May 14, 2025

How to Choose a New Electric Bike Within Your Budget

by Aldo Vera

Feeling a little unsure about buying an e-bike because you’re worried people will laugh and say, "Look at him, he’s on a bike!"? Well, guess what – you're smarter than that. There's absolutely nothing to be ashamed of!

Australians are embracing e-bikes more than anyone else in the world, and the numbers prove it. More than 1.5 million e-bikes are already on Aussie roads, and the numbers are growing every year.

At the end of the day, it’s all about your priorities – yourself and your family. They deserve the best, and choosing an e-bike means saving money while getting around in a smart, eco-friendly way. So, trust me, you’re making the right move!

Now, let’s get to the good part – how to choose an electric bike within your budget?

First things first, you should have at least $1,200 in your account for the purchase. "Why so much when some e-bikes cost less?" you might be wondering. The simple answer is quality. You know what they say, "You get what you pay for."

In the world of e-bikes, this definitely applies. Australian brands like Veloz are known for making e-bikes with great capabilities, so if you want a reliable ride without constant frustrations, this is the kind of budget you should aim for.

This brings us to the electric bike buying guide. E-bikes come with different motor powers, battery ranges, braking features, and more. In this blog, we’ll break down what features you can expect at various price points and help you figure out which bike fits your budget and needs best. Whether you’re choosing a budget-friendly electric bike or going all out for high-end features, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in!

E-Bikes Between $1,200 and $1,700

If your budget is between $1,200 and $1,700, you're in for a solid ride! Here’s a friendly electric bike buying guide to help you understand what kind of features you can expect in this price range.

1. Motor Power & Speed

Power: Motors ranging from 350w to 500w, which gives you enough speed for commuting or enjoying some off-road adventures.
Speed: Depending on the model, you can hit 25 km/h to 35-40 km/h, perfect for both city roads and more rugged paths.

2. Battery Life & Range

Capacity: Expect a 10Ah to 16Ah battery, which means you won’t be running out of juice too quickly.
Range: You can ride 30 to 70 km per charge—perfect for commuting or weekend adventures.
Charging Time: It takes around 4 to 6 hours to fully charge, so you can top it up overnight and be ready to roll the next day.

3. Brakes

You’ll find hydraulic disc brakes (like Tektro) or mechanical disc brakes, both of which are great for stopping safely, whether you’re on city streets or bumpy trails.

4. Smooth Suspension

Suspension: These e-bikes come with front suspension or even dual suspension in some models for extra comfort when riding on uneven ground.

5. Gears for Easy Shifting

Gears: Look for Shimano 6-speed or 7-speed gears, which make shifting smooth and easy no matter the terrain.
Durable Derailleurs: Shimano Altus or Acera derailleur systems are built to last and handle all your shifting needs.

6. Lightweight Frame

Most bikes have a light aluminium alloy frame, which keeps the bike strong but light enough for easy handling and transportation.

7. Tyres

You can choose from fat 4-inch tyres for off-road comfort or 27.5" to 29" tyres for a smoother, faster ride on paved roads.

8. Extra Features

Display: Expect an LCD showing all the essentials—speed, battery level and your total mileage.
Lights: Many come with an LED headlight powered by the e-bike’s battery, so you’re always visible, especially at night.
Accessories: Some affordable electric bikes even come with bag racks, mudguards, adjustable handlebars, and more for carrying stuff along easily.

E-Bikes for $1,700 - $2,000

In this range, you can get a powerful, feature-packed bike without breaking the bank. Here’s a friendly electric bike buying guide to help you get the most out of your budget.

1. Powerful Motor and Speed

Motor Power: In this price range, you’ll find 500w to 750w motors with torque.
Top Speed: These e-bikes can reach 30 km/h to 45 km/h, ideal for both urban and off-road rides.
Torque: With 80Nm to 200Nm of torque, you’ll have no trouble climbing hills or cruising through rough terrain.

2. Battery Life and Range

Battery Capacity: You’ll typically find 48V 17Ah lithium batteries, which provide a solid charge for your rides.
Range: Expect 40-110 km per full charge, depending on whether you’re using electric-only mode or pedal-assist mode.
Charging Time: Recharging takes about 4 to 6 hours, perfect for overnight charging.

3. Durable Design and Comfortable Ride

Frame: Most models come with aluminium alloy 6061 frames, which are lightweight yet durable.
Tyres: You can choose between 20 x 4-inch all-terrain tyres or 27.5/29-inch tyres for a smooth, stable ride.
Suspension: Dual front suspension or pre-load adjustable coil suspension ensures comfort, especially on rougher trails.

4. Braking and Gear System

Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes (like Tektro) are standard in this range, providing solid stopping power in any conditions.
Gears: Shimano 7-speed gears allow smooth shifting, whether you’re riding uphill or cruising on flat ground.

5. Additional Features for the Perfect Ride

Modes: Expect electric-only mode, cycling mode, and assist mode for different riding preferences.
Display: LCD displays show speed, battery status, and assist level, so you’ll always know where you stand.
Accessories: Many bikes come with handy baskets, phone holders, and LED headlights for added convenience.

Why This Price Range is Perfect for You

If you’re looking for the best electric bikes for the price, this budget gives you a lot of bang for your buck. Not only do you get a powerful motor and solid battery, but you'll also enjoy a smooth ride with features like quality suspension, hydraulic brakes, and ergonomic designs. Plus, these bikes are built to last and handle different terrains, so whether you're commuting or exploring the outdoors, you’ll have the flexibility you need.

E-Bikes Between $2,000 - $2,600

If you’re looking to spend between $2,000 and $2,600 on an e-bike, you're entering a range where you get top-notch features designed for both comfort and performance.

1. Motor Power

750w to 1000w motors. These motors provide plenty of power for urban commuting, off-road trails, and steep inclines.
Expect 45+ km/h speeds, especially in unrestricted modes.

2. Battery Capacity

Battery: With 17Ah to 20Ah lithium batteries, you get a reliable charge for longer trips.
Range: Enjoy a pure electric range of 40-75 km, and up to 60-200 km with pedal assist, depending on terrain and rider effort.

3. Design and Build

Frame: The bikes feature aluminium alloy frames, which are both lightweight and durable, designed for everyday riding and outdoor adventures.
Tyres: You’ll get 20 x 4-inch fat tyres, perfect for handling all terrains from city streets to rocky trails.
Folding Designs: Many bikes in this range come with a foldable frame. This makes storage easy and convenient for city dwellers or anyone with limited space.

4. Brakes and Suspension

Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes offer excellent stopping power, even in wet or muddy conditions.
Suspension: Front and rear suspension for smooth rides, particularly on uneven or rough terrain.

5. Speed and Gears

Top Speed: These bikes typically reach 25 km/h in road-legal mode, but you can unlock 45 km/h with throttle mode on private property or off-road.
Gears: Equipped with Shimano 7-speed gears, these bikes give you smooth shifting for different riding conditions.

6. Pedal Assist Features

Pedal Assist (PAS): This feature provides you with motor assistance while you pedal, making it easier to ride for longer distances. You can control the level of assistance, usually from 1 to 5, depending on how much help you want from the motor.
Mode Switching: With PAS, you can switch between electric-only mode, cycling mode, or assist mode, giving you the flexibility to adjust based on your needs, energy level, or terrain.

8. Additional Features

Throttle Control: Some models feature a twist throttle, making it easy to control your speed without needing to pedal.
Accessories: Look out for extra features like phone holders, front baskets, LED headlights, and repair tool kits included in some models.

E-Bikes $2,600 - $3,000+ Range

If you're ready to take your e-bike game to the next level, the $2,600 to $3,000+ range offers a mix of high-end e-bikes and even electric trikes, designed for power and versatility.

1. Motor Power and Speed

Motor Power: These bikes and trikes feature 750w to 1,000w motors, giving you incredible speed and torque, perfect for both off-road and city riding.
Top Speed: You can hit 45 km/h to 60 km/h, making them ideal for fast commutes or off-road adventures.

2. Battery Capacity and Range

Battery Capacity: Expect 48v 17Ah to 30Ah lithium batteries, providing long-lasting power for your rides.
Range: You’ll get a pure electric range of 40-120 km depending on the motor and riding mode, with pedal assist modes giving you even more range, up to 200 km in some cases.
Charging Time: Charging times range from 5 to 6 hours, so you can easily recharge overnight.

3. Frame

Aluminium alloy frames are lightweight yet strong, making your e-bike or e-trike easy to handle.

4. Suspension and Comfort

Full Suspension Systems: Many models come with front and rear adjustable shock absorbers with extra displacements providing a smooth, comfortable ride even on rough terrains.
Fat Tyres: 20 x 4-inch or 26 x 3-inch all-terrain tyres ensure a stable and comfortable ride, whether you're on city roads or off-road paths.

5. Brakes and Safety

Hydraulic Disc Brakes: For superior stopping power, most models come with hydraulic disc brakes, ensuring quick, reliable stops in all conditions.
Max Load Capacity: These bikes and trikes often have higher load capacities, with many supporting up to 150-180 kg for both riders and cargo.

6. Pedal Assist and Throttle

Pedal Assist: These e-bikes come with 5 levels of pedal assist, allowing you to customize your ride based on the level of assistance you need.
Throttle Control: Some models also include throttle control for easy speed adjustments, perfect for when you don’t want to pedal.

7. Additional Features

Smart Display: A TFT fully-laminated glass display shows essential data like speed, battery level, distance, and assist mode.
Accessories: Many come with additional accessories like baskets, phone holders, lights, and repair tool kits for added convenience.

8. Electric Trikes Option

Electric Trikes: In this range, you’ll find electric trikes, which offer more cargo space and are specifically designed for better stability and maneuverability. These are perfect for people with special needs or those who require extra balance and control.

Conclusion

If you're looking for affordable electric bikes, the $1,200 to $1,700 range offers excellent value, with decent motor power and battery life, perfect for commuting or weekend rides.

For those with a slightly higher budget, $1,700 to $2,000 gets you a more powerful, reliable e-bike with extra features for a fun ride.

In the $2,000 to $2,600 range, you’ll find best electric bikes for the price, offering top performance, solid battery life, and added features like pedal assist and foldable designs, ideal for commuting or adventure.

However, the $2,600 to $3,000+ range is better suited for off-roading or adventure, with high speeds and power, though they’re not suitable for everyday use due to legal speed limits in many states in Australia.

Ready to start exploring? Whether you're choosing a budget-friendly electric bike or looking for an adventure machine, there are plenty of electric bikes for sale in Australia to suit every need.

Check out our latest e-bike collection at E-Ozzie for e-bikes available in all ranges!