There really aren't any good e-bikes under $1000.

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surfryhder@reddit

I bought a keyde wheel and added it to my 1993 Klein. Best decision ever and it was around $400. It’s now an ebike that does not look like an ebike

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Davedrinking@reddit

Bad ass. Which motor did you get? Does it have the torque sensor? I’ve been looking at the one that doesn’t have the battery built-in. But I’m looking for the torque sensor.

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surfryhder@reddit

I bought a keyde off ebay. There’s a guy selling them and his company is called Mission Motion. The unit is self contained.

I actually have three builds, 1 for my daughter, girl friend and me.

If you buy a front motor it comes with a torque sensor that attaches to one of your peddles. The back wheels do not need them.

It comes with a slick thumb switch and computer but I use the phone app.

We ride them all over the city and have yet to run out of battery. They do make an extended battery and it looks like a water bottle and mounts to your bottle cage.

[-]

Interesting. And the all in one was only 400 with the battery? Do you have experience with cadence versus torque sensors on e bikes? I’m really looking for a torque sensor that basically works just like a regular bike so that depending on how much you give it matches it so it really just feels like a normal bike, but you’re on the steroids.

[-]

Inevitable_Trust8973@reddit

For around $1,000, some used or factory-reconditioned ebikes are a good option, but careful selection is necessary. Favoritebike Factory is selling refurbished ebikes and come with a standard 2-year warranty. I own one of their refurbished ebikes and it's ok, though they're a relatively small company.
Link:https://www.favoritebikes.com/collections/ebike/products/costco-refurbished-electric-bike-hybrid-csc

[-]

kick2crash@reddit

Hey have a few questions about how you feel about this one if you don't mind. I've been looking at the Costco version vs the Hybrid Pro. What kind of realistic range are you getting? I know it's always a little different than what's advertised and how do you feel just the 500 w motor does with hills? Any other thoughts?

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am0x@reddit

My problem is that any good ebike will cost you and have no resale value after 2 years, unlike regular bikes because the tech is moving so fast.

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Apprehensive-Mix6671@reddit

Sell... Sell you say. Why, ....... who would do such a thing?

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am0x@reddit

Well with a regular mountain bike, say I bought it for $3000. In 4 years, it is still worth like $1500-$2000.

My e mountain bike I bought for about $5k on a good sale. Its great, but the tech has improved so much in 4 years that I want a new one with a better distance, lighter weight, smaller frame, less charge time, etc. but that is still the same price, but because of the advancement in tech, my old e bike is worth about $900-1k. Plus the batteries wear down with time, and a lot of companies stop making a replacement battery after a few years, so you are stuck with a heavy regular mountain bike.

With the old bike, I can constantly upgrade by selling my old bike and moving up. With the ebike, its pretty much a sunk cost.

It will likely stabilize once the tech stabilizes as well, but hell, that took the general Mountain Bike industry like 30 years to get to. With the extra tech, we are looking at another 30 or so.

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Apprehensive-Mix6671@reddit

TY for your comments. I guess I can appreciate and understand what you saying.

I have several hobbies, many are expensive and after a few years some/ many have lost value from when I purchased. Used or not, it's just aged. I've never looked at value as anything other than what I believe it's worth to me for the entertainment and pleasure it brings to me. In other words, Not as an investment. I do invest just not in ebikes.

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am0x@reddit

I mean my other big thing is gaming PCs. I honestly don’t get to game much these days, but the act of finding the parts and building one are something I enjoy. It’s a complete sunk cost since that tech moves so fast. I get it.

But if I have the option of upgrading for cheaper over constant sunk costs, I’d probably choose the upgrade option.

That being said, it really comes down to the person and the ability to afford it. Like I’m not a race car owner, but someone that makes billions a year should have that hobby for a sunk cost. It’s all subjective to each individual

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Eli5678@reddit

Best option is finding one that's usually more than $1k on sale.

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Historical-Roof-4808@reddit

Is there such a thing as an e-trike? My wife doesn't like bikes for fear of falling off.

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Apprehensive-Mix6671@reddit

OK, first of all you can indeed fall off a trike. Some might say they are easier to come off a trike because they ride and steer so flat. You don't lean into a turn. The takes getting used to.

There are several known companies that produce very good trikes. You should look for a local bike/ebike dealer and take her in for a test ride. Just shop a few places.

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billtshirt@reddit

I got my velotric t1 for a grand but that was before all this tariff bs.

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Apprehensive-Mix6671@reddit

Most of what is listed on amyzon is in-stock distributors in-country. Prices will remain until the stock is gone increases might show with new stock.

I say might because some states are getting all stuffy about ebike classes and sellers don't want to limit where they can sell. Results will be interesting. My local coppers haven't a clue as to speed, pedals, class, etc. I suppose once one of those blue haired ladies runs me over "cause he was one the highway" will give me a chance to enlighten them.

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JonTravel@reddit

My cheap Walmart Ancheer ($600) has just clocked 1000 trouble free miles. I just changed the tyres and tubes when I got it. Sure, it's not the same quality as a $1000+ bike, but you wouldn't expect it to be. That applies to anything you buy, not just bikes. It really depends on what you consider 'good'. I just want basic reliable transport to work and for that it does just fine.

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Psa-lms@reddit

Did you get the Walmart warranty? I got their concord commutr (love it) and the 4 year warranty. I’m curious about the details of how that works out. It been an amazing ride. It’s no luxury bike but it’s certainly more than I expected for $500. It even looks nice.

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hellomate890@reddit

Got the same bike only problem my arse hurts when riding

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Apprehensive-Mix6671@reddit

I am a cruiser not a stand up rider. Don't like being all bent over like I'm trying to cheat the wind on power assist ya know. Like sitting upright, handlebars back, seat down and cruise at 15-18 mph around town on the fat tire mtb. Never owned an ebike (up to 6) that I didn't immediately replace the seat on.

My guess is bike makers know your going to change it , well, because evry butt be different.

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Psa-lms@reddit

I changed out the seat for a cloud sofa - big improvement!

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JonTravel@reddit

No, I didn't get the warranty. Glad you're enjoying the bike.

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Psa-lms@reddit

Thanks! Enjoy yours!

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Apprehensive-Mix6671@reddit

Boy you nailed that for sure. How many have you owned and which brand? The six versions I have, all under a grand, are still performing. I look for and purchased 48V 20Ah versions with 1500w mx hub (4 of the six). Always add hydraulic and oh ya, get the throttle version.

Oldest one I got in 2017 has 2600 miles with only one pedal replaced and a torn seat.

Oh wait, you said "aren't and good" . Never mind.

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9Implements@reddit

I’m still annoyed Amazon never shipped my $200 e-bike.

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Melotheory@reddit

You are correct. Make sure you get one with a torque sensor instead of cadence.

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negativeyoda@reddit

Given that the motors and batteries are a few hundred dollars in their own... anything sub $1k is a $200 Walmart shitbox with a motor strapped to it

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erikkustrife@reddit

I bought my cheap Chinese ebike for 300...it's over a year old and still going, I use it every day to get from work.

I know it will eventually go out, I just got it as a test to see if I liked ebikes. And I do, but still after all that time the only thing even remotely wrong with it, is I had to air up the tubless tires a couple of weeks ago.

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IntrepidSun7711@reddit

Save for an adventon I got the adventure 2 and beyond happy with it

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Objective-Yam3839@reddit

what brand?

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erikkustrife@reddit

When I get home in 2 hours I'll try to take a Pic of the Manual.

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kinga_forrester@reddit

Tubeless tires? Tell me more. That would be unusual for a cheap bike.

Cheap bikes can go 10,000 trouble-free miles, $10,000 bikes can be lemons. Much of it is luck of the draw. Post a picture of your bike?

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erikkustrife@reddit

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RodediahK@reddit

Those aren't tubeless....

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erikkustrife@reddit

Yes they are lol. There's no innertube, their a rubber outside half circle. In order to air then up I have to use something with enough pressure to out do the air loss from the gaps on the side after putting some airless tire sealant in. Then the air pressure causes the rubber to expand and create a seal.

Their tubless tires, it's what their called.

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kinga_forrester@reddit

Ngl that is one ugly ebike. But that’s an unbelievable price! Glad it’s working well, you take good care of it too.

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erikkustrife@reddit

Function over form :D but yea about a year later and it's still working just as well as when I got it, which I never expected from a Chinese bike I got for 300 lol.

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East-Basil-6473@reddit

Hell, it's gotten you where you needed to go, so that's beautiful right?😊

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Substantial_Oil678@reddit

Does one do 25 to 30 miles on that thing, looking like the OZ wicked witch.

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rvralph803@reddit

I saw it and literally said "goddamn that's one ugly bike." 😅

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Shiney_Metal_Ass@reddit

That seat angle lol

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rvralph803@reddit

Rubbin' is racin'

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Exciting-Peak70@reddit

Engwe T14?

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identiifiication@reddit

Even the more expensive ones (£2200) will run up maintenance bills. Like the one I'm facing on one of my bikes now. New motor wheel (£350) Some spare parts (£100) and a unknown issue with the cadence sensor that is likely going to run another £100 or so to the bill) plus all the labour.

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DiegoLauer@reddit

Which one did you buy? I’m looking for a cheap ebike just to go to work, like you, to see if I like ebikes. Can you tell me whats good and bad about this bike? What would you change? I would appreciate the help!

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Different_Stand_5558@reddit

I have multiple e-bikes! One is just to go to work and to go shopping in San Bernardino county 😳 it isn’t worth a lot of money, so I don’t trip locking it up. It has the most miles by far.

Then I have one full suspension mid drive bike, which is fun as hell, but it can’t carry anything but me

And then I still have my RadRover, which has cargo racks and everything, but I just go to the grocery store more often with my work bike. Usually, I just cruise down to the store after work because once I get home, I don’t wanna leave again…unless the roommate who is an amazing cook tells me she’s missing !something.

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Itsatinyplanet@reddit

Defend your statement OP

ELI5 .

What constitutes a good ebike ?

ELI5

What do you propose is the appropriate price for a "good ebike" ?

ELI5

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borque82@reddit

If you are looking for just a physical product maybe you can buy an ok ebike. But I give you my experience with heybike and ariel rider. at the time of my purchase heybike was $100 cheaper which seems like a good deal. But bike had issues from the first day. Reaching customer support was an issue (only way is emails) and they reply to me in 7-10 days if i am lucky and replies were like “can you explain more “ then waste another 10 days. So I spend 40 days to let them accept replacing a faulty controller on an ebike which i ride for less than 10 miles. And I waited another month to receive controller as it was on backorder which i can understand. I got an email which said the controller were going to be send which relieved me. But I wasn’t able to install controller as they send a wrong one. Again my emails were replied in 7 days they apologized and ask me send back controller to them so that they can send me back correct controller. But I need to pay delivery fee. I just to get the controller and able to ride my ebike accepted. But they want me to send back to china. Everything took like 4 month for me to ride the ebike again. After I get rid of this crap. I bought ariel rider kepler at discount. Customer support was great but impossible to reach via phone i hope they can improve it. But emmy emails were replied at most in 24 hours. Communication was smooth. I was able to get the parts. They ask few questions before honoring the warranty which was annoying but later Adam explained me the reason. He said sometimes a problem in controller may not be controller but a problem in cable or somewhere else. So in order to save time they ask questions to figure out where is the main problem. Why I wrote such long story? Because that extra $100 I paid for ariel rider wasn’t only for the product but also for customer service and support. And believe me companies who care about customer support will use more reliable products because replacing parts is part of their costs. But a company who sells a $1000 ebike and don’t worry about customer support may choose entry level cheap junk which you or me can’t know until bike stop working. Also can you imagine frustration of not being able to ride my $1699 ebike whole summer because of me trying to save $100

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deleted_by_reddit@reddit

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[-]

AJSBIKESERVICE@reddit

Momentum voya E 3. $1000.

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wrenches42@reddit

Lectric XP 3.0… 999.00. It’s not the quality of a 4000.00 bike but it’s pretty dang good for the money. I own 2.

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GRF999999999@reddit

I've had 4, probably 15k miles between them (food delivery), love them save for the absolute shit brakes (1.0 and 2.0).

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2000TWLV@reddit

How many miles before they die? What killed them? Considering getting one and that would be great to know. Thx!

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GRF999999999@reddit

Nothing killed them. They're sitting in a corner in my house since I got a car. Probably put 100 mi on them in the last 2 years, wish I had more time to ride.

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Designer_Situation85@reddit

All 4?

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GRF999999999@reddit

Two were stolen

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seven0seven@reddit

Ain’t that the truth. First I had the mechanical brakes - shit. They sent me free hydraulic brakes - shit. I’m going to take it to my bike shop soon and get it all replaced and tuned up. I probably have less than 100 miles on it.

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GRF999999999@reddit

The amount of love I have for riding those bikes is almost equal to the amount of disdain I have for the brakes. Things need to be adjusted every 30 mi, I swear.

Sucks about the hydraulics, I figured I'd eventually upgrade to those, I'm guessing there's a brand that works well?

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mosflyimtired@reddit

Same I own two love them so fun!

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Neat_Clothes_248@reddit

Would have gotten it if you didn't have to fold and use the key to remove battery but great bike though

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florida2399@reddit

amyet s8 dual battery A+ Rating

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FOGSUP@reddit

This is a true post title

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A_Style_of_Fire@reddit

Upway — who sells used e-bikes — has a whole page of $1500 and under bikes here. A number of decent bikes and brands under $1k with various mileages. Many are <3 miles, not sure how really.

I have no clue what Upway provides for service though.

IMO, I’d rather have a decent used bike than a bad new bike.

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Jgilber0@reddit

Used is often a great option. You just need to be confident in the seller and be able to properly assess the condition of the bike.

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Vedicstudent108@reddit

Wrong! There are plenty of bike under 1k that are "good'!

I have a kit bike that cost $600, goes 60 miles on a charge, 30mph with a 21 amp 48 v battery !

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Physics_Revolution@reddit

Buy a superb bike used. Fit a bafang mid drive motor. Sorted!

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Substantial_Tiger770@reddit

Bafang hub motor makes good ebike

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Sheshirdzhija@reddit

I had a 350€ ebike. Rode it for 15 months 7km/day to get to train and from train to work. The frame was built like a tank. Very strudy. And so was the folding stem. The chain was also very good. I only used cheap spray for it from supermarket, and not very regularly. And the chain never got rusty. I washed it with powerwasher. The brakes only needed adjustment once in those 15 months. The front chainring did get bent a little though, but that would have been an easy replacement, and I do have 100kg and have not spared it.

By comparison, now I have a Dahon Mariner. The chain rusts if there was rain in 100km radius. The folding stem creaks no matter how I thingten the bolt that holds it. It just seems to be it's natural state. Especially during winter when going to heated train and then off train outside on cold again.

The reason I sold the Fiddo D3 was simply that on train startion, I have to go down and up stairs, and after 15 months, i developed chronic tendon/shoulder pain. 18.5kg/41pounds was too heavy for my tendons.

Maybe I was simply lucky with this ebike, and unlucky with Dahon.

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Traquestin@reddit

You might have to just build your own for cheap or get one that’s already diy for under $1000 and upgrade it still being under $1000

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Beginning_Sorbet_223@reddit

What y'all talking about aventon sells an e bike for 999 And their eviles are high quality

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Neuralcarrot710@reddit

Originally I bought a broke down jetson bolt pro for 80, snap a 48v 1500w hub with 40amp controller and a 52v battery. The price was 600, fast as hell and quick acceleration. Point is diy will save you $1000s.

Doing another one for a high powered ebike, 72v 80amps will be sweet

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PeaHopeful9495@reddit

I bought a cheap Jasion I have 2000 miles on it in under 6 months. I use it every day to work and back on one charge about 20 miles. I didn't have any major issues. Other than the occasional popped tube and replaced tread on regular use.

It's been good for 400 hundred bucks. Nothing crazy about it, class 2, 450 watt motor. 48v 18ah. Good bike.

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kingForOneDay@reddit

There really aren't any good bikes under $1,000

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TheKorzik@reddit

There are barely any good bicycles for under 1k now add a motor, battery, display and other electronics.

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MoldyBundle@reddit

Ancheer MT3 is like $300

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imghost101@reddit

Buy used then upgrade by following same voltage, 48v motor, 48v controller, 48v battery

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Ok_Comedian_2622@reddit

QLife

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Ok_Comedian_2622@reddit

Walked

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OhHenrylll@reddit

I hope that statement is wrong I just ordered a 559 dollar e-bike outside of mountain bike it’s my only way to commute. Much more I will get a moped or smaller motorcycle.

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thepretenderr@reddit

Gotrax Alpine is your friend

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far-fignoogin@reddit

Aipas seems pretty okay for $699. But also I don't know what to look for to determine good versus bad. Seems solid to me.

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emotionally-stable27@reddit

Even the pricy bikes take a dump from time to time. The real issue is having warranty for atleast 12 months. I got a Chinese bike for 517$ 800watt motor. 12 month warranty.

I am replacing the tires and tubes with ultraverse, ultraverse tubes, ultraverse tube guards.

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DigApprehensive7196@reddit

Honestly here in southern cali we got quite a few good 1000$ bikes and under.

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DaneOnDope@reddit

Duotts C29 is decent for the price, they go for 850 but can often be found on sales for 750, add some hydraulic brakes and you have a decent bike for 800. It goes 55kmh, 750w engine with a peaks at 1kw. Throttle, fine range and is even built good enough to go a bit off-road.

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grxnt_tech@reddit

Bout to start a huge argument, but the Ridstar Q20

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Superb_Helicopter@reddit

If you want to build your own the best time to buy is now.

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Away-Revolution2816@reddit

I've got a couple Lectrics and agree, pretty good for the price and excellent customer service. I also have a Gotrax I bought for winter riding which has not had any issues.

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Code-7-caveman@reddit

How is it with throttle only and hill climbs?

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its_business_time1@reddit

My 3.0 is good on hills with throttle only. On a full charge it has no issue climbing a moderate grade at 17-18mph with no pedal input. Speed declines to ~15mph uphill once the battery is about 40% depleted. Can't complain, its been a great bike for the 2 years I've had it and I'd buy another one.

Lectric has excellent customer service that's based in the US. My controller died a year past the warranty and they sent me a new one for free.

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Muramusaa@reddit

Buying used is generally better bang for your buy under 1.5 unless you want a emoto get the tuttio soleil but this one is 600$ https://www.amazon.com/ZDZA-Electric-Removable-Mountain-Suspension/dp/B0DKNXJV9D/ref=asc_df_B0DKNXJV9D?tag=bngsmtphsnus-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80539419673918&hvnetw=s&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=t&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4584138892270073&psc=1

But really id look on Facebook market place and get a good quality or tiny fix it upper for your bang. Goodluck

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TimIsColdInMaine@reddit

Do you feel like this is true when batteries are involved? I'm fairly new to ebikes, would agree with this logic with traditional bikes (or almost anything else) but given the degradation of lithium batteries, I was thinking the opposite, always better to go new than risk a used battery of questionable nature?

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Muramusaa@reddit

Yupp used is always a risk because you won't have warranty or support for defects or degradation but if your budget can't even go past to 2k or you get lucky on sales, then risk it for the biscuit and learn to make it last. thats what I did and my ebike just made it to 7500miles bby its a diy bbs02b 52v 35mph 60mile range beast, cost me 1k, when it should have been 2k or more with the parts new🤪maintainability and knowledge to know how are more important then warranty. You can fix it if you just know what parts need to go. Life should be built right but it never is and the whirlpool of speedbumps to no help shouldn't stop you from learning to fight it.

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IrregularrAF@reddit

Pretty sure Lectric is a good brand, I constantly hear people say to "buy Specialized" or some other stupidly expensive brand and I see Lectric everywhere and hear nothing but nonstop praise for it from actual riders.

Like almost every bike community this one is elitist and everyone with an expensive bike is here to tell you there's nothing better than a 4-10k bike.

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dawntawt@reddit

Soltera 2 is solid for the price.

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IM_OK_AMA@reddit

Good ones? Maybe not.

Adequate ones? There are plenty.

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Vicv_@reddit

You are correct. What is the question?

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parisidiot@reddit

there are barely good bikes for under $1000. I think you need to temper your expectations for what things should cost, or buy used.

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highinthemountains@reddit

I got a cmacewheel ebike for free from Amazon in August of 2023. The bike was only $1000 and I have over 4000 trouble free miles on it. It had some issues when I first got it, then the seller disappeared, so Amazon refunded my $ and said keep the bike. I contacted the manufacturer, worked with them over the internet and got the bike up and running.

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Bergfried@reddit

I'm happy with my Fiido C21. 999$

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Optimal_Valuable9764@reddit

Ebike industry is still maturing and evolving. You can get a ebike kit and create whatever ebike you want and save money. The prices will come down when the tech and eqshipment have reached a pinnacle and become standard. There's many options and types of ebikes so they can charge whatever they want!

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Valuable-Permit-1718@reddit

radrunner 2 is on sale right now for 1k.

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Mstngairplane@reddit

I disagree, Walmarts Concord commuter bikes are extremely solid and cost $500. I have well over 1000 hard miles on mine.

As a reference I worked at a bike shop for many years so I have a decent idea of what quality bikes look and feel like. The electronics are all UL certified, the brakes work well and the components are mostly name brand.

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invertedcolors@reddit

Nope unfortunately not. But any used bike that was 1,000-2k will most likely be sold for bellow 1k on marketplace with not that many miles on it. Got my solterra 2 with 60 miles for 700$ on Facebook

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Brichsolution@reddit

The 52V Bluvall su8 for $750 is pretty impressive for the money.

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FitTangerine5238@reddit

Funhang e-bike 21.6 mph and it limits there insanely fast and has front suspension and is very comfortable and it’s 300$ on amazon. Just bought another 800 dollar cleytro e-bike that goes 35 mph with front and rear suspension with a bafang motor. Both work really well especially the second on trails🤷

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xPRIAPISMx@reddit

That’s skimpily not true

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utcxixtxxtutxx@reddit

I’ve had an eahora Cupid and it’s still going after 4500 miles it comes out to like 1100 with shipping if u get it on Amazon they have a better return policy than eahora

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utcxixtxxtutxx@reddit

But it’s essentially the closest I’ve seen to a moped in that range great battery size to 30ah

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ZealousidealGrade821@reddit

Check out jackrabbit bikes. I customized one and won a few trophies before picking up a bigger one, which I love riding. The OG is on sale right now.

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ElectronicParty4075@reddit

How about the Ridstar Q20?

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1zay90@reddit

Mines was pretty cheap and it’s way under a thousand but to each his own

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Ihideinbush@reddit

A little while ago they had the Yamahas for ~$1300 on sale, but they pulled out of the N.A. market.

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Rabble_Runt@reddit

Niu is a pretty reputable company, one of the world's largest brands for electric mopeds and scooters.

Most of their products have a 2 year warranty.

They offer belt drive bike for $999

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Icantfindausernamelo@reddit

Do you guys think this is the best option for $1000 - $1300 range?

What about this?

Which one would you go for and why?

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Makerbot2000@reddit

That’s the exact model I’d get. And $300 for a second battery is a great deal.

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Rabble_Runt@reddit

The one I posted will be fine if you don't have a lot of hills, since it's a single speed and focuses more on range than power.

There are a few students at the University I work at that have the Lectric bikes like the one in your link, and like them a lot. If you have a lot of hills it will be more ideal since it has more than one speed.

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DinoGarret@reddit

The Lectric has a chain, but a torque sensor. It will probably feel more natural to ride and give you a better work out (if you set the assist to low), but it's more maintenance with the chain.

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DinoGarret@reddit

Wow. That looks extremely hard to beat. The only thing I'd like to see on it is a torque sensor rather than a cadence sensor, although I've heard some cadence sensors have gotten pretty good.

[-]

NameJustRight@reddit

This is a highly underrated comment. These Niu bikes are solid with well regarded electronics.

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Nova_Hunter@reddit

No duh. That's like saying there's no good cars for under 15k new. All you get is a crappy safety wise and over all quality Mitsubishi mirage.

Same applies to bikes. You gotta have a price point that makes you profit or what's the point. So you see sub 1 k bikes with low power engines. low capacity and volt battery's. Heavy frames. Bottom of the barrel plastic parts and shifter/derailleur.

I mean in what world do you think that you can get quality for under 1000?? You can't even get a quality regular bike for that.

Not sure your revelation is anything new or outstanding. Put 1000 into a kit and battery and DIY on a bike you have already. It'll be leaps and bounds better than anything bought.

[-]

Number4combo@reddit

It depends what you want and expect.

Finding them on sale is always good.

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Born-Tumbleweed7772@reddit

Not really any good bikes under $ 1000 e or analog.

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Anora6666@reddit

It depends on your usage. For me less than 10 miles a day 3 days a week. If I absolutely needed to I would be able to get by on a lectric ebike. But since I utilize city ebike system for very very cheap I don’t need to. It would take me 12 years of utilizing the city bike system to spend 1k

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MaxTrixLe@reddit

There's plenty of good dropship e-bikes under 1000$. There's NO good e-bikes with after-sales service and warranty under 1000$ though.

You can also easily build a 10,000 mile e-bike for under 1 grand

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MickyBee73@reddit

💯👍

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kinga_forrester@reddit

You can find good e-bikes at my shop just under $1000, and we’ll back them as best we can.

Whether someone can build a 10,000 mile ebike under $1000 with parts (like a conversion?) depends on their engineering skills.

These days, it’s pretty damn hard to build an ebike from parts that’s cheaper and better than store bought.

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Reelair@reddit

I just built a Giant Hybrid with 500w BBS02, 20AH 48V battery, with all new groupset (chain, derailluer, shifter, 8sp cassette with 11-42T) for about $1800CAD. I could have done it cheaper, about $1600CAD, but wanted to upgradet from day one (lots of snow since I built it, so lots of time to ponder improvments). Buying a brand name bike like this would cost at least double.

It was super easy. Took a Saturday to assemble. Johnny Nerd Out on YouTube is a great resourse.

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milnak@reddit

Yep. Ride1up has some good offerings close to 1k

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gargantuanprism@reddit

Conversion! BBS02 kit is around $700 and you can easily find a used bike that you like for $300. Ends up being way higher quality than anything you can get for $1000.

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PoisonMind@reddit

There are a couple budget bikes out there with decent reputations:

Aventon Soltera 2

Rad Power Radrunner 2

Ride1Up Portola

Lectric XPress

Jackrabbit OG

Velotric Discover 1

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Acceptable-Prize-243@reddit

I just started looking and o haven't seen one under 4,000..some are uper 6,000....that's just crazy

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SkinnyDom@reddit

lectric is the only solid one i can think of. 1000$ is a hard since the batteries are expensive

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ScootsMgGhee@reddit

Bought a Juiced RipRacer for 799 on sale last year. Best bike I’ve ever owned.

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Inevitable_Evening31@reddit

Look at refurbished bikes or showroom samples, practically new and usually well discounted.

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I_am_a_rob0t@reddit

Bought 2 Jasion EB7s last November to see if we would use them. Less than 1600 total for both. 500 miles on them so far. Planning to buy 2 more so the whole family can ride. X-Hunters this time. Current sale is 2 bikes for 1750.

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jdmish@reddit

To piggyback off this; I purchased a Jasion RetroVolt in October for @ $700. Fixed seat, mtb front fork, storage options, quick enough, wish it had a bigger battery.

Besides the range it is exactly the bike I wanted. I'm 5'6 and feel this is the shortest you can be to enjoy this ebike.

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9fingerjeff@reddit

I have a $500 Amazon bike I’m pretty happy with. Before the snow melts I’m gonna get a squishy seat and taller bars for it but it’s treated me good so far.

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Kingofdiamonds72@reddit

There is but the price is high because of shipping and tax they come out to $1200, try to use a payment plan like Affirm or Klarna

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Maleficent-Cry2869@reddit

Tak samo jak nie ma dobrego smartfona za $100

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bammbamkam@reddit

sock and shoe protection is the best

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Osiris@reddit

Considering a decent battery is $1500 no shit Sherlock

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DDDX_cro@reddit

well...I got myself an Aostirmotor S17 for 1100. Granted, that's not "under 1000", but it's damn close.
And true, since I am in Croatia, it cost me 500 USD more for customs and shipment to the EU (shipping to the USA is free, dunno about customs there).
Very satisfied so far.

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Sufficient-Good-5256@reddit

Used

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Different_Stand_5558@reddit

There are amazing bikes one can build for $1000

Once you buy someone else’s product, you want to upgrade them and you spend even more

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thebigfishstick17@reddit

interesting no one is mentioning the Soltera 2 by aventon. is it bad?

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Kumarthunderlund@reddit

ride 1up was around that. 450 miles later i’m still happy with my purchase

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Total_Coffee358@reddit

DIY

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PackageHot1219@reddit

I like my engwe ep2 pro, my only complaint so far is that I wish I would have sprung for the version that has hydraulic brakes which probably puts it at just over $1000.

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Sir_Oglethorpe@reddit

Radrunner 2 on sale rn for a thousand. Jsut sayin

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Beersandloudbooms@reddit

Depends on what you’re looking for for an e-bike and how the “good” features translate to quality. My friend bought a HeyBike stepthru E-bike from Walmart.com for $600. She loves it. Goes the same speed as my radrunner, has a really good headlight and a decent motor and battery. It’s not her daily bike but to her standards, she loves it.

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TopFox555@reddit

That's why you build one yourself for $1,000. Could be at least 3,000 to 5000 watt 72 volt with a big 20 to 30 amp power battery for $1,000. Pre-Built you're just buying the convenience and usually a brand name

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jamivrsn@reddit

You can buy quality used E bikes from Upway.

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Caterpillar89@reddit

I'm sorry to say but 1k isn't that much for any sort of propelled vehicle these days...

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Johnny_blueballs6969@reddit

Rad runner 2's are now $1000 on sale from $1499!

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Icantfindausernamelo@reddit

You can get a Temu bike and modify it. (Tubes and tires)

Still would cost around $700 though.

I would go with something like Lectric Xpress 500

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Grandizer_Knight@reddit

3 year going on 4 year old cheapo ancheer (750w max) chinese bike still going strong. It accelerates quick even with my 200+lb butt. The battery stilll gets me 22 or so miles (28-30 when new). I've only needed to replace tires and brake pads.

Don't listen to the parrot talk people on this sub who never owned a cheaper bike as most of them never even owned one. Still don't understand why so many people comment on chinese bikes when they have ZERO personal experience with one.

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OK_Compooper@reddit

If you live near one of the brands with retail outlets, check out If they have factory sales.

I got a new Rad Power Rad City 5 plus last year for $999 because they were blowing them out. It was the same price online.

I went back to get a basket and walked in on a factory sale. Got a Rad Rover 6 plus that looked brand new for $799.

If course, who knows what will happen with tariffs.

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RQ-3DarkStar@reddit

Any bike + a kit. Jfc.

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whattteva@reddit

My Propella 7S V4 XR only cost me ~$900, and it looks real sleek and barely weighs more than a regular bike. I can lug it up a set of stairs and still pedal it like a regular bike if battery ever runs out. Oh and it has removable battery that even has a lock on it. I love this bike.

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baconipple@reddit

Not purpose-built e-bikes, no, but a decent used bike with a bafang kit would go hard.

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King_Friday_XIII_@reddit

Check out Fucare e-bikes I have the Gemini X (may be a little over your budget), but they have a few less expensive options. Anyways, my ebike has 2 Samsung UL certified batteries for a range of 60-70 miles with PAS 4-5, hydraulic brakes, a frame rated for 400 lbs, a rear 750w hub motor with high torque rating, front suspension, and good online support (same day email response- next day free shipping of free parts.).

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defiantcross@reddit

Buy used and you can find plenty of decent stuff.

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Delicious-Length7275@reddit

REI have occasional holiday sales where you can get their co-op ebikes for under $1k which are fantastic value and the best in business service.

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ebikelife2025@reddit

Hikeep k6 is a good choice 👍

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TEGHD1@reddit

The only ones that are even worth it are the Ride1Up Portola, Lectric XP 3.0, Lectric XP Lite 2.0. everything else has sucky customer service or none at all.

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Superb_Raccoon@reddit

I built my own... single throat to choke if something goes wrong.

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vividhour0@reddit

It depends on your criteria but there are plenty of ebikes under $1000 if the purpose is simple commute and not going 35mph.

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Best_Day_3041@reddit

Watch Facebook Marketplace, you'll sometimes find people selling decent \~$2000 eBikes that are practically new for around or under $1k. I got an Aventon Level 2 for $1k a couple years ago from there, it was practically new. Now I'll be trying to sell it on Marketplace to buy the Level 3, and the buyer will be getting a very good bike in great shape for well under 1k.

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Upcycles_PDX@reddit

Not true! The RadRunner 2 is on sale for $999 and if you use my link: https://upcyclespdx.com/orderrad/ you get an extra $50 off! That's $949 out the door for a brand new bike with a 2 year warranty. It's just a single speed, but it's a good little bike that just works and many of my customers commute on them. Depending on where you are, you *might* have a shop that'll service them near you too!

Of course, this is a "while supplies last" sale, so it's not normally that cheap, but it is today!

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TheFaustOne@reddit

Just got a Wildeway fw11s pro with the hydraulic brakes for 799. Gets up to 29.5 and gets up hills super easy.

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Fetz-@reddit

I electrified my ebike for 550€ including the cost of the bicycle and I think it's a good ebike.

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ftpdaplug@reddit

Depends on what you looking for

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safety3rd@reddit

Lots of fun toys though

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geetarobob@reddit

I have had a Ride1Up cruiser for about 3 years now and it's a heavy piece of shit that is still kicking, but I wouldn't recommend them to anyone.

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ExitBudget@reddit

2 things: 1-The Cafe cruiser isn’t under $1000 2- it’s not a piece of shit, you are

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geetarobob@reddit

It was when I bought it, you seem awesome.

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dallastelugu@reddit

i bought a senada archon plus 1000w with hydraulic brakes for 1k. I drove like 20 miles seems ok hit max speed of 31 mph but it can do 24 mph without any effort. Terrible customer support

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Laserdollarz@reddit

I got my ripracer for $1200 and after putting another $1200 into it, it's great.

If you aren't spending $3-4k, assume your ebike comes with the cheapest version of literally everything possible. Upgrading your tires and brake pads from stock will instantly improve any ebike for like $120.

After this ebike, I'm building an ebike and/or just buying a motorcycle (I up-armor so I have 90% of the gear I would need).

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mountnbkr@reddit

That's true. You generally get what you pay for...

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r3photo@reddit

you are correct

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o_Divine_o@reddit

Good enough is their goal

If you look up the individual parts, they're ultra cheap.

Batteries are usually low end and salvage batteries. This isn't always a bad thing but cheaper means the quality of parts are lower.

Expensive buy price doesn't guarantee quality either.

When buying cheap, the main thing is to prepare for upgrades. You'll want a good platform (frame) so at least you're satisfied with the ride.

I suggest bare minimum having full suspension. That's key to keeping the electronics healthy. Vibrations can and do break battery welds. If they're not making contact or not enough contact range will be cut.

The other side of full suspension, less body strain.

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