A good-quality electric bike usually costs between $2,000 and $4,000 at retail, though premium models can run much higher. At Upway, you can find both new and pre-owned e-Bikes from leading brands—often at discounts of up to 60%!
Affordable E-Bikes for College Towns: Upway’s Top Picks for Students
Written by: Rémy Rossi | October 27, 2025 | Time to read 6 min
Campus rides just got faster, cooler, and greener with these student-friendly electric bikes from Upway’s biggest deals.
More about the Author: Remy Rossi
Rémy Rossi is a bike writer, mechanic, and educator who got his start in community-based bike shops and co-ops. With a decade in the industry, he still wrenches on bikes when he can and plays bike polo on a fixie.
College towns are some of the most bike-friendly places in the US. And even if your campus doesn’t fit the typical ‘college town’ label, cycling is a convenient, affordable way to dash between classes, events, home, and everything in between, across cities big and small. E-Bikes are most popular among middle-aged and older adults, while a small slice of the younger generation is hopping aboard. Just 6% of Upway customers are young adults. Here are my top picks for affordable e-Bikes for college students, with huge savings from Upway.
Cycling around campus? E-Bikes can be the perfect ride
College campuses are intermodal paradises— bicycles, e-Bikes, skateboards, scooters, buses, cars, and even the occasional unicycle, rollerblades, or pogo stick. I got started working on bikes at my university’s bike co-op and rode my bike to class every day. And that makes sense, considering that bikes are well-suited to the short or medium distances on campus, relative lack of cars, and affordability of bicycles.
Most college students who ride a bike opt for non-electric bicycles— and that’s fair enough considering their youthful vigor and the relatively compact size of many campuses. But riders who want a boost or travel longer distances may benefit from an electric bike from Upway to get around.
Reasons why Upway e-Bikes are a great option for college students:
Most college students who ride a bike opt for non-electric bicycles— and that’s fair enough considering their youthful vigor and the relatively compact size of many campuses. But riders who want a boost or travel longer distances may benefit from an electric bike from Upway to get around.
Reasons why Upway e-Bikes are a great option for college students:
- Added boost for off-campus transport and adventures
- Affordable, convenient car alternative
- Easy to store on campus
- Sustainable mode of transport
- College towns often have great cycling infrastructure
👋 Do you know Upway?
We are the leading provider for buying and selling e-Bike online. At Upway, you can get your next
e-Bike for up to 60% off retail prices, in new or like-new conditions.
Upway’s Top 5 Affordable E-Bikes for College Students
Electric bikes can cost significantly more than standard bicycles, but they don’t have to. Certified pre-owned e-Bikes from Upway provide savings of up to 60% compared to retail, with top performance and warranties. College campuses are already hotspots for second-hand items and reuse, driven by the high turnover of students from year to year and their commitment to sustainability. Affordability and sustainability are priorities for many young adults, and used e-Bikes tick all the boxes.
Here are a few of the best e-Bikes for college students:
- Cannondale Treadwell Neo 2 EQ
- Orbea Vibe H30
- Gazelle Medeo T9
- Momentum Voya E+ 1
- Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus
Cannondale Treadwell Neo 2 EQ
The Treadwell Neo from Cannondale is a super-practical electric city bike. The compact rear hub motor and slim battery inside the frame hide its identity as a pedal-assisted model and preserve a sleek silhouette. There’s a convenient front rack to carry a backpack and fenders to keep the rain and puddles away. Your typical hybrid, elevated with a boost of up to 20 mph. And its under-the-radar look will help it stay safe on the bike rack instead of being a big target for shady bike thieves.
What is it: A sleek, everyday city e-Bike designed for comfortable campus or urban commuting.
Why you’ll love it: Hidden battery, front rack, and comfortable design for a daily rider
Price: $1,049
What is it: A sleek, everyday city e-Bike designed for comfortable campus or urban commuting.
Why you’ll love it: Hidden battery, front rack, and comfortable design for a daily rider
Price: $1,049
MSRP $2,175, savings of 52%!
Orbea Vibe H30
Even sleeker and more stylish than the Treadwell, the Orbea Vibe H30 is the ultimate college e-Bike. It rocks that urban fixie look while hiding a powerful Mahle X35 rear hub motor and 233 Wh battery— even the cables are integrated inside the bike. There’s an 8-speed drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes, and versatile GravelKing 700c tires for reliable riding all across campus. I think style points are important around campus, and the Orbea Vibe delivers big-time.
What is it: A lightweight, stylish commuter e-Bike with integrated cables and a premium hub motor.
Why you’ll love it: Ultra-sleek aesthetic, premium motor, fully integrated cables
Price: $1,249
What is it: A lightweight, stylish commuter e-Bike with integrated cables and a premium hub motor.
Why you’ll love it: Ultra-sleek aesthetic, premium motor, fully integrated cables
Price: $1,249
MSRP $3,199, savings of 61%!
Gazelle Medeo T9
Gazelle electric bikes are built for urban commuting, making them a great choice for college students on the go. The Medeo T9 is the 9-speed version of the lightweight city model, equipped with a premium Bosch mid-drive motor, rear rack, external battery, and plenty of handy details across the entire bike. The short-travel suspension fork ensures a cushy ride, and the closed chain guard prevents any grease-stained or snagged pant legs. There’s a clear line from Dutch-style bikes and comfortable cruisers, with the modern tech of quick, agile electric bikes on the Medeo T9.
What is it: A Dutch-style urban e-Bike featuring a powerful Bosch mid-drive motor, comfortable geometry, and a rack-ready setup for daily rides.
Why you’ll love it: Premium Bosch motor, rear rack with battery, and comfortable setup
Price: $1,299
Momentum Voya E+ 1
Some people want an electric road bike for zooming around campus and fast getaways outside of class. The Momentum Voya E+ is a drop-bar electric bike powered by a rear hub motor and slim 250 Wh battery, with a top speed of 20 mph. It weighs in at just 40 pounds and has an 11-speed Shimano GRX drivetrain. The more race-inspired option on this list, it’s a great option for students who prioritize speed and efficiency.
What is it: Drop-bar electric bike for sporty students and city riders
Price: $1,099
Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus
For riders who need a sturdier, burlier, and all-terrain bike, the RadRover 6 Plus is an excellent option that doesn’t break the bank. It costs less than $1,000 and has a large rear rack, fat tires, front suspension, and bright integrated lights. The low-step design makes it super easy to hop on and off, too. The RadRover is significantly heavier than other bikes on this list, but it steamrolls through bumpier terrain and floats over potholes.
What is it: A rugged all-terrain e-Bike with fat tires, powerful motor, and durability that handles off-pavement adventures around or beyond campus.
Why you’ll love it: All-terrain capabilities and a comfortable ride, at an unbeatable price
Price: $899
MSRP $1,599, savings of 44%!
Browse all of Upway’s best deals with additional savings in our clearance sale:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do electric bikes cost?
What is the warranty on Upway bikes?
Upway offers a one-year limited warranty on all its e-Bikes that covers mechanical and electrical defects. We also provide guaranteed delivery and will compensate as warranted in the rare case of any shipping damage.
How often should I maintain my bike?
We recommend checking that your tires are inflated before every ride, but other components can be inspected after every few rides. It’s also a good idea to complete a tune-up every riding season.
Key Takeaways
- Affordable & Certified: Students can save up to 60% on certified pre-owned e-Bikes— no compromise on quality or warranty.
- Campus-Ready Rides: From stylish commuters to all-terrain adventurers, there’s an e-Bike for every student lifestyle.
- Sustainable Choice: E-Bikes help students travel farther, save money, and reduce their carbon footprint—perfect for eco-conscious campuses.
