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Electric bicycles are all the rage these days. With their versatility and eco-friendly nature, it’s simple to see why a lot of people are making the switch to these convenient motorized bicycles.
But let’s be honest – e-bikes often come with an expensive price tag. That makes it less appealing, especially to those who have to stick to a budget.
Fortunately, not all e-bikes are expensive. If you know where to look, you’ll be surprised to find a wide range of affordable e-bikes with compact design and impressive features.
If you’re looking for budget-friendly e-bikes within an affordable price range , then you came to the right place. Here, we will review the top 8 best cheap electric bikes under $500. Continue reading to know more about what we think.
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The first on our list is the Engwe T14 Foldable E-Bike. With its 350-Watt rear hub motor, mechanical disc brake and impressive battery range, it’s surprising how affordable it is.
This powerful e-bike can go at 15 mph when run on electric mode. While it’s not the fastest e-bike we’ve tested, we were quite impressed by how well it performed.
And if you want to go faster, you can opt to ride it on full manual or regular bike mode. This allows you to control the average speed better to get to your destination faster.
Fortunately, switching between these three modes is a breeze. Even if you’re new to e-bikes, the Engwe T14 Commuter Bike can instantly make you feel like a pro.
Aside from its performance, we also love how pleasant it feels. The height adjustable seat is wide enough to offer bottom and spinal support to guarantee maximum comfort on extended rides. The seat height is also adjustable, so you don’t have to worry about arching your back or struggling to pedal during the ride.
Aside from the comfortable seat, the T14 E-Bike is also fitted with an impressive suspension system. This helps absorb much of the shock and vibrations from the road, and that allows you to enjoy a peaceful cruise throughout the day.
We also love the built-in LCD screen on this e-bike. It displays the battery status and current speed, so you know when it’s time to switch to pedal mode. But considering that it uses a 48-Volt 10Ah battery, running out of battery was the least of our concerns. Also, the removable lithium battery on this unit can be charged in just 6 hours. That’s quite convenient, especially if you want to use it for your daily commutes.
And if you’re worried about storage or parking space, we’re here to tell you that the Engwe T14 has got you covered. Its stylish design and sturdy foldable frame, that folds down nicely to allow you to carry it with ease. It is also quite compact, so it won’t take up a lot of storage space. If you live in a small home or apartment, this is the ideal e-bike for your everyday life.
All in all, the T4 Foldable E-Bike truly deserves to be one of the top 10 best electric bikes under $500.
ALSO READ: Best Folding Electric Bike Under $1000
Another top contender for the best electric bike under 500 dollars is the Gyroor C2. If you’re looking for a speedy performer with disc and EABS brakes that’s meant to dominate paved roads, then this is the e-bike for you.
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One of the first things we noticed about the Gyroor C2 is its lightweight construction. Thanks to its aluminum frame, this electric city bike is one of the most lightweight units we’ve tried. As a result, it was comfortably navigable, so even kids and teenagers can ride it securely to their destination.
The frame of this e-bike can easily be folded. We were able to collapse it into a compact shape in just a few seconds. This enables for trouble-free storage and portability, which is ideal for individuals who want to venture on new experiences while also bringing their e-bikes along.
Despite its being so light, the C2 is also quite durable. Aluminum alloy is one of the strongest and sturdiest materials for e-bikes. That assures you that it won’t be falling apart anytime soon.
But, what we were most impressed by is how dynamic this bike is. With its 450-Watt motor and 36-Volt 10 AH battery, the C2 can go at a faster speed of 18.5 mph. That’s one of the fastest speeds we’ve experienced on a budget-friendly e-bike. And that makes it truly outstanding.
Additionally, this road riding bike has a maximum mileage of around 20-25 miles (e bike mode). That’s enough to get you a roundtrip ride to your work or school without needing to pedal. And if you opt to go with the assisted pedal mode, you can make the most of it with a maximum mileage of 38 miles (pedal assist mode).
We also love how comfortable it felt during the ride. Though it doesn’t have any shock-absorbers but its highly durable anti skid tires helps do away with the vibrations of uneven roads, allowing us to ride in comfort. Nevertheless, we still think that it’s best for flat terrain and paved surfaces – and not for all-terrain adventures.
Overall, we are quite impressed by what the C2 has to offer. With its powerful performance to its convenient interface, there’s no doubt that it’s one of the best electric bikes under $500.
CHECKOUT: Best Electric Bikes Under $2000
If you’re looking for a modern city electric bike that you can use to replace your daily commutes, then the Ancheer Folding Electric Bicycle is an excellent choice. With its long-lasting battery, 16-inch tires and sturdy construction, this e-bike is here for you in the course of time.
When we first laid our eyes on this Ancheer bike, our first thought was that it was really smart. Unlike other electric folding bikes in the market, it has a futuristic feel to it that can instantly make heads turn. Fortunately, it’s not all just aesthetics – it also boasts a powerful performance that can put other budget e-bikes to shame.
The Ancheer Folding Electric Bicycle comes with a sturdy frame, so you know that it’s not something that will fall apart pretty soon. You can really feel the quality of the steel since it’s neither wobbly nor cheap-feeling. And that guarantees good value for the money.
While steel is known to be a heavy, we were surprised by how lightweight it was. It also has a collapsible design, so portability is one of its strengths.
Relatedly, the Ancheer City Electric Bike is highly maneuverable. We didn’t have any problem navigating through obstacles, which also reduces our risk for accidents.
While we’re on the topic of safety, we were also impressed by the dual disc brake system on this e-bike. It was responsive and capable, ensures a full stop whenever you need it. Even when you’re driving through slippery roads, you can count on these brakes to save you.
We also love how well this E-bike performs. It offers a 3-speed system and larger wheels that you can take advantage of when plying different road conditions.
This e-bike also has a 36V 8AH battery that can deliver a maximum mileage of 15 miles when on electric mode or around 30 miles on pedal-assisted mode. This makes it ideal for short errands or as a commuting substitute.
Overall, this e-bike from Ancheer is a top contender for the best folding electric bike under 500. With its sturdy construction and collapsible design it’s easily one of this year’s top choices.
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Last summer, Swagtron introduced a series of e-bikes to their consumers, and the Swagcycle Pro Pedal definitely tops the chart. Since the Swagcycle Pro is an updated version of the last year’s popular Swagcycle, it was bound to feature some improvements.
And during our review for the cheapest electric road bike, we were impressed with the subtle yet realistic improvements and little adjustments of the Swagcycle Pro, such as battery, mileage, and controls.
The Swagcycle Pro comes with a bigger battery. It boosts the performance of the e-bike by almost 50%, which is by any means incredible. We also love that even after a 50% battery boost, the size of the battery is still quite compact. So, the overall weight of the bike is relatively manageable, at just 31 pounds.
Furthermore, a full charge of the battery takes only 3-4 hours. As a result, you won’t have to wait for hours to hit the roads. And as far as coverage is concerned, it effortlessly goes beyond 15 miles per charge. So, we found no problem with it for daily commuting unless you plan for an extended weekend tour.
We were also impressed with its powerful motor and top speed. Thanks to its 250-watt motor, the bike can run at 18MPH with ease. While it is not the speediest e-bike out there, it is still more than enough for regular riders.
Next, we love that this bike runs on only throttle mode. Hence, the pedal-free riding is truly enjoyable. All you need to do is keep the legs on the bike’s pegs and twist the grip on the right handle to start your sweat-free ride. It also has a 12-degree inclining ability. It should be enough for you to ride slopes comfortably, but not suitable for high hills anyways.
The design is compact, and its controls are all placed for the rider’s convenience. It should fit into your car trunk. So, portability isn’t an issue. And for controls, you will get an indicator light for battery level, horns, headlight switch, and the power button on the handlebar. You can reach these controls without stretching your hand.
The bike comes integrated with the Swagtron App. It runs both on Android and iOS devices. So, you can easily track its average speed and distance if need be. Hence, the overall user experience of the e-bike was more than satisfactory. You will surely love its riding smoothness and upright sitting position as well.
ALSO READ: Best Road Bikes For Women Beginners
The DYU D3F Electric Bike for Adults is another e-bike to look out for. It has one of the most convenient interfaces we’ve tried, which is why we believe it deserves to be in our top 10 best electric bike under $500 price brackets.
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At first glance, we thought that the DYU D3F would be just another inexpensive folding bike that’s meant for paved lanes and flat terrain. We honestly didn’t expect much – but we were beyond surprised when we decided to give it a try.
The D3F Electric Bike for Adults comes with a powerful 250-watt brushless motor. As a result, it can push the e-bike at speeds of up to 15.5 mph. This is the ideal average speed for leisurely cruising, but still quick enough to help you get to your destination safely.
Additionally, the 250w motor is conveniently located in the rear wheel hub, giving it a rear-drive push every time. It’s so powerful that it can effortlessly climb elevated areas with up to 15% hill grade.
The DYU D3F Folding Bike for Adults is also fitted with 14-inch air-filled tires with deep lugs. This feature gives it added cushioning for added comfort. Additionally, we could confirm that the traction from the lugs helps with cruising through wet roads without fear of slipping.
The D3F is programmed with three modes: electric mode, assisted mode, and regular bicycle. Switching between these modes is also a breeze, so even novice users won’t have a problem with operating it.
We also love the battery on the DYU D3F Folding Electric Bike for Adults. It has a high-quality battery that allows you to travel around 18 miles when in the electric mode or over 30 miles in the assisted bicycle mode. That’s quite impressive, considering how affordable it is.
For our convenience, this affordable electric bike comes pre-assembled. Even if you don’t have any knowledge of assembling foldable bikes, you won’t have any problem with setting up.
For its user-friendly design and competitive price range, there’s no doubt that the D3F Folding Electric Bike for Adults is a great entry-level electric bicycle under 500 dollars.
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If you’re looking for the best electric mountain bike under 500 dollars, the Vivi H6 won’t disappoint you. It has all the characteristics of a sturdy EMTB.
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This cheap electric mountain bike comes with a 500W brushless motor that’s mighty and simple to control. Not only does it allow you to conquer inclined areas, but it will also help you navigate through rough roads and multiple obstacles.
Thanks to its 500W motor, the H6 can go as fast as 20 mph even without pedaling. Speaking of performance, it also offers a Shimano 21-speed gear system to allow you to maneuver through different terrain optimally. It’s easy to see, why this mountain bike is the perfect choice for the true adventure-seeker.
Speaking of adventure, the Vivi H6 comes with 26-inch knobby tires with deep lugs. This helps ensure a tight grip on the road to prevent slips – which is especially helpful on smooth surfaces or wet pavements.
We also love the mechanical shock absorber on the front fork. It really helps us take control over the unit since we could barely feel any vibrations from the surface. We even tried it on off-road terrain and the level of comfort was truly unbelievable.
The Vivi H6 also comes with a 48-Volt battery that delivers a maximum range of 25 miles. And that’s pretty astonishing for a low cost electric mountain bike.
For our safety, this e-bike comes with double disc brakes. These are responsive and helpful when you need it to go into a full stop – especially when you’re descending a hill. These mechanical brakes are powerful enough to bring the whole unit to a complete stop, and they can give you peace of mind in case of emergencies.
All things considered, there’s no denying that the Vivi H6 is one versatile e-bike. Whether you’re using it for your daily commute or your every off-road adventure, this is one e-bike that won’t disappoint. That’s why it’s one of the cheapest electric mountain bikes under $500.
ALSO READ: Best Road Bikes Under $400
If you crave speed above all, then you’re bound to fall in love with the Ancheer 500W E-Bike. With its combination of a 500W motor and a 48-volt battery and 14-inch wheels, it delivers power beyond compare – which is why it’ undeniably one of the best electric bikes under $500.
Thanks to its high-speed brushless motor, this folding bike has no problem with reaching top speeds of up to 20 mph without any pedal assist. While we were skeptical at first, we were blown away by how fast it can go, especially considering its price range. It’s truly one of the rare gems that we have on this list.
Additionally, we didn’t experience any problem with climbing uphill with this single speed e-bike. The power that the Ancheer 500W Electric Bicycle holds really amazed us.
Aside from its motor, this affordable electric bike also has an impressive lithium battery. It can give us range of up to 20 miles when it’s fully charged, and that can get you a roundtrip ride to your destination without pedaling or needing a recharge. And that’s really awesome.
Despite its speed, we find this e-bike to be highly navigable. We believe it’s because of its lightweight aluminum frame, that even beginners won’t have a problem with controlling it during the ride.
Also, the Ancheer 500W offers a collapsible design that allows it to fold down into one compact unit. This, paired with its lightweight aluminum alloy frame, makes it the portable choice for people who love exploring new territories.
To complement the frame, this e-bike is fitted with strong air-filled 14-inch tires. These tires offer extra cushioning to ensure a safe and stable ride – perfect for long cruises.
For our added convenience, the Ancheer 500W Electric Commuter Bike comes with a cruise control feature. Just twist the throttle, press the switch and leave the rest to the cruise mode. If you’re preparing for a long commute, this is the perfect feature to ensure a comfortable ride.
If you’re worried about how it performs when it rains, we’re here to tell you that there’s nothing to worry about. This e-bike comes with IPX5 waterproofing that keeps it protected against unexpected rain showers.
And to ensure further protection against external factors, this bike has an enclosed seal design that effectively keeps dust and debris out. That keeps the motor free from any build-up that can cause it to wear out easily – so you know you’re getting the best value for the money.
On the whole, it’s easy to see why the Ancheer 500W is one of the top 10 best electric bikes under $500. It’s capable, versatile and extremely elegant – what more can you ask for?
CHECKOUT: Velowave Electric Bike Reviews
E-bikes under 500 dollars with exceptional mileage are hard to come by, which is why we were impressed by the Gyroor C3 Electric Bike for Adults. Aside from its futuristic outlook, it also features a high-capacity battery and a foldable frame that can easily make all your friends turn green with envy.
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Unlike other e-bikes with modest mileage, the C3 can cover up to 28 miles without even using the pedal. This is owing to its smart battery management system that guarantees an optimal performance. If you opt to ride on pedal-assist mode, you will be able to ride for up to 38 miles. True enough, the C3 is the budget-friendly king of long-range rides.
Aside from the battery, the Gyroor C3 Electric Bike for Adults also has a powerful motor. It comes with a 450-Watt brushless motor that allows it to go up to around 18 mph. This is quick enough to be your commuting alternative, so you know it’s going to make a good investment.
We also love how it’s fitted with state-of-the-art safety features. First, it has a dual disc brake system that delivers progressive yet responsive braking to steer us clear from potential harm. It’s so powerful that we had no problem getting the e-bike to stop even on wet and slippery surfaces. Now that will surely give you peace of mind.
Second, the Gyroor C3 Electric Bike for Adults comes with a suspension system that keeps vibrations and jolts away. That reduces any uncomfortable elements that you may encounter during the ride, so you can stay in control of your e-bike.
Third, it is equipped with a headlight and rear lights. These features offer added visibility in case you have to cruise in low-light areas. That greatly reduces your risk of colliding with other bikes or people, so you can ride confidently at any time of the day.
To ensure its longevity, the C3 comes with an IPX54 waterproof design. This guarantees that even if it rains unexpectedly while you’re in the middle of the ride, the bike won’t suffer from any malfunctioning.
The Gyroor C3 Electric Bike for Adults also comes with a foldable design. That allows it to fit inside your car’s trunk or take up a tiny space in your garage – perfect for those living in dormitories or small apartments with no parking spaces.
ALSO CHECKOUT: Best Electric bikes Under $1500, Buying Guide
So far, most of the items on this list are catered towards adult riders. If you’re looking for an electric bike that’s suitable for teenagers, then look no further than the Jetson Bolt Electric Bike.
This modern e-bike comes with an aluminum alloy frame that’s effortless to maneuver, even for younger riders. But despite its lightweight structure, aluminum alloy is known for being quite sturdy, so you know it won’t fall apart while your child is enjoying the ride.
Despite being marketed for younger riders, the Jetson Bolt E-Bike has a maximum payload of 250 pounds. That means that it is sturdy enough to accommodate adults as well. Even if you have to carry your school bag or office bag, you can count on this e-bike to take you to your destination safely.
Aside from its undeniably stable build, we also noticed that the bolt is quite simple to use. It has an intuitive user interface that made it easy to ride, so our young riders won’t have a problem with getting it up and running.
Even setting it up is a breeze. The Jetson Bolt Electric Bike has a foldable frame and a pair of collapsible handlebar so it folds down into a compact unit, that makes it easy to carry. And since it only weighs around 34 pounds, it’s undoubtedly one of the most lightweight items on this list.
This E-bike comes with a 250W motor. While it’s not the most powerful, it offers a decent performance when cruising through urban terrain. This motor can push the e-bike at top speeds of 15 mph, which is safe enough for younger riders.
It also has a fast-charging lithium battery. This powers up the Jetson Bolt E-Bike for around an hour, which is enough to cover a distance of 15 miles.
With its eye-catching aesthetics, uncomplicated design, and impressive features, there’s no doubt that the Bolt deserves to be on this list. Furthermore, the fact it’s under $500, makes it quite a deal.
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Those who like minimalist design, and easy to access control panel will definitely applause the DYU V1 e-bike. We included this bike in the best affordable electric bike under $500 reviews for all these reasons, plus its longevity, attractive look, and outstanding mileage.
At 25 to 37 miles per charge for the battery, DYU V1 electric bike easily tops the list of the longest battery range and mileage for an e-bike. Thanks to such brilliant battery and mileage, you can confidently take it to your weekend tours and daily commuting routes.
On top of it, the powerful 260W motor offers a top speed of 15.5MPH. Although it is not as great as the Swagtron Swagcycle Pro, it is still up to the industry standard for e-bikes.
We also couldn’t help but appreciate the minimalist design of the e-bike. It comes in both white and black colors and truly looks attractive in both colors. We also loved its quick folding capacity in just 3-steps which makes transportation and storage of the e-bike supremely easy. So, you can store it inside the car trunk or underneath your office desks.
You also can park it in the parking lot without worries. Its anti-theft alarm will alert you if someone wants to grab it. It is a great benefit since even most high-end e-bike manufacturers don’t include the anti-theft feature in their bikes. We think it will surely bring peace of mind for owners and when you spend around $500 for something, it is important. Isn’t it?
For comfort and convenience, the bike has a dual shock-absorption system, that lessens the shocks to the lowest level and offers you a smooth ride even on the bumpiest roads. Plus, its brushless motor ensures consistency without any stoppage. You will also find its advanced remote-controlled lock, unlock, and starting options highly convenient and practical.
We did not doubt that it is one of the best electric bikes you can get for around $500 with such mileage, unique design, and outstanding riding smoothness. Hence, we couldn’t help recommending V1 for beginners and professionals alike.
ASLO READ: Best Electric Bike Under $700 – $750
Now that we have introduced our top 10 best electric bikes under $500, there’s a chance that you’re still torn between two or more choices. To help you narrow things down, this buying guide will discuss factors that you should bear in mind.
The first factor you should consider is the frame material. Identifying what the material is will help you determine how well it will hold up despite regular wear and tear.
For this purpose, there’s no denying that steel is a popular choice. Aside from being sturdy, it’s also easy on the budget. Aluminum and carbon steel are also regarded for durability, especially if you want a lightweight unit.
The motor gives the bike the power it needs to move forward. As much as possible, it should be powerful enough to deliver the speed that you want or to help you navigate through rough roads or those with inclinations.
Within this price range, somewhere between a 250-Watt and a 500-Watt motor is ideal. But, the final choice depends on the type of road you’re frequently plying. If it’s generally flat and paved, you can do well with a small motor. Otherwise, you should stick with a powerful one.
HERE IS ANOTHER HELPFUL ARTICLE: How To Remove The Speed Limiter On An E-Bike
If you want to rely solely on the bike’s electric motor, then you need choose one that comes with bigger batteries.
For a low cost e-bike, we don’t expect the batteries to last all day. But, we do expect it to at least give you a range between 15 and 30 miles. That should be enough for an hour-long journey.
Also, you should look into how fast or slow the battery charges, and whether or not it’s removable.
READ MORE: How To Charge Electric Bike Battery Properly
The next thing you should think about is how you want to control the speed of your electric bike. Two popular options are the Pedal Assist System or PAS and the throttle system.
For the PAS, pedaling itself helps you control the speed. This makes it easier to control since it feels as easy as cycling a regular bike but with the added boost from the motor.
On the other hand, throttles are located on the handlebar, and you either twist it or push a button with your thumb to switch between speeds. This makes it similar to riding a motorcycle, and novice cyclists may not have that experience yet.
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Perhaps the most important factor that you should look into is the safety features. Here are some of the basic safety features that an electric bicycle should have – regardless of how affordable it is.
This feature helps absorb the shock and vibrations when you’re riding through rough terrain to ensure a smooth and comfortable ride. As a result, it helps prevent backaches and hand cramps to help you focus on navigating.
The brakes should be responsive and powerful to ensure a sudden stop when you need. This is the biggest feature that can help prevent accidents.
You need visibility when riding through the night or when it’s foggy and clarity is low. These features will surely alert incoming persona and similar bikes to prevent possible collision.
ALSO READ: Electric Bike Laws By State
Aside from the factors mentioned above, you should also look into other features that you will need in an e-bike. Here are some examples for you to consider.
ALSO READ: E-Bike Maintenance Schedule And Checklist
Out of the items on this list, there’s no denying that the Gyroor C3 Foldable E-Bike offers the most impressive features. Despite its affordable price tag, it still boasts a efficient motor, a smart charging yet lasting battery, a durable construction, and undeniable riding comfort. What more can you ask for in an affordable electric bike for city commutes?
E-bike prices vary, with the range being somewhere between $400 for budget-friendly units to $2500 for more high-end ones.
Yes. For $500, you can get a decent e-bike with good mileage, impressive performance, and durable construction, which goes to show that you don’t have to break the bank to own a reliable e-bike.
Yes. While e-bikes are not inexpensive, they come with multiple benefits such as making city commutes less of a hassle, getting an excuse to exercise, and being eco-friendly, to name a few.
In general, e-bikes can go up steep hills, especially those with very powerful motors. However, we suggest looking into whether the particular unit is rated to climb uphill or not to prevent its malfunctioning during your ride on hilly terrain.
Yes. Electric bikes that will be used for casual activities like leisurely rides and city commutes will do just fine with a 500-watt motor. But if you’re into long rides and off-road adventures on uneven terrains, you might need more power.
The answer to this question depends largely on the motor’s capacity vis-à-vis the battery. But in general, an e-bike can last for around 1 to 2 hours when it’s fully charged. But the life span of an e-bike is about 5-7 years.
An electric bike with a 500-Watt motor can run as fast as 20 mph.
To make the most of what you paid for, the key is to ensure that your e-bike is well-maintained. Here are some pointers to keep in mind:
Not all electric bikes are waterproof. To be sure, we recommend looking into each model to verify if it is water resistant. Nevertheless, you can still clean your e-bike by wiping it down with a clean, damp cloth.
With these top 10 best cheap electric bikes under $500, you can see that a good e-bike has to have decent range, sturdy frame, and reliable safety features. These are the basic considerations to make sure that you’ll be getting your money’s worth.
But, if you want to pick the perfect e-bike for you, then you should learn to assess your needs and pick one based on these needs. This way, you’re bound to pick one that you’ll use and enjoy.
Remember that these e-bikes are not created equal, and some features might be good for you while others may be rendered useless. Keep that in mind before you make your purchase. Have a safe ride……
