The 7 Best Electric Bikes Under £500 In 2022

It’s no secret that electric bikes often come at a rather high cost—we’re talking even into the tens of thousands for some of the highest spec models on the market.

However, as global manufacturers strive to improve their accessibility in line with their growing popularity, some electric bikes now provide the same, if not better, quality for a fraction of these costs.

Cheaper electric bikes do exist. And just because they’re not top dollar, it doesn’t mean they’re not top quality. You might just need to do some digging first.

But, here at Cycleplan, we’re here to make things easier for you. We’ve done the research so that you don’t have to.

Here are the 7 best electric bikes under £500 in 2022.

1. Windway Folding Electric Bike
2. Assist Hybrid Electric Bike
3. Whirlwind C4 Lightweight 250W Electric Bike
4. Windgoo Urban Commuter Folding Electric Bike
5. E Plus City Folder
6. Kugoo Kirin B1 Pro
7. TOEU Electric Folding Bike

Typical RRP: £420

Key features

36V 6AH lithium-ion front battery
3 smart cycling modes
Unique cruise control

With a respectable range somewhere between 15km and 22km, this lightweight electric bike is ideal for short distances and urban areas, in particular.

To start your ride, simply glide with your feet for a short while before one of Windway’s three smart cycling modes kick in. These are either electric bike, assisted bike, or normal bike.

We’ll be honest—it’s not often you find cruise control settings on electric bikes under £500, either, but here we are. While driving, keep the handle steady and maintain a constant speed for eight seconds to activate Windway’s unique cruise control.

Once the handle is released, you can ride at a constant speed. You’ll need to either brake or accelerate again to cancel the cruise control.

This model also has a double-disc brake design to reduce stopping distance. While we’re on the subject of saving time, too, this electric bike can be folded away and assembled in just one minute.

RIDER REVIEW

“This is a well-packaged, solid, heavy bike, despite the size. All in all, it’s a very well-built product with an easy assembly. Simply screw in the pedals and attach the seat—that’s all that’s required.”

Typical RRP: £499

Key features

Promax V Brakes
24V 250W front-hub electric motor
Automatic speed sensor

If you’re looking for a cheap commuter electric bike, the Assist Hybrid is a solid, reliable choice.

Fitted with a 4.8Ah battery, the Assist Hybrid can last for up to 20 miles from a single charge, and its extra-sensitive motor makes it ideal for entry-level cyclists.

See also The physics of cycling

The Assist motor kicks in automatically after a single pedal turn, enabling you to tackle strong winds and steep inclines as if they weren’t even there, at speeds of up to 15.5mph.

The system’s nifty speed sensor can also detect when you stop pedalling, so there’s no need for you, the rider, to worry about switching off the motor either.

What’s more—the Assist Hybrid also has a unique walking mode feature. This helps you push the bike along if, say, it’s loaded with shopping (you might have noticed its ‘shopper-style’ frame).

RIDER REVIEW

“I bought this bike for my wife due to her having arthritis in the knee. Pulling away is surprisingly quick, and it’s made riding enjoyable for her again.”

Typical RRP: £449

Key features

LED screen display
3 gear options
Robot pedal assist

Whatever your reason for needing to get from A to B, the Whirlwind C4 will make it easier and won’t break the bank either.

For a start, this compact electric bike boasts a super-lightweight frame, and its easily foldable design makes it the ideal choice for anyone living or working in particularly busy areas.

With a choice of three gear options, the pedal-assist automatically activates itself depending on the gear in use, up to a maximum speed of 15.5mph.

This gives the rider less of a need to pedal themselves, too, so you can enjoy your ride for longer and conserve your energy—which makes perfect sense if you’re commuting to work in the morning or if you’re slightly older and your legs aren’t what they once were!

The handy little LED screen also displays your speed, distance travelled, gear level, and battery capacity in real-time.

RIDER REVIEW

“My bike came fully assembled in its folded configuration, so after removing the packaging and unfolding, it was ready to ride. The quality and paint finish are flawless.”

Typical RRP: £349

Key features

Cruise control
Disc brake system
IPX5 waterproof rating

With top speeds of between 20 kmh and 25kmh and with a 20km range, the Windgoo Urban Commuter makes your journey to work and back a breeze.

Though small in size, this model packs somewhat surprising power thanks to its hub motor and built-in cruise control, which both enable you to glide over various terrains with ease.

Renowned for its fashionable design and sublime build quality, the unique shape of this model also owes itself to inspiration from dolphins—yes, dolphins! Check out the chassis curve if you’re not sure what we mean.

The slick design and IPX5 waterproof rating make the Windgoo Urban Commuter capable of withstanding any weather. Its rear disc braking system also provides progressive and reliable braking in any conditions.

What’s more—the Windgoo Urban Commuter also adopts an innovative aluminium frame and a double-layer aluminium alloy wheel.

RIDER REVIEW

“This bike has given me my mobility back. I wasn’t able to get out and about before due to various issues, but having this bike is like having my legs back to normal again.”

Typical RRP: £499

Key features

Shimano gears
Low step-over frame
Front and rear mudguards

This lightweight, folding electric bike can take the strain out of pretty much any ride, be it windy, hilly, or just your daily commute through town. After all—it wouldn’t be called ‘city’ for no reason, right?

The E Plus City Folder electric bike takes a full charge in just two to three hours and can manage distances up to 40km from a full battery.

With this model, you’re in complete control with no less than six speed Shimano gears and three modes of power to choose from. Its low step-over frame is designed to give you more confidence and control when riding, too.

Confidence in your electric bike shouldn’t just be for when you’re riding it, either. The lithium-ion battery is lockable for added safety— if that wasn’t enough, it’s also removable, allowing you to take it with you when not in use.

With front and rear mudguards fitted as standard, the E Plus City Folder ensures you’re ready for any occasion on arrival, too.

RIDER REVIEW

“I love this bike – it’s so easy to ride. I only wish I’d have got one sooner.”

Typical RRP: £489

Key features

Inflatable rubber tyres
LED brake lights
Superior aluminium alloy chassis

Believe it or not, this is another electric bike under £500 inspired by dolphins.

Not only does it look the part, but the Kugoo Kirin B1 Pro’s circular arc design makes for easy carrying. It’s also foldable in as little as three seconds, which means it’s a doddle to store, too.

Ideal for darting around the city, the 250W motor 36V allows you to ride at speeds up to 25kmh with minimal energy exertion. The minimum battery charging time is a respectable three hours, too, so you can be back on the road in no time.

This bike also has fitted headlights, a soundable horn, and a fully integrated disc brake system for maximum stopping capabilities. Not to mention the LED brake lights!

LEDs also feature elsewhere on the bike, for increased visibility in low light. You’ll find these on the dolphin-shaped chassis.

It’s also worth mentioning the bike’s 12-inch inflatable tyres. These allow for shock absorption and make the general feel of your ride more comfortable.

RIDER REVIEW

“I’ve had my Kugoo electric bike for a month now, and I’m still as happy with it now as I was on the first day. I highly recommend it.”

Typical RRP: £369

Key features

Power assist mode
Front and rear double disc brakes
350W motor

With pure electric and pedal-assisted modes available, electric bikes under £500 don’t come much more versatile than this.

Weighing just 17kg, the TOEU Electric Folding Bike is both easy to store and travel with. But don’t be fooled by its weight—power has certainly not been compromised here.

This model is fitted with a 350W electric motor to reach speeds of up to 25kmh, with just one twist of the throttle activating the handy power assist mode—perfect for those uphill stretches.

You’ll also find double disc brakes at both the front and rear, as well as added shock absorption features to handle those unexpected bumps.

The 14-inch rubber wheels are also wear-resistant so that you can ride the TOEU Electric confidently no matter the terrain.

RIDER REVIEW

“I got this bike to ride to work every day, and I’m extremely pleased with how easy it’s made my journey. It’s easy to carry and is very sturdy for its size and weight.”

Regardless of how much your e-bike cost, they all need protection. After all, they’re still a substantial investment, and yours might even be your main mode of transport.

That’s why you’re putting yourself and others at huge potential risks by not having the right insurance in place.

At Cycleplan, our specialist electric bike insurance protects your e-bike against loss, theft and accidental damage up to the value of £30,000, so you can ride with complete peace of mind.

We also offer Public Liability up to £5m and protection against personal injury. Our policies are also underpinned by our very own ‘Ripe Guarantee’, meaning you won’t find a better price for your electric bike cover anywhere else on the market.

Click here to learn more about our specialist electric bike insurance and get an instant online quote today.

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