What is a realistic budget for an electric bike?

Price will vary depending on the type of bike you want to start with. Example of price ranges are as follows:
- Folding ebike – $995 to $2500
A folding bike can be bi-fold (folds in half) or tri-fold (folds in 3) with tri-fold often being the most compact for lifting and storing. The mechanism usually involves folding the frame as well as the handlebars using a series of hinges and safety catches. Wheel size is usually 16” or 20” for most compact folding ebikes.
Benefits:
- Small format when folded
- Lightweight
- Convenient for travelling or commuting
- Great power to weight ratio for excellent performance
- Hub-drive ebike – $2000 to $3000
A hub-drive ebike has the motor in the front or rear wheel, usually depending on the gearing system used. Hub drives tend to be entry level ebikes (also often known as “gateway ebikes”) and are usually in a more competitive price bracket
Benefits:
- Price more competitive
- Simpler design with less complex gearing (often 3 speed or single geared)
- More power with less pushing on the pedals!
- Mid-drive ebike – $3000 to $8500
Mid-drive ebikes tend to be more expensive as the frame has been designed to fit the mid-drive motor and the components used to build the ebike tend to be of a higher quality or better range than hub-drives.
Benefits:
- Instant power on starting
- Wide range of gears (7-speed to 12 speed)
- Often fitted with hydraulic brakes for more sensitive and responsive braking
- Easier to change tubes with motor in central position
Product links:
Folding – BF Bruny and BF i-Ezi folding ebike
Hub-drive – Dirodi ClassX step-through ebike
Mid-drive – BF Roma step-through mid-drive ebike