Electric bikes are fun, easy to ride, great for commuting, and generally a great alternative to cars. That said, their ever-evolving legal landscape, complex maintenance, and, in some cases, unreliability are all major put-offs. While the best manufacturers are working to optimize their processes to solve each of those problems, where does that leave you, the rider? We think it leaves you right back where you were at 10: on a pedal bike, with a trusty helmet, and nothing but raw pedal power. So we went out and found these pedal bikes that cost under $300. This let us skip the hyper-optimized, race-ready luxury bikes that cost as much as a car, while still leaving enough budget to cut out white-label dropshippers.
Huffy Fairmont
Priced at $199, the Huffy Fairmont is an excellent entry point for someone looking to venture into cycling without breaking the bank. It is a single-speed bicycle with a wide and sprung seat and dual fenders. The bike is fitted with fairly simple coaster brakes, which are good enough for general use. You certainly cannot tackle the steepest hills or the most uneven trails, but it is good enough for the average commute to a bus stop, especially since it weighs only 47 lbs.
Weize Mountain Bike
Also priced at $199, the WEIZE Mountain Bike is an excellent entry-level MTB. It features an 8-speed drivetrain, with trigger shifters and dual suspension. The front fork and rear shocks are designed to keep you comfortable regardless of terrain. The alloy steel frame features a linear-pull brake system and weighs 45 lbs overall.
Vevor Trike
The $255 Vevor Trike is a relative niche in the two-wheeled community. Its three-wheeled set-up is designed to boost balance and ease of use. It features a 7-speed Shimano gear system, an adjustable seat post, wheel reflectors, and a bell. The biggest draw is the sizeable rear basket, which can easily support a 44 lb load. As cool as it is, you can't ride this vehicle up steep hills. It is designed for sustained riding on relatively flat terrain.
HiLand 700C
The HiLand 700C costs $280 and features a 7-speed drivetrain and dual disc brakes. The wheels are relatively large at 70 cm in diameter, and they sit on an ultra-light Aluminum alloy frame. The whole bike weighs in at a sizeable 34 lbs. The seats are adjustable, the gears are thumb-shifted, and the flat handlebar makes it easy to install any extra gadgets and gizmos you may buy.
Schwinn Loop
The $299 Schwinn Loop is the most affordable foldable bike on the market. It costs a fraction of what most foldables cost, especially in the electrified landscape. It features 20-inch wheels, linear-pull brakes, an adjustable seat post, and a lightweight aluminum frame that features a 7-speed gear system. The rear rack is ideal for fitting panniers and other storage solutions.
With these options discovered, you should be ready to go with nothing but pedal power. Which one will you choose? Tell us in the comments!
