Budget electric bikes are affordable as compared to regular electric mountain bikes. A regular mountain e-bike will cost you between $3000-$10,000 or more. Whereas a budget electric mountain bike can be found even for under $1000. Isn’t that amazing?
Well, yes, you are right. There is certainly a difference in the quality of the components used but that does not mean that these bikes fall short of delivering a satisfying performance. I have been riding a budget electric mountain bike myself. What’s the outcome? I am glad you asked. Well, there is a difference in the battery range as well as the motor power. But if you can overlook these few things, they are a good option to check out if you are on a budget.
If you’re looking for a portable or easily stored solution, I’ve tested these affordable electric mountain bikes that you can check out!
Affordable Electric Mountain Bikes
Surprisingly, buying a cheap e-bike doesn’t always have to cost a fortune.
| Model | Price ($) | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Propella Mini | 849 | Lightweight design (35 lbs and 5 oz) for easy portability, with a top speed of 18 mph. |
| Aventon Soltera | 1,199.00 | Sleek city bike appearance, integrated battery, and precise handling with a top speed of 20 mph. |
| Rad Power RadMission | 1,329.95 | One of the cheapest e-bikes on the market with a single-speed configuration, reaching 20 mph. |
| Lectric XP 2.0 | 999.00 | Folding design for easy storage and transportation, reaching Class 3 speeds of up to 28 mph. |
| Miclon LNE 26 | 629.99 | Retro cruiser design, an impressive range of over 21 miles using the throttle alone. |
| Nakto 350W | 499.99 | High-strength carbon steel frame, suitable for riders between 4’9″ and 6’6″, and front V brakes. |
| Flex Electric Bike | 1,599.00 | Lightweight (55.6 pounds) with 26″ x 1.95″ tires for both mountain bike and road-friendly experience. |
Best Budget Electric Mountain Bikes: Comparison
Use this comparison to narrow the list by use case, fit needs, and the tradeoff that matters most before you choose a product.
| Product | Rating | Price | Best for | Product path | Main tradeoff | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Propella Mini |
9.0/10 |
Check current price | budget e-MTB shoppers comparing assist, range, trail limits, fit, and service paths | Current options | Verify fit, sizing, and current availability before buying | Check Price |
| Aventon Soltera |
8.9/10 |
Check current price | budget e-MTB shoppers comparing assist, range, trail limits, fit, and service paths | Product path | Verify fit, sizing, and current availability before buying | Check Price |
| Rad Power Bikes RadMission |
8.8/10 |
Check current price | budget e-MTB shoppers comparing assist, range, trail limits, fit, and service paths | Product path | Verify fit, sizing, and current availability before buying | Check Price |
| Lectric XP Step-Thru 2.0 |
8.6/10 |
Check current price | budget e-MTB shoppers comparing assist, range, trail limits, fit, and service paths | Product path | Verify fit, sizing, and current availability before buying | Check Price |
| Miclon LNE 26 |
8.5/10 |
Check current price | budget e-MTB shoppers comparing assist, range, trail limits, fit, and service paths | Product path | Verify fit, sizing, and current availability before buying | Check Price |
| Nakto 350W |
8.4/10 |
Check current price | budget e-MTB shoppers comparing assist, range, trail limits, fit, and service paths | Product path | Verify fit, sizing, and current availability before buying | Check Price |
| Gen3 The Flex Electric Bike |
8.3/10 |
Check current price | budget e-MTB shoppers comparing assist, range, trail limits, fit, and service paths | Current options | Verify fit, sizing, and current availability before buying | Check Price |
1. Propella Mini- Editor’s Choice
Price: Check current product page
Propella Mini
Editor's ChoiceBest for budget e-MTB shoppers comparing assist, range, trail limits, fit, and service paths. Check the product page for current sizing, fit notes, and availability.
Pros
- ✓ Easy To Carry
- ✓ Small Size
- ✓ Smooth Design
- ✓ Pocket-Friendly
Cons
- ✗ Low Speed
- ✗ Smaller Range
- ✗ Difficult Handling
- ✗ Lacks Throttle
Our Verdict
Propella Mini
Propella Mini remains in this review for budget e-MTB shoppers comparing assist, range, trail limits, fit, and service paths. Compare fit, sizing, warranty, assembly needs, and current availability before buying.
Best for: budget e-MTB shoppers comparing assist, range, trail limits, fit, and service paths
2. Aventon Soltera
Price: Check current product page
Aventon Soltera
Ranked Pick #2Best for budget e-MTB shoppers comparing assist, range, trail limits, fit, and service paths. Check the product page for current sizing, fit notes, and availability.
Pros
- ✓ Flexible Handling
- ✓ Attractive Design
- ✓ Easy To Carry
Cons
- ✗ Fixed Frame
- ✗ Lacks In Power
Our Verdict
Aventon Soltera
Aventon Soltera remains in this review for budget e-MTB shoppers comparing assist, range, trail limits, fit, and service paths. Compare fit, sizing, warranty, assembly needs, and current availability before buying.
Best for: budget e-MTB shoppers comparing assist, range, trail limits, fit, and service paths
3. Rad Power Bikes RadMission
Price: Check current product page
Rad Power Bikes RadMission
Ranked Pick #3Best for budget e-MTB shoppers comparing assist, range, trail limits, fit, and service paths. Check the product page for current sizing, fit notes, and availability.
Pros
- ✓ Simple
- ✓ Affordable
- ✓ No Rattling Noise
- ✓ Variety Of Frames
Cons
- ✗ Single Speed
- ✗ Not Suited For Steeper Hills
- ✗ Requires A Certain Body Position
Our Verdict
Rad Power Bikes RadMission
Rad Power Bikes RadMission remains in this review for budget e-MTB shoppers comparing assist, range, trail limits, fit, and service paths. Compare fit, sizing, warranty, assembly needs, and current availability before buying.
Best for: budget e-MTB shoppers comparing assist, range, trail limits, fit, and service paths
4. Lectric XP Step-Thru 2.0
Price: Check current product page
Lectric XP Step-Thru 2.0
Ranked Pick #4Best for budget e-MTB shoppers comparing assist, range, trail limits, fit, and service paths. Check the product page for current sizing, fit notes, and availability.
Pros
- ✓ Easy Storage
- ✓ Easy To Transport
- ✓ High Speed
- ✓ Pre-Assembled
- ✓ Includes Many Feature
Cons
- ✗ Heavy
- ✗ Small Wheels
- ✗ Less Stable
- ✗ Difficult Handling
Our Verdict
Lectric XP Step-Thru 2.0
Lectric XP Step-Thru 2.0 remains in this review for budget e-MTB shoppers comparing assist, range, trail limits, fit, and service paths. Compare fit, sizing, warranty, assembly needs, and current availability before buying.
Best for: budget e-MTB shoppers comparing assist, range, trail limits, fit, and service paths
5. Miclon LNE 26
Price: Check current product page
Miclon LNE 26
Ranked Pick #5Best for budget e-MTB shoppers comparing assist, range, trail limits, fit, and service paths. Check the product page for current sizing, fit notes, and availability.
Pros
- ✓ Decent Range
- ✓ Comfortable
Cons
- ✗ Not Powerful Motor
- ✗ Low Speed
- ✗ The Display Is Not User-Friendly
Our Verdict
Miclon LNE 26
Miclon LNE 26 remains in this review for budget e-MTB shoppers comparing assist, range, trail limits, fit, and service paths. Compare fit, sizing, warranty, assembly needs, and current availability before buying.
Best for: budget e-MTB shoppers comparing assist, range, trail limits, fit, and service paths
6. Nakto 350W
Price: Check current product page
Nakto 350W
Ranked Pick #6Best for budget e-MTB shoppers comparing assist, range, trail limits, fit, and service paths. Check the product page for current sizing, fit notes, and availability.
Pros
- ✓ Sleek Design
- ✓ Easy To Use
- ✓ Extended Battery Life
- ✓ Comfortable
Cons
- ✗ Heavy
- ✗ Difficult Assembly
Our Verdict
Nakto 350W
Nakto 350W remains in this review for budget e-MTB shoppers comparing assist, range, trail limits, fit, and service paths. Compare fit, sizing, warranty, assembly needs, and current availability before buying.
Best for: budget e-MTB shoppers comparing assist, range, trail limits, fit, and service paths
7. Gen3 The Flex Electric Bike
Price: Check current product page
Gen3 The Flex Electric Bike
Ranked Pick #7Best for budget e-MTB shoppers comparing assist, range, trail limits, fit, and service paths. Check the product page for current sizing, fit notes, and availability.
Pros
- ✓ Decent Range
- ✓ Powerful Motor
- ✓ Lightweight
- ✓ Comfortable
Cons
- ✗ Mechanical Brakes
Our Verdict
Gen3 The Flex Electric Bike
Gen3 The Flex Electric Bike remains in this review for budget e-MTB shoppers comparing assist, range, trail limits, fit, and service paths. Compare fit, sizing, warranty, assembly needs, and current availability before buying.
Best for: budget e-MTB shoppers comparing assist, range, trail limits, fit, and service paths
Things You Should Know Before Purchasing An Electric Mountain Bike
Buying a bike can be a very daunting task, but it can be made easier if you consider some of the things mentioned below.
1. Where Do You Go Riding?
The first thing that you should consider before buying any bike is where you ride or where you might ride in the future. If your trail is a gentle fine road, a hardtail hand drive or a hand drive bike will be probably the best answer for you.
E-mountain bikes that have a mid-drive motor are quite expensive. Their cost is suited to their features because they are designed for off-road riding and are more advanced.
If you’re looking for a bike that’s easy to store and transport, check out our list of the best folding mountain bikes.
2. Set Your Budget
While deciding on the budget, one thing that you must remember is that a $20,000 bike and a $10,000 bike will offer you the same level of assistance. It is highly likely that both these bikes will climb the same hill at almost the same time. The cost difference is due to the difference in materials used.
However, the only component that is going to give you an edge is the suspension. I say this because the suspension is going to give you more control, comfort, and a much smoother ride.
Not sure which type of mountain bike is right for you? Check out our guide to hardtail vs full suspension bikes. We’ll help you decide which one is best for your riding style.
3. The Battery/Motor
There are so many variants available in the market like Bosch, Brose, Shimano, Yamaha, TQ, Panasonic, and so many more. All of these are different for their power input and traits, they are almost the same. What you really should consider is that there are some lower-powered mountain bikes on the market. These bikes have lower-torque points but they also draw less from the battery.
If you plan to go further I recommend that you get a higher-capacity battery. But if you are 70 kilos or less, you can also do it with a lower-capacity battery. You can always carry a spare for longer routes.
Want to take your mountain biking to the next level? Consider installing a motor on your bike. Our guide will walk you through the process step-by-step.
4. The Size Of The Bike
All bikes come in a variety of sizes. It is best to get the bike that is best suited to your size so that you do not have any difficulty navigating. Bikes come in extra small to extra large sizes and they do differ in sizing. So head on to the website of the bike you are planning to buy and look at the available information.
One thing is for sure, do not buy a bike that is the wrong size for you because it will be uncomfortable.
Not sure what size mountain bike you need? Our mountain bike size chart will help you find the right fit for your height and riding style.
5. Where To Buy The Bike
Well, the main thing to consider is where are you going to buy your bike from. You can get it from three places:
Local Bike Shop
The first option is to get your bike from a local bike shop where you can also wriggle out a deal for yourself.
Chain Store
The second option is a chain store where you can get much more variety as compared to a local shop. You may even find bikes at lower prices.
Direct Sales
The third option is to buy directly from the manufacturer. The bikes will be slightly less expensive but you will be looking at one brand with a lot of different ranges.
Servicing
The thing about electric mountain bikes is that they need a lot of servicing. The tires, brakes, and gears, along with the suspension will need servicing now and then.
Give your child the gift of adventure with one of our top-rated kids mountain bikes
However, your battery and motor are more likely to survive without service but in case your motor stops working, it is replaceable. However, you will need to change things like brake pads, gear, and the chain more frequently.
FAQs
Is Buying An Inexpensive eBike Worthwhile?
We would say that you can’t go wrong with whichever bike you choose because the few e-bikes listed here and others that are equivalent in the segment are all capable of the same transportability, electric range, and power capability.
Which Electric Bike Is The Cheapest And Fastest?
If we talk about the fastest and affordable bike, the Ride1Up Core-5 beats all other bikes in our list. It is priced just at $945 and offers you some top notch featers with a great speed and smoothest suspension. This is the bike you cannot go wrong with.
How Does An E-MTB Function?
On electric mountain bikes, a tiny motor is situated close to the cranks under the frame. A lithium-ion rechargeable battery powers the motor. The motor only generates electricity while you pedal. Every time you pedal, it provides you with greater force, giving you the impression that your legs are supercharged and you are riding a typical bike.
More on electric bikes:
- Best Electric Bikes With Longest Range
- How To Extend The Life of E-Bike Battery
- Can You Ride Electric Bike in The Rain?
- Electric Bikes vs Cars
- Best Electric Scooters For Heavy Adults
- Best Adult Electric Tricycles
Conclusion
Electric motorcycles are becoming increasingly popular for good reason. These bikes are a fun and cost-effective way to get around, whether for commuting, running errands around town, or simply getting some exercise. They also save money on gasoline.
By far, the Propella Mini has to be the best bike I tested, given its price range. According to my fellow experts, the bike is comfortable and appealing. I am aware that there are many solutions available, but not all of them will be inexpensive.
So, I hope that this review will help you in meeting your needs without breaking the bank or sacrificing quality.
