Best Electric Bikes Under $1000

Electric bikes can be a great investment if you’re looking to improve your speed, climb hills or commute to work regularly. These bikes make cycling more accessible and have all the advantages of a regular bike, with the addition of a handy electric motor and battery, which can offer you a boost whenever you need it.

They are often an ideal choice for commuters as they can help take the pressure off as you cycle and the motor is designed to help you accelerate from a stationary position, which is a really helpful feature in stop-start urban traffic.

Now an increasingly popular phenomenon, electric bikes are often a fairly expensive option, but you needn’t break the bank if you’re looking to purchase one. We’ve rounded up 5 of the best electric bikes currently available for under $1000 so you can make the best choice for your needs. 

With so many different types of electric bikes on the market, it can be hard to know what to look for when choosing the right one for you. There are a couple of really important considerations to think about before you buy, including battery range, style, motor type, and any additional control options.

We look at each of these considerations in detail in our buyer’s guide and offer some useful tips on what to think about to ensure you get the most out of your new electric bike!

In a hurry to find the perfect electric bike for you? Why not have a look at our top choice, the Nakto City Electric Bike.

This affordably priced eclectic bike has everything you could need and would be an ideal choice for the commute to work. It is available in two different frame types, tailored for both men and women. It features a brilliant 6-speed transmission system so you can modify your speed according to your needs, and it can offer you a boost when you need it most.

If you’re looking for something simple and easy to use, the Nakto City bike could be just what you need!

The Best 5 Electric Bikes under $1000

1. Nakto City Electric Bike

The Nakto City Bike is our favorite electric bike for under $1000 and is the perfect choice for city commuters. In fact, it is specifically designed for urban commuting and is fast, comfortable, and convenient. The high-strength carbon steel frame is durable and allows for an increased level of comfort and shock absorption as you ride. This model is available in two different frame types, one designed specifically for women and the other for men, so you can take your pick.

It has everything you could need for riding around the city, including a front basket, rear rack, metal fenders, suspension fork, battery integrated headlight, and an adjustable seat.

The Nakto City bike features a 6-speed transmission system, which means that you can choose any speed according to your personal needs, and enables you to reach up to a 25mph top speed. The 250W brushless motor should offer you strong power while you ride, and you can expect to go for around 20-25 miles on a full charge using the pedal assistance.

Arguably the best thing about this one is how easy it is to use and enjoy. The controls are simple and easy to navigate, and there are plenty of practical features to make things easier for you, including a horn and bright LED headlamp, which make it great for cycling home on those dark winter evenings.

The 2 working modes give you maximum control over your cycling experience and mean that you can easily switch between the pedal assist and twist-and-go settings as and when you need to.

2. Ancheer Electric Mountain Bike

Electric mountain bikes are designed to make hill climbs more achievable and longer cycling trips a little less challenging. The affordably priced Ancheer Electric Mountain bike is a great entry-level electric bike that will work well for both on- and off-road riding. The well-designed aluminum alloy frame on this one makes it both lightweight and strong and means that it is ideal for riding at faster speeds.

The ride should be comfortable thanks to the high-strength front suspension fork. The removable battery unlocks and slots out easily for recharging, (you can charge it on or off the bike) and can reach a range of up to 22-40 miles per charge. The Ancheer bike features a powerful 350W motor which will enable you to build up speeds of up to 20mph.

There’s a choice of 3 different working modes, which you can easily modify using the LED 3-speed smart meter button. It is easy to add a bit of speed with the throttle, and combining all three modes make for a smooth ride. This bike is incredibly versatile and would be ideal for a faster commute, a weekend mountain ride, or a high-intensity workout.

If you’re after something that can give you the best of both worlds at a decent price, the Ancheer is a great choice that will offer you all the freedom you need to have a safe and comfortable riding experience.

You should keep in mind, however, that the bike will not be fully assembled when you receive it. The assembly is 85% complete and should not be difficult to finish (helpful set-up videos are available online) but it’s something worth considering.

3. Swagtron EB5 Series Aluminium Folding Ebike

The Swagtron EB5 Folding Ebike definitely makes our top five. Folding bikes can be really useful for commuting and storing in your home or office until needed. The main advantage of having a folding electric bike is that you can get from A to B in good time and arrive feeling refreshed.

This popular model from the Swagtron brand is a really lightweight design that comes pre-assembled so you can just hop on and go. It can go for up to 15.5 hours after just 4-5 hours of charging, and you can easily fold away the bike using the easy-carry handle to fit in your car, pack on the subway, or store under your office desk.

You can choose to go full throttle up to 15MPH on just battery power alone, or you can turn on the pedal-to-go if you’re in need of a little boost of electric power as you pedal.

Despite its compact size, the motor is quite powerful and will help you tackle steep hills and 30-degree inclines. The high-performance tires are very durable and help ensure you have a smooth ride, which is really helpful when riding on uneven roads and pavements.

If you need to use the bike for longer rides, it is possible to purchase another battery and swap out the old one so it will last longer.

The Swagtron also features a comfortable adjustable seat to accommodate riders of different heights. The design is also rather sleek and attractive. Swagtron provide a high standard of customer service, and staff are available to offer advice and resolve any issues via live chat, email or phone, which is always good to know.

4. NCM Prague Electric Mountain Bike

The NCM Prague Electric Mountain Bike is the most expensive of our top five, but still falls within our $1000 price range. Available in two stylish colors, this electric bike will work well on all terrains, from rough forest tracks to gravel roads.

It features an incredibly large capacity battery, which means that it can reach a distance of up to 56 miles on a full charge.

The powerful 350W rear-drive motor and easy to use controls will help you reach a speed of up to 20mph. The durable 2.25” tires on the NCM Prague and suspension fork help to maximize your control and stability as you ride, allowing you to ride comfortably on all road surfaces and in challenging weather conditions.

There are 6 levels of pedal assistance to choose from to help you climb hills or pick up speed. Each level is easy to access using the LCD display and controller, which is straightforward and easy to navigate. Another great feature of the NCM Prague model is its mechanical braking system, which allows you to stop quickly and smoothly and can be adjusted on the go.

The bike is packed with useful features, designed to improve comfort levels and ensure it is as functional as it can be, including ergonomic lock-on Velo grips and 3 mechanical finger brake levers.

5. Hicient Electric Bike

Our final offering is the Hicient Electric Bike. This high-quality electric bike is very well-built and is available at an affordable price. It is equipped with a 350W high-speed brushless motor, which will help to increase your hill-climbing power and help you tackle your daily commute.

This one can go for up to 28km on a single charge and is fitted with a smart lithium battery charger, which offers fast and effective charging and usually only needs 4-6 hours to complete. There are three different riding modes to choose from, including the ‘Pure Electric Bike Mode’, which you can select if you’re in need of a break from pedaling.

The frame itself is constructed using high-quality aluminum, and the front fork is made of a high-strength carbon steel, which offers a high level of comfort shock absorption. The Hicient bike works well on different terrains and its sturdy construction offers stability and helps to improve the overall cycling experience. An LED front light and horn are included for road safety.

This is a fairly new model so you won’t find loads of reviews on Amazon, but there are many positive reviews online with many customers reporting that it is comfortable, convenient and reasonably priced.

Best Electric Bikes Buying Guide

Battery range 

Looking at the battery range of your preferred electric bike is a really important consideration. Just like a car’s fuel tank, the bigger the battery, the more power your bike will have, and the further you will be able to cycle.

With electric bikes, the battery is especially important as it will allow you to have more pedal-assistance, so you’ll want something that will last a fair amount of time between charging.

It’s also a good idea to think about how long the battery will take to charge, i.e. could you charge it during the working day or will it need a longer period of time to reach full charge?

Some electric bikes have very large battery capacities which can be ideal for commuting and mean that you won’t have to worry about recharging as often as you would with other models.

Motor Type 

The location and type of motor affect the weight distribution and performance, so the motor is definitely something to think about. The best motor type for you will often depend on how you plan to use the bike and your individual budget requirements.

Front hub motors are often the most affordable option, and commonly range between 250-350W, which means that they require fewer magnets and less copper wire to construct, so costs can be kept to a minimum.

However, front hub motors often have less torque and power, so if you’re after something with a bit more oomph, a rear hub motor may be the way to go.

Rear hub motos have a definite power advantage which makes them ideal for use with a throttle, but this is often reflected in the price. As rear hub motors position the weight at the rear of the bike, they usually offer better traction and stability for the rider.

Sensor Type 

Sensors come in two types, speed sensors and torque sensors. The choice of sensor can have quite a big impact on how the bike functions and whether or not it can offer a smooth experience for the rider.

Speed sensors tend to have an ‘on’ or ‘off’ feel to the motor which can make the bike feel a little jerky to a ride.

Torque sensors are more sophisticated by design and can facilitate a more natural ride because they provide power relative to the rider’s input. Torque sensors usually put the price up a bit because they can allow for more control, especially at low speeds.

Weight 

Due to their construction and motor size, electric bikes can often be quite heavy. This is something to think about if you plan to use it for commuting and may need to lift it onto a train or bus or store it somewhere in your home or garden.

If you’re looking for something lightweight, it might be worth looking at a folding electric bike, as they can be stored easily and often feature a helpful carry handle for easy transportation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are electric bikes worth it?

A. Electric bikes can be a sound investment. They are ideal for commuting and can save you a lot of money in the long run (think of all the money you will save on gas!).

They are fairly easy and inexpensive to maintain and offer great benefits to the rider. The motor makes riding much more convenient and less physically tiring, so you can ride at a higher speed and cover longer distances. They are also invaluable in stop-start traffic and for climbing steep hills!