When you think about electric bikes, you think of thousands of dollars and months of savings. In most cases, you’d be right.
Yet, while cheap electric bikes with a price tag of around $900 may look like a great investment, they’ll make your life harder due to their breakdowns and maintenance needs.
You're here right now to strike the right balance between affordability and quality, and you are indeed in the right place.
This guide shows you the best five budget electric bikes on the market—all under $2,000.
5 Best Electric Bikes on a Budget: An Overview
- Challenger 2 - Biktrix
- Kutty X 2 - Biktrix
- Kutty FS - Biktrix
- Swift - Biktrix
- Swift Lite 3 - Biktrix
The 5 Best Budget Electric Bikes in the Market
Without delays, let’s get right into the best budget ebikes:
1. Challenger 2 - Biktrix
eBike Specs:
- 750W geared rear hub motor for powerful performance
- 48V 17Ah battery for long range up to 55+ miles
- Front and rear suspension for a comfortable ride
- 4" fat tires for handling various terrain
- Included fenders, rear rack, headlight, and taillight
- Optional front cargo basket available
- 7-speed drivetrain
- Hydraulic disc brakes for strong stopping power
- Twist throttle and 5 levels of pedal assist
The Biktrix Challenger 2 is a powerful and versatile electric bike built to take on any challenge. It offers up to 55+ miles of electric assist range and can conquer hills and fairly long distances with ease.
The front suspension fork and dual rear coil shocks soak up bumps for a smooth and comfortable ride, even on rough roads or light off-road trails. The 20" x 4" fat tires (see our best fat tire electric bikes) provide ample traction and stability on a variety of surfaces.
Standout Electric Bike Features
Convenience features include full-coverage fenders to keep you dry, an integrated rear rack for cargo, a bright headlight and tail light for night-riding visibility, and an optional front basket to expand your carrying capacity.
The Challenger 2 comes in 5 color options to suit your style—black, blue, bronze, red, and white. A 7-speed Shimano drivetrain gives you gearing options, while hydraulic disc brakes provide reliable all-weather stopping power.
You can engage the motor power in two ways — either with the twist throttle for on-demand speed or with 5 levels of pedal assist to amplify your own pedaling effort. The cadence sensor makes the pedal assist intuitive and responsive.
Why It’s a Great Electric Commuter Bike
With a step-through frame design and upright riding position, the Challenger 2 is easy to ride for a wide range of riders. It's a great choice for everything from commuting to cruising trails to running errands.
The powerful motor, large battery, fat tires, suspension, and useful accessories make it a highly capable and fun eBike.
2. Kutty X 2 - Biktrix
eBike Specs:
- Folding frame and handlebars for easy storage and transportation
- 4" fat tires for all-terrain riding in any season
- Integrated headlight powered by the bike's battery
- Rear rack and fenders included
- Removable lithium-ion battery for convenient charging
The Kutty X 2 is a compact yet powerful folding electric bike designed to handle any challenge. It's powered by a robust 48V 500W rear wheel hub motor, providing enough power to climb hills and travel long distances with ease. The sleek, low-step frame design makes it easy to get on and off the bike.
This versatile eBike is ideal for commuting, running errands, or exploring new trails. When you need to store it, the frame and handlebars conveniently fold up to fit in car trunks or small spaces.
Standout Electric Bike Features
The Kutty X 2 is equipped with 4" fat tires to conquer any terrain in any weather — from sand and mud to snow. Its reliable hydraulic disc brakes provide confident stopping power, and the 8-speed Shimano transmission lets you find the perfect gear ratio for hills or flats.
Other handy features include an integrated headlight, full-coverage fenders, a rear rack, and a removable battery that can be charged on or off the bike.
An LCD display shows key ride info, such as speed, battery life, and pedal assist level. You can also engage the throttle for an extra boost whenever you need it.
Why It’s a Great Electric Commuter Bike
With its rugged construction, all-terrain capabilities, and convenient folding design, the Kutty X 2 is a go-anywhere electric bike that makes every ride an adventure. It packs impressive performance and features into a compact package.
3. Kutty FS - Biktrix
eBike Specs:
- Folding frame for compact storage and portability
- Front and rear suspension for a smooth, comfortable ride
- Lightweight design at only 40 lbs without the battery
- Low standover height accommodates shorter riders
- Powerful 250W rear hub motor provides great acceleration
- 20" x 3.0" tires are nimble and grippy for city riding
The Kutty FS is a folding full-suspension electric bike from Biktrix that offers an excellent blend of portability, comfort, and performance at an affordable price.
Standout Electric Bike Features
Its standout feature is the folding aluminum frame, which allows the bike to fold into a compact size for easy storage in tight spaces like car trunks, RVs, and closets. This makes the Kutty FS ideal for commuters, travelers, and anyone short on space.
The front and rear suspension provide a plush ride to soak up bumps and rough roads. Kutty FS also comes with 20-inch wheels and 3-inch wide tires that offer nimble handling.
The Kutty FS is powered by a 250W Bafang rear hub motor paired with a 36V 13Ah battery. While modest in specs, the lightweight design allows this combo to provide surprisingly strong acceleration and assist up to 25 miles per charge. A throttle offers on-demand power without pedaling.
Why It’s a Great Electric Commuter Bike
Weighing just 40 lbs without the battery, the Kutty FS is one of the lightest full-suspension folding eBikes available. Paired with its feature-packed design and wallet-friendly price, it's an excellent value for a versatile electric bike.
4. Swift - Biktrix
eBike Specs:
- 500W rear hub motor for reliable power and easy maintenance
- Torque sensor for powerful and intuitive pedal assist
- Up to 80-mile range with the standard 48V 20Ah battery
- Suspension fork and larger 29" x 2.1" tires for a smooth ride
- Rear cargo rack and fenders included for cargo and all-weather riding
- Integrated headlight powered by the main battery
- 8-speed Shimano drivetrain for versatility
The Biktrix Swift Step-Over 3 is the ultimate electric commuter bike, combining speed, comfort, and control. At the heart of this eBike is a zippy 500W rear hub motor that provides simple, reliable power with minimal maintenance required.
The motor is paired with a 48V 20Ah battery that delivers an impressive range of up to 80 miles on a single charge, making it perfect for longer commutes. The battery is removable with a quick twist of a key for convenient charging.
Standout Electric Bike Features
For a smooth and comfortable ride, the Swift comes equipped with a front suspension fork with 60mm of travel and preload adjustment. The larger diameter 29-inch wheels with 2.1" wide Kenda tires also contribute to the bike's ability to glide over various surfaces you may encounter.
A torque sensor enables powerful yet intuitive pedal assist that adjusts to your riding style. You also get an on-demand thumb throttle for an extra boost when needed. The pedal assist has five levels and combined with the 8-speed Shimano Acera drivetrain, you can tackle hills and flats with ease.
Other thoughtful features include an integrated LED headlight powered by the main battery, a rear rack and fenders for carrying cargo and riding in wet conditions, an LCD display that shows ride data, and strong quad-piston hydraulic disc brakes for confident stops.
Why It’s a Great Electric Commuter Bike
With an aluminum step-over frame available in three colors, the Swift Step-Over 3 offers a sleek, lightweight, yet strong platform.
Biktrix's attention to detail shines through with the 25+ point quality control checklist each bike goes through. Get ready to revolutionize your commute with the feature-packed Swift electric bike!
5. Swift Lite 3 - Biktrix
eBike Specs:
- 350W rear hub motor provides quick acceleration and easy cruising
- Removable 36V 10Ah 374Wh battery offers an estimated 30-mile range
- Cadence sensor for powerful pedal assistance
- On-demand throttle for pedaling optional riding
- Fits riders as short as 4'9" with a max load of 265 lbs
- Comes in a convenient step-thru frame design
- Available in S/M/L frame sizes with 24"/26"/29" wheels respectively
- Color options: Emerald Green, Classic Blue, Fiery Red, Snow White, Racing Yellow
The Swift Lite 3 Step-Thru is a sleek, lightweight electric bike built for simplicity and ease of use. It's designed to make commuting and leisure riding effortless and enjoyable.
While its rear hub motor is not as powerful as some other eBike motors, it provides plenty of zip for cruising city streets and bike paths.
The motor is fueled by a removable 36V 10.4Ah lithium-ion battery that delivers an estimated range of 25+ miles on a single charge. This battery capacity is perfect for trips around town, running errands, or casual weekend rides.
Standout Electric Bike Features
One of the standout features of the Swift Lite 3 is its convenient step-through frame design. The low standover height makes it incredibly easy to get on and off the bike, even if you're wearing pants or a skirt. This design is especially appreciated by riders with limited flexibility or mobility.
The frame itself is crafted from lightweight 6061 aluminum alloy, which strikes a great balance between strength and weight savings. The bike is available in three frame and wheel sizes to accommodate riders of different heights.
For a cushioned ride, the Swift Lite 3 comes equipped with a suspension fork to soak up bumps and vibrations from less-than-perfect roads. The fork offers preload adjustment to fine-tune the feel for your weight and riding style.
Why It’s a Great Electric Commuter Bike
Swift Lite 3 is an all-purpose eBike that gets everything done. It has a fair distance per charge, a good motor, considerable maximum weight, and a fantastic range of colors. However, its biggest advantage over every other bike on this list is the price. It’s the cheapest option on the list.
What to Look For When Buying an Affordable eBike?
When shopping for an affordable electric bike, there are several key factors to consider to ensure you get the best value for your money.
Here are four essential aspects to keep in mind:
Motor Power and Battery Range
The motor power and battery capacity are crucial factors that determine an eBike's performance and range. Look for a motor that provides enough power for your needs, whether it's conquering hills or achieving higher speeds.
For example, the Biktrix Challenger 2 comes with a powerful 750W rear hub motor, while the Swift Lite 3 has a more modest 350W motor suitable for city riding.
Battery range is equally important, especially if you plan on longer rides. Consider the battery capacity (measured in Watt-hours) and the estimated range provided by the manufacturer.
The Kutty X 2, for instance, boasts a range of up to 40 miles on a single charge, which isn’t that much for people with long commutes. Such people should aim for an 80-mile range provided by bikes like the Swift.
Frame Design and Comfort Features
The frame design and comfort features can greatly impact your riding experience. Step-through frames, like those found on the Swift Lite 3 and Kutty FS, offer easy mounting and dismounting.
Suspension forks and seat posts, available on models like the Challenger 2 and Kutty FS, help absorb bumps and vibrations for a smoother ride.
Consider the bike's weight and folding capabilities if portability is a concern. The Kutty X 2 and Kutty FS, for example, feature folding frames that make them easy to store and transport.
Accessories and Practicality
Look for eBikes that come with practical accessories to enhance functionality and convenience. Fenders, like those included on the Swift and Swift Lite 3, keep you dry in wet conditions.
Integrated lights, found on all Biktrix models mentioned, improve visibility and safety during low-light rides.
Additionally, rear racks, such as those on the Challenger 2 and Swift, provide a platform for carrying cargo or attaching panniers.
Folding bikes are fantastic for transportation and storage, and almost all bikes in this guide fall into this category.
Brand Reputation and Customer Support
When investing in an electric bike, it's wise to choose a reputable brand known for quality products and good customer support. Research the company's history, read customer reviews, and explore their warranty policies and after-sales services.
Biktrix, the brand behind all the models discussed, has a strong reputation for producing high-quality, feature-rich eBikes at competitive prices. They offer a comprehensive warranty and have a dedicated customer support team to assist with any issues or questions.
The Verdict
The Biktrix Challenger 2, Kutty X 2, Kutty FS, Swift, and Swift Lite 3 are among the best affordable eBikes on the market that compromise no quality.
Each offers a unique blend of power, comfort, and practicality at a competitive price point.
By prioritizing your specific needs and comparing key features, you'll be sure to find an eBike that fits your budget and enhances your riding experience.
For more Biktrix products, check out the official storefront here.
