As an avid cyclist, usually the terms good and cheap don't correlate. (Same could be said for most things) That's not to say there aren't entry level bikes for limited purposes. But typically, when considering bikes, the less you pay, the more it weighs, the components don't work as well, parts are harder to find and wear out sooner. Weight is a big consideration when considering E bikes. Just got my wife a used Specialized Turbo Vado for $1500. This is an awesome pedal assist E bike and weighs and pedals about the same as a non E-bike. Fantastic engineering. Got lucky as this was hardly used. This was a $5000 bike brand new. My point is; if you are on a budget, it's usually better to buy a used, well cared for, brand name bike, than a new cheap one at a department store. It will be lighter, perform better, last longer, parts are more readily available, and shops will work on them. (a lot of shops won't work on department store bikes). Bikes from recognized brands go through an extensive engineering process to save weight, maximize performance, geometries that are conducive to people riding them in comfort etc. Department store bikes are usually made in China with designs that "look" like name brands bikes but have no engineering behind them. They source cheap, off brand parts - Including batteries on E bike - and usually have little to nothing in terms of customer support. You get what you pay for, but if you take some time looking on craigslist you might find a decent bike in your budget. - that said, my advice is worth exactly what you paid for it 😉
Jeff - 2023 FR Sunseeker 2400B MBS
