Best Budget Electric Bikes
The best lower-priced models from CR's testing
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Electric bikes have grown rapidly in popularity over the past few years. Eleven percent of Americans rode an e-bike between February 2023 and February 2024, according to a nationally representative survey conducted by CR of 2,035 adults in the U.S. (February 2024). The survey also found that among those who had ridden an e-bike or an e-scooter in the past year, fun and leisure activities were some of the reasons 71 percent chose to do so.
Prices for e-bikes vary greatly, ranging from a few hundred dollars to thousands. In general, e-bikes cost more than their pedal-powered counterparts because they add an electric motor, a battery, and—hopefully—stronger brakes and other parts to handle the extra weight.
- Best Budget Electric Bikes: Class 1: Pedal Assist Bikes Class 2: Pedal Assist and Throttle Bikes Folding Bikes Mountain Bikes
- How to Choose an Electric Bike
If you’re used to shopping for conventional bicycles, e-bike prices can be intimidating. But there are still plenty of good models CR has tested that cost around $1,800 or less.
