To me, ebikes hit the transportation sweet spot.
Faster than pedaling a bicycle or walking, and arguably more efficient than anything else on two or four wheels. I take mine to and from work and all over town without ever fretting about parking.
There’s an ebike out there for every guy’s needs.
I’ve tried a few of the most popular versions on the market—these seven picks will get you on a pair of boosted wheels without draining your budget.
My Recommendations
Best Overall: Rad Power Bikes RadRunner Plus
I had a really fun experience testing the RadRunner Plus. Yes, it packs more weight than other ebikes we’ve tested, but it also packs a heck of a lot of value.
Believe it or not, Rad’s founder, Mike Radenbaugh, rigged up his first ebike back in 2007 just to schlep himself to and from school. Soon, he was helping friends and locals convert their bicycles to ebikes, too.
In 2015, with the help of his childhood friend, the two brought Rad to the masses. In 2019, they approached $100 million in sales, and in 2020, they tripled that.
The RadRunner Plus is one of their flagship models, and for good reason. This ebike is built for functionality and fun. With a sleeky, sturdy frame, imitation leather accents, and a powerful LED headlight, it’s both a stylish and durable ride.
The strong 750W motor and Tektro brakes give you the freedom to cruise for 25-45 miles and stop on a dime.
The RadRunner Plus offers five levels of pedal assist, a throttle, and seven speeds to flick through. Unlike other ebikes, it also features a key lock that turns the battery on and off. This means that even if someone snipped your lock, they couldn’t activate the ebike and jet off without your key.
I’m also a fan of the elevated handlebars that place you in an upright riding position.
This thing is a beast.
It weighs 77 lbs but carries an impressive capacity of up to 300 lbs. This means you can bring a second rider along, or trick out the bike with front and back storage for your work and gym bags or groceries.
What I Like
- From the wheels to the motor and frame, the RadRunner Plus feels durable and built to last.
- You can bring someone along for the ride: the RadRunner Plus has a 300 lb carrying capacity and comes with a rear passenger seat.
- The elevated handlebars put you in a neutral, upright riding position that pairs with thick tires to deliver an extremely comfortable ride.
- The powerful LED headlight, imitation leather access, and industrial design, give the RadRunner Plus a sleek overall look.
What I Don’t Like
- Because this ebike weighs 77 lbs, it’s not as maneuverable as others of the same price.
What Other Reviews Say
I knew Rad was getting big, but I was mind-boggled to discover that they’ve collected over 17,000 verified reviews.
Rad riders praise their ebikes for their reliability, sturdiness, and high-quality builds. I saw lots of reviews mentioning how easy it was to install accessories and customize ebikes for different use cases, too.
One poor fella said he encountered a flock of geese on his ebike and “went down hard.” But, despite sustaining a concussion himself, he claimed his ebike was barely damaged!
Another guy noted that he had to upgrade to the comfort saddle, since the stock saddle was too uncomfortable. I have to agree that the standard seat is a bit unforgiving. It would be nice if Rad cushioned each saddle a little more as standard.
The Verdict
The RadRunner Plus offers power, comfort, and loads of storage, making it the best overall pick for an ebike in this price range. With a mighty 750W motor and a 300 lb carrying capacity, you can bring a second rider with you or add loads of extra storage.
I’m a big fan of the elevated handlebars that put you in a neutral, upright riding position. Paired with thick tires, the two create an extremely comfortable ride. Because it can carry up to two people, it weighs 77 lbs, more than most ebikes. This added weight makes it a bit less agile on sharp turns.
If you’re looking for a durable, stylish, and functional cruiser with plenty of room for storage, The RadRunner Plus is the bike for you. Whether you need a sidekick for errands, a ride that you can schlep your work and workout bags on, or just something fun to cruise to the beach with, this ebike can deliver, and it’s made with quality materials that feel built to last.
While it isn't the most nimble cruiser at 77 lbs, that's not why you opt for the RadRunner Plus. It more than packs its weight with its durability, dual-rider capability, storage functionality, and a heck of a lot of style to boot. Plus, I found its powerful 48V 750pw to be no slouch, even at close to its 300 pound load capacity.
Best on a Budget: Lectric XP Lite
It’s not often that you find a foldable ebike with solid features for under $1,000, but that’s exactly what Lectric’s XP Lite gives you.
Rooted in humble beginnings from a small garage in Phoenix, Arizona, Lectric was founded by two friends and a motivated dad who hatched the idea of creating an affordable and adventurous ebike for the masses.
The XP Lite has a smaller 300W motor and a 20-40-mile range, depending on which level of pedal assist you’re riding in. This ebike most notably features an upright riding position, long-stemmed handlebars, thick 2.6” tires, and an upgradable suspension seat post.
The Lectric XP is significantly cheaper than other ebikes in its class and folds down to a puny size of 36” long by 27” high, an item that would easily fit in the passenger seat of a car.
With this ebike, you also have the ability to upgrade to a Giant seat and suspension seat post for an extra $100. A suspension seat post absorbs shock from bumps and provides you with an airy, spring-loaded feeling that is considerably more forgiving than rigid seat posts.
Even with this upgrade, you’ll still fall below $1,000.
What I Like
- The XP Lite is the most affordable ebike on the market, with a 20-40-mile range.
- The foldable design provides you with easy transport and storage.
- Despite being a foldable ebike, it still offers a comfortable upright riding position.
What I Don’t Like
- Despite this ebike being a budget option, I’d still like to see the suspension seat come as standard, rather than an upgrade with an extra cost.
What Other Reviews Say
Most XP Lite riders are satisfied with their purchase and point out how lightweight and maneuverable this ebike is.
Some reviewers also commented on how sleek and versatile this model is, and also commended the quality of the braking system. However, one user was annoyed with how tough it was to get to the battery as the bike has to be folded to access it, which does seem like a slight design flaw.
The Verdict
The XP Lite is one of the cheapest and most versatile folding ebikes you can get your hands on.
But even at its minimal price point, the XP Lite still grants you 20-40 miles of range in the lowest pedal assist mode. It’s a comfortable, compact, affordable ebike that’s versatile enough for anyone and ideal for road trips.
The XP Lite is one of the cheapest and most versatile folding ebikes you can get your hands on.
Even at its minimal price point, the XP Lite grants you nearly 40 miles of range in the lowest pedal assist mode. It's a comfortable, compact, affordable ebike that’s versatile enough for anyone and would be ideal to take with you on road trips.
Great Value: Aventon Pace 500.2
Aventon’s Pace 500.2 takes the cake as the best value ebike for comfort, power, and an ideal makeup of features, as reflected in my hands-on review.
Founded in Los Angeles by two friends with extensive knowledge of the cycling industry, Aventon has taken off as one of the top ebike producers on the market. Today, they deliver a dazzling lineup of ebikes that accommodate different riding needs and styles.
The Pace 500.2 includes a speedy 28 mph top speed, a strong 500W motor, a comfortable upright riding position, and 2.2” puncture-proof tires.
With the Pace 500.2, Aventon has implemented upright cruiser frame geometry. This is designed to put you in a fully upright riding position that keeps your back straight, your head over your shoulders, and your arms directly out in front of you.
Despite being fairly light and nimble, weighing just 52 lbs, the Pace 500.2 carries up to 300 lbs, which is a very impressive weight to capacity ratio.
This ebike also features a Velo Comfort saddle that’s soft yet wide and supportive to sit on. The saddle paired with 2.2” puncture-proof tires soften bumps along the way.
What I Like
- I like that the Pace 500.2 offers both a comfortable upright riding position and a sporty design.
- This ebike achieves a rare balance of comfort, power, and affordability.
- The puncture-proof tires, Velo Comfort saddle, and integrated lights provide you with comfort and safety.
- With a 40-mile range and top speeds of up to 28 mph, you can take this all over town.
What I Don’t Like
- The hydraulic disc brakes squeal as you break them in.
- This ebike doesn’t have as many storage options as others.
What Other Reviews Say
Most people who bought a Pace 500.2 are impressed with the quality of the bike and its features for the price.
Many folks noted how powerful the pedal assist and throttle were, delivering ample strength to take on hills. One guy even said he sold his car, after relying solely on his new ebike to tackle his usual journeys.
The Verdict
Beyond its comfortable, sporty design, the Pace 500.2 serves up a 28 mph top speed and nearly 40 miles of range, which is great if you’re going to be leaning on this to commute to and from work or to run errands.
The Pace 500.2 is a powerful cruiser that strikes a fragile balance between comfort, performance, and power at a killer price point. This is for guys who want to jump into the ebike game without breaking the bank and get a mix of all the best features.
The Pace 500 Next-Gen is a remarkably sleek, comfortable, and powerful cruiser with an impressive top speed and range for its price point. If you’re new to ebikes but want to enter the game with some serious momentum, this bad boy serves up the ideal mix of features.
Best Folding: Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5
Rad Power Bikes’s Rad RadExpand 5 is a foldable ebike that doesn’t fold in terms of features.
In fact, if this ebike didn’t pretzel itself up into an impressively compact 29” tall, 25” wide, and 41” long, I wouldn’t realize it’s a foldable bike at all.
Like other ebikes in Rad’s catalog, the RadExpand 5 serves up a powerful 750W rear hub motor, thick, puncture-proof tires, up to 45 miles of range, and a heavy carrying capacity of 275 lbs.
The details are all there, too. This ebike has an easy-to-mount step-through frame, adjustable handlebars, LED headlight, seven speeds, and four levels of pedal assist.
The front of the RadExpand 5 looks nearly identical to the RadRunner Plus, but the back is distinctly different. It’s slightly smaller than the RadRunner Plus, and while you’ll still get plenty of storage options, it doesn’t include a passenger seat for a second rider.
The folding mechanism is located on the bottom of the frame, right in front of the pedals. Simply unclip the metal latch and fold it in on itself to magically transform the bike into an object nearly half its size.
What I Like
- This ebike folds up into almost half its size for easy storage and transport.
- The RadExpand 5 has a strong 750W motor and up to 45 miles of range.
- The step-through frame and adjustable handlebars offer comfort and easy mounting and dismounting.
What I Don’t Like
- This ebike has less storage and carrying capacity than others in Rad’s catalog.
What Other Reviews Say
RadExpand 5 riders appreciate that this ebike offers most of the same specs as other models in Rad’s lineup, while still being able to fold down nice and compact.
One reviewer says the RadExpand 5 fits in both the trunk and backseat of their Toyota Prius, which is already a small car to begin with. Other riders like this ebike because it fits in campers, in the beds of trucks, and in other small places for on-the-go adventures.
Generally, riders seemed happy with their RadExpand 5 purchase, especially riders who were seeking a transportable ride to take on the road with them.
The Verdict
The RadExpand 5 is a foldable ebike that punches above its weight class. With a 750W motor, up to 45 miles in range, and a 275 lb carrying capacity, it’s a powerful and versatile ride with the tires and features to take on all kinds of terrain.
This ebike would be ideal for a guy who hunts, camps, fishes, or goes on lots of road trips and wants a portable ebike he can fold up and toss into his truck, camper van, or even the back of a sedan. The RadExpand 5 folds up into a compact 29” tall, 25” wide, and 41” long, making it the ideal travel companion.
The RadExpand 5 is a foldable, travel-ready ebike that’ll hold up in the outdoors and let you explore far beyond where you pitch your tent.
The RadExpand 5 is a foldable ebike that punches above its weight class. With a 750W motor, up to 45 miles in range, and a 275 lb carrying capacity, it’s a powerful and versatile ride with the tires and features to take on all kinds of terrain.
Best for Seniors: Blix Sole Eclipse
If you’re an older rider looking for a comfortable but capable ebike that can safely take you around town, Blix’s Sole Eclipse is my top pick.
Blix is a newer ebike brand founded in Santa Cruz, California, in 2014. They’re company goal is to “inspire and empower people to live a more fun and healthier life.” Blix produces six different models of ebikes. Their Sole Eclipse is inspired by an iconic bicycle style that’s been thoughtfully reimagined for the ebike era.
On the outside, it’s a classic beach cruiser with a wide, stable saddle, easy-to-reach handlebars, a low step-through frame for easy mounting and dismounting, and fat tires for added cushion and stability on the road.
But on the inside, the Sole Eclipse has a strong 750W motor, up to 45 miles of range, safe and reliable disk brakes, LED lights, and a digital display. These are upgrades that seriously set it apart from your grandad’s pedal-to-the-beach cruiser.
The Sol Eclipse has terrific built-in safety features, like automatic power cutoff when the brake levers are engaged, puncture-proof tires with reflective sidewalls, and an integrated bell.
Blix has done a wonderful job stripping this down to the essentials to create a lightweight, maneuverable ebike that serves up a straightforward ride for people of all ages. Weighing just 56 lbs with the battery, it’s easy to move around whether you’re riding, walking, or parking it.
What I Like
- Blix’s Sole Eclipse is a thoughtful electric upgrade to a classic beach cruiser.
- I love the straightforward comfort of the cushy, wide saddle, low step-through frame, and easy-to-reach handlebars.
- The strong 750W motor, reliable disk brakes, and digital display stand out.
What I Don’t Like
- The Sole Eclipse would be more comfortable with added front suspension.
- I wish the handlebars could be raised up higher for taller riders.
What Other Reviews Say
As a smaller ebike brand on the block, Blix hasn’t amassed thousands of reviews yet. However, the reviews they have received are generally quite positive and align with what the brand claims about their ebikes.
One rider noted how nice the powerful motor and throttle are for going up hills or zipping through intersections. This same rider also has arthritis and commented on how much they enjoy the cushy saddle and step-through frame for comfortable riding and easy mounting and dismounting.
One reviewer wishes there was suspension built into the seat for added comfort. I agree that both on-seat and front-fork suspension would be quality comfort upgrades the Blix team should consider.
Overall, riders of all ages—but especially older riders—find Blix’s Sole Eclipse to be a capable, comfortable, and easy to maneuver ebike for casual adventures and safely cruising around town.
The Verdict
Blix’s Sole Eclipse is a thoughtful electric upgrade to the classic beach cruiser. With a strong 750W motor, thick, puncture-proof tires, disk brakes, and a cushy, wide saddle, it’s a capable yet easy-to-ride ebike.
The Sole Eclipse offers a selection of comfort and safety-driven features. The auto power cutoff ensures that power gets cut off from the motor as soon as you pull the brake levers. The thicker, puncture-proof tires add stability to your ride and have reflective sidewalls for increased visibility. And the step-through frame makes it safe and easy to get on and off.
If you’re an older rider who wants a fun, safe, and capable ebike to get you out of the house, Blix’s Sole Eclipse is my top choice. This is perfect for casual rides around the neighborhood, downtown, and to and from the beach.
Blix’s Sole Eclipse is a thoughtful electric upgrade to the classic beach cruiser. With a strong 750W motor, thick, puncture-proof tires, disk brakes, and a cushy, wide saddle, it’s a capable yet easy-to-ride ebike.
Best Fat-Tire: Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus High-Step
Rad Power Bikes calls their RadRover 6 Plus High-Step a “beast of a bike” and I can’t say I’d disagree.
The RadRover 6 Plus is Rad’s flagship model. Now in its sixth iteration, it boasts some, well, beastly features like Kenda Juggernaut 26” x 4” puncture-proof tires, a mighty 750W motor, 45 miles of range, and a 275 lb carrying capacity.
This is a fat-tire bike with a sleek, pared-down design that allows you to take it straight from the cafe to the trailhead. The RadRover 6 Plus comes in both high-step and step-through frame designs and features front suspension, fenders, an LED headlight, and hydraulic disk brakes.
With seven speeds and five levels of pedal assist, The RadRover 6 Plus is a powerful but straightforward ride. It offers a main digital display in the center of the handlebars and a separate display on the left handgrip that shows which level of pedal assist you’re in.
For all its rugged power and functionality, the RadRover 6 Plus also weighs a lot, which is to be expected.
At 73 lbs, it won’t be as easy to maneuver as lighter ebikes, like the XP Lite, for example. But, I reckon that’s a fair tradeoff for an ebike with a strong motor that’ll pull you up hills and tires that will eat up any terrain without a complaint.
Like most of the ebikes in Rad’s fleet, you can customize your storage on the RadRover 6 Plus by adding various accessories on both the front and rear.
What I Like
- The beastly Kenda Juggernaut 26” x 4” puncture-proof tires will tear through any terrain.
- The 750W motor and 45 miles of range deliver a strong and reliable ride.
- The classic design that looks great wherever you park it.
- Upgraded features like fenders, an LED headlight, and two displays that give you an increased sense of safety and control.
What I Don’t Like
- This ebike is heavier than commuter-style city ebikes and won’t feel quite as speedy.
- It doesn’t offer an integrated rear rack like other ebikes in Rad’s fleet.
What Other Reviews Say
Rad’s thousands of reviews can be attributed to their explosive popularity in the ebike market. And now that it’s in its sixth iteration, RadRover Plus has no shortage of reviews to sift through.
Most users found their RadRover 6 Plus delivered what it promised and then some. One guy who took it hunting said the power assist performed great going up hills. Another rider noted that the extra thick tires make for a more comfortable ride, too.
One guy wrote that the handlebars feel a bit low and wished they could be raised or further adjusted.
Generally, most guys were pleased with the versatility, power, and ruggedness of the RadRover 6 Plus, for all types of riding.
The Verdict
The RadRover 6 Plus is a beast of a bike built to handle on and off-road excursions.
The rugged Kenda Juggernaut 26” x 4” puncture-proof fat tires are some of the best tires I’ve seen on any ebike. Not only will they glide across pavement, spin through sand, and bump through backwoods, but the added thickness will offer comfort and cushion on your ride, too.
Like most ebikes in Rad’s fleet, the RadRover 6 Plus has a mighty 750W motor, 45 miles of range, a hefty 275 lb carrying capacity, and the ability to add front and rear storage options. I’m also a fan of the fenders, LED headlight, and dual displays.
If you’re in the market for a versatile fat-tire ebike with a dose of added grit, this is my top choice. With its strong motor, 45 miles of range, and multipurpose tires, you could take this beast to a breakfast joint in the morning, across the trails for a midday adventure, and down to the beach for sunset.
The RadRover 6 Plus is a beast of a bike built to handle on and off-road excursions. The rugged Kenda Juggernaut 26” x 4” puncture-proof fat tires are some of the best tires I’ve seen on any ebike. Not only will they glide across pavement, spin through sand, and bump through backwoods, but the added thickness will offer comfort and cushion on your ride, too.
Best Commuter: Aventon Level.2
Got a nice long trek ahead of you? Aventon’s Level.2 can probably take you there and back and there and back again.
The Level.2 boasts a jaw-dropping 60-mile range that comes from a powerful 750W motor, 48V battery, and impressively light 62 lb total weight. But its marathon-like distance isn’t the only reason I picked this as the best commuter.
This ebike also offers a 28 mph top speed, integrated rear rack, comfortable upright riding position, and front suspension that’ll eat up bumps along your journey.
I also like that this ebike can carry up to 300 lbs, which means you can bring everything you need for the day without getting bogged down and losing a ton of power.
What I Like
- The 60-mile range is one of the longest you’ll find on any ebike.
- The Level.2 has a strong 750W motor but weighs only 62 lbs.
- The front suspension and upright riding position give you comfort for long commutes.
What I Don’t Like
- The rear rack is quite small.
- The Level.2’s tires are built for pavement and not much else.
What Other Reviews Say
As one of the most popular ebike brands on the market, Aventon is building an extensive collection of reviews.
The Level.2 is revered for its long range, comfort, and reliability. One rider mentioned that they bought their Level.2 for the torque sensor and love how it feels to ride. Torque sensors generally give you a smoother ride than cadence sensors as they sync with your pedal movements. I agree that torque sensors are the way to go.
One guy pointed out that he wished the Level.2 came in an XL frame to account for his height. This might be something the Aventon team should consider for larger riders.
Generally, most guys were pleased with their Level.2 purchase.
The Verdict
Aventon’s Level.2 is the long-distance king and my pick for the best overall commuter ebike in its price point.
The powerful 750W motor and lightweight frame give this ebike a superb 60-mile range, and the front suspension and upright riding position will provide comfort on extended journeys.
I could probably ride this to the gym, to work, to a bar across town, and then back home for a whole week without needing a charge.
If you plan to put some serious miles on your ebike, especially all at once, Aventon’s Level.2 is the best bet for you.
Aventon’s Level.2 is the long-distance king and my pick for the best overall commuter ebike in its price point. The powerful 750W motor and lightweight frame give this ebike a superb 60-mile range, and the front suspension and upright riding position will provide comfort on extended journeys.
3 Key Things to Consider When Choosing an Entry Level ebike
How Often You’ll Be Riding
Are you looking for an ebike that can replace your car on your daily commute? Or is it just something fun to cruise around on the weekend?
Knowing how often you’ll be riding your ebike will help determine which style and unique makeup of features are right for you.
Some ebikes have longer ranges than others or more storage capacity, which makes a big difference if you’re headed all the way across town or taking a short ride to the beach and want to bring a beach set up with you.
Rad Power Bikes’s RadRunner Plus is my choice for a balanced do-it-all ebike that has the range to carry you long distances, but the comfort and customizable storage to carry what you need with you.
Where You’ll Be Going
If you’re going hunting or camping, you’ll need an ebike with different features than a downtown city cruiser.
The thickness and ruggedness of your tires, the size and power of your motor, and the weight limit and carrying capacity of your ebike are all things to consider if you’re seeking something trail-ready.
On the flip side, a faster, lighter ebike with a bright headlight and a comfortable seat are things to consider if you’re seeking something to navigate urban environments.
What You’ll Be Bringing With You
Planning to cruise to work or the gym? Want to bring a friend with you? Stopping by the grocery store on your way home?
Thinking about what you’ll need to take with you on your journey regularly is just as important as considering where you’ll be riding and how often.
Some ebikes favor simpler, more agile designs, while others pack on options for front, rear, and even middle storage. If you plan to bring a few bags or even a second rider with you, Rad Power Bikes offer the most storage options and even a model with a built-in passenger seat.
Conclusion
It’s not hard to snag a decent ebike for under $2K, you just need to know which features to look for, and be mindful of how you’ll be using the bike to ensure it’s features match your specific requirements.
From versatile, all-around ebikes to fat-tire beasts and distance commuters, I hope you found something that betters your life, gets you outside, and gets a few more cars off the road.
Happy riding, gents.
While it isn't the most nimble cruiser at 77 lbs, that's not why you opt for the RadRunner Plus. It more than packs its weight with its durability, dual-rider capability, storage functionality, and a heck of a lot of style to boot. Plus, I found its powerful 48V 750pw to be no slouch, even at close to its 300 pound load capacity.
