A few years ago, I reviewed the fantastic EVO City Wave Electric Bike. I loved the speed and convenience of the pedal assisted ride, but felt the $3500 price was just too high for an average consumer. Thankfully, the market has changed rather quickly, and it is now possible to find an excellent electric bicycle for under two thousand dollars.

Australian company Velectrix has been designing electric bicycles for over ten years, targeting the affordable end of the market. At $1495, the Urban 2.0 model is a unisex bike with a classic european step through frame, perfect for vertically challenged riders like myself.

Knowing very little about bikes, I showed the Urban 2.0 to a lycra-clad cyclist friend, who was impressed with the build quality and parts used. He assured me that Velectrix had made some clever choices to reduce costs — you won't find the fancy handlebar computers you see on some electric bikes for instance — but there are surprising touches of quality here too; like the disc brakes on the back wheel.

The frame is heavy, with the main weight coming from the battery on board and the electric motor on the rear hub. But thanks to the pedal assist motor, the weight is not a problem at all, even on the steepest hills.

As a commuter bike, this is a smooth ride on bike paths and roadways, but the lack of suspension makes you feel every bump on a dirt path.