Eight affordable e-bikes put to the test: Who builds the best bike up to €3000?

Conclusion Adrian Kaether, BIKE Magazine

Shabby, rickety, uncomfortable? Not at all! We are really impressed by how good affordable e-bikes have become. The bikes simply work. If you just want to cycle, there are hardly any restrictions. It is only worth investing a little more if you have higher demands or want to go off-road. In addition to the price-performance miracle Cube, we were particularly fond of the emphatically comfortable tourers from Pegasus and Victoria. Tenways shows what a cool city bike you can build even for 2000 euros.

It can also be simple...

For me, this has long since become a standard question in everyday life: "Why don't you give me a tip, which e-bike should I buy?" The answer can be very complicated. Research the area of use, budget and requirements, suggest models and test rides. More on why this often makes sense in detail in a moment. But it can also be simple. Because, in our experience, with a classic touring e-bike for around 3000 euros (like Cubes Touring Hybrid Pro - here in the testor Victoria's Tresalo 4 - here in the test) most people are already optimally served.

Why 3000 euros?

That's how tried and tested our recommendation is. Of course, it is also shortened. Due to the additional costs for the motor and battery, an e-bike remains an expensive purchase, even if it is relatively inexpensive. It's worth looking into the subject a little more, even if you don't like technology.

Initially, the key question is always: What do I want to do with the bike? And how much money can I spend? The more varied the requirements and the higher the demands, the more expensive the bike will be. Minimalist city bikes like the Canyon Citylite:On or the Tenways CGO Compact (test here) can be somewhat lighter and cheaper.

Favourable, but not the lowest limit

Because the motor and battery of an e-bike cost a lot of money per se, you have to factor in at least an amount that will make occasional cyclists break out in a sweat. Even at price-performance ace Cube, the cheapest classic e-bike in the range costs 2499 euros. Only minimalist urban bikes à la Tenways or second-hand or discounter bikes are even cheaper. If you want to be happy here, you need a little more expertise. For beginners, we therefore recommend classic models such as those in our selection, slightly above the very lowest limit.

Fully mature even at favourable prices

The good news is that the cheapest e-bikes from most manufacturers cost around 3000 euros, which is still a lot of money from an objective point of view. But even here there are some really versatile and functionally sophisticated models. This is also due to the technology, which has been continuously refined over the decades. A lot of high-tech has long since trickled down to the middle and lower price segments.

This applies to many key e-bike components such as brakes, gears and tyres. We still cannot recommend cheap suspension forks such as the Suntour NCX due to their poor response behaviour and moderate durability. Rigid forks would often be lighter and require no maintenance. However, they require more explanation when selling and are therefore more difficult to sell to men and women.

Cues gears and MT-200 brakes: classics for little money

Shimano's widespread MT-200 hydraulic disc brake, on the other hand, costs barely 20 euros on the net, but always works reliably and with good modulation. Properly adjusted, the gear changes are also smooth with the particularly favourable Essa circuitwhich is even lower than the entry-level Cues 4000 model from Shimano. And Schwalbe's touring tyres all perform at such a high level that only for ambitious riders are nuances in the focus on lightweight construction, comfort or puncture protection decisive.

What role the motor plays

Another prime example where even proven entry-level products have long been completely sufficient is the motor. Bosch's Performance Line in particular is the most affordable drive in the portfolio, delivering 75 Newton metres and up to 600 watts of power, which is more than enough even for heavily laden cyclists or families with child trailers. Ride feel and modulation are excellent.

The question of the right battery size is much more relevant. Especially as smaller batteries are often installed for less than 3000 euros in order to save some additional budget. Our recommendation: In city traffic, even 400 watt hours of mass is enough. However, if you are planning long tours or are particularly heavy, you will definitely do yourself a favour with larger batteries.

High-end for enthusiasts

Does that mean that you wouldn't feel higher-quality add-on parts at all? Of course not. In a direct comparison, more expensive brakes and gears deliver more braking power with less leverage, more defined gear changes and a finer gradation with a higher gear range. Better motors score points with even less driving noise, better displays and so on. Enthusiasts can find the right components here.

But if you're new to e-bikes or don't have high expectations, you can always have a great cycling experience with inexpensive add-on parts. And that's what counts in the end. Which concept best suits your own ideas? Our eight test bikes from touring to everyday use provide the answer.

All bikes in the test

Click on the link to go to the respective individual rating:

>> Canyon Citylite:On on test: practical and stylish city runabout
>> Price-performance tip: Cube Hybrid Touring Pro on test
>> Slim and versatile: Giant Talon E+ EX
>> Handling pro: Kalkhoff Entice L Season
>> Pegasus Solero Evo 10: Stable and comfortable
>> Comfort tip: Victoria Tresalo 4 in the test
>> Retro & Urban: Clayton O2 Comfort
>> Everyday tip for the compact bike: Tenways CGO Compact on test