Electric bikes make cycling more accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels, making it easier to ride further and faster. However, they often don't come cheap, with many models costing a few-thousand dollars or more.
But it is possible to find entry-level electric bikes for under $2,000. Keep reading to find out how to choose the best budget e-bike for your needs. If you're unsure whether electric bikes are right for you, check out our guide to electric bikes vs regular bikes.
What is an electric bike?
An electric bike is a bicycle that features a battery-powered electric motor. Most electric bikes in Australia are pedelec (or pedal assist) bikes, which means the motor provides assistance when you pedal but you can't expect it to do all the hard work for you. You can also select the level of assistance you want the motor to provide, with most bikes offering three or more options to choose from.
The main advantage of an electric bike is that it makes it easier to get from A to B. You can ride longer distances and up steep hills without using as much energy, which makes everything from off-road adventures to city commuting much more manageable.
E-bike motor speeds are limited to 25km/h, so you'll have to rely purely on pedal power above this speed.
How much do electric bikes cost?
Most electric bikes fall in the $1,000-$10,000 price range, with some top-spec models exceeding even this upper price point. But if you're looking for an e-bike priced at under $2,000, you'll find an increasing number of options to choose from.
Keep in mind that there are lots of factors that affect the cost of an electric bike. These include:
The manufacturer
The type of bike you choose (e.g., mountain bikes tend to cost more than commuter bikes)
Whether you choose an e-bike with a hub motor (generally cheaper) or mid-mount motor
The quality of components on the bike
Whether you buy your bike in-store or online.
Popular electric bikes under $2,000 in Australia
Shopping for an electric bike under $2,000? Here are three options you might like to consider. These were chosen based on a number of factors including battery size, distance range, type of motor and cost.
Off-road option
NCM Moscow Electric Mountain Bike E-Bike
The NCM Moscow is a durable mountain-bike style electric bike. It features a distance range of up to 80km and an in-built LCD Display.
Dyson Adventure folding e-bike. Featuring 26-inch wheels and a 250W motor, this bike is easy to fold away and offers a range of 50-90km.
Cruiser option
XDS E-Conic. This stylish cruiser from XDS features a 250W rear-drive motor, front and rear mudguards and a convenient step-through design.
What to look for when comparing electric bikes
You'll need to take several factors into account when shopping for an electric bike under $2,000. Make sure you consider the following:
Type of bike. Before you start comparing e-bikes, take a moment to think about the style of riding you like to do. This will determine whether you choose a bike for commuting to work, for tackling off-road trails or for cruising around town.
Battery range. Check the battery's capacity (measured in Wh) to get an idea of what sort of range you can expect. Most manufacturers will quote a ballpark figure for the distance you can expect from one charge, but it's worth remembering that a huge range of factors can affect performance in the real world.
Motor. Check the power of the motor and where it is mounted. Hub motors tend to be cheaper than mid-mount motors, but you'll still find bikes with the latter setup in this category. Also check how many different levels of motor assistance you can choose from.
Size. The best way to ensure that you choose the right-size bike is to get measured up in-store. If you're buying online, check the manufacturer's sizing chart.
Weight. You might also want to check the total weight of the bike on the spec sheet. Entry-level bikes tend to be slightly heavier than their more expensive counterparts, so this may be a consideration if you ever need to carry your e-bike up a flight of stairs.
Components. Check the specs sheet to see whether parts like the suspension, brakes, gears and tyres come from reputable manufacturers.
Accessories. Depending on the model you choose, your e-bike may also come with a range of accessories including lights, mudguards and pannier racks.
Assembly required. If you're buying online, check how much work you'll have to do to put the bike together. Are there step-by-step instructions and videos to help guide you through the process?
Warranty. Check the length of the warranty an e-bike comes with and exactly what it covers.
Price. You can expect to pay around $1,000 for the cheapest electric bikes, but you'll find plenty of options worth considering in the $1,000-$2,000 price bracket.
For more information on choosing the right electric bike, check out our e-bike buying guide.
If you're ready to buy, visit one of the following sites.
1. Bicycles Online
With a great selection of electric bikes available and a free 14-day test ride offer, you're guaranteed to find an e-bike to suit your needs at Bicycles Online.
Free delivery to most Australian postcodes
Free 14-day test ride
Afterpay available
2. Leon Cycle
Leon Cycle offer a wide range of NCM electric bikes, conversion kits and repairing tools.
All electronic parts have a 1 year warranty
Bike frames come with a 2 year warranty
All bikes are delivered to you pre-assembled
3. Crooze
With a huge range of e-bikes, you'll be sure to find your next commuting bike at Crooze.
Free shipping on orders over $50
Afterpay, Zip and Humm all available
30 day free returns (but conditions apply)
Pros and cons of electric bikes under $2,000
Pros
You can get around using electric power without breaking the bank
There's an increasing range of sub-$2,000 e-bikes to choose from
It's easy to compare options and buy online
There are bikes to suit a wide range of riding styles, from commuting to mountain biking.
Cons
Many electric bikes are priced above the $2,000 mark
Cheap bikes get cheaper components than high-end models
Entry-level e-bikes may weigh more and have a shorter range than more expensive options.
Bottom line
If you're searching for an electric bike under $2,000 in Australia, there's an increasing range of models to choose from. However, you do need to be aware that buying a cheaper, entry-level bike comes with certain trade-offs — lower-quality components and decreased range being two potential drawbacks.
But if you're willing to compare your options and shop around for the best value for money, it's entirely possible to find an electric bike under $2,000 that meets your needs. And if you get the chance to take a bike for a test-ride before you purchase, doing so will help ensure peace of mind when you buy.
Frequently asked questions
Are there any other affordable ways to get on an e-bike?
Another option you may like to consider is attaching an electric bike conversion kit to your existing bicycle. Check out our e-bike conversion kit guide for more info.
What else can I do to save on the cost of an electric bike?
If you're buying in-store, keep an eye out for sales and don't be afraid to haggle a little if you think you may be able to get a better deal. If you're buying online, check out these deals and discounts to save on the best electric bikes sold online:
Tim Falk is a freelance writer for Finder. Over the course of his 15-year writing career, he has reported on a wide range of personal finance topics. Whether you're investing in stocks and ETFs, comparing savings accounts or choosing a credit card, Tim wants to make it easier for you to understand. When he’s not staring at his computer, you can usually find him exploring the great outdoors. See full bio
Tim's expertise
Tim has written 33 Finder guides across topics including:
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