Best Electric Bikes Under $500

As summer approaches, many of us look forward to warmer weather and more opportunities to be outdoors. Biking is a great way to beat the heat and get in some physical activity, but it’s not always the most convenient method of transportation on those hot days. If you’re looking for a fun way to commute or want something new to try out, an electric bike might be the perfect fit for you! We’ve pulled together a list of the top-rated electric bikes under $500 that will make your city commute much more enjoyable. Of-course if you’re willing to amp up your budget a bit, we’ve also got a list of the 17 best electric bikes under $2000.

What to Look for in an Electric Bike Under $500

It’s not just about finding an electric bike under $500. It’s about finding an electric bike that’s perfect for you. For example, do you want a bike that’s super simple to handle? Or do you want it to have the longest range possible? Or would you prefer a more compact bike? There are a lot of factors to consider when it comes to choosing the right ebike for you. 

Another factor is the electric drive. Most modern electric bikes offer some version of either a mid-position hub motor or a front-hub motor. If your local bike shop doesn’t have one you’re interested in, you can usually order one online from many different retailers. It seems with the advances in battery technology, we can’t go a month without hearing about a new affordable electric bike that’s better than the previous model. However, it’s important to know how far ahead of the pack your chosen electric bike brand is.

How to Choose the Best Cheap Electric Bike?

To get you started, we’re going to break down the most important e-bike considerations when looking for a cheap electric bike. Don’t expect many bells and whistles in this price range, so here are the most important items to focus on. 

Power — This is the wattage that your e-bike’s motor will be able to throw behind it at a push of a button. Keep in mind the higher the output, the better. Most electric bikes in the $500 range will have a 250W motor. Anything higher is a bonus. 

Battery — This determines how long the e-bike can go off the grid before having to be recharged. This is generally measured in hours or some other chosen duration. You’ll also see this measured in Ah and/or Volts.  

Brakes — How well will your electric bike stop from a high rate of speed? Most bikes have newer, more modern braking systems — disc brakes for scooters/motorized scooters or drum brakes for single-speed bikes. Modern e-bikes are now incorporating regenerative braking to aid with overall stopping power and putting some energy back into the battery. 

Top Speed — Some e-bikes can go much faster than others. Depending on your desire to be a speed demon or not, you should consider how quickly you want to get around town. A lot of electric bikes under $500 will top out at 20 mph. 

Designed with a classic folding e-bike style and the use of an aluminum alloy frame, the ANCHEER 14 Inch Wheel Folding Electric Bike 500W with Removable 48V 7.5A Battery is one of the best electric bicycles for under $500 you can find today. The wheels are fitted with dual disc brakes for better stopping power, which can help prevent accidents and keep you safe on your daily travels. Ease of travel combined with pure fun makes this e-bike perfect for daily use.

With the Kent 20″ Torpedo Electric Bicycle, you can go places on two wheels you’ve never been before. This e-bike has a sturdy steel frame with a battery and charger. It also comes with a LED display to show you how much power you’re using and three levels of assist so you can choose the level that best suits your needs. The motor is mounted in the rear wheel and adds 180W of power in full power mode.

The motor power is turned on only when the user is pedalling. When the rider stops, the motor cuts off. The brake levers control a two-speed front brake and a single-speed rear brake that activate the motor to help with stopping.

Commuting can be tough. With the need to travel between home, work or school, the EB5 can help you save time and energy. Combining electric power and pedalling, the EB5 is one of the best commuter bikes for today’s riders. With a 15-mile range and 15 mph top speed, you can get to work early and hit the city hotspots by nightfall. This folding ebike folds down into a compact size and is light enough to carry up apartment or office stairs.

If you’re looking for the best folding electric bike, this upgraded Ancheer folding electric bike is a perfect choice. It’s ideal for short commutes and can be folded up and easily stored in your trunk when not in use. Compared to other folding electric bikes, you can save plenty of cash by staying close to the $500 threshold.

A lightweight, folding electric bike that’s perfect for commuting and joy riding is what we have here in the Murtisol 14″ Folding Aluminum Electric Bike. Ideal for the environmentally-conscious rider, this e-bike offers a 250-watt motor and 36V/6AH lithium battery that combine for a top speed of 15.5mph and up to 15.5 miles of range. Expect the battery to last 2-3 hours depending on terrain and conditions.

The EB5 Pro City & Campus Folding eBike is the ultimate solution for on-the-go urban commuters. Built to fit inside compact cars and small spaces, you can easily take it with you wherever you go. The EB5 is fully assembled, does not require a license or insurance, and can be driven as a bicycle or pedalled like any other electric bike. Simply unfold and ride!

Get ready for a thrilling ride with the Jetson Bolt, a foldable electric bike that’s sure to turn heads. Powered by a 250-Watt motor that can reach speeds up to 15 miles per hour, this electric bike offers plenty of power to go the distance. Featuring a sleek and stylish design, the Jetson Bolt is the perfect way to explore your hometown while helping the environment by reducing your carbon footprint.

Like many modern electric bikes, the Jetson Bolt’s hybrid drive system allows you to seamlessly switch between pedal assist and throttle modes depending on your riding conditions. The LED headlight offers a clear beam of light so you can ride with confidence no matter the time of day. And when your ride is over, the built-in carrying handle makes it easy to pick it up and go.

The Ktaxon Folding Electric Bike is a sleek and slender foldable electric bike with a streamlined shape that is elegant and aerodynamic. This bike features a high-grade metal frame that makes for a lightweight body. It can be propelled with the tap of a function button which activates the cruise control. This means that the driver can take their finger off the accelerator throttle.

The seat of this commuter ebike can be adjusted according to your height, and the handlebar of the electric bicycle can be folded, which makes it easy to carry. The tires are made of high-quality pneumatic rubber with good shock resistance and rebound performance. It is safe and reliable for riding on all kinds of roads.

The BT System Folding Electric Bike is a new type of electric bike that makes commuting or just getting around town more fun and convenient. The Dolphin shape design looks cool and sleek, while the IPX5 waterproof feature makes it as sturdy and reliable as it is good-looking. The rear disc brake allows for greater braking control when riding on all types of terrain. It’s also extremely easy to fold up to store away in tight spaces so that you can use your space more efficiently than ever before.

ELECTRIC BIKES UNDER $500 COMPARISON

Use the handy table below to compare all of the electric bikes under $500 featured in this buying guide.