Best Budget Electric Bikes – Consumer Reports

Among our findings: Don’t skimp on quality to save a few dollars, especially because no one wants to spend their riding time dealing with maintenance issues. Most lower-priced models have hub-mounted electric motors, which turn the rear wheel directly, and can be less responsive than a motor mounted at the pedal crank, which can also send power through the bike’s gearing for more usable power. That said, hub-mounted motors are still effective.

To find the best e-bike for you, consult CR’s electric bike buying guide and our electric bike ratings, where CR members will find ratings and reviews that include solid budget models in several categories organized by Class 1 (pedal assist), Class 2 (pedal assist and throttle up to 20 mph), folding, and mountain types.

Below, CR members will see strong-performing, lower-priced e-bikes in several key categories.

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