As you begin your search for your first e-bike, there are multiple components to consider. You’ll most likely have several questions: What’s the deal with the motor? Where can I ride it? Am I overpaying? Is maintenance easy? Do I need all the accessories? How do you decide what is the best e-bike to get you started?
The Ride1UP Roadster V2, RadPower RadMission 1, and Lectric XP 2.0 should be at the top of your list as the best entry-level electric bikes.
Comparison Chart
Best Overall Choice: Ride1UP Roadster V2
Ride1UP’s Roadster V2 seems to be the best choice for electric bike beginners for many reasons:
- Class 3
- $1,095
- 33 lbs
- 350W
- 20-30 miles
- 2-3 hours to charge
A class 3 e-bike, meaning you can ride it in town, the Roadster V2 weighs only 33 pounds. These features are essential for beginners because you don’t have to struggle with moving it around or worrying about where you can ride.
You’ll need to check your local regulations if you are looking to ride on bike paths. But, more importantly, you’ll be able to use this for your commute to work. The Roadster V2 may not be your best choice if you are looking for a mountain bike.
As a beginner, you’ll likely need to consider the complexity of maintenance. With the single-speed belt drive system, you won’t need to worry. The Roadster V2 requires minimal maintenance, making it perfect for entry-level riders.
The simple style of the bike is another positive element of the e-bike. Sometimes, the bells and whistles of these bikes can be too much for beginners. The plethora of choices can muddy your selection process.
Plus, if you are a fan of simple designs, you’ll appreciate this e-bike’s design. The Roadster V2’s design focuses on performance over style. For example, the lightweight bike doesn’t require a kickstand. The lack of a kickstand improves performance by dropping the weight.
Ride1UP ditches many accessories to make a model that can travel further (range of 20-30 miles) in your commute. The battery can charge in as little as 2 to 3 hours. For a beginner, this shorter distance and quick charging provide an easy transition into e-biking. You won’t have long waits to use the battery, and there is no need for an incredibly long distance unless you plan to immediately use it for long trips.
The Roadster V2 comes at an affordable price of $1,095. This bike’s motor and single-speed belt drive system make it the best entry-level electric bike for a beginner; you can simply hop on and ride.
Best Value Choice: RadPower RadMission 1
If you are looking for an e-bike with a little more power, RadPower’s RadMission 1 could be the way to go.
- Class 2
- $1199
- 48 lbs
- 500W
- 20-45 miles
- 3-7 hours to charge
The RadMission 1 is a class 2 e-bike. So, you may not be able to ride in some places, such as bike paths.
While not as light as the Roadster, it only weighs 48 pounds. It makes up for this with its 500W motor (compared to the Roadster’s 350W). So, you’ll need to consider your preference between weight and power as you start your e-bike journey. Perhaps, you want faster speeds, but consider your comfort level as you begin.
With its larger tires and mountain bike design, the RadMission 1 allows you to traverse more challenging terrain. It doesn’t have as sleek a design as the Roadster V2, but you may prefer this look.
The RadMission 1 is easy to customize if you want to add accessories. So, while starting simple, you can easily add more accessories later if you wish.
Furthermore, the RadMission1’s battery requires three to seven hours for charge time with a range of 20 to 45 miles per charge. So, you can go a little further with the battery, but it will take longer to charge.
The RadMission 1 is another affordable bike at $1199. It’s more powerful than the Roadster V2 because of its 500W motor, but weighs more (48 pounds compared to 33 pounds), and the maintenance isn’t quite as simple. Additionally, the shipping time for the RadMission 1 is typically longer than the Roadster V2. So, if you want to get started quickly, the Roadster V2 may have an advantage.
All-In-Types Choice: Lectric XP 2.0
The Lectric XP 2.0 is the best choice for a powerful e-bike with easy storage, but it is more for the all-in-types.
- Class 2 or 3
- $999
- 63 lbs
- 500W
- 45 miles
- 4-6 hours to charge
Unlike the previous two e-bikes covered, the Lectric XP 2.0 offers a choice between class 2 and class 3. Your choice depends on how fast you want to go, either 20 mph or 28 mph.
Lectric designed this e-bike with urban commuters in mind. You’ll be able to decide your comfort level between the two speeds for your commute.
This e-bike is the heaviest on this list at 63 pounds, but it also offers the highest max weight capacity of 330 pounds. You can add a rack, making this a choice for someone considering carrying more during their commutes.
Its 500W motor is comparable to the RadMission 1 and larger than the Roadster V2. Again, motor size may not matter if you are looking to use your e-bike for an in-town commute.
The Lectric XP 2.0 has a bulkier design than the others but features a folding design. So, if storage is a primary concern with purchasing an e-bike, this one has a considerable advantage over the other bikes.
The Lectric XP 2.0 has tires designed for the perfect combination of agility and control but requires more maintenance than the Roadster V2 and RadMission 1.
This bike may be an appropriate choice to invest in because of its multiple features. You can fold it for storage in your home and office, add a rack for additional space to carry your items, and it has a more robust design.
At $999, the Lectric XP 2.0 is an affordable, easy-to-store e-bike with a strong motor and long range (45 miles). Its maintenance is more complex than the Roadster V2.
So, what should I do?
How do you decide which best entry-level electric bike is right for you? Take a look below.
What’s most important to you?
As a beginner, you are probably looking for an e-bike that you can hop on and ride with the least difficulty. The best overall bike for beginners is the Roadster V2 because of its simple design and low maintenance. The 350W motor and shorter distance between charges (30 miles) are ideal for beginners.
Do you want the best value?
The best value is RadMission1. Its larger motor (500W) and more extended range (25-45 miles) than the Roadster V2 give it a better value. The roughly $100 price difference comes in the bulkier design and heavier weight.
Are you the type that likes to jump in head first?
For storage and carrying capacity, the Lectric XP 2.0 is an option for an e-bike that has a strong motor (500W) and a more extended range (45 miles). The Lectric XP 2.0 is a little more complex than the Roadster V2 and RadMission 1 but comes at an equally reasonable price.
