For a good quality, serviceable electric bike, the starting price range can be $1,500-$2,500 with options that can go much higher. The average price of an e-bike is about $2,000. Entry-level electric bikes are about $1,000. High-end e-bikes can cost $6,000 or more.
While you can find new e- bikes for less than $500, we don't recommend them. Here's why: The cost of an e-bike starts with the cost of the frame and components, just like any other bike. Higher-end durable components like a drivetrain and better brakes (to stop a faster moving and heavier bike) are just two factors that add cost.
Video: How Much Do Electric Bikes Cost?
Features that Affect the Price of an E-Bike
For the electric components, range, power, reliability and design all affect the price of the e-bike.
Battery: Greater battery capacity gives you more riding time between charges so you can ride farther with assistance. Capacity is measured in watt hours (Wh): a higher Wh number indicates greater battery capacity. Battery capacity can range from 250Wh to over 650Wh, and the capacity of the battery impacts the cost.
Motor: A more powerful motor offers better acceleration, climbing and hauling performance. The motor on an e-bike also comes in a range of sizes and the power of the motor determines how strong the pedal assist can be. The higher the watts, the more work the motor can do, but it consumes more energy (battery power). Motors can range from 250W to 750W; e-bikes that fall in the three-class system are limited to 750 watts max. Another number to look at is torque, the measure of the rotational force of the motor. The higher the torque, the stronger the support for the rider, especially at slower cadences (like climbing a hill) or higher loads (carrying cargo).
Reliability: E-bikes are set up with a particular brand (system) of electric components, like Bosch, Shimano or Bafang. On more reliable bikes, the battery, motor and controller are all the same brands. A well-known brand adds reliability as well as the ease of finding replacement parts or service tools. Cheaper systems or ones with mix-and-match components may not be as dependable and cost more in the long run.
Design: You may pay extra for how the bike looks. E-bikes designed to integrate electrical components like the battery, motor and wiring into the bike frame, for example, can add to the price. A bike with an externally mounted battery and a hub motor for example, costs less to design and produce than one with an integrated battery and motor built into the frame.
Learn more on How to Choose an Electric Bike and get REI staff recommendations for the Best E-Bikes available at REI.com.