Folding e-Bikes hold at the center of the frame and the steerer tube near the handlebars. Some models even have folding pedals and integrated stands or wheels to facilitate propping the bike up or rolling it when folded.
Upway Picks: Best 500W Electric Bikes
Written by: Rémy Rossi | June 30, 2025 | Time to read 6 min
These 500W electric bikes strike the perfect balance— powerful enough for hills, tame enough for the city.
More about the Author: Remy Rossi
Rémy Rossi is a bike writer, mechanic, and educator who got his start in community-based bike shops and co-ops. With a decade in the industry, he still wrenches on bikes when he can and plays bike polo on a fixie.
So you’ve decided you want an electric bike with a 500-watt motor— now, what are the best options? Splitting the difference between more common 250W motors and powerful 750W motors that max out the legal limit for e-Bikes, 500W motors are a solid choice for many riders. While power isn’t everything— nor as relevant by itself as you may think— motor power ratings are important to consider when finding your dream e-Bike. Here are some of the best electric bikes 500 W models out there.
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What motor power means (and doesn’t mean) for e-Bike performance
The watts rating of an e-Bike motor represents the power output of the unit, hinting at just how much assistance the motor can provide and how fast it can do that. A higher wattage rating generally translates to delivering more power and the ability to better accelerate and climb up hills, though there are many other factors in the equation.
The actual power that the motor will put down is also influenced by the battery and controller of the e-Bike. Those two components must be able to support the motor drawing so much power and the motor must be able to produce sufficient torque without overheating or straining too much. Higher wattage numbers, therefore, aren’t a straightforward way to tell quality or performance— many premium 250W mid-drive motors heavily outperform powerful 750W hub motors, for example.
All electric bikes in Europe are actually limited to 250W, unlike the 750W maximum in the US, and they do just fine. But when paired with high capacity batteries and controllers, bikes with 500W can be used to accelerate faster and power up climbs with more oomph— but you can expect less range since the battery drains faster. This performance boost can be especially useful for heavier riders or electric cargo bikes that need the extra power.
The actual power that the motor will put down is also influenced by the battery and controller of the e-Bike. Those two components must be able to support the motor drawing so much power and the motor must be able to produce sufficient torque without overheating or straining too much. Higher wattage numbers, therefore, aren’t a straightforward way to tell quality or performance— many premium 250W mid-drive motors heavily outperform powerful 750W hub motors, for example.
All electric bikes in Europe are actually limited to 250W, unlike the 750W maximum in the US, and they do just fine. But when paired with high capacity batteries and controllers, bikes with 500W can be used to accelerate faster and power up climbs with more oomph— but you can expect less range since the battery drains faster. This performance boost can be especially useful for heavier riders or electric cargo bikes that need the extra power.
Best 500W Electric Bikes
1. Priority Current
This fully loaded electric city bike probably should be your current priority, considering how good of a deal it is. The Priority Current comes from a brand that isn’t as much of a household name as Trek, Specialized, or Giant, but delivers just as premium a product, without the sky-high price tag. The sleek design sneaks in maximum performance with a 500W mid-drive motor, belt drive, internal hub gearing, and high-capacity rack battery— pretty much opting for the highest specs possible!
It’s not that common to see a mid-drive motor with a 500-watt rating, and this motor produces a whopping 140 Nm of maximum torque to roll up the toughest climbs with ease. This Class 3 e-Bike assists up to 28 mph and has an extended range because of the 1,080 Wh battery pack. I like the rear rack battery location that allows for such a high-capacity battery, and I don’t mind the extra weight on the rear since the motor is in the center of the bike rather than a rear hub motor. High-performance and low-maintenance, this ultimate recreation ride is on my wishlist too.
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2. Aventon Pace 500.3
Aventon’s original electric bike, the Pace has been amplifying rides for years, receiving innovative tweaks on every generation. The Pace is a recreational and urban e-Bike that’s also available with a 350W rear hub motor, but the 500W model adds a bit more oomph for better acceleration and power up hills. There’s 35 Nm of torque, and its Class 2 e-Bike abilities mean you can cruise pedal-free with a throttle up to 20 mph.
It’s a comfortable frame with an upright riding position and easy controls. The wide tires increase stability, and there are even integrated turn signals at the rear of the bike for added visibility. The tall headset and handlebars are adjustable to achieve the perfect fit, too. Easy going on the bike path and affordable, the Aventon Pace 500 proves that power and price can be partners. Other Aventon models with 500W motors include the Aventon Level commuter e-Bike and the Aventon Sinch folding e-Bike.
3. GoCycle G3+
The GoCycle G3+ is a futuristic folding electric bike with compact components that deliver big performance. The frame design prioritizes elegant and clean lines with a one-piece frame, chain guard, and carbon mag wheels. The 500W front hub motor assists up to 20 mph when pedaling, producing a maximum 25 Nm of torque. There’s a three-speed Shimano Nexus internal gear hub.
The G3+ is relatively lightweight for an e-Bike at just 40 pounds and, combined with its ability to fold down, it can easily be stored away or fit inside a car for transport. Don’t forget that this premium folding model is made from carbon fiber! The folding mechanism is ultra-unique to save space and beat out rivals when it comes to practicality. There’s a steep price tag, but this 500W model may be worth it to space-conscious urban riders.
4. SUPER73 Z Miami
SUPER73 makes some pretty rad bikes— clearly inspired by classic motorcycles and dirt bikes, the stylish trend has caught on across the US. There are a variety of models— most of which have a 750W rear hub motor— but the pared-down Z Miami models have a 500W motor, 480Wh battery pack, and top speed of 20 mph in pedal assist and throttle modes.
The Z Series features a single-speed setup for a simpler design, since most riders use the throttle a majority of the time anyway. There’s a burly double crown front fork, extended bench saddle, MAXXIS Supersucker tires, and powerful hydraulic brakes. Just getting this model for the style is worth it, but the 500W motor provides performance to match.
5. Lectric XP 3.0 Long-Range
The Lectric XP 3.0 is one of the most popular electric bikes in the country with tons of versatility and an affordable price tag. The folding e-Bike has compact wheels and convenient hinges that collapse down, but it doesn’t compromise on power. The 500W rear hub motor assists up to 20 mph in both pedal assist and throttle modes so you can ride however you want.
This long-range edition has a 661 Wh battery inside the frame, in addition to a short-travel suspension fork, wide 20” tires, fenders, and a built-in rear rack to carry cargo. Available on Upway for less than $800, this electric bike 500 W is a major deal!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you fold an electric bike?
How much do e-Bikes weigh?
Most standard e-Bikes weigh between 20 and 25 kilograms, or around 45 to 55 pounds. Performance-oriented e-MTBs are on the lighter side despite the added suspension, ranging from 15 to 28 kilograms. Folding e-Bikes designed for commuters usually weigh around 20 kilograms for portability. On the heavier end, electric cargo bikes tip the scales at up to 40 kilograms.
What is the warranty on Upway bikes?
Upway offers a one-year limited warranty on all its e-Bikes that covers mechanical and electrical defects. We also provide guaranteed delivery and will compensate as warranted in the rare case of any shipping damage.
Key Takeaways
- 500W motors are a good balance between the low-power 250W standard and high-output 750W options, offering strong performance without overkill.
- Motor wattage alone doesn’t define quality— battery size, torque, and motor type (hub vs. mid-drive) also shape ride feel and power.
- From sleek commuters to rugged folders, 500W e-Bikes come in all styles, offering impressive torque, range, and affordability for diverse riders.
