Intro
Welcome to Ride Review, your ultimate destination for all things electric vehicles (EV)! Today, we're zooming in on Ebikes, specifically affordable ones. With the recent tariffs and price changes, we've adjusted our definition of "affordable" to include bikes priced at $2,000 and under. These bikes are among the best and most popular you can buy today, so we're putting them through a rigorous series of tests to see which one comes out on top. So grab a helmet, strap up, and let’s get ready to ride!
TLDR: In our latest Ride Review showdown, we tested and ranked some of the best affordable Ebikes on the market, all priced under $2,000. The competition featured seven top contenders, including the AIMA Santa Monica, Lectric XP Lite 2.0, Velotric Discover 2, Aventon Level.2, ELUX Tahoe Step-Through, Himiway D5, and ELUX Tahoe Step-Over. Each bike was put through a series of rigorous tests, including acceleration, braking, stability (via a water retention test), and hill climbing. The standout performer was the AIMA Santa Monica, which took the top spot overall thanks to its impressive speed, exceptional braking, and solid hill-climbing abilities. The ELUX Tahoes also impressed, securing a joint second place with their excellent vibe and performance. The all-new Discover 2 was also a standout performer, sweeping up the podium spots with a well-earned third place.
Highlights from the competition included the Lectric XP Lite 2.0 being recognized as the most affordable option at just $899, while the Himiway D5 showcased its off-road prowess by winning the water retention test due to its rugged design and large tires. The Velotric Discover 2 earned the award for safest battery, given its robust construction and waterproof features. This comprehensive evaluation provided valuable insights into each bike's strengths and weaknesses, helping potential buyers find the best fit for their needs and budget, or that was the aim at least.
Meet the Bikes
Before diving into the competition, let's introduce the competitors.
Price: $1,899
Motor: 750W Bafang Route66
Battery: 15Ah
Brakes: Hydraulic with 203mm rotors
The Santa Monica boasts speed and stopping power, making it a standout with its unique Route66 motor.
Price: $899
Motor: 300W Stealth m24
Battery: 7.8Ah (upgradeable to 14Ah)
Brakes: Hydraulic
This budget-friendly option features a rockin' Gates carbon belt and offers an optional battery upgrade for extra range.
Price: $1,899
Motor: 750W
Battery: 14.7Ah
Brakes: Hydraulic
Velotric claims you can throw this bike into a lake, though we didn't test that claim—tempting as it was!
Price: $1,899
Motor: 500W
Battery: 14Ah
Brakes: Hydraulic
A versatile commuter bike, perfect for everyday use with solid performance across the board.
Price: $1,695
Motor: 500W
Battery: 14.5Ah (upgradeable to 20Ah)
Brakes: Hydraulic
Ideal for taller riders and those with mobility limitations, the Tahoe Step-Through offers great comfort and accessibility.
Price: $1,799 (cadence option: $1,599)
Motor: 750W
Battery: 20Ah
Brakes: Hydraulic
Nicknamed "Big and Beefy," the D5 is built for stability and power with the largest battery in the field.
Price: $1,695
Motor: 500W
Battery: 14.5Ah (upgradeable to 20Ah)
Brakes: Hydraulic
Known as the "man's version" of the Tahoe, this bike offers similar features with a more traditional frame design.
Now that you know the contenders, let’s dive into the competition!
Acceleration
The acceleration test measures each bike's speed from a standstill, providing insight into how quickly each model can get up and go. Here are the results:
XP Lite 2.0: 15.5 MPH Given its 300W motor, it's no surprise that the XP Lite 2.0 finishes last. Designed for lighter, less demanding use, it prioritizes affordability and portability over raw power. This makes it ideal for city commutes and casual rides, where blistering speed isn't a necessity.
Level.2: 16.5 MPH The 500W motor on the Level.2 shows its limits here, providing moderate acceleration that suits its commuter design. This bike offers a balanced performance, making it a solid choice for daily commuters who need reliable, steady speed without the need for rapid acceleration.
Discover 2: 18 MPH With a 750W motor, the Discover 2 starts to shine, offering decent speed for a bike in its price range. Its performance reflects a good blend of power and practicality, making it suitable for various riding conditions, from urban streets to moderate hills.
D5: 18.5 MPH Despite its heavy build, the D5 manages a respectable acceleration thanks to its powerful motor. This bike is built for robustness, and its acceleration performance is impressive given its size, making it a great option for those who need a durable, off-road capable ebike.
Tahoe Step-Through: 19 MPH The Tahoe Step-Through’s Dapu motor impresses, demonstrating strong acceleration for a bike with a step-through frame. This makes it highly accessible while still providing the power needed for quick starts, ideal for riders seeking both comfort and performance.
Santa Monica: 19.8 MPH The Bafang Route66 motor on the Santa Monica lives up to its reputation, delivering near-top performance. This motor is known for its reliability and power, making the Santa Monica a formidable contender in the acceleration test and a favorite among speed enthusiasts.
Tahoe Step-Over: 20 MPH The top performer in our test, the Tahoe Step-Over’s Dapu motor combines efficiency and power, making it the fastest. This bike not only accelerates quickly but also maintains a smooth and powerful ride, setting a high standard for affordable ebikes.
The Tahoes finishing in the top three was a pleasant surprise, demonstrating the impressive performance of their Dapu motors. The Santa Monica’s Route66 motor also shone brightly, confirming its status as a high-performance option.
Braking
Safety is paramount when it comes to Ebikes, so we tested the braking capabilities of each bike by measuring the distance needed to stop from 20 MPH. Here are the results:
D5: 26.6ft Its weight and all-terrain tires contribute to the longer stopping distance, although its brakes are still reliable. The heavier build and rugged design meant for off-road use make quick stops a bit more challenging, but the D5 remains dependable for those needing a sturdy ride.
Discover 2: 25.3ft Slightly better than the D5, the Discover 2's braking is still affected by its heavier frame. Despite this, it offers a good balance of performance and safety, making it suitable for riders who need a versatile ebike capable of handling diverse conditions.
XP Lite 2.0: 24.6ft Surprisingly decent, considering its smaller rotors, proving rotor size isn’t everything. This bike’s performance in the braking test highlights its efficiency and reliability, even with less advanced braking components, making it a great choice for budget-conscious riders.
Level.2: 24.3ft Lighter and well-balanced, the Level.2 stops efficiently even if the brakes aren’t top spec. Its performance underscores its design as a commuter bike, providing reliable braking for daily use without compromising on safety.
Tahoe Step-Over: 23.3ft Equipped with top-notch Tektro Ariga brakes, it’s no wonder the Tahoe Step-Over stops quickly. The quality of its braking system, combined with its overall build, makes it a standout in this category, ensuring riders can stop on a dime when needed.
Tahoe Step-Through: 22ft Similar to the Step-Over, the Tahoe Step-Through's braking system provides excellent stopping power. Its Tektro Ariga brakes and overall design cater to riders looking for a safe and reliable ebike, especially those who prefer a step-through frame for easier mounting and dismounting.
Santa Monica: 19ft The clear winner, with its dual 203mm rotors and street tires delivering exceptional performance. The Santa Monica’s braking capabilities set it apart from the rest, offering the shortest stopping distance and ensuring top-notch safety for its riders.
The Santa Monica led the pack with its impressive stopping power, thanks to its Tektro brakes and 203mm rotors. The other bikes also showed commendable performance, each excelling in different aspects and catering to various rider needs.
Water Test
To test stability and comfort, we conducted the water test, measuring how much water each bike retained after an off-road riding session. Here are the results:
XP Lite 2.0: 190ml Due to its lack of suspension and smaller tires, it didn’t retain as much water, which was expected. The XP Lite 2.0's design focuses more on urban commuting rather than off-road adventures, making it less equipped for rough terrains. Its lighter build and smaller frame also contribute to its lower water retention in this test.
Tahoe Step-Over: 220ml Despite its large tires, the longer wheelbase seemed to impact its performance here. The Tahoe Step-Over, built for stability and comfort, showed that its design, while excellent for smoother rides, didn't handle the off-road bumps as effectively in terms of water retention. However, its performance still highlighted its reliability and robust build.
Tahoe Step-Through & Santa Monica: 230ml Top speeds weren’t helpful in this test, leading to average performance for both. Both the Tahoe Step-Through and the Santa Monica are impressive in terms of speed and overall build, but their designs didn't translate into superior water retention. Their solid performance in other tests shows they excel in different areas.
Level 2: 270ml Its front forks provided a good show, but it wasn’t enough to lead the pack. The Level 2's suspension system helped it perform better than average, highlighting its capability to absorb shocks and maintain rider comfort. Its overall design ensures a balanced performance across different terrains.
Discover 2: 290ml Benefitting from larger wheels and solid suspension, it performed well. The Discover 2’s larger 27.5” wheels and reliable front forks allowed it to handle off-road conditions effectively, retaining more water than most competitors. This performance underscores its versatility and robustness for varied riding conditions.
D5: 340ml The off-road-ready tires, cushy saddle, and decent front suspension made it the clear winner. The D5 dominated this test with its design tailored for rugged terrains, providing excellent stability and comfort. Its large, off-road-specific tires and well-designed suspension system ensured the highest water retention, making it the best performer in this category.
Unsurprisingly, the D5 dominated this test with its off-road-ready tires and comfortable suspension. Its design, built to handle tough terrains, showcased why it's a top choice for riders looking for stability and comfort in challenging conditions.
Hill Climb
For the hill climb, we tested each bike’s ability to conquer a steep incline. Here are the results:
Level.2: Didn’t make it all the way up Its motor struggled with the incline, consistent with its acceleration performance. The Level.2's 500W motor, which is designed more for commuting than hill climbing, found this test particularly challenging. Despite its good balance and build for flat terrains, steep hills were beyond its capability, reflecting its commuter-focused design.
XP Lite 2.0: Partial climb The lightweight couldn’t offset the smaller motor’s limitations. The XP Lite 2.0's 300W motor and single-speed setup didn't provide the necessary power to handle steep inclines. Although its lightweight frame is advantageous for urban rides, it lacks the torque needed for more demanding hill climbs, making it suitable primarily for flat terrains.
D5: Partial climb Surprising given its other performances, but initial torque wasn’t enough for the hill. Despite its robust build and off-road-ready design, the D5's performance on the hill was underwhelming. The bike’s heavy frame and initial torque limitations hindered its ability to conquer the steep incline, highlighting a key area for improvement in extreme uphill conditions.
Discover 2: Almost made it It came close but lacked the final push needed to conquer the incline. The Discover 2, with its 750W motor, showed strong performance but fell just short of reaching the top. Its solid design and powerful motor brought it close, but the steep hill required just a bit more torque than it could deliver, showcasing its near-top-tier climbing ability.
Tahoe Step-Through, Tahoe Step-Over, Santa Monica: Successfully climbed These three bikes showcased excellent torque and climbing ability, effortlessly reaching the top. Both versions of the Tahoe, equipped with Dapu motors, and the Santa Monica with its Bafang Route66 motor, demonstrated superior torque and power. Their successful climbs underscore their exceptional performance in handling steep inclines, making them standout choices for riders needing strong hill-climbing capabilities.
Only three bikes managed to conquer the hill, showcasing their superior torque and climbing capabilities. The impressive performance of the Tahoe Step-Through, Tahoe Step-Over, and Santa Monica highlighted their powerful motors and robust design, making them ideal for riders who frequently tackle hilly terrains.
Affordable Awards
Considering various factors, we handed out awards to the standout bikes in each category. Here are the winners:
Ultimate Range: Himiway D5 (20Ah battery) The Himiway D5 takes the crown for ultimate range, boasting a 20Ah battery that blows the competition away. This bike's large battery capacity ensures long rides without the need for frequent recharging, making it an excellent choice for those who value endurance and extended travel distances. The D5's impressive range is perfect for adventurers and long-distance commuters alike.
Safest Battery: Velotric Discover 2 The Velotric Discover 2 wins the award for the safest battery, recognized for its superior safety and waterproof features. Velotric's emphasis on battery protection provides riders with peace of mind, knowing their ebike can handle various weather conditions and still maintain battery integrity. This bike’s robust design and safety assurances make it ideal for riders who prioritize reliability and durability.
Top Speed: AIMA Santa Monica (37 MPH in unlimited mode) The AIMA Santa Monica takes the top speed award, reaching an impressive 37 MPH in unlimited mode. Equipped with the unique Bafang Route66 motor, this bike delivers thrilling acceleration and top-end speed, making it a standout for speed enthusiasts. Whether you're zipping through city streets or enjoying open roads, the Santa Monica’s speed capabilities provide an exhilarating riding experience.
Best Vibe: ELUX Tahoes The ELUX Tahoes earn the best vibe award for their unique style and ride quality. Both the Step-Through and Step-Over models offer a certain je ne sais quoi that sets them apart. With their pedal-forward design, approachable frames, and superior build quality, the ELUX Tahoes provide a comfortable and enjoyable ride, capturing the essence of relaxed, stylish biking.
Most Affordable: Lectric XP Lite 2.0 ($899) The Lectric XP Lite 2.0 is recognized as the most affordable bike, priced at just $899. Despite its budget-friendly cost, this bike offers significant value, with reliable performance and essential features that make it a great entry-level option for new riders or those looking for a cost-effective commuting solution. Its affordability, combined with decent specs, makes the XP Lite 2.0 an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers.
These awards highlight the strengths of each ebike, helping potential buyers identify the best options based on their specific needs and preferences. Whether you’re seeking range, safety, speed, style, or affordability, there's an ebike here to suit your requirements.
Final Scores
And now, the moment you've been waiting for—the final rankings of our affordable ebike competition:
AIMA Santa Monica: 1st Place The AIMA Santa Monica takes the top spot, and for good reason. This bike consistently impressed us across all tests, from its rapid acceleration to its outstanding top speed of 37 MPH in unlimited mode. The powerful Bafang Route66 motor, combined with robust braking capabilities, showcased the Santa Monica as a high-performing and well-rounded ebike. Its sleek design and superior performance make it a clear winner for anyone looking for speed and style.
ELUX Tahoes: Joint 2nd Place The ELUX Tahoes—both the Step-Through and Step-Over models—share the second place position. These bikes are celebrated for their excellent vibe and all-around performance. The Dapu motors demonstrated impressive torque and climbing ability, securing top spots in the hill climb test. Additionally, their superb hydraulic brakes and comfortable ride quality contributed to their high ranking. The ELUX Tahoes offer a unique combination of approachability, style, and performance, making them a favorite among riders.
Velotric Discover 2: 3rd Place In third place, the Velotric Discover 2 proved itself a formidable competitor. Its standout feature is the safest battery, providing riders with peace of mind through enhanced safety and waterproofing. The Discover 2 also performed well in acceleration and braking tests, showcasing its reliable and balanced design. Its larger wheels and solid suspension make it a comfortable and durable choice for various riding conditions, earning it a well-deserved spot on the podium.
Himiway D5: 4th Place The Himiway D5 secured fourth place with its impressive range and robust build. Known for its large 20Ah battery, the D5 offers exceptional endurance, making it perfect for long-distance rides. While it struggled slightly in the hill climb test, its off-road-ready tires and comfortable suspension excelled in the water test. The D5's combination of power and durability makes it an excellent choice for adventurous riders who value long-range capability.
Aventon Level.2: 5th Place The Aventon Level.2 came in fifth, showcasing its strengths as a reliable commuter bike. Its moderate acceleration and efficient braking reflect its balanced design, suitable for everyday use. While it didn't top any single category, the Level.2's consistent performance across tests highlights its versatility and practicality. It's a solid choice for those seeking a dependable and well-rounded ebike for daily commuting.
Lectric XP Lite 2.0: 6th Place Finishing in sixth place, the Lectric XP Lite 2.0 remains a strong contender, particularly in terms of affordability. Priced at just $899, this bike offers significant value for budget-conscious buyers. Despite its lower power output and smaller size, the XP Lite 2.0 performed admirably in the water and braking tests. Its lightweight design and cost-effective features make it an attractive option for new riders or those seeking an economical commuting solution.
Each of these bikes brought unique strengths to the competition, demonstrating that there's an affordable ebike to suit a variety of needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize speed, safety, range, style, or budget, this competition has highlighted top contenders that excel in their respective areas.
