Key Points
- Electric bikes are energy-efficient, eco-friendly, promote good health, and are affordable.
- The Huffy Everett+ is the best overall electric bike under $500, with a 36-volt battery, 350W motor, and seven-speed drivetrain.
- The Swagtron Swagcycle EB-5 is the best electric bike under $500 for the city, with a lightweight, collapsible design and a detachable battery.
- The ENGWE T14 Electric Bike is the best electric bike under $500 for urban and offroad use, with a powerful motor, removable battery, and durable construction.
- The ANCHEER 500W Electric Bike is the best electric bike under $500 for long distances, with a powerful motor, large-capacity battery, and folding design.
- The ANCHEER Folding Unisex Electric Bike is the best value electric bike under $500, with a balance of features and a reliable performance.
Electric bicycles are popular for many good reasons. They are energy-efficient, eco-friendly, promote good health, and are plain fun to ride. Most are foldable to save space, so they are excellent for riding to work or school. Perhaps best of all, they are an extremely affordable mode of transportation. However, are the best electric bikes under $500 worth having?
Electric bikes are cheaper than cars or motorcycles, but many are still near $1,000 or more. That kind of price can be too much for the average commuter looking to save money. Still, a one-time investment of under $500 is easily recouped in saving gas and auto insurance premiums. Plus the inherent benefits to your health.
We researched many options and weighed their benefits to showcase the absolute best electric bikes under $500 for those who want to promote good health but without a healthy budget. Almost everyone will find an e-bike that fits their needs.
Follow along as we review the five best electric bikes under $500 today:
- Best Overall: Huffy Everett+
- Best for the City: SWAGTRON Swagcycle EB-5
- Best for Urban and Offroad: ENGWE T14 Folding Electric Bike
- Best for Distance: ANCHEER 500W Electric Bike
- Best Value: ANCHEER Folding Electric Bike
#1 Best Overall Electric Bike Under $500: Huffy Everett+
- 27.5-inch aluminum alloy wheels
- Aluminum frame
- 350W rear hub drive motor
- 7-speed drivetrain
- Pedal-assist speeds up to 20mph
- 36V battery
Our #1 Best Overall Electric Bike Under $500 goes to the Huffy Everett+ for its best all-around combination of features, reliability, and affordability. Buyers can explore city streets, urban roads, bike paths, and dirt trails with sufficient power from a 36-volt battery, 350W brushless motor, and seven-speed drivetrain. The rated distance before needing a recharge is 25 miles, and this e-bike allows pedal-assist cruising up to 20mph.
Keep track of your progress and bike condition with an LCD display showing battery status, speed, and more. The aluminum frame, adjustable seat, thumb shifter, disc brakes, and sturdy 27.5-inch aluminum alloy wheels make riding this bike on any surface comfortable. Climb slopes, negotiate curves, handle tough terrain, and cruise smoothly along city streets in style with this exceptional product.
This electric bike weighs 60.5 pounds and measures 58.47 x 29.92 x 9.45 inches. The Huffy Everett+ also makes our list of best electric bikes under $500 for its notable warranty. It covers electrical parts for two years and the aluminum frame for ten years. Users can charge this e-bike’s battery onboard or remove it for convenience. The battery locks onto the bike for extra security when parked. Check out the Huffy Everett+ on Amazon.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| A detachable, rechargeable 36-volt battery, 350W brushless motor, and seven-speed drivetrain power the Huffy Everett+. | This e-bike does not fold for easy storage. |
| A sturdy aluminum frame and 27.5-inch aluminum alloy wheels mean this e-bike will last. | The 60.5-pound weight may be a bit heavy for some users. |
| Users can enjoy a maximum range of 25 miles on battery at speeds up to 20mph. | |
| Huffy warrants the electrical components for two years and the aluminum frame for 10 years. | |
| An LCD display clearly shows the bike’s remaining battery life, your travel speed, and more. |
Best Electric Bike Under $500 for the City: Swagtron Swagcycle EB-5
- 250W rear-mounted motor
- Speeds of up to 15MPH with pedal assist
- 14-inch wheels
- Height-adjustable seat and handlebar
- Removable battery
The Swagtron Swagcycle EB-5 is the best electric bike under $500 for the city for shoppers, commuters, tourists, and explorers. This lightweight, collapsible e-bike is perfect for city cruising at only 37 pounds and 29.8 x 23.9 x 14.9 inches. Plus it folds to one-third of its size! The detachable, rechargeable 36V 7.8Ah Lithium-ion battery has a maximum range of 15.5 miles with pedal assist, but it can easily detach and be swapped for an extra battery for double the range.
Inclines and long hills are no problem for the 250W rear hub-mounted motor, which can power the e-bike at a top speed of 15mph. Pedaling the 14-inch wheels is great exercise, but you can smoothly engage the battery at any time for extra oomph when needed. The Swagtron Swagcycle EB-5 is our best electric bike under $500 for the city because it is attractive, easily transported, charged, and folded for storage, and comes fully assembled and ready to ride after a complete charge. This e-bike also has a one-year manufacturer warranty. Check out the Swagtron Swagcycle EB-5 on Amazon.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| At only 37 pounds, 29.8 x 23.9 x 14.9 inches, and foldable to one-third its size, the Swagtron Swagcycle EB-5 is perfect for the city. | This e-bike may be a bit slow for some riders. |
| The detachable, rechargeable battery lasts for 15.5 miles and can easily be swapped out for another battery for double the range. | This electric bike is just under our top budget of $500. |
| Charge the battery on the e-bike or off at your convenience. | |
| The 250W rear hub-mount motor powers the bike at 15 mph with pedal assist. | |
| Swagtron warrants the EB-5 electric bike for one year. |
Best Electric Bike Under $500 for Urban and Offroad: ENGWE T14 Electric Bike
- 350W motor
- Reaches speeds up to 19.2MPH
- The range is 22 miles in electric mode and 37.2 miles in assisted mode
- 14" all-terrain rubber tires
- 48V 10Ah removable lithium battery
The power, portability, and all-terrain toughness make the ENGWE T14 Folding Electric Bike our Best Electric Bike Under $500 for Urban and Offroad. The powerful 350W motor and 48V10AH removable, rechargeable lithium battery take its rider 22 miles in full electric mode and up to 37 miles in pedal-assist mode. The top speed is 19.2mph with electric assist or choose fitness riding with no extra power for more exercise.
You can handle country back roads or rough bike trails with this tough e-bike, thanks to quadruple shock absorbers, a tough aluminum frame, and 14-inch blast-proof rubber tires. Plus, the ergonomically designed seat provides a comfortable ride no matter the terrain. The ENGWE T14 Folding Electric Bike also looks great for mountain biking, trail riding, or showing off on city streets. E-ABS dual disc brakes give you plenty of stopping power on inclines or traffic.
This electric bike weighs 61 pounds and measures 49.21 x 20.47 x 41.73 inches, but collapses to easily fit into a trunk or cargo area for transporting to your preferred riding area. ENGWE protects your investment with a one-year warranty. Check out the ENGWE T14 Folding Electric Bike on Amazon.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The ENGWE T14 Folding electric Bike has three modes: full electric, pedal assist, and fitness riding with no electric power. | This e-bike may be a bit heavy for some riders. |
| A 350W rear hub-mounted motor and 48V10AH rechargeable battery power this e-bike for 22 miles and up to 37 miles with pedal assist. | This ENGWE electric bike is close to our budget limit of $500. |
| The top speed of this electric bike is 19.2mph. | |
| 14-inch blast-proof rubber tires resist cuts, punctures, and blowouts for all-terrain riding. | |
| Quadruple shock absorbers and an ergonomic seat combine for maximum rider comfort. |
Best Electric Bike Under $500 for Distance: ANCHEER 500W Electric Bike
- 500W/750W peak motor
- 48V 10.4Ah battery
- Up to 25-50 miles per charge
- Up to 20MPH with pedal assist
- 27.5-inch wheels
Long-range riders can truly go the distance with our Best Electric Bike Under $500 for Distance: the ANCHEER 500W Electric Bike. Lightweight, affordable, foldable, and powerful — this electric bike is everything distance riders want and need. The powerful 500W/750W peak rear hub-mounted brushless motor carries this e-bike up to 50 miles! An extra-capacity 48V 10.4Ah battery holds a charge longer and has fast-charging technology that enables a quick 3.5 hours to full recharge. You enjoy a long, comfortable ride with 27.5-inch wheels and the motor acts as a brake for extra stopping power from a top speed of 20mph. Of course, it comes with front and rear disc brakes. A folding adjustable handlebar enables convenient storage and a built-in carrying handle makes this bike easy to handle and transport. Maintenance on the road is a snap with quick-release front wheel skewers and quick-detach dustproof and waterproof cable connections.
Easily monitor your travel statistics with an LCD display showing speed, battery life, mileage traveled, and any errors in the propulsion system. The ANCHEER 500W Electric Bike weighs 53 pounds and measures 56 x 26 x 10 inches. It carries a one-year manufacturer warranty on everything but the frame. Check out the ANCHEER 500W Electric Bike on Amazon.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The ANCHEER 500W Electric Bike’s detachable extra-capacity 48V 10.4Ah battery powers the bike for up to 50 miles. | This e-bike can be heavy to carry at 53 pounds, even with the built-in carry handle. |
| Exceptional fast-charging technology enables a quick 3.5 full battery recharge on or off the bike. | |
| The e-bike’s top speed is 20mph in full-electric or pedal-assist mode. | |
| Quick-release front wheel skewers and waterproof and dustproof cable joints make side-of-the-road repairs a snap. | |
| A bright LCD display shows speed, battery life, mileage traveled, and error notifications on a single panel. |
Best Value Electric Bike Under $500: ANCHEER Folding Unisex Electric Bike
- 350W motor
- 20-inch wheels
- 48V 10Ah removable battery
- Up to 30 miles per charge
- Speeds up to 20mph with pedal assist
Matching benefits with price is best achieved with our Best Value Electric Bike Under $500, the ANCHEER Folding Unisex Electric Bike. At 61 x 45.3 x 10 inches and 55 pounds, this folding electric bike is powered by a 48V 10Ah removable, rechargeable battery. The 350W brushless rear hub-mounted motor propels riders to speeds up to 20mph and distances of up to 30 miles on a single charge and 40 miles with pedal assist.
The Shimano 7-speed drivetrain for propulsion is balanced by front and rear disc brakes on 20-inch wheels. Keep track of your progress with the intelligent LCD display that shows distance traveled, current mileage, remaining battery life, speed, and more. Plus, fold the e-bike for easy transport or storage when your ride is over. ANCHEER provides a limited one-year hardware warranty on this e-bike.
While not the cheapest electric bike available, the ANCHEER Folding Unisex Electric Bike is the best dollar-for-dollar value with a great balance of features found in more expensive e-bikes. Buyers looking for value and a long-lasting, reliable electric bike can purchase this product with confidence and use it regularly to make good on their investment. Check out the ANCHEER Folding Unisex Electric Bike on Amazon.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| A 48V 10Ah battery and 350W brushless rear hub-mounted motor power this e-bike up to 20mph and 40 miles of distance with pedal assist. | This e-bike looks more like a scooter than an e-bike, which may be off-putting to some buyers. |
| Users enjoy a smooth and safe ride with a Shimano 7-speed drivetrain, 20-inch wheels, and front and rear disc brakes. | |
| The bright LCD display makes keeping track of your mileage, speed, battery life, and other essential information a snap. | |
| Fold this 55-pound e-bike at the center pivot to easily stow it in a trunk or cargo area for transport. | |
| ANCHEER warrants this electric bike with a one-year limited hardware warranty. |
How to Pick the Best Electric Bikes Under $500 Today: Step by Step
Electric bike riders look for key features that make for the best ride and performance. Smart shoppers can find exceptional e-bikes for budget-saving prices with great features. Our review of the best electric bikes under $500 considered what riders want most from their e-bike transportation:
- Operating Modes
- Motor Power
- Battery
- Wheel Size
- Bike Use
- Price
Let’s explore each of these six criteria a bit more.
Operating Modes
Electric bikes are a modern innovation of traditional pedal-powered bikes, and most still retain the option for completely human-powered propulsion. The best electric bikes under $500 also offer complete electric motor-powered modes and pedal-assist modes. The power-on mode allows riders to apply no effort to assist with propulsion. Pedal assist detects when the pedals are moving and adds electric power only during those periods. Unpowered mode is like riding a traditional bike.
Discerning e-bike buyers want the option to pedal freely, ride on motor propulsion, or add some pedaling when desired. All three modes on an electric bike allow for greater versatility in travel and exercise according to your riding environment and current conditions. Almost every electric bike has always on and pedal-assist modes, but not every bike allows for free pedaling without the motor.
Motor Power
Your electric bike’s motor power must be enough to propel you at an acceptable speed on the terrain you choose. The best electric bikes under $500 are powered with 250 to 350 watts (approximately 745 watts is equal to one horsepower). Power makes a difference, especially for heavier riders or hilly terrain. Check the bike’s manufacturer information for recommended weight limits.
Electric motors that power e-bikes are traditionally brushless, gear-driven models that can generate the torque needed to carry weight at speed. Rear hub-mounted motors are the standard and are best suited for e-bikes. Consider your weight and likely riding environments and be sure your e-bike has enough power for effortless travel. You should also factor in any additional weight, such as from shopping or carrying an extra battery.
Battery
Electric bikes need a minimum of 36 volts to power riders for any respectable distance and speed. At least 48 volts or more will give better range and speed uphill or over broken ground. The best electric bikes under $500 will have large-capacity Lithium-ion batteries that detach for easy replacement and charging. Most models can also be charged while on the bike. Purchasing an extra battery to swap them out can double your range; however, a bike has little space to store a battery.
Most electric bike batteries can require up to six or even eight hours to get a full charge. A bonus feature, included on one of our five best electric bikes under $500, is a fast-charging capability that cuts charge times to around 3-4 hours.
Wheel Size
Consider how and where you plan to use your e-bike when choosing wheel size. Larger wheel diameters offer a smoother rise because they roll with less resistance. They are also easier to propel with pedal-only power. Users wanting more exercise and planning to pedal more should choose 26-inch or 27.5-inch wheels for the best experience and efficiency.
Portable and foldable electric bikes tend to have smaller wheels to accommodate easy transporting and storage. They can have 20-inch wheels that make the bike easier to carry and handle. Smaller foldable e-bikes may have fatter tires to help create better ride quality or traction on rougher terrain. Smaller wheels are also harder to pedal and can be more taxing on your electric motor, depending on the terrain.
Bike Use
How you plan to use your electric bike is a major consideration. E-bikes come in all shapes and sizes for different uses. The best electric bikes under $500 will tend to be small-to-average in size and completely adequate for many applications or riding environments. Consider the above features for power, battery life, and tire size when deciding where to use your bike: streets only, dirt roads, paved bike trails, overland, or mountainous terrain.
Another consideration is if you plan to only ride your e-bike, as with regular commuting, or if you need to transport it to your planned riding environment. More lightweight and foldable bikes can fit into a car’s trunk or the cargo area of an SUV with a few adjustments. Electric bikes that are not designed to break down will be better suited for riding only.
Price
Our goal was to narrow down the choices to the five best electric bikes under $500 today. Most of our selections are near the $500 limit; finding a good-quality e-bike for less than $400 can be problematic. Cheaper models must compromise somewhere, and that means less power, shorter battery life, a less pleasant ride experience, and other shortcuts.
The five best electric bikes under $500 we showcase here all have good consumer ratings for reliability. Buyers can quickly spend well over $1,000 on an electric bike if they have the cash to spare. Budget-conscious riders or beginners can choose any of the products we recommend here with confidence and without breaking the bank.
What to Know Before Buying the Best Electric Bikes Under $500 Today
Consider how you plan to use an e-bike before buying the best electric bikes under $500 today. Electric bikes are great for energy-efficient and affordable transportation to work, school, shopping, or just for getting away on a fun ride. The exercise benefits are obvious and they make great alternatives to motorcycles for those who want the freedom of a bike but at less frightening speeds. They are also great exercise options for those who may not be in great shape and could use the extra assistance of an electric motor.
Buyers considering an e-bike must remember that they are not capable of maintaining normal vehicle traffic speeds. State and federal laws limit electric bike speeds to 20mph in most cases. Other laws regarding helmet use, pedal use, lights and mirrors, and road or sidewalk prohibitions may also apply in your area. Riders should research the regulations governing electric bike use in their planned riding area before buying a bike and riding.
Using the Best Electric Bikes Under $500: What It’s Like
What can you expect when you climb onto your new e-bike? The best electric bikes under $500 we showcase here all offer sufficient power, battery life, ride comfort, and other features to make them exceptional transportation for leisure or utility. Safely operating your e-bike on roads, trails, paths, and overland requires paying attention to the riding surface and the surrounding environment. Be on the lookout for obstacles or riding surfaces that could cause accidents. Wear appropriate clothing and gear for safety and visibility wherever you ride.
Electric bikes continue to grow in popularity due to their many benefits. Saving money on gasoline and car insurance premiums is surely at the top of the list. Close to these are exercise and pure enjoyment. Whatever reason you plan to purchase an electric bike, the five products we’ve reviewed here will provide you with plenty of enjoyment and reliability.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©gorillaimages/Shutterstock.com.
