The Best Electric Bikes Under £1000 And £500

In the world of electric vehicles, bikes reign supreme. Why? Because they’re a breeze to ride and are just as sleek as your standard bike — if not sleeker; especially those featured in our best electric bikes under £1000 and £500 below.

Electric bikes, or e-bikes as commonly known, are very popular right now, slowly becoming the new normal in many cycling-based circles/communities.

The idea that e-bikes are far too expensive depends entirely on the make/functionality of each bike in question.

It’s true.

Some electric bikes cost more than others; we’ve seen some go as high as £8,500! However, it’s not impossible to find an electric bike that works for you and you alone at a much lower rate.

Below you’ll find the best electric bikes under £1000.

On a tighter budget? No problem; we’ll be covering the best electric bikes under £500 shortly after!

Consider this essential reading for avid electric vehicle enthusiasts and those looking for a better deal on what can only be described as the future of cycling!

The Best Electric Bikes Under £1000

Some of the best electric bikes, period, are those below the £1000 price tag, made by a range of unique companies that span the globe!

The e-bikes you’re about to see are in no particular order, so enjoy each at a leisurely pace. Oh, and we’ve included quite a mix of electric bikes to give you an idea of what’s out there.

This e bike should be a lot more expensive given its functionality

Macwheel Cruiser 550 Electric Bike

The first e-bike on our list here is the perfect unisex option! Introducing the Macwheel Cruiser 550 Electric Bike, a unique hybrid that blends the durability of most mountain bikes with the lightweight feel of city bikes.

How much is it? Last we checked, it was around the £900 mark.

Visually speaking, the Cruiser 550 lives up to that ‘hybrid style’ in every way, from the front forks to the mudguards. Mechanical disk brakes can be located in the front/back, giving riders total control when out in the open! Gear-changing is streamlined with simplicity in mind on the Cruiser 550, again giving you more control.

Battery/Motor Overview

You’ll find the battery pack tucked away nicely in the down tube. A key is required to unlock the pack, where you can then open it. The battery itself has a large capacity (360Wh), which might not be as impressive as those expensive e-bikes you see. However, you’re still getting up to 50 miles out of each charge, depending on usage.

The battery itself will take around 4 hours to charge completely. Riders will find the 250W hub motor very beneficial on flat roads and straight cycle paths; you can find this in the back wheel.

Most e-bikes place the hub motor between the peddles for balance purposes, but those tend to exclusive in bikes above the £1000 price range.

E4TP Says

Macwheel’s Cruiser 550 is a fantastic option for hybrid e-bike fans. A major highlight here is the smart LCD display located on the left side of the handlebars. This screen will record the distance travelled, your current speed and remaining battery life! Info like this is always handy to have.

Pros

• LCD Screen Display
• 360Wh Capacity Battery
• Hybrid Style E-Bike

Cons

• Heavy Bike

With a folding electric mountain bike, you can take it just about everywhere

Laiozyen 26” Folding Electric Mountain Bike

Folding bikes are incredibly robust despite the noticeable size difference. The Laiozyen folding electric mountain bike is one of the very best electric bikes under £1000. Riders can transition from store to ride-ready in a few short minutes!

One of the main selling points of this bike is the built-in high-speed gear shift system fit for climbing power/terrain variation.

Understand that this isn’t another one of those forgettable folding bikes; no, the Laiozyen here has the power to rival all of the other e-bikes featured here. Besides, folding mountain bikes are highly underrated; trust us.

Battery/Motor Overview

Max range on the Laiozyen can take you anywhere up to 30 miles at a time, which is above average for a folding e-bike! The large capacity lithium battery works in parallel with 250W high-speed brushless gear motors.

You’ll reach max speeds of up to 15mph with every full charge, which should appeal to a wide majority of riders.

There are 3-speed options available on the bike (Low, Mid and High), as shown on the control panel attached to the handlebars. Pressing the “+” button will increase the speed; hit “-” to lower it.

Choosing the high-speed option helps generate a quick burst of energy, enough to give you a complete head start at traffic lights no matter the elevation.

E4TP Says

The light aluminium frame of the Laiozyen 26″ Folding Electric Mountain Bike makes it so easy to carry. This is a fantastic choice if you’re conscious of the space you have at home or plan on traversing multiple surfaces with minimal discomfort.

Pros

• Lightweight Frame
• 3 Speed Options
• Durable Electric Bike

Cons

• Difficult Build

Halfords are easily one of the best places to find an affordable electric bicycle

Apollo Phaze E-Bike 2021

Ride into the modern day with the Apollo Phaze, an e-bike sold by Halfords. It’s one of the cheapest electric bike options you have right now, made to be cost-effective.

The Apollo Phaze is built like a mountain bike, yet lighter than most (19kg). Weight will vary depending on the version you ultimately choose. However, wheels will remain the same size at 26″, which should be ideal for light recreational riding.

We’d advise against traversing rocky terrain; doing so could damage the wheels/motor.

The Apollo Phaze E-Bike is available in two frame sizes (17″ and 20″) depending on the rider’s size. Brakes-wise, the Apollo Phaze uses powerful v-brakes to slow it down — a hallmark of most Apollo-made rides.

Battery/Motor Overview

The Apollo Phase features a 209Wh battery, allowing riders to travel up to 20 miles on a single charge. Recharge times on the battery itself can take between 4-5 hours on a standard charger.

The front hub motor of the Apollo Phaze allows it to reach speeds of up to 15.5mph with no loss in traction. Speaking of traction, the Apollo comes with 6-speed gearing, giving riders nothing but total control when tackling the open road.

Range is slightly less than other electric mountain bikes available, which is a bit of a downer, all things considering. However, it will still prove beneficial to commuters travelling around 8-10 miles to get to work.

E4TP Says

The Apollo Phaze E-Bike might not be as durable as some of the other electric bikes under £1000 shown here, but it’s more than earned its spot. Like we said, it’s an ideal work commuter.

At the moment, you can buy this e-bike for less than £800, which, in our book, is somewhat of a steal. Remember, it’s not as powerful over rough terrain as it might seem, so stick to flat land if possible.

Pros

• Lightweight Frame
• 209Wh Battery
• Powerful V-Brakes

Cons

• Less Than Average Mileage

European-style city bikes are no strangers to an electric makeover

Pendleton Somerby Electric Bike

If comfort/style is important to you, then the Pendleton Somerby Electric Bike could be the e-bike you’ve been waiting for and then some! The upright seat and relaxed handlebars are a great touch (literally).

Moreover, reviews for this electric bike highlight the “smooth yet sturdy” feel of the grips.

Tektro alloy V-brakes are very powerful on the Pendleton Somerby, as are the 8-speed Shimano Acera gears. Both tyres come with puncture protection for an additional layer of coverage — ideal for riders who cover tough terrain on their adventures!

Battery/Motor Overview

A 317Wh Samsung battery sits in the rear luggage rack, a popular spot on most electric bikes.

The battery of the Pendleton Somerby utilises a smart control system to avoid overheating or overcharging, making it one of the most reliable packs around! Moreover, recharge time ranges anywhere between 4 to 5 hours.

The Pendleton Somerby comes with a Bafang 250W electric motor system located in the rear hub.

We should mention that a speed sensor will constantly monitor your speed as you go. If you travel any faster than 15.5mph (the legal limit for electric bikes in the UK), then prepare yourself to pedal unassisted.

E4TP Says

The Pendleton Somerby acts like a city bike, but when was the last time you travelled up to 50 miles on one of those? To sum up, this is the perfect example of a bike offering both style and substance.

Think of the Pendleton Somerby as a modern classic with an electric twist; worth checking out for sure.

Pros

• 317Wh Samsung Battery
• Retro Design/Fit
• Comfortable To Ride

Cons

• Not Very Agile

Urban areas won’t know what it hit if you go with this Crosscity bike

Carrera Crosscity E-Bike

The Carrera Crosscity e-bike is somewhat of an all-rounder in that it ticks multiple boxes. It’s a folding bike with the power of most electric mountain bikes, like the Apollo Phaze, only stronger.

When you buy the Crosscity, it comes with the works. It has a light-folding frame, complete with a kickstand, mudguards and rear carrier.

We should also mention the head unit. On the Crosscity, you’ll find a multi-functional LED display, complete with multiple push buttons. Each offer different forms of power assistance (Low, Medium or High).

Moreover, it features double-wall alloy rims and Kenda tyres. In other words, it’s small but mighty, and our favourite e-bike featured here, hands down.

Battery/Motor Overview

The Crosscity has been built around a Shengei 36V 250W motor — located in the rear hub. A speed sensor triggers as soon as it monitors movement in the pedals.

Know that it will stop assisting you the moment you travel faster than 15.5mph; a rule that applies to all electric bikes.

You’re getting a lot by paying a little if you go down the Carrera Crosscity route. For example, the 313Wh capacity battery comes with a fully integrated smart control system. This system protects it from overheating or overcharging.

In terms of charging, buyers will need around 6 hours to top this bike up fully. Max range per charge will take you up to 30 miles in a single burst.

E4TP Says

It currently falls just under the ‘electric bike under £1000’ tag at £999 as of May 2021. Expect this to rise once more buyers cotton on to the power of this folding e-bike.

And to top it off, there’s even a USB port to charge your phone with (at the cost of battery power).

Pros

• 313Wh Battery Capacity
• Multi-Functional LED Display
• 8-Speed Microshift Gears

Cons

• Only One Size Available

The Best Electric Bikes Under £500

Your choices are limited when it comes to the best electric bikes under £500, but there are a few standouts you should know about.

Like the electric bikes under £1000 section above, every ride you’re about to see is in no particular order.

Understand that your choices are slightly more limited when you get below the £500 price tag. You have a handful of folding bikes to pick from; rarely will you find an electric mountain bike for sale at this level.

It’s smaller than the average e bike, but it will do the trick

TOEU Electric Bike

Small but mighty, the TOEU Electric Bike is an affordable option with tremendous upside despite its shortcomings as a folding e-bike. This urban commuter bike comes with multiple modes for you to choose from.

“Electric,” “electric-assisted,” and “pedal mode” are all viable options for riders.

The TOEU electric bike is known as an “urban commuter,” meaning you can’t travel long distances. Still, you can explore an entire city centre without worry. In other words, it’s a nimble bike for local tourism and people who don’t live far from their place of work.

Battery/Motor Overview

The 36V battery works best on pedal-assisted mode, allowing riders to punch it and move just a little faster. Know that the power of the TOEU Electric Bike is limited. However, keep in mind that this bike was made for inner-city travel above all else.

Pedal-assisted mode appears to get the most out of this ion battery. Look to the handy LED screen to find all information spread out in front of you. The 350W brushless electric motor can hold up to 120kg like most of the other electric bikes shown. Therefore, showing the overall strength of the bike despite the size it gives up.

E4TP Says

For traversing cities at a decent speed, the TOEU Electric Bike does a standup job. Multiple pedal options really add to the versatility of this bike too. The only actual downside is the size of the bike; taller riders, you might want to give this one a miss.

Pros

• Urban Commuter Bike
• Easy Foldaway
• Very Cheap

Cons

• Quite Small

Can you see why it’s one of the best electric bikes under £500?

Fiido D4S Sport Electric Bike

The Fiido D4S Sport electric bike is a loyal companion; dare we say, a commuters best friend? We were surprised to learn this electric bike is under £500; you’ll know why in a second.

For those who don’t know, this is an ergonomically designed e-bike that fits in the folding category. It comes with a 6-speed gear shift system fit for every occasion. Moreover, it weighs in at 18.5kg and is incredibly durable.

The durability streak continues when you look at the wheels. After all, the 20-inch pneumatic tyres are wear-resistant and non-slip.

Battery/Motor Overview

What about the battery of the Fiido D4S Sport? How does it perform? Pretty well, all things considered. The 36V lithium-ion battery takes around 7 hours to charge, which ain’t bad.

Fiido claims this e-bike can travel around 80km, or 50 miles, which seems far too ambitious, but you have to admire their confidence. Additionally, this electric bike can hit speeds of 30kmh (18mph).

The D4S Sport bike has three modes, and Fiido claims you can reach that 80km mark using electric moped mode. Turning the switch on the handlebar will alternate between modes.

E4TP Says

As we said, it’s hard to believe that this electric bike is under £500 when you see how fast/how far it can go. Be sure to give this electric bike a good look-see when looking at quality foldable options.

Is it better than the Carrera Crosscity? We don’t think so, but it’s awfully close.

Pros

• Multiple Modes
• Max Range of 80km
• Simple Foldaway

Cons

• Slightly Long Charge Time

Orange and black has never looked so good

QDOS Black Folding Electric Bike

A slightly better option for long-distance commuting occupies the next space on our list of the best electric bikes under £500.

The QDOS Black Folding Electric Bike will take you places — anywhere up to 30 miles, to be precise!

What makes this such a great electric bike are the features. For example, the QDOS comes with a 6km walking mode, allowing you to push the bike a lot easier over hills and steeper ridges. There are 6 Shimano gears on the QDOS in total, making it one of the more flexible folding bikes out right now.

Battery/Motor Overview

Charge times for the QDOS are rather generous, given the mileage potential. Riders only need to charge the 24v 7ah battery for 2-3 hours from flat; talk about impressive! Standard charge times range anywhere between 4-5 hours on average, so shaving off an hour or two could make a world of difference for commuters.

Look to the rear of the bike to see the battery pack itself. Top tip: remember to remove the battery before folding the QDOS to carry. Why? Because the bike is heavy enough as it is without the additional weight on top. Plus, it’s a safety hazard, yet people still forget.

E4TP Says

Versatility is never a bad thing; just look at the QDOS to see that in practice. With this folding electric bike, you can enjoy long rides and fast charges, which is all you could ever ask for in a reliable two-wheeled companion.

Pros

• 6km Walking Mode
• Fast Charge Time
• 20” CST Tyres

Cons

• Quite Heavy

You don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy an electric bike

Where Can I Buy An Electric Bike Under £1000 And £500?

In this section, we’ll be giving you the tools to find your own e-bikes under £1000.

Something known as the internet will be your best friend when it comes to finding an e-bike under £1000 and £500; we’ll tell you that for free.

Right now, you have access to hundreds of unique sites dedicated to e-bikes and other electric rides (like e-scooters). If you’re from the UK, be sure to check out Halfords. We know it’s an obvious starting point, but they tend to accumulate all the best brands in one location. Additionally, you can filter each search by price, meaning you could find your perfect e-bike under £1000 right there and then.

Another option would be to simply Google “electric bikes under £1000.” Doing this will provide buyers will all the best sites. You’ll also get a feel for what’s out there straight up.

Visiting a store lets you eye-up these e-bikes in person. In our experience, the price of electric bikes is a lot higher than £1000 at in-person stores. It’s why we’d recommend you use online sources to find your ideal ride.

This will, obviously, differ. After all, some stores list their inventory online, meaning you could look to see what they sell, and if they have any e-bikes under £1000, you go visit.

It’s quite easy to find electric bike stores near you, although whether or not e-bikes sold at these locations are cheaper than £1000 is another question entirely.

We have a guide on where to find the best electric transport shops if you’d like to learn more.

You can travel on the back of an e bike for hours in most cases

Consider The Following: Best Electric Bikes Under £1000 And £500

Every electric bike you come across will serve the same purpose; only the difference in quality is a lot more noticeable when the price is involved. You’ll probably find more options in the best electric bikes under £1000 over the cheaper ones.

And, obviously, you’ll find a hell of a lot more by looking for e bikes under £2000.

Electric bikes are an investment in many ways, so always make a decision based on your own wants/needs.

Understand that most electric bikes under £500 are considered riskier purchases. Our advice would be the read as many reviews on the e-bike you’re looking at as humanly possible.

User reviews are a saving grace as they give you a pretty good idea of how the bike performs and if it lives up to its own hype.

E-bikes aren’t cheap, so you should be doing your research anyway.

Batteries, Batteries, Batteries

It goes without saying, but if your electric bike doesn’t have a decent battery, then the chances of you pushing a dead bike home is a matter of when not if. Electric bikes are far heavier than standard bikes. Our advice would be to find an electric bike with at least 36 volts running through the battery. 

Pay close attention to how long it takes to charge said battery too. Some batteries can take up to 5 hours total to charge, others 3 and below. The longer the charge time, the better the battery in our experience. Try to keep that in mind if you’re planning on making long-distance trips.  

It’s true; you can buy faster chargers for certain electric bikes. However, prolonged use of quick chargers can have lasting effects on your battery pack, causing it to lose its integrity, thus limiting how far it can travel.

See, fast charges aren’t as beneficial as they sound. Perhaps you think differently?

Display Screens Are Helpful/Informative

Some electric bikes out there come with LED/LCD displays; you know, those little screens attached to the handlebars that tell you everything worth knowing at all times. The information shown here can cover the following: 

• Current speed
• Remaining charge
• Distance travelled

Valuable information like this is essential for long-distance travel. It is one of the main reasons electric mountain bikes offer display screens. 

Reading user reviews of certain e-bikes under £1000 will only highlight the visibility of some screens. Some can be rather difficult to see in broad daylight. This is a glaring issue for obvious reasons.

Yes, you can judge the bike’s speed yourself, but knowing how fast you’re going is vital.

Folding Capabilities

Ask yourself what type of cyclist are you. If your answer has anything to do with commuting, then you should definitely take a look at some folding electric bikes; we’ve mentioned a few above. Having the ability to fold or not to fold can make your commute easier or harder depending on how far away your workplace is. 

Folding bikes are perfect for holidays as they don’t occupy a lot of space in your luggage; unless you own a bike rack, of course. Understand that it takes minutes, if that, to go from carry-mode to bike-ready, as we’ve already mentioned.

See that you check the weight of each bike beforehand, as some folding bikers are drastically heavier than others.

Comfort Is Key

You wouldn’t buy a sofa without sitting on it first, would you? So why would you buy an electric bike before ranking it on some sort of comfort scale ahead of time? A well-padded, upright seat goes well with relaxed handlebars/grips.

For example, take a look at the Pendleton Somerby Electric Bike above; now there’s a bike with comfort in spades! 

User reviews for electric bikes are a great way of getting an idea of how comfortable/uncomfortable a faithful road companion truly is.

Folding bikes may appear stiff when compared to standard electric bicycles, but they aren’t that bad, to be completely honest. Not to mention, some of the best electric bikes under £500 are of the folding variety! 

Note Down The Weight/Size

Every electric bike you come across will vary in terms of size/weight.

They’re not as lightweight as, say, a road bike, but that’s the point. Every electric bike under £1000 is a beast, made to take you great distances. The power is entirely out of your hands in a way — yes, you can pedal, but the power arrives via the battery.

You could call e-bikes the lazy-mans ride, but that’s selling them short. The benefits of riding an electric bike are instantly noticeable — as is the weight.

If you don’t want an overly bulky e-bike, choose a folding bike like the Laiozyen Electric Mountain Bike.

Folding e-bikes tend to be a lot lighter generally as riders need to carry them about. Whereas other electric bikes under £1000, like the Macwheel Cruiser 550, are like grey elephants in comparison; powerful, only heavy.

Taller riders should pay attention to the size of each e-bike in question, too; the same goes for short riders. If an e-bike is too small or too large, then it doesn’t matter if it’s below £500; you’ll just have to keep looking.

Consider The Type: The Best Electric Bikes Under £1000

Understand that you have multiple electric bike options to pick and choose from at this moment in time.

We’d even go as far as to say that it’s the year of the e bike, given the hundreds of motorised bikes there are out there. Not to mention the current buzz around the market.

There’s a reason why riders are looking for cheaper options; they all want to get involved!

Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can expect to find in your hunt for the right two-wheeler:

• Folding Electric Bike
• Hybrid Electric Bike
• Electric Mountain Bike

Folding electric bikes are easily one of the most adaptable of the bunch (as mentioned). But if you’re looking for something a little more potent when out in the wild, then maybe it’s time you looked at an electric mountain bike.

Why is that?

Well, the outset benefits that come with an e MTB are the same as any standard version, only you don’t have to apply more effort to traverse certain terrain.

An e mountain bike can turn any steep hill into a walk in the park.

Unfortunately, all of the best electric mountain bikes are priced well above the £1,000 mark. And it’s next to impossible to find one tied to the ‘best electric bikes under £500’ category.

That’s not to say that the Laiozyen or Apollo Phaze aren’t worth looking at. We’re just saying there are better options out there.

A hybrid, on the other hand, gives you the best of both worlds. It looks/feels like a motorised mountain bike, but it’s a completely different steed.

You’ll know that if you’ve ever taken a ride out on one prior.

Choosing an electric bike makes life a little easier

Wrapping Up: The Best Electric Bikes Under £1000 And £500

As you can see, buyers have many options when it comes to purchasing electric bikes at a cheaper rate! Granted, you’ll have better luck finding e-bikes under £1000 than £500, but still.

That’s not to say you can’t find an e-bike under £500, because you can — you’ll find a couple of them above. The only downside is how limited your choices are when you dip below £500; your options consist of folding e-bike, folding e-bike, and errr, folding e-bike.

If you have slightly more money, check out an e-bike under £1000, like the Apollo Phaze E-Bike mentioned — or the Pendleton.

Not happy with casting out your current bike for an electric one? Another option would be to check out a Swytch Bike Kit. You might have to pay more than £1000, but it’s a fantastic alternative.

Was any of this helpful at all? Head over to our social media, and tell us what e-bike you currently have your eye on.

The Best Electric Bikes Under £1000 And £500 FAQs

Still have a few questions? In this final section, we’ll be breaking down some electric bike-related FAQs.

From this point on, you should have a general understanding of electric bikes and everything there is to know from a price standpoint.

Are electric bikes the best type of electric vehicle?

This depends entirely on your stance and the reason you own an electric vehicle. Electric bikes are great for travelling long distances, whereas electric scooters are ideal for city travel. Check out our picks for the best electric scooters under £500 to learn more.

Where to buy an e-bike under £1000?

As mentioned, the internet will be your guide when it comes to finding a quality electric bike under £1000. In fact, we’d recommend you use online sources 100% of the time; it’s quicker, and you get to look at a wider range of personal electric transport vehicles.

What are the benefits of folding electric bikes?

For commuters, folding bikes serve as the perfect opportunity to pick up and go. For example, some people will need to take a train and then walk great distances just to get to work. Owning a folding electric bike allows you to cycle that last leg, trimming valuable minutes in the process.

How long does it take to charge an electric bike fully?

Charge times on electric bikes will vary from vehicle to vehicle. Some take up to 5 hours, others 2. It all depends on the battery/manufacturer behind the bike itself. Expect charge times to only increase as the tech surrounding electric vehicles continues to grow.

Why does an electric bike keep cutting out?

Every electric bike you see has to, legally, cut out all-electric assistance when the rider reaches around 15.5mph. You’ll know when the power cuts out as the pedals will spin, or you’ll begin to slow down.

Why are electric bikes so expensive?

Electric bikes aren’t the same as your standard non-electric equivalent. After all, the tech found in these bikes make life so much easier when out on the road. Every company you come across will charge different prices based on the battery power, the number of gears and other notable features.

Kris Cook

Hey, I’m Kris, a Junior Content Strategist at E4TP. At the moment I live in the world of EVs, keeping up on current trends in the space, and delivering quality content. I’m a creative type both inside and outside of work, in that I write poetry in my spare time, design independent zines, and paint. When I’m not knee deep in any of that, I collect vinyl (my collection has around 150 LPs in it), and enjoy spending time with pals outdoors, mostly on a bike — or in another country.

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