Too often, people confuse “cheap” with an overall lack of quality. In reality, you don’t have to blow your budget to find a great electric bike. We’ve sorted and tested hundreds of electric bike models under $600, hoping to find you the best of the best based on the functionality and specifications that matter most to the average rider. From range to overall power, we tested each bike to meet the high standards we know electric bike riders bear in mind, testing each on different surfaces and for different purposes. Electric bikes come in at all price points, but finding the best under $600 doesn’t have to be a struggle.
Ever heard the old adage, “You get what you pay for?” Odds are, your parents instilled that saying into you from a pretty young age. While it certainly applies to many things in life, the same cannot be said for an electric bike. You can easily find a great electric bike under $600, even though pricier models often cost upwards of $1000. This can keep many people from even looking into an electric bike, even though there are plenty of great cheap electric bikes. So what can you actually expect from an electric bike under $600?
For the most part, the major difference between a cheap bike under $600 and an e-bike that costs over $1000 will be the quality of the parts used. Many times the cheapest electric bikes will use a lower grade of materials, specifically when it comes to the frame, motor, battery, and the wheels. Does this mean you’re not getting a good bike? No, not at all. In fact, in our findings cheaper parts don’t always equal a bad bike. Sometimes a company just chooses to not utilize name-brand parts in order to keep costs more accessible.
Additionally, you won’t necessarily get all of the electronic bells and whistles that may come standard on a more expensive bike. Of course, oftentimes with an expensive bike, you’re paying for the name. Brand and overall warranty offerings will often bear the greatest impact on retail prices. The cheapest electric bikes under $600 aren’t bad bikes, in fact, they’re quite excellent, they simply lack the brand recognition and warranty offerings that bigger names can boast.
Go big or go home, that’s a great motto in some instances, but not if you’re looking to buy your very first electric bike. In many ways, going with the cheapest option could be the best choice if you’re looking into buying your first electric bike. The reason? Not only will an electric bike under $600 still get you an adequate range of at least 20 miles and offer top speeds of around 20 mph with pedal assist, but they give you a feel for how an electric bike rides without a huge investment. Until you know whether or not you’ll enjoy riding and owning an electric bike, it isn’t in your best interest to spend over $1,000. Stick in the under $600 range and look at our helpful list of the cheapest electric bikes under $600. Consider these a “starter bike.” You can always opt to go for a higher-end model if you become truly invested.
Have a short commute? You may want to look into one of the cheapest electric bikes under $500. Unless you’re on a lengthy commute that incorporates a myriad of terrains or other issues, a cheap electric commuter bike is the way to go. Most boast a reliable motor and frame that doesn’t buckle, all while reaching speeds of up to 15-20 mph. With disc brakes and steady suspension, you can rest assured that you’ll get where you need to go with comfort and ease. Since most cheaper electric bike models are also sparse on too many bells and whistles, they also tend to be very lightweight, making them ideal for commuting. Additionally, with a cheaper model, you do not have to feel overly guilty about any wear and tear. These budget-friendly bikes are made to be well-loved and used..
You don’t have to break the bank to find a great electric bike that works for your unique needs. We tested the cheapest electric bikes under $600 to find the best of the lot. With range, braking, suspension, speed, and so much more in mind, each bike was vetted to meet the expectations of both experienced and novice e-bike enthusiasts.