trek bike by serial number

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Trek Bike Serial Number Lookup

Editorial credit: overkit / Shutterstock.com

When investing in a quality bike like Trek, you must register your bike on their website, and if you are buying a used model, you can use the same resource for due diligence to make sure the bike you buy is legit – but where do you find the Trek serial number?

To find the serial number on your Trek bike, you need to turn it upside down and let it rest on the handlebars. The bike’s serial number is marked on the underside of the frame, close to the bottom bracket. You can check the serial number using this link to the Trek website.

Trek USA offers an online service where you can look up your Trek Bike serial number or register a new one so that in the event you want to sell yours, buy another one, or yours is stolen, the bike’s relevant information is a click away- so let’s discover more on how to lookup a Trek Bike serial number.

What Information Is Contained In A Trek Bike Serial Number?

In the old days, serial numbers were used mostly to reveal basic information about a product – mostly how many had been made of a model if there was only one.

As more models were made and released, manufacturers began to use serial numbers to provide information on the model type, year of manufacture, the material used, etc. With bike manufacturers like Trek, it became useful to have serial numbers that provided more details about the bike for themselves and the customers.

Trek serial numbers contain information that includes the year of manufacture, the plant manufacturing code, which determines at which facility the bike was made, the day of the year that the bike was made and what number the bike was in the production run on that day.

What The Trek Bike Serial Numbers Mean?

From the early 90s until current, Trek has used the prefix WTU on their serial numbers, with a three-digit number following that and then a single capital letter. Then five digits for the serial number and a final letter to end.

Let’s look at an example and decode what these numbers mean.

For a Trek serial number WTU295D85467D – the serial number would be broken down as follows:

• After WTU, 295 is the sequential date number from the beginning of the year-so 295 means this frame was made on the 295 th day of the year.
• The 85467 would be the bike’s serial number.
• The letter D at the end stands for the year 2009, while the letter D after the first three numbers would be the plant where the bike was made.

Based on this configuration and data recovered from a Trek recall notice, we can deduce that the Trek serial numbers use a letter at the end to denote the year of manufacture. With the serial number above, the letter D is the year 2009, and the list below would then represent the years prior and post.

So the very first piece of information on your Trek bike you can identify is the year of it’s manufacture, and you can use this table to determine what year your Trek bike was made.

From the information available, the numbers that follow the WTU and the day number of manufacture, the next letter or group of letters are thought to indicate the manufacturing plant where the bike was made.

Trek themselves aren’t very forthcoming about their serial numbers, only what has been described above. They don’t specify whether the serial number code includes the frame size or material type information.

Vintage Trek Bike Serial Number Lookup

Trek has been in business for a long time, and many still have vintage Trek bikes dating back to the 1970s. To establish a database of serial numbers and to decode them, a survey of more than 200 Trek owners revealed how Trek serial numbers were utilised on bikes from around 1976 to before the late 1980s.

Here, the serial number configuration was LNLNLNN, where L= Letter and N=Number, so let’s look at the serial numbers and letters and what they would mean on a vintage Trek bike.

The first letter is the frame model, and the first number is the frame size. So if the serial number begins with A1, the A would represent the Frame model 210, and the one would define a 19.75″ frame.

The letter after that represents the month the frame was serialized, so A would mean January, B would be February, etc.

The second number represents the last digit of the year of serializing and is not a reference to the year model. The final three places of the serial number have letters from A through Z and numbers from 01-99.

The letters are thought to relate to the run’s designation, and the last two letters could relate to the frame number in that run. As an example, if the serial number on your Trek bike were D5F8J57, then that would tell you the following :

• D- Frame model 510
• 5 –  25,5″ frame size
• F – The month of serialization would be June
• 8 –  1978 is the year of serialization
• J – Designating the 10 th run
• 57 – the 57 th frame of the run

You can see the complete serial number survey with all the various models and exceptions here , so you can get some info using this reference to look up your vintage Trek bike serial number.

It seems odd that such a prolific manufacturer of arguably the world’s best bicycles offers no concrete information on the structure of its serial numbers, and while the registration and recovery service is a plus, submitting a Trek serial number on their website will give you a good idea of your bike and it’s history.

Since not every bike owner is interested in decoding their Trek serial numbers and only concerned with registering their bike in case it gets stolen or needs basic information, this could be why Trek hasn’t released detailed information on their serial numbers yet.

• https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/productRegistration/
• https://www.vintage-trek.com/SerialNumbers_draft.htm
• https://www.bikeforums.net/general-cycling-discussion/1209331-trek-serial-number-decoding.html

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What year is my trek bike by serial number: Decoding Serial Numbers

Cycling enthusiasts worldwide hold Trek bikes in high regard for their top-tier performance, long-lasting durability, and eye-catching designs. However, as time passes, these bicycles often lose their initial luster, making it difficult to identify their exact make and model. This is where the bike’s serial number becomes invaluable, acting as a unique code to reveal the hidden details of your trusted Trek bike.

Table of Contents

Decoding the Serial Number Enigma

At the heart of every Trek bike is its serial number, usually engraved on the underside of the bottom bracket or the rear dropout. This unique alphanumeric sequence is more than just a random set of characters; it’s the key to unlocking vital information about your bike, including its year of manufacture.

Trek Serial Number Format and Year Identification

Understanding the evolution of Trek bike serial numbers is super important for correctly determining the manufacturing year of your bicycle. Trek’s serial number formats have changed over the years, reflecting the brand’s growth and development. Here’s a comprehensive look at these formats and their associated timelines:

• Two-digit prefix (e.g., 87, 92): These serial numbers are commonly found on Trek bikes made before the 1990s. The first two digits typically indicate the year of manufacture. For example, a serial number beginning with ’87’ would signify a bike made in 1987.
• Three-digit prefix (e.g., WTU, 999): Trek bikes produced in the 1990s and early 2000s often feature this serial number format. The first three characters can provide insights into the year and the specific day of production within that year.
• Four-digit prefix (e.g., WTU0, WTU1): This format is prevalent in Trek bikes manufactured from the 2000s to the present day. The initial characters of the serial number give clues about the production year and the model year.

Decoding Pre-1990s Trek Bike Serial Numbers

For bikes produced before the 1990s, the serial number can be quite straightforward to interpret. The first two digits generally represent the year the bike was made. This simple decoding method allows owners of older Trek bikes to easily identify the age of their bicycles.

Deciphering 1990s-2000s Trek Bike Serial Numbers

Trek bikes from the 1990s to the early 2000s have a slightly more complex serial number system. The initial part of the serial number often indicates both the year and the day of production within that year. For example, a serial number beginning with “WTU060” would point to a bike manufactured on the 60th day of 1996.

The first digit of the serial number corresponds to the last digit of the production year, while the second and third digits represent the day of the year. This system allows for a more precise identification of the bike’s manufacturing date.

Understanding this format can be particularly helpful for Trek bike enthusiasts and collectors who wish to ascertain the exact age and production details of their bicycles from this era.

In addition to the serial number, other indicators can help determine the year of a Trek bike. These include the specific components used, paint schemes, and frame geometry, all of which evolved over time and can provide additional clues about the bike’s production period.

Unraveling 2000s-Present Trek Bike Serial Numbers

Trek’s serial number format for bikes manufactured from the 2000s onward introduces a new layer of complexity and precision. In this era, the serial numbers typically begin with a four-digit prefix. The first letter often correlates with the year of production, while the subsequent two digits denote the model year. For example, a serial number starting with “WTU1” suggests a bike made in 2011, with “1” indicating the model year.

This system allows for a more detailed understanding of the bike’s production timeline, particularly useful for newer models. It’s an super important tool for owners who want to keep track of the latest advancements in Trek’s bike technology and design.

Additional Tips for Determining Your Trek Bike’s Year

Even with a clear understanding of the serial number formats, there can be instances where determining the exact year of your Trek bike can be challenging. In such cases, the following tips can be helpful:

• Consult the Bike’s Documentation: The original purchase documents, such as the receipt or the owner’s manual, often include the model year. This information can be a quick reference to confirm the bike’s age.
• Contact Trek Customer Service: Trek’s customer support team has comprehensive knowledge about their product line. They can assist in identifying the year of your bike based on the serial number and other identifying features.
• Refer to Online Resources: Various online platforms, including bike forums, Trek enthusiast websites, and databases, offer valuable insights into decoding Trek bike serial numbers. Engaging with these communities can also provide additional historical context and user experiences that might align with your own.

Leveraging Technology to Determine Bike Age

In today’s digital age, technology also plays a significant role in identifying the age of your Trek bike. Mobile applications and online tools have been developed to decode serial numbers automatically. These resources can cross-reference your bike’s serial number with extensive databases, providing instant information about your bike’s model year and other relevant details.

Maintaining Your Trek Bike’s Legacy

Understanding the year of your Trek bike is more than just a matter of curiosity; it’s about preserving the legacy of a high-quality bicycle. Knowing the age and model of your bike can assist in proper maintenance, upgrades, and even resale, should you choose to part with your cycling companion.

Deciphering the serial number of your Trek bike is an intriguing journey into the history and heritage of one of the world’s most renowned bicycle manufacturers. Whether you are a seasoned cyclist or just starting, this knowledge adds a layer of depth and connection to your cycling experience. By unraveling the secrets encoded in the serial numbers, you can appreciate the craftsmanship and history of your Trek bike in new ways.

For more information on maintaining and enjoying your Trek bike, or if you’re looking to become part of the Trek family, visit our homepage at Refried Cycles for a comprehensive guide to all things cycling. Here, you’ll find an array of resources to enhance your biking journey, from expert maintenance tips to the latest in cycling gear and trends.

About Heyden Camden

Heyden Camden is a passionate cyclist and entrepreneur who founded Refried Cycles, a beloved bike shop in San Francisco’s Castro district. He is known for his love of old bikes, his welcoming community, and his expert fixers. Today, he continues to share his passion for cycling through his blog and social media.

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Can You Identify Bike by Serial Number?

Bike serial numbers are used as a unique identifier for ownership tracking – but did you know that they can even tell you certain details about the make and model of your bike, too? In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at how to identify a bike by serial number.

Your bike’s serial number is typically located under the bottom bracket . However, there are exceptions to this rule. Read on to find out more.

Raleigh bike serial number

Physical clues: what to look for, get a bike insurance., can you track down your bike yourself, what is a bike’s serial number.

The most important feature of your bike is its serial number. It is also sometimes referred to as a frame number . Each bike has a unique serial number engraved, and it serves as its unique ID. These digits are the key to identifying your bike.

The bike’s serial number can have between six and ten numbers assigned by the manufacturer, whether mountain bikes, road bikes, or BMX bikes.

Why is a Bike Serial Number Important?

Bike theft is on the rise , and more than 2 million bikes are stolen in North America yearly. This problem has been growing during the coronavirus pandemic when more people are dependent on bicycles as their main mode of transportation.

Shockingly, only 20% of bicycle owners know their bike’s serial number. With this percentage, no wonder why only 5% of wonders get their stolen or lost bikes back. Police say, your best bet for recovering your bike is by its serial number along with its make, model, receipt, images, or any proof of ownership. 

Bike serial numbers can serve you in many ways. It doesn’t only serve as an ID, and it is also useful for warranty purposes . Most bicycles have warranty protection against manufacturing defects in materials or make. You can return your bike as long as you have the bike serial number and some important proof of purchase like an email or paper receipt.

Also, if you need to take your bike in for repairs , the mechanic can better figure out what bike parts are compatible with yours, as long as you have the bike serial number. 

Where to Find Your Bike’s Serial Number

Bike serial numbers are usually found under the bottom bracket, where the pedals or pedal cranks meet. To find your own, turn yourself upside down and look under the bottom bracket!

What happens if you didn’t find one? Don’t worry. There could be other places where you can find the serial number engraved. The most common serial number locations are:

• headset or head tube
• top of the crank
• underside of crank
• seat tube next to crank or seat downtube

There’s no standardization method for identifying bikes by serial numbers. It could sometimes make you wonder if it’s the serial number you’re looking at or just a random number. The digits may represent the month, year, or model code – it may vary depending on the brand and manufacturer. 

The location of your bike’s serial number would also depend on its age. For newer bikes, it’s located on the underside of the bottom bracket shell or near the cranks. Also, check your head tube and seat tube. But bikes built before the mid-1999 will have the serial number stamped on the drive-side dropout. You may need to remove the wheel to see it.

Remember that most bikes come with a serial number, but not all of them. This is the case for hand-made, vintage bicycles- they don’t have bike serial numbers at all! Or it could be that the bike is worn, and the number is no longer readable. In this case, your best option is to register your bicycle in a bike organization, to be covered later.

Here’s an example of what a serial number under the bottom bracket looks like:

How to Decode Your Bike Serial Number

The year of production is often found at the start or middle points in bike serial numbers for many brands. For example, Haro bike serial number starts with a letter indicating the manufacturing month, followed by two numbers indicating the manufacturing year.

Then you’ll see various characters associated with the bike’s product code, model type, model number, or batch code. The arrangement depends on the bike manufacturer. So we recommend using a bike serial number decoder. The easiest way to read your bike serial number is to search the internet using the format “ [bike brand] bike serial number decoder.”

How to Decode Serial Number of Popular Bike Brands

Trek bike serial number.

• Location : underside of bike frame
• Commonly starts with “WTU” followed by a string of letters and numbers
• Useful link : Trek bike registration

Cannondale bike serial number

• Location : under the bottom bracket
• 2000-2001 models: first two letters indicate manufacturing year and month
• 2002-current models: first letters indicate manufacturing year
• Useful link: Vintage Cannondale serial numbers

Specialized bike serial number

• Note : Specialized serial number does not indicate size, model, or manufacturing year of the bike. 
• Location(s): underside of the top tube and/or down tube, underside of bike, under the bottom bracket
• Typically starts with “WSBC,” “WUD,” “STT,” or “STE”
• To find the year: find your bike manually via the photos in the Specialized online archive .

Schwinn bike serial number

• Location(s): head tube, below the bottom bracket, rear drop-out
• The model number and manufacturing date code can be found on a silver sticker on the bike’s frame – by the non-chain side crank arm above the pedals
• Useful link : Schwinn 1960-1979 models serial number

Santa Cruz bike serial number

• Location(s): above/under the bottom bracket, under the swing arm after removing rear wheel
• Useful links: Santa Cruz FAQ on serial number , Santa Cruz bike registration

Mongoose bike serial number

• Location(s): behind the head tube, under the bottom bracket
• Useful links: Vintage Mongoose serial numbers , Mongoose bike registration

Diamondback bike serial number

• Location : underside of the frame where the pedals and crank arms meet
• How to decode (typical): first 2-3 letters (frame factory), next 2-4 numbers (month and year), final 4 numbers (product sequence)

Haro bike serial number

• Location(s): under the bottom bracket, rear dropouts, near seat tube
• How to decode: first 2-3 letters (model), next number (year)
• Useful links: Haro serial number , Haro bike registration

Mafiabikes bike serial number

• Location : underside of the bottom bracket
• Useful link: Mafiabikes owner’s manual

Giant bike serial number

• Location(s): underside of frame, under bottom bracket
• Typically starts with “GM,” followed by 6-10 numbers
• Useful link: Giant bike registration
• Location(s): under bottom bracket, front/side of seat lug
• Typically starts with a number (last digit of year production), followed by letter (month), followed by numbers
• Useful links: Raleigh bike registration , Raleigh serial numbers and charts

What’s Next?

Once you find your bike serial number, you can keep that for records. Take a snapshot of the bike’s serial number and key details such as make and model. Record some copies, email them to yourself and upload them to your google drive or cloud for backup. And make sure that you have it handy in case you need it. Note where it was located – bottom bracket, head tube, or seat tube.

Taking a photo of your bike is also a must. Remember that there are bikes similar to yours- same color, wheels, and model. Some cyclists take pictures of EVERY part of it or take a selfie with their bike.

You can mark your frame with your postcode in two separate locations if possible, one of which should be kept hidden. Yes, seriously- when it comes to bicycle protection, you can’t overdo it.

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How to Register Your Bike

We drive registered cars, but only a few try to bike register. Bike registration is a low-cost way to protect your two-wheeler. There is no reason why you shouldn’t take extra precautions. 

Bike theft typically happens because most bike owners don’t register their bikes. Bike registration will lessen the possibility of bike theft. It will also ensure that thieves will have a hard time selling your bike if it’s stolen. 

Register your bike in a bike serial number database . Bike organizations such as Project 529, bikeindex.org (USA), and bikeregister.com (for the UK) will provide a comprehensive tool to store critical data like serial numbers. They also assist you in reporting stolen bikes. These organizations are recognized by the police force. These bike registries increase the traceability of bikes by allowing any registered cycle to be identified by police if it is stolen and recovered.  

You also have the choice to register your bike with the police department . Some U.S. cities like Chicago, New York, and Milwaukee offer this service. To register, search for a police station that takes care of this process in your city or state. Registration typically requires your bike manufacturer and model, as well as your unique serial number. Register now, and don’t worry because it’s free.

How to Register a Bike Without a Serial Number

You can still register your bicycle at Project 259 , even without a serial number.

Also, if you’re around Southern California, you can visit the University of Southern California. They will provide you with tools to engrave your driver’s license number on your frame. They’ll use this as an alternate identification number to the manufacturer’s serial number.

Once you have registered your bike, you will receive a kit with a weather-resistant- sticker similar to an actual bike serial number. You can stick your serial number wherever your preferred location is on the bicycle frame, and you can use that to track your bicycle if it ever gets stolen.

You can also use other methods for bike identification. How about snapping some detailed photos of your bike? Capture unique features, stickers, or even scratches. These can be super helpful if you ever need to prove ownership.

Bike Apps for Serial Number Registration

Bikeregister.com launched a mobile app in 2019. A lot of people are registering serial numbers on the app each day: the local police, retailers, and some citizens. There are over 1,000 searches made on BikeRegister through their website and the mobile app. 

An estimated 900,000 bikes have already been registered on the secure database. The app is being used by over 23 Police Forces on thousands of Police-issued mobile devices. They use the app to check bikes using your bicycle serial number or frame number. 

Members of the public and retailers can now download the app on Android devices through the Google Play Store. The app allows you to set up your BikeRegister account, register your bike details, and upload your bike images. 

This app will take less than 6 minutes to register your bike details. So if your bike ever gets stolen, you can report it using the organization registry to alert other registry users in a 10-mile radius. 

How to Identify Bike by Serial Number

You can visit bikeindex.org or bikeregister.com to search for your bike serial number (also called bike frame number). 

These websites offer two options in searching for your stolen or lost bike; one is by description, and another is by serial number or frame number. It doesn’t matter which option you want to use, but we recommend using the serial code finder because it’s more accurate in narrowing down your search result. 

In searching for your bike using the serial number, punch your bike serial number in the search bar and wait for the result to pop up.

How to Spot a Stolen Bike

There’s nothing wrong with buying a second-hand bike. There are great bargains to be found online. Be careful purchasing online because a few years ago, a report confirmed that websites like Craigslist and eBay could be unintentionally selling stolen bicycles. 

Check the Serial Number

First and foremost, ask for the bike’s serial number and run it through a bike registry app. No serial number or the seller is hesitant to give it? Red flag!

Look for things like scratched-off serial numbers or multiple paint layers. These are often signs that someone is trying to disguise the bike’s true identity. Trust your gut—if something feels off, it probably is.

Here are a few other things you can do to check if a used bike is stolen :

• Check for proof of ownership.
• Research the seller.
• Check the listing.
• Consider the bike’s price.

Additional Bike Security Tips

Use a lock..

Make sure to secure your bike with an adequate lock . U-locks, such as Kryptonite , are recommended. You can also buy a 6-foot cable or chain (the thicker, the better) used with a U-lock. It will allow you to lock your bike to any rack and secure your wheels.

Find a good parking spot.

Park in a secure parking facility such as a bike rack. Also, when parking your bike, don’t obstruct the walkways, railings, doorways, and ramps intended for pedestrian use.

Use a GPS tracker.

Your bike is among one of your most valuable possessions. Some avid cyclists would even catch a grenade for their bikes. Protecting your bike is a top priority, and that means buying all the accessories needed to secure it- like bike locks. But sometimes locks are no longer enough to protect it. 

We suggest you get a GPS tracker . It doubles your bicycle’s protection from thieves. There are bike shops like Spybike that offer gadgets for bicycle protection. Their products will look like a standard bike component with a concealed tracking system that transmits a GPS signal. 

It has a vibration sensor that initiates the tracking system. This tracking system sends the owner an SMS alert containing the bike’s coordinates every 20 seconds. You can also invest in a bike alarm. It can detect when a bike is being jostled. It sets off a signal and sends a message to your smartphone. Sounds cool, right?

Read also: Best Cheap Bike Computers in 2024 (Buying Guide & Reviews)

Bicycle insurance isn’t compulsory, but it is a small price to spend to protect your bicycle, especially if it’s expensive. Your insurance will serve as a safety net in case of theft, and it will also help in case of traffic accidents. Remember that your bike insurance will only cover bikes stolen from your home or garage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do e-bikes have serial numbers.

Yes, electric bikes have serial numbers, although your e-bike serial number is more commonly known as the VIN or the Vehicle ID number. Serial numbers of e-bikes could be in a similar place as regular bikes – bike parts like the bottom bracket, head tube, and seat tube.

It’s okay to track down your bike on your own. But it will be safer to identify your bike serial number online and work with the local police.

Final Thoughts

Bike companies often register their bikes with local police departments. So if your bike is stolen and later recovered by police, they can identify it using your bike serial number.

If you’re ever in doubt about where your bike’s serial number is located, take it to your local bicycle shop, and they should be able to help you out.

About The Author

Antonnette Baker

Hey there! We’re Antonnette and Mario, a sister-and-brother tandem who love bikes and biking.

We and our team use our extensive knowledge about bicycles to help you have a great riding experience.

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Identify Bike By Serial Number – Guide to Identify & Lookup

Bicycle theft is a major issue in many large cities and in all likelihood we’ll all be a victim at some point! The good news is that bicycle manufacturers have begun to assign serial numbers to their bikes. These bicycle serial numbers are incredibly valuable when it comes to bicycle theft prevention.

To combat the rampant problem of stolen bikes, it’s important that you know as much as possible about bicycle serial numbers as they’ll come in handy in case you have your bike stolen. In this post, I’ll go over everything you need to know about your bike serial number. With this information, you’ll be able to identify your bike by serial number and potentially get it back if it turns up somewhere.

What are bike serial numbers?

The bike serial number is a string of numbers that the bike company gives to your bike so they can identify details about the bike. These serial numbers are typically six to ten digits long, and it’s this number that allows bicycle owners to track their bikes in case they’re lost or stolen.

So just like your fingerprints identify you, every bike has its own unique serial number assigned by its manufacturer.

What Can You Decode with Bike Serial Numbers?

If you have the serial number of your bike, you will be able to find out information about it. This might include the date of manufacturing, type of bike , and other info which can help identify your registered bike.

How do you identify bike by serial number?

There aren’t any set ways to read a bicycle serial number because each bike manufacturer has its own way of assigning these identifying digits onto a bike or bike part. However, the first set of numbers can usually tell you when they made it (the year), and the last few digits represent assembly and an individual ID. Still, the easiest way to read the bike serial number is by using a bicycle decoder for your specific brand’s bikes.

Why is it Important to Know your Bicycle Serial Number?

The serial will be helpful if you need to make a claim on the warranty for your bicycle in case it’s damaged. The bike company will need that serial number to process the warranty claim for you. A serial may also assist a bike mechanic in identifying the exact parts for your bicycle, which should greatly speed up your repairs.

Having all of the bicycle’s serial numbers can be very helpful in case you ever have your bike stolen. You’ll want to make sure that these are registered with a bike serial number database so you’ll be able to track it down if necessary.

Where can you find your bike’s serial number?

The bike’s serial number is typically etched into the bike frame, and you can find it near the bottom bracket, which is where your pedals are mounted to the crank arms. This location may vary depending on what type of bicycle it is and the brand. However, the locations that they put them is generally one of the following places:

• Bottom bracket  – you can find a bike serial number on the underside, typically near the front wheel area.
• Headset  – Another bicycle serial number may be near an opening at the head tube
• Rear stays  – usually right behind the seat post cluster
• Seat downtube  – found below rear stays or above the bottom bracket.
• Rear Dropout – Some BMX bikes may have the bike serial numbers listed here.

Once you identify the serial number on your bike, it’s very important to write it down and save a copy for yourself in case there is ever any need for identification purposes. Whether that be if someone were to steal your beloved bicycle or as part of an investigation into finding out who stole/lost their own bike! You should also take pictures of the area around where the bike serial number was found so that you’ll have all the information at hand no matter what happens.

Another thing that I always recommend doing is taking pictures of yourself with the bike in a way that clearly distinguishes identifying features of the bike. That way, you’ll have less to talk about when making claims that the bike is yours.

It can’t hurt, right?

Register Your Bike Immediately

After you’ve found the bike’s serial number, your next goal is to register your bike in a serial number registry such as project529.com to make it easier for you if your bike is ever stolen. There are many free services that can help with this process.

While this might not always prevent your bike from being stolen, registration makes it much easier to identify and get back should you ever be unlucky enough for that to happen. Registration goes a long way in helping to deter bike theft as well.

Register Your Bike With Local Authorities

You can also register your bike with your local law enforcement agency. Most major police departments have a registration process that will allow you to list the bike in their database. This will give you added protection directly in your city, so if your bike is ever stolen, you can quickly take measures to recover it, especially since police frequently find missing bikes.

What if You can’t find the Serial Number?

If you have no way to find the bike’s serial number, you can still register your bicycle.

You need to purchase a registration kit and use the bike’s description or other identifying information (make/model) in place of the serial number on your bicycle.

The best way to go about it is to reach out to a bicycle registration and tracking company that has developed an online system for ordering kits conveniently from their website.

Another thing you could do is get a bike tracker installed on your bike to monitor the bike by GPS.

The tracker will allow you to track your bicycle in real-time so that if it ever gets stolen, all you have to do is go to the app and look where it currently is – even if the location changes while you’re looking!

Looking Up A Serial Number

Knowing how to look up a bike’s serial number is important for locating a missing bike or buying a new one. It’s also useful in making sure you get bike parts that are compatible with the bike. As such, knowing exactly where to go look up the serial is crucial.

The best places to go to do a bike serial number lookup is one website such as bikeregister.com or bikeindex.org . These sites are bike registry sites that allow you to search for a bike by entering the bike’s serial number.

They also help to recover stolen bikes as they are set up so the bike owner will be notified if the bike pops up anywhere else online or offline without being registered with its serial number.

So while it’s not a foolproof way to prevent the bike from being stolen in the first place, bike indexes can be a great help to make sure you get your bike back if it does go missing.

How do you perform a Bike Serial Number Lookup?

To perform a lookup of a bike serial number, you need to go to one of the websites mentioned above and enter the bike’s serial number.

The bike index site will provide you search field that you can input the bike serial number into. Then all you have to do next is hit search, and the index will provide you with a list of matches. Once you have the list of matches, you can go through the details about those bikes and their location. However, to ensure this is your bike, contact any potential sellers or owners in person for verification purposes.

Can you tell the age of a bike by the serial number?

Only some bike brands use a date code in the bike serial number which would allow you to tell the age of a bike. However, most don’t so you won’t be able to use it to determine the age. 

Do all bicycles have serial numbers?

Yes, almost all bicycles include a serial number on some part of the bicycle frame. 

Is the serial number the same as the frame number on a bike?

Yes, the frame number and serial number are the same in all cases. However, depending on the bike model and age the placement of the number may vary. 

Can you track down a bike by yourself?

Yes, you can personally track down your bike if you know the bike’s serial number and find its location online. However, confronting a thief isn’t safe, and I wouldn’t recommend doing it in most cases. Instead, I would alert the police and have them deal with the matter, or if you spot someone riding your bike, you could tail them from a distance until the police show up.

Does an E-Bike Have a Serial Number?

Like most other types of bikes, an electric bike has a serial number engraved on the bike’s frame.

Where is Fuji bike serial number located?

You can find the serial number under the bottom bracket for Fuji bicycles in most cases.

Where is Trek bike serial number?

Trek serial numbers are found near the bottom bracket and are usually in the form of a sticker with a barcode or a string of numbers and letters.

Where can I find Specialized Bike Serials?

Specialized typically put their serial number on the bottom bracket of their bikes. You can also check the down tube for a serial number in the form of a non-removable sticker.

Where is Scott’s bike serial number?

Scott bikes also tend to have their serial numbers on the bottom bracket.

How can I identify my bike by its serial number?

You can identify your bike by its serial number by checking the common serial number locations on the bike’s frame, such as the bottom bracket, headset, rear stays, seat downtube, or rear dropout. You can also use a bicycle serial number decoder or a bike serial number decoder to look up the serial number and find more information about your bike.

What is a bicycle serial number decoder?

A bicycle serial number decoder is a tool that can be used to decode a bike’s serial number and find more information about it. These tools can be found online and are typically specific to a certain brand of bike. They can help bike owners identify their bike’s model, manufacturing date and other details.

How can I use a bike serial number decoder to find my stolen bike?

A bike serial number decoder can be used to find a lost or stolen bike by inputting the serial number in the decoder and searching for information about the bike. The decoder may provide information about the bike’s location if the bike has been registered with a bicycle serial number database. It’s important to register your bike with a database after purchasing it, so if it’s stolen, it could be easier for the police to find it.

How can I use a bicycle serial number identifier to find my lost bike?

A bicycle serial number identifier is a tool that can be used to find information about a bike by inputting the serial number. These tools can be found online and are typically specific to a certain brand of bike. They can help bike owners identify their bike’s model, manufacturing date and other details. The identifier may provide information about the bike’s location if the bike has been registered in a bicycle serial number database. This can be helpful in case of a lost bike.

How can I register my bike’s serial number in a bicycle serial number database?

To register your bike’s serial number in a bicycle serial number database, you will typically need to provide the serial number and information about the bike’s make, model, and color. Some bike shops or manufacturers also provide this service, or you can check with your local police. You can also register your bike with the company, for example, Rad Power Bikes registration.

Wrapping Up

Bike serial numbers are an important part of bike security as much as properly securing your bike. So whenever you buy a bike, it is vital to write down the bike’s serial number and take pictures so that if your bike ever gets stolen or lost, you’ll have all the necessary information at hand for recovery purposes. Your next goal should be registering the bike to make it easier for recovery purposes (should the unfortunate event happen). You can also register with local law enforcement agencies like police departments which will help deter theft!

I hope all of this information has been helpful to you!

Last Updated on October 14, 2023 by Daniel White

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What Year is My Trek Bike by Serial Number?

Written by  Gary Johnson / Fact checked by  Henry Speciale

Serial numbers can be found on bicycles and components. These contain information but companies like Trek don’t readily offer a decoder. What if we’d like to know what year is my Trek bike by serial number?

Find the last letter in the serial number; this represents its year of production. D stands for 2009, while R is for 2021, and you can count what note corresponds to what year while skipping letters I and O.

Keep reading to learn more.

Table of Contents

What Year is My Trek Bike and Other Information From a Serial Number

1. how to find the serial number location, 2. serial number on trek bike and understanding the format, how to read serial numbers on vintage trek bicycles, frequently asked questions.

Trek bicycle serial numbers contain some helpful information, and one of these is the year a specific bike was made. If your unit has a 13-character serial, all you have to do is look at the last character. This letter will correspond with a specific year.

D stands for 2009, and R is for 2021; you can count forward or backward to identify what other letters stand for. However, the letters I and O have been skipped to avoid confusion with numbers 0 and 1.

Based on the compiled information, units produced in 2023 should have the letter T as their last character, but this is just an inference. The same goes for A, B, and C; these have yet to be included in compiled information.

On the other hand, vintage Trek serial numbers use a different system which is apparent due to being only 6 or 7 characters long. Learn more about vintage serials below.

What is a Serial Number and Why Use It?

A serial number is a series of characters made up of numbers, letters, or a combination of both that serves as a unique identifier for specific products. These are usually printed somewhere on the body of the product it marks.

Various information may be included in a serial number, including its production date and where it was produced. Some items also include product specifications such as size. However, serial numbers are often difficult to understand and need some sort of decoding knowledge to make sense of.

For bicycles, serial numbers are important to register for warranty and other services. They also serve as insurance in case of theft.

The serial number on Trek bicycles is usually found at the same spot, whether it’s a modern bike or one that is vintage.

To check serial number on bike, turn it over and look at the underside of the frame below the bracket. This location is not exclusive to Trek, and many other bicycles have their serial here as well.

Some vintage bicycles have the print in other locations, such as under the cable guide at the bottom of the shell or the seat tube’s lower end.

For your Trek bike serial number decode it by looking at the sequence of characters, the order is important. The series is made up of 13 characters using both letters and numbers. Below is a sample serial that is not from any specific bicycle.

Ex: WTU 123 AB 4567 R

The serial begins with WTU and any modern Trek bike serial number format begins with the same three letters. The next sequence is a series of three numbers corresponding to the specific day a bicycle is produced. This means that the sample code indicates that it was built on the 123rd day of that year.

The next couple of letters is its manufacturing plant code. However, we do not know how to identify which facility is represented by these codes. All we can tell is if two bikes came from the same factory.

The second numerical sequence is believed to be the bicycle’s ID code and is probably used to differentiate an individual bike from all others. Finally, the lone letter at the end represents its year of production, as we’ve already tackled above.

Trek bikes have been made for a long time and a vintage Trek serial number works differently from modern ones. They do not begin with WTU and are much shorter. However, they are hard to decode because the format changed multiple times through the years.

Bicycles produced from 1976 to 1980 have been well-documented and this serial system is well-understood. They are made up of seven characters beginning with a letter and ending with two numbers using an LNLNLNN format where L stands for a letter and N for a number.

The first letter represents the model, the first number is its frame size, the second letter goes from A to L each representing a month, and the second number is the last digit of the year of production. The last three characters are the run designation followed by the frame number within that specified run.

Below is a chart for the first letter and the first number of serials used during the period.

Bikes produced in other years make use of other systems, but the use of the seven-character serial reached up to around 1999, although six-character serials were also used at some point.

If your vintage bike is not covered by the formats we covered here, you can check out the Trek bicycle serial number chart resource here. Unfortunately, information for specific batches is still lacking, but they also have valuable information for cross-referencing, such as the colors of the models by year.

How do I register my Trek bike?

Head to Trek’s official bike registration page; you’ll find an input field where you can type in your serial number. You can also search bike’s serial number on this page.

Type in the serial without any spaces in between to register your bicycle into Trek’s official database. Read about where the serial number is located above.

Why is it important to register?

The two main reasons to register are to receive various support from Trek and for security in case of loss or theft. While Trek does not clarify how they can help, registering helps, so you may be able to contact them for help in such situations via

Registering the bike will also help prove ownership in case the bicycle is taken into police custody. Warranty is only available for registered units, and a Trek mountain bike could use it if you frequently ride rough terrain.

As for support, you will be able to obtain valuable information via model lookup only if you are registered. They also mention that older models can still be registered.

Why does my bike not have a serial number?

Some vintage bikes do not have serial numbers at all. These were some that were produced from 1976 to the 1980s. Other early models have the number elsewhere, such as beneath the cable guide near the bracket shell.

It’s also possible that the print has worn down over time or that the frame was repainted, resulting in the serial no longer being visible.

What year is my Trek bike by serial number? Now you know where is the serial number on a Trek bike and how to read it. After reading this, make sure to register your bicycle if you haven’t already.

Are you familiar with serial numbers for other bicycle brands? Are they different in how they work and are they as useful as those from Trek’s bikes? Tell us about them in the comments section below.

Always ride safely.

“I ride my bike to work for years, but is that enough? Our carelessness towards our surroundings has taken a toll on the environment. And now, everyone is responsible for changes; even the most minor contribution is counted. With this hope and spirit, I started with my partner to establish Biketoworkday to help more individuals commute to their work sites on their bikes.”

How Do You Read a Trek Bike Serial Number

To read a Trek bike serial number, you will need to locate the serial number on the frame of the bike. The serial number is usually located on the bottom bracket of the frame. Once you have located the serial number, you will need to identify the year of manufacture for the bike. The year of manufacture is coded into the serial number.

If you’re like most cyclists, you probably don’t think much about your bike’s serial number. But if you ever need to order replacement parts or register your bike for warranty, that number can be important. Here’s a quick guide to help you decode a Trek bike serial number. The first thing to note is that Trek uses a different system for numbering their bikes than other manufacturers. Instead of starting with the production year, they use a code that indicates the frame material and size. For example, an “18” indicates an 18-inch aluminum frame, while a “19” is a 19-inch carbon frame. After the frame size code, there’s usually a letter that denotes the month of production. The following two numbers indicate the year of production, and the last four digits are the production run number within that year. So, if you see something like “18A1234,” that means it’s an 18-inch aluminum frame from January (A) of 2018 (12), and it was the 1234th bike made that year with those specifications. Knowing how to read your Trek bike serial number can come in handy if you ever need to track down replacement parts or file a warranty claim. And now you’re one step ahead when it comes time to decode those numbers!

Trek Wtu Serial Number

Trek Wtu Serial Number The Trek Wtu is a great bike for those who are looking for an entry level mountain bike. It is perfect for someone who is just starting to get into mountain biking or someone who wants a good quality bike without spending a lot of money. The Wtu has a lightweight aluminum frame and suspension fork that make it easy to maneuver on the trails. It also has 21 speeds, making it easier to find the right gear when you are climbing hills or going downhill. The Trek Wtu also comes with front and rear disc brakes, giving you more stopping power when you need it. One thing to keep in mind when purchasing a Trek Wtu is that it does not come with pedals. You will need to purchase them separately or find a model that comes with pedals included. Overall, the Trek Wtu is a great entry level mountain bike that is perfect for those just getting started in the sport.

Trek Serial Number Year

If you’re a Trek fan, then you know that the serial number on your bike can tell you what year it was made. But did you know that there’s a specific way to decode that number? Here’s how: The first two digits of the serial number indicate the production year. For example, if your bike has a serial number of 1234, it was made in 2012. The next two digits indicate the month of production, with Jan being 01 and Dec being 12. So, if your bike has a serial number of 1234, it was made in December 2012. The last four digits are simply an individual identifier for each bike produced that month – so no two bikes will have the same serial number. So there you have it – now you can tell exactly when your beloved Trek was born!

Trek Serial Number, Frame Size

When it comes to finding the perfect bike, size does matter. But, with so many different types and brands of bikes out there, how do you know what size is right for you? And once you have your dream bike, how can you be sure that it’s the real deal? With a little bit of research, you can find the answers to both these questions and more. When it comes to sizing a bike, the most important measurement is the frame size. This is the horizontal distance from the center of the bottom bracket (where the pedals attach) to the top of the seat tube. The ideal frame size for a bike depends on both your height and your inseam (the distance from your crotch to the ground). There are a few different ways that manufacturers list frame sizes, but they all basically refer to this same measurement. Once you’ve found a bike that feels comfortable and has all the features you’re looking for, it’s time to check if it’s legit. One way to do this is by looking up its serial number online. Every Trek bicycle has a unique serial number that can be used to track its history. To find yours, look for a white sticker with black numbers on either the underside of the frame near where the pedals attach or on one of dropouts (the part of frame where wheels attach). Once you have this number, head over to Trek’s website and enter it into their “Serial Number Lookup” tool. This will tell you when and where your particular bike was made as well as any other pertinent information about its history. Now that you know how to read a Trek serial number and what size frame is right for you, get out there and start pedaling!

Trek Madone Serial Number Lookup

Trek is a popular bicycle brand that offers many different models of bikes. The Madone is one of their most popular road bikes. If you need to find the serial number on your Trek Madone, there are a few places you can look. The first place to check is on the frame of the bike itself. The serial number is usually located on the bottom bracket shell or on the headtube. If you can’t find it there, try looking on the inside of one of the dropouts. If you still can’t find the serial number, your last resort is to contact Trek customer service. They should be able to help you locate it based on your bike’s model and year.

Trek Mountain Bike Serial Number Lookup

If you’re like most mountain bikers, you probably don’t think much about your bike’s serial number. But if you ever need to register your bike or make a warranty claim, that number can be important. Here’s a quick guide to help you look up your Trek mountain bike’s serial number. The first place to look for your Trek mountain bike’s serial number is on the bottom of the frame, near the crankset. If there’s no serial number there, check under the bottom bracket or on the head tube. If you still can’t find it, take a look at the rear dropouts. On some models, the serial number is stamped into one of the dropouts. Once you’ve found the serial number, write it down and keep it in a safe place. That way if you ever need it, you’ll have it handy.

Credit: www.bikelockwiki.com

How Do You Decode Trek Serial Numbers?

Trek serial numbers are used to identify individual bicycles. The serial number is located on the underside of the bottom bracket. Decoding a Trek serial number can be difficult, as there is no definitive guide from Trek. However, with some basic knowledge and a little bit of research, you should be able to decode your Trek serial number and find out when your bike was made. The first step in decoding a Trek serial number is to identify the country of origin. “Made in USA” bikes will have a letter code for the month (A-L) followed by two digits for the year (09-20). For example, an “M” bike would have been made in December 2009 or 2020. If there is no letter code, then the bike was likely made in Taiwan or China. The next step is to identify the factory where the bike was made. This information can usually be found on Trek’s website under “Where We Make Our Bikes”. Once you know the factory, you can narrow down the possible production dates for your bike. If you’re still having trouble decoding your Trek serial number, there are a few other resources that might be helpful. First, try searching for your specific model on BicycleBlueBook.com – they often have detailed information about when particular models were produced. You can also try reaching out to Trek directly – their customer service team may be able to help you decode your serial number based on their records.

How Do I Tell What Year My Trek Bicycle Is?

If you’re not sure what year your Trek bicycle is, there are a few ways to find out. The most accurate way to determine the year of your Trek bike is to reference the serial number. To find the serial number on your Trek bike, look for a white or silver sticker with black lettering on either the underside of the frame near where the pedals attach, or on the back of the headtube. Once you’ve found the serial number, you can use Trek’s online tool to decode it and learn more about your bike. If you can’t find the serial number or don’t have access to a computer, another way to figure out the year of your Trek bike is by looking at certain features that changed from year to year. For example, in 1998 Trek introduced their OCLV carbon fiber frames, so if your bike has an OCLV frame it was likely made after 1998. Similarly, in 2000 Trek came out with their Fuel EX model which was one of their first full-suspension mountain bikes. So if you have a Fuel EX, it was most likely made between 2000 and 2009 whenTrek updated the model. Finally, if you know when you purchased your bike or received it as a gift, that can also be helpful in determining its age. Of course this isn’t always accurate since people often hold onto bikes for many years before passing them down or selling them, but it can give you a general idea. In short, there are a few ways that you can tell what year your Trek bicycle is. The most accurate way is by referencing the serial number using Trek’s online tool. If you can’t find the serial number or don’t have access to a computer, another way to figure out approximately when your bike was made is by looking at certain features that changed from year to year like different frame materials or models that were introduced at specific times.

Can You Tell the Year of a Bike by the Serial Number?

The answer to this question is a bit more complicated than a simple yes or no. In order to determine the year of a bike by its serial number, you need to know the manufacturer and the specific model of the bike. Each manufacturer has their own system for numbering their bikes, so there is no one standard method. However, most manufacturers include the year as part of the bike’s serial number. For example, Trek bikes have a letter code that denotes the year; “A” represents 2000, “B” represents 2001, and so on. If you can’t find any indication of the year in the serial number, your best bet is to contact the manufacturer directly and they should be able to help you out.

How Do I Look Up My Bike Serial Number?

If you’re looking to find your bike’s serial number, there are a few places you can look. The most obvious place to start is on the frame of your bike. If your bike has a straight top tube, the serial number will likely be located under the bottom bracket. If your bike has a sloped top tube, the serial number is probably located on the headtube near the stem. Another place to look for your bike’s serial number is on any stickers that may be affixed to the frame. These could be manufacturer’s stickers, dealer stickers, or even just random decorative stickers. If any of these stickers obscure theserial number, you may need to remove them in order to find it. If you still can’t find your bike’s serial number after checking these two locations, it’s possible that it was never stamped onto the frame in the first place. This isn’t terribly uncommon, especially with older bikes. In this case, you’ll likely need to consult other records in order to track down your bike’s serial number.

How To Find Model/Year Of Vintage Trek Bike By Serial Number

To conclude, in order to read a Trek bike serial number, you will need to know the model and year of the bike. The first two letters of the serial number represent the month and last two digits of the year. The next four numbers represent the production run sequence. You can use this information to help narrow down when your bike was made.

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Learn everything about bikes. Know your bike better!

Where Is the Serial Number On Trek Bike? (4 Places!)

Trek bikes cost a fortune, and you wouldn’t want to lose yours. To quickly recover your Trek bike, you’ll need to have its serial number, which begs the question, ‘Where is the serial number on a Trek bike?’

You’ll find the serial number on a Trek bike on the underside of its frame, just close to the bottom bracket. You’ll find a sticker with a barcode that often starts with WTU.

However, if it’s a vintage Trek bike, you should look up the serial number on the bottom of the bike’s bottom bracket, close to the pedal and crank junction. It should be at the lower end of the seat tube or under the bike’s plastic cable guides if it’s not there.

So, there are about 4 locations to check out when looking for your Trek bike’s serial number, depending on the model. What’s important is that you get the serial number, and I’ll share with you why that is important.

Why Is the Bike Serial Number Important?

So, why go through all the struggle of flipping your bike to find the serial number? Well, the serial number is essential for several reasons, which include the following:

• Bike registration – Trek allows you to register your bike using your serial number. It’s the most straightforward way to show ownership from day one.
• Bike recovery – Once you register your bike, your details stay in Trek’s database, making it easy to recover the bike just in case it’s stolen or lost.
• Warranty activation – The warranty kicks in upon registering your bike using the serial number.
• Proof of purchase – You keep the serial number as proof of purchase. It shows that you really bought the bike, and you can prove it by looking up the serial number in Trek’s bike database.
• Bike identification – As I’ll share later under ‘how to decode a Trek bike’, you can use the serial number to determine the model and the frame size of a Trek bike. That’s more important when you have a vintage Trek bike whose size is not apparent.

How Do You Find the Serial Number On a Trek Bike?

Generally, you can find the serial number on a Trek bike in the following location:

1. Frame’s underside

Most Trek bikes, especially modern ones, have the serial number on the underside of the bike frame, just near the bottom bracket (BB). You only need to look for a sticker with a barcode, possibly starting with WTU and following with several other characters.

2. Bottom of the bike’s bottom bracket

If you have a vintage Trek bike, you can look for its serial number (SNs) on the bottom of its bottom bracket, close to where the pedal and the crank join.

3. The lower end of the bike’s seat tube

Another place to look up a vintage Trek bike’s serial number is the lower end of the bike’s seat tube. Just look for a combination of characters which may be engraved onto the seat tube.

4. Under the bike’s plastic cable guide

You can also find the serial number of a vintage Trek bike under its plastic cable guide. So again, look for a combination of characters, possibly engraved.

How to Look Up Trek Bike Serial Number

Generally, here are the steps to look up a Trek bike’s serial number:

Step 1 – Get the serial number from the bicycle, possibly from the bike frame’s underside, close to the BB

Step 2 – Check the serial number online to determine the bike model, frame size, and other essential details you may want to know. This is more applicable to vintage Trek bikes.

Step 3 – Contact Trek to ask about your bike’s serial number. They’ll be able to explain more. You can even physically walk into a Trek bike shop to make such inquiries, possibly with your bike.

How Do You Decode Trek Bike Serial Number?

The Trek bike’s serial number combines several characters, and much goes into its constitution. You can, however, decode it using these tips:

1 st letter signifies the bike model

Usually, Trek uses the first letter of the bike’s serial number to indicate the bike model and here’s a quick reference:

1 st number represents the frame size

Trek uses the first number of the bike’s serial number to indicate the frame size. On that note, here’s a quick reference:

2 nd number signifies the serializing year

Trek uses the second number on the serial number to show the year the serial number was added to the frame. This, however, doesn’t necessarily indicate the model year, but it could be something close.

2 nd letter represents the serialization month

Trek uses the second letter to indicate the month in which the serial number was added to the bike as follows:

Frequently Asked Questions

1. where is the bike serial number located.

You can locate a bike’s serial number in different places. Here are the most notable ones:

• Under the bike frame, close to the bottom bracket
• On the bottom of the bottom bracket
• On the seat tube
• The headset area
• On the chain stays
• On the crank top

2. Where Can I Find My Bike Serial Number?

The easiest place to find your bike’s serial number is to check its receipt. The serial number must be there. Alternatively, flip the bike to check the serial number under the frame. Check on the bottom bracket, seat tube, headset, crank top or chain stays.

3. How Do You Tell What Year a Trek Bike Is?

You can tell what year a Trek bike is by looking at the second number on the serial number. This often shows the serialization year, which could be the model year, and if it’s not, it’s usually close.

4. How Do I Know If My Trek Bike Is Stolen?

You can tell if your Trek bike is stolen by looking up its serial number to determine if it matches the current owner or seller. If it doesn’t, and there is no genuine explanation, your Trek bike could likely be stolen. You can also inquire from Trek about the same once you have the serial number.   

5. Can Bikes Be Tracked?

Yes, bikes can be tracked. You can do it using a GPS tracker, and you can find one on Amazon . These trackers will give you real-time location updates on the bike’s movements and allow you to do it conveniently using your smartphone.

I n conclusion, where is the serial number on a Trek bike?

As shared, you can locate your Trek bike’s serial number under the frame, especially close to the bottom bracket. If it’s not there, it should be on the bottom of the bottom bracket, on the lower end of the seat tube, or under the bike’s plastic cable guide.

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Bike Finder

Results have arrived, how to find your bike's serial number.

You need to know your bike's serial number if you want to register it with Bike Index or sell it to The Pro's Closet. Here's how to find and identify it.

Written by: Bruce Lin

Published on: Mar 10, 2022

Posted in: Guides

There is one important number that every cyclist should know. No, not your bike’s frame size, geometry, or weight. We’re talking about your bike’s serial number. 

It's a good idea to keep your bike’s serial number copied somewhere safe, just in case you need it. Better yet, we recommend registering your bike’s serial number with Bike Index , the world’s largest bike serial number database. This keeps your serial number stored online where you can easily reference it, and if your bike is ever stolen, it will increase your chances of recovering it . 

If you plan to sell your bike to TPC, you will need to provide your serial number to complete the sale. If you’ve purchased a bike from TPC, you’re in luck! All bikes sold by TPC are automatically registered on Bike Index. You will receive an email shortly after purchase asking to confirm your bike’s registration. 

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Where Is Your Bike’s Serial Number?

• Serial numbers are a combination of letters and numbers most often found on the underside of your bike’s bottom bracket (the part of the frame where the crank arms attach).

It may be engraved, printed, or on a sticker. Serial numbers may be accompanied by a barcode, QR code, or preceded by the abbreviation “s/n.” To view the serial number you will need to place the bike in a repair stand or flip it upside down. 

If you can’t locate the serial number on the underside of your bottom bracket, there are a few other possible locations:

• The underside of the top tube or down tube - This is common with Specialized and Giant bikes, which have additional serial number stickers applied here. 
• Rear dropout or head tube - Some vintage and custom-built steel and titanium frames have serial numbers engraved at the rear dropouts or head tube. 
• Proof of purchase - If you purchased your bike from an authorized dealer, the proof of purchase will often contain the serial number. 

If you can’t locate your serial number, the best course of action is to contact your bike’s manufacturer for help. Some custom and handbuilt bike frames won’t have serial numbers because small builders don't track them. 

What Is NOT a Serial Number?

• ISO numbers - These are an international standard for labeling and outlining industry safety standards that the frame is in compliance with. You can learn more about the meaning behind ISO numbers here .
• EN numbers - European Standards (EN) are documents that have been ratified by one of the 3 European Standards Organizations, CEN, CENELEC, or ETSI. These are not serial numbers and are not unique to individual bikes.
• Rear triangle serial numbers - Many full-suspension mountain bikes will have serial numbers on the rear triangle. These serial numbers often do not match the true serial number, which will be located on the front triangle. 

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Common Bike Serial Number Locations and Formats: Specialized, Trek, Giant, Cannondale & More.

To help you recognize your bike’s serial number, here are some examples of common serial number locations and formats used by major brands. 

[button] See Our Full Serial Number Location Database [/button]

Hopefully, this makes finding your bike's serial number a bit easier. If you have any questions, our expert Ride Guides are available to help you seven days a week from 9AM-6PM MT and can be reached via online chat, phone: 866-401-9636 , or email: [email protected] during those hours.

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Bike Serial Numbers

Most cyclists don’t understand the importance or use of a bike serial number until they need it! 

However, knowing your bike’s serial number is essential and can drastically increase your chances of recovering your bicycle should it be stolen. 

In this short article, I’ll cover what a bike serial number is, what a bike serial number does, how to find and read a serial number, and what to do if your bike does not have a serial number.

What Is a Bicycle Serial Number (Frame Number)

A bicycle serial number often referred to as a bike frame number, is a unique sequence of numbers typically between 6 and 10 digits long.

Almost every bike manufacturer stamps a unique frame number onto the bikes they produce[1].

Occasionally before the serial number, there may be a couple of letters. For example, some Specialized bike serial numbers start with “WSBC”, or many Trek serial numbers begin with “WTU”.

Every bike receives a unique code, serving as a means of identifying a single bike against those of the same model. Especially helpful for manufacturers who produce thousands of identical bicycles.

Why Are Bike Serial Numbers So Important?

Bike frame numbers are essential for many reasons. 

Firstly, bicycle serial numbers are helpful if a bike is stolen or lost. If the original owner took a record of their serial number (which you should do!), and it was located down the line, they’d be able to prove ownership of the bicycle.

Additionally, cyclists can register bicycle frame numbers with online bike databases, free of charge! By logging your serial number and bike details, if your bike was stolen, you can mark it on the database as stolen.

If an unknowing buyer then searched the serial number online before purchase, they could be alerted that the bicycle is stolen property. I’ll cover this in more detail later.

Theft isn’t the only unexpected scenario where a serial number is important. For example, manufacturers that offer a warranty can pinpoint when you purchased a bike using its serial number—allowing them to confirm if the bicycle is still covered under warranty.

Expensive items such as phones, laptops, and automobiles (VIN) use serial numbers or identification numbers. This provides an extra level of security for supply chains and consumers.

Where Is the Serial Number on A Bike?

Bike serial numbers or frame numbers are usually stamped on the underside of the bottom bracket shell (see diagram).

The bottom bracket shell is the part of the bicycle that houses the bottom bracket, connecting and allowing the crank arms to rotate.

While this is the most common location for a bicycle serial number, some are found on different parts of your bike.

If you cannot locate your serial number on the bottom bracket, it should be printed on one of the following areas of your bike:

• Bottom bracket (most common)
• Top of crank

If you have searched all of these locations and can’t seem to locate the serial number, it may be that your bike does not have a serial number.

Don’t panic!

Below I explain what to do if your bike has no serial number.

What To Do If Your Bike Doesn't Have a Serial number

If your bike does not have a visible serial number, don’t worry! Serial numbers can be rubbed off or made illegible by years of wear. 

If you discover that your bike lacks a serial number, there are several steps you can take to make your bike easily identifiable.

These methods won’t reveal your old serial number, but they’ll provide an additional level of protection should your bike be stolen.

Use one of the following methods of personalization:

Bike Marking Kits

Several companies provide bicycle marking kits that allow you to mark your bike with a unique number. 

BikeRegister (a partner of BikeLockWiki) provide a marking kit that chemically etches a unique combination of letter and numbers and their website URL to your bike’s frame.

Kits like this significantly increase the chances of your bike being returned to you if it was stolen.

I cover more about bicycle serial number databases below.

Seat Tube Method

• Write your details (full name, date of birth and mobile number) on a small piece of paper, making sure they’re easy to read. 
• Insert the paper into a watertight bag such as a Ziploc plastic bag, or if you can laminate the paper, this will also work.
• Place the waterproof bag into a lightweight carrier bag (you’ll understand why in a second!). 
• Remove your bike’s seatpost and push the bag holding your waterproofed details down into the seat tube.
• Re-insert your seatpost, and you’re good to go.

Obviously, this method of bike identification is non-permanent. If a thief stole your bike, they might remove the plastic bag if they discovered it. The chances are, though, they won’t.

If you were then lucky enough to come across your bike, you would have a way of proving ownership. 

The plastic bag will also make sure the paper doesn’t rattle around inside the seat tube and will make removal less of a faff.

Engraving Method

This method should not be attempted by children. Before following this method remember that engraving your personal details onto your bike will decrease its resale value, 

• Using a sharp tool such as a screwdriver or a strong scalpel, etch your details into the paint on your bike’s bottom bracket or wherever is easiest for you.
• Your full name, date of birth and mobile number will be enough.
• The more you’re able to engrave, the better, but take care when doing so.

While the three above methods won’t replace the original serial number, they’re several easy ways to make your bike identifiable as your property.

How Do You Read a Bike Serial Number?

A bicycle frame serial number is a 6-10 digit long sequence of numbers.

The interpretation of the digits on your bike’s serial number varies based on the method of coding that each bike manufacturer uses.

Digits of a bike frame number might state the year and month the bike was made with an ID number unique to the bike.

Serial numbers will typically also specify the location where a bike was manufactured, along with its batch number.

Alternatively, some manufacturers use a completely random combination of numbers that are logged in their database. Then, when searched for, the relevant information of the bike in question is pulled up. 

If you want to know what your frame number means, a serial number decoder or lookup service can give you more insight. Search the brand of bike you have followed by “serial number lookup”.

Register Your Bike Serial Number

As I’ve already covered, several online bicycle databases allow you to log your bicycle frame number, along with other details such as frame size, colour and sometimes you’re also able to upload images of your bike. 

By registering your details, documented proof will exist verifying that the bike with this serial number belongs to you[3]. Keep a hard copy of your serial number as well, and keep it somewhere safe.

There are several online bike registration services available. The three best options are:

• BikeRegister (recommended for UK Cyclists)
• Bike Index (recommended for US Cyclists)
• Project 529 (Another great US database)

Many police stations offer a bicycle serial number registration service to bicycle owners. 

When police find a stolen bike, one of their first checks is to run its serial number through their databases to attempt to locate an owner.

Get in touch with your local police station and see if they offer a similar service.

That being said, one of the best databases to work with during this process is BikeRegister. BikeRegister is the United Kingdom’s leading and largest bike registration service to date.

With BikeRegister, bike owners can verify if a second-hand bike is stolen property and even review geographical locations where bike theft commonly occurs in the world.

How Do You Prove Ownership of a Bike? (How To Identify Your Bike)

The most effective way to prove your ownership of your bike is by maintaining a clear record of its details. 

After purchasing a new bike, keep hold of the receipts and make a note of its frame number. 

Next, write your name and address on a piece of paper and holding it next to the serial number, take a photo. 

Finally, get a selfie of you and your bike, the more evidence you have that the bike’s yours, the better!

If your bike was then stolen and recovered, this should be more than enough to prove to authorities that you are indeed the owner.

Do Electric Bikes Have Serial Numbers?

As with any other type of bike on the marketplace, electric bikes utilise serial numbers.

Serial numbers of electric bikes are found in the same location as other types of bikes. The most common location for an e-bike serial number is the underside of the bottom bracket shell, followed by the headset, top of the crank, and seat stays.

When it comes to an electric bike’s serial number, it is essential to note that it shouldn’t be confused with a VIN (vehicle identification number).

VINs, or vehicle identification numbers, are found on cars, mopeds, motorcycles, and other modes of transport.

Generally, an electric bike, however, will only use a frame number.

Is It Legal To Track Down a Stolen Bike Yourself?

While tracking down your stolen bike by yourself is legal, I wouldn’t advise you to do so.

Even if you pinpointed the location of the missing bike, it could be dangerous to recover it without assistance. 

Ask for the help of your local police department or other authorities to reclaim your stolen bike.

Working with the police or other law enforcement figures ensures that recovering the bike is done in the safest way possible.

Police officers are trained, well-protected, and better equipped to handle thieves and robberies than a civilian.

It simply isn’t worth confronting a suspected thief on your own. Instead, get help from the authorities.

Bike Serial Number Search

A range of online, searchable databases are available, allowing bike owners to look up a bicycle’s serial number.

If you’re buying a second-hand bike, it’s a good idea to search the serial number on the databases below to make sure you’re not buying stolen property. 

Alternatively, if you’ve already purchased a second-hand bike from a previous owner and want to confirm that the bike isn’t stolen property, you can use the bike serial number search tools below. 

• Project 529 frame number search
• Bike Index serial number search
• BikeRegister serial number checker

We’re a proud partner of BikeRegister,  a company that holds data on more than 1 million bikes across the United Kingdom—providing an extra level of security for registered cyclists. 

Otherwise, if you live in the USA, the other two bike serial number search tools will serve you well!

Bike Serial Number FAQs

You may wonder where the frame number is on a Trek bike.

Trek bike serial numbers are found on the underside of the bottom bracket shell, just like most bikes.

A trek frame number will generally begin with “WTU”, followed by a sequence of 6-10 numbers.

Older trek bikes may have their serial number in a different location, so check the serial number locator image at the top of the article.

Specialized is one of the most popular bike brands on earth and subsequently one of the most stolen. 

To find the serial number on a Specialized bike, you may need to examine a few different areas before locating the number.

Most specialized bikes have serial numbers located underneath the bottom bracket, the underside of the top tube, or the underside of the downtube.

Specialized bike serial numbers usually start with either WSBC, WUD, STT, or STE, followed by a series of 6-10 numbers.

As the name might suggest, Giant Bikes are the largest manufacturers of bikes in the world.

Giant bike serial numbers are typically located on the underside of the bottom bracket shell.

Giant bike frame numbers typically start with “GM”, followed by a series of 6-10 numbers.

If you cannot locate the serial on your Giant Bike, be sure to check the image at the top of this article for alternative locations. 

Raleigh bikes are stamped with their unique serial numbers on the underside of the bottom bracket shell.

Raleigh bike frame numbers often start with “W”, “WL”, or “WP”. This is then followed by a string of numbers typically 6-10 digits long.

A bike serial number, also called a bike frame number, can be anywhere between 6 to 10 digits long.

Additionally, some serial numbers are preceded by several letters, such as Trek bikes that use a serial number often starting with “WTU” or Giant bikes that begin with “GM”. 

Conclusion - Bike Serial Numbers

If you didn’t already know where to find a bike serial number, this article should have cleared that up for you. 

You’ll also now understand how to prove ownership of a bike and how to register a bike serial number. 

If by any chance you still have unanswered serial number related questions, leave me a comment below, and I’ll get back to you right away. 

Remember, your bike’s serial number is an essential piece of information that every cyclist should keep note of.

If you haven’t already, go ahead and register your bike serial number on one of the databases above. 

Otherwise, make sure you’re using a good quality lock to secure your bike. 

As always, lock it or lose it. 

Ciao for now.

Author of This Post:

James Grear (Lead Editor)

Understanding how devastating it is to have a bike stolen, I've researched & immersed myself in the world of bicycle security since 2013.

I then built BikeLockWiki in 2019 to share everything I'd learned with the worldwide cycling community so that cyclists can improve their bike security skills and make informed decisions when purchasing new products and services.

Learn More about Me & BikeLockWiki here .

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Bespoken Word – Trek is slashing the number of bikes it offers by 40%. Here's what that means for your favorite brands in the future

In part one of a new ‘What Happens Next?’ series, Guy Kesteven has some dark warnings about what’s going to happen to a lot of bike brands in the next few years

The Taipei show is the biggest trade bike show in the world. You can go there as a punter but its primary purpose is for far eastern vendors to sell their stuff to the biggest bike brands . Unsurprisingly, given that anyone who is anyone is probably there, it’s also the biggest place for bike industry gossip. 

'Right sizing'

Right now, what everyone is talking about is Trek reporting that they’ll be reducing their bike range by 40 percent and the size of their overall business by 10 percent going forward. Yes, that Trek! The solid, dependable, privately owned Wisconsin-based brand has been rock solid since it started selling touring bikes in the 1970s. The Trek who most industry people were saying pulled a blinder by allegedly using their scale and cash reserves to guarantee the supply of parts when production and delivery choked during Covid. That meant Trek was the first to get big shipments of bikes after everyone had sold out and the sheer amount of Marlin hardtails they dropped into dealers has achieved mythical status.

Unfortunately, while they sold a huge amount of bikes to people wearing face masks, there are still a lot of Marlins in shops – and there are probably more in warehouses all over the world. So Trek is doing the smart thing and making fewer bikes going forward. Because otherwise that backlog of Marlins is never going to get sold and Trek will hemorrhage even more money storing them or selling them for less than a profit. And while their use of the phrase ‘Right sizing’ is definitely corporate ‘posi–speak’, the decision to downsize even based on pre-Covid levels is almost certainly correct.

The news that old dependable Trek is making big changes to stop future oversupply is a big deal, but they are far from being alone in this. From the sound of the rumor drums there are other very big companies, as well as many mid-sized and mini brands that are totally constipated with stock. And in many cases that’s not just because they ordered too much, but because they have a whole ton of very closely spaced products. Orange's multitude of visually near-identical, single pivot hand-made monocoque bikes made it hard for customers to pick an obvious winner and nearly put them out of business. I can’t help wondering if the reason Santa Cruz are running very big discounts on some bikes right now is because there are so many to choose from the confusion is enough to put people off. 

In contrast, Yeti has a pretty clear and clean product lineup and is still currently selling bikes full price. Other brands like Whyte and Norco have also massively reduced their product portfolio to help them leapfrog ahead of brands buried in out-of-date stock. In the case of Whyte, it has even sidelined projects they’ve been working on for years to put nearly all their eggs in the E-Lyte basket. After speaking to Jason Schiers and Clive Gosling from GT at Core bike show , it’s clear they’ve done the same. Canceling whole bike lines just before launch so they can concentrate on a few really strong new offerings.

Brands on the run

While figures like a 40 percent reduction in bike range sound dramatic, it doesn’t have to mean a loss of family favorites. Trek in particular produces a huge size range of bikes and generally makes each model in multiple colors. So it could be that every bike stays, but only in the best-selling color or with fewer options spanning the sizing spread. Not great if you're an odd size or like a choice of aesthetic, but not a disaster.

But for brands that have already slimmed downsizing and hacked the options back to a minimum, things will be a lot harder in the months and years ahead. There’s less room to maneuver too as geometry is now basically all the same and while internal storage is a nice feature, I’ve never heard anyone chopping in their perfectly good old bike just to get a snack hatch on the new one. Unless you’ve got a genuinely different suspension technology that people actually want (buyers are traditionally very averse to new tech until it’s multi-proven), then realistically how many almost identical 4-bar or twin-link carbon bikes with a 64 to 66-degree head tube do we need to choose from?

And while brand loyalty or re-polishing faded memories of past glory days will work with us old gits who’ve been hanging around the sport for decades, we aren’t the people brands need to attract to stay alive.

Power rangers

The people brands need to attract are the new mountain bikers, who may have dusted off an old bike during Covid or who just found MTB from fresh and are now encouraging their mates to join them. These riders are a very different breed with different brand and buying values. While old schoolers are used to glitches and bodges being part of biking and were prepared to put up with random customer service and extensive research to find the right next bike, the new breed isn’t. They don’t want a confusing sea, as far as they can tell, of identical bikes. They want stuff that works rather than needing to be nursed and they want it presented, sold and serviced professionally. And we might kid ourselves that this is the case in the bike industry, we all know that for every slick showroom and logo polo shirt, there’s a bargain bin in the corner and an ordering process that’s still based on paper stuck on spikes. But the whole chat about retail is for another time.  

The big thing that these new buyers mean is a total change in brand recognition and that’s also tied very heavily into the rise of the e-bike. 

E-bikes are not the miracle cure

What I mean is that while some of these new buyers might recognize the big brands like Specialized , Santa Cruz, Canyon , Shimano , or Trek, they’ll definitely spot Bosch as a brand name to go towards because their power tools, domestic appliances, auto parts, etc. are recognized as costing a bit more but return great reliability. Some outsiders might know Giant bikes, but the smartest move of the world’s largest bicycle manufacturer is to team up with Yamaha for their motors. With a lot of e-MTBers coming from an off-road motorbike background, brands like GasGas and Husqvarna are going to stand out a lot more than Haibike or Cube . Even if you get a better spec for a lower price by going for the latter. I can’t help feeling that brands like Bosch and Yamaha are going to get sick of having to deal with hundreds of relatively tiny bike company intermediaries to access the cycling market and will just make their own bikes.

There are other big players poised too. As soon as Porsche is confident that their investment in Fazua motors is a sound one, why wouldn’t they go direct through their existing dealers with all the upsell and aspirations they bring? Honda is already starting to show concept bikes again too and it’s clear that this personal mobility part of the market is becoming increasingly interesting to the auto industry. Hell, why wouldn’t Apple go for a quick positive spin on their entry to personal urban mobility by following up their failed ‘self-driving car’ project with an ‘Apple Bike’? They recently added a ton of cycling-friendly features to their Apple Watch and regardless of its actual performance, you can guarantee it would sync with all your other devices instantly and look brilliant. Not something you can say about every e-bike from current manufacturers. 

But then maybe that’s a good thing. Talking to managers at bike brands, they’re certainly beginning to realize that as the e-bike market matures, it’s not the fairy tale, fortune-creating cash cow it looked like at the start. Whatever the brand or design, e-bikes have a far higher return/warranty rate, up to 100 percent in some instances. Nobody ever had their house or warehousing destroyed and insurance companies get startled by a conventional bike catching fire either. 

They also require far more parts to order, stock, integrate, and wait for delivery on. That's after going through a whole extra level of explosive category shipping headaches and costs and being hamstrung if they don’t turn up. While it’s a pain if SRAM changes its transmission and makes your existing stock look dated overnight, if a motor brand makes your entire inventory electrically extinct that’s a huge issue. Because while the higher ticket price of an e-bike is a win at the till, when those units aren’t shifting then they’re sucking up a whole lot more cash. Which is of course the whole issue we started with in the first place.

Know your business

Finally, what the pandemic and subsequent sh*t show have clearly demonstrated is that bike and component brands know as much about their customers, demand and sales trends as a triathlete knows about suspension setup. In fact, the spike, rebound and sag in sales we’ve seen recently is almost certainly worse than the back-end performance of a bike set up by someone in Speedos.

While the amount of talk around inclusivity, diversity and lowering entry barriers is definitely increasing and that’s a brilliant thing, I can’t help feeling it’s not really gaining traction yet either. That losing a hundred grams, changing head angle by a degree, or increasing tire space still gets more high fives in boardrooms and marketing agencies than something that will engage with hundreds of thousands of new riders, change their headspace, or genuinely open up cycling to whole new communities and demographics. 

And these topics of advocacy, retail, racing, riding and media are all things I’m going to dig deeper into in this series. So for now, go enjoy the fact that there are way more bikes and brands than we need, and often being sold at bargain prices. Because one thing I’m sure of is that the situation isn’t going to last forever and if you end up buying bikes from the same place as your washing machine, then don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Guy has been working on Bike Perfect since we launched in 2019. Hatched in Yorkshire he's been hardened by riding round it in all weathers since he was a kid. He spent a few years working in bike shops and warehouses before starting writing and testing for bike mags in 1996. Since then he’s written several million words about several thousand test bikes and a ridiculous amount of riding gear. To make sure he rarely sleeps and to fund his custom tandem habit, he’s also penned a handful of bike-related books and talks to a GoPro for YouTube, too.

Current rides: Cervelo ZFS-5, Forbidden Druid V2, Specialized Chisel, custom Nicolai enduro tandem, Landescape/Swallow custom gravel tandem

Height: 180cm

Weight: 69kg

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Here are the best electric bikes you can buy at every price level in April 2024

I’ve spent countless hours here at Electrek doing detailed hands-on testing of hundreds of electric bikes. Through thousands of miles of riding, I’ve learned these e-bikes inside and out, top to bottom and front to back. That dedication to real-world e-bike testing has helped me find the best electric bicycles on the market for just about any budget.

Below are some of the top e-bikes I’ve hand-tested for every price range, current as of April 2024. Spring is finally upon us (at least, here in the Northern Hemisphere) and riding season is gearing up! After an ultra-competitive e-bike selling year in 2023, we’re still seeing some great sales into early 2024. So check out the awesome e-bikes below, any one of which could become your next electric bike.

Table of contents

Best electric bikes under $1,000, lectric one, best electric bikes from $2,000 to $3,500, best electric bikes from $3,500 to $5,000.

The sub-$1,000 electric bike category is critical for a few reasons.

First, it’s pretty hard to produce a quality e-bike and sell it for under $1k. Most of the options in this price category make too many sacrifices in quality or longevity to earn a spot on this list as one of “the best”.

Second, many newcomers to the e-bike industry just aren’t prepared to drop several thousand dollars on a brand-new concept, making this price range critical for many first-time e-bike shoppers.

Fortunately, we’ve found some excellent options for cheap electric bikes that can still save you some serious dough.

Lectric XP LITE

The Lectric XP LITE is likely the latest king of bang-for-your-buck electric bikes.

For years, the $999 Lectric XP 3.0 and its previous 1.0 predecessor reigned supreme in the budget electric bike category. That’s still a great bike, and we’ll discuss it next, but the more affordable $799 Lectric XP LITE is an even more wallet-friendly electric bike.

That new e-bike offers some great riding at under 800 bucks.

It’s a throttle-enabled Class 2 folding electric bike with 20″ wheels, a max speed of 20 mph (32 km/h) and a motor rated for 300W continuous and 720W peak.

It’s not going to be the strongest hill climber, but it does get going quickly on flat and modestly hilly terrain.

This is the only e-bike in this price range that I know of with a 48V electrical system. All the other budget e-bikes under $800 use a 36V system and thus suffer from weaker power.

There are some things that you give up with this model, such as that the fenders aren’t included free. But for just $799 , you’re still getting built-in lights, a hidden battery, large LCD display and a lightweight folder. Plus it comes in four color options.

There’s a lot of value there!

Lectric XP LITE quick specs

• Motor:  300W (720W peak) geared rear hub motor
• Top speed:  32 km/h (20 mph)
• Range:  Claimed up to 72 km (40 mi), but less on throttle only
• Battery:  48V 7.8 Ah (375 Wh)
• Weight : 21 kg (46 lb)
• Price :  $799  

Lectric XP 3.0

If you like the idea of a low-cost US-based company like Lectric eBikes but want something with more power than their XP LITE, consider the $999 Lectric XP 3.0 . The XP 3.0 is the newest version of America’s best-selling electric bike, and now it’s even better with hydraulic disc brakes! In my opinion, this is the current king of bang-for-your-buck electric bikes right now. It’s clear why this is the best-selling electric bike in the US.

Between the fast 28 mph speed, comfortable ride with front suspension, nimble yet thick three-inch tires, and the powerful 1,000W peak-rated motor, the bike combines high performance with an awesome price. The new version comes with a higher power motor featuring more torque, a new rear rack that can support 150 pounds (and has a passenger package option for carrying a friend), has longer travel suspension, and several other key upgrades.

There are both step-over and step-through frames available. To be honest, the frame member is low on both of them and so they’re both easy to mount, but I actually prefer the step-through. Even though low-step bikes are often considered to be “women’s bikes,” the Lectric XP 3.0 looks badass enough that no one would ever think of calling the step-through option a ladies’ bike. It’s just a more comfortable way to hop on and off.

Plus, the folding frame of the Lectric XP 3.0 means you can bring this high-value e-bike with you in a car or truck. I know several people who keep one in their RV, and I’ve even heard of folks traveling with it on their boat or light airplane.

The company also has longer-range batteries for the XP 3.0 that add 45% more range. If you’re the kind of person who likes to ride fast, that battery will help you use that power for longer rides at higher speeds.

It’s hard to find a better combination of low cost and high performance anywhere in the e-bike market right now. That’s why this is the bike I used when I worked undercover as an e-bike delivery rider .

Check out my first ride experience on the Lectric XP 3.0 here .

Lectric XP 3.0 quick specs

• Motor:  500W (850W peak) geared rear hub motor
• Top speed:  45 km/h (28 mph)
• Range:  Claimed up to 72 km (45 mi), but less if you’re heavy on the throttle
• Battery:  48V 9.6 Ah (460 Wh), or larger 14Ah battery available
• Weight : 29 kg (64 lb)
• Price :  $999  

Ride1Up Portola

When Ride1Up launched the Portola , it was pretty obvious what the game plan was: fire a shot across Lectric Ebike’s bow with a direct competitor to the Lectric XP 3.0. By all accounts, Ride1Up nailed it with an impressive competitor, the best-selling e-bike out there.

The Ride1Up Portola has a lot more going for it than just the awesome price of $995 . The bike has great performance with a maximum speed of 28 mph (45 km/h) and great components including hydraulic disc brakes, front suspension, a built-in rear rack, and a 750W motor.

There are two battery options available, either a 48V 10.4Ah or a 48V 13.4Ah, and the larger battery only costs an extra $100.

I love the sleek-looking frame and apparently, I’m not alone. Those who are on the hunt for a good-looking folding fat tire e-bike that doesn’t break the bank will likely find this to be one of the more fashionable options.

Ride1Up Portola quick specs

• Motor:  750W geared rear hub motor
• Battery:  48V 10.4 Ah (504 Wh), or larger 48V 13.4 Ah battery available
• Weight : 27.2 kg (60 lb)
• Price :  $995  

Ride1Up Roadster V2

The Ride1Up Roadster V2 seems to hop back and forth in price from $995 to $1,095 , depending on the time of year and current sale. Even when it falls just north of the $1k mark, the Roadster V2 is an awesome deal.

But you should know going in that this is very much a pedal-oriented e-bike. There’s no throttle, and the motor is only moderately powerful, peaking at 500W. That means the Roadster V2 is best for someone who enjoys cycling and simply wants an assist motor to help them go faster and farther.

The belt-drive setup, low-weight design, and fast speed of up to 24 mph make this an incredible deal.

You can check out my full, in-depth review of the Ride1Up Roadster V2 here .

Ride1up Roadster V2 quick specs:

• Motor:  500W peak (350W continuous) rear hub motor
• Top speed:  24 mph (38 km/h)
• Range:  20-35 miles (32-56 km)
• Battery:  36V 7Ah (252Wh)
• Weight : 32 lb (14.5 kg)
• Price :  $995-$1,095

Propella Mini

The $849 Propella Mini almost looks a bit odd at first glance, but the quirky proportions result in a super nimble and lightweight e-bike.

It’s not particularly fast at just 18 mph. And it’s also a pedal-assist e-bike, meaning you don’t have a throttle for the days when you feel lazy. But for anyone that doesn’t mind pedaling as long as you get a decent electric boost, the Propella Mini is a great option for you.

I love the bright blue rims, white chain, and slim black frame. The look is killer. And the bike rides both smoothly and efficiently. There’s no suspension to speak of, but the upside is there’s no suspension fork to break. The bike should last a long time with modest upkeep, and it’s a definite winner for anyone that’s low on space.

See my full review of the Propella Mini here .

Propella Mini quick specs

• Motor:  250 W (400 W peak) Bafang rear geared hub motor
• Top speed:  30 km/h (18.5 mph)
• Range:  32-56 km (20-35 mi) depending on pedal assist level
• Battery:  36V 7Ah (250 Wh)
• Price:  $849
• Weight : 14.9 kg (33 lb)

JackRabbit micro e-bike

The $999 JackRabbit OG is in one of these fuzzy areas between e-bikes and other e-rideables. In this case, it straddles the line between an electric bike and an electric scooter.

It more or less feels like an electric bike based on its ride geometry. However, the lack of pedals means that it could also be classified as an electric scooter, albeit a large-wheeled e-scooter.

But with those 20-inch wheels and bicycle seat, the JackRabbit rides much more like a small folding e-bike than an e-scooter. And its electronics match that of a light e-bike too.

The 300W motor gets the little runabout up to 20 mph (32 km/h). The small 158 Wh battery only offers around 10-12 miles (approximately 16-20 km) of range, but is also conveniently small enough to easily keep a spare battery in a cargo pocket or even a small purse.

The biggest benefit of the JackRabbit is that it is so simple that the lack of frills keeps the weight down to just 23 lb (10.5 kg)! For an e-bike, that’s almost so light that it floats.

The company also released a higher power and larger battery capacity version too , which might be good for riders that want to push harder and go farther.

See my full review of the JackRabbit here .

JackRabbit quick specs

• Motor:  300W geared rear hub motor
• Range:  20 km (12 mi)
• Bike weight:  10.5 kg (23 lb.)
• Brakes:  Rear mechanical disc brake

Best electric bikes under $2,000

Once you bump up above the $1,000 limit, you start to see many more great options for e-bikes in a wide range of categories.

From electric cargo bikes to cruisers and even electric mopeds, there’s something for everyone in this price range.

The Lectric ONE is listed in the “Best under $2,000” category, but in many ways, it’s the best in under a significantly higher dollar value. To put it into perspective, it’d be hard to buy the gearbox alone on this bike for under $2,000, and yet that’s the price tag of the entire bike! For just $1,999 , you’re getting an e-bike with components normally found on $10,000+ bikes.

The Lectric One was unveiled as a lightweight commuter e-bike designed with an ultra high-end drivetrain based around the Pinion C1.6i auto-shifting gearbox. Paired with a Gates carbon belt drive and a true 750W-rated Stealth M24 motor (with 1,300 peak watts!), the Lectric ONE hits class 3 speeds in style with some extra premium components.

Lectric ONE quick specs:

• Motor:  750W rear hub motor (1.3 kW peak)
• Battery:  48V 10.4 or 14Ah (500Wh or 672 Wh)
• Top speed:  28 mph (45 km/h)
• Range:  up to 75 miles (120 km)
• Weight:  55 lb (25 kg)
• Price:   $1,999

Lectric XPedition

We were the first to review this new model and we called it a runaway hit right from the start. With heavy-hauling weight capacity, the option for one or two batteries for extra long range, hydraulic disc brakes and a watt-based more comfortable feeling pedal assist sensor, this e-bike is dragging electric cargo bikes into the future.

The $1,399 Lectric XPedition has turned the electric cargo bike market upside down, finally bringing a heavy-hitting cargo e-bike to market for an ultra-affordable price.

While it’s not the nicest cargo e-bike on the market, it’s definitely the best bang for your buck thanks to a combination of high value parts and reasonable pricing.

Lectric XPedition quick specs:

• Motor:  750W rear hub motor
• Battery:  48V 14Ah (672 Wh) with the option for a second battery
• Weight:  68 lb (31 kg)
• Price:   $1,399

Aventon Soltera.2

The $1,399 Aventon Soltera.2 is the latest version of Aventon’s beautiful city bike that offers some of the best quality fabrication that I’ve seen in this price range – or even in higher price ranges. It is offered in either a single-speed or seven-speed format.

The bike rolls on narrow tires for that efficient city ride, while still packing in a 500W motor.

The battery is a bit smaller at 36V and 10Ah, but the bike makes up for a smaller battery by being able to integrate it into the frame in a sleek and attractive package.

The beautiful color display also adds to the bike’s charm, as do the powerful headlight and frame-integrated tail light. There’s even an awesome companion app that lets your phone track your bike’s important stats. Basically, you’re getting a lot for $1,199 here!

Check out my in-depth Aventon Soltera.2 review here .

Aventon Soltera.2 quick specs:

• Motor:  500W peak-rated rear hub motor
• Battery:  36V 10Ah (360 Wh)
• Top speed:  20 mph (32 km/h)
• Range:  20-63 miles (32-101 km)
• Weight:  46 lb (21 kg)
• Price:   $1,199

Ride1Up Turris

Ride1Up has proven itself as a high-value electric bike brand, focusing largely on efficient and speedy commuter e-bikes. While the company has many models in the $1,000 to $2,000 range, the $1,095 Ride1Up Turris (at it’s current sale price ) is one of the best bang-for-your-buck options.

A powerful 750W continuous-rated motor gets the bike up to Class 3 speeds that will have you keeping up with traffic or even passing cars when they get bogged down in the city. That extra speed over most class 2 e-bikes can be quite useful when riding on the side of the road trying to reduce the number of times a car whizzes by you. Even when riding alone or in a protected path away from cars, the extra speed sure makes for a fun ride.

The sporty tires and two choices of frame style (step over or step through) give riders plenty of options to use this bike on the trails or the streets. I love that it includes full metal fenders as well so you don’t have to spend extra on those. I’d definitely recommend spending an extra $50 for the rear rack though if you plan to use the bike as a commuter, since you never know when you’ll need to toss something on the back.

If you want to upgrade to more power and a nicer set of components, the $1,695 700 Series is worth a look. But I think the Ride1Up Turris is sufficient for most riders.

Ride1Up Turris quick specs:

• Range:  32-64 km (20-40 mi) throttle vs. pedal assist
• Battery:  48V 12.8Ah (614 Wh) with genuine LG cells
• Weight : 25 kg (55 lb)
• Price :  $1,095

Lectric XPeak

Lectric Ebikes recently expanded into larger territory with the launch of the new Lectric XPeak. It’s the company’s first e-bike with a larger than 20″ wheel size, bringing some chunky 26×4.0″ tires into the company’s inventory.

The XPeak takes the form of a typical adventure-style fat tire electric bike. It features a hardtail design with a suspension fork, high volume tires, hydraulic disc brakes and a relatively large battery that is certified by the Swiss testing agency SGS to meet UL 2849 standards.

The bike is also tested to higher standards for ruggedness of the frame and fork than most e-bikes in this price range, meaning it’s likely going to last longer too. As far as fat tire adventure-style e-bikes go, there’s no better bang for your buck than the Lectric XPeak.

Lectric XPeak quick specs:

• Motor:  750W (1,300W peak)
• Range:  Up to 75 km (45 mi) on low power
• Battery:  48V 14 Ah (672 Wh)
• Weight : 39.4 kg (67 lb)
• Price : $1,299 (may increase to $1,399 after promotional sale ends)

Ride1Up Cafe Cruiser

The Ride1Up Cafe Cruiser is Ride1Up’s first non-purely commuter electric bike, and boy did they knock it out of the park on this one.

The Cafe Cruiser, as its name suggests, is part cruiser bike, part fast motorbike.

The cruiser bars, suspension fork, comfortable seat and pedal-forward geometry make it a pleasure to ride. The high performance 750W hub motor and 28 mph (45 km/h) top speed make it a blast for quick errand running and fun commutes.

High quality parts like hydraulic disc brakes complete the package, and the included fenders and rear rack increase the bike’s value.

One of the coolest features though is the passenger package that adds a rear bench seat, wheel skirt and foot pegs so you can carry a second rider on back. The second seat has a quick release so you can easily pop it on and off the bike whenever you need to swap back and forth between carrying your friends or a basket full of groceries home.

At just $1,595 , the Ride1Up Cafe Cruiser is priced way below fair market value, which makes this an absolute steal of a deal.

Ride1Up Cafe Cruiser quick specs:

• Motor:  750W rear geared hub motor
• Range:  50-80 km (30-50 mi)
• Battery:  48V 15Ah (720 Wh)
• Weight : 29 kg (65 lb)
• Price : $1,595

Rad Power Bikes RadRunner

The RadRunner from Rad Power Bikes has been an industry favorite ever since it was first announced back in 2019. The company is actually on the RadRunner 2 now, but the update only made minor changes since the original was already so well designed.

The bike uses a step-through moped style frame to create a short utility bike or mini cargo e-bike. It’s quick up to the 20 mph top speed and offers a ton of uses. When outfitted with the Passenger Package , it has a seat and footpegs that let you carry kids or adults on the back, turning this into a multi-passenger e-bike.

The high-capacity battery and powerful motor also make for sprightly acceleration and longer than average rides, so you’ll have enough power to ride all day.

The RadRunner is truly one of those do-anything e-bikes because it has so many uses. The same bike can be used for fun recreational riding, city commuting, trail riding, or grocery shopping. There’s something for everyone.

There’s even an upgraded version known as the RadRunner Plus, which adds suspension, a seven-speed transmission, a more detailed display, and the passenger package, though the RadRunner Plus costs a bit more at $1,899 .

Check out my complete review of the RadRunner 2 here .

RadRunner 2 quick specs:

• Range:  45-72 km (25-45 mi) depending on user input
• Battery:  48V 14Ah (672 Wh)
• Weight : 29.5 kg (65 lb)
• Price : $1,499

Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 4

Cargo electric bikes are the workhorses of the e-bike world. They have higher weight capacities and more surface area for carrying all of your gear.

The $1,999 Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 4 is one of my favorite options thanks to the awesome build and wide range of compatible Rad accessories.

The bike’s 750W motor and large capacity battery make it easy to hit the top speed of 20 mph and ride farther than your errands will require.

Plus that long rear bench has tons of room for boxes, bags, or kiddos. I’ve had three riders on the bike plenty of times, and it can definitely do more. Plus, I love that double center kickstand for creating an ultra-stable parking platform.

Check out my full in-depth review of the RadWagon 4 e-cargo bike here .

Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 4 quick specs:

• Motor:  750 W geared rear hub motor
• Battery:  48V 14Ah (672Wh)
• Weight : 34.8 kg (76.7 lb)
• Price: $1,999

Electric Bike Company Model Y

Electric Bike Company is one of the only e-bike manufacturers that actually builds its electric bikes in the US from the ground up.

They start with bare frames and perform the entire build locally with highly trained e-bike technicians. That also allows them to offer more customization options than any other e-bike company out there.

The $1,949 Model Y is a step-through cruiser e-bike with a hidden battery in the front basket. It offers fast speeds up to 28 mph and high-quality parts like hydraulic disc brakes and top-end hardware. The color screen and leather accents on the seat and bar ends add to the classy look too!

The real treat though is getting to select the custom paint on every surface of the bike, plus your own rim colors, trim colors, and tire options. It’s incredibly customizable to the point where you’re virtually guaranteed to be able to create a truly one-of-a-kind electric bike if you wish.

Check out my full review of the Electric Bike Company Model Y here .

Electric Bike Company Model Y quick specs:

• Motor:  1,000W peak rear geared hub motor
• Range:  Up to 80 km (50 mi) with moderate pedaling
• Battery:  48V with either 9Ah (432 Wh) or 18Ah (864 Wh) options
• Weight : 26 kg (58 lb)
• Price:   $1,949

Velotric Nomad 1

Velotric has a number of interesting e-bikes in its lineup and I’m enjoying testing several of the companies new models. But one of my favorites so far — thanks to its excellent off-road abilities — has got to be the Velotric Nomad 1.

The e-bike isn’t just powerful or surprisingly comfortable for an off-road, it’s also quite safe. The punchy hydraulic disc brakes offer quick and controlled stops while the UL-certified battery and e-bike systems offer safe operations, removing the worry of dangerous thermal events.

For just $1,499 at its current sale price, this is an excellent bike for both asphalt commuting and dirt trail excursions, all on the same ride!

Check out my full review of the Velotric Nomad 1 here .

Velotric Nomad 1 quick specs:

• Motor:  1,200W peak rear geared hub motor
• Range:  Up to 88km (55 mi) on pedal assist
• Battery:  48V 14.4Ah (691 Wh) frame-integrated, removable
• Weight : 33 kg (73 lb)
• Price:  $1,499

Ride1Up Rift

Ride1Up’s first adventure-style electric bike was a smashing success, helping the San Diego-based electric bike maker enter an entirely new category with a bang.

This fat tire electric bike has a powerful motor, a massive 960Wh battery and an ultra rugged frame with built-in rear rack that can carry heavy cargo or even an adult passenger on back.

With fenders, built-in LED lights and cargo capabilities, the Ride1Up Rift would also make a surprisingly good commuter bike that will traverse pot holes and other rough street imperfections just as well as it handles off-road conditions.

Check out my full review of the Ride1Up Rift XR here .

Ride1Up Rift XR quick specs:

• Motor:  750W continuous-rated rear geared hub motor
• Top speed:  32 km/h (20 mph) on throttle, or 45 km/h (28 mph) on pedal assist
• Range:  Up to 96 km (60 mi) on pedal assist
• Battery:  48V 20Ah (960 Wh) frame-integrated, removable
• Weight : 38 kg (84.5 lb)
• Price:  $1,895

Velotric Packer electric cargo bike

There are a lot of electric cargo bikes on the market, but the Velotric Packer has recently become one of my go-to recommendations for several reasons. It’s fairly priced, has loads of cargo accessories, includes a UL-certified battery, comes in some eye-catching colors, and works well for transporting my three nieces and nephews around with me.

At its sale price of $1,899, this is definitely an electric cargo bike to have on your short list for it’s slick-looking design and great functionality.

Check out my full review of the Velotric Packer here .

• Motor : 750W (1,200W peak) rear-geared hub motor
• Top speed : 20 mph (32 km/h) or 25 mph (40 km/h) when unlocked
• Range : Up to 52 miles (84 km)
• Battery : 48V 15Ah (692 Wh)
• Weight : 75 lb (34 kg)
• Price : $1,899

By the time you surpass the $2,000 dollar mark, you’re starting to get into serious e-bikes with serious performance or build quality.

If you’re spending this much, you’ll want to ensure you’re buying from a reputable company with top-notch products and service.

Ride1Up Prodigy V2 mid-drive e-bike

The $2,295 Ride1Up Prodigy V2 has brought new meaning to the phrase “low-cost mid-drive electric bike”, updating an already impressive e-bike with a new next-gen setup.

This e-bike sports a high-end German-manufactured Brose mid-drive motor and can hit speeds of up to 28 mph (45 km/h), yet is price similarly to much cheaper hub motor-based electric bikes.

It’s a perfect commuter e-bike for someone that wants high quality parts like that German mid-drive motor with 90Nm of torque, hydraulic disc brakes, bright LED lights, included fenders, rear rack, and a very comfortable saddle. Plus there’s a choice between a nice 9-speed chain drive transmission or a fancier Gates Carbon Drive belt setup with an Enviolo continuously variable transmission.

This e-bike is easily worth another $500 more than the price tag, if not more. In fact, you’ll find many of these same components on e-bikes with $3,000-$4,000 price tags all over the place. So if you’re looking for a higher quality e-bike that doesn’t cost as much as a fancy bike shop e-bike, this is the one to consider.

Ride1Up Prodigy quick specs:

• Motor:  Brose TF Sprinter mid-drive
• Range:  30-50 miles (50-80 km)
• Battery:  36V 14Ah (504Wh)
• Weight : 58 lb (26 kg)
• Price :  $2,395

Juiced Scorpion X

The $2,199 Juiced Scorpion X has all the old-school charm of a vintage moped, but it adds back in a powerful electric drivetrain. It also has awesome-looking cast wheels that remove the issue of spoke maintenance, plus add to the cool stance.

The bench seat allows riders to scoot forward or backward to find the best seating position, and the tall bars give a fun cruiser/motorcycle feel to the bike. With full suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, and a built-in rear rack/fenders, there are a lot of nice parts on the Scorpion X

A powerful throttle lets you blast up to 20 mph, or engaging the pedal assist can take you even faster to 28 mph. And Juiced offers a larger battery than most competitors, letting you ride this moto-styled e-bike even further.

Check out my in-depth review of the Juiced Scorpion X here .

Juiced Scorpion X quick specs:

• Motor:  750W “nominal” (claimed 1.8 kW peak) RetroBlade rear hub motor
• Range:  Up to 55 miles (88 km) on pedal-assist or closer to half that on throttle
• Battery:  52V 15Ah 780Wh (removable and lockable)
• Weight : 100 lb (45 kg)
• Price : $2,199

Priority Current

I love the $3,299 Priority Current electric bike so much that it has become one of my daily riders. It’s the one I grab when I’m doing city riding and I know I want to be pedaling.

Becuase it doesn’t have a throttle, you’ll need to enjoy pedaling in order to enjoy this e-bike. But it makes it so much fun to pedal thanks to a torque sensor-based pedal assist that provides natural feeling assistance up to a fast 28 mph top speed.

The internally geared rear hub combined with a Gates belt drive system and powerful hydraulic disc brakes make this a very nice e-bike for the price. Plus that mid-drive motor offers tons of torque for climbing hills or accelerating quickly.

I’m also a fan of the built-in lights and included fenders, not to mention the integrated high-capacity battery that disappears in the frame.

Mid-drive electric bikes aren’t cheap, but the price is definitely a fair one for this e-bike.

Check out my full review of the Priority Current here . I also recently reviewed the Shimano 5-speed version of this e-bike, which you can find here .

Priority Current quick specs :

• Motor:  500W mid-drive motor with torque sensor
• Top speed:  28 mph (45 km/h) or 20 mph (32 km/h) user-selectable
• Range:  30-60 miles (48-96 km)
• Battery:  500 Wh frame-integrated battery
• Weight : 24 kg (53 lb)
• Price: $3,299

Ride1Up CF Racer1

I’m not normally a carbon fiber, drop bar, race bike kind of guy. But then again, that’s usually because those types of bikes are way out of my price range… until now.

The Ride1Up CF Racer1 brings carbon fiber road e-bikes to the common man, offering both a traditional road bike and a gravel bike edition.

At under 29 lb (13 kg), these e-bikes are some of the lightest around. I picked one up with my index finger and was shocked at how easily it left the ground.

To get there, that meant a relatively low-power motor and a smaller battery were required. But for the folks that ride these types of bikes, a big motor and heavy battery probably aren’t on their wishlist anyway. Instead, a simple extra boost, as if you’ve always got a tailwind, helps augment your own pedaling.

For just $2,295 , there’s no better deal out there for a budget-friendly carbon fiber road e-bike.

Ride1Up CF Racer1 quick specs

• Motor:  250W 42 Nm torque
• Top speed:  28 mph (45 km/h) on pedal assist
• Range:  16-40 miles (26-64 km)
• Battery:  252 Wh frame-integrated battery
• Weight : 12.9 kg (28.6 lb)
• Price: $2,295

Biktrix Moto

There’s a lot to like about the Biktrix Moto electric moped. Near the top of the list though has got to be the dual batteries. There’s a single battery option that starts at $2,299 , but the dual battery option doubles the range up to a maximum of 100 miles.

Even with just one battery, the high capacity of 1,008 Wh makes these some of the biggest batteries in the e-bike industry. Combine that with a high power motor, tall handlebars, and a long bench seat, and you’ve got a seriously fun electric moped.

It doesn’t slouch on components either. The lighting is ultra bright and it features other nice parts like powerful hydraulic disc brakes and an included rack/fender setup.

See my full review of the Biktrix Moto e-bike here .

Biktrix Moto quick specs:

• Motor:  Bafang 750W continuous hub motor (peak power not published)
• Top speed:  25 mph (40 km/h) but can be limited to Class 2 speeds
• Range:  Up to 100 miles (160 km) with two batteries
• Battery:  48V 21Ah (1,008 Wh) in each battery (two possible)
• Weight:  90 lb (41 kg)
• Price: $2,299

Ride1Up REVV1 FS

This full-suspension electric moped-style e-bike is a masterclass in high performance electric bike design. Sure, it’s an obvious SUPER73 imitation, but it’s a really well done imitation.

It handles well, it’s got great rubber between you and the road, the suspension gives a comfortable ride, and it’s got plenty of extra power.

Despite the 750W label, the e-bike can be unlocked to make use of nearly 1,500W of peak power. I was able to reach a top speed of 37 mph (59.5 km/h) during my testing (not on public streets!).

But the bike ships in Class 2 mode with a 750W limit and 20 mph (32 km/h) maximum speed, meaning you’ll have to contact the company to request an unlock for the bike to be used above Class 2 speeds and power levels.

All in all, the $2,395 Ride1Up REVV1 FS is an amazing e-bike for anyone who wants a moped-style ride with full-suspension, high quality 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes and a design that rides almost like a motorcycle, yet in a bike form factor.

Check out my complete Ride1Up REVV1 FS review here .

Ride1Up REVV1 quick specs:

• Motor:  Bafang 750W continuous hub motor
• Top speed:  20 mph (32 km/h) out of the box, 37 mph (59.5 km/h) when unlocked
• Battery:  52V 20Ah (1,040 Wh)
• Weight:  93 lb (42 kg)
• Price: $2,395

Tern Quick Haul

The Tern Quick Haul is an electric cargo bike from the famed cargo e-bike company Tern. It holds the distinction of being the most affordable model in Tern’s lineup.

That says a lot, because Tern is known for its high quality e-bikes that are built to be ridden every day for real world errands, carpool duty and more. These e-bikes are meant to replace cars, and they do just that for many riders. With a huge list of accessories, you can outfit a Quick Haul for just about any job.

The Tern Quick Haul features a mid-drive Bosch motor, hydraulic disc brakes, Tern’s vertical parking rack, and a relatively lightweight but high utility design that is meant to carry just about anything in your life.

We had the chance to test a pair of Quick Hauls at Eurobike in Frankfurt last year, which you can learn more about here.

Motor:  Bosch Active Line Plus mid-drive motor Top speed:  20 mph (32 km/h) with pedal assist (no throttle) Range:  Up to 60 miles (96 km), less when riding in highest power Battery:  400Wh, removable/lockable Weight:  50 lb (22.8 kg) Price : $2,999

Ariel Rider X-Class

When it comes to fast, powerful electric mopeds on a budget, it’s hard to compete with the $2,399 Ariel Rider X-Class . This is the e-bike I usually recommend when someone simply wants the most power and speed for the least amount of money.

The impressive performance comes from a powerful 1,000W motor that actually puts out closer to 2,000W of peak power. It can be limited to 20 mph if you’d like, but I got it up to 36 mph in unlimited mode.

The bike rolls on 20″ moto-style wheels and comes with nice parts including hydraulic disc brakes, a bench seat, dual suspension, and a big moto-style headlight.

You can see my full review of the Ariel Rider 52V X-Class here .

• Motor:  1,000W (2,000W peak) rear hub motor
• Top speed:  36 mph (58 km/h), but can be limited to Class 2 speeds
• Range:  Up to 75 miles (120 km), less when riding at top speed
• Battery:  52V 18Ah (936 Wh), removable/lockable
• Weight:  80 lb (36 kg)
• Price : $2,399

Rad Power Bikes Rad Rover 6 Plus with accessories

Technically the Rad Rover 6 Plus is priced at $1,999 . And with its free shipping, it comes in under the $2k mark. But I’m including it in the $2k-$3k category because you’re going to want to add a couple of important accessories to this one.

Rad Power Bikes has one of the widest arrays of e-bike accessories on the planet . In fact, it might have THE widest selection. And I’d highly recommend adding the rear rack ($79) to the RadRover 6 Plus, at the very least. It simply adds even more utility and turns an adventure bike into an adventure/hauling bike.

Accessories aside, the RadRover 6 Plus is an awesome ride and packs in some real value. It is the highest-spec e-bike in Rad’s lineup and includes hydraulic disc brakes, redesigned suspension fork, an upgraded frame with a new semi-integrated battery, new displays that are easier to read and use, and so much more.

This is absolutely an e-bike that is worth checking out for anyone that does adventure-style riding and needs big tires combined with high power, and who wants the support and comfort provided by going with North America’s largest e-bike company.

Check out my full RadRover 6 Plus review here .

RadRover 6 Plus quick specs:

• Range:  45-72 km (25-45 mi) depending on throttle or pedal assist
• Weight:  33.3 kg (73.4 lb)

Above $3.5k, you’re entering some seriously dedicated e-bike territory.

These e-bikes either feature top-shelf components like drivetrain and brake parts, or pack in so much power that they couldn’t possibly be priced any lower.

Either way, you’re not in Kansas anymore. You’re heading down the e-bike rabbit hole.

Tern is renowned for building high-quality electric bikes that double down on utility features. The newly updated Tern HSD is the company’s more affordable utility e-bike, offering many features you’ll find on its higher end GSD but at a price that more riders can stomach.

The HSD uses small 20″ wheels and includes a folding stem, making it nice and compact. But taking it one step further, Tern outfitted it with its innovative rack that lets you park the bike on its tail, meaning it takes up barely more space than a coat rack in the corner of a room.

The bike’s Bosch mid-drive and high capacity batteries provide a high-end e-bike drive, and they are matched with a variety of performance drivetrain options that you can select from, depending on how high you want to spec the bike.

Whether you’re ferrying around kids or buying a week’s worth of groceries, the HSD is a solid option.

Check out my detailed first ride experience on the Tern HSD here .

Tern HSD quick specs:

• Motor:  Bosch Active Line Plus mid-drive
• Top speed:  32 km/h (20 mph) with electric assist
• Range:  42-110 km (26-69 mi) depending on pedal input
• Battery:  Bosch PowerPack 400 Wh
• Weight : 25.4 kg (55.9 lb)
• Price:  $4,299

CSC FT1000MD

The CSC FT1000MD sounds like a motorcycle name because it comes from a company with motorcycle heritage. CSC Ebikes was born out of CSC Motorcycles, a company with several decades of two-wheeler experience.

The FT1000MD is the company’s highest power option. The fat tire e-bike comes with a 1,000+ watt motor known as the Bafang M620 Ultra. It’s the most powerful and highest torque e-bike mid-drive motor on the retail market. CSC paired it with a big battery, quality suspension, hydraulic brakes, built-in lighting, and more to create a high performance and high-quality adventure e-bike.

I was able to hit speeds of around 34 mph with the motor in unlocked format, though you can limit it to 20 or 28 mph to fit into class 2 and class 3 designations.

Check out my full review of this incredibly powerful e-bike here .

CSC FT1000MD quick specs:

• Motor:  1,000W continuous Bafang M620 mid-drive
• Top speed: 54 km/h (34 mph) when unlocked
• Battery:  48V 16Ah (768Wh) with Samsung 35E cells
• Frame:  6061 aluminum
• Suspension:  Front suspension fork with preload and damping adjustment, plus lockout
• Brakes:  Tektro hydraulic disc brakes with 180 mm rotors
• Weight : 34 kg (75 lb)
• Price:  $3,299 or save $200 with discount code ELECTREK

Ariel Rider Grizzly

When it comes to all-wheel-drive electric bikes, the $3,299 Ariel Rider Grizzly is one of my favorites.

This incredible e-bike is really more of a small electric motorcycle. It uses two high-power motors – one in each wheel – to offer speeds in the mid-30s and acceleration that will get you there in the blink of an eye.

Full suspension and hydraulic disc brakes make this an e-bike that handles well at any speed, and the bright red paint job looks as aggressive as the e-bike feels. It even comes with footpegs pre-installed so you can carry a passenger with you.

Plus it’s got double batteries to feed those two power-hungry motors, so you’ll be able to ride this e-bike pretty darn far too, as long as you aren’t too demanding from the throttle.

Check out my full in-depth review of the epic Ariel Rider Grizzly e-bike here .

Ariel Rider Grizzly quick specs:

• Motors:  Dual 1,000W continuous hub motors (1,850W peak or 3.7 kW combined)
• Top speed:  36 mph (58 km/h) when unlocked, but can be limited to Class 2 speeds
• Battery:  52V 35Ah (1,820 Wh) between two removable/lockable batteries
• Weight:  105 lb (47.6 kg)

Specialized Turbo Como SL

For more of a cruiser/city e-bike experience, the $4,800 Specialized Turbo Como SL is a great option. This e-bike offers a much more upright ride for a fun, relaxed vibe.

The e-bike features a high-quality mid-drive motor, hydraulic disc brakes, Gates carbon belt drive, and an eight-speed internally geared hub. Those are a lot of nice parts!

And don’t forget the slim fenders, front basket, and cruiser bars that all look super elegant, complimenting the nice lines of the Turbo Como SL.

This may not be a low-cost e-bike, but it definitely offers a ride that makes it worth it.

See my full review of the Specialized Turbo Como SL here .

Specialized Turbo Como SL quick specs:

• Motor:  Custom Specialized SL1.1 mid-drive motor
• Range:  Up to 100 km (62 mi), or 50% more with range extender
• Battery:  Downtube-integrated 320 Wh battery
• Weight : 20.5 kg (45 lb.)
• Price:   $4,800

If you’ve been looking for a high-end trekking electric bike that was built with a combination of high-quality parts and the latest technology, look no further than the $4,550 Greyp T5.

There’s a reason why Porsche bought this e-bike company – it’s simply one of the best.

It uses Greyp’s own in-house developed 700 Wh battery combined with a mid-drive motor to offer a hardtail trekking e-bike. In addition to the awesome bike design, the built-in tech is what really opens people’s eyes. Integrated cameras at the front and rear of the bike can serve as dash cams or livestream your rides. Plus you can capture all of your ride footage on the bike instead of bringing along a Go-Pro camera.

There’s also an app that allows you to take full advantage of the built-in eSIM card, giving you connectivity to the bike and letting you check all your vital stats, find its location, and more – right from your phone.

The bike is truly a high-end offering by itself, but the embedded tech makes it a rarity in any category.

See my first ride review of the Greyp T5 e-bike here .

Best electric bikes above $5,000

You just couldn’t stop, could you? I showed you plenty of awesome e-bikes that didn’t cost most of a paycheck. But you just haaaaad to keep going.

Fine, here they are. These are some of the most expensive e-bikes out there that we’ve tested and that I’d actually recommend someone buying, if you can pony up the cash.

Fuell Flluid-2 and Flluid-3

The $5,495 Fuell Flluid-2 and Flluid-3 are great examples of what happens when a motorcycle designer applies his tradecraft to a smaller platform, creating an e-bike built to a higher standard.

The Fuell Flluid’s smooth mid-drive motor with built-in gearbox and Gates carbon belt drive setup combine to make an ultra-responsive and polished electric powertrain. The two removable batteries built into special cutouts in the frame offer long-range riding without looking like a packhorse carrying massive batteries.

The e-bike is nearly maintenance-free thanks to the belt drive and hydraulic disc brakes. The duo removes the two most common maintenance issues with bikes: chain wear and brake adjustment.

Flying fast at 28 mph (45 km/h) is a blast, and doing it on a smooth-riding e-bike with Pirelli tires is even better. Then add in the ultra-bright lights, built-in fenders and rear rack, the suspension seat post, color LCD screen and other niceties, and now you’re left with a high-end e-bike that could serve you for years as a daily commuter e-bike designed for nearly maintenance-free high mileage riding. The only downside is that the bike is quite heavy at 36 kg (79 lb). But you can’t expect all these great parts and dual batteries on a featherweight bike!

Check out my full review of the Fuell Flluid here .

Fuell Flluid quick specs:

• Motor:  750-1,000W rated Valeo mid-drive motor with built-in gearbox
• Range:  Up to 200 km (125 mi) with dual batteries (though Fuell-3 has just a single battery)
• Brakes:  Tektro hydraulic disc brakes on 180 mm rotors
• Weight:  36 kg (79 lb)
• Price: $5,495

GoCycle G4i+

When it comes to ultra-premium folding electric bikes, there’s only one name that comes to my mind: GoCycle. These are the most impressive folding e-bikes I’ve ever seen. And they better be – they were designed by a former McLaren engineer.

Between the carbon fiber work, single-sided wheels, high-tech tires, trippy LED dot display, innovative rear suspension, and completely enclosed drivetrain, there’s a lot of high-end stuff going on here.

The speed will vary from 15-20 mph depending on which country you buy the bike in, but the performance is only part of the equation. The quick folding and light, compact design of the e-bike is the real winner here.

Check out my full review of the GoCycle G4i+ here .

GoCycle G4i+ quick specs:

• Motor:  500W front hub motor
• Top speed:  20 mph (32 km/h) in the US
• Range:  up to 50 miles (80 km)
• Battery:  36V 10.4Ah (375 Wh)
• Weight : 37.2 lb (16.9 kg)
• Price:   $6,999

Serial 1 RUSH/CTY SPEED

Serial 1, the electric bicycle company that spun out of Harley-Davidson, has several awesome electric bike models. While most fall under the $5,000 mark, I’m going to recommend their top of the line model: The $5,599 Serial 1 RUSH/CTY SPEED . If you’re in the market to buy a Serial 1 e-bike, you might as well go for the best.

Like all of Serial 1’s e-bikes, it’s got a great design and ridability. Serial 1 scored top e-bike designers from companies like Trek, so they know how to build an awesome bike with killer geometry. They also brought in the Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycle engineers to build the custom battery, so it’s top of the line too. Then they used pro parts like the Brose mid-drive and Gates carbon belt drive setup. Basically, it’s an incredible e-bike. And with a 28 mph (45 km/h) top speed plus a huge 706 Wh battery to ride all day, the performance matches the build.

Serial 1 even goes above and beyond with their own custom weight bearing fenders that also happen to be functional racks (both in the front and rear), their own custom designed lights that throw serious illumination up front and give you great rear visibility from dropout-mounted lights, and there’s even a glovebox in the bike!

Basically, there’s a lot to like here. Yes, it’s expensive. But you’re not just paying for the H-D name on the side. It’s actually a high quality, high performance electric bike regardless of the badging.

Check out my full first ride on the various Serial 1 e-bike models here .

Motor:  High torque Brose TF MAG mid-drive motor Top speed (tested):  45 km/h (28 mph) Battery:  706 Wh Serial 1 custom battery Range:  25-115 miles (40-185 km), likely more in the 30-50 miles range with normal riding Weight:  26.7 kg (59 lb) Price:   $5,599

FREY EX Pro electric mountain bike

The FREY EX Pro is a high-end electric mountain bike with crazy high power. It uses the same motor as the CSC FT1000MD we featured above (the Bafang M620 mid-drive), but cranks up the current to provide closer to 1,500W of power.

It’s enough to destroy chains if you aren’t careful. We know. Several of us here at Electrek have done it.

The FREY EX Pro not only features high-end parts like a RockShox Lyric fork and Magura MT5e hydraulic brakes, but it even comes with dual batteries so you can ride farther and stay on the trails longer.

I’ve personally taken this e-bike back UP a downhill mountain bike course – that’s how powerful it is.

It may be expensive, but it saves you several thousand dollars compared to many European electric mountain bikes with similar components but a fraction of the power in the FREY.

See my full review of the FREY EX Pro here .

• Motor:  1 kW continuous, 1.5 kW peak-rated Bafang Ultra mid-drive motor
• Top speed (tested):  59 km/h (36 mph)
• Battery:  Dual 48V 14Ah packs (1,344 Wh total)
• Range:  Varies  considerably  by ride style/terrain, but 30-100 km (20-60 miles) is the ballpark
• Weight:  34 kg (75 lb)
• Price:   $5,580

Top comment by BluePizza

1–I have a Lectric XPLite. It’s great to load in the SUV or RV with my wife’s Liberty Trike, which weighs only 50 lbs AND comes apart into two 25-lb pieces. Easy on my old back! The new RAD and Lectric trikes are good, I’m sure, but would be unusable for me. Too heavy.

2–RE: the importance of the sub-$1000 list…I think this also applies to some of the Chinese EV cars, the 50-mph, low-priced category. If brought here, or built here, they’d allow far more people to get into an EV, as a primary city car, or even a suburban 2nd car.

The Tern GSD improves upon the Tern HSD with even more capability and even nicer components. There are multiple versions that can take you up to nearly $10k, but even the lower-tier versions are not “low tier,” if you know what I mean.

Parts like automatically engaging electric locks, 10-speed Shimano Deore transmissions, Magura MT5e quad-piston hydraulic disc brakes, and more set these e-bikes apart from the rest of the pack.

If you’re getting a Tern GSD, you’re getting a fully qualified car replacement. There are many people that use these instead of buying a second car. When you look at it like that, the price suddenly seems pretty reasonable.

Check out our full review of the Tern GSD here .

• Motor:  Bosch Cargo Line mid-drive
• Range:  42-85 km (26-53 mi) depending on pedal input
• Weight : 33.6 kg (74 lb)
• Price : $5,399

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Micah Toll is a personal electric vehicle enthusiast, battery nerd, and author of the Amazon #1 bestselling books DIY Lithium Batteries , DIY Solar Power,   The Ultimate DIY Ebike Guide  and The Electric Bike Manifesto .

The e-bikes that make up Micah’s current daily drivers are the $999 Lectric XP 2.0 , the $1,095 Ride1Up Roadster V2 , the $1,199 Rad Power Bikes RadMission , and the $3,299 Priority Current . But it’s a pretty evolving list these days.

You can send Micah tips at [email protected], or find him on Twitter , Instagram , or TikTok .

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