Finding a good e-bike is challenging. Finding the best e-bikes under £500 is almost impossible.
Whether you’re searching for an electric bike for your commute to work or to ride around during your downtime, picking the right e-bike is fundamental to your journey.
How much does an e-bike cost?
Typically you can expect an e-bike to set you back anywhere from £1,000 to over £4,000 for a good one. That said, there are some cheaper options available – if you’re on a budget and looking to put the breaks on any expensive options, then we’ve found a range of electric bikes under £500.
What to look for when choosing an e-bike
Before you make an impulsive purchase, you must understand the requirements for a road-legal electric bike. You don’t want to be left red-faced when you find out your new ride requires a licence or needs to be registered, taxed and insured.
According to GOV.UK, “You can ride an electric bike if you’re 14 or over, as long as it meets certain requirements.”
But what are these requirements?
To be able to legally use your new bike on a road, cycle lane or in any public space, the most important thing you need to remember is that it needs pedals. Alongside this, its maximum power output must be 250W and shouldn’t be able to propel when it’s travelling faster than 15.5mph.
Find out more about electric bikes: licensing, tax and insurance here.
Best e-bike shortlist:
TOEU Electric Folding E-bike
WHIRLWIND C4 Lightweight 250W Electric Bike
Moma Bikes Electric City Bike
Assist Hybrid Electric Bike
ANCHEER Electric Bike
Best electric bike under £500:
Windgoo Electric Bike
Price: RRP £84.36| VIEW OFFER
As electric bikes can cost thousands of pounds, we were delighted to find this folding option. At under £300, it’s a certified bargain and a good gift for an extra special birthday.
Rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars
Pros:
• Budget-friendly
• Lifetime warranty
• Foldable
Cons:
• It doesn’t have electrically assisted pedal cycles (better known as EAPC)
Review: “I’m over the moon with it it. It’s very comfortable to ride – I like the lights that are built in and the horn. Plus, the display shows how much charge is left.”
Whirlwind C4 Lightweight 250W Electric Bike
Price: RRP £750.| VIEW OFFER
Foldable bikes are a good solution when it comes to finding a cheap electric bike. Not only does it make travelling to work or around your local area easier, but it’s also a more sustainable mode of transport, which is good for the environment.
Rating: 4.1 out of 5 stars
Specs – Size: 124 x 54 x 103cm; Max speed: 15mph; Weight: 16kg; Charge time: 3-4 hours; Power: 250W.
Pros:
• Arrives fully assembled and ready to ride
• Good value for money
Cons:
• Fixed gear cycle – can only adjust pedal assistance
• Wheels are small and don’t like bumpy tracks
• Battery fluctuates
Review: “Very good bike, good boost, gets me up the hill nicely, easy to fold and put away, it doesn’t take up space. Thumbs up from me.”
Moma Bikes Unisex’s Electric City Bike
Price: RRP £Currently unavailable| VIEW OFFER
Calling all urban bike riders, this e-bike is everything you’ve been looking for and more. Not only is it built like a bike, but it’s comfortable and efficient for the price.
Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars
Specs – Size: 149 x 82 x 26.5cm; Max speed: 25mph; Weight: 20kg; Charge time: 4 hours; Power: 250W.
Pros:
• The battery is sufficient for your commute or family bike ride
• Built to last
• Stylish design
Cons:
• It’s heavy and has no rear suspension
• Bike light could do with some improvements
Review: “The bike is wonderful. It has a beautiful glossy black design, and the saddle is comfortable to ride on. Regarding the comments I have read that it does not carry an automatic accelerator like motorcycles, it is an assistance bike and for my taste does not need such gadgets. I like how you can alter the gears – you must pedal, but the effort is minimal. If you don’t want to pedal, buy yourself a motorcycle or a rider scooter.”
Assist Hybrid Electric Bike 2021 – 20″ Wheel
Price: RRP £499.00| VIEW OFFER
How sleek does the Assist Hybrid Electric Bike look? We’re not surprised that this high-quality bike regularly sells out. Hurry and get this before it’s gone.
Rating: 4.1 out of 5 stars
Specs – Size: 147 x 182.88cm; Max speed: 15.5mph; Weight: 18kg; Charge time: 2-3 hours; Power: 250W
Pros:
• Front-wheel drive
• Battery warranty – two years
Cons:
• Have to pay to get the bike built
What are the different types of electric bikes available?
Hybrid e-bikes: Love taking the bike out at weekend? A hybrid e-bike will allow you to ride around the city, local park or to the shops at your own leisure. Designed to support on steep hills or longer journeys, the boost from an electric bike will give you the assistance you need to complete your ride with ease.
Mountain e-bikes: Any off-road biking fans need to get ahead of the game with a mountain e-bike. The electric motor takes the bike’s performance up a gear and will allow experienced riders to complete a harder trail without getting worn out.
Folding e-bikes: Commuters will be thankful that they invested in an e-bike before heading back to the city. Instead of spending time jampacked into a bus, tube or tram, you can get to your destination faster than ever before.
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