Best cheap electric bikes

Top pick: GoTrax eFold — the easiest first e-bike for most adults. It's built for commuting on roads and city streets, folds for storage in a small apartment or car trunk, and has dual brakes, so it's simple to handle and easy to live with.

Who the others suit:

• Aipas A2 Elite — if you want a fat-tyre bike that feels stable and forgiving on gravel and rough pavement.
• Aipas M1 Pro Xterrain ST — if your rides mix in trails; full suspension softens the bumps.
• Kingbull Ranger Vintage — if you want a torquier motor and a bigger battery for longer rides.
• TST R002 — if you like a moped-style look and want more speed.
• Aventon Level 4 REC — if you'd rather spend more once on a dealer-backed commuter with front suspension.

Skip the 2,000W+ machines as a first bike: heavier, pricier, and more than you need.