Looking for the best ebike under $1,000? Sad to say, it isn’t easy to find one, as consumers aren’t exactly spoiled for choice. After all, they’re typically expensive, and those that are cheap are usually too good to be true. However, there are a few that manage to keep the cost down without skimping on quality. Emphasis on “few,” though—you can count them on one hand, to be honest. Fortunately, these outliers perform so well despite their relatively low price tag that they offer a lot of bang for the buck.
Without further ado, the list includes the Lectric XP 3.0. It’s generally regarded as the best of its kind, owing to its quality and features. Then there’s the JackRabbit, which is super portable and handy for a lot of situations. Last but not least, the Heybike Cityscape delivers, and yet it’s affordable in every sense of the word.
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Best eBikes Under $1,000 Comparison Chart
| Model | Lectric XP 3.0 | JackRabbit | Heybike Cityscape |
 |  |  | |
| Price | Check Price at LectriceBikes.com | Check Price at JackRabbit.com | Check Price at Heybike.com |
| Motor | 1000W | 300W | 350W |
| Max Range | Up to 45 miles (standard battery) or 65 miles (long-range battery upgrade) | A little over 10 miles | Up to 40 miles |
| Max Payload | 330 lbs, 150 lbs (rear rack) | 240 lbs | 264 lbs |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | Unfolded: 66″ x 25″ x 47″ Folded: 37″ x 18″ x 28″ | Unfolded: 48″ x 21″ x 39″ Folded: 45″ x 7″ x 30″ | 75″ x 28″ x 46″ |
| Weight | 64 lbs | 24 lbs | 58.4 lbs |
Lectric XP 3.0 — Best eBike Under $1,000 Overall
For an electric bike you can always count on, the Lectric XP 3.0 has your back.
To start things off, the Lectric XP 3.0 ebike is a remarkable piece of engineering that combines practicality and power. It builds on its highly rated predecessor, the XP 2.0, in many ways, and even then, it retains the same price. Though it has the same 500W motor, its peak output has increased to a whopping 1000W from 850W. On top of that, its torque has gone from 35Nm to 55Nm. Not only does that give it better acceleration, but it also improves its ability to climb uphill.
The most obvious addition is its integrated rear rack. Thanks to this, it can accommodate an extra seat for passengers. While that may seem unsafe at first, the company had enough foresight to include Passenger Mode. This safety feature limits the speed so that the rider won’t lose control over the electric bike. Other improvements include a more comfortable saddle, optimized gearing and better grips. Also, it has a suspension fork with more travel, bigger brake rotors and a 20 amp controller.
For the record, the XP 3.0 is foldable and available with standard and step-thru frames.
Pros
- Fast
- Efficient
- Can carry a passenger
Cons
- Requires a key to use
JackRabbit — Best Portable eBike
The JackRabbit electric bike redefines portability for its kind.
Touted as a “micro ebike,” the JackRabbit measures 48 inches in length, 21 inches in width and 39 inches in height when unfolded. When folded, it’s only 45 inches long, 7 inches wide and 30 inches high, and it weighs just 24 lbs. All in all, it’s arguably the most portable ebike out there with the quality to match. For one thing, it’s easy to stow away in the trunk and carry up or down the stairs.
Unlike your average electric bike, it doesn’t have any pedals. Instead, it has foot pegs coupled with a thumb throttle. To no one’s surprise, it has a limited range of a little over 10 miles and a maximum speed of 20 mph. Ideally, it’s useful for running errands, commuting short distances or simply going around the neighborhood. However, steep hills might be a bit of a challenge for it.
In its defense, it’s unbeatable in terms of portability. Not to mention that its unique design makes it stand out among the sea of ebikes in the market.
Pros
- Easy to carry around
- Lightweight
Cons
- Short maximum range
Heybike Cityscape — Best Budget eBike
The Heybike Cityscape is a true-blue budget electric bike.
For an ebike that doesn’t break the bank, the Heybike Cityscape has got you covered. Under the hood, it has a 350W motor, and it can go up to 40 miles to boot. Moreover, it boasts Shimano 7-Speed, a range of gearing that allows for more torque as needed for climbing hills and the like. The cogs are even coated with nickel for smoother shifting and better rust resistance.
Additionally, there’s an integrated rear rack that provides ample cargo space for daily errands or even weekend adventures to carry your stuff. With a comfortable and stylish frame design, the Heybike Cityscape is perfect for leisurely rides to the beach, park or brunch, as well as daily commuting.
Pros
- Affordable
Cons
- A bit slow
- Not foldable
Verdict
Most reliable ebikes cost well over a thousand bucks, but there are a few that go against the grain.
That’s it for our list of what we think are the best ebikes under $1,000. To reiterate, the Lectric XP 3.0 takes the cake as the best all-around performer. Meanwhile, the JackRabbit is the electric bike to beat when it comes to portability. Lastly, the Heybike Cityscape is likely the best option for the budget-conscious because of its low price point and decent performance.
FAQs
For most folks, an electric bike with a 1000W motor is more than enough, which usually maxes out at around 32 mph.
Technically, the Lectric XP 3.0 can be considered as one, as it can adapt to any classification from Class 1 to 3.
The “micro ebike” JackRabbit is among the most portable electric bikes out there. When folded, it measures 45” x 7” x 30” in length, width and height, respectively, and weighs only 24 lbs, making it easy to carry around.
With a 350W motor, the Heybike Cityscape will struggle a bit climbing steep hills. However, it has a Shimano seven-speed gearing that makes it more manageable.