List of the Best Electric Bikes Under $500 in 2023

These electric bikes are a great way of getting around in these times. These bikes are fast and fun to ride. They can also be taken on public transport. For your commute and other errands, electric bikes are much cheaper than driving a car. Many e-bikes are available at very affordable prices. This sounds appealing to you? Then read on for our guide and recommendations to the best electric bikes under $500.

Here are our top five picks for top electric bikes below $500. Our recommendations were based on features, price, durability and customer reviews.

Top Pick – ANCHEER 350/500W electric bike ($679-$719)

 

Specifications

• Max Speed 20 mph
• Range 22-40 miles
• Max Rider Weight 250 lbs
• Bike Weight 53 lbs
• Motor Power 350 or 500 watt hub motor
• Speeds – 24 speed Shimano Altus
• Brakes– disc
• Size – 27.5 Inch

The Ancheer 350W/500W Electric Bike offers a low-cost, reliable city bike or dirt road bike ebike. There are three power modes. There are three power modes: Pedal assistance, motor and pedal alone. For a higher price, it is available with a 350-watt or 500-watt motor.

Although it looks like a mountain bike, this bike is designed for city riding on dirt roads and mild trails. This bike does not have the components or power to do true trail riding. It is great for city riding or road riding. It has no damping and the front shock is very soft. It absorbs cracks and potholes in pavement, as well as some of the gravel road’s roughness. The front suspension will bottom out if you ride it on a trail that is full of roots and rocks.

The bike’s specs are similar to non-electric mountain bikes that cost $400 to $500. It features Shimano Tourney components. The disc brakes are a nice upgrade. It comes with 27.5-inch wheels and semi-knob tires.

The bike comes with cable-operated disc brakes. This should give the bike good stopping power. Users felt that the brakes could be stronger to stop the bike from reaching top speed on the 500-watt version.

It is a 350 watt motor. The motor is located in the rear wheel’s rear hub. It provides decent assistance and can move the bike at top speed on flat terrain. For trail climbing or steep hills, it is not sufficient.

For road riding, the pedal assist is great. To activate the pedals and begin applying assistance, it takes about a half turn of the pedals. There are three levels of assist available. It provides a little assistance at the lowest level. It will pedal faster on flat ground than at the lowest level.

Depending on how much you pedal, the battery can go anywhere from 20 to 40 miles. The range depends on many factors, including rider weight, terrain and speed. This battery is sufficient for short commutes or running errands. You can charge the battery on or off your bike. The battery has an on/off switch that prevents it from running out of juice when not in use. To prevent theft, the battery is protected by a key lock.

The narrow side of the seat is visible. You may replace the seat with something more comfortable if you are looking for a bike seat that is more ergonomic.

The Ancheer 350/500 Watt mountain bike is a great city or dirt bike electric bike. It is well-made and easy to use.

Overall Rating

4.8

What we like?

• Power system that is easy to use
• You can charge the battery on or off your bike
• Excellent overall package with bike, motor and battery
• You can choose from 350- or 500-watt models to meet your needs
• Long-range

What we didn’t like

• The front suspension fork is located on the soft side
• Brakes could benefit from more stopping power

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Best Value – ANCHEER Folding 500W Electric Bike ($489)

Specifications

• Max Speed 20 mph
• Range 18-20 miles
• Max Rider Weight 265 lbs
• Bike Weight 39.7 lbs
• Motor Power – 500 watt hub motor
• Speeds– a single speed
• Brakes-disc & electric
• Size – 14 Inch

The Ancheer Folding 500W Scooter Electric Bike makes for a fun and enjoyable little ride. The 500 watts are combined with a compact, lightweight folding design.

To keep the bike light, it has a single-speed driveline and a 500 watt motor. This e-bike is small and lightweight. They didn’t have a more complicated driveline, which helped them save weight.

The rear hub motor is 500 watts, giving it plenty of power. It is able to accelerate and maintain a good speed on smooth, flat surfaces. It is slower on hills with heavier riders. Pneumatic tires are a good choice. It isn’t as smooth on the 14-inch wheels as a bike with 26-inch or lager wheels.

For great stopping power, there are front and back disc brakes. It also functions as a regenerative brake. This allows you to charge your battery slightly every time you stop.

To accommodate taller riders, the handlebar and seat can be adjusted to make this bike more comfortable. To make it easier to store, the handlebar can also be folded.

With a carry handle, the bike weighs only 39.7 pounds. This bike can be carried to work, on the bus, or on the subway. You can take the bike anywhere you want because of its portability.

You can change the settings, including your top speed, via a smartphone app. The box’s top speed is 15 mph, but the app allows you to increase it to 20 mph.

The ANCHEER Folding 500W Scooter Electric Bike, which is also one of the most affordable e-bikes on the market, is a great bike to ride. It is our top pick for electric bikes under $500.

Overall Rating

4.7

What we like?

• Super fun to ride
• Portable and compact
• It’s easy to store
• 500 watt driveline
• Simple single speed design
• You have enough power to get by in hilly terrain
• IPX5 Water Resistant

What we didn’t like

• It weighs in at almost 40 lbs, making it difficult to transport long distances.
• It is unable to handle larger riders who are close to its weight limit.

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Swagtron EB5 Folding Electric Bike ($445)

Specifications

• Max Speed 15 mph
• Range 15.5-30 miles
• Max Rider Weight– 264 lbs
• Bike Weight 42.3 lbs
• Motor Power – 250 watt hub motor
• Speeds Single speed
• Brakes U-Brakes
• 16 Inch Wheel Size

The Swagtron SWAGCYCLE is a portable electric bike that folds down to a small size. It folds down to an extremely compact size. It weighs in at 42.3 pounds and is easy to transport with its built-in carrying handle. You can choose between a throttle-operated motor or pedal assistance.

You can replace the battery by removing the battery from the frame. If you need more range, additional batteries are available. You can ride the bike for 30 miles without pedal assistance or for 15 miles using just battery power. The bike can reach a maximum speed of 15mph. It is a hub motor that is located behind the wheel.

This bike has a pedal assist that is always on. It only has one power level, which is full power. This is a good option for larger riders. With just a small pedal effort, it will get you moving quickly. It is too powerful for smaller riders. With pedal assist, there is plenty of power to climb hills. With power off, the single-speed driveline makes it difficult to climb hills.

The U-brakes on this bike do a good job of stopping it.

All parts of the bike can be folded, including the frame, handlebars and pedals. You can adjust the seat to accommodate both small and large riders. This bike can be adjusted to fit both tall and short riders. It is compact enough to fit in many small cars’ trunks without folding. You can fit it almost anywhere when folded.

The Swagtron EB5 folds up into a small, lightweight electric bike that can be taken anywhere. It is easily one of my favourite bikes under $500.

Overall Rating

4.6

What we like?

• Compact folding design
• Simple reliable design
• For a smaller footprint, foldable pedals

What we didn’t like

• Hill climbing is difficult with a single-speed driveline without electric assistance
• A smaller wheel size means that the ride is not as smooth

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ANCHEER 350W Electric Bike ($579)

Specifications

• Max Speed 20 mph
• Range 22-40 miles
• Max Rider Weight 300 lbs
• Bike Weight 52 lbs
• Motor Power – 350 watt hub motor
• Speeds – 21 speed Shimano Tourney
• Brakes-disc brakes
• Size – 26 Inch

The Ancheer 350 Watt Sunshine electric mountain bicycle is an upgraded version their 250 watt bike. The basic bike has the same motor, battery, and controller as the 250-watt version.

It is very similar to the ANCHEER 250 watt mountain bikes. The basic mountain bike is priced between $400 and $500. It features Shimano Tourney driveline components as well as a generic, non-adjustable spring suspension. It features a 3×7 pedal driveline and 21 speeds. It comes with 26-inch wheels. To learn more about the $500 mountain bikes, click here. This bike has the same restrictions for trail riding as any other mountain biking machine at this price.

This bike has the brakes set up as normal. The front is on the left, and the rear on the right. The rotors measure 180mm in diameter and are powerful enough to stop.

It is a 350-watt rear hub motor. It can reach speeds of up to 20 mph. The bike will only travel that fast on smooth, flat terrain and not on hills. You can charge the upgraded battery on the bike or on the bike. The battery can go between 20 and 40 miles. Users found that they could travel between 15 and 20 miles with only motor power.

This bike’s electric controller is now 250 watts. There are only two modes. You can choose between power and unpowered. It is a regular bike in unpowered mode. It can be operated in powered mode with both the throttle control and the pedal assist activated simultaneously. It is much easier to ride because you don’t have to change modes. It is easy to stop pedalling and get on the throttle.

Many users report that they have to tighten the fasteners after receiving their bike. Before you use the bike, make sure to inspect all bolts and cable fasteners.

It is approximately medium in size. This bike frame is suitable for riders between 5′ 3′ and 5′ 9′. To comfortably ride this bike, people who are taller than 5′ 3″ or more will require a handlebar and stem with more height.

For a fraction more, the ANCHEER 350 watt mountainbike is a great upgrade to the 250 watt bike. This is the best electric bike under $1000.

Overall Rating

4.5

What We like?

• Simple 2 mode controller
• Top speed and power
• A good overall package for e-bikes at a fair price

What we didn’t like

• Before you ride, make sure to inspect for loose fasteners
• For riders 6 feet and taller, the bike frame is too small

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Jetson Bolt Folding Electric Bike ($350)

Specifications

• Max Speed 18 mph
• Range 17 miles
• Max Rider Weight 250 lbs
• Bike Weight 34 lbs
• Motor Power – 250 watt hub motor
• Speeds – No pedal driveline
• Brakes – Rear disc brake
• Size – 14 Inch

The Jetson Bolt folding electric bike is small and compact, but it’s a fun little electric bike at a great price. This bike is great for commuting and just for having fun.

Bolt doesn’t have a pedal driveline. It is an e-bike that only has throttle power. Bolt Pro is available in an upgraded version that includes a pedal driveline as well as other features.

This bike’s best feature is its fun rideability. After removing the speed limiter from the smartphone app, it can reach 18 mph. It can travel up to 15mph as it was delivered. Because it has smaller wheels, it rides more like a scooter rather than a bike. It can go 18 mph and will pump your adrenaline.

The rear wheel houses a 250-watt hub motor. You can zoom easily on flatlands. Even with heavier riders, it will have trouble climbing hills. The Bolt Pro might be a better choice if you intend to ride your ebike up hills.

There is only one rear disc brake for brakes. Although it is sufficient to stop you, we prefer both a front brake and a rear brake. The rear brake has less stopping power than the front brake. We are aware that compromises were made in order to keep this bike affordable. This is why we have included it.

For night riding, the bike comes with LED taillights and headlights. To let cars around you know that you’re stopping, the taillight acts as a brake light.

The handlebar folds down on the bike. The bike is already compact, so it doesn’t shrink in size. It is available for anyone who wants to use it. It is lightweight at 34 lbs, making it easy to transport. This bike can be carried into your office, or on public transport to go wherever you want to go.

This is a fun, zippy little bike. This is also one of the most affordable e-bikes on the market.

Overall Rating

4.5

What we like?

• It’s a great bike to ride
• Compact size
• Simple clean design

What we didn’t like

• Struggles to climb hills
• No pedal driveline

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Electric Bike Guide 2023

When purchasing an electric bicycle, there are many things you should consider. What are your plans for riding it? What distance can you ride it? Is it best to transport it by public transportation or in your car’s trunk? What speed do you need to go? Let’s look at all these questions about electric bikes.

What are the advantages of an electric bicycle?

An electric bike has many benefits. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits.

• These bikes allow you to go further and faster than with a traditional bike.
• E-bikes are available for people who cannot ride regular bikes due to lower back injury.
• An e-bike can be used to lose weight. This is especially true if you have injuries and can’t do any other exercise.
• E-bikes are great for commuters. E-bikes are cheaper than cars to purchase and maintain.
• They’re fun to ride. No matter the bike, it’s fun to ride a bike.

What should I look out for when purchasing an electric bicycle?

Operating modes

There are several operating modes available for electric bikes. There are two types of electric bikes: pedal assist and motor powered. Depending on the bike, an electric bike can operate in either one or both modes. Some electric bikes can switch between modes.

• Powered Bicycle – The motor can drive the bike without needing to be pedalled. You may have pedals on the bike.
• Pedal Assist The motor only provides power when the rider pedals. The pedal sensor detects when the pedal is being pressed and turns the motor when it is.
• Unpowered bicycle – The bike is pedaled without any electric assistance or power.

Motor power

The motors in most electric bikes under $500 have between 250-350 watts of power. Referring to the 1 horsepower, it is equal to 7475.7 watts. A e-bike with more power will go faster and go higher.

Size of the battery

36-volt lithium batteries are the most common type of battery for electric bikes under $500. A bike that has more capacity batteries will be able to provide more range and more power. Lithium cells with higher capacities can be discharged at a higher current and without damaging them. Higher capacity is better. However, more capacity means that batteries are heavier and larger. You can only store so many batteries on a bicycle frame. Battery weight is important if you have to transport your electric bike.

Type of bike

Electric bikes can be found in almost all types of bicycles. Below are the most popular bikes.

• Road bike These bikes are designed to be used on smooth, paved roads. These bikes have a crouching down riding position and drop handlebars.
• Mountain bike These bikes can be used off-road on trails. These bikes have flat handlebars, and are more upright to ride. Many have either front suspension or full suspension.
• Hybrid bicycle These bikes are a mix of road and mountain bikes. These bikes have a more upright riding position with flat handlebars, similar to mountain bikes. They have lighter tires and are more pavement-oriented than other bikes.
• Gravelbike – This is another hybrid between a mountain bike, and a road bike. These bikes have the droopy handlebars and crouching down position of a roadbike with tires and wheels that are more oriented towards gravel and dirt roads.
• Commuter bicycle These are an offshoot from a roadbike. These bikes have upright seating positions and flat handlebars. They are equipped with pavement-friendly tires and wheels.
• Folding bike This is a folding bike that folds in half to make it more portable. These bikes are usually road bikes with flat handlebars and pavement-oriented tires and wheels.

Driveline

You will find a combination of cogs (rear wheels) and chainrings (front gears). Bike below $1000 have 3×7 drivelines with 7 cogs and 3 chainrings. E-bikes can also be equipped with motor assistance so they don’t require very low gearing. Some bikes come with a single chain ring, 7 cogs and a 1×7 or 7-chain ring.

A higher end driveline means more gear ratios. This allows for better climbing (lower gear) and higher top speed (higher gear).

You can move from a 3×7 system to a 3×8 or 3×9 system as the cost goes up. Next, you will find a 2×10 system. Finally, you’ll find a 1×11 and 1×12 on higher end bikes. The 1 x 12-inch bikes are simple and easy to use, as they offer a wide range of riding and have no need for a front derailleur.

This might seem counterintuitive since lower end bikes have less parts and lose the front derailleur. The 3 chainring drivelines on low end bikes would make it seem more complicated.

Type of brake

Bike brakes can be either a v-brake, u-brake that clamps on the rim to stop it or disc brakes. V-Brakes, which are traditional bike brakes, are controlled by a cable. These brake pads are clamped against the sidewalls on your bike rims and work by clamping brake pads. When properly set up, they work great. They won’t work if the bike rims are wet. It can cause the clamping effort to be reduced if the bike wheel is bent or out of alignment. They are less powerful than disc brakes in stopping power.

Disc brakes are designed to clamp against the rotor that is attached to your bike’s center. You can either use a cable or hydraulics to operate them. They offer several advantages over v brakes. They offer much greater braking power. With just one finger effort, you can stop quickly. They are also useful on wet roads. The rotor is not close to the wheels or wet pavement. Because they attach to the hub, they can be bent or removed from true wheels.

Disc brakes are more efficient and preferable for all e-bikes.

Frame Material

Aluminum is the most common material used for bike frames. Aluminum is lightweight and affordable.

Although carbon fiber is the most popular option, it is also much more costly. Carbon fiber bikes are lighter than aluminum bikes, and will weigh in at least half the weight. To save those few pounds, you will need to spend a few thousand dollars.

Some bikes still have steel frames. The frames of steel are slightly heavier than those made from aluminum. Steel frames have good durability, and are more flexible than aluminum. This can give you a more comfortable ride.

An electric bike can carry several pounds worth of batteries. Many electric bikes have between 20 and 30 lbs of battery weight, which is twice the weight of some bikes. If you’re going to add pounds of weight to a carbon frame, it is not worth the cost.

Size of the wheel

Larger bicycle wheels offer a smoother ride. Bigger wheels are easier to roll and more efficient. Full-size bike wheels come in three sizes: 29 inches or 700C, 27.5 inch or 650b, and then 26 inches. 26 inches is not common, except for cheap mountain bikes and fat bikes with 4 in tires.

Smaller wheels are used for folding bikes and small portable bikes. They make it easy to transport. These bikes won’t ride as smooth and will require more effort to climb hills.

Class 1, 2, 3 e-bikes

California has created a system with three classifications for electric bicycles. It has been adopted by several other states and federal agencies. These are the classifications:

• Class 1 ebike– pedal assistance only, no throttle, and a top speed of 20 mph
• Class 2 ebike – The motor can power the bike with a maximum speed of 20 mph.
• Class 3 ebike – pedal assistance only, no throttle and a top speed of 28mph

Is it worth buying an electric bike?

Although an electric bike may not be right for you, it is possible. They are worth it for those who love to ride them. E-bikes are always cheaper than cars to own and ride. An e-bike can help you save tons of money on your commute. These bikes can be used by people who have back or lower injuries and are unable to ride a bicycle.

What are the drawbacks of electric bikes?

An electric bike has many advantages, but only a few drawbacks.

• An electric bike is more expensive than a regular bicycle. After a few years, the battery will need replacing which will increase the cost.
• Some states and cities restrict the use of certain types of e-bikes in public areas. To find out what you can and cannot ride on public roads in your area, you should check the laws.
• Many mountain bike trails prohibit electric bikes. More trails are now accepting class 1 pedal-assist bikes. Because of their many benefits for injured and older bikers, they will likely be legal on all trails in the coming years.

What is the average life expectancy of an e-bike?

E-bikes can last twice as long as conventional bikes. As you charge and discharge the battery, it will reduce its capacity and eventually wear out. An average e-bike battery can last between 10,000 and 33,000 miles. It depends on how often you ride, this could be quite long. It will last longer if the bike is kept indoors and away from the elements.

How can I maintain my e-bike?

An electric bike requires the same maintenance as a regular bicycle, except that the motor and battery are not included. For some maintenance tips, see the video below.

FAQ Electric Bike

Q: How fast do electric bikes go?

The maximum speed of e-bikes in class 1 and 2 is 20 mph. Class 3 ebikes can only go 28 mph. An electric bike can be pedaled faster, but the motor won’t allow you to go faster. You can go faster on electric bikes that do not conform to the classification standards. It becomes a moped in most states above 28 mph. You will need a driver’s licence and registration.

Q: Do I need a helmet to ride an ebike on?

The laws regarding helmets vary from one place to the next. When biking, I always use a helmet. There have been a few frightening moments, including when I crashed headfirst into a tree while mountain biking. I would recommend it regardless of whether it is required by law.

Q: How often do I need to charge my ebikes?

You should not leave your ebike battery completely charged to ensure its longevity. After you’re done riding your electric bike, let it cool off a bit if it is hot before you recharge it. Your e-bike battery should be kept charged at least 50% for storage.

Lithium batteries can be sensitive so they need to be handled with care. Overcharging or completely discharging lithium batteries are the worst things you could do. Overcharging can cause fires. Many lithium battery chargers include circuits that prevent overcharging. For safety precautions, you should always refer to the owner’s manual of your charger and battery.

The cells can be damaged if the lithium battery is completely discharged. They may lose their charge and cannot be repaired. Over time, all batteries will experience a slow self-discharge. Although it is slower with lithium batteries, it still happens. This problem will not occur if the battery isn’t completely discharged. Many e-bike controllers include circuits that monitor the battery voltage. They will turn off the ebike to prevent any damage.

Q: Which electric bike is the most affordable?

The ANCHEER 250/500 watt and 350 watt bikes represent great value. These bikes are based upon a 500-dollar mountain bike, with several hundred dollars of motor, battery and controller. These bikes are reliable and decent for the price.

Q: How do I store my ebike?

Ebikes are much larger than electric scooters and take up more space. Storing them can prove difficult. An excellent solution is a wall rack. It holds your bike up high and keeps it from falling over. The Koova Bike Rack is a favorite of ours.

Q: Can you ride an electric bike in the rain?

An e-bike can be ridden in the rain like any other bicycle. Some electric bikes are equipped with water-resistant motors, controllers, and batteries. Some have motors and controllers that are water resistant, but others do not. To find out if your e-bike can be used in rain, you should consult the manual.

Q: What is the speed of a 500w electric bike?

To comply with the class 1 and 2 ebike laws, most e-bikes can only travel at 20 mph or 28 mph. 500 watts is sufficient power to propel you faster that 28 mph on flat ground, but the controller will limit it at 28 mph.

Q: What is the speed of a 1000w electric bike?

To comply with the class 1 and 2 ebike laws, most e-bikes can only travel at 20mph or 28mph. 1000 watts will propel you faster than 28 mph on flat terrain, but the controller will limit it at 28 mph. It may be possible to go faster if the electric bike is registered and has a driver’s license.