Cheap Electric Bike Recommendations

Andkat on 05/02/2026 - 08:09
Last edited 05/02/2026 - 11:14 by 1 other user

Looking for an E Bike - looking around seems that there is so much variety and I can't tell what is good value or not. Somebody here must have some tips or advice?

Typical use case will be very short rides. Like 1.3km trips (Each way). Then other trips that are 2.5km or so. (Each way). May get used for longer rides from time to time but nothing more than 20 km. 95% flat usage. Always on roads or pavement. Probably used for these sorts of trips almost daily.

Doesn't have to be the cheapest thing out but not looking to sink too much either i.e. don't want to overpay or over invest or pay for features we don't need.

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  flembots on 05/02/2026 - 09:47

  You can trial ebikes in some places - talk to a bike hub if you're in Auckland. Or look into if your workplace is part of the ebike ride to work scheme.

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  y2k on 05/02/2026 - 10:22

  +1

  Just wondering if you actually need an ebike if you're doing that short of a distance? Cheap ebikes seem to be around ~$1200 which you could get a regular bike with much better components/frame material for the same cost.

  That being said I have a cheap ebike Pedal Comet and it is nice cranking the pedal assist to the max and cycling around at 32kmph with not much effort, so i understand the appeal of an ebike. The biggest downside for me is the lack of suspension/shock absorption which seems common on cheap ebikes? I definitely felt it after a 11km one-way trip on flat Christchurch roads.

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    Andkat on 05/02/2026 - 11:46

    Thanks. Well we lug a solid little fella around on the back of the bike! Haha. My wife finds this harder so i thought an ebike might make it more tempting.

    Good point about suspension.