Recently, the up-and-coming electric motorcycle manufacturer Stark Future invited us to the mountains of Spain to get hands-on with the Stark Varg EX – a fully electric street-legal enduro motorcycle selling in the U.S for $12,990 for the 60 HP configuration and $13,990 for the insane 80 HP configuration. After 2 days on trails, my biggest surprise was just how approachable and easy to ride the EX turned out to be for such a high-performance machine. It’s still far from being optimal as a commuter bike, but then again, that’s not quite what the EX is for.

In 2023, Stark Future began shipping its off-road MX dirt bikes, which quickly established the company as a serious competitor to ICE motocross brands. Now, with a lot of trails around the world becoming more regulated, the natural progression for the company came in the form of their street-legal EX. Before we get into it, let’s get some of the specs out of the way. 

Stark Varg EX specs:

• Power: 60/80 HP
• Battery capacity: 7.2kWh
• Range: 1.3-7 Hours riding
• Weight: 264 lbs
• Suspension: KYB front & rear with 300mm travel
• Charge time: 1-2 hours with 240V outlet

From MX to EX

The Street-Legal EX comes with a slightly bigger 7.2 kWh battery compared to the 6.5 kWh battery on the MX, but overall, this is still much more of a hardcore enduro motorcycle than something you’d use for long commutes and occasional trails. For those looking to convert one of these into a supermoto for around-town riding, the battery is more than sufficient. However, for those looking to commute to off-road trails that require traveling via highway, the range is not quite there yet, and unfortunately, there is no portable charger that you could easily take with you. It’s simply not where this bike shines.

Performance: 

Despite the backlash from the Motocross federation and regulators who make it very difficult for electric dirtbikes to compete in races, Stark Future has put a lot of effort into building a serious race team. 

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Outside the track, the bikes themselves are very much performance oriented, coming stock with a max of 80 HP, insane torque, and KYB suspension front and rear. Another tell sign is the stiff seat, which lets you know right away that this is much more of an enduro bike than something made for commuting. In addition, Stark Future wanted to prioritize saving weight and staying competitive on the race track over longer range and comfort. 

As a result, the bike handles more like a full-size mountain bike that somehow has just enough weight to track well on rocky terrain. Overall the bike handles incredibly well, has great weight distribution and size and is no surprise that aside from a few tweaks to the power delivery the EX that comes stock to customers is essentially the same bike that is being brought to the race track to compete on world stages, something which is not common in the world of ICE motorsports.

For those coming from gas bikes, a tip that you might want to consider is using the hand brake as a clutch. For the EU model, the rear brake is a hand brake located on the left side of the handlebars exactly where the clutch lever is on a gas bike, so for extra stability in tight single track, try giving that hand brake a try.

The Tech

In the center of the handlebars comes a smartphone, which is where you can set custom power modes, adjust regenerative braking, and even fine-tune power delivery. Out of the 80 HP, you can set the power to as low as 10 HP, which, combined with its 264-pound weight, makes it easy to hand off this bike to a complete beginner without having to worry about them hurting themselves too badly. 

Once you have a few power modes saved, you can toggle between them easily with the buttons on the handlebars, although it does take a minute to get used to because there are a few other modes you can cycle through with those two buttons.

Crawl/reverse mode

Stark Future added a few modes to make enduro a bit easier, which at the beginning of the ride I didn’t pay much attention to until I was stuck and needed to use them. If you’re familiar with walk mode on electric mountain bikes, crawl mode is essentially the same, except that with the strong torque of the bike, it’s super useful for walking the bike up steep dirt hill climbs. It keeps the wheels from spinning out, yet still has enough torque to make progress going up. There’s also a reverse mode for backing up, and altogether it made learning enduro a lot more fun.

Maps and apps

Aside from power modes, the smartphone on the bike also works for navigation, as well as any app you would have on your normal smartphone. You could also add a SIM and receive calls and texts straight to the phone. 

Electrek’s take:

One of the most appealing aspects about this bike is just how much performance you get for such an approachable bike. I could easily set this bike to a lower power setting and pass it to a friend or family member who is a complete beginner for them to have a lot of fun, and at the same time, you could pass this bike to a professional supercross rider for their next pro race.

Considering people are spending similar amounts of money on modding out Surrons, that still likely won’t compare to this bike that was designed from the start with racing in mind. The $12,990 price tag isn’t too bad for a performance enduro bike that you can ride with plates, but for those looking for a cool commuter bike, this might be a little overkill unless you’re serious about electric supermotos and want that higher-level performance. 

As for Stark Future, they have a lot of momentum going and a strong team, but they also move as a start-up up which means while they are ambitious and move quickly, certain departments, such as support, may not be as large as some of the bigger companies out there. That being said, they do have intentions to grow out their support team and build a distribution center in the U.S. to cut down shipping times. 

As for their products, there’s no official word on any specific models coming soon, but there does seem to be interest in developing more street-oriented models. There are also ongoing developments to reduce weight, including the possibility of 3D printing titanium frames and parts. Personally as someone who spends most of the time off trails it would be amazing to see the type of performance offered on the EX with the convinence of being able ot use a portable charging adapter to have the luxary of riding to a forest, stoping for lunch and having the chance to charge right before getting into the trails. 

With short runs at low speeds under heavy loads in a controlled space, heavy-duty terminal tractors represent an almost ideal use case for electrification. APM Terminals Pier 400 seems to have done the math and come to the same conclusion, and are now set to add twenty new Orange EVs to their fleet at the Port of Los Angeles.

With the addition of the new Orange EV e-Trievers, APM Terminals (APMT) Pier 400 has the largest deployed fleet of electric terminal tractors (or “yard dogs,” or “ro-ro trucks,” etc.) in the Port of Los Angeles, marking a notable step in the port’s decarbonization efforts.

But it doesn’t stop there for APMT. The company is using the Pier 400 electrification project to help advance the skills of its International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) workforce. the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) and OEMs like Orange EV, APMT is working to establish an electric tractor training program at the ILWU-PMA Maintenance & Repair Training Center. The new training program will increase access to EVs, enabling more hands-on instruction for union mechanics and, it’s hoped, reducing some of the “push back” against EVs.

“This is not just an investment in equipment, it’s an investment in the up-skilling of the workforce,” said Jon Poelma, Managing Director of APM Terminals Pier 400. “Our partnership with PCMC is foundational to our success, and this rollout reflects how we move forward together. As we decarbonize Pier 400, we’re not only deploying new technology—we’re up-skilling our workforce through hands-on training and taking significant steps in our commitment to cleaner air for our community.”

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Pier 400 sponsored three days of paid training for 21 ILWU Local 13 union mechanics employed by PCMC last month. Led by Orange EV technicians, the program covered safety protocols, diagnostics and routine maintenance for the new electric tractors.

All 20 of the new Orange EV yard trucks are expected to be in operation by the end of July.

Electrek’s Take

Over at The Heavy Equipment Podcast, we had a chance to talk to Orange EV founder Kurt Neutgens ahead of last year’s ACT Expo for clean trucking. On the show (available here), Kurt explained how his experience at Ford helped inform his design ideology, and that the Orange EV was designed to be cost competitive with diesel options, even without subsidies.

Give it a listen, then let us know what you think of the big yard dogs in the comments.

SOURCE | IMAGES: Orange EV.

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Electric bikes are getting better, safer, and more affordable every year. Even so, in the US, e-bikes are still relatively expensive despite being such an incredibly price-sensitive market. Whenever someone asks me to recommend an e-bike for them, one of their first requirements is invariably that it doesn’t cost a fortune. Though the tradeoffs for dropping the price can sometimes rear their ugly head with their own hidden costs.

And let’s be real: the sub-$1,000 category has always been a bit of a minefield. For every great deal, there are a dozen cheap frames with underpowered motors, sketchy brakes, or batteries that make me nervous just looking at them. But with a lot of digging (and a lot of riding), I’ve managed to find a few standout electric bikes that prove you can get a surprisingly good ride without breaking the bank.

Whether you’re looking for a lightweight city commuter, a folding e-bike for multi-modal travel, or just something simple and fun to cruise around the neighborhood, there’s now a solid mix of options under the thousand-dollar mark. These bikes aren’t perfect – they cut costs in places – but many of them offer far more value than you’d expect at this price point.

I’ve personally tested every one of these e-bikes, putting them through real-world use to see what works, what doesn’t, and who each model is best suited for. Some are stripped-down budget beasts that prioritize performance. Others go for comfort and practicality. And a few genuinely surprised me with features I’d expect to see on bikes twice the price.

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Here are the best electric bikes I’ve tested for under $1,000.

Lectric XP4

There is one e-bike that deserves to be at the top of this list, and it’s the Lectric XP4. Everyone else is literally fighting for second place.

The Lectric XP 4.0 is the reigning king of budget folding e-bikes, and for good reason. At $999, it’s an almost absurd amount of bike for the money. It has no business costing this little, especially with such nice design and surprisingly good hardware.

This fourth-generation model builds on Lectric’s already massively popular XP lineup with refinements that make it more comfortable, more capable, and more versatile – all without raising the price! The step-thru frame makes it accessible for a wide range of riders, and the foldable design means it’s still compact enough to fit in a car trunk or tight storage space.

Under the hood, you get a powerful 1,092W peak (500W nominal) rear hub motor paired with a 48V 10.4Ah battery for up to 45 miles of range. The 8-speed Shimano Altus drivetrain and five pedal assist levels give you flexibility whether you’re cruising or climbing (plus the torque sensor makes pedaling feel quite natural), and the updated front suspension fork and 20” x 3” all-terrain tires add a noticeable boost in comfort and handling. Hydraulic disc brakes are a new and very welcome addition at this price point, offering better stopping power and less maintenance than mechanical setups. And to be frank, those hydraulic brakes are just too nice to be on a bike at this price – I don’t know how Lectric does it.

What really sets the XP 4.0 apart, though, is the level of polish and practicality packed into this budget-friendly frame. Integrated lights, fenders, and a rear rack all come standard, and the frame is rated for 330 pounds of total payload – enough to carry you and your groceries (or a friend with the passenger package installed on the rear!). It’s fast, fun, and wildly capable for the price. Whether you’re a first-time e-bike buyer or just want a second ride that doesn’t feel like a downgrade, the Lectric XP 4.0 is hard to beat. This is THE e-bike I recommend to most new riders.

Buzz Centris Folding E-Bike

The Buzz Centris is one of those rare sub-$1,000 folding e-bikes that doesn’t feel like a total compromise. At its current sale price of $899, it undercuts the XP4 by $100 and it manages to pack in a solid feature set that makes it a strong contender for commuters, apartment dwellers, and anyone tight on space. The folding frame, handlebars, and pedals let it collapse into a compact package, which is great for tossing in a trunk or storing in a corner. Despite its budget price, the Centris still includes some nice touches, like cast magnesium wheels that never need truing and a built-in rear rack that adds real utility for carrying bags or gear.

Power is modest and comes from a 500W rear hub motor paired with a 48V 10.4Ah battery (500Wh), offering up to 40 miles (64 km) of range under pedal assist, though you should definitely expect less if you’re heavy on the throttle and constantly ride at its top speed of 20 mph (32 km/h).

It’s not a powerhouse, but it’s plenty for city riding, light hills, or short commutes. The 7-speed Shimano drivetrain adds flexibility, and the mechanical disc brakes are basic but effective. Fat 4-inch tires on 20-inch wheels provide good comfort and traction, even on rough pavement or gravel paths.

The Buzz Centris is best suited for riders who need a compact, portable e-bike without sacrificing too much on quality like you would with all of those fly-by-night companies. It won’t win any races, and it’s not built for heavy-duty hauling or off-road adventures. But for casual riders, urban commuters, or RV travelers looking for an affordable folding e-bike with respectable performance and comfort, the Centris would be a nice compromise.

I’d still say that the extra $100 for the XP4 gets you a lot of upgrades, but if $899 is your limit, the Buzz Centris won’t do you wrong.

Lectric XP Lite 2.0

If $899 for the Buzz above is still too much, the Lectric XP Lite 2.0’s $799 price tag might fit your budget. Once you reach $800 or below, it’s hard to find a quality e-bike, and this is one of the few bikes I’d recommend in this price range. But I definitely recommend it all the time because of what a great deal it is and how well it’s made for the price! When someone asks me to maximize bang for buck, this is the e-bike I send them to.

You can think of the XP Lite 2.0 as the XP4’s lean, nimble little brother – built for simplicity, portability, and with a surprising punch. At just 41 pounds (18.6 kg), it’s one of the lightest e-bikes in its class, making it a top pick for riders who need something easy to lift, carry, or store. But don’t let the smaller size fool you, the XP Lite 2.0 still delivers an impressive ride, especially considering its $799 price tag.

Sure, the spec sheet lists a 300W nominal motor, but it really puts out over 800W of peak power. With the 48V 7.8Ah battery (375Wh), with an optional extended-range battery available for those who want to push well past the base model’s 40 miles (64 km) of range. It ships as a Class 2 e-bike, meaning you can easily hit 20 mph (32 km/h) on throttle, or you can use the pedal assist for more of a workout.

Like other Lectric models, it comes with integrated lights, a bright display, and compatibility with a wide range of accessories including racks, baskets, and passenger pegs. The XP Lite 2.0 is best suited for students, urban riders, or anyone looking for a lightweight, low-cost way to electrify their commute. It’s quick, affordable, and fun – basically the e-bike version of a no-frills city scooter, but with pedals and a whole lot more versatility.

Ride1up Portola

The Ride1Up Portola is a great example of a premium-feeling folding e-bike that sneaks in just under the $1,000 mark. To be fair, its MSRP is $1,095, but it’s currently on sale at $995, so we’re going to count it.

The Portola is one of the most refined and thoughtfully spec’d electric folders I’ve tested in this price range, at least until the XP4 came out, and it genuinely rides like a more expensive bike. Ride1Up is known for squeezing maximum value out of their builds, and the Portola is no exception. It folds down quickly and compactly, but what really makes it stand out is how good it feels when you’re actually on it.

You get a 750W rear hub motor paired with a 48V system. The bike ships with a 10.4Ah battery (500Wh), but you can also upgrade to a higher-capacity version if you want more range, and both come UL-certified. Other thoughtful specs include an 8-speed drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes, and a front suspension fork.

At 59 pounds (26.8 kg), the Portola isn’t a featherweight, but it’s not bad for a full-featured e-folder with fat-ish 20” x 3” tires and a full rack and fender setup. It’s ideal for riders who need a compact e-bike for commuting, RV use, or apartment storage but don’t want to sacrifice ride quality. If you want a folding e-bike that feels like a “real bike” and not a compromise, the Portola is shockingly good for the money.

Velotric Fold 1 Lite

To be fair, I’ve tested the Velotric Fold 1 Plus and not the Lite, which is its pared down sibling, but much of the bike is quite similar.

The Velotric Fold 1 Lite is one of the newest budget-friendly e-bikes from a brand that’s been steadily gaining traction for making polished, reliable electric bikes at very reasonable prices. Priced at $999, the Fold 1 Lite delivers a surprisingly slick experience in a compact, folding format – and it manages to look good doing it. With clean lines, a slick paint finish, and tidy internal cable routing, this bike feels nicer than its price suggests.

Under the hood, the Fold 1 Lite features a 500W rear hub motor (55 Nm of torque) and a 48V 486Wh battery offering a range of up to 48 miles (77 km) with pedal assist in ideal conditions, though real-world range will usually fall somewhere around 25–35 miles (40-60 km) depending on terrain and throttle usage. The bike ships as a Class 2 with both pedal assist and throttle (up to 20 mph), and it can be unlocked to Class 3 for speeds up to 28 mph (45 km/h). You also get hydraulic disc brakes, 20” x 3” all-terrain tires, and a 7-speed Shimano drivetrain to round out a solid spec sheet.

What makes this bike stand out is how well-rounded it is. The ride feels stable and comfortable, and the folding mechanism is sturdy and intuitive. It includes fenders and integrated lighting, and while it doesn’t come with a rear rack by default, one is available as an accessory. It doesn’t have quite the same bang-for-your-buck as others on this list, but it’s a nicely made, attractive bike that still deserves a spot on the list. I just wish they gave it the fun color options found on the Fold 1 Plus and other models from Velotric.

Huffy eThunder Road Kids E-Bike

This one is definitely more teen-oriented, but smaller adults will fit just fine on it. Plus, I love how cool it looks. If you’re looking for an e-bike for your teen and you don’t want to spend a fortune, this one might do it for you.

At just $729, this mini-moto-style e-bike offers a fun and confidence-building ride for kids aged 13 and up, combining the look of a mini motorcycle with the simplicity of a pedal-free throttle setup. It’s also got pedal-assist, which is a great way to introduce younger riders to an e-bike (and you can just remove the throttle if you want to force your teen to only use pedal assist).

Keep in mind that at this price, you’re going to get modest but not incredible performance. The eThunder Road is powered by a 250W rear hub motor paired with a 24V 6Ah battery. That’s enough to hit speeds up to 15 mph (25 km/h), which probably feels fast to a kid. Sure, it’s clearly designed for short, supervised fun, not all-day excursions, but that’s exactly what it promises and delivers. The large 20-inch tires offer good ground clearance and cushion for light off-road riding, while the twist throttle makes acceleration easy and intuitive. And if you’re giving your kid an e-bike, I’d say the performance is enough to offer a fun ride without having to worry about them riding a powerful little motorcycle around.

Yes, this definitely isn’t a rugged off-roader, but it’s a solid little neighborhood cruiser. With a max rider weight of 120 pounds, it’s sized well for teens and preteens. It’s also surprisingly well built for the price, with a durable steel frame and fun styling that definitely turns heads. It’s not exactly the most elegantly designed or constructed e-bike, but you get what you pay for and this is definitely more affordable than the fancier models.

If you’re looking for an electric ride-on that bridges the gap between toys and real e-bikes, the Huffy eThunder Road is a great starter option.