
But for just $1200, it’s a solid entry into the world of electric bikes. Unlike the Pace 350, the Soltera has caliper rim breaks, a seat with less padding, and a smaller, less powerful battery.
SCHWINN HEAVY DUTI SALE PLUS
When it comes to the components and feature set, the Soltera is similar to the Pace 350, with a 350-watt rear hub motor with 5 levels of pedal assist and a throttle, a 345-watt-hour battery with an average range of 41 miles that’s integrated into the down tube, a color LCD with backlight and app sync functionality, plus integrated lights and internal cable housing. And it’s offered in a single-speed or 7-speed drivetrain, depending on if you prefer simplicity (single speed) for motor-powered adventures or versatility (7-speed) to ride under the power of your own legs. When compared to the Pace 350 (above), the Soltera’s frame has a more aggressive geometry that’s designed for speed, control, stability, and traffic-weaving. If you’re more of a traditionalist and prefer the shape of a road bike's frame, then this e-bike is more your style. What better way to save money on gas, produce fewer carbon emissions, and get some exercise? So if you’ve been sleeping on electric bikes, it’s time to wake up and feel the breeze. Whether you’re cruising the beach boardwalk, navigating busy city streets, or exploring a distant land, the chances are high that you’re sharing trails with cyclists pushing an e-bike, unbeknownst to the outside world. The bikes in this roundup all have value-priced components like shifters, drivetrains, brakes, and tires. Just like regular bicycles, components run a huge spectrum, and costs increase according to performance. Note that the term “lightweight” is relative here, as most of these bikes weigh at least 40 pounds. The classic frame style (think road bike) is great for men, while step-through frames (think beach cruiser) are tailored for women. Most of these e-bikes feature an aluminum frame, which is a cheap, lightweight material. Every battery will list a maximum range - typically around 40 miles -which is measured using the lowest level of pedal assist. Bigger batteries (500 watt-hours) can travel longer distances while providing more rider assistance. Capacity: Smaller batteries (250 watt-hours) get the job done with less weight.An externally mounted battery costs less and is easier to remove for charging. Integrated batteries have a clean, discrete appearance, but they often cost more. Mounting: Batteries can be integrated into the frame or mounted externally.Motors range from 250 watts up to 750 watts, with larger motors providing more torque, quicker acceleration, and making easier work of steeper hills. This is the most affordable motor option for e-bikes. For reference, a Class 3 bike is faster and more powerful, but its use is more restricted from bike paths (like a motorcycle).Īll of these bikes have rear hub-drive motors, which are located in the rear wheel’s axle. Class 2 e-bikes are usually allowed in the same place any normal bicycle can go. These are all Class 2 e-bikes, which means that they have a pedal-assist mode up to 20 mph and they can be purely throttle-powered without any pedaling (like a motorized scooter). We’ll touch on bike class, motors, batteries, frames, and extra features. So we’ve tried to simplify things, giving you only the info that is relevant to the electric bikes in this sub-$1500 price range. The Best Cheap Electric BikesĪt first glance, choosing an e-bike can seem pretty overwhelming (because it is). All of this means that e-bikes are no longer just a rich man’s toy, with a host of solid options now available for under $1,500. Many e-bikes are now made entirely in-house (rather than building bikes with components from various manufacturers), using value-priced components, and sales are increasingly more direct-to-consumer, thus eliminating the retail middle man. With the recent rise in electric bike popularity and advances in technology, e-bike manufacturers have shifted their focus away from premium options and toward affordability, to reach budget-minded cyclists and commuters. Their battery-powered electric motors let you ride longer distances, climb steeper hills, and explore previously unreachable corners of the earth, all while working half as hard and sweating half as much. And because we love cycling and e-scooters as much as grandma’s banana bread, we are hopping on the e-bike train. Electric bikes - or “e-bikes” - are all the rage these days.
