Best Electric bikes under 500 Dollars in 2023: Our Top 9 Picks

Electric bikes or e-bikes are super convenient, energy-efficient, and eco-friendly. But, let’s face it, e-bikes are often expensive, and many people are discouraged from buying one due to the high prices. 

Lucky for us, there are plenty of great e-bikes under $500 that provide excellent value and performance. These bikes are perfect for everyday commuters, casual riders, and anyone looking for a fun and affordable way to experience electric-assist cycling. 

So, if you want an ebike under $500, you’re in luck. We researched and reviewed the best e-bikes under $500, checking out their features, performance, and value for money. 

9 Best electric bikes under 500 dollars

Ebikes under $500 are mostly compact with small frames, and a good number of them have a folding design with small wheels. These are the cheaper e-bikes you will find. They don’t have the variety and functionality of a full-sized bike, but they are still quite affordable and very efficient.

Here’s our selection of top 10 best e-bikes under 500 dollars:

If you can afford to up your budget for a higher quality electric bike, check out our posts on:

• Best electric bike under $2000
• Best electric bikes under $1500 

Ancheer 14-inch folding ebike

If you are looking for a bike that comes in handy when it comes to daily commuting, Ancheer 16-inch folding bike is a great option to consider. 

This affordable eco-friendly bike is equipped with a 500W brushless geared motor and a 48V lithium-ion battery, this bike can reach a top speed of 15.5mph and travel up to 45 miles on a single charge. 

It also features a 3-speed smart meter button that allows you to switch between different levels of assistance depending on your needs.

The bike’s 14-inch wheels provide good traction and stability on various terrains, while its front and rear disc brakes offer reliable stopping power. Additionally, the bike comes with a front LED light and a rear reflective light for added safety during night rides.

The Ancheer folding e-bike is a great option for those who are looking for an easy-to-store and efficient commuter e-bike. 

With its lightweight and compact design, this bike is easy to fold and carry, making it perfect for small apartments, public transportation, or workplaces.

Price at time of publication: $359

Jasion EB3 Ebike

The Jasion EB3 Ebike is equipped with a 350W motor and a 36V 7.5Ah battery, which provides a top speed of 21 MPH and a range of up to 15–18 miles (pure electric) / 20–25 miles (PAS). 

The bike also features a center suspension system, dual disc brakes, and a 36V 7.5Ah lithium-ion battery. Providing the rider with a reliable, safe, and comfortable ride experience.

Additionally, it has a durable aluminum frame and comes with a bright headlight and an integrated taillight with a brake-light indicator to keep the rider visible even during night rides. 

It also has an LCD screen clear display of speed, battery power, and mileage, making the journey a smooth and safe one.

Overall, the Jasion EB3 Ebike is a solid choice for those looking for a powerful and reliable electric bike. Its high-quality components, impressive range, and sturdy construction make it suitable for a variety of riding conditions, from commuting to off-road adventures.

Price at time of publication: $379

Swagton EB5

The sleek Swagton EB5 E-bike frame is constructed using durable materials that can support riders up to 264 pounds with 14-inch air-filled tires which are made from high-performance rubber.

The 250-watt motor that can cruise up to 15 MPH to deliver a smooth, comfortable, and stable ride, on paved roads.

The battery is rechargeable and can be easily removed and swapped with an extra battery whenever it is low. Making it easier for you to enjoy your ride for a longer period. The EB5 PLUS battery can also be charged when it is attached to or separated from the bike.

This foldable E-bike has a great stopping power ability, calibrated to handle fast speeds with reliable accuracy with the “Autoguard” feature which will auto-disengage the motor as soon as you hit the brakes. 

This E-bike is relatively easy to handle and is suitable for both young and old adventurous riders. But the seat might not be so comfortable for long rides, so you might have to consider replacing it.

Price at time of publication: $479

Sailnovo 14″ Ebike

The Sailnovo 14″ Ebike is a well-designed and reliable electric bike that could be a great option for those looking for an efficient and eco-friendly way to get around town. 

The bike’s frame is made of aluminum alloy, which is lightweight and durable, it also has 14-inch wheels that are ideal for urban environments and provides a smooth and comfortable ride.

Sailnovo 14″ Ebike has a powerful 350W motor that can reach speeds of up to 15.5mph. Its 36V 10.4Ah battery has a range of up to 50 miles on a single charge. This makes it a great option for commuting or leisure rides.

Additionally, the bike comes equipped with a front and rear disc brake system to provide reliable stopping power, and a central shock absorber that effectively absorbs bumps to give you a smoother riding experience.

You also get a three-speed system that allows you to adjust your riding experience to your preferences.

Price at time of publication: $369

Engwe Mini Ebike

The Engwe Mini Ebike is a compact and lightweight electric bicycle that offers a convenient and eco-friendly way to commute and explore. 

With a maximum speed of 20mph and a range of up to 22 miles on a single charge, this bike is ideal for short to medium distance trips.

One of the standout features of the Engwe Mini Ebike is its foldable design, which allows for easy storage and transportation. 

It can be quickly folded down to a compact size, making it perfect for commuters who need to take their bike on public transport or store it in a small apartment.

In terms of performance, the Engwe Mini Ebike is powered by a 350W brushless motor and a 48V 10Ah Lithium-ion battery, which provides sufficient power for most everyday needs. 

Engwe Mini Ebike also features disc brakes for reliable stopping power and a comfortable shock absorption system to absorb bumps and shocks on uneven terrain.

Overall, the Engwe Mini Ebike is a great option for those looking for an affordable, compact, and versatile electric bike that can be easily stored and transported. 

Its performance and features make it suitable for a variety of needs, including commuting, leisurely rides, and exploring the outdoors.

Price at time of publication: $499

DYU Mini Ebike

The DYU Mini Ebike is a compact and lightweight electric bike that is perfect for short commutes and urban travel. 

The bike’s small size and folding design make it easy to store and transport, while its powerful 240W motor and 36V 10AH long-lasting Lithium-Ion battery allow for efficient and effortless rides. 

The bike’s sturdy construction and reliable dual braking system also make it a safe and secure option for riders.

One of the standout features of the DYU Mini Ebike is its adjustable seat and handlebar heights, which allows riders to find a comfortable riding position. 

Additionally, the bike’s rear-mounted high-bright brake light provides added visibility and safety while riding at night or in low-light conditions.

Overall, the DYU Mini Ebike is a great option for those looking for an affordable and convenient electric bike for short-distance travel. 

Its compact size, adjustable features, and reliable performance make it a great choice for urban commuters and casual riders alike.

Price at time of publication: $339

Vivi Electric Bike

The Vivi Electric Bike is a stylish and efficient mode of transportation that is suitable for both urban and suburban environments. 

Its sleek design and lightweight Aluminium frame make it easy to maneuver in crowded areas, while its powerful 500W motor and long-lasting battery provide ample power for extended rides.

This 26″ E-Bike is equipped with anti-slip tires that are suitable for trails, gravel, city streets, and back roads, a front suspension fork that effectively reduces the bumps giving you a smooth ride over bumps, rocks, and uneven terrain. 

And a professional SHIMANO 21 speed drivetrain for strong climbing ability. It also has a bright LED headlamp equipped for night riding.

Overall, the Vivi Electric Bike is a well-designed and reliable option for anyone looking for an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to traditional transportation methods. 

Whether you’re looking to cut down on your carbon footprint, save money on gas, or simply enjoy a fun and convenient way to get around, the Vivi Electric Bike is definitely worth considering.

Price at time of publication: $509

Vivi Electric Folding Bike

The Vivi Electric Folding Bike is a compact and convenient electric bike that offers an enjoyable riding experience. With its lightweight aluminum frame and folding design, it’s easy to carry and store, making it perfect for commuters and those with limited storage space.

The bike is equipped with a 500W motor and a 48V battery that can provide a range of up to 50 miles on a single charge, depending on the terrain and riding conditions. The pedal-assist system offers three levels of assistance, which can be adjusted to suit your riding style.

The Vivi Electric Folding Bike features a 26-inch, strong anti-slip tire to provide you with excellent traction. You can easily ride over gravel, rain, dirt, and sand and enjoy a comfortable and stable ride. 

The bike also comes with front and rear disc brakes, which offer excellent stopping power, and a SHIMANO 21-speed transmission system, which allows you to easily adjust your riding speed.

Overall, the Vivi Electric Folding Bike is a great option for anyone looking for a practical and enjoyable choice for commuting, leisure riding, and exploring the local area.

Price at time of publication: $499

TotGuard Ebike

The TotGuard Ebike is an electric bike that is designed for commuting and recreational use. It features a lightweight aluminum frame, a powerful 350W motor, and a 36V lithium-ion battery that can provide up to 50 miles of range on a single charge. 

The bike is equipped with a Shimano 21-speed transmission system to meet your speed needs for uphill, downhill, acceleration, deceleration, and steady speed. It also has front and rear disc brakes, and front and rear LED lights for added safety and visibility.

One of the attractive features of the TotGuard Ebike is its foldable design, which allows it to be easily stored in small spaces or transported in the trunk of a car. The bike also comes with an intelligent LCD that shows information such as speed, distance traveled, and battery level.

Overall, the TotGuard Ebike has proven to be a well-designed and reliable electric bike that offers good value for its price. It is a suitable choice for anyone looking for an electric bike for commuting or leisurely rides, particularly those who value portability and convenience.

Price at time of publication: $439

Is it worth getting a cheap ebike?

Cheap ebikes are worth it, if that’s what you can afford. But you should know that cheaper ebikes are of lower quality than more expensive ones. For instance, an ebike with a price tag of $1500 will have more higher-quality components than one with a $500 price tag. 

One major difference between cheap electric bikes and more expensive options is the weight. Cheap e-bikes tend to have heavier frames, heavier batteries, shorter range, and lower quality suspension. 

Their gearing and braking systems will also not be the same quality as more expensive ebikes. Cheap ebikes are still functional and will serve you for a fair amount of time, but don’t expect too much. You will still get your money’s worth.

How long do cheap e-bikes last?

Your e-bike should last three to five years on average before it starts to lose efficiency. There are several things you can do to make the most of a single charge and increase the lifespan of your e-bike in general.

• Avoid draining your battery to 0%
• Store your ebike inside, avoid very cold weather
• Don’t store your ebike with an empty battery
• Never overload your ebike
• Charge your battery as recommended by the manufacturer
• Have scheduled maintenance for your ebike

How much should I spend on a good electric bike?

The average price for electric bikes is $2000. But you can get a good quality electric bike for much less. Electric bikes for beginners cost around $1,000, and higher-end models can cost up to $6,000. The starting price range for an electric bike of excellent quality and functionality can be between $1500 and $2500, with models that can go considerably higher.

Are electric bikes expensive to maintain?

No, electric bikes are not expensive to maintain. Many people erroneously believe that ebikes are expensive, but nothing could be further from the truth. Most parts of eBikes and regular bikes are interchangeable, except for a few parts like battery and motor. The operating cost of your electric bike will be much lower if you keep it in good condition. 

Should I charge my ebike after every ride?

Yes, It’s important to charge your ebike after every ride, so you have it ready for the next ride. However, it’s better to charge it after every few rides rather than every ride if you frequently take short trips. 

It’s also recommended to recharge your ebike battery once it’s low, and never let it completely discharge before you charge. Also, your electric bike should not be stored with an empty battery.

How many years does an ebike battery last?

An ebike battery should normally last between three and five years with proper care. Your battery’s lifespan will be considerably longer if you maintain and store it properly 

Here are a few tips to make sure your electric bike battery lasts as long as possible.

• Store your battery in a cool place (ideally under 20°C or 68°F) because high temperature reduce battery capacity
• Don’t regularly drain your battery completely. Partial battery discharge with regular recharge help increase the lifespan of your battery
• When storing your bike for an extended period, make sure you charge the battery to about 80%.