clothes they don’t want to get caught or damaged before work.
Why it Might Not Work For You
In between rides, you’ll need to be organized with your charging. It can take a whopping 8 hours for this bike to reach full charge. For commuters that need a full charge before their homeward journey, this could be a deal-breaker
It’s also a shame that this bike only comes in one frame size. For taller riders it won’t be so well suited, and it doesn’t have such a generous maximum weight capacity as the Ride1Up models do.
For a folding bike, the Starfish is pretty hefty – coming in over 50lbs. If you have to lug it far distances folded up, it’s going to get cumbersome quickly.
If you want a bike that looks ‘cool’, this isn’t the model for you. It does look rather basic and unsophisticated – especially when you compare it to the streamline frames of the Ride1Up bikes we’ve reviewed.
Overall Verdict
If you’re looking for a portable, compact and straightforward folding commuter e-bike on a budget, you can’t go far wrong with the Ecotric Starfish. Considering how inexpensive it is, this bike has a lot of nice features, and it rides well.
Just be prepared for the hefty weight and the lack of style.
>> Tap Here to Read More Reviews and See Today’s Price on ecotric.com <<
- Motor: 250W rear geared hub motor
- Battery: 36V 10Ah
- Charging Time: 6 hours
- Brakes: Front V-brakes, rear drum brake
- Max Speed: 20 mph
- Max Distance: 15 – 30 miles
- Bike Weight: 70lbs
- Max Weight Capacity: 250lbs
- MRP: $699
What We Loved
Given that this e-bike is available for a snip under $700, it truly does offer excellent value for money. The NAKTO Camel is simple and no-frills, while still being practical and comfortable.
There might be some riders that won’t appreciate the slightly old-fashioned Dutch-style frame, but it’s super handy for those with mobility problems. Plus it means you’ll be sitting in a comfortable upright position, offering great visibility if you’re cycling in traffic.
Although it isn’t designed for off-roading, it’s a bonus that the NAKTO Camel is fitted with a front suspension fork. Perfect for helping ensure you get a comfier ride if you have to tackle bumpier road conditions.
There are also a heap of handy accessories integrated, including the front basket (even if it is made from cheap plastic), rear fenders, a kickstand and a rear wheel rack.
The rack and the front basket make it an ideal option if you want to carry home a few groceries, take a picnic or even some office gear if you’re commuting to work.
Why it Might Not Work For You
If you have to tackle a lot of hills, especially if you’re laden down with cargo, don’t expect much power from the 250W engine.
Given that the engine isn’t powerful and it only has a maximum weight capacity of 250lbs, this isn’t designed for hauling heavy and bulky cargo. Plus, heavy cargo will drain the battery faster and then you have a considerable 6-hour wait for it to be fully charged again.
The bike is also cumbersome and heavy. Trying to lift this on and off public transport, or up multiple flights of stairs could be pretty back-breaking!
Given the basic components, upright frame-type, poor acceleration capabilities and weight of this bike, it really is best suited to short, flat, good road conditions. For riders that want more versatility, speed or longevity for bigger commutes, spending more would be a worthwhile investment.
Overall Verdict
As a comfortable starter e-bike for city riders that don’t need anything too fast or fancy and have a limited budget, the NAKTO Camel is a practical option. The added storage options are also handy. Just don’t be expecting anything high-end or versatile.
>> Tap Here to Read More Reviews and See Today’s Price on BikeBerry.com <<