Best Electric Bikes Under $1500
Looking at the sheer number of electric bikes on the market today can be pretty overwhelming. With thousands of companies to choose from, where does one even start? When it comes to buying a great electric bicycle, the two main things to consider are style and price. We’ve rounded up the best electric bikes under $1500 based on the specifications and factors that can help you cut through the noise and find the right e-bike for your needs. From range and performance to overall rideability, we’ve broken down and tested each of these $1500 and under bikes to find the cream of the crop.
Ride1Up CORE-5
If you're looking for a dependable and durable ebike for your commute, then the Core-5 by Ride1Up is the device for you! A smooth, safe, battery assisted-ride for all.
The Core-5 is just one of many fantastic ebikes produced by the company ...
PROS:
- The 9-Speed shifter allows for a smooth transition between gears
- The powerful battery keeps you riding for miles before you need to charge again
- Durable and protective frame for the battery
CONS:
- Hardtail suspension restricts the amount of shock absorption
RadMini 4 Electric Folding Fat Bike
If you're looking for a durable and dependable type 3 ebike that is small and easy to store when not in use, then the RadMini 4 is the perfect device for you!
Rad Power Bikes has been developing some of the best type 3 ebikes ever since 2015. ...
PROS:
- Easily folds and stores away
- Quality seat suspension allows for rough terrain as well as city driving
- 7-speeds are easy to switch between and well-placed for any riding situation
CONS:
- Not too many customization options available
Ride1Up 700 SERIES
Get one of the most powerful ebikes available - the 700 series by Ride1Up - today! Transform your commute with clean, safe power like never before.
Ride1Up has been offering all types of ebikes for years. This North American company designs and ...
PROS:
- Hydraulic seat and breaks help diminish the bumps in the road for the rider
- The 1-year warranty keeps you and your bike protected
- Reach speeds that few other ebikes can reach via the pedal assistance alone
CONS:
- Some parts have come dented for customers
RadMission 1 Electric Metro Bike
The RadMission comes from the company Rad Power Bikes, a company that specializes in all sorts of ebikes from the city to offroaders. This North American bike company has been around since 2007, making many different types of ebikes, but focusing on ...
PROS:
- Decent mileage for an e-bike
- Sturdy, narrow tires make it great for any terrain
- 30% lighter than any other Rad Power Bike
CONS:
- One speed bike makes it difficult on hills
RadMission 1 Step-through
The RadMission 1 is a fantastic type 2 ebike that can transform your commute. Weatherproof and ready for the trip, this bike is designed for the rider.
For five years, Rad Power Bikes has been designing and producing some of the best ebikes ...
PROS:
- A powerful type 2 ebike that can reach anywhere from 20-24MPH
- Designed and built to improve your city commute
- All wiring is waterproof and durable
CONS:
- This is a one-speed ebike which can feel restricting
Rad Runner 1 Electric Utility Bike
Seattle based brand Rad Bikes has been on the forefront of electric bike innovation for years. They understand that electric bike riders demand just a little bit more, thus they strive to create products that stand the test of time. Every bike is ...
PROS:
- Four-levels of pedal assist
- Many extra accessories available
- 300-pound weight limit
CONS:
- No suspension on base model
- Passenger package is not standard
Rad Power Bikes Radrunner 2
The Rad Power Bikes Radrunner 2 is a genuine contender for your car. Its range of accessories offers an incredible amount of versatility from a well-priced electric bike. It is also fun to ride, making every trip entertaining.
PROS:
- Radrunner 2 owners love how well their bikes handle. The handling prowess comes from 20" wheels with a modest width, making the Radrunner 2 agile.
- These small wheels also keep the Radrunner 2 relatively compact. Even with its small size, this electric bike can accommodate taller and shorter riders.
- You can haul up to 300lbs on your Radrunner 2, even though the bike only weighs 65lbs. Of course, this is still pretty heavy, but not as heavy as many cargo electric bikes.
CONS:
- If you want to use your Radrunner 2 as an alternative to a car, you should choose the additional passenger package. This consists of a comfortable bench seat, footpegs, and a clear protector over the wheel. You can even add a couple of passenger grab handles for extra safety.
- However, some Radrunner 2 owners often say they would like more speed from their electric bikes. The 20mph top speed is enough for most situations, but a little more speed would be welcome.
Ecotric Tornado Full Suspension
Ecotric is a renowned San Francisco based electric bike brand that prides itself on offering accessible quality bikes that any cyclist can enjoy. The full range of Ecotric bikes, including full suspension bikes and fat folding bikes are made with ...
PROS:
- 45 miles on a single charge (similar bikes only get around 30)
- Pedal assist and on-demand throttle
- 265 lb weight capacity (other e-bikes can only support 240)
CONS:
- At 62 pounds the bike is quite heavy
- Fenders are not standard
Rad City Step-Thru 3
Born in Seattle, Rad bikes have been dedicated to making the most affordable and innovative bikes in the US. Designed in Washington and manufactured in China, every Rad bike has to meet impossibly high standards before hitting the streets. Rad makes ...
PROS:
- A feature-complete bike that is well thought out
- Comfortable and durable unlike similar bike brands
- Sturdy frame design with a generously sized battery/motor
CONS:
- Heavier than other Rad City models
- Isn’t great at climbing steep hills
- Only one frame size available (can be a problem for taller riders)
Ecotric Rocket Fat Tire
After graduating from the Rhode Island School of design, Miller Evans decided to pursue his love of cycling and outdoor sports. The result was Ecotric. Founded in San Francisco, Ecotric has a full range of electric bikes, ranging from ...
PROS:
- Easier to put together than most electric bike models
- Holds a solid charge
- Well made and scratch-resistant aluminum alloy frame
CONS:
- Heavier than a standard bike (55 pounds)
- No fenders included
Addmotor M-150 R7 20″ Fat Folding
All Addmotor Motans are totally worth the money. The look is great and makes you feel kinda special. The seat is quite comfortable for longer rides. The best part is the life saviour disc brakes that won’t let you get yourself hitting into someone. ...
PROS:
- Really powerful
- Long lasting battery
- Comfortable seating position
- Aluminium-Alloy folding frame makes the body look elegant
- 5-inch LCD automatic light sensitive display lets you know the condition, battery, speed and other important functions at any time of the day
CONS:
- Design could be better
- Control box not isolated enough
- Heavy
- Battery and motor at the rear make it difficult to lift
Electra Townie Go! 7D Step Thru
Founded in 1993, Electra Bikes is one of California’s top selling bike brands. The concept behind Electra bikes has always been to meld high-tech elegance with accessibility. Designed in Vista, California but manufactured China, Electra began by ...
PROS:
- Variable frame options available for different sized riders
- Excellent battery life, motor power, and drivetrain
- Great overall aesthetic with plenty of fun color choices for men and women
CONS:
- The display may be a bit too compact for some riders
- Only three levels of pedal assist to choose from (other bike companies offer 4-7)
Step Over Townie Go! 7D
California based bike brand Electra has been churning out quality bikes since 1993. The goal of Electra has always been to offer up affordable bikes that suit every lifestyle. Made in China but designed right in Vista, California, each Electra bike ...
PROS:
- Available in several frame sizes and color options
- Hydrive technology and patented flat foot features
- Lightweight and easy to transport (other bikes can weigh up to 20 lbs more!)
CONS:
- Not as much power as Step-Over models from Rad
- No added brake lights for night riding
Hyper E-ride Radster
Low-Step bikes such as the Hyper E-Ride Radster give riders a fun alternative to ordinary standard riding practices. Produced by American company Hyper and manufactured in China, the Hyper E-Ride Radster is a stand-out bike that couples style and ...
Himiway Fat Stepthru
Himiway Bikes was first founded in 2017 on the core idea that quality products could be made available at competitive prices. Based in Chino, California, this brand prides itself on crafting bikes that stand the test of time. With a full range of ...
PROS:
- Generous 35-60 mile range on a single charge
- Powerful rear-hub motor for uphill battles
- Kendra puncture resistant fat tires
CONS:
- Heavier than traditional mountain bikes
- Smaller bike rack than comparable fat tire models
X-Treme Trail Maker
This high-performance electric bike has a lightweight aluminum alloy frame that comes with a lifetime tech support from X-Treme. It runs up to 20MPH on a 20-25 mile range. It also has Shimano gears with shock absorbing features on the front fork and ...
PROS:
- Seatpost suspension
- Easy to assemble
- Great for taller riders
- Comes with rear rack
CONS:
- Pedal-assist button is on opposite handlebar from throttle making hand signals for turning more difficult
What Do You Get From A $1000 to $1500 Electric Bike
For between $1000 and $1500 you’re going to find yourself in the mid-range category of electric bikes. For most riders, this is the total sweet spot, as it is when both electrical and bicycle components improve drastically within the bike itself. While budget-level bikes are great for those who want to experiment, the mid-range category is dedicated to those who want a long-lasting e-bike that doesn’t totally break the bank.
What kind of perks will you get from an e-bike in this price range? Anytime you pay over $1000 for an electric bike you’re going to see a massive improvement in components such as brakes and shifters. You’ll find recognizable names like Shimano and Tektro.
Tires will be of a higher quality and will likely be made by a major brand such as Kenda. Additionally, the frame of the bike itself will feel sturdier and made for more aggressive terrain. As you inch closer to the $1500 mark, you’ll likely even see the inclusion of hydraulic disk brakes and high-end components as a whole. In contrast, cheaper bikes tend to have lower-quality components to keep prices low.
You won’t find recognizable brand names on most budget bikes, nor will you be getting a bike that lasts for years to come. When you go with a bike between $1000 and $1500 you’re getting a high-quality bike with name-brand components and a unit that will likely last you between 3 and 5 years with proper maintenance.
Don’t Overpay for a Great E-Bike
Can you actually get a great electric bike for $1500? In our experience of testing the best electric bikes under $1500, that’s a resounding “Yes!” In fact, there are several companies that are dedicated to making high-quality bikes that are marketed specifically to the mid-range e-bike consumer.
Rad Power Bikes and Blix Bikes are just two examples of great companies churning out the best electric bikes that don’t cost as much as a car. As mentioned above, these bikes contain high-quality name brand components, solid suspension, and a frame that is built to take on whatever you throw their way. Though they may not have all of the electronics that a $2000+ bike would bear, most consumers don’t require those bells and whistles.
Final Thoughts
Getting the best electric bikes under $1500 doesn’t have to be an exercise in frustration. There are dozens of great options to choose from, each with great high-quality components, electronics, and range. Read through our top picks and find the bike that suits your budget and lifestyle.
