Who says you can’t get a good electric bike under $500? You totally can… you just have to search harder. But not anymore though. Your search ends here, these are the best electric bikes under 500 dollars you can buy right now!
But before we start, let me warn you about one thing. Don’t expect these electric bikes to have the same capability, mileage, or build quality as you expect from a $7,000 Trek or Riese & Muller. These eBikes cost $500 – so just remember that when you go through what these bikes have and what they miss.
Best Electric Bikes Under 500 Dollars |
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| Award | Electric Bike | Main Highlight | Link to Buy |
| Best Overall | Engwe T14 | Quadruple suspension, long range, capable 48V powertrain | Engwe |
| Best Powerful | Ancheer 14” 500W | Feathery weight, compact build, powerful motor, lots of features | Amazon |
| Best Beach Cruiser | Hurley Amped | Cruiser styling, swept-back handlebars, leather saddle and grips | Amazon |
| Best Stylish | Chirrey Y1-14 | Great design, sports fenders, unique taillight, one-piece wheels | Gogobest |
| Best City | Nakto City Runner 250W | Attractive and lightweight build, great on-road performance | Amazon |
| Best Folding | Ancheer 16” | Folds to minimal dimensions, has capable drivetrain | Amazon |
| Best Versatile | Hyper E-Ride | Sturdy build, stylish and neat look, 26” mountain tires | Walmart |
| Best Lightweight | Swagtron Swagcycle EB5 | Compact size, feathery 37lbs weight, quick-folding design | Amazon |
| Best Mileage | Vivi 26” | Stellar load capacity, efficient powertrain, 50 miles max range | Amazon |
| Best Value | Sailnovo 14” | Attractive build, capable powertrain, LCD screen, lots of features | Amazon |
| Best Mountain | Ancheer 350W | Stellar 21-speed Shimano transmission, 26” mountain tires | Amazon |
| Best Reliable | Jetson Bolt Up 14” | Reliable and durable ride, attractive styling, sports fenders | Amazon |
| Best Kids | Kent Torpedo | Provides assistance without going overboard, stylish looks | Walmart |
Best Electric Bikes Under $500
Let us now discuss each of these options in detail. I’ll be going through the main features of each electric bike, along with the reasons to buy and avoid it.
Engwe T14 – Best Electric Bike Under $500
Award: Best Electric Bike Under $500
Specs
- Motor: 48V 350W brushless rear hub
- Battery: 48V 10Ah Lithium-ion
- Top speed: 20mph (32km/h)
- Range: 50 miles (80km) max
- Weight: 68lbs (31kg)
- Wheel Size: 20”
Pros
- Powerful 680W peak motor
- Reliable dual disc brakes
- Stylish one-piece wheels
- Stellar range for the price point
- Unique quadruple suspension
- Quick folding frame with removable battery
- Comes with fenders and rear passenger seat
Cons
- Weighs more due to iron frame
- Single-speed drivetrain
- No LCD screen
Best Deal
The Engwe T14 offers every last thing you might want from a reliable city ride. Be it power, range, comfort, or utility… once you get to know about this eBike, it’s hard to fathom that it costs less than $500.
Let’s start with the powertrain.
The T14 comes with a potent 48V 350W brushless rear hub motor that peaks at 680W and effortlessly enables riders to cruise at 20mph. This mini-engine gets its fuel from an equally potent 48V 10Ah Lithium battery placed behind the seat post.
The 480Wh power pack is removable for easy charging and packs enough energy in it to fuel your rides to an astonishing 50 miles (80km) on the lowest level of pedal assist. The actual range will drop depending on your weight and terrain conditions but you can still expect around 30-35 miles on pedal assist and 15-20 miles on full throttle.
Besides the long mileage, another notable highlight of the T14 is its unique quadruple suspension system. It’s better than I can even describe it to be… I mean you don’t find the likes of it in even $1000 eBikes.
So, this system basically combines the action of four different shock absorbers (front fork suspension, rear wheel dual shock absorber, center shock absorber, and saddle suspension) to ensure smooth sailing and an utmost comfortable experience. The wide, padded saddle further adds to the comfort.
Passenger seat is another notable feature that you simply don’t find in budget electric bikes under $500. But before you take someone to a ride with you, make sure the cumulative weight is less than the rated payload capacity.
The T14 comes with dual disc brakes to let you stop on a dime… and the 14” vacuum rubber tires with anti-skid tread also help with braking. The tires are 10mm thick and have a puncture-resistant build to endure any kind of road.
As for the downsides, the T14 is a single-speed bike and doesn’t have a speed or distance display. Also, it has an iron frame due to which it weighs a bit more than most other options on this list.
But if you can do with the LED cluster and restrict your ride to flat city roads, you can’t get a better electric bike under $500.
Ancheer 14” 500W – Best Powerful Electric Bike Under $500
Award: Best Powerful Electric Bike Under $500
Specs
- Motor: 48V 500W brushless rear hub
- Battery: 48V 7.5Ah Lithium-ion
- Top speed: 20mph (32km/h)
- Range: 20 miles (32km) max
- Weight: 39.7lbs (18kg)
- Wheel Size: 14”
Pros
- Powerful 70Nm motor
- Cruise control feature
- Streamlined shape
- App sync functionality
- Lightweight aluminum frame
- Stylish one-piece wheels
Cons
- No gears
- No suspension
- Unsuitable for tall riders
Best Deal
Can you imagine a budget electric bike under $500 to have a 500W motor, and that too rated at 70Nm of torque? Well, Ancheer has managed to do just that!
And as if the motor size wasn’t surprising enough, this bike even comes with App control functionality. You can connect it to your phone via Bluetooth to change speed settings, monitor your ride parameters, or diagnose any errors.
Honestly, I often wonder how these budget manufacturers even make a profit – but I guess we’ll never know that!
Anyways, the Ancheer 14” is one hell of a bike.
The first thing that catches your eye is its unique design that, according to the brand, was inspired from dolphins. Tbh, I can’t really see that, but it sure has a streamlined frame to reduce drag force… and it is sure different enough to grab anyone’s attention.
I’m a big fan of the stylish one-piece wheels Ancheer has used on this electric bike.
The bike is also quite lightweight as well. At just under 40lbs, carrying it around won’t be a problem, especially when it’s so compact. Speaking of which, I personally don’t like that aspect very much. I mean the 14” wheels can be too small for many riders and the overall bike can be unsuitable for anyone with a height above 5’10”.
Another thing I dislike about this bike is that it cannot be folded down even though the manufacturer claims so. It’s because only the stem collapses down and the overall size hardly changes.
This eBike is also single-speed and has no suspension of any kind (so you better not leave the pavement when you’re on it).
Despite all that, I think as a budget electric bike under 500 dollars, the Ancheer 14” is a tough guy. It can become a great ‘first bike’ for you provided that you are within the weight and height requirements.
Hurley Amped – Best Beach Cruiser Electric Bike Under $500
Award: Best Beach Cruiser Electric Bike Under 500 Dollars
Specs
- Motor: 36V 250W brushless rear hub
- Battery: 36V 5Ah (180Wh) Lithium-ion
- Top speed: 20mph (32km/h)
- Range: 20 miles (32km) max
- Weight: 39.6lbs (18kg)
- Wheel Size: 28”
Pros
- Attractive cruiser styling
- Leather saddle and hand grips
- Swept-back handlebars
- Reliable and durable build
- Simple and efficient drivetrain
- Lightweight body
- Removable battery pack
- Comfortable padded saddle
Cons
- Small battery
- Outdated brakes
- No suspension
Best Deal
If you think you can’t get a good beach cruiser electric bike under $500, you can’t be more wrong – because I have just that for you. The best thing is, it’s not from an unknown Chinese brand, but from one of the most reliable and trusted brands in the US: Hurley.
A renowned maker of sports gear, Hurley has recently stepped into the electric bike market with an adorable line-up of beach cruisers, every single one of which is unique in its own way.
The Amped is Hurley’s cheapest/ entry-level offering and can be a great option for those looking for a lightweight, simple, and reliable single-speed ride that looks absolutely amazing as they stroll the beach (or their neighborhood) on it.
The Amped has a stunning cruiser look with swept-back handlebars to provide an upright and relaxed riding position, besides also having a padded saddle to ensure utmost comfort. The saddle and hand grips are covered in soft leather, which looks nice to see and pleasant to touch.
Among other upsides, you have a removable battery for easy charging, an extremely lightweight frame, a bright headlamp, a sleek LCD screen, and fenders on both front and rear.
On the downside, the small 5Ah Lithium unit can hardly give you a decent range, and the motor can only propel you on flat roads. The Amped also doesn’t have suspension and comes with caliper brakes instead of disc brakes. The drivetrain is single-speed, but that’s not an issue – beach cruisers are meant to be like this!
If you want a budget beach cruiser from a reliable brand, you can’t get a better option!
Chirrey Y1-14 – Best Stylish Electric Bike Under 500 Dollars
Award: Best Stylish Electric Bike Under 500 Dollars
Specs
- Motor: 36V 350W brushless rear hub
- Battery: 36V 10.4Ah Lithium-ion
- Top speed: 15.5mph (25km/h)
- Range: 18-25 miles (30-40km) max
- Weight: 47lbs (21.5kg)
- Wheel Size: 14”
Pros
- Attractive styling
- Unique tail light
- Comes with LCD screen
- Central shock absorber
- Reliable disc brakes
- Comfortable saddle
- Removable battery design
Cons
- Single-speed drive
Best Deal
If you want to ride comfortably and look different while you’re doing so, the Chirrey Y1-14 lets you do just that without breaking the bank. It comes with many features that you usually don’t find in budget electric bikes under $500.
For instance, it has a full-fledged LCD display that lets you monitor all ride parameters on the go… and has a unique central suspension to ensure smooth sailing. The saddle is also quite wide with soft padding.
In addition to that, it comes with disc brakes on both wheels.
I also like the overall styling of this electric bike. It has an attractive design meant to turn every head and its sport-style fenders look really great. You also have stylish one-piece wheels instead of spokes and both the front and rear lights have a unique design.
Another great thing is that this eBike isn’t short on power.
The 350W rear motor provides adequate capability and the 10.4Ah battery provides reasonable mileage. The battery is removable and you have three riding modes to make the most out of the powertrain. To get more range per single charge, you can use pedal assist instead of pure-electric or throttle mode.
As for the downsides, the Sailnovo 14”, like most eBikes on this list, has no gears and is not suitable for riders above 5’10” – despite having a height adjustable seat.
But if you’re below 5’10” and weigh less than 265lbs, look no more. This is the most stylish (and capable) ride you can get under $500!
Nakto City Runner 250W – Best City Electric Bike Under $500
Award: Best City Electric Bike Under $500
Specs
- Motor: 36V 250W brushless rear hub
- Battery: 36V 10Ah Lithium-ion
- Top speed: 20mph (32km/h)
- Range: 35 miles (55km) max
- Weight: 40lbs (18kg)
- Wheel Size: 26”
Pros
- Stylish design
- Lightweight build
- 4-hour fast charging
- Removable battery
- Shimano 6-speed transmission
- 3 riding modes (including throttle)
Cons
- Outdated V brakes
- No LCD display
Best Deal
If you think all you can get under 500 bucks is a compact moped-style ride, you can’t be more wrong. The Nakto City Runner is an attractive electric bike with conventional bicycle styling and full-fledged 26” wheels. And yes, it costs less than $500!
The good thing is, it’s more than just looks.
The City Runner comes with an efficient 250W powertrain that’s quite reasonable to assist you as you ride this bike in your neighborhood or to your work. The 360Wh Lithium battery has a removable design, allowing you to charge it inside or outside of the frame, and can be quickly charged in just 4 hours.
You have the option to switch between throttle, pedal-assist, and manpower mode to suit your terrain and ride. A notable feature is the presence of Shimano 6-speed transmission that makes climbing uphill much easier by allowing you to shift to lower gears.
The build quality, as I said before, is quite nice… and it kind of gives vibes of RadMission. The overall weight is also quite reasonable.
As for the downsides, this electric bike features only an LED display to monitor battery status and you don’t have any speed or distance display. Another thing to note is that it comes with V brakes – but that doesn’t seem too big a deal for a bike that’s powered by a 250W hub motor.
All in all, it’s one of the best electric bikes under 500 dollars you can get today.
Ancheer 16” – Best Folding Electric Bike Under $500
Award: Best Folding Electric Bike Under $500
Specs
- Motor: 36V 250W brushless rear hub
- Battery: 36V 8Ah Lithium-ion
- Top speed: 15.5mph (25km/h)
- Range: 30 miles (48km) max
- Weight: 47.3lbs (21.5kg)
- Wheel Size: 16”
Pros
- Quickly foldable
- Lightweight frame
- Three riding modes (including throttle)
- Removable battery for easy charging
- Good range for price point
- Reliable double disc brakes
Cons
- No suspension
- Single-speed drive
- No LCD display
Best Deal
If Ancheer 14” was too tiny for you, you can take this one home. It might be a bit short on some specs, but it still does the job.
Unlike the previous Ancheer, this one is actually foldable and too, with a quick mechanism. So it means you won’t have any problem with storage or transport. Just fold it down and throw it wherever you want.
Also, it folds to minimal dimensions… you can’t only fold the frame, but can also collapse the stem and fold the pedals!
As for the powertrain, I think most riders might not be convinced by its 15.5mph top speed made possible by a measly 250W motor. But thanks to that measly performance, you can expect up to 30 miles of range on the lowest level of pedal assist.
The assist isn’t too powerful, but it isn’t too insignificant either. You have three levels to suit your needs at any instant. You also have throttle availability that you can use whenever you need more power, but at the cost of mileage!
As for the downsides, it is a single-speed electric bike which means you would not be able to use the mechanical advantage of gears and would instead have to pedal hard on uphills. It also has no suspension and no speedometer or distance display.
You just have LEDs to indicate battery level and ride mode.
Despite all these flaws, I think the Ancheer 16” can be a good option as a budget folding electric bike under $500 for those looking to get their first ride.
Hyper E-Ride – Best Versatile Electric Bike For Under $500
Award: Best Versatile Electric Bike For Under $500
Specs
- Motor: 36V 250W brushless rear hub
- Battery: 36V 7.8Ah Lithium-ion
- Top speed: 20mph (32km/h)
- Range: 20 miles (32km) max
- Wheel Size: 26”
Pros
- Stylish design with aluminum frame
- Neat finish with internal cable routing
- Sturdy front suspension fork
- Shimano 6-speed transmission
- 4-hour charging time
- Speed and battery display
Cons
- No fenders and front/ rear lights
- Front and rear V brakes
- Battery not removable
Best Deal
If you want a stylish and comfortable ride that you can rely on at all times, the Hyper E-Ride can be a great option.
With a stealthily integrated battery and in-frame cable routing, the E-Ride has an attractive and neat exterior. It’s also one of the most versatile electric bikes under $500 and can be used anywhere – be it urban roads or mountain trails or jagged city outskirts.
The aluminum frame and wheels are quite sturdy, the knobby mountain tires are large enough to roll over anything, and the front suspension fork is capable enough to absorb all shocks before they make it to you.
It means you can expect a smooth ride no matter how rugged the terrain is. As another nice little feature, the saddle is also wide and comfortable.
The powertrain is not too monstrous but, thankfully, you have a 6-speed transmission from Shimano to gear down and amplify the power output while climbing any gradient. The 36V 250W rear hub motor can let you hit a top speed of 20mph, while the 7.8Ah/ 280Wh Lithium battery can let you cover a distance of around 15-20 miles on a single charge.
The battery capacity is smaller than many other budget eBikes under $500, but as an upside, you will need just 4 hours to be ready for your next ride again. But since it’s not removable, you won’t have the option to charge it inside your place. Another downside is the presence of outdated V-brakes on both front and rear.
But still, it’s stylish, comfortable, reliable… and offers a great value for the price point.
Swagtron Swagcycle EB5 – Best Lightweight eBike Under $500
Award: Best Lightweight Electric Bike Under $500
Specs
- Motor: 36V 250W brushless rear hub
- Battery: 36V 7.8Ah Lithium-ion
- Top speed: 15mph (24km/h)
- Range: 15.5 miles (25km) max
- Weight: 37lbs (16.8kg)
- Wheel Size: 14”
Pros
- Super-compact build
- Lightweight frame
- Quick and easy folding
- Removable battery
- Reliable build
Cons
- Single-speed bike
- No LCD screen
- No suspension
Best Deal
If you’re looking for a ride that you can throw behind any desk or store in any corner, no matter how crampy it is, look no further. The Swagtron Swagcycle EB5 is one of the most lightweight electric bikes under $500 that you can buy today.
It weighs under 17kg, at just 37lbs, and has a really compact build.
And you can further reduce its size to practically minimal dimensions by a quick-folding mechanism. Not just the main body frame is foldable, you can also collapse the stem to convert it into a package measuring 26×15.6×23.6”.
You also have an easy-carry handle near the seat post on the frame that allows you to easily lift it with just one hand. It means you can carry it around even without folding.
As for the downsides, it too is a single-speed electric bike and comes without an LCD screen. Though you get LEDs to monitor the battery status.
The powertrain is also less capable than many other electric bikes under 500 dollars… but still, it can be a great last-mile solution or a decent ‘first bike’ for those who comply with its weight and height requirements.
As for the low range, you always have the option to carry a spare battery with you, since replacing it midway won’t be a hassle, thanks to the swappable battery design.
Vivi 26” – Best Mileage Electric Bike Under 500 Dollars
Award: Best Mileage Electric Bike Under 500 Dollars
Specs
- Motor: 36V 350W brushless rear hub
- Battery: 36V 10.4Ah Lithium-ion
- Top speed: 20mph (32km/h)
- Range: 50 miles (80km) max
- Weight: 64lbs (29kg)
- Wheel Size: 26”
Pros
- Powerful 50Nm motor
- Stunning 330lbs load capacity
- Sturdy front suspension fork
- Reliable dual disc brakes
- Aluminum alloy frame
- Shimano 21-speed gears
- Removable battery
Cons
- No LCD screen
Best Deal
The Vivi 26” provides a great value for money, probably the most among all electric bikes under $500 on this list, and has an incredible mileage!
It features a powerful 36V 350W brushless rear hub motor, rated at 50Nm of torque, fueled by an ultra-efficient 36V 10.4Ah Lithium powerpack, that allows you to cruise up to 50 miles (80km) on the lowest level of pedal assist under ideal conditions (average weight rider, flat terrain).
The actual mileage, however, will be around 35 miles on pedal assist and 20 miles on throttle mode, which is still way too good for the price point!
As for the battery, you can charge it both inside or outside the frame within just 4-6 hours.
The frame is made of lightweight aluminum alloy and has a stellar payload capacity of 330lbs. You also have a high-strength front suspension fork to absorb any undulation during your ride and a dual disc brake system to stop whenever you want.
Another noteworthy thing is the 26” anti-skid mountain tires, which allow you to use this bike on a variety of terrains.
The most notable thing, however, is the Shimano 21-speed transmission system that opens up a world of possibilities by offering a wide range of gear ratios. No matter if it’s a steep ascent or a rapid descent, you’ll always be in full control of your ride, thanks to this top-notch gear system.
As for the downsides, I really can’t point a finger at anything except for the absence of speed and distance display – which shouldn’t bother you much, considering how much value this electric bike offers for its budget tag.
Sailnovo 14” – Best Value Electric Bike Under 500 Dollars
Award: Best Value Electric Bike Under 500 Dollars
Specs
- Motor: 36V 350W brushless rear hub
- Battery: 36V 10.4Ah Lithium-ion
- Top speed: 18.6mph (30km/h)
- Range: 18-30 miles (30-48km) max
- Weight: 46.6lbs (21kg)
- Wheel Size: 14”
Pros
- Removable battery design
- Unique tail light
- Comes with LCD screen
- Central shock absorber
- Reliable dual disc brakes
- Comfortable saddle
Cons
- Single-speed drive
- Not suitable for riders above 5’10”
Best Deal
The Sailnovo 14” lets you ride comfortably around town and look great doing so. The best thing is it comes with many features that you simply cannot find in electric bikes under $500 and, therefore, provides an unrivaled value for money.
For starters, this eBike isn’t short on power. The 350W motor in the rear provides adequate power to fuel your urban jungle adventures, and the efficient 36V 10.4Ah Lithium battery provides a great mileage for the price point.
The battery is removable, and you have three riding modes: pedal assist, pure-electric, and throttle.
In addition to that, it comes with disc brakes on both wheels and has an LCD display to let you monitor all ride parameters in an easy manner. The most notable feature however is the unique central suspension that ensures smooth sailing, especially when you factor in the cushioning provided by the soft saddle.
As for the styling of this electric bike, it’s exactly like the Chirrey Y1-14, which means it’s quite good looking.
It has a unique design that looks great and turns every head. You have stylish one-piece wheels, attractive sport-style fenders, and uniquely designed lights on both the front and rear. The attractive tail and stealth battery further complements the looks!
Unfortunately, the Sailnovo 14” is rated at 265lbs of load and has a single-speed drivetrain, just like the bike it shares its platform with. But if you comply with height and weight limits and don’t plan to go off the road, this could be a great budget eBike for you under 500 dollars.
Ancheer 350W – Best Electric Mountain Bike Under $500
Award: Best Electric Mountain Bike Under $500
Specs
- Motor: 36V 250W brushless rear hub
- Battery: 36V 8Ah Lithium-ion
- Top speed: 15.5mph (25km/h)
- Range: 15-30 miles (25-48km) max
- Weight: 50lbs (23kg)
- Wheel Size: 26”
Pros
- 50Nm torque output
- Aluminum alloy frame
- Shimano 21-speed transmission
- Sturdy front suspension fork
- Reliable dual disc brakes
- Removable battery
Cons
- No taillight and fenders
- No LCD screen
Best Deal
A budget version of Ancheer’s electric mountain bike, the Ancheer 350W provides a great value for money.
It comes with a 36V 350W brushless rear hub motor rated at 50Nm of torque. Though not the best mountain climber, you can still expect reasonable performance, all thanks to the class-leading Shimano 21-speed transmission – which is undoubtedly the main highlight of this bike.
Having such a wide-ranging gear ratio at your disposal, you can greatly amplify the capability of your motor by downshifting to lower gears when you need more power (such as on ascents) or upshifting to higher gears when you need more speed (such as on descents).
In other words, you can easily adapt your ride to suit any terrain and get the most out of even a small 350W hub unit.
The 36V 10.4Ah Lithium battery is, however, a bit small and you can just expect around 10-15 miles per charge on throttle (the range on pedal assist is great, though). Another downside is the absence of an LCD screen; you can only monitor battery status and pedal-assist levels by the LED cluster.
Speaking of which, the Ancheer 350W offers 3 ride modes (throttle, pedal-assist, manpower) and 3 pedal-assist levels (low, mid, high) to give you better control over your ride.
Besides the stellar transmission, this eBike features 26” wheels and wide mountain tires with anti-skid knobby tread. And unlike most budget electric bikes under $500, its frame and wheels are made of lightweight aluminum alloy.
Another thing I like about this bike is that it comes with dual disc brakes to ensure safe and quick stoppage, even on descents. It also features a high-strength carbon steel front fork to absorb bumps and undulations and help ensure a comfortable experience.
All in all, the Ancheer 350W offers a stellar value for money and can be a great budget eBike for slight mountain use.
Jetson Bolt Up 14” – Best Reliable Electric Bike Under $500
Award: Best Reliable Electric Bike Under 500 Dollars
Specs
- Motor: 36V 350W brushless rear hub
- Battery: 36V 6Ah Lithium-ion
- Top speed: 15.5mph (25km/h)
- Range: 10-15 miles (16-24km)
- Weight: 41lbs (19kg)
- Wheel Size: 14”
Pros
- Attractive design
- Stylish sports fenders
- App sync functionality
- Stylish one-piece wheels
- Reliable brand
- Sturdy disc brakes
Cons
- No gears
- No suspension
- Low mileage
Best Deal
The Jetson Bolt Up 14” is yet another budget electric bike that catches your eye, all thanks to its unique streamlined frame, stylish one-piece wheels, and sports-style fenders on both front and rear.
Just like other similar bikes you found above, this one too is unsuitable for tall riders and has no gears or suspension – which means you can only use it on flat urban roads with no inclines. Another big downside is that it has a low mileage, as you can probably guess from the small battery size.
However, despite all its limitations, I think it can become a great ‘first bike’ for kids, teens, and campus students provided that they’re within the weight and height requirements. Why is that so?
Well, it has a great design (which kids and teens would surely take a fancy to), has adequate safety features (most notably disc brakes), and has a reliable build overall. Another notable highlight is the app sync functionality, which makes it super-fun to use.
Kent Torpedo – Best Kids Electric Bike Under 500 Dollars
Award: Best Kids Electric Bike Under 500 Dollars
Specs
- Motor: 24V 180W brushless rear hub
- Battery: 24V 5.2Ah Lithium-ion
- Top speed: 15mph (25km/h)
- Range: 15 miles (25km) max
- Wheel Size: 20”
Pros
- Stylish build
- Front suspension fork
- Shimano-6 gears
- Multi-purpose tires
- 3-level pedal assist
- Removable battery
Cons
- No fenders
- Front/ rear V brakes
- Low power and mileage
Best Deal
If you want something for your kids, the Kent Torpedo is one of the best electric bikes under 500 dollars that you can consider. It has just the kind of specs as you might want for a kid’s eBike to have.
The motor output is 24V 180W nominal so you can rest assured your kids won’t be cruising at unsafe speeds, and the battery is quite reasonable as well. It allows for a max range of 10-15 miles and needs 6 hours to charge. Not the best… but also not the worst! Also, it’s removable for out of frame charging.
There are three pedal assist levels to adjust the motor output and throttle is absent, which is arguably a good thing for a kid’s ride.
The main highlight of the Torpedo, however, is its stylish design. It features a sturdy steel frame available in attractive colors. You also get a front suspension fork and knobby multi-purpose tires. Another notable feature is the 6-speed gear system from Shimano.
The brakes are not the best, but work just fine considering the power output and top speed of this bike.
To sum up, the Torpedo provides assistance without going overboard and is pretty stylish to look at. It might be the last electric bike you’d want for yourself… but it’s just the kind of bike you might want for your kid!
Buying Guide: How to Choose Best eBikes Under $500
Getting a good electric bike under $500 is hard. It’s because an eBike under 500 dollars can’t offer you everything that you want in your ride. You’ll have to compromise either on speed, or on mileage, or on comfort, or on anything else.
That’s why when you’re buying on such a short budget, you need to be perfectly clear about the main features you want in your ride. But before that, you need to decide what kind of riding you’ll be doing.
Are you looking for an electric bike to help you commute to work? Or do you want a bike that’s more suited for leisurely rides around town? Once you’ve decided on the type of riding you’ll be doing, you can start narrowing down your options.
Here are a few things you might want to keep in mind.
Battery Capacity
One of the most important things to consider when choosing an electric bike is the battery. You’ll want to make sure that the battery is large enough to get you where you need to go.
But if you’re only using the bike for short rides, you might not need as much battery power as someone who plans on using their electric bike for longer rides… and you can, therefore, look for other features instead.
Motor Output
Most electric bikes under 500 dollars come with 250W hub motors, though some can have 350W motors too. Likewise, there can be a few exceptions as well – for instance the Ancheer 14” 500W comes with a 500W motor, which is kind of surprising (in a good way).
If you’re looking for a leisurely ride, choose a bike with lower speeds. But if you’re looking to get from point A to point B quickly, higher speeds may be better for you.
Electric bikes under $500 can travel up to 20 miles per hour, which is much faster than most people can pedal.
Suspension
Suspension is an important feature for any electric bike, especially if you’re planning on taking it off-road.
It helps to absorb impact from bumps and rough terrain, which makes for a much more comfortable ride. It also helps to keep your wheels in contact with the ground, which is important for traction and stability.
Electric bikes under $500 almost never have suspension, but luckily, the Engwe T14 is a rare exception!
Weight & Portability
Arguably, the most important thing to keep in mind is the weight and portability of the bike. Electric bikes can be heavier than regular bikes, so if you’re worried about being able to lift or carry your bike, make sure to choose one that’s not too heavy.
Folding electric bikes are incredibly convenient. If you live in a city, you can fold your ride to take it on public transportation.
Likewise, if you live in a remote area, you can fold up your bike and put it in the back of your car. No matter where you live, a folding electric bike is always easy to transport. It’s also easy to store, and you can simply throw it behind your desk at work or in any closet in your home.
Luckily, you can get plenty of lightweight and foldable eBikes under $500.
Drivetrain
Most electric bikes under $500 are single-speed, which means they have no gears. Honestly speaking, this is not an issue for those who plan to use their ride on flat urban roads.
But if you’ll be using your ride on hills, inclines, or mountains, you must get a multi-speed electric bike. The more gears you can have, the better your bike would perform on hills.
If you can expand your budget range just a bit more, make sure to check out these best electric bikes under $1000. If you want to explore more options, here are the best eBikes for urban use, the best eBikes for cruising on beach, and the best eBikes on Amazon right now.
In case you don’t want to buy a new electric bike at all, you can electrify your current bicycle with eBike conversion kits at an affordable cost, provided that it’s in good shape.
With that, I’ll sign off. Hope it was an informative read!
