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Best e-bike under $3,000
Every bike here is one I've actually ridden and filmed, and each has a verified current price of $3,000 or less. Prices change, so check the brand before you buy.
1. Ridel EKO ($699)
If you want a super light, low-maintenance e-bike for pavement that looks just like a regular single speed bike, the Ridel EKO is an awesome pick. I rode it for over 30 miles. It's so light you can carry it up apartment stairs, the torque sensor gives you an almost instant start, and when I showed it to friends they didn't realize it was an e-bike. Know the trade-offs before you buy. There's no throttle, the battery is fixed in the frame, the tires are very thin, and it's not for off-road riding.
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2. Bee Cool Adventurer ($1,099)
Buy the Bee Adventurer if you want a dual suspension fat tire e-bike with a throttle, a rear rack and a full set of safety lights for a lot less than most full-suspension bikes. I tested mine for several weeks on roads, paved trails and rough walking trails. It was one of the most comfortable rides I'd had at the time.
See it at Bee Cool. Not an affiliate link.
3. Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 4 ($1,299)
I've been using the RadWagon 4 to take the kids to the pool, run around town, and hit the grocery store, and hopping on it and getting rock star parking everywhere is phenomenal. The low center of gravity makes it stable with a full load, and I had zero safety concerns with the new in-house tires on-road or off. The parts aren't perfect out of the box, but for family hauling it delivers.
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4. Aventon Soltera 3 ADV ($1,499)
If you ride on pavement and want a super light, simple e-bike that looks incredible, the Aventon Soltera 3 ADV is an easy recommendation. I tested it for several weeks. It's belt driven, single speed, Class 1, with no throttle and no suspension. On a paved path it's incredibly nice to ride, and the styling is on point. If you ride gravel or dirt, or you want a throttle, look elsewhere. When I took it onto gravel up a slight incline, even in turbo I had to pedal pretty hard.
Check the Soltera 3 ADV. Affiliate link: I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Disclosure
5. MACFOX X7 ($1,599)
If you're a parent shopping for a teenager who is too young to drive, the MACFOX X7 is a great fit. The styling is phenomenal, with huge fat tires, a big headlight and a long motorcycle-style seat. It's single speed and low maintenance, it has hydraulic disc brakes, and it has enough power to get a 150 to 185 lb kid up a hill on the throttle alone. As an adult at about 200 lb and 6'1", I wanted more power, and the fixed seat made pedaling uncomfortable for me. For a teen riding a mile or a couple of miles to school or practice, though, I think that's the right tradeoff. You don't have to worry about your kid on a super powerful e-bike.
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6. Engwe E26 ($1,699)
If you want a big, powerful fat tire e-bike with a lot of range and you're fine with baseline parts, the Engwe E26 is a great entry-level pick when it's priced right. I tested it for several weeks. It hauled me up every incline I tried at about 200 lbs, the twist throttle works from zero, you get hydraulic disc brakes, and the battery comes out with a key. When I recorded my video it was just over $1,000, and at that price it was very competitive. Engwe now lists it at $1,699, and every version shows sold out. At $1,699 it faces a lot more competition, so compare before you buy.
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7. Mokwheel Obsidian ($1,799.99)
This is my initial review after unboxing and building the Obsidian. The dual suspension makes it really comfortable, the 1000W motor has plenty of power on and off road, and I love the styling, especially in yellow. The optional inverter is something I haven't seen from any other e-bike company: I charged one of my Toro yard tool batteries off the bike's battery, which makes this a fun pick for bike camping.
Check Mokwheel (code WILL30 = $30 off). Affiliate link: I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Disclosure
8. Aventon Abound SR ($1,899)
If you want to carry a small child on the back for school runs and grocery trips, the Aventon Abound SR is a really nice option. I tested it for several weeks and had my kids on the back. You get a stable kickstand, foot pegs, wheel guards, a plush rear seat pad, hydraulic disc brakes, turn signals and a 750W motor. SR stands for standard rear. It's shorter than the Abound LR, but you still get a big rear rack. If you don't need the passenger seat, it works as a cargo e-bike with bags on the back. My one real question mark was the battery. I couldn't tell how to take it out, so I assumed you'd charge it on the bike. Aventon's own pages now say it's removable. More on that below.
Check the Abound SR. Affiliate link: I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Disclosure
9. Aventon Aventure 3 ($1,999)
This is the best e-bike Aventon makes for me, and probably the best e-bike I've ridden, period. I'm 6'1" and about 200 lb and it fits me really well. I ride a lot of gravel now, and the fat tires plus the suspension seatpost make it feel almost like a full-suspension bike without the extra parts and cost. The 750W motor has plenty of power for any incline.
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10. Aventon Abound LR ($1,999)
If you need to carry kids, a passenger or a lot of cargo, the Aventon Abound LR is a great option, and I'd highly recommend it. LR stands for long rear. Next to the Abound SR (standard rear), you get a lot more room on the back for bigger kids or even an adult. I'm about 200 lbs. I sat on the back of this bike and felt sturdy. The rear rack is rated for 143 lbs. You get a torque sensor, a 750W motor, hydraulic disc brakes, a thumb throttle that works from zero and a kickstand that keeps the bike steady while you load it. At about $2,000, I think that's pretty decent for a torque sensor bike from a brand where you know what you're getting in terms of quality.
Check the Abound LR. Affiliate link: I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Disclosure
11. Aventon Abound ($2,200)
After several weeks of testing, I think the Abound is a great option if you want a cargo e-bike. The 750W motor gives smooth, steady power with a load on the back, it's easy to get on and off thanks to the step-through frame, and touches like turn signals and the dropper post make it practical for a family. Just know the price can creep from about $2,200 toward $3,000 once you add accessories.
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12. Aventon Aventure M ($2,899)
After several weeks on gravel and dirt, this is probably the e-bike I'd pick now, even over the Aventure 3. The mid-drive is so much more responsive than a hub motor, and in full auto, with Auto assist plus the auto-shifter, I never had to think about gears no matter the terrain. It shifted down on steep climbs and up on downhills right when I wanted. It doesn't have a throttle, and I do like a throttle, but the hill start assist covers most of that. If you're used to riding bikes and you've been on the fence, this is probably the one to buy.
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