Best City Electric Bikes Under $2,500
The $1,800-2,500 eBike price point is the most competitive and sought-after, so here are my top recommendations after testing and reviewing dozens of bikes over the last year!
It is a fantastic time to be looking for an electric bike! There are many brands to pick from, and more and more are including safety measures like UL-2849 testing for eBike system safety.
Here are my favorite sub $2,500 City eBikes
Velotric Discover 2 Electric Bike $1,799
The Velotric Discover 2 was a surprise for me in 2024. Several bike shops recommended it to me as their go to “budget-focused” e-bike. It has excellent features like the MIK-HD rear rack that is ready for a child seat and great torque (available assistance power) for the price. It is pretty hefty, but it is a trade-off for power and battery.
Weight: 63 lbs
UL Testing: UL-2849
Warranty: 2-year frame / 2-year eBike system
eBike Class: Class 3
Motor Type: Rear Hub Drive
Motor Power: 750W / 75Nm
REI CTY e2.1 Electric Bike $1,799
REI has been dabbling in their own eBikes, and this one has a unique Suntour model with the basics covered, like a headlight and suspension fork. It doesn’t have as many built-in accessories like fenders and the rear rack as the Velotric above, but if you are an REI member, there is a great return policy for folks buying sight unseen on the internet.
Weight: 54 lbs
UL Testing: UL-2849
Warranty: 1 year for Co-op members
eBike Class: Class 1
Motor Type: SR Suntour HESC Hub Motor
Motor Power: 250 W / 60 Nm
Aventon Abound Cargo Electric Bike $1,799
The Aventon Abound is the most affordable, hub-based electric cargo bike I recommend. Aventon also has important accessories covered for cargo bike use, and you can either buy it online or through a local bike shop.
Weight: 82 lbs
UL Testing: UL-2849
Warranty: Lifetime frame / 2-year eBike system
eBike Class: Class 2
Motor Type: Rear Hub Motor
Motor Power: 750 W
Trek Bikes FX+ 2 Electric Bike $1,849
The FX+ 2 is the lightest eBike for the price and the most normal-looking eBike for traditional cycling-minded folks. It doesn’t have nearly as much assistance power as some other models, but it is readily available in Trek stores nationwide and one of the most popular among my neighbors.
Weight: 40 lbs
UL Testing: UL-2849
Warranty: Lifetime frame and fork / 2 year eBike system
eBike Class: Class 1
Motor Type: Hyena hub drive motor
Motor Power: 250W / 40Nm
Aventon Abound SR Cargo Electric Bike $1,899
Do you like the idea of a cargo bike but don’t need something so long? The Aventon Abound SR is a high-tech short-tail cargo bike that can carry one passenger. It has remote locking, GPS tracking, and a locking kickstand for extra security. Read my review here.
Weight: 80 lbs
UL Testing: UL-2849
Warranty: Lifetime frame / 2-year eBike system
eBike Class: Class 2
Motor Type: Rear Hub Motor
Motor Power: 750 W
Gazelle Medeo T9 City Electric Bike $2,299
If you are looking for an eBike using Bosch’s eBike system with the latest tech - but on a budget, this is it. The most affordable city eBike I know of using Bosch’s new smart system. It also includes lights, fenders, a rear rack, and a frame lock.
Weight: 58 lbs
UL Testing: UL-2849
Warranty: 10-year frame and fork / 2-year eBike system
eBike Class: Class 1
Motor Type: Bosch Mid-Drive
Motor Power: 250 W / 40Nm
Quick Haul D8 Electric Cargo Bike $2,499
The Quick Haul (not to be confused with Quick Haul Long) is the most affordable small short-tail cargo bike using Bosch’s eBike system. If you want to be able to carry a passenger on the back or a good amount of cargo and have the reliability of Bosch, you can’t beat the Quick Haul.
Weight: 50.4 lbs
UL Testing: UL-2849
Warranty: 10-year frame and fork / 2-year eBike system
eBike Class: Class 1
Motor Type: Bosch Mid-Drive
Motor Power: 250 W / 50Nm
What to Look for in a City EBike
There are a few “non-negotiables” that I talk about when looking at a solid city eBike.
UL-2849 certification
This means your entire eBike electronic system has been tested to a very high level for safety when charging, sitting in a hot garage, out in the wet snow, and I wouldn’t test a bike without it or recommend you buy one without it. There are so many great options for eBikes these days that meet this requirement.
Sold by bike shops
Even if you want to buy online and build it yourself or have it shipped to a local bike shop, one of my requirements is that there are bike shops that sell these bikes. This means that the brands are invested in the bike industry, and if you need help, you can find it through a local expert, not just an online customer support email.
Minimum 2 year warranty
Anything less means the company doesn’t believe its product will last.
Final Thoughts
As I started this article, it is a great time to shop for an eBike. If you are in the market, I recommend buying before any new tariffs come into effect!
If I were personally buying an eBike in this price range, I would be looking at the Medeo or Quick Haul for the Bosch eBike motor. It is the best of the best and rides flawlessly, but there are so many great eBikes out right now that fit different people’s needs.
Let me know what you end up with!
Happy pedaling - BSG