The Best Budget-Friendly Commuter E-Bikes of 2024

There's an e-bike out there for everyone – from high-end, carbon fiber e-MTBs equipped with all the bells and whistles to no-frills commuter e-bikes, you will find something to suit your needs. Countless e-bike models are available, with some premium versions costing many times the models we're presenting in this article.

I’m gonna check out seven models, all priced under the $2,000 mark. What’s more, I'm focusing on a specific type of two-wheeler: budget-friendly e-bikes suitable for urban travel. I specifically used the term "budget-friendly" instead of "cheap" to imply that these aren't low-quality products but rather ones that ideally balance price and quality.

Lectric XP 3.0

Highlights:

• Foldable
• Hydraulic disk brakes
• 500 W motor

Kicking this list off is an e-bike renowned for its affordable price tag and high-quality build, the Lectric XP 3.0. A while ago, I covered its predecessor, the award-winning XP 2.0. I was glad to see that Lectric took its design to the next level in the next iteration while keeping an affordable price.

So, what's so great about this electric two-wheeler? First off, its price tag is a mere $1,087 – right now, you can get it for even cheaper, as it's discounted to $999. This e-bike is equipped with a new and upgraded 500 W (1,000 W peak) rear hub motor that outputs 55 Nm (41 lb-ft.) of torque. It's paired with a 48 V battery that offers 45 miles (72 km) of range as standard or 65 miles (105 km) if you opt for a long-range version.

You'll be riding on 20" x 3" fat tires that, together with the front suspension, will absorb some of the socks of everyday riding. One critical upgrade from its predecessor is that the XP 3.0 now comes with 180mm hydraulic brakes instead of the previous mechanical brakes. In fact, Lectric describes the XP 3.0 as "the first e-bike under $1,000 with hydraulic brakes."

The e-bike provides five levels of pedal assist and a half-twist throttle. Moreover, it features a foldable design at the handlebar stem and main frame, ensuring you can fit it in compact spaces. By the way, it tips the scales at 64 lb. (29 kg), battery included.

This is quite an attractive package for a $1,000 price tag. The cherry on top is the accessory package you get as standard, which includes a headlamp, a taillight, fenders, and a rear rack that can hold a 150-lb. (68 kg) payload.

Ride1Up Turris

Highlights:

• Hydraulic disk brakes
• 750 W motor (Class 3)
• Included Accessory Kit

If you're looking for an inexpensive e-bike offering Class 3 performance, one excellent choice is the Ride1Up Turris. Although it's categorized as a "touring-style e-bike," this machine provides all-round comfort regardless of how and where you're going to use it, all for a really fair price of $1,295.

The Turris sports a capable 750 W class-3 motor delivering 60 Nm (44 lb-ft.) of torque. Moreover, it allows you to reach speeds of 28 mph (45 kph) pedal-assisted or 20 mph (32 kph) throttle-only, which is quite impressive considering the e-bike's price tag.

But this e-bike's speed isn't its only advantage. The Turris's range is also pretty good- you can cover around 30 to 50 miles (48 to 80 km) thanks to a 614 Wh battery. Furthermore, it tips the scales at 55 lb. (25 kg).

You'll also be able to easily tackle slopes on this electric bike, not only because of its power but also because it comes with a 7-speed drivetrain. Furthermore, hydraulic disk brakes paired with 180mm rotors will safely bring you to a halt.

Although what I mentioned so far is more than enough to justify the Turris's price, there are even more useful features on it. You'll discover a 100mm-travel front suspension, front and rear lights, and fenders, making the Turris a fantastic choice.

Aventon Soltera.2

Highlights:

• Very lightweight
• Torque sensor
• 350 W motor

Typically, cheaper e-bikes tend to be heavier, as manufacturers rely on steel rather than aluminum to cut costs. And here's where the Aventon Soltera.2 stands out – it's a lightweight e-bike that still features high-quality components.

The Soltera.2 tips the scales at a mere 46 lb. (21 kg), much lighter than other models on this list. That means this e-bike will be easier to handle for most people, and it will also be less of a challenge to carry on stairs.

At the core of this electric bike is a 350 W brushless, geared hub motor connected to a 360 Wh battery. This is part of the reason why it's lighter than other models on this list, as it boasts a smaller battery and motor. Moreover, you'll be able to ride for up to 46 miles (74 km) on the Soltera.2.

Despite being a Class 2 e-bike with a top (assisted) speed of 20 mph (32 kph), its maker made sure to fit adequate parts that keep you safe and stable. You'll find a 7-speed drive train, an aluminum fork, and mechanical disk brakes with 180mm rotors. It would've been nice to have hydraulic brakes, but at least the e-bike makes up for the lack of them by being lighter and, thus, easier to stop.

Also included in the package are front and rear lights, but you'll have to pay extra to benefit from fenders and a rear rack. All of this for a mere $999, making the Soltera.2 a fantastic budget-friendly option.

Ride1Up Roadster V2

Highlights:

• Cheapest on this list
• Belt drive
• Single-speed

While the Ride1Up Turris is suitable for both touring and commuting, the Roadster V2 is specially designed to make sense in urban environments. At first glance, it looks like a conventional bike, but hidden inside its 6061 aluminum frame is a 36 V battery enabling you to ride up to 20 to 30 miles (32 to 48 km), making it perfect for a commute or for urban escapades.

You'll be pleased to know that this is the most inexpensive e-bike on the list, currently discounted to $795 from its original $1,095 price tag. Moreover, it weighs a mere 33 lb. (15 kg) and comes in two sizes, so it can accommodate riders of varying heights.

The Roadster V2 is a Class 3 e-bike capable of reaching up to 24 mph (39 kph) on pedal assist. Range is estimated to be around 20 to 30 miles, and a 350 W geared hub motor with 40 Nm (30 lb-ft.) of torque will keep you on the move.

To have this attractive price tag, you gotta cut costs somewhere. Ride1up made the Roadster V2 a single-speed e-bike, and it also lacks headlights and taillights. Another notable sacrifice is the braking system, as this e-bike features rim brakes. However, you do get a belt drive instead of a chain one.

RadRover 6 Plus

Highlights:

• Fat tires
• Powerful 750 W motor
• Hydraulic disk brakes

While the RadRover 6 Plus wasn't necessarily designed for urban environments, it's a great choice for those who regularly encounter dirt roads or for those who, like me, live in a "hole-ridden" city. It comes with increased power and 4-inch-wide fat tires that do a great job absorbing impacts.

The RadRover 6 Plus boasts a 750 W brushless, geared hub motor paired with a semi-integrated 672 Wh battery. Together, they offer more than 45 miles (72 km) of range per charge, and you can either receive pedal assistance or use the throttle directly.

The fat tires and the 60mm-travel suspension fork will keep you stable and comfortable while riding. If you encounter hills, you can count on a 7-speed drivetrain and the motor's power to push you through. Moreover, hydraulic disk brakes with 180mm rotors will provide adequate stopping power.

There has to be a downside to balance all these perks. One of them is that the RadRover 6 Plus tips the scales at 73.4 lb. (33 kg), battery included. That means you'll have a hard time carrying this machine on stairs. However, it has an impressive cargo capacity of 275 lb. (125 kg).

Two frame designs are available for this e-bike: a traditional design and a step-thru variant. Other notable features of the RadRover 6 Plus are front and rear lights and a half-twist throttle. The fat-tire two-wheeler is normally offered for $2,099, but Rad Power Bikes has currently discounted it to just $1,199.

Aventon Level.2

Highlights:

• Torque sensor
• Hydraulic disk brakes
• Included accessory kit

Aventon describes the Level.2 as its commuter e-bike. It provides a much more natural bike riding feel compared to its predecessor, thanks to the newly integrated torque sensor, which is a new feature in the company's e-bike lineup.

Although the Level.2 is categorized as a Class 2 e-bike, it can be upgraded to a Class 3 via the Aventon app, making it reach up to 28 mph (45 kph). At the core of the machine is a 500 W hub motor powered by a 672 Wh removable battery. Thanks to the torque sensor, the e-bike benefits from improved battery life, offering a range of up to 60 miles (96.5 km).

Just like other e-bikes on the list, the Level.2 comes with 180mm Tektro hydraulic disk brakes and a suspension fork. What's more, you also get pre-installed fenders and front and rear lights. When dealing with slopes, you can rely on an 8-speed Shimano Acera drivetrain to help you push through.

The e-bike's weight isn't that bad, tipping the scales at 61 lb. (almost 28 kg), while the maximum load on the integrated rear rack is 55 lb. (25 kg). Other notable features are a color LCD and a kickstand.

Juiced RipRacer

Highlights:

• Fun, fun, fun
• 750 W motor
• Hydraulic disk brakes

If you're willing to sacrifice a bit of comfort for a hefty load of fun, take a look at the RipRacer. I covered it early last year here on autoevolution, and it left me with a positive impression. Even though it might be a bit of a wild card in this list, I still feel it deserves a spot.

This BMX-style e-bike can go just about anywhere, be it city streets, dirt trails, or anything in between. The RipRacer boasts a 40.3-inch wheelbase and 20-inch fat tires designed to absorb bumps. However, that's the only "suspension feature" you get, as you won't find any shocks on this machine.

However, this e-bike stands out with a superior fun factor. It features a 750 W (1,300 W peak) rear hub motor that can help you reach speeds of up to 28 mph (45 kph). According to Juiced Bikes, you can ride for more than 55 miles (89 km). If you activate the Race Mode, you can even surpass 28 mph, although the range will decrease to 23 miles (37 km). By the way, power is provided by a 52 V, 15.6 Ah battery.

If you prefer relying on all-electric power rather than on your own legs, you can use its full-throttle mode to go the distance. Moreover, the e-bike sports a single speed, so you might have a hard time pedaling up hills.

Even though the RipRacer looks smaller than other models on this list, don't be fooled by its dimensions, as it still weighs a hefty 66 lb. (30 kg). 180mm hydraulic disk brakes will quickly bring you to a halt. You also get front and rear LED lights, a twist throttle, and an LCD display. Other accessories are available as upgrades.

Juiced Bikes is currently running a discount for the RipRacer, bringing the price down from $1,499 to $1,199.

Conclusion

Keep in mind that these are just some of the models that provide terrific value. There are countless other models under $2,000 on the market, so let me know in the comments what other e-bike you feel should’ve made this list.