We all agree that the electric bikes are very practical. The problem is often the price. According to the brands, a good quality model easily exceeds $1500… And at that price, one might wonder if it is not better to buy a scooter directly!
So, we looked for you if we could find the best electric bikes under $1000 euros, and ideally under $500.
Best Electric Bikes under $500
ANCHEER Folding Electric Commuter Bike
ANCHEER electric bike is a leading icon of e-bikes. For years, ANCHEER has been not only dedicated to innovation, cutting-edge technology, and high-quality materials but also providing cost-effective e-bikes, to satisfy riders’ various needs of transportation and even desire of exploring sports & outdoors life. Just ride freely with ANCHEER!
If you’re looking for a folding e-bike for short commutes, this Ancheer Pro folding bike is an excellent option. Leave behind the problem of traffic jams, the crowded bus, enjoy the city scenery On the way to work, on the way out or in your spare time, every moment gives you freedom and happiness.
Like a traditional electric bicycle, then switch to power-assisted pedal-to-go mode to overcome hills of up to 15°,the road is a sports place, you’ll find the fun of exercise and keep your body healthy.
As an added safety feature, the also comes with a bell to audibly signal to both pedestrians and cars.
- REMOVABLE BATTERY: ANCHEER 16” electric bike is equipped with the 36V 8Ah long-lasting lithium-Ion battery, max range 15 - 30miles on a single charge make the ebike the best choice for daily...
- COLLAPSIBLE FRAME FOR EASY STORAGE: ANCHEER ebike’s deliberate compact design allows for easy folding, storage, and transportability. The sturdy folding frame can be folded down in seconds, which...
- HIGH-QUALITY MATERIAL: The foldable electric bike offers great style with a lightweight steel frame and high quality folding bike specific parts including folding pedals, integrated bell and LED Meter...
SWAGTRON Swagcycle EB5 Series Aluminum Folding Ebike
Finding a way to get around town and stay active can be tough. But the EB5 PLUS is tougher. Reinforced with premium craftsmanship, a powerful motor, upgraded fold-and-lock mechanism, and a long-lasting removable battery, the EB5 PLUS takes your everyday commute from tedious to terrific. More fun. Less hassle. In other words — better.
Grab adventure by the handlebars and change the way you get around with the EB5 Plus folding electric bike from SWAGTRON. Your city awaits.
Combining a robust 250-watt motor and the ability to pedal, the EB5 PLUS is the modern-day commuter’s dream. Cruise up to 15.5 miles on a single charge. Reach top speeds of 15mph. Conquer steep hills and 30-degree inclines with ease. EB5 PLUS also works like a traditional pedal bike, letting you pedal when you want to get your heart pumping. With pedaling, your range and top speeds aren’t limited by motor or battery life. Need to take a breather? Go full-throttle or activate the pedal-to-go mode and get an electric-assist from the motor.
Worried about staying juiced for extended commutes? Don’t be! Grab an extra battery and carry it with you as a backup. You can swap out the depleted battery with a fresh one whenever you need to keep the adventure going. The EB5 PLUS battery can be charged when it’s attached to or separated from the bike. And the quick-charge UL-compliant battery tops off fully in 4-5 hours. You’ll spend more time on the go and less time tethered to an outlet.
- YOUR RIDE, YOUR RULES — Go full throttle up to 15 MPH on battery power alone. But the EB5 PLUS also rides like a traditional pedal-only bicycle. Need some extra oomph? Turn on the pedal-to-go for a...
- DESIGN THAT PERFORMS — Premium build. Eye-catching design. Streamlined and aerodynamic. But as good as it looks, the EB5 PLUS performs even better. Up to 15.5 miles on a single charge and conquer...
- RIDING IN COMFORT — The height-adjustable seat and handlebar gives you complete control over the comfort level of your adventure. And the high-performance 14-inch air-filled tires deliver smooth,...
Shaofu Folding Electric Bike
This folding electric bike adopts an innovative aluminum alloy frame, double layer aluminum alloy wheel. It inspired by the shape of dolphins, also conform to young people’s pursuit of freedom and fashion. The 100% electric bicycle features with front headlight & braking taillight and horn for better safety. With rear disc brakes provides greater control and more reliable stopping.
The folding electric bike weighs a mere 12KG/26.5lbs, making it a breeze to carry up a flight of stairs, you can also leave it anywhere of your office. It provides with Both good anti-pressure ability and lightweight frame & easily fits in trunks of all sizes. As a perfect transportation device for daily use and give you a new lifestyle.
The eco-friendly folding electric bicycle is 100% electric and zero emissions, saving both your wallet and the environment. Our E-Bike’s IPX5 Waterproof range protects your trip on rainy days. It has 350W powerful motor and the battery only needs to be charged 3 hours. With a one-year warranty for the electric motor, battery, and charger, you don’t worry use it.
- 【FASHION DESIGN】This folding electric bike adopts innovative aluminum alloy frame, double layer aluminum alloy wheel.It inspired by the shape of dolphins, also conform to young people's pursuit of...
- 【APP SUPPORTTING SYSTEM】Bluetooth System ( above Android 4.3/iOS 8 ); APP Speed Setting; Motor locking(original password 123456); Mileage & Time recording; E Bike self-test.
- 【BETTER SAFETY】The 100% electric bicycle features with front headlight & braking tail light and horn for better safety. With rear disc brakes provides greater control and more reliable stopping.
ANCHEER Folding Electric Bike
ANCHEER AN-EB005 dolphin electric bike is a leading icon of e-bikes. For years, ANCHEER has been not only dedicated to innovation, cutting-edge technology, and high-quality materials but also providing cost-effective e-bikes, to satisfy riders’ various needs of transportation and even desire of exploring sports & outdoors life. Just ride freely with ANCHEER! Inspired by the shape of dolphins, convenient & saves space, also conforms to young people’s pursuit of freedom and fashion.
- 350W POWERFUL MOTOR: ANCHEER folding electric bike is equipped with a 350W high speed motor achieving top speed of 15-17 MPH, powered by 36V battery, with a range of 15 mile means your e-bike commute...
- LIGHTWEIGHT FOLDING FRAME: This e-bike is easy to fold and save more space for storage. It weighs a mere 36lbs, easy to carry with one hand. Provided with Both good anti-pressure ability and...
- FASHION DESIGN& GOOD QUALITY: This ebike inspired by the shape of dolphins, has super cute and smart design. IPX5 Waterproof range protects your trip on rainy days. It also adopts innovative aluminum...
350W Folding Portable Electric Bike
Super fashion design with high-performance Motor achieves a top speed of 18.6mph with a range of 12.4miles means through the city whether it be through bike paths, parks, or city sidewalks, just feel the wind in your hair, you are so beautiful! Quick charge battery, Charging time less than 3 hours. When the battery is fully charged, the instrument will light up three blue lights and the charger indicator will turn green from red.
Best Electric Bikes under $1000
ANCHEER 350/500W Electric Bike
If you’re looking to explore some new trails, expand your weekly ride routes, and have some fun doing it, the ancheer electric mountain bicycle has the perfect blend of trail performance and power to give you the ride of your life. The frame was constructed from Aviation Grade Aluminum Alloy, which is equal parts, strong, lightweight, and incredibly responsive. The design of the frame is designed according to human body mechanics.
Together with the dual disc brakes and high strength steel fork, you will enjoy a comfortable riding experience. This electric bike adopts the 36V 7.8Ah SAMSUNG Lithium-Ion battery, 350W stable brushless motor, empowering each and with more speed, more freedom, and more fun. Whether you’re looking for a faster commute, a more effective workout, or enhanced weekend riding thrills, the ancheer e-mountain with reasonable charge delivers on all fronts.
- POWERFUL ELECTRIC SYSTEM：With removable 374.4Wh battery, you can pedal assist to 40 miles per charge using the low pedal assist level. 350w brushless geared motor provides reliable support and 20MPH...
- TURN THROTTLE OR PEDAL ASSIST：We provide four levels for power assistance. You can choose to turn the thumb throttle or step on the pedal to activate the motor. You can switch between pedal assist...
- MOUNTAIN BIKE CONFIGURATION：The fork is made of high strength carbon steel and the frame is made from aluminum alloy. This makes the bike lightweight yet very sturdy. With the 21-speed transmission...
ANCHEER 500W/250W Electric Bike
ANCHEER electric bike is a leading icon of e-bikes. For years, ANCHEER has been not only dedicated to innovation, cutting-edge technology, and high-quality materials but also providing cost-effective e-bikes, to satisfy riders’ various needs of transportation and even desire of exploring sports & outdoors life. Just ride freely with ANCHEER!
- Strong Body – The fork is made of carbon steel and the handle bar is made from aluminum alloy. This makes the bike light weight yet very sturdy. These metals can take heavy weights as well as rough...
- Brake & Gear Shift Systeml – With front and rear disc brakes and 21-speed transmission system, you can choose any speed according to your needs. The perfect brakes fully protect your safety. And the...
- Removable Battery & Mileage – With Easy Charge Port System, the electric bike can be charged on or off the frame easily.The mileage range of this bike is in between 25 to 50 km.250W high speed...
NAKTO Electric Bikes
The 2019-Newest NAKTO electric bike is equipped with everything you need to enjoy a leisurely cycle, paired with the luxury of comfort and convenience. All NAKTO EBikes are produced to meet the EN-15194 safety standard. Quick-release battery and tilt saddle for easier recharging.
Powered by a 250W motor, you can effortlessly switch between three modes and travel up to 25-35 miles on a single charge. Designed with six-speed Revoshift gears and Quick-change gears.
All-terrain tires and integrated metal full chain and mudguards for all-weather protection, making longer journeys a breeze. Supreme comfort with a bespoke, sculpted saddle.Quality gears for a smooth ride. Upgraded V-Fork brakes. Front suspension. Front and rear mudguards.
- The 2020-Newest NAKTO electric bike is equipped with everything you need to enjoy a leisurely cycle, paired with the luxury of comfort and convenience.. Quick release battery and tilt saddle for...
- Powered by a 350W motor, you can effortlessly switch between three modes and travel up to 25-35 miles on a single charge. Designed with six speed Revoshift gears and Quick change gears.
- All-terrain tyres and integrated metal full chain and mudguards for all-weather protection, making longer journeys a breeze. Supreme comfort with a bespoke, sculpted saddle.Quality gears for smooth...
Speedrid 26 Electric Bike
If you’re looking to explore some new trails, expand your weekly ride routes, and have some fun doing it, the electric mountain bicycle has the perfect blend of trail performance and power to give you the ride of your life. The frame is designed according to human body mechanics. Together with the dual disc brakes and high strength steel fork, you will enjoy a comfortable riding experience.
This electric bike adopts the 36V 8Ah Lithium-Ion battery, 250W stable brushless motor, empowering each and with more speed, more freedom, and more fun. Whether you’re looking for a faster commute, a more effective workout, or enhanced weekend riding thrills, Speedrid e-mountain with reasonable charge delivers on all fronts.
- COST-EFFECTIVE DESIGN--- Double layer aluminum alloy wheel rim. Front high-strength carbon steel front fork shock absorption. Mechanical front and rear disc-brake design and 21-speed professional...
- 3 WORKING MODES --- Ebike & Assisted bicycle & Normal bike. With the LED 3-speed smart meter button, you can choose the electric assist power according to your needs. You can add a burst of speed with...
- ELECTRIC SYSTEM --- Equipped with the 36V 8AH lithium-Ion front battery and 250W stable motor, you can reach a range of up to 15-30 miles at toppest speed 15-17mph per charge. Plenty for a day’s...
eAhora XC100 26 Inch
The 350W brushless motor and the intelligent controller are connected with E-PAS system. Effectively increase the cruising range by 40% at the same power and speed. Energy-saving and control, effectively extending the service life. The E-Drive control system also has a mute function, which effectively reduces noise during riding and is suitable for both commuting and outdoor exercising.
48V 10.4Ah battery offers strong climbing and acceleration capabilities, assisted travel of up to 50 miles per charge. The hidden battery case ensures the safety of the electric system. Avoiding any fall out occurs in a furious riding. You can charge the battery on/off the ebike. No worry about being stolen.
Why buy an electric bike?
– Because a two-wheeler is much more agile in a city: you can park it easily and parking fees are much cheaper. The cost of petrol can skyrocket, but the electric bike offers a real transportation alternative for just a few cents per charge.
– Because with an electric bicycle, you get around much faster than on foot. What’s more, compared to conventional bikes, the electric city bike allows you to get less tired and therefore make longer and more difficult journeys.
– It avoids the traffic jams that are inevitable when you are in the car.
– It also allows you to be more independent of public transport. We have seen that people do not really want to take public transport because of the timetables and the route they have to follow. So the electric bicycle is a must.
– It’s also a way to do physical activity without too much effort. We strongly recommend it especially for people who are struggling to find a physical activity to do.
– Effortless climbing: The hills can be discouraging even for the best cyclists. One of the most obvious advantages of electric bikes is their ability to conquer hills.
– Use the battery to help you increase your climbing speed.
And finally, of course, choosing an electric bicycle is playing a role in the sustainable development of the planet.
What are the differences between a cheap electric bike and a higher-end model?
As we have seen above, prices for electric bicycles vary widely. Most of the time, this large price variation is due to the existence of both high-end and simpler models. But apart from the price, we will show you the differences between these models.
From a technical point of view, cheap electric bikes are often “discovery” models, they have a simple system. But the high-end models can exceed $3500 because they have systems with two batteries combined.
Most often the price difference is not explained by elements that are visible at first glance, but rather by the components used and their characteristics. The electrical system used can make the price vary considerably: a rotation sensor system is simple and therefore cheaper. On the other hand, a pressure sensor system is much more sophisticated and therefore more expensive.
And of course, the battery life is a big factor in the price difference between electric bikes. The longer the battery life, the higher the price.
Electric bikes are priced according to the model
Buying a bike is already an important investment in itself, but when it comes to switching to the electric version, budgets fly right away. The choice of an electric bike must, therefore, be made according to the most recurring use. So it is not necessary to buy a fat electric bike if you are only going to make trips in the city. Conversely, if you live in the countryside or the sea you will have to think about the model to choose between the electric mountain bike, the big wheel bike or why not the simple electric city bike.
Defining your needs will first of all allow you not to get lost in the choice of your cheap electric bike. Indeed important price differences will be made between the types of bikes.
But exactly what type of electric bike is there at the moment?
We can list the following bikes and their use:
- The mixed electric bike: A bike for use in the city or the countryside on flat roads.
- The electric folding bike: A practical bike for holidays that can be stored in the boot of the car.
- The electric mountain bike: This is an all-terrain bike with wheels adapted to go on rolling paths. Attention this bike does not allow to ride on soft ground such as sand for example.
- The fat electric bike: This is the bike in fashion at the moment, it has supercharged wheels that allow passage in all terrains. It is the bike that allows you to ride on the beach without suffering.
If you think that you want a bike only for your trips in town, we advise you to take an electric city bike. It is more practical because it allows you to have a straight posture. But if you plan to ride in a place other than the city, we advise you to take an electric mountain bike, more powerful and lighter.
You will have understood that choosing your bike is first of all choosing the activity you want to do with it. If for you the ride is quiet to visit a village or a city choose a mixed bike or a folding bike. If on the contrary you are more sporty with a need to climb the summits, the mountain bike or the fat bike will be for you.
what are the criteria that will bring down the price of the electric bicycle?
It is important to be aware that the low price of an electric bicycle will depend on factors such as performance, solidity, and durability. Here it is not a question of saying that a cheap electric bike is not good, but rather of trying to find the right compromise between performance and price.
In order to fully understand what will change from a high-end model to a cheaper bike we have established a list of criteria that will help you in your choice.
- The frame of the bike
- The type of electrical assistance
- The type of electric motor
- The type of battery
- Wheel size
- The brand and the price
The frame of the bike
This is often a point that is not taken into account when buying an electric bike, yet the frame material will affect the performance and the price. So a steel frame will be heavier than an aluminum frame. It is therefore a good idea to check the weight of the bike even if it is rather the low price that interests you. A 26-inch mountain bike should weigh 28 kilos. For your information, an electric folding bike is around 18 kilos. This difference in weight and therefore material will have an impact on the price.
The type of electric assistance
The electric bicycle has a brushless motor that can either be installed in the rear wheel or on the bottom bracket. The Bosch brand, for example, offers bicycles with electric assistance directly on the crankset. It seems that this type of bike is more expensive than the motor integrated into the rear wheel. You can also transform your classic bike by adding an electric bike kit. This relatively simple modification is probably the cheapest if you already own the bike.
You have the choice between proportional assistance and an all or nothing assistance. The latter is activated at the first pedal stroke. For proportional assistance, however, it allows you to adjust the assistance provided by the motor according to the pedaling.
The type of electric motor
Here we touch a sensitive point of the cheap electric bike. You will have to decipher the technical data of the motor before you are disappointed by the model once you arrive home. So the motors have a voltage that can go from 24 V to 48 Volts. It is all the manufacturers’ trick to offer a cheap bike. it is necessary to know that a 24V bike will have a low power around 250W which can be useful for a little ride in town but not at all to go on an adventure with his bike. concretely try to find a good compromise between Voltage and power. A 36V electric bike with a 250W motor is perfect for urban use. To go on the beaten and rough roads you will need a more powerful 500 Watts motor with a 48V battery. Of course, these elements will have a direct impact on the price of the bike.
The motor is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing an electric bicycle. There are two types: the motor on wheels and the pedal motor. The fact that the electric motor is mounted on the crankset has many advantages: it provides better fuel efficiency because the motor is close to the transmission, allows for much better weight distribution, and optimizes the position of the center of gravity of your two wheels.
We advise you to choose a motor located in the crankset rather than on the front or rear wheel if you want a feeling closer to a conventional bicycle.
The type of battery
another nice trick to lower the price of the electric bike. you can have for example a bike with a 48V motor in 500 watts and the manufacturer provides you with a 36V battery. This plays on the price of the bike but also on its autonomy, you will not necessarily lose in performance but you will go less far with the bike. It is thus a choice which can be assumed initially to have an electric bicycle not expensive knowing that you will be able to change battery later.
You can find the removable battery and the integrated battery. We recommend the removable battery because it is much more practical: you remove it to charge it and then replace it. But if you can put your bike close to a power outlet, the integrated battery is also suitable.
The type of gear change
There are two types: derailleur shifting and gear shifting. We recommend the latter if you plan to use your bike in the city. Otherwise, it is better to choose the derailleur shift.
Wheel size
The more material there is, the more expensive the bike is likely to be, for example a folding bike will have small wheels with small rims as well. The price will therefore be less expensive than a fat bike with big wheels. You will not be able to play on the size of the wheels, it is the choice of the type of bike that will induce the type of wheel. So if you have a small budget don’t look in big wheel bikes the price is still high.
The brand and the price
Choosing a brand-name bike won’t necessarily bring the price down, so you have to turn instead to online sellers who offer high-performance bikes at unbeatable prices. However, you have to be careful about the choice of model, the type of engine, and the type of battery. A good indicator is to look at customer reviews to know the advantages and disadvantages of the model.
Some tips for buying a cheap electric bike
To find a cheap electric bike, you just have to know how to look for it. You may be surprised sometimes to see big price differences between two electric bikes. But it is important at this point to distinguish what makes them different from a technical point of view.
In order to be able to compare several electric bikes and their prices, we recommend that you visit the internet. This is certainly the fastest way. You will then be able to filter the offers you find according to their price. But beware, we advise you not to buy a bike simply because it is not expensive. This can hide certain problems.
And yes, we have already seen several cases of bikes at very attractive prices, but with components that are often average, not to say mediocre. Moreover, if you choose a brand that is very little known, it is possible that you will never find a spare part for your bike.
So, a piece of advice, make sure you take a bike of a well-known brand, even if it’s not expensive. To avoid unpleasant surprises, we advise you to consult customer reviews on the electric bicycle you plan to buy. With these tips, we are sure that you will find a cheap but reliable electric bike.
Presentation of the cheapest brands
To help you find the cheapest electric bike, we will show you the brands that may suit you.
The brand VEPLI
It is a brand created in 2014 and located near Lyon. It manufactures several models of electric bicycles depending on the type of use. The models on offer concern both men and women. In addition, some models of the VEPLI brand are folding, with a very good value for money.
The BH brand
It is a Spanish brand that is very successful in the manufacture of electric bicycles. It has made a name for itself above all with its NEO and EVO ranges. These are high-performance electric bicycles at the best price.
The Beaufort brand
If you like vintage style at a low price, we recommend this brand. Indeed, Beaufort offers vintage style, electric bike models. But that doesn’t prevent its models from being equipped with the latest technical innovations.
For more fun, check our guide and reviews on best electric longboards.
Last update on 2023-09-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API