What electric bike should I buy for less than €2000?

Under €2,000, can you buy an electric bike without sacrificing quality, comfort, performance, and range? Yes, here is proof through our selection.

Electric bikes come in many varieties, especially in terms of pricing! We tested 4 reasonably priced electric bicycles to help you make the leap without breaking the bank.

Decathlon Elops 920 E Connect: The French Connected Bike – €1899

Decathlon’s experience with bikes and their various ranges are well known: Riverside VTC, Rockrider mountain bikes, Triban road bikes, or the Oxylane folding bikes. They also offer urban Elops bikes, including the new 920 E Connect. Visually, this bike remains unchanged, attractive with its matte blue finish and integrated front lighting.

With a stylish retro look, a well-designed app, a good autonomy of about 50 km, and a powerful enough Brose motor (50 Nm), these qualities justify the price. However, the connected model Decathlon Elops 920E Connect is not without its flaws despite costing €1899. Its suspension is a bit weak, comfort could be improved, it lacks a pre-installed wheel lock, and motor responsiveness is average. We also appreciate that this bike is available with a low step-through and traditional frame, in two colors and two sizes.

But is €1,899 expensive? Not really, since connected bikes often come with much higher prices. Remember, access to app data costs €24/year after the second year. There are regular discounts, such as currently at €1,699, saving €200 this winter of 2022. Decathlon also offers a long-term rental (LLD) option, which is relatively expensive, starting at €63.70/month via a 3-year contract, plus an initial payment of €222.70 (total €2,516), for this bike made in Portugal.

Mad L’Urbain 2: Simplistic design at €1,990

Despite its name, the company isn’t wild but French, born in Rouen. Previously known as “Mad in France,” it doesn’t produce bikes entirely but assembles them in France, in Machecoul (Loire-Atlantique). After its first model, L’Urbain enters its second generation since late 2021, with numerous improvements.

The goal of this electric bike is to offer the essentials without sacrificing performance. It stands out with its light weight of only 18 kg, equipped with fenders (the rack is optional), and a removable battery with good capacity. With 460 Wh, the Mad L’Urbain 2 can cover about 70 km in mode 1. The 45 Nm motor is positioned at the rear, not central, but provides excellent assistance for daily use. The riding position is standard with a high handlebar, but the Brooks leather saddle isn’t the most comfortable, and there’s no suspension, relying solely on the tires’ cushioning (WTB).

The L’Urbain 2 bike comes in two sizes and two standard colors (black and white). The €1,990 price is very competitive for this high-quality bike assembled in France with reliable after-sales service. Good news—the Tour de France version is currently available at the same price (€1,699, down from €2,249), featuring its specific Berthoud saddle, black tires, and official TDF logo. Additionally, the brand offers a long-term rental solution at €64/month for a 36-month contract or €74/month over 24 months, with an initial payment of €200.

Intersport Nakamura E-Crossover XA: The Civilized MTB at €1,999.99

Focused on leisure but very popular, Intersport meets its goal. Its new E-Crossover XA electric mountain bike, although based on an earlier model, is equally a good everyday bike and weekend companion. It’s somewhat bulky for city use and equipped with a duo of handles and saddle poorly suited for daily commuting, but not agile or cushioned enough for rough terrain. It appeals to those looking for a more versatile e-bike than a traditional city bike, suitable for weekend getaways.

Its 100 Nm torque motor offers unbeatable assistance, facilitating comfortable pedaling and strong boosts. Its 460 Wh battery provides a theoretical range of about 100 km in the lightest mode (around 60 km in maximum assistance). Charging takes about 5 hours. This bike is also the first to feature Intersport’s new connectivity, allowing you to lock/unlock the assistance and view ride history via an app. Recall that the Intersport E-Crossover XA emphasizes sporty performance. Its muscular contribution day after day is noticeable.

It’s also priced very reasonably, under €2000, despite featuring a large battery and a powerful motor. It is part of the E-Crossover range starting with the barebones S model, offering an entry-level price of €999 (often discounted). The intermediate models A and V, with different frame styles—one open, one not—are priced at €1599. The bike is assembled in France, in Machecoul (44), near Nantes.

Shiftbikes: The Best Value at €1,890?

Also assembled in Loire-Atlantique at the Manufacture du Cycle (MFC), Shiftbikes is a French creation. Crafted by François Jacquet, it aims to “switch” as many people as possible from cars to bikes. To do this, the e-bike is simple, with low-cost but quality components.

With its open, single-frame design, this e-bike looks modern without heading into futurism, with brown saddles and grips. It has fenders, a rear rack, and a rear wheel lock for everyday use, and a very comfortable saddle compensates for the lack of suspension. Its 460 Wh removable battery offers about 50 km of real-world range in mode 3, powered by a 43 Nm motor. The torque is modest (especially compared to the Intersport), but it’s lively for daily riding. It might be criticized for its less responsive Microshift derailleur and somewhat dated display (though easy to use).

The €1,890 price of the Shiftbikes is fair. Furthermore, its founder promises some small improvements for 2023. It’s already a very good deal. Its close competitor, the Mad bike, offers similar features, is lighter (18 vs. 23.5 kg), but lacks the seat, rack, and lock included as standard.

Comparison Table of Electric Bikes Under €2,000