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.

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      ScoobyNZ on 06/02/2026 - 08:25

      I thought the same thing about not needing to be an ebike for those short distances, but you didn't mention carrying the kid in your use case. Are you wanting a cargo bike?

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        Andkat on 07/02/2026 - 08:36

        Yeah sorry should have specified that!

        Not cargo per se, but does that make any real difference?

        Unless the kid is cargo! I just want it to be comfortable for my wife who gets a sore back. Something upright might help?

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  kiwijunglist on 06/02/2026 - 08:30

  How old is your child and how long do you want them on the back of your bike.

  Typical rear racks max out around ?20kg including the weight of the seat. This gets you up until they are about age 6.

  For cargo bike you can have heavier older kids or even adults on the back.

  For what you describe I'd recommend a specialised Vado SL 3 or Vado SL 4. You are looking at around 3-3.5k if you can find the 2023 model on discount at the size you need. A lot of the sizes have now sold out. This is a good quality very light weight bike with a rear rack and fenders , it has a rigid front fork. If you have a suspension front fork then it needs to be serviced regularly at a high price. The vado will assist to 45kmh.

  For cargo bike they can be relatively expensive (i have a tern gsd), I'm not familiar with the cheap options.

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    Andkat on 07/02/2026 - 08:40

    Kid is 2, going on 3.

    Will be until they go to school or they reach weight limit.

    Thanks for the suggestions. I am not opposed to spending 3k so will look into what you suggest.

    Out of interest why does the suspension need regular servicing and at high price? Is that specific to that bike or all bikes as I have had regular suspension bikes in the past and never done anything to them (perhaps to their detrement?)

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      kiwijunglist on 07/02/2026 - 10:51

      I'm no expert. But my understanding is that they need to be regularly disassembled and cleaned and re-greased, maybe every 50-100hrs or once per year depending on the riding. You can service just the uppers (easier or cheaper) and then every once a while so the lowers (more complex or more expensive if paying).

      Suspension needs good rebound to operate smoothly, it can't do that unless it's maintained.

      I still haven't serviced my fork but i will need to do it very soon.

      For a rigid fork you can also run the tyres at the lower end of the psi if you need more cushioning.

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  taeken on 06/02/2026 - 10:02

  For those distances don't bother with an e bike and get a shotgun seat. Having the kid sit up front is way more fun and engaging.

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    Andkat on 07/02/2026 - 08:42

    Yeah i was actually going to do that because my brother does that with his kids but then went down the ebike rabbit hole.

    My wife gets a sore back and struggles cycling with our fat lard of a kid. She does a lot of walking so has a level of fitness but it doesnt seem to translate to cycling. Haha he is a solid little tucker for his age and tall to boot. Need to start training him 😅

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      mpc on 07/02/2026 - 11:22

      The back pain could be from the bike setup. If she has a good level of fitness from walking then she shouldn't really have back pain on a bike. It could be the stem is too low/high, the seat is too far forward/back or the height of the seat.

      If you end up getting a new bike, ensure they set it up properly for your wife.