What makes an electric bike "affordable"? The answer this question will differ from person to person, and where you live is a big determining factor. Dropping a couple thousand bucks on an e-bike makes a lot more financial sense in a city with good cycling infrastructure, where it can become your primary transportation and quickly pay for itself. If you live somewhere with poor cycling infrastructure or "way out in the boonies", then your e-bike may be more of a hobby purchase and the price tag suddenly seems a lot heftier.
For our purposes, we've set our "affordable" threshold at $2,000 USD; if it costs less than that, it's in!
E-bikes in this category provide a good price-to-value ratio, offering good performance while skipping some of the fancy bells and whistles that more premium (and expensive) alternatives offer. While it can be tempting to look for the cheapest e-bike possible, we actually advise against this! A good rule of thumb to follow, at least in the US, is that an e-bike will cost at least $1,200 if it's a product of worthwhile quality.
Yes, there are exceptions, and even in this day and age you can still find electric bikes for less than $1,000 USD, but these brands tend to compromise too much on quality and offer little or no post-purchase support. The lower the price, the more caution you should exercise as a buyer! Research online, read consumer reviews, and (of course) read our expert opinions here to get the Freshly Charged take.
The Velotric Tempo is one of the most unique lightweight city ebikes we’ve tested, combining an experience that feels natural with smart features such as Pulse Mode heart-rate training. In this review, we test the ride, tech, and real-world performance to see if this is the best lightweight commuter ebike you can buy right now.
The 2024 Urtopia Carbon Fold 2 is a folding electric bike built around a full carbon fiber frame and fork, positioning it in the premium lightweight segment of the folding e-bike market. Weighing approximately 35 lbs, it is designed for urban commuters and riders who prioritize portability and easy storage without sacrificing performance. The bike features a torque sensor, TEKTRO hydraulic disc brakes, a Shimano 8-speed drivetrain, and a removable seat post battery offering up to 40 miles of range, extendable to 95 miles with an optional second battery. Urtopia markets it as a versatile daily-use bike compatible with a range of optional accessories.
The 2024 Urtopia Carbon Classic Step-Thru is a city-oriented electric bike built around a step-through frame made from aerospace-grade Toray™ carbon fiber, making it notably lightweight at 38 lbs. Designed for urban commuting and everyday riding, it targets riders seeking easy mount/dismount access combined with capable components, including a 750W peak rear hub motor, torque sensor, Shimano 8-speed drivetrain, TEKTRO hydraulic disc brakes, and a removable UL-certified Samsung battery rated for up to 75 miles per charge. Key differentiators include its carbon fiber construction, adjustable handlebar with a wide range of positions, integrated rear rack, and support for both pedal assist and thumb throttle operation.
The 2024 Urtopia Carbon Classic is a lightweight urban and recreational electric bike built around an aerospace-grade Toray™ carbon fiber frame, which Urtopia states is approximately 50% lighter than comparable aluminum frames. It is positioned as a versatile cruiser-style e-bike suited for commuting and leisure riding, offering both pedal assist and thumb throttle modes alongside a torque sensor for a more natural ride feel. Key differentiators include the full carbon fiber frame and fork, a removable UL 2271-certified Samsung battery, and an adjustable handlebar designed to accommodate a wide range of rider heights and riding positions.
The 2024 Urtopia Carbon Fold Step-Thru (Carbon Fold ST) is a folding electric bike from Urtopia designed primarily for urban commuting and riders who prioritize portability. Built around a full carbon fiber frame and fork, it weighs approximately 31 lbs, positioning it at the lightweight end of the folding e-bike segment. Its step-through design and two-step folding mechanism aim to make the bike accessible to a wide range of rider heights and practical for compact storage. Key features include a torque sensor, TEKTRO hydraulic disc brakes, a removable seat post battery, and a Shimano 7-speed drivetrain.
The Mokwheel Asphalt is a performance-oriented urban commuter e-bike from Mokwheel, designed for riders seeking a more capable daily ride on city streets and light mixed terrain. It is powered by a 500W continuous (860W peak) motor paired with dual torque and cadence sensors for responsive pedal assist, and is built around a 6061 aluminum alloy frame with hydraulic disc brakes and front suspension. The Asphalt comes equipped with commuter-ready features such as a Shimano 7-speed drivetrain, integrated lighting, a rear rack, and full fenders, and is available in multiple colorways and frame styles.
The Mokwheel Scoria is a 20-inch fat tire electric bike from Mokwheel, positioned as a versatile, compact option for riders seeking a balance of performance and maneuverability. It is designed for a wide range of use cases including urban commuting, errands, cargo hauling, and light off-road exploration, and is marketed as accessible to both beginners and experienced riders. Key differentiators include a 750W motor with 90Nm+ torque, a high-capacity 48V 19.6Ah battery rated for up to 80 miles of range, an IPX6 full-bike waterproof rating, and an integrated rear shelf for cargo carrying.