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.
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
- Expensive for a hybrid eBike
- Coil front suspension doesn’t provide as plush of feel as other forks
- Purion display is very basic
Specs
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line, 250W, 65Nm
- Top speed: 20 mph (32 km/h)
- Range: 30-80 mi (48-129 km)
- Drive: 4 levels of pedal assist
- Speeds: 9-speed derailleur shifting
- Battery: Bosch PowerTube 400, 36V, 11Ah, 396Wh
- Frame: Aluminum
- Weight: 53.8 lbs (24.4 kg)
- Suspension: 100mm front suspension
- Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes, 180 mm rotor
- Wheels: 29” x 2.35” front/rear
- Warranty: 2 Year Motor and Battery, 5 Year Frame
- Color: Matte Black with Gloss Black and Neon Green Accents