Our 2024 guide to the best value electric bikes

How do you find your way around all these electrically-assisted bicycles? From city bikes to touring bikes, it's hard to choose!

We've studied the 2024 electric bike market for you, from the power of the motors to the quality of the materials, the size of the frame and the options on each bike.

This type of two-wheeler is generally chosen for its endurance. Compared with a conventional bicycle, an electric bike will enable you to cover more kilometers with a minimum of effort.

Another advantage of the electric bike of 2024: motor and battery performance! While the early days of the EAB left a lot to be desired in terms of range, today's electric bikes offer better assistance management over the long term.

Finally, by producing only 15 to 30 grams of CO2 per kilometer, compared with 130 to 280 for a car, according to a study by Ekwateur, the electric bike remains a more responsible option than motorized vehicles.

Before you buy your VAE, you need to ask yourself a few questions. Among the technical features to consider are :

• how you intend touse your electric bike;

• the type of battery installed on your electric bicycle;

• Your EAB's brakes (hydraulic disc brakes, mechanical brakes with pads or hydraulic brakes with pads);

• your electric bike's motor;

• the frame of your electric bike.

With its high frame, sleek design and rock-solid endurance, the Elops LD 500 E tops this ranking thanks to its attractive price (€1,499) and the quality of its materials. The key word for this model? Dynamism !

With its 504 Wh battery, this electric bike has a low-assist range of 115 km, and high-performance hydraulic disc brakes for added safety.

How can we talk about the best electric bikes of 2024 without mentioning the Moma Bike E-MTB 29? Equipped with a 624 Wh battery and 250 W motor, this sober and athletic MTB has a range of almost 120 km!

Its Shimano Altus transmission allows you to navigate between 24 speed modes, giving this model rock-solid versatility enhanced by hydraulic disc brakes.

It's the cheapest model in this ranking, but doesn't lose out on quality! With a base price of €999.9, the Nakamura Classic LTD is renowned for its smooth pedaling, 250-watt rear motor and range of up to 60 km.

Perfect for urban environments and daily commutes, this electric bike features a modern design, a luggage rack and an upright riding position.

From steep paths to rugged mountains, the elements are no match for the endurance and sturdiness of this electricMTB offered at €1,499 by Nakamura!

Equipped with a mid-mounted motor and 460 wH battery, this rugged all-terrain electric bike is the ideal partner for experienced cyclists.

Do you like to ride your bike to work, but don't have much space to store it? Moma has thought of you with this folding electric bike available on the market for less than €1,500!

With its pedal-assist system, 250W motor and city-friendly lighting, this folding electric bike boasts undeniable quality.

In response to consumer enthusiasm for electric bikes, a number of sports brands have developed high-performance, affordable models, reshuffling the competitive deck in the EAB market.

This is the case with brands such as Lidl, Decathlon and Intersport, which are engaged in a veritable race for the best price, and are now offering models for less than €1,500.

In Wallonia and the Brussels region, it is possible to benefit from a bonus for the purchase of a VAE. 

For Wallonia, all information on regional bonuses is available on the Wallonia mobility portal. The amount of the subsidy varies between 20% and 40% of the purchase price, with ceilings ranging from 50 euros to 1,250 euros depending on the type of bike and your situation.

In Brussels, there's the Bruxell'Air bonus, which can help you buy your electrically-assisted bike, with amounts ranging from €505 to €1,010 depending on your income, and if you write off your car's number plate. 

Other tricks can help you reduce the cost of your electric bike, such as :

• buying your VAE second-hand;
• purchase of a VAE refurbished.

Are you planning to use your bike for mountain climbing, long trips or commuting? Depending on the answer, you'll need to choose the type of battery installed on your equipment, which can vary in power depending on the model.

The material, weight and other components of an EAB's frame must be taken into account in your purchasing decision. Since you'll be covering a lot of miles, you need to choose a model that matches your physical capabilities, aselectric bikes are relatively heavy.

Because they are motorized, electrically-assisted bicycles on the market must be approved and limited to 25 km/h.

Approved e-bikes must undergo regular inspections and be fitted with safety systems. They must comply with the same traffic regulations as conventional bicycles, and must therefore be used on designated cycle paths.

City dwellers too can indulge in the pleasures of electric bikes, thanks to the many models specially designed for the city! The best 2024 references for the city include :

• Moustache Lundi 26;
• Decathlon Elops 120 E ;
• the O2Feel Vog City Up 4.1 ;
• Swing City from Riese & Müller;
• the Nakamura Classic LTD.

As for MTB and VTCs, which are better suited to rough terrain and country roads, several references stand out from the crowd, such as :

• Nakamura Crossover LTD (VTC);
• the Moustache Samedi 27 Xroad 2 (VTC);
• the MTB electric enduro Cube Reaction Hybrid Pro 625 (MTB) ;
• STILUS E-ALL MOUNTAIN Ochre (MTB);
• the Rockrider E-ST 900 from Decathlon (MTB).

Do you like to get around by bike, and do new technologies hold no secrets for you? You're going to love connected electric bikes! Equipped with screens linked to your phone, these smart bikes let you keep close track of your performance.

Are you a thrill-seeker? If you're looking for peace of mind on trails and scree slopes, you'll want to consider Electrically Assisted Mountain Bikes or Gravels, hybrid equipment that combines the maneuverability of MTB with the versatility of road bikes.

Riding an electric bike is financially more advantageous than driving a car! To find out the electricity cost of your equipment, multiply the price per kWh of electricity by the Wh capacity of your battery. According to Alterna Energie's calculations, a recharge today costs between 6 and 14 euro cents.

After each outing, remember to check the condition of your tires, the operation of your brakes and the lubrication of your chain, and have your bike serviced by an authorized professional at least once a year.

An electric-assist bike needs to be testedbefore you buy it! Don't hesitate to try out several models by positioning yourself on the saddle, pedaling a few times to see if the motor works, testing the brakes and checking the ride comfort.

You've got plenty of options when it comes to finding a high-performance, affordable electric bike! These references promise you unrivalled value for money and a new riding experience, whether you use your VAE to tackle the city or to cross the forest.