Jetson Adventure Electric Bike Review
There’s been a lot of buzz around the Electric Bikes. And I for one, am really happy about the fact that the electric bike space is getting the attention and love it deserves. Most of the time, they talk about electric bikes has been a niche thing for only people who have extra money to throw around, or people who perceive the idea of them as bikes for the weak.
I would try not to get into that conversation of a self-proclaimed purist talking about how riding anything with a motor is unworthy of being called a bike. But people didn’t get an electric bike because of someone throwing senseless statements, but because they were really expensive to buy and rightfully so in those early years.
But for the last few years, many advancements have been made in making these bikes as reliable and accessible as possible to the general public. And one such bike is Jetson Adventure Electric Bike. Jetson is a relatively brand new company with a lot of ambitious goals around freedom in riding. And one such goal is to make affordable electric bikes while not compromising on the reliability and functionality of the bike.
This is a comprehensive review of Jetson Adventure electric bike detailing on parts like Battery, Range, Pedal Assist and many more. We hope you like it and let us know about your experience with your Jetson e-bike by sharing your stories in the Комментарии и мнения владельцев below.
First Impressions
One of the first impressions you get from Jetson Adventure Electric bike is that it doesn’t look like one. Because it isn’t. Nah Just kidding, it is but it is purposefully made that way to make it look like any other traditional bike. Those of who are wondering where the battery was, you guessed it right it was inside the down tube of the frame. This keeps the battery cozy and protects it from all the things bad for a battery.
But why did they do it? Of course, there are many reasons why you would like to have a battery inside the frame of a bike but as the CEO Josh Sultan explains that
We felt there was a gap in the market for an electric mountain/road bike that was visually beautiful but also offered a value. We felt there was a gap in the market for an electric mountain/road bike that was visually beautiful but also offered a value …we wanted to eliminate the stereotype that you were “weak” or “uncool” if you rode an e-bike.
Josh Sultan, Jetson CEO
This makes perfect sense and this also keeps anyone other than the rider know that its an electric bike. Okay, apart from aesthetics, which by the way is always a welcome feature, this also acts as a camouflage for protecting the bike from bike thieves. Because of this, you’d be more comfortable leaving this outside (with a proper bike lock of course) and still be able to function like a normal human being.
Why do you need an Electric Bike?
I can think of a lot of circumstances where Jetson Adventure electric bike can come in handy. And let me tell you one of the reasons I love adventure electric bikes. I am a cycling enthusiast and I like cycling very much, but like anything in life, cycling has some parts which are not desirable too. For as long as I could remember, I wanted to ride my loving bike to everywhere I wanted to go. But I would always put down the idea because there was always that one fear of me arriving at the destination with my shirt completely drenched in sweat, which by the way happened a few times, and believe me its not a good feeling.
The Motor and Max speed
So this is where a bike like Jetson Adventure Electric Bike comes in and saves the day. The 250-watt hub motor can get you to a maximum speed of 20mph with the pedal-assist which feels very zippy to commute around the urban roads. You could use the pedal assist on the harder parts like climbs and just pedal this thing normally during the easy parts. And you can rest easy because this Jetson e-bike can climb climbs with up to 15 degrees or up to 25% gradient climbs which are very rare to come across.
Battery
As we have discussed previously, the battery is hidden in the bottom tube of the bike which gives the bike a seamless look. Just as an added note, you will have to do some work if you want to convince your co-workers or friends that this is an electric bike just from looks. The battery on this bike is a 36V, 7.8Ah rechargeable battery with Panasonic cells which are of course rechargeable.
I don’t know why I am mentioning this but the charger is included in the package and it is a 110-240V charger which plugs into the left side of the battery. To get from 0% to a full charge, you will have to plug this in for around 5-6 hours. They normally recommend you charge it to full, the first three times you use it and then charge it according to your rides.
I normally recommend you keep the battery around 60-70% which gives you the most number of charging cycles and keeps your battery durable for years to come. It was stated that this battery has around 1000 recharges before it kinda starts having issues that are to be expected with any battery out there. But 1000 charges roughly translates to 3 years of continuous use, which sounds like a lot of value for me.
And if you choose to have a Jetson Adventure Electic Bike Battery replacement you can always get one from their official site. The batteries are also water-resistant of course, they got a rubber cap kind of thing to close the charging port when not in use and to keep the water and dust out.
Range and Pedal Assist
These are two main things that are and should be taken into consideration when purchasing an electric bike. There are 9 levels/modes of pedal assist which you can activate by pedaling the bike once and the motor engages and gives you a boost. So if you want a consistent ride on this bike you have to keep pedaling at regular intervals but the only difference as the name suggests the assist will make the pedal stroke a lot easier. You will come to love this bike very quickly, especially if you didn’t try any electric bikes.
You can still coast on this bike as you would do on any traditional bike. Rider can switch between the 9 levels by clicking up or down arrow buttons on the left side of the handlebar. This bike claims 30 miles on a single charge and real-time testing, it hits that 29 miles mark, and this is normal e-bike behaviour.
As I mentioned before this bike can go up to 20mph tops and has a range of 30 miles which is enough for any mid-far commutes. But if your commute is longer than that or for some reason you want a faster bike with a longer range make sure to check out our review on Aventon Pace 500, which has a 40-mile range with speeds up to 28 freaking miles per hour and that too with a throttle. That makes Aventon Pace 500, a class 3 electric bike whereas this is a class 1. And also it normally retails at around the same price point or even less so make sure you check that out before making a purchase decision.
Display and Lights
The display is an LCD with which you can quickly know the current battery level, the pedal assists level you are currently in, and the speed you are currently at. As a standard feature, this bike also comes with an odometer that measures the distance you have covered on this bike and it is shown on the bottom of the display.
Another cool feature is that this bike comes with front and rear LED lights. Of course, you can buy cheap LEDs but they are often hard to mount without filling your cockpit full of zip ties so it’s always a cool feature to get by default. The rear light will act as an indicator of sorts as it has two modes, one where it’s normal and another where it blinks.
Drivetrain and Brakes
This is a 21-speed electric bike with a 7-speed cassette in the rear and a 3-speed crankset in the front. You will be delighted to know that this bike comes with both front and rear disc Tektro brakes which are always a plus with any kind of bikes. The shifters used on this bike are Shimano shifters which work reliably with no issues.
Tires
The tires on this affordable e-bike are 27.5ers which are perfect for 250w motor. And they are wider than a traditional road bike tires which gives them better traction on the road. The recommended pressure for these tires, which a lot of people want to know, is 40-65 psi.
Running a properly inflated tire gives you more mileage for your charge, and also is better for your tires longevity.
Other Features
Although the saddles are up to personal preference, this one has a Comfort saddle that won’t hurt your bottoms and does a decent job absorbing the shocks. Jetson Adventure electric bike also comes with a traditional bell, which I have used like whole 3 times this year which is up from 0 last year.
The Bike is also made of aluminum alloy which is both non-corrosive and has some decent qualities like less weight etc. By the way, talking of weight, this adventure e-bike weighs in around 44 lbs and has a weight limit of 300 lbs which is great for people who carry an extra picnic basket or into food delivery. You can also fix some front baskets for carrying some cargo.
Electrek review: The Jetson Bolt electric bicycle is a 399 steal of a deal
One of the things I love about electric bicycles is the extreme variety of options in the market. From electric cargo bikes to mini e-bikes to 10,000 street e-bikes, there’s a bit of everything on the spectrum.
And like any spectrum, you often find the really interesting stuff on the extreme ends. Cue the Jetson Bolt, an ultra-affordable 399 electric bicycle. This little thing is a surprisingly capable bike, as I found out by riding it around for a few weeks. Read on to see my full review.
First of all, let’s address the elephant in the room. The Jetson Bolt has no pedals, so I’m not sure if this is technically a “bicycle”.
I’d consider it more like scooter functionality in a small bicycle form. But that’s a lot of words, so I’ll keep calling it a bike.
Jetson Bolt electric bicycle tech specs
The Jetson Bolt e-bike is definitely small, tipping the scales at just 34 lbs (15.4 kg). It has a weight capacity of 250 lbs (113 kg), meaning even though it’s small, it can still handle larger riders.
Video review
The rear 250 W motor doesn’t sound like much, but it has surprisingly good torque. The little motor gets me up to the bike’s top speed of 15 mph (25 km/h) quite quickly. Keep in mind that there are no pedals, so that acceleration is entirely unassisted.
The range is rated at 17 miles (30 km), but I got around 2/3 of that before performance started to become sluggish. I’m not sure where they got 17 miles from, unless those are downhill miles. Still, 12 miles or so isn’t bad for this tiny e-bike. Considering it is meant for city riding, I can’t imagine riding much farther than that.
With a 36V and 5.2 Ah (187 Wh) battery, the Jetson Bolt isn’t meant to be a long haul e-bike.
Braking is accomplished via a single mechanical disc brake in the rear. It’s great for hardcore power slides (ask me how I know).
A twist throttle, battery meter, cruise control button, on/off switch and horn button adorn the handlebars.
Front and rear LED lights are built into the frame and are powered by the main battery pack.
The Jetson Bolt folds down to 20″ x 40″ x 28″ (51 cm x 102 cm x 71 cm). It folds at the handlebars, not in the middle, but it still becomes fairly small. Definitely small enough to fit in any trunk.
Jetson Bolt ride quality
This little e-bike is actually pretty fun to ride. The first day or two I kept blindly feeling for pedals with my feet when I would takeoff. But I soon got used to the whole “no pedals” thing, and it eventually felt normal.
With a decently torquey motor and small 12″ diameter wheels, the Jetson Bolt gets up to speed quickly and I never felt like I needed to assist it.
The only time I missed having pedals was on hills, where it would slow down a bit.
I didn’t do a full range test because the lack of pedals meant I would have had to walk it back when it finally ran out. That’s probably the main downside to not having pedals.
But there are upsides too. The whole bike is super lightweight without a bunch of heavy bike components like pedals, cranks, chain, chain ring, cassette, derailleur, etc. Plus, you don’t have to worry about maintaining or adjusting those parts, and there are fewer things to break.
And with fewer bike parts, the price of the Jetson Bolt can come down without sacrificing the quality of the electrical components.
I would have loved to have some suspension to smooth the ride a bit, but of course you couldn’t hit this weight or price point with suspension. And with the relatively wide tires and plush seat, the ride isn’t as harsh as you might expect. You could always add a suspension seat post if you really wanted some extra comfort.
My Takeaway
For the price (399), the Jetson Bolt e-bike is an awesome ride. It can do everything an electric scooter can do, but lets you sit down like on a bicycle.
It’s not an amazing e-bike by any stretch of the imagination. I’ve ridden e-bikes that go faster and farther and with more features. But I’ve never ridden one as affordable. And considering that this bike is decent quality, it offers quite good bang for your buck.
Until now the best mini e-bike I’ve ridden has been the 489 Swagtron EB-5. But if you can do without pedals and want to save nearly 100, the Jetson Bolt gives the EB-5 a real run for its money.
I think the Jetson Bolt e-bike would be best for city riders or students on a college campus. It’s small, easy to stow or carry up stairs (especially with the built-in carry handle) and is just an all around fun little e-bike.
As a last-mile vehicle, it’s perfect. If you need a way to get from your home or work to the train or bus, this could be it. It folds, allowing it to board many forms of public transportation, and could turn a half hour walk into an 8 minute joy ride.
If you’ve been considering an electric bicycle for commuting but haven’t wanted to invest much money, this could be your answer.
What do you think of the Jetson Bolt? Could you see yourself scooting around on this little e-bike? Let us know in the Комментарии и мнения владельцев below.
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Is The Jetson Adventure E-Bike Perfect?
Yes, we know the title is a little grabby, but a two-month test ride of the Jetson Adventure electric bike (e-bike) has been, well, a nice adventure.
Yes, we know the title is a little grabby, but a two-month test ride of the Jetson Adventure electric bike (e-bike) has been, well, a nice adventure.
It’s been about two months since Jetson sent us the Adventure e-bike, and so far, we’re smitten with it. The e-bike is easy to get along with, easy to ride, intuitive, and perhaps the best part is that it’s light. The Jetson Adventure hits all these points with a brilliant yet simple and straightforward design. The Jetson Adventure is all about lightness and agility. It feels more like a regular mountain bike than a heavy e-bike. The concealed lithium-ion battery rests neatly out of sight in the front V frame. In fact, when asked what kind of bicycle it was, most were intrigued to learn it is electric.
Jetson Adventure E-bike — Technical Details Price
Jetson settled on 1,800 for the Adventure, which seems to be the new entry level for e-bikes these days. Its 9 levels of pedal assist give you a wide array of boost. The front shock suspension and shock-absorbing seat manage to keep you on the road and not brutalized by it. The LCD display is well positioned so that you don’t have to hunt for the state of your battery life, speed, and other information.
With a maximum speed of up to 20 mph in electric mode, the e-bike manages a maximum range of up to 40 miles, which we have tested to be fairly accurate for a medium-weight male body. Okay, I’m 175 lb.
The best part is that it only weighs 42 lb, which comes in handy if you run out of juice. We deliberately ran out of electricity and the e-bike never punished us for it. It’s fairly light weight made it easy to get back home pedaling without assistance. And if you feel like abusing it, it can handle 300 lb of weight.
Another thing we like about the Adventure is that all you need to do is pedal to engage the electric motor. Unlike other makers who still give you the option of a throttle, like GenZe does, pedaling kicks in the electric motor. This means that just pedaling without any extra effort or thought will engage the electric motor. This is a nifty feature we’ve come to like over the weeks.
We hear a lot of marketing around powerful electric motors that would make a 250-watt hub motor seem weak. The Jetson’s Adventure 250W motor does the job more than well enough and we found it to be very capable in everyday riding situations in an urban environment. The motor relies on a Panasonic 36V, 7.8Ah lithium-ion battery. However, the battery is not removable, which might worry a few people. We’ve looked at the Adventure to see how easy it would be to swap out the battery. It seems that removing the headlight incorporated into the frame would give you access to the battery. We are waiting to have Jetson confirm this.
Another thing that impressed us with the Adventure is that it sports 21 gears, which makes tackling any hill easy. The wheels are the new 27.5″ standard and rest on an alloy frame. We were worried the seat would be highly uncomfortable, but after positioning it correctly, it did its job well, as well as cushioning us from our bumpy local road.
This e-bike isn’t the always-on communication hub a la Bluetooth we seem to be seeing with other e-bike makers. This is a pure electric mountain e-bike with no added bells and whistles. You will have to put your smartphone and other connected devices away in your s and enjoying biking. Oh, wait, it does have a bell! It also comes with a one-year limited warranty.
The Things We Would Like To See Different
Although the Jetson Adventure does a great job at offering us a straightforward electric mountain bike, some will find it needs a few upgrades to make it fit into their lives a bit better. The handlebar is a straightforward affair, but a little too straightforward for these hands and wrists. We would like to see a more ergonomic design that raises the handlebar up and out more. That may just be a personal preference.
Another improvement we would like to see regard the tire and wheel makers, which is not solely a Jetson problem. Many entry-level wheels puncture holes in the inner tubes by using thin and small rubber wheel interior rim protection. After a series of three frustrating punctures, we decided to change the rim seam to cloth. So far, so good.
Lastly, on a personal note, we would change the cartridges to add more pedalling speed. We found ourselves pedalling fast to hold a spirited speed. The current setup, however, could be perfect for anyone with nearby hills or of if there are steep slopes in your commute.
The Jetson Adventure, In Conclusion
Overall, we haven’t been as excited about an e-bike for years as much as we are about the Jetson Adventure. Its simple design philosophy is pure and meets our every need — within reason, of course. What it also does is introduce a good electric mountain bike that can be fairly easily upgraded to meet your particular needs. We do like that it is a fun city riding experience right out of the box.
It’s exciting to see a no-nonsense electric bike that delivers exactly what we look for — lightweight and fun to ride anywhere — at a decent price (1,800). The Jetson Adventure e-bike is straightforward, fun, and elegant.
Stay tuned for more as we continue to discover this fun e-bike.
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Nicolas was born and raised around classic cars of the 1920s, but it wasn’t until he drove an AC Propulsion eBox and a Tesla Roadster that the light went on. Ever since he has produced green mobility content on various CleanTech outlets since 2007 and found his home on CleanTechnica. He grew up in an international environment and his communication passion led to cover electric vehicles, autonomous vehicles, renewable energy, test drives, podcasts, shoot pictures, and film for various international outlets in print and online. Nicolas offers an in-depth look at the e-mobility world through interviews and the many contacts he has forged in those industries. His favorite taglines are: There are more solutions than obstacles. and Yesterday’s Future Now
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The Best Electric Bikes Under 500 in 2023
The best electric bikes under 500 was a price point that simply didn’t exist just a few years ago. It used to be that even an affordable e-bike would set you back a few thousand dollars. But with improving battery and e-bike motor technology, those have come down, creeping below (or at least close to) the 500 mark. Though e-bikes at this price point may not offer the range and features of those higher-end models, they still offer a surprising amount of power and range.
Many of these e-bikes are smaller in size, with 14-inch wheels and foldable compact frame sizes that allow you to stow them in a closet or the trunk of a car. E-bikes in this price range come equipped with 250- to 350-watt motors that can reach speeds of around 15 miles per hour with a range of about 15 miles. There are even some models that can go longer, or go off-road if you’re willing to compromise weight.
If you’re looking for an e-bike for recreation or the daily commute that won’t break the bank, then read on to learn more about the best electric bikes under 500.
How We Picked the Best Electric Bikes Under 500
E-bikes that fall under the 500 mark are the most affordable e-bikes one can buy. While you won’t find the range and features of a full-sized bike, they do offer tremendous value. Keeping that in mind, we chose models that still offer enough range — at least 13 miles — to make them serviceable commuter or recreational bikes. We also included models that have motors with between 250 and 350 watts of power, which is enough to reach power assist or power-only speeds of around 15 miles per hour. Since bikes at this price range do not have the range of higher-end models, we chose mainly those that can be easily stowed in the trunk of a car with weights under or around 40 pounds and foldable designs.
Best Electric Bikes Under 500: Reviews and Recommendations
Best Overall: Swagtron Swagcycle EB-5
Why It Made The Cut: The EB-5 manages to be lightweight while still being able to offer a fast pedal assist speed and good range.
— Top Speed: 15 mph — Max Range: 15.5 miles — Weight: 37 pounds
— Folds up into a compact size — Lightweight enough to carry — Adjustable handlebar and seat post height
Swagtron’s Swagcycle combines a compact design with a longer-than-average range and a manageable weight to make it the best all-around e-bike for around 500. It weighs a very carryable 37 pounds thanks to an aluminum alloy frame and smaller 14-inch wheels and folds down to just a third of its total size. Swagtron smartly designed a handle into the top bar that makes it easy to pick up and carry after folding it in half via the hinge on the top bar.
The EB-5 has a surprising amount of power for its small compact size. Though it lacks multiple gears and only has a single power assist speed, its 250-watt rear-mounted motor is capable of reaching brisk top speeds of 15 miles per hour while ascending inclines of up to 30 degrees, far greater than any other bike you’re likely to encounter.
Its 36-volt 7.5 amp hours (Ah) lithium-ion battery will allow you to travel up to 15.5 miles on a single charge and is also removable, making it easy to charge while at the office. The Swagtron will also fit most riders, thanks to a wide range of adjustments for both the seat and handlebars.
Best Folding: Jetson Bolt Up Adult Electric Ride On
Why It Made The Cut: The Jetson is a slick-looking e-bike that manages to stay lightweight and portable despite housing a large 350-watt motor.
— Top Speed: 15.5 mph — Max Range: 13 miles — Weight: 41 pounds
— Light overall weight — Sleek look — Powerful 350-watt motor
— Doesn’t fold to as compact a size as some e-bikes — Shorter range than other e-bikes at this price range
Jetson sets their Bolt Up Electric Ride On apart from the competition with an attractive design, powerful motor, and surprisingly lightweight overall. The Jetson manages to remain light thanks to an aluminum alloy frame and smaller 14-inch wheels and still sports an energetic 350-watt motor. With its all-black finish and curved frame, the Jetson is one of the sleeker e-bikes you can buy for under 500.
The bike weighs just over 40 pounds, has a set of handlebars that fold down, and includes a convenient built-in carrying handle, making it one of the more portable e-bikes on the market. However, it is important to note that only the handlebars will fold down, which makes it less compact than e-bikes that fold at the top bar.
The Jetson can reach a max speed of 15.5 miles per hour and offers multiple speed options, which are easy to control via a twist throttle on the handlebars. It’s powered by a 6 Ah battery that gives it a maximum range of 13 miles, which is a bit on the low end for bikes at this price point. Other notable features include large disk brakes on both wheels for plenty of stopping power, a large bike seat, and a bell for alerting pedestrians.
Best Cheap: Ancheer Folding Electric Bike
Why It Made The Cut: This pedal-less bike is capable of reaching top speeds of 20 miles per hour, making it one of the fastest e-bikes under 500.
— Top Speed: 20 mph — Max Range: 15 miles — Weight: 38 pounds
— Reaches high top speed — Lightweight enough to carry — Powerful 350-watt motor
This folding powered e-bike from Ancheer is characterized by the arc shape of its top bar and lower bar, which Ancheer says was inspired by the shape of dolphins. In addition to its marine mammal looks, it also happens to be one of the faster e-bikes at this price point. With its 350-watt motor, it can reach speeds of up to 20 miles per hour which puts the Ancheer a significant step up from the 15 mph speeds most e-bikes under 500 are capable of reaching. Its small 12-inch wheels also make it one of the more compact e-bikes on the market, though you should expect to feel more of the road than you would on an e-bike with larger wheels.
Its 36-volt 6 amp hour battery gets a maximum range of 15 miles, which is about average for an e-bike at this price. Just keep in mind that it’s designed for mainly flat terrain. Ancheer says it can climb moderate slopes over short distances.
In addition to its high top speed, the Ancheer comes with cool Smart features not found on all bikes. When you connect it to an app, you can set speeds, lock the motor for security, track mileage and travel time, and run a diagnostic test.
Best Long-Range: Sailnovo 14-inch Electric Bike
Why It Made The Cut: This e-bike can cover up to 45 miles of distance and comes equipped with a cushioned seat and shock absorber
— Top Speed: 18.6 mph — Max Range: 45 miles — Weight: 50 pounds
— Longer range than other under 500 e-bikes — Comfortable seat with shock absorber — Three speed options
With its large 10.4 Ah battery, this e-bike from Sailnovo has a longer range than most under 500 e-bikes. It’s capable of covering 28 miles in full e-bike mode or up to 45 miles with pedal assist, which is far greater than the 15-mile average of other budget e-bikes. It’s also one of the more comfortable under 500 e-bikes. The Sailnovo comes equipped with a large cushioned seat that’s designed with a high-density foam sponge in the middle for better shock absorption.
The Sailnovo e-bike comes equipped with a 450-watt motor that allows you to reach speeds up to 18.6 miles per hour. This e-bike also has three riding speeds, giving it more versatility than other sub-500 e-bikes. Speed controls are located conveniently on the right handlebar along with an LCD display that shows your current speed, battery life, and trip information. A headlight and horn can be operated from the left side of the handlebars.
While the Sailnovo is faster and has a longer range than most e-bikes that cost under 500, its larger battery and more powerful motor make it a heavier bike with a total weight of about 50 pounds.
Best for Mountain Biking: Hyper Bicycles Electric Mountain Bike
Why It Made The Cut: We couldn’t find a well-equipped e-mountain bike at a lower price than this model from Hyper Bicycles.
— Top Speed: 20 mph — Max Range: 20 miles — Weight: N/A
— Affordable e-mountain bike — Front fork shocks — Max pedal assist speed of 20 miles per hour
— Shorter range than other e-mountain bikes
Technically the Electric Mountain Bike from Hyper Bikes is slightly more than 500, but you won’t find a cheaper e-mountain bike on the market. Given what you get, it’s a heck of a deal. The bike provides pedal assist for up to 20 miles per hour, helping to carry you up those steep off-road trails. There’s a front fork suspension that absorbs shock for off-road terrain, while knobby 26-inch tires provide traction for riding on unpaved surfaces.
While it may lack the long range of more expensive e-mountain bikes, its 20 miles is suitable for most trail rides. The drivetrain consists of Shimano components with a single front chain ring and a six-speed rear cog set that is controlled through a twist shift on the handlebars. The Hyper Bikes e-mountain bike is also designed with a flush mount battery that stays out of the way, allowing for more aggressive off-road riding.
While Hyper Bike doesn’t publish the weight of its mountain bike, expect it to weigh considerably more than other e-bikes at the 500 price point. Other handy features include an aluminum frame and alloy wheels.
Things to Consider Before Buying The Best Electric Bike Under 500
Powered vs. Pedal Assist: E-bikes break down into three categories: powered, pedal assist, and those that do both. A powered e-bike differs the most from a traditional bike. It doesn’t have pedals or a drivetrain, relying entirely on a battery-powered electric motor to provide power to the bike’s rear wheel. A powered bike at the under 500 price range usually has a shorter range than a pedal-assist bike and does not produce enough torque to handle steeper claims, making it suitable for mostly level terrain.
Pedal-assist bikes combine the pedals and drivetrain of a traditional bike with a motor that provides supplemental power. A pedal-assist bike typically has different levels of power assist and will provide power for speeds up to 20 miles per hour. Since the rider is contributing some of the power to move the bike forward, this type of bike has a longer range than a powered e-bike, like the Cero One. Some e-bikes can supply power assist or provide all power for the bike.
Motor and Speed: E-bikes that cost less than 500 have a motor located on the hub of the rear wheel that ranges in power from 250 to 350 watts. The greater the power of the motor, the higher its top speed, and the better able it is to produce the necessary torque to climb hills. E-bikes in this price range provide assistance for speeds between 15 and 20 miles per hour.
While a larger motor may make the bike faster and more powerful, it will also add more weight to the bike than a smaller motor and require more power to operate, draining the battery more quickly.
Portability: While many full-size e-bikes weigh upwards of 60 pounds, making them very difficult to transport in a vehicle or tote into an apartment or office, most of the best electric bikes under 500 are comparatively compact and lightweight. Many under 500 e-bikes are foldable. weigh around 40 pounds, and have small 14-inch wheels. Some of these bikes even have handles designed into the top bar that makes it easier to carry them. This design makes them small enough and light enough to fit in a car trunk or even tote into the office for safekeeping once you arrive at your destination.
Battery and Range: The size of the battery determines how far the e-bike can travel before requiring a recharge. How much electricity a battery can store is determined by the number of amp hours it has. The higher the amp hours (Ah), the greater the storage capacity of the battery. Most e-bikes under 500 have 7.5 Ah batteries, which is enough to provide a range of up to 15 miles for powered e-bikes and 30 miles for power-assist bikes. There are some e-bikes in this price range with larger 10.4 Ah batteries that offer a pedal-assist range of up to 45 miles. Keep in mind that a higher-capacity battery also weighs more, adding to the overall weight of the bike.
FAQs
Q: What is the most dependable electric bike?
Ancheer makes some of the most dependable electric bikes at the sub-500 price point. The company is one of the more established e-bike manufacturers, having launched back in 2008 in Los Angeles.
Q: Is an electric bike worth buying?
Electric bikes have come down in price with improvements in motor and battery technology in recent years, making them an excellent option for commuting as well as recreation. These lower make them a great option for commuters who want to use a bike as an alternative to a car, thereby saving money on gasoline, aiding your health, and benefiting the environment.
Q: What should you know before buying an e-bike?
Before buying an e-bike, it’s important to understand the costs of maintenance and the potential restrictions for use of some e-bikes. Although e-bikes can allow you to save a considerable amount of money on fuel costs should you choose to use it for commuting, the battery will need to be replaced every few years, adding to the cost of the bike. Also, it’s important to understand that different states and municipalities have different regulations regarding e-bikes. For example, some will not allow e-bikes on bike paths or mountain biking trails, so it’s important to check local e-bike regulations before purchasing one.
Q: Are e-bikes good for seniors?
Since e-bikes provide power assistance, making it easier to pedal the bike on flat surfaces and up hills, while maintaining a decent speed with less exertion, they make a great option for seniors. Many e-bikes also have step-through frame designs, eliminating the need to throw one’s leg over a high top bar, which can be difficult for those with limited mobility.
Q: How long do electric bike batteries last?
You can expect an electric bike battery to last between three and five years. Over time the lithium inside the battery will slowly lose its ability to hold a charge, even when it isn’t used. You can prolong the life of your e-bike’s battery by storing the battery in a cool dry place. Also, avoid keeping the battery on the charger for long periods after it’s fully charged, and don’t fully discharge the battery on a regular basis. When it comes time to replace the battery, ensure you recycle the old one where possible.
Q: Are electric bikes good for your health?
Although e-bikes may not require the same exertion, and hence won’t provide the same aerobic exercise as a regular bike, most do require pedaling. As with regular bikes, pedaling increases the heart rate, contributing to cardiovascular health and improving brain function while allowing one to maintain a healthy weight.
Q: How far can an electric bike go?
How far an electric bike can go depends on the battery capacity. Bikes that are under 500 have a range of about 15 miles, though there are some that can go as far as 45 miles on a single charge. An e-bike’s range depends on the battery size and whether the bike is providing all the power or pedal assistance. Keep in mind that most e-bikes have removable batteries, which means you can purchase an extra battery to increase its range.
Final Thoughts on the Best Electric Bikes Under 500
When choosing one of the best electric bikes under 500 it’s important to consider the range, portability, and motor assistance that the bike offers. With its 30-mile range, foldable design, and light total weight, the Swagtron Swagcycle EB-5 is the best electric bike 500 e-bike on the market. Those looking for a full-size mountain bike should consider the Hyper Bicycles Electric Mountain Bike.
This post was created by a non-news editorial team at Recurrent Media, Futurism’s owner. Futurism may receive a portion of sales on products linked within this post.