Electric Bikes - Any good electric bikes for sub-$400?

A friend of mine wants an electric-assist bike but can't afford the $2K bikes that are usually the only option. Are there any electric assist bikes that are around $400 (that aren't useless)? Do they even make them under $1000?

the only one worth anything in that price range would be the wally world ezip at 348.00 if you can find one

At $400 you could try the WalMart Ezip bike. If you already have a bike you could get a conversion kit, but will need to add more $ for SLA batts or $$$ for lithium batts.

the only one worth anything in that price range would be the wally world ezip at 348.00 if you can find one

You can find one easily by ordering online with free delivery to the WalMart on your choice. The price though just went up $50. They are now $398.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/catalog.gsp?cat=936799

You can find one easily by ordering online with free delivery to the WalMart on your choice. The price though just went up $50. They are now $398.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/catalog.gsp?cat=936799

At $400, the E-Zip is dangerously close to a price where some kits can now compete based on value for the money. Although I'd still recommend an E-Zip, some kits should be considered especially if you have a used bike available.

If an ebike costs $400, how much is e and how much is bike. I can't imagine a good bike alone for less than $400.

You can sometimes find a used Wilderness Energy hub for $200 or even less on fleabay. Those kits are pretty much indestructable. Add 2 or 3 SLAs (for $25 or so) and you're all set. Check seller feedback, of course.

Ugh. I just can't bring myself to support walmart. Sorry. How would I go about finding a kit instead? I'd be more willing to convert a crappy bike (i'll fix it up).

well if you don't like wally world they sell them on amazon.com more money plus shipping as for a used hub the old saying goes you get what you pay for

398= Ladies, 448=Mens with free shipping and no tax at Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Trailz-Electric-Comfort-26-Inch-Wheels/dp/B0017K2ZKA/ref=pd_bbs_sr_3?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1219782936&sr=8-3
If Canada is close to you, you can always make a trip to Canadian Tire. You may need to hit 5 or 6 of them before you find a 26" Schwinn Izip. They usually just have one, currently $499.
I bought 2 of them and just love them.

Ugh. I just can't bring myself to support walmart. Sorry. How would I go about finding a kit instead? I'd be more willing to convert a crappy bike (i'll fix it up).

Here's one that went for $200+$65 shipping. I can't tell if its a WE.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Bicycle-Electric-Conversion-Kit-48Volt-600Watt_W0QQitemZ270264625840QQihZ017QQcategoryZ47349QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Just keep watching ebay and search for the words "electric bicycle kit"

You can barely get a good bike for under $400, it seems unlikely you could get a 'good' electric bike for that.

Another thing, a bike is different than a car, a bike saves you money. If you buy a good electric or non-electric bike, you will ride it more and it will pay for itself in gas and maintainence alone and if you figure in the health aspect, it could save your life.