Electric bikes, also known as e-bikes have grown massively in popularity in recent years. New technology allows us to use a more eco-friendly and definitely more fun way to get from A to B. In this article, we are going to look at the best electric bikes for under $500.
Whether it be your daily commute to work or an adventurous day out with friends an electric bike makes things more enjoyable and a lot easier.
With a powerful motor kicking in as we pedal, we can effortlessly travel around in no time.
However, with such a drastic improvement in technology the market is completely oversaturated with bikes, making it difficult to pick the right one. When extreme costs are added to this things get even harder.
Finding an e-bike that suits your needs and your budget can be an arduous task, but luckily for you, we have the solution.
We have done the research for you to find the best e-bikes on the market that not only give you exactly what you need but also fall into a reasonable $500 budget.
Whether you’re looking for a mountain bike to tackle tough tracks or a compact commuter bike to get you to work and back, we have something for you on our list.
Without further ado let’s get stuck into the list of best electric bikes for under $500.
OUR TOP PICK
The first bike on our list of best electric bikes for under $500 is the foldable Jetson electric bike. With a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, you can commute to work or explore your neighborhood for up to 15 miles.
Thanks to the ultra-lightweight aluminum frame you can easily take this bike with you into the office before collapsing it down to place it under your desk.
The foldable design feature on this bike also makes it a great option if you want a bike you can take on holiday with you. Simply fold the bike away and place it in the back of your vehicle.
In terms of the power in this bike you can expect decent speed that will get you from A to B quickly. The soft cushioned seat and flexible handlebars will ensure your comfort during your ride.
We personally love the design of this bike. It looks classy and streamlined, with a matt black color that gives modern and stylish vibes.
The only downside to this bike is its inability to be used off-road.
If you want a fantastic, reliable commuter bike then the Jetson is ideal. If it’s an adventure e-bike you’re after, you should probably look at another bike on this list.
Pros
- Foldable - This bike can be collapsed for easy storage.
- Lightweight - It's lightweight design helps make the bike easier to carry or move.
- Stylish - The Jetson electric bike is the perfect stylish bike to ride around town.
Cons
- Small range - A max range of 15 miles isn’t actually that much for an electric bike.
Also available at:
Jetson.com
EDITORS CHOICE
The next on our list of the best electric bikes for under $500 is the ANCHEER 500W electric bike has a stronger motor that will give you assisted riding for up to 20 miles.
Available in black and white this e-bike is great for those of you wanting to commute to work or cruise through the city with your friends.
Reaching speeds of 20mph you will arrive swiftly at your destination.
This bike has a 48V 7.5Ah lithium-ion battery that should be more than enough for your daily amount of cycling.
Featuring a dual-disc braking system you can ride safely knowing your bike can stop quickly and safely over a shorter distance than other bikes.
One aspect of the ANCHEER bike that we loved was the neat cruise control feature.
You can twist the throttle for 8 seconds before pressing a switch which puts the bike in cruise control letting you reach a set speed.
Unlike other electric bikes that require you to pedal before the motor kicks in, this bike has full e-power letting you ride freely without having to use any of your strength.
This will come in handy after those long, tiring days at work.
If that wasn’t enough this bike looks and feels amazing. Its attractive design is inspired by the shape of a dolphin.
The aluminum frame and soft cushioned seat also make it easy to ride for long periods of time without feeling any discomfort.
Pros
- 100% full e-power - You don’t need to use any of your energy.
- Good mileage - You can travel up to 20 miles before needing a recharge.
- Dual disc brakes - The ANCHEER e-bike can stop quickly and safely.
Cons
- Not suited for off-road riding - This bike is great on road but will struggle on dirt tracks.
Also available at:
ancheer.shop
BEST VALUE
The RinKmo e-bike is the first on this list of best electric bikes for under $500 that offers a lot more versatility in terms of where it can be ridden. It also offers the most speed and distance out of the bikes so far.
The RinKmo electric bike looks like any other stylish mountain bike but it is fitted with a 250W motor that will take you up to speeds of 21mph for 38 miles.
Aside from its impressive performance, this bike was designed brilliantly for riding off-road.
With thick 26 inch wheels, a high-quality lightweight aluminum frame, and a 21-speed transmission system you can ride along dirt tracks and big hills with friends easily.
When we reviewed this bike we fell in love with its design, but it was the comfortability features the bike has that stole our hearts.
When riding off-road you need a bike that won’t cause discomfort as you ride.
Fitted with an adjustable seat, ergonomic handlebar, anti-slip tires, and a high-strength suspension fork, this bike takes your riding comfort up a level.
As if that wasn’t enough if you decide you simply want to have a normal bike ride you can remove the battery.
If you’re looking for a well-rounded e-bike, look no further than the RinKmo.
Pros
- Perfect for any scenario - The RinKmo is a great bike for any type of ride.
- Impressive mileage - Using the pedal-assist mode will keep the motor working for up to 38 miles.
- 85% pre-assembled - You only need to assemble a small part of the bike.
Cons
- Not suitable for children - This bike is only available in adult size.
Also available at:
Walmart.com
RUNNER UP
Now for the runner-up option on our list of best electric bikes for under $500. The Sailnovo electric bike is a great option for adults and teenagers who want a sturdy and reliable bike that they can transport easily and ride over long distances.
This bike with a handy foldable feature runs for 45 miles without needing to be recharged. The 36V 10.4Ah lithium-ion battery is capable of powering the motor to a speed of 19mph.
Sailnovo cleverly designed this e-bike with three modes so you can choose your style of riding.
These modes are electric bike, pedal-assist bike, and traditional bike. Having these three modes gives you flexibility and freedom to ride in the way you enjoy most.
When taking a look at the Sailnovo bike we were impressed with the high-quality brake and gear system.
The front and back of the bike are fitted with double disc brakes that provide powerful and safe braking.
The 14-inch tires also added extra stability and smoothness to the ride, even when encountering more uneven terrain.
In terms of appearance, the Sailnovo bike looks wonderful. Available in black and red, or white and black this is a bike you will be happy to ride.
Its lightweight look and minimalistic design give it a modern look that will look great when riding through the city or tackling uneven terrain.
The super thick padded seat will also ensure your backside doesn’t get sore on those long jaunts.
Pros
- Suitable for teenagers and adults - This bike is a great option for younger and older people.
- Ride for 45 miles - You can ride for up to 45 miles on this e-bike without needing to recharge.
- Unique - This bike has a unique look that looks awesome.
Cons
- Heavy to pedal without the motor - When using traditional bike mode you might find this bike quite heavy to ride.
RUNNER UP
The final bike on our list of best electric bikes for under $500 is ever so slightly over our budget but it is well worth taking a look at.
The Ecotoric electric mountain bike could be a good option for you if you need a bike you can ride to work or around the neighborhood or off-road and through the mountains.
One of this bike’s main features is the inclusion of a Shimano External Gear 7 Speed system, making it a lot easier to ride like a normal mountain bike.
To ensure you ride off-road in comfort Ecotoric has included anti-slip tires and an adjustable soft cushioned seat.
This along with a strong suspension makes the bike take the pressure instead of you.
The removable lithium-ion battery on this bike takes approximately 6-8 hours to charge and once fully charged can run for up to 20 miles at a speed of 20mph.
This bike not only offers a versatile performance over a decent distance. It also comes with a great design that looks awesome and makes the riding experience even better.
The aluminum frame is slim and lightweight making it easy to ride the bike without the battery and also carry the bike up and downstairs if you ride it to the office.
Overall if you want a bike that does a bit of everything well, take a look at the Ecotoric electric bike.
Pros
- Versatile - This bike has features that make it a good on-road and off-road bike.
- Stylish design - The Ecotoric electric bike looks as good as any other mountain bike.
- Lightweight - You can easily ride this bike without the battery or take it into your workplace.
Cons
- Over budget - This bike is just over the $500 budget.
Also available at:
Ecotoric.com
Best Electric Bikes For Under 500 Buying Guide
To make your final decision you need to think about your needs and requirements. There are some things you can consider that will help you decide which bike is the best electric bike for under $500 fou you.
In this buyer’s guide, you will find some useful factors to think about regarding the best electric bikes for under $500 before you make your decision.
Battery Capacity
One of the most important things to think about is the battery capacity on the bike you choose because this will impact how far you can travel before needing to recharge.
If you need to travel for a long period of time over a distance of 30 miles then you will need a bike that has higher watt-hours (Wh) and amper-hours (Ah).
A bike with higher Wh and Ah will run for longer, for example, the Sailnova bike has a 10.4Ah battery and can travel for 45 miles. The ANCHEER bike has a 7.5Ah battery and can therefore only run for 20 miles.
Type Of Battery
Different types of batteries are better than others and important to understand when exploring the best electric bikes for under $500. This is because they may be more powerful or simply weigh less making it easier to ride the bike.
The best battery and the one we recommend you look out for is a lithium-ion battery. This battery is ideal for an e-bike because it is lightweight, durable, and can last a longer period of time than other batteries on the market.
Other batteries that work well but should only be considered after a bike with a lithium-ion battery can be found below.
- Lead-acid - Very cheap but quite heavy, making it harder to ride the bike.
- Nickel-cadmium - These batteries do last longer if looked after but they do have a lower power density and can get discharged fairly easily.
- Nickel-metal hydride - These batteries are more expensive than the two above but they don’t have many more advantages. They do hold more charge but they aren’t as durable.
Top Speed Regulations
Another thing to keep an eye out for when considering best electric bikes for under $500. The top speed of an e-bike depends on the type of motor and the weight of the person riding it. Most bikes can typically reach a speed between 20 and 28mph.
Before you choose a bike though you need to also consider speed regulations. Areas vary in terms of how fast you are legally allowed to ride an electric bike.
With this in mind, you should take a look at the rules in your local area so you can be sure the bike you buy is legal.
Most of the time the legal speed limit is between 20 and 30mph anyway so you should be fine.
Type Of Bike
There are a number of different types of electric bikes on the market so before you make a decision you need to consider what type of bike you need.
Below are the types of bikes you can buy and what type of riding they suit.
Mountain E-bike
As its name implies this type of e-bike is primarily designed for off-road riding.
Though they can be used on road too they have specific features like flat handlebars and wider tires that make them better suited to dirt tracks and hills.
Commuter E-bike
Commuter e-bikes are perfect for riding through the city on your way to the office. Commuter electric bikes have large, narrow tires that give the bike extra grip while not compromising your speed.
Cruiser E-bike
The cruiser bike is similar to the commuter bike and suits more recreational riders who ride on paved roads and flat terrains.
They typically have wide tires and a suspension system that smoothens the ride. The handlebars are also raised higher to give you a more upright posture as you ride.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Advantages Of Owning An Electric Bike?
There are a number of advantages that come with owning an electric bike. The main one is that it is a more environmentally friendly way of traveling.
By using an e-bike instead of your car you can reduce your carbon footprint.
You can also cover more distance than a regular bike and of course, people who may normally struggle to ride due to physical barriers have the opportunity to travel further.
What Are The Disadvantages Of Owning An Electric bike?
The main disadvantage of owning an electric bike is the cost of buying one. An electric bike usually costs a lot more than a regular bike.
Though you can still find good deals you will typically spend a lot more on your bike if it’s electric. Amazingly some bikes cost up to $10,000.
Another disadvantage is the weight of the bike. E-bikes weigh a lot more than regular bikes because of the battery and the motor.
Is It Worth Buying An Electric Bike?
If you have the money we would say it is definitely worth buying an electric bike. Electric bikes give you more freedom with your riding, making it possible to ride in places you might not normally be able to reach.
On top of that, they will save you money on transport to and from work in the long run and reduce your carbon footprint. Oh and most importantly they are super fun to ride.
Final Thoughts
Owning an electric bike is an awesome way to get around for many reasons.
Though they will most likely never replace the traditional bike they offer us a greener way to travel more efficiently.
You can get from A to B in no time with the help of a powerful motor that can normally run for at least 18 miles but sometimes up to 45 miles.
Finding an e-bike can be difficult with there being so many to choose from on the market, but hopefully, we have helped you out.
Our research has allowed us to give you a list of the best bikes under $500.
Some of the bikes are perfect for riding through the city on your daily commute, while others are perfect for off-road riding through the mountains. Some bikes are even designed to let you do both.
Now you have our list of the best electric bikes for under $500, it's over to you. Take the list and carry out further research to narrow down your options.
Once you have narrowed down your options even further you should be able to make a final decision you can be pleased with.
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