OVERALL
SCORE
REASONS TO BUY
Reasonable price
28 mph top speed
Integrated battery
Suspension fork
Available in step-through or step-over designs
REASONS TO AVOID
No rack or tail light
Knobby tires might be noisy on pavement
Our testers were thoroughly impressed with the Ride1Up Turris XR, which exceeded our expectations in terms of performance, comfort, and value, earning it our highest accolades. Boasting a 750W motor, this Class 3 bike can reach 20 mph quickly with the throttle and up to 28 mph with the pedal assist function. Its frame is not only sleek and stylish but also has a 614 Wh battery, giving the bike a respectable range. Additionally, the 27.5-inch wheels roll smoothly, and the high-volume tires dampen vibration. The bike is agile and responsive yet stable while cruising. Furthermore, the seated position is comfortable, the seat height is adjustable, and the seat and grips feel high quality. The frame is available in two styles (ST/step-thru and XR/step-over) to accommodate different user preferences.
The Turris XR boasts various comfort features such as a headlight, suspension fork, fenders, and all-terrain tires. Its upright design ensures a comfortable and relaxing ride perfect for enjoying the scenery. Though not the most athletic bike, it's built for comfort and feels high quality. It's also the most expensive bike in our budget category. Despite a few minor complaints, its overall value and quality make it an excellent option for those who wish to explore bike paths and beyond. If you want to spend a few hundred dollars more and get more range and an included rack, check out our Editors Choice from our best electric commuter bike review, the Ride1Up 700-Series. It is more powerful and has a longer range.
Read more: Ride1Up Turris XR review
The Turris can be used with throttle only.
Credit: Joshua Hutchens
REASONS TO BUY
Large motor
Solid range
Huge carrying capacity
REASONS TO AVOID
Acceleration could be smoother
Bumpy ride
Cargo bikes can easily cost $2000-5000, but the Lectric XPedition offers incredible performance for a fraction of the cost of many of the models in our best cargo bike review. It doesn't skimp on specs. You get both power and usefulness with a large battery and motor and many included accessories like fenders, lights, and a clear digital display. It hauls up to 450 pounds, which few other cargo bikes can match at any price. The telescoping seatpost makes it fast to adjust the seat height for different loads you might be carrying. It is short enough to fit on many bike racks.
One downside to the smaller size and wheelbase is that this bike does not handle as well as bigger bikes at high speeds. You also feel most bumps on rough terrain. With no front shock, you have to be more careful with your tire placement in areas with potholes. This bike performs admirably and is much less expensive than the cargo bikes that performed higher.
Testing the fully loaded XPedition.
Credit: Joshua Hutchens
REASONS TO BUY
Arrives pre-built
Folds in seconds
Knobby tires expand its range
Amazing value
Class 3 speeds
REASONS TO AVOID
Smaller wheelbase is less comfortable
Uninspiring battery range
500 Wh |62 lbs 8 oz
The Lectric XP 3.0 is an electric bike that can be folded and stored in tight spaces, such as a car trunk, small office, or hall closet. Despite its compact size, it has various adjustable features to accommodate a wide range of user heights. The bike has convenient features like a cargo rack carrying 150 lbs, fenders, lights, a comfortable seat, and ergonomic grips. Lectric sells additional accessories like a passenger seat, turning you into a taxi. The XP 3.0 has a 500W motor, which allows it to reach speeds up to 28 mph using pedal assist and 20 mph with the throttle. The bike runs on a 500Wh battery, which fits inside its folding frame. A long-range battery is also available for purchase. With 3-inch wide knobby tires and a suspension fork, the bike provides a relatively smooth ride and can be ridden on various surfaces. Moreover, the bike is easy to use straight out of the box. It comes almost completely assembled and can be set up and ridden with little time and effort.
This bike's small size and folding convenience have many advantages, but there are also some drawbacks. The XP 3.0's smaller battery gives it less range than models with larger batteries. The bike has a tight turning radius and is quite maneuverable, but the short wheelbase and tall handlebar at higher speeds make it feel unstable. Despite this, we never felt uncomfortable riding this bike, even at 28mph. It folds into a compact package, but it's quite heavy at 62.5 lbs, so carrying it up a flight of stairs or lifting it into a trunk can be challenging. Nonetheless, this affordable folding model is an excellent option for anyone looking for a compact e-bike that's easy to store and transport.
Read more: Lectric XP 3.0 review
THe XP 3.0 is user-friendly and quick to assemble. It is not, however, easy to lift.
Credit: Joshua Hutchens
OVERALL
SCORE
REASONS TO BUY
Reasonable range
20 mph speed
Rack and basket are functional
REASONS TO AVOID
Less powerful motor
One pedal assist level
Very basic display
26-inch |360 Wh
The Nakto Camel 250 is a very affordable Class 2 e-bike with a retro cruiser style that impressed us with its value. This bike features a 360Wh battery and 250W hub motor capable of traveling almost 20 miles using only the throttle. The Nakto's frame features a low, step-thru frame, making ingress and egress simple. The included rack and basket allow you to carry some items along, while its long stem and seatpost accommodate various height riders. The Nakto is simple and comfortable, with an upright seating and a smooth ride. It features a twist throttle for effortless movement and can reach speeds up to 20 mph. The bike also has fenders, a kickstand, and a headlight. The included basket and rear rack make it ideal for commuting and running errands in town.
The Nakto Camel 250 is noteworthy due to its positive user reviews and included features. We compared the Nakto to several similarly priced competitors, finding its simple pedal-assist system less impressive than its range, speed, and comfort. The quality of this bike isn't of the caliber that we're accustomed to testing, but it feels like a good option for those on a tight budget.
Read more: Nakto Camel 250 review
The Nakto Camel 250 is a simple and affordable way to enjoy the benefits of an e-bike.
Credit: Laura Casner
OVERALL
SCORE
REASONS TO BUY
Very lightweight
Compact size
Affordable
Simple, sleek design
REASONS TO AVOID
Top speed of 18 mph
No throttle
Shorter range
Small wheels result in less stable handling
20-inch |250 Wh
The Propella Mini stands out from other bikes due to its small size and lightweight design. While it may not be the most powerful or have the longest range, its weight of only 35 pounds and 5 ounces makes it easy to carry up and down stairs. Plus, its compact shape allows for easy storage compared to non-folding bikes. This Class 1 bike features a 250W motor and five pedal assist levels, allowing for up to 18 mph speeds. The 250 Wh battery provides a decent range, especially considering the bike's low weight. The 20-inch wheels may not be as stable as larger wheeled models, but the bike is highly maneuverable and has quick handling. If you prefer larger wheels, Propella also offers the SS and 7S models with the same motor, battery, and lightweight design but with 700c wheels and tires.
The Mini is highly agile and can easily make sharp turns. However, its 20-inch wheels make for a less stable ride and can cause a slight reduction in stability at high speeds. Its maximum assisted speed is 18 mph, which we found adequate. While the 250 Wh battery offers a decent range, it was not as impressive as models with larger batteries in our test. Additionally, it does not include features such as fenders or lights; these must be purchased separately. Nevertheless, the Mini is an excellent choice for city environments, flat terrain, shorter trips, or those who value simplicity and lightweight design.
Read more: Propella Mini review
The aptly-named Mini stands out for its very light weight and compact size.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
82
82
$99974
$50968
68
$80064
$74059
Our test process is multi-faceted. We performed specific range and handling tests, and used each bike for commuting, running errands, and just cruising around town.
Credit: Jason Peters
After researching the best, most popular, and most highly regarded affordable electric bikes, we purchased 10 for our side-by-side test. We ran each model through the same rigorous testing process while focusing on several key performance attributes. We did our distance range testing on the same course with the same rider using the throttle only to see how far each model could travel on a full charge. We also tested our other key performance metrics, discussed below.
We performed several quantifiable tests to directly compare the different models, determining each bike's strengths and weaknesses. Instead of arbitrary testing, we focused on several specific performance attributes, such as ride quality, distance range, power output, user interface, and ease of assembly. Our head-to-head testing exposes the individual performance of each bike and shows how they stack up next to one another.
We used five rating metrics to evaluate these bikes:We usedto evaluate these bikes:
Our budget electric bike test was led by Jeremy Benson. Benson is the Senior Mountain Bike Review Editor for OutdoorGearLab and has years of experience testing mountain, gravel, and electric bikes. He is an obsessive cyclist and racer competing in the professional class's endurance gravel and mountain bike events. While he loves to ride using only his power, he doesn't discriminate and can often be found riding e-MTBs on the trails and electric bikes around town. His years of experience testing and riding bikes for fun and training have allowed him to sense the nuanced and often subtle differences between the products he tests while on the road or trail. Benson is also the author of two guidebooks, Mountain Bike Tahoe and Backcountry Ski and Snowboard Routes: California, published by Mountaineers Books in 2017.
Each bike's handling was tested in several ways including in a figure-eight course to test steering and cornering capabilities.We tested the user interface of each model during our test rides.We performed range tests on the same course with the same rider using GPS to track each model's performance.We tested a broad range of bike styles that include Class 1, 2, and 3 models. Despite their differences, we put each bike through the same tests to bring you apples-to-apples comparisons.
The electric bikes in this review all qualify as relatively affordable, yet they still represent a broad range in price. Though we don't consider price when scoring products, we still love a good value. Our testing revealed a clear correlation between price and performance, and the top-rated models are the most expensive.
Big wheels and girthy tires give the Ride1Up Core-5 a smooth ride while the seated position is relaxed and comfortable without being too relaxed.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
A bike's ride quality is one of its most important attributes, and we give it a 25% weight in the overall score. Each model we tested was different and had varying handling characteristics, comfort levels, and features that helped define how they rode. Wheel size and geometry are integral to how a bike feels while turning and how stable it feels at speed. Fit adjustments for the seat and handlebar are essential elements that affect comfort across a range of user heights. Additional features like racks, bike lights, and fenders also play into the overall quality of the user experience.
The Ride1Up Turris XR impressed us the most with its excellent, comfortable ride. It may be light on features, but this bike has composed and predictable handling and is very stable at speed. The 27.5-inch wheels roll smooth and fast, and the girthy tires provide decent damping for bumps and cracks in the road. It has a relaxed seated position and comes in 2 frame styles to suit a wide range of rider heights and preferences.
The Nakto Camel 250 impressed us with its ride quality, comfort, and wealth of features. It handles smoothly and predictably, with a cruiser bike style and a comfortable upright body position. It also came fully equipped with useful features like fenders, a headlight, a horn and bell, a covered front basket, and a rear cargo rack which enhanced user-friendliness.
For a folding model with small, 20-inch tires, we were impressed by the ride quality, versatility, and included features of the Lectric XP 3.0. (testing of the 2.0 shown)
Credit: Jason Peters
We were also pleasantly surprised by the ride quality of the Lectric XP 3.0. Its smaller wheels and compact folding design do decrease its stability somewhat compared to the larger wheeled competition, but a suspension fork and girthy 3-inch wide knobby tires provide a relatively smooth ride and expand its versatility to a wider range of surface conditions. It has a very wide range of fit, and it also comes equipped with lights, fenders, and a rear cargo rack that can hold 150 lbs, passenger kit is available.
Our standardized range testing allows us to directly compare the distance our test bikes can travel on a single charge.
How far an electric bike can travel on a single charge is its distance range. Many factors play into a bike's range, including battery storage capacity, rider weight, terrain, and rider input. We weigh this metric at 25% of each bike's overall score. To make our range test as consistent as possible, we used the same rider on the same test course for each one. We rode all of these bikes from a full charge until the battery died while recording all of the ride info with a GPS-enabled cycling computer. For the Class 2 models, we also removed the rider input/pedaling variable by performing this test using the throttle only. For the Class 1 models without a throttle, we turned the cranks to activate the cadence sensor but didn't put any effort into pedaling, making the bike do all of the work. This test gave us an accurate assessment of the low end of each bike's range, and more importantly, how they compare to each other. Our test course contained around 100 vertical feet of elevation gain/loss per 2 miles. It is safe to assume that every bike we tested could be ridden much farther on perfectly flat terrain, especially while pedaling and using pedal-assist instead of just the throttle.
It didn't come as much as a surprise that the top-performing models in our range testing also happened to have the largest batteries. With its 614Wh battery, the Ride1Up Turris XR rode away from the field with 22.1 miles and over 1500 feet of elevation gain/loss. Not only that, but at 17.3 mph, it held the highest average speed of all the models tested. Not too far behind was the Lectric XP 3.0 with its 500 Wh battery. We were able to ride it for 24.5 miles with just over 1,000 vertical feet of elevation.
The Turris XR is an excellent value.
Credit: Joshua Hutchens
The point of electric bikes is that they have power, and as one of the three most essential elements, we give power test results a 25% weighting in the overall score. A bike's power output depends primarily on its motor's size, and the models we tested have motors ranging in size from 250W up to 750W. For the Class 2 and 3 models, we performed various tests using the throttle and pedal assistance to determine each bike's top speed, acceleration, and ability to hold speed up moderately pitched uphills. For the Class 1 models, we performed the same tests, just without the throttle, and soft-pedaled to let the motor do all the work.
With a 750W motor, the Ride1Up Turris XR blew the competition away in this metric. It was able to accelerate from a complete stop up to 20 mph in just under 10 seconds using the throttle, and it was able to accelerate and hold speed up hills that made other models slow and bog down. This Class 3 model is also capable of supporting speeds up to 28 mph using pedal-assist. Nipping at the Turris XR's heels was the Lectric XP 3.0. It has a 500W motor, and it is also Class 3 capable for speeds up to 28 mph using pedal assist. We found the smaller wheels to allow for very quick acceleration using the throttle, and it felt eager to get up to its top throttle speed of 20 mph. The Miclon Cybertrack 100 has a 350W motor and was no slouch in the speed department. Again, not the fastest, but it was surprisingly quick to accelerate, given its smaller motor size.
The controls and display on the Lectric XP 3.0 were among the best in the test.
Credit: Jason Peters
The controls and display are the primary ways that riders interact with an electric bike, and we weighted this metric at 15% of the overall score of each cycle. Their quality and user-friendliness vary dramatically among the models we tested. All serve their intended purpose, but some shine as ergonomic and cutting-edge, while others are more rudimentary. The top-rated models have ergonomic control buttons that are easy to reach while riding and digital displays that provide a wealth of information at a glance. Battery charging was nearly identical amongst all of the models tested, with relatively standard charging ports, cables, and times for each. All but one model had removable batteries, a design we appreciate for easier charging and security purposes.
The Lectric XP 3.0 has a great user interface. The buttons and throttle are very straightforward with good ergonomics, and the large digital display is very easy to read.
For an inexpensive bike, the Ancheer Blue Spark has a quality user interface.
Credit: Laura Casner
The Ancheer Blue Spark featured good controls and a digital display. The control buttons sit close to the left grip and are easy to reach, and the screen is affixed in the middle of the handlebar for easy viewing. The display shows various stats, including current speed, remaining battery, and pedal-assist setting. Unfortunately, this electric bike did not have instructions for its display/controls, nor could we find them online, which left us stuck with the info displayed in kilometers instead of miles.
Simple yet effective, the interface on the Ride1Up Core-5 gets the job done.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The Ride1Up Turris XR has a slightly simpler interface that consists of a thumb paddle throttle and a combo control/display unit. It's super easy to use and the display shows everything you need pertaining to your ride, but its position by the left grip isn't quite as easy to see as those that are positioned in the middle of the handlebar.
Most bikes arrive in a box like this with roughly 80% of the assembly completed. The remaining setup is up to the consumer.
We ordered every bike tested in this review. They were all shipped to us directly in a box, and most require some assembly to get up and rolling. However, since it is a one-time task, we only give a 10% weight to the difficulty of assembly. The majority of these bikes came mostly assembled and required only a few relatively simple steps to finish the job. Those unfamiliar with bikes may be best off taking their bike to a shop with skilled mechanics, but all of the tested models can be assembled by the consumer at home using the included tools and instructions. However, sometimes it is nice to keep some extra tools handy in case you need to do any adjusting or maintenance later on.
The Swagcycle EB5 and Lectric XP 3.0 were by far the easiest to get up and running, as they arrived completely assembled, and unboxing them and removing the protective packing materials only took a few minutes. Of course, both bikes needed to be unfolded and locked into their open and rideable positions, but that was the extent of it. It couldn't be easier to get either of these bikes ready for use.
The Swagcycle EB5 is unique in that it comes fully assembled and folds up very small for storage or transport.
Credit: Laura Casner
The Propella Mini had an easy assembly processes, taking 30 minutes or less to complete.
There are lots of electric bikes on the market. We hope this review helps you find the right one.
Credit: Laura Casner
Electric bikes are becoming increasingly popular for good reason. Whether for a commute, running errands around town, or just for exercise, e-bikes are a great way to save some gas money, get around quickly and efficiently, and have some fun to boot. We love them as a way to make trips to the grocery store not only more eco-conscious but also an easy and fast affair. They make riding to work on a hot summer day a less sweaty event and are just plain old fun to cruise around on. We know that there are lots of options on the market, and not all of them are easily affordable. We hope that with this review, you'll be able to find one that suits your needs without breaking the bank or sacrificing quality.
So, you’ve been sold on the amazing potential of electric bikes. Just how much is that potential going to cost you?
The benefits of electric bike ownership are truly invaluable. And we’re not just saying that because we make them.
From mental and physical health benefits to infusing more joy in your daily life, you simply can’t put a price tag on the way riding one can impact your life… figuratively, anyway. Literally speaking, electric bikes do come with price tags, which are often a major factor when people are considering purchasing one.
Those price tags fluctuate a lot too. There are a few e-bikes you can snag for under $1,000, while others nose up to $8,000 and beyond. So how do you know how much you should spend on an electric bike?
That depends on you and your reasons for buying an e-bike. The old adage goes, “You get what you pay for,” but that doesn’t mean the priciest electric bike is the best, nor that those ringing in near the bottom of the range aren’t worth considering either. It’s all about finding the best bike for you, and getting the best value for your hard-earned dollars.
At Charge, our whole goal is to bring biking to more people, and to us that means affordable, well-made e-bikes. We don’t design electric bikes for the MAMIL (middle-aged men in Lycra) crowd who are hell bent on extreme endurance and achievement.
Those guys don’t mind shelling out big bucks in their pursuit of the finish line. But most of us don’t have that kind of need for speed. We don’t want to pursue biking as a grueling endurance sport, and frankly, we don’t need to fork over tons of cash to get a good e-bike.
We build durable, comfortable bikes for people of all walks of life at affordable prices. Our bikes are meant for commuters, busy parents, students, retirees and others who are looking for a better way to get through their day. They’re for people who aren’t looking to get ahead of the pack, but who want to enjoy life more and go at their own pace.
If we’re getting real, we’d say we produce decent bikes at a decent price. Are our bikes the fanciest with the most sophisticated gears, gadgets and gizmos? Nope. But are they durable, comfortable, affordable and enjoyable to ride? 100 percent.
There are a lot of e-bikes on the market today, and some bike manufacturers offer tons of models, options and choices. While that may be great for some people, we like to keep things simple at Charge. We offer three great, affordable electric bikes to meet the needs of most people. Choosing the best electric bike for the money is pretty simple.
The City Electric Bike is designed for commuters. Five pedal-assist modes and a throttle mean you can coast as much as you want to and show up at work looking fresh and ready to take on the day. Made for urban life, its folding handlebars and lightweight design make it easy to store in an office or even in a studio apartment.
With tough, Goodyear tires, integrated lights, a rear rack for storage and more, the City e-bike is packed with premium features that make it perfect for city living and commuting.
The Comfort is our everyday e-bike, and it lives up to its name by keeping things easy and upright, even on hills. Featuring a low-step frame that makes getting on and off a breeze, plus our comfiest seat and bump-proof shocks, biking has never felt so good. The convenient thumb throttle lets you choose between five levels of pedal assist, so you’re in total control of if and how much you want to pedal.
For off-road adventurers, our rugged, electric cross-country bike is equipped with big, grippy, fat tires, tough shocks, and a mid-drive motor to flatten out the rough stuff. With hydraulic disc brakes, you can take on most any terrain, and since it’s easily packed away, you’ll be able to take the XC e-bike wherever the journey leads.
Our e-bikes aren’t cheap, but they are some of the most affordable, providing the best value for the money on the market.
You don’t just have to take our word for it, either. Industry experts agree. Our Charge City e-bike was ranked as the “Best Parts at the Best Price” by Bicycling.
Their editors wrote, “One of the lower-priced e-bikes we’ve tested, the City is a smartly equipped commuter. This Class 2 e-bike has a hub motor, five levels of pedal assist, and a throttle. But it also comes with fenders, a rear rack, and running lights (nice additions at this price).”
Insider named the Charge City “Best E-Bike on a Budget.”
“What sets the bike apart is that even with a price that undercuts much of its competition, it still offers a similar ride experience to its peers,” wrote editor Rick Stella.
“That 50 miles of range is on par with many e-bikes on the market (almost all of which are more expensive) and its design is great for the city rider who wants to get a little exercise, needs to run to the store, or just wants to head out for a leisurely ride. And it's a lot of fun to ride, too.”
Affordable, fun and feature-packed—our e-bikes are ready to take you on the rides of your life.
The difference between electric bikes and traditional bikes lies in the motor, and that motor is what generally makes e-bikes more expensive (and more excellent!).
A motor gives you ultimate flexibility in how you want to get where you’re going. All of our bikes have pedal-assist, which is powered by the motor. How much assistance you want is up to you.
Our City and Comfort bikes both have five pedal-assist modes, while the Charge XC offers three. You can switch between that any time depending on what type of ride you want.
Our City and Comfort electric bikes also feature a throttle. When you kick that throttle into gear with your thumb, you get an extra burst to power your pedaling, or you can kick back and let the bike do all the work for you, no pedaling needed. It’s a great option for those times you want to save your energy or just want to sit back and enjoy the scenery.
At Charge, our electric motors are powered by rechargeable batteries. These removable, yet lockable, weather-resistant batteries, come with all of our bikes at no additional cost. The Comfort and City bikes feature 418WH Lithium ion batteries while the XC boasts a Shimano E8035 504WH integrated battery.
The batteries’ charging time depends on how much power is left. The City and Comfort bikes each take about 3 hours to reach 80 percent capacity and 7 hours to fully recharge. The Charge XC bike reaches 80 percent capacity in about 2.5 hours and requires approximately 5 hours for a full charge.
While there are a variety of factors that determine how far you can go on a single charge (things like how much throttle and pedal assist you use and the terrain you’re covering), in general you can go up to 50 miles. An indicator, which is built into the handlebar, lets you know just how many miles you have left, so you can plan accordingly.
How fast can you go? That also depends on some varying factors, but with pedal assist you can push up to 20mph. Like we said, you’re not going to be winning any races, but you can slow down the rat race of life while riding an e-bike and have more fun along the way.
We don’t believe in adding a bunch of unnecessary bells and whistles that jack up the price of electric bikes and that you’ll likely never use. Rather, we offer standard features that make the riding experience better.
You don’t have to pick and choose and weigh one feature over another. They all come standard with our bikes at no additional charge. They include things like:
Our bikes have what you need to get where you’re going and not a lot that you don’t. They have the power to let you go on your own terms and change the way you live your life.
Life changing, really? It sounds dramatic, but it’s true. Adding a motor to a bike changes everything. Suddenly, people who haven’t ridden a bike in decades can hop on and head out to do errands, get to work or explore the world safely and easily without the hassle of a car.
Our bikes aren’t beasts, but they take the burden out of biking. The motor means you can pedal when you want to and coast when you don't. It means you don’t have to worry about showing up at your destination dripping with sweat, but if you want to build in some exercise to your daily routine, you can pedal away. It’s about your ride, your way.
Our bikes have varying pedal assist modes so you can choose how much effort you want to put into any ride, any time. Those that are equipped with a throttle allow you to simply coast without pedaling at all. That means you can head to go get groceries without worrying about how the heck you’re going to get back up that steep hill.
It means you can head to work and show up feeling and looking fresh and ready to take on the day.
It means you can enjoy the sun and fresh air and not be cooped up in a car while you go about your daily life.
E-bikes are about options. They’re about making your life easier and more enjoyable. They’re about changing your daily life in all the best ways.
There are a number of ways riding an e-bike can save you money, too. For some people, they’re versatile enough that they can do away with a car all together. Considering the average price of a new car currently sits at $45,000, and you can get any of our bikes for less than $2,500 - that’s a huge amount of savings right there.
Then there are things like licensing and insurance, which add a hefty cost to car ownership, but aren’t necessary at all to ride an e-bike. That’s money in your pocket.
If you typically take the subway, bus or train to get work, think of all the ticket costs you’ll save riding an electric bike. Not to mention the headaches. Parking costs? No more. Valet charges and tips? All money right back in your pocket.
Even if you don’t ditch your car completely, riding an e-bike some of the time can save money on gas. A commonly used estimate is that a 10-mile trip by car costs about $1 in gas, while charging an electric bike costs just cents. Those dollars add up every time you choose to ride an e-bike instead.
Riding can also be a great form of exercise, so you might be able skip that pricey gym membership or home exercise equipment. With all the health benefits of riding an e-bike, you’re likely to save on medical costs too.
Also something to keep an eye on: Proposed legislation currently in Congress that would give e-bike purchasers a tax credit worth 30 percent of the cost of an e-bike—up to $1,500.
The reason? Because of the significant savings to the environment e-bikes can bring. One recent study found that if just 15 percent of urban transportation miles were made by an electric bike instead, carbon emissions could be reduced by 12 percent. That’s huge!
In other words, riding an electric bikes pays off for the individual and the world as a whole. While the upfront cost isn’t insignificant, the ways in which your life will become more enjoyable and easier are priceless.
Speaking of easy, you don’t have to worry about hiring someone to put your Charge e-bike together for you as you might need to with some bikes. Often, bikes are shipped in a dizzying array of pieces that leaves most non-mechanical heads spinning. Charge e-bikes, on the other hand, ship nearly fully assembled, and you can unbox, put one together and get on the road in just about 10 minutes.
We also try to limit the cost to the environment by ditching traditional packing materials, like foam and plastic wrap. We use only 100% recyclable materials.
Not able to pay for one of our e-bikes in full upfront? We offer financing through Affirm, which allows you to pay for the bike making monthly payments over 6, 12 or 18 months. We also offer discounts and promotions once in a while, such as during our Black Friday sale.
As we said, the benefits of e-bike ownership are invaluable, but we know people have budgets to consider. No matter which one you choose, an electric bike is an investment, and you want that investment to pay off. That means choosing a bike that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.
That’s our mission at Charge. We want to make bikes that meet the needs of more and more people. Our bikes aren’t for everyone. (MAMIL, we’re looking at you), but they’re affordable and offer a great value for the money.
Our customers will tell you that you get a whole lot more than you pay for too.
Want to see for yourself? We encourage you to take a free test ride. We have a growing network of dealers and test-ride locations across the United States ready to show you why Charge electric bikes are the best e-bikes for the money.