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The price of bicycles has risen dramatically in the last decade and the big spike in demand during lockdown certainly didn’t do consumers any favors. Finding a non-electric bike for less than $500 isn’t easy, so finding an E-bike is even harder. But, we’re here to help. We’ve found a collection of bikes that’ll get you going on your daily commute, grocery runs, or even just getting some fresh air. Adding a motorized bicycle to your garage means you can go faster, for longer, and use less energy, so you’ll get to explore areas that would be out of reach on a conventional bike.
There are a few things to consider before picking the right electric bicycle for you, so I’ve put together a buying guide to help you understand the features to look out for. I’ve also included a list of the best electric bikes on the market and ranked them under a variety of categories.
Summary List
- Best Overall: Qlife Cityone Step-Through E-Bike
- Best Value: APYEAR Electric Folding E-bike
- Honorable Mention: Vivi Foldable 7-speed Electric Bike
Our Methodology
To choose the best electric bikes under $500, I employed The Drive’s comprehensive research methodology and evaluated dozens of electric bikes before choosing the top contenders. My selection is informed by consumer testimonials, expert reviews, discussions on relevant online forums, and my institutional knowledge gained from many years of cycling.
Some brands are already well-established in this niche, and priority was given to their products. However, other lesser-known brands were also evaluated. The main features taken into consideration were motor size, battery size, range, groupsets, brake system, battery durability, battery lifespan, charge time, and control systems. Bikes were immediately disqualified from consideration if their batteries degraded too quickly.
Best Electric Bikes Under $500 Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall: Qlife Cityone Step-Through E-Bike
Pros
- Looks and rides like a real full-sized commuter bike
- Adjustability allows fitting to a wide range of sizes without changing components
- Shimano hardware can be serviced at any regular bike shop
Cons
- Some owners reported sloppy assembly at the factory
- Users complain of poor customer service from manufacturer
I know, this isn’t the raddest looking bike you’ve ever seen, but it’s designed to be functional not fashionable. The step-thru frame makes it easy to get on and off the bike, especially if your in work clothes. Even though this is a good value to begin with, the bike also includes lights, fenders and a rack, that most more expensive models make you buy separately. The electrical assist is limited to 22mph, but that’s substantially faster than you’d be able to go on just a pedal powered commuter.
The UL-Certified battery can deliver up to 40-miles of range with your help, but if you’re feeling lazy and aren’t pulling your own weight, you won’t get half that. The 1x drivetrain has a 7-speed cassette a hub motor with a peak 750 Watt output. If you’re looking for an E-bike for commuting or doing more than just around the block, this is going to be your best choice in the price category.
Best Value: APYEAR Electric Folding E-bike
Pros
- It looks as fun to ride as it is
- Compact size comes from a collapsible head tube instead of folding frame
- Not as loud as some competitors
Cons
- It might be a tight fit if you’re over 6-feet tall
- Some people may not appreciate the sci fi aesthetic
The cycling industry is struggling to build entry-level road or mountain bike with a list price anywhere close to $1,000. This E-bike Sailnova is literally a fraction of that price while still delivering a top assisted speed of 20 mph and up to 20 miles of range in pedal assist mode. It’ll get you there in comfort as well thanks to the rear suspension.
I realize the design may not suit everyone’s taste, but being able to collapse the extra-long stem means it can fit easily in your car’s trunk and even under your desk at work. The battery pack is UL-Certified and aharging times aren’t bad, at 4 to 5 hours. It’s not as fast as other bikes, but you’ll still be able to plug this in when you get to work and full battery by quitin’ time.
It might be hard to find performance bike tires in 14-inch sizes, but at least what is out there is very affordable. The biggest downside is the weight, but that’s inherent in E-bikes. For the price, you are going to have a tough beating this thing without dropping down to a scooter, and even then, you’re looking at something entry-level.
Honorable Mention: Vivi Foldable 7-speed Electric Bike
Pros
- Front and rear suspension
- 500 watt motor for 20 mph cruising
- UL certified
Cons
- Throttle control basically acts as on/off switch
- Some riders complained of speed wobble on downhills
Folding bikes have been a staple of the commuter for several decades. Not everyone has the space for a bike at the office or in their Manhattan studio apartment. Vivi has taken the concept and updated it with a 500 watt motor and a 7.8 Ah battery. The combination, along with a 7-speed Shimano drivetrain are claimed to provide a 50 mile range, the same as the Ancheer, but with a significantly smaller battery. Maybe Vivi’s test route has more downhill.
Folding bike enthusiasts, and yes they exist, swear by 20 inch tires and the upright riding position for commuting and urban riding. It provides great vision and they claim riders in a more natural position are more visible to drivers as well. The front and rear suspension will you comfortable on the bike longer and the included fenders help keep you cleaner when splashing through puddles. It may not look as cool as the Sailnovo or be as utilitarian as the Ancheer, but this is a good compact package that fits in between the other two in its mission.
Our Verdict
I’ve chosen the Qlife Cityone Step-Through E-Bike as the best overall electric bike for less than $500. This model offers the best combination of power and range and unlike so many other E-bikes, it actually looks and functions like a normal commuter bike. If you’re on a tight budget, then check out the value pick, the APYEAR Electric Folding E-bike. You really can’t get into the world of electric bikes at a lower price point.
What to Consider When Buying Electric Bikes for Less Than $500
Buying an electric bike for less than $500 is tricky because it’s an extremely tight budget for this niche. I’ve listed a few features to look out for before choosing the bike for you.
Motor Power
Two figures are important when discussing an electric bike’s power: wattage and torque. Think of wattage as horsepower in a car. A bicycle with a high-wattage motor will be better at climbing steep hills, and it’ll also produce less heat when tackling minor inclines compared to a lower-wattage motor.
If you like to get off the line quickly, then you’ll need an electric bike with plenty of torque. Having more torque will also benefit people who hit off-road trails, as it makes it easier to accelerate quickly over rough terrain. If you use a bike with a lot of torque and a rear-wheel-drive motor, it could result in an unwanted wheelie from time to time.
Motor Type
There are three types of motors you’ll encounter on electric bikes: rear-hub drive, mid drive, and front-hub drive. For less than $500, you’ll probably only encounter rear-hub-drive motors. Front-hub-drive motors are reliable and easy to perform maintenance on, but they’re limited in terms of power because they lose traction easily. Front-wheel drive hubs also produce an unnatural pulling sensation and have a strange gyroscopic feel at high speeds.
Rear-drive hubs can handle more power without losing traction since more weight sits over the back tire. These hubs also produce a natural pushing sensation and offer more feel to the rider. Some of the downsides to rear-drive motors: It’s more difficult to perform maintenance on them, and it’s harder to fit them if they’re not already pre-assembled.
Drive Types
There are two drive types on an electric bike: throttle/electric-only mode and pedal-assist mode. Many electric bikes will give you the option to use either mode, but the electric-only mode is usually restricted to 20 mph. Some models only feature pedal-assist mode, so if you want a bike with an electric-only mode, carefully check the features listed by the manufacturer before making your decision.
Battery
An electric bike’s battery is one of its most crucial components, and there are a few things to look out for when purchasing one. You’ll want to know how big you need the battery to be as this, combined with the motor size, will largely determine the bike’s range. Most manufacturers will state a model’s range, so check this out before making your decision. Batteries will have an estimated number of cycle charges before they degrade. Some will have 500, while others will have up to 900. So, if you want a battery that’s going to last for a few years, consider its charge-cycle capacity.
Some batteries are removable, and this is a feature worth having if you ever need to ride your bike while the battery is charging. Anyone who rides through wet weather should look for a battery that’s waterproof.
Groupsets
When we talk about groupsets, we’re speaking about the gears on an electric bike. Some of the electric bikes at this price point will use Shimano groupsets, which is great because it’s one of the biggest brands around and regarded as reliable and well priced. The more gears a groupset has, the more versatile it makes the bike, especially in pedal-assist mode. If you’re riding up a hill and you have 21 gears to choose from instead of six, you’ll be able to find a more suitable gear for the effort that you want to exert.
Brake System
At this price point, you’ll only have a choice between two brake systems: mechanical disc brakes and V-brakes. V-brakes are less expensive, easier to maintain, and don’t place any strain on the hubs or spokes. But in terms of performance, they won’t work as well as discs in wet or muddy conditions. Although disc brakes offer more consistent performance, they’re heavier and more expensive than v-brakes.
Extra Features
Anyone who commutes on a bus or train along with cycling might be interested in a folding model. Folding electric bikes are also good options for people who don’t have a lot of space to spare at home. Most electric bikes will have some kind of battery-indicator unit, but some units will display a lot more information than others, such as speed, distance traveled, and range remaining. Finally, if you often ride during dusk or nighttime hours, it could be worth looking for a bike with built-in front and rear lights.
FAQs
You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.
Q: How long do electric bike batteries last?
A: How you charge and use an electric bike’s battery will have a significant impact on its lifespan. In general, a battery on a new electric bike can last anywhere from 2-5 years.
Q: Do electric bikes charge when you pedal?
A: Some electric bikes can recharge the battery while you pedal, but this is uncommon. You’ll also find some bikes that feature regenerative braking, but most electric bikes don’t have them.
Q: Can you ride an ebike without the battery?
A: Yes, an electric bike will work without the battery, but it’ll be more difficult to ride due to the added weight of the motor.
Q: Do you need a license to drive an electric bike?
A: Electric bikes that meet your state’s specific technical requirements normally don’t need to be registered or insured. You can see the legal requirements in each state here.