March 9, 2023

The Most Affordable Mid-Drive eBikes

Are you looking for a mid-drive eBike that won’t break the bank? You’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we look at why a mid-drive eBike might be right for you and point out a range of affordable options on the market.

In This Guide

What Are Mid-Drive eBikes

Pros of Mid-Drive eBikes

Cons of Mid-Drive eBikes

Who Should Buy a Mid-Drive eBike?

Cube Acid Hybrid

XPremium eBike

Gazelle Medeo T9

Evelo Galaxy 500

Giant Explore E+

Townie Go

Orbea Keram 30

Raleigh Motus Grand Tour

Cube - Reaction Hybrid Performance

What Are Mid-Drive eBikes

A mid-drive eBike has a motor positioned at the bottom bracket and crankset, providing different levels of pedal assistance to the rider. The assistance levels are a magnification of the rider’s pedaling effort. Mid-drive motors are often found on more expensive bikes as they cost more to manufacture.

Pros of Mid-Drive eBikes

Mid-drive motors are more efficient and provide a more extended range than their hub-motor counterparts.
Mid-drive motors provide more natural pedal assistance for the rider.
Low and centered positioning of the motor on the bike provides a balanced feel for the rider. This is especially beneficial for eMTBs or performance riders.
A mid-drive motor allows the rider to remove the rear wheel for maintenance without disconnecting electrical and drive connections.

Cons of Mid-Drive eBikes

More costly than comparable hub-drive eBikes
Aside from rare exceptions, mid-drive motors lack a throttle option.

Who Should Buy a Mid-Drive eBike?

Mid-drive eBikes deliver a great riding experience for riders who desire a more natural pedal feel. So if you ride on crowded bike paths and tight city streets, you get a more predictable ride.

Similarly, if you are looking for an eBike to explore singletrack trails in the mountains, an eMTB with a mid-drive motor will give you a more balanced feel as you navigate over rocks and through creeks.

Typically, mid-drive motors are featured on more premium eBikes, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t affordable mid-drive options available. We’ve compiled a list of affordable mid-drive eBikes that fit your budget.

If you’re looking for a mid-drive eBike to ride all over town and explore the trails beyond, the Cube Acid hybrid is a very economical solution.

Reasons to Buy

You want an eBike for varied terrain that can do a little of everything
100mm front suspension and 2.35” tires provide a comfortable and stable ride
It has an agile feel thanks to the frame-integrated battery and the mid-drive motor are both positioned low on the frame

Reason Not To Buy

You want a dedicated utility bike. The Cube Acid Hybrid doesn’t come equipped with racks, fenders, and lights.
Componentry is little light for hardcore mountain biking

Specs

Motor: Bosch Performance Gen 3
Top speed: 20 mph (32 km/h)
Range: Up to 45 mi (72 km)
Drive: 4 modes of pedal assist
Speeds: 9-speed derailleur shifting
Battery: Bosch 400Wh
Frame: Aluminum 6061
Weight: 48.8 lbs (22 kg)
Suspension: 100mm front suspension
Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes, 180 mm rotor
Wheels: 29” x 2.35” front/rear
Warranty: Frame - 6 years, Components - subject to manufacturer’s terms
Color: Blue, Black

The mid-drive Lectric XPremium is a feature-packed eBike at an attractive price.

Reasons to Buy

The folding frame design makes it easy to store the XPremium in small spaces and transport it in your car.
Come equipped with everything you need for utilitarian riding in the city
It has pedal assist or throttle power
Dual battery option for longer range

Reasons Not To Buy

It’s heavy at 75 lbs

Specs

Motor: 800W peak mid-drive motor
Top speed: 28 mph (45 km/h)
Range: 60 mi (97 km)
Drive: 5 modes of pedal assist and throttle power
Speeds: 7-speed derailleur shifting
Battery: 48V Dual battery options
Frame: Aluminum
Weight: 75 lbs (34 kg)
Suspension: 80mm front suspension
Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes, 160mm rotor
Wheels: 20” x 4” front/rear
Warranty: Frame - 1 year
Color: White, Black

If you are looking for a traditional eBike with European heritage, look no further than the Gazelle Medeo T9.

Reasons to Buy

A low step-through frame lets you ride comfortably in any attire.
Enjoy smooth pedal assistance with the Bosch Active Line motor and feel secure in all conditions with hydraulic disc brakes.
The Medeo T9 is equipped with a rack, fenders, lights, and a wheel lock, so you’ll have everything you need to ride in the city.

Reasons Not To Buy

Tires are only 1.75” wide and don’t provide much cushion from bumps
Battery is positioned high on rear rack which may affect bike handling

Specs

Motor: Bosch Active Line Plus (50Nm)
Top speed: 20 mph (32 km/h)
Range: 60 mi (97 km)
Drive: 4 modes of pedal assist
Speeds: 9-speed derailleur shifting
Battery: 400Wh, 11A
Frame: Aluminum
Weight: 48 lbs (22 kg)
Suspension: 50mm front suspension
Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes, 160mm rotor
Wheels: 28” x 1.75” front/rear
Warranty: Frame - 10 year
Color: anthracite grey, champion red, iced blue

Dislike bike maintenance? The Evelo Galaxy 500 may be the bike for you. Carbon belt drive and automatic shifting make add a lot to the value of this eBike.

Reasons to Buy

Gates carbon belt drive that lasts up to 4X longer than a conventional chain drivetrain.
Enviolo CVT internally geared hub has the option for automatic shifting
The Dapu 500W motor has 90Nm of torque to make climbing hills easy
Brown leather Selle Royale spring saddle and grips complement the metallic silver frame for an attractive aesthetic.

Reasons Not To Buy

Not the fastest bike. Tops out at 20mph
Can’t use panniers due to rear rack design
Display is limited and doesn’t offer a USB charging option

Specs

Motor: 500W Dapu mid-drive
Top speed: 20 mph (32 km/h)
Range: 50 mi (80.5 km)
Drive: 4 modes of pedal assist
Speeds: 9-speed derailleur shifting
Battery: 36V, 13Ah
Frame: Aluminum
Weight: 46.8 lbs (21.2 kg)
Suspension: Ridgid
Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes, 160mm rotor
Wheels: 24” x 2.4” front/rear
Warranty: 4 year
Color: Metallic silver

Discover more of your city with the Giant Explore E+ 2 GTS. This commuter-focused eBike has a performance fit for the more active rider.

Reasons to Buy

Equipped with everything you need for utility riding in the city
Powerful 500W battery
Navigation feature built into display unit‍

Reasons Not To Buy

The 1.5” tires are limited to street riding
Price is on the higher end for a hybrid eBike
Heavy at nearly 60 lbs

Specs

Motor: 250W Yamaha mid-drive with 60Nm of torque
Top speed: 20 mph (32 km/h)
Range: 30-70 mi (48-112 km)
Drive: Multiple modes of pedal assist
Speeds: 9-speed derailleur shifting
Battery: 500Wh, 36V, 13Ah
Frame: Aluminum
Weight: 58.7 lbs (26.6 kg)
Suspension: 63mm front suspension
Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes, 180mm rotor
Wheels: 28” x 1.5” front/rear
Warranty: 2 year
Color: Satin Metallic Navy Blue

The Electra Townie Go is a beach cruiser eBike with sophistication. Extra features like the wheel lock and internally geared hub add extra value to this townie cruiser.

Reasons to Buy

Quiet Bosch Active Line motor
Hydraulic Brakes
Flat Foot Technology lets you ride comfortably and fully put your feet down at stops without needing to get off the saddle.
Wheel lock for added security
Internally geared hub for easy shifting and low maintenance

Reasons Not To Buy

Limited range of 45 miles
Pedal assist only, no throttle power

Specs

Motor: 250W mid-drive
Top speed: 20 mph (32 km/h)
Range: Up to 45 mi (72 km)
Drive: Multiple levels of pedal assist
Speeds: 5-speed internal gear hub
Battery: 36V 11Ah
Frame: Aluminum 6061
Weight: 55 lbs (25 kg)
Max Weight Capacity: 300 lbs (136 kg)
Suspension: Ridgid
Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes, 180 mm rotor
Wheels: 26” x 2.35” front/rear
Warranty: Frame - Lifetime, Components - 2 years
Color: Jade, Cloud Grey, Green Tea, Glacier Blue, Ebony

Explore your favorite trails with the Orbea Keram 30 hybrid eBike.

Reasons to Buy

The 500 WH frame-integrated battery can be easily swapped out with a fresh battery for a longer range.
100mm of front suspension gives you plenty of cushion for trails, cobblestones, and potholes.

‍Reasons Not To Buy

Doesn’t come equipped with lights, fenders or rack
Limited to light trails, can be overwhelmed on rougher trails

Specs

Motor: Bosch Active Line
Top speed: 20 mph (32 km/h)
Range: Up to 44 mi (71 km)
Drive: 4 levels of pedal assist
Speeds: 10-speed derailleur shifting
Battery: 400Wh
Frame: Aluminum
Weight: 53 lbs (24 kg)
Suspension: 100mm front suspension
Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes, 180 mm rotor
Wheels: 29” x 2.35” front/rear
Warranty: Frame - Limited Lifetime
Color: Black

Raleigh’s Motus Grand Tour mid-drive city eBike has creature comforts that deliver a more civilized ride.

Reasons to Buy

You’ll ride in silence with the ultra-quiet Bosch Active Line motor powered with a powerful 500Wh frame-integrated battery.
A suspension fork and seatpost combine to give you a smoother ride on bumpy urban terrain.
Enjoy an extra layer of security with the integrated wheel lock.
Adjustable stem to perfect the fit

Reasons Not To Buy

Narrow tires have a bumpy ride on rough streets
On the expensive side for a city bike

‍Specs

Motor: Bosch Active Line Plus
Top speed: 20 mph (32 km/h)
Range: Up to 100 mi (160 km)
Drive: 4 levels of pedal assist
Speeds: 9-speed derailleur shifting
Battery: Bosch Power Tube 500Wh
Frame: Aluminum
Weight: 54 lbs (24.5 kg)
Suspension: 50mm front suspension
Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes, 160 mm rotor
Wheels: 28” x 1.75” front/rear
Warranty: Frame - 5 year on the frame
Color: Blue, Cream, Pine Green

Similar to the Cube Acid Hybrid and Orbea Karem 30, the Cube Reaction Performance Hybrid is a more premium and versatile hybrid eBike designed to tackle a variety of terrain.

Reasons to Buy

the 500Wh frame-integrated battery provides more power for the Bosch Performance Line mid-drive motor
When the conditions get wet, the full fenders will keep you dry and the hydraulic disc brakes will stop you securely.
If you’re looking for a performance-minded eBike that can do a little of everything, the Cube Reaction Performance Hybrid is a good option.

Reasons Not To Buy