Electric Bike 500w vs 750w (Don’t Be Fooled by the Difference)
I couldn’t decide between a 500w motor and a 750w motor for my electric bike. So, I researched the pros and cons of a 500w motor and a 750w motor. So what are the key differences of a 500w and 750w eBike motor?
As a whole, 750w motors are more powerful than 500w motors. On an eBike, higher wattage provides more power which, in turn, allows you to ride your eBike at a higher speed for a longer distance on a single charge.
While 750w motors might be more powerful than 500w motors, there are specific situations in which a 500w motor might be more suitable. In this article, I outline the key differences between a 500w motor and a 750w motor, like the cost, the weight capacity, and maximum speeds.
500W Motor vs 750W Motor
| Wattage of Motor | Cost | Weight Capacity | Suitable Terrain | Maximum Speed | Battery Range |
| 500W | $489 | About 250 lbs (113.5 kg) | -Flat terrain -Slight inclines | 25mph on flat terrain | 25-40 miles |
| 750W | $545 | About 300 lbs (136 kg) | -Flat terrain -Slight inclines -Steep hills | 32mph on flat terrain | 40-70 miles |
Pros and Cons of 500 Watt Motor
| Pros of 500w Motor | Cons of 500w Motor |
| Great mid-range eBike for beginners | Max. speed is a bit slow compared to a 750W eBike |
| Less expensive than a 750W motor | Motor may cut out when climbing a steep hill |
| Great option for riding in urban environments | Lower weight capacity than 750W motor |
| Shorter battery range than 750W motor |
Pros and Cons of 750 Watt Motor
| Pros of 750w Motor | Cons of 750w Motor |
| Can ride on any terrain | Costs more than a 500W motor |
| Higher max. speed than a 500W motor | High speed can make instant braking difficult |
| Provide higher torque than a 500W motor | eBikes equipped with a 750W motor can be heavy |
| Higher weight capacity than 500W motor |
Cost Difference: 500 Watt vs 750 Watt Electric Bike
As a whole, an electric bike with a 750W motor is more expensive than an electric bike with a 500W motor. Additionally, if you are retrofitting a motor, a 750W motor is more costly than a 500W motor. Generally, a 750W motor is $550, whereas a 500W motor is $485.
The difference in cost between a 500W and 750W motor is not significant, but it is apparent.
The Cost of a 500W Electric Bike
The power output is the critical difference between an electric bike with a 500W motor and one with a 750W motor. Generally, an eBike with a 500W motor has a lower power output than an electric bike with a 750W motor. Thus, an electric bike with a 500W motor is generally a little less expensive than an eBike with a 750W motor.
The median cost of a 500W motor is around $450. The average cost of an electric bike with a 500W motor is about $1,200. For example, this electric bike with a 500W motor made by VELOWAVE is $1,359 on VELOWAVE.
The Cost of a 750W Electric Bike
The main reason 500W and 750W motors differ in cost is the power output. Generally, 750W motors have a higher power output, meaning they also have a higher weight capacity. Thus, a 750W motor is made with materials that can give your eBike more power, driving the cost up.
The median cost of a 750W motor is around $500. The average cost of an electric bike with a 750W motor is about $1,500. For example, this electric bike with a 750W motor made by VELOWAVE is $1,699 on VELOWAVE.
Weight Capacity Comparison: 500W vs 750W Electric Bike
On average, an electric bike with a 750W motor will be able to carry more weight than an electric bike with a 500W motor. This is because a 750W motor is more powerful than a 500W motor. Electric bikes with a 750W motor are often heavier, thus allowing them to hold more weight.
Several factors determine the weight capacity of an electric bike. On top of the wattage of the motor, when determining the weight capacity of an eBike, you must also consider the width of the tires, the intended purpose of the eBike, and the weight of the electric bike itself.
Some eBikes are built to sustain extra weight, like cargo or a second passenger. Thus these eBikes have a more powerful motor.
For more information about eBikes with a high weight capacity, check out our article “Best Electric Bike for Uber Eats (Are You Allowed To Use It),” or “Best Electric Bikes for Passengers.”
The Weight Capacity of a 500W Electric Bike
The weight capacity of an electric bike with a 500W motor is about 250 lbs (113.5 kg). Generally, eBikes with a lower weight capacity weigh less themselves. Electric bikes with a 500W motor are often lighter than eBikes with a more powerful motor.
Of course, there are outliers to this pattern. Some 500W eBikes with fat tires are built for cargo or riders weighing more than 250 lbs (113.5 kg).
However, if you weigh more than 250 lbs and choose to ride a 500W eBike, you may find that it cuts out when you attempt to ride uphill or at a slight incline. The weight capacity is determined by the degree to which maximum power and speed can be outputted without affecting the ride quality, and exceeding the weight limit can exceed the limits of your eBike’s power supply.
It is unlikely that an eBike with a 500W motor would be damaged purely from the weight of a rider over 250 lbs. However, likely, requesting power from a motor that is not equipped to provide power in such conditions could damage an eBike.
The Weight Capacity of a 750W Electric Bike
The weight capacity of an electric bike with a 750W motor is about 300 lbs (136 kg). Generally, eBikes with a higher weight capacity weigh more themselves. Electric bikes with a 750W motor are often heavier than eBikes with a less powerful motor.
If you weigh more than 300lbs (136 kg) and choose to ride a 750W eBike, you may find that it cuts out when your attempt to ride on a steep uphill. The weight capacity is determined by the degree to which maximum power and speed can be outputted without affecting the ride quality, and exceeding the weight limit can exceed the limits of your eBike’s power supply.
It is unlikely that an eBike with a 750W motor would be damaged purely from the weight of a rider over 300 lbs. However, likely, requesting power from a motor that is not equipped to provide power in such conditions could damage an eBike.
Suitable Terrain for 500W vs 750W Electric Bike
As a general rule, eBikes with a 500W motor are only suitable for riding on paved roads and slight inclines. 750W motors can withstand rougher conditions, such as loose terrain or steep hills, and are also suitable for paved roads.
You need high torque to ride your eBike on rough terrain or climb steep hills. Torque is the capacity and power at which your eBike can accelerate, so you can see why this would be crucial when climbing hills or riding on loose terrain.
To learn more about torque, check out our article “Electric Bike Torque: The Ultimate Guide To eBike Torque.”
Suitable Terrain for a 500W Electric Bike
Since a 500W motor is less powerful than a 750W motor, it will provide your eBike less torque during a ride than a 750W motor. This means your 500W motor will not be able to accelerate well on an incline or rough terrain.
Since 500W motors provide low torque, they perform best on paved roads with slight or no inclines.
Suitable Terrain for a 750W Electric Bike
Since a 750W motor is more powerful than a 500W motor, it will provide your eBike more torque during a ride than a 500W motor. This means your 750W motor will be able to accelerate well on an incline or on rough terrain.
Since 750W motors provide high torque, they perform equally well on paved, flat, and steep, rough terrain.
Maximum Speed for 500W vs 750W Electric Bike
As a whole, the maximum speed of a 750W electric bike is higher than a 500W eBike. Electric bikes with a 750W motor can go about 28 mph without pedal assist and 32mph with pedal assist. E-bikes with a 500W motor can go about 20mph without pedal assist and 25mph with pedal assist.
E-bikes with a 750W motor have a faster maximum speed than eBikes with a 500W motor because they are more powerful. Generally, eBikes can reach their absolute top speed while pedal assist is engaged, but they can still ride at high speed while fully automatic.
It is essential to note the speed limit for your eBike in your state. Many states have guidelines on how fast you can ride your eBike and where you can ride your eBike at top speed. The speed laws differ from state to state in America, so read up on your state’s rules and regulations before riding at top speed on a pedestrian sidewalk.
Check out our article “Are Electric Bikes Street Legal (Detailed Info: All 50 States)” for more information on the eBike laws in your state.
The Maximum Speed on a 500W Electric Bike
The maximum speed on an eBike with a 500W motor is 20mph without pedal assist, and 25mph with pedal assist. The maximum speed on an electric bike with a 500W motor is lower than the maximum speed on an electric bike with a 750W motor because the motor is less powerful. Thus it provides less speed.
In most states, the top speed for eBikes on sidewalks, trails, or bike paths is 20mph. This law differs from state to state, as some states do not have speed laws for eBikes, but those that do typically cap the maximum speed at 20mph. Consult your state’s e-bike laws before riding yours at top speed.
The Maximum Speed on a 750W Electric Bike
The maximum speed on an eBike with a 750W motor is 28mph without pedal assist, and 32mph with pedal assist. The maximum speed of an electric bike with a 750W motor is higher than the maximum speed of an electric bike with a 500W motor because the motor is more powerful. Thus it provides more speed.
In most states, the top speed for eBikes on sidewalks, trails, or bike paths is 20mph. This law differs from state to state, as some states do not have speed laws for eBikes, but those that do typically cap the maximum speed at 20mph. Consult your state’s e-bike laws before riding yours at top speed.
Battery Range for 500W vs 750W Electric Bike
On average, the battery range on an electric bike with a 500W motor is 25-40 miles. The battery range on an electric bike with a 750W motor is 40-70 miles. Typically, riding with light pedal assist and on flat, paved terrain can elongate your battery range.
The range of your battery depends on a few factors:
- The size of your battery (Volts, Amps, and Watt-hours).
- The wattage of your motor.
- The amount of assistance you use during your ride.
- The weight applied to your ride (your weight and the weight of any cargo during your ride).
If all these factors operate at their average amount, a 750W motor will have a more extended battery range than a 500W motor simply because it has a higher wattage.
For more information on battery range, check out our article “How Long an Electric Bike Battery Last [Lifespan, Per Charge].”
The Battery Range on a 500W Electric Bike
The average battery range of an electric bike with a 500W motor is 25-40 miles. You can extend your battery range to reach 40 miles by riding on flat, smooth terrain with little pedal assistance from your motor.
If you remember from earlier in this article, 500W electric bikes typically have a weight capacity of about 250 lbs (113.5 kg). If you are within this average and ride your eBike on a flat, paved road, you should be able to get about 40 miles out of your battery range. However, if you ride a 500W eBike and are over 250 lbs, you will not be able to get the full range out of your battery.
The Battery Range on a 750W Electric Bike
The average battery range of an electric bike with a 750W motor is 40-70 miles (64 km-113 km). You can extend your battery range to 70 miles (113 km) by riding on flat, smooth terrain with little pedal assistance from your motor.
If you remember from earlier in this article, 750W electric bikes typically have a weight capacity of about 300 lbs (136 kg). If you are within this average and ride your eBike on a flat, paved road, you should be able to get about 70 miles out of your battery range. However, if you ride a 750W eBike and are over 300 lbs, you will not be able to get the full range out of your battery.
Is 500 Watts Enough For an eBike?
As a general rule, 500 Watts is the minimum wattage needed for an eBike to reach 20mph (32 km/h) as a maximum speed, making it enough for an eBike. 500 Watts is the standard, mid-range wattage for an eBike, so it performs best with a rider of average weight and on flat, paved roads.
Most eBike research has been conducted on 500W eBikes, thus making them the most thoroughly inspected and understood eBikes on the market. If you are looking for an eBike for your commute or leisurely rides, a 500W motor is enough wattage to suit your needs.
While some people prefer eBikes over 500W because they enjoy riding their eBikes on rough or hilly terrain, eBikes over 500W come with their fair share of issues. For example, assuming a 500W eBike is legal wherever you want to ride it is generally safe. However, eBikes over 500W are not permitted everywhere within the United States or globally.
Is 750 Watts Enough for eBike?
As a whole, 750 Watts is considered an above-average wattage motor, making it more than enough for an eBike. Since 750 Watts is considered above-average, it performs best with riders over an average weight and on hilly or loose terrain.
When figuring out what wattage is best or enough, you must consider two important factors: your weight and the environment(s) in which you ride. The heavier the rider, the more powerful a motor must be.
So, if you are over 220 lbs (the maximum weight for a 500W motor to function efficiently), or if you are near 220 lbs but plan to carry cargo or a second passenger on your eBike, 750 will most likely be enough wattage for your eBike.
Secondly, you must consider the environment(s) in which you ride your eBike. If you typically only ride your electric bike on flat, paved roads, a 750W e-bike will be enough, possibly more than enough wattage. 750W will also be more than enough wattage for you if you are under 220 lbs and if you are only riding on flat, paved roads.
However, if you typically ride on hilly roads with loose terrain, a 750W eBike will be just enough power to navigate that environment easily and efficiently.
“The power of the bike’s engine gave him more power than the people around him.”
—Bharat kumar
What Is the Best Wattage For an Electric Bike?
On average, the best wattage for an electric bike is 500W or above. 500W will allow you to ride on flat, paved roads at 20mph (32km/h). If you like to ride on hilly or loose terrain, your best wattage would be 750W or 1000W.
While 750W and 100W eBikes are very powerful, a 500W motor is an excellent wattage for an average rider. If you are using your eBike for commuting and are of average weight, a 500W motor is a perfect wattage for you.
500W motors perform well on hilly and loose terrain, especially if you do not exceed the weight maximum of your eBike and use some degree of pedal assist. However, we do not recommend getting a 500W motor for an electric mountain bike.
750W and 1000W motors are mighty and may be the best wattage for you if you often ride your eBike on hilly or loose terrain or exceed the recommended maximum weight of 220 lbs for 500W motors.
Ultimately, the best wattage for an electric bike will depend on the weight of the rider and the environment in which the eBike is most often used.
How Powerful Is a 500W eBike?
As a general rule, a 500W eBike is a mid-range, averagely powered eBike. A 500W eBike’s speed generally maxes out at 20mph (32km/h). Electric bikes with a 500W motor perform best on flat, paved terrain with a rider of or below 220 lbs.
A 500W eBike is a powerful eBike, but in the full scope of motors available, its power is mid-range. A 500W eBike is most powerful when ridden on a smooth and flat surface by a rider of average weight.
When ridden fully automatic, a 500W eBike maxes out at 20mph (32 km/h). 20mph is generally the top speed in most states in the US. When ridden with some degree of pedal-assistance, a 500W e-bike can reach 25 mph (40 km/h) in good weather conditions.
If ridden by a person of average weight, a 500W eBike can have enough power to traverse hilly or rough terrain. However, a higher wattage will make riding in such conditions more efficient and will extend your battery life.
How Fast Can a 500W E-Bike Go?
On average, a 500W e-bike can go 20 mph (32 km/h) without pedal assist, and 25 mph (40 km/h) with pedal assist. Checking the speed laws for eBikes in your state is crucial to ensure you adhere to the rules when you ride.
Pedaling provides a forward thrust and more momentum to your eBike, allowing it to go faster than relying solely on battery power. A 500W eBike can go faster with pedal assist because the battery works more efficiently when the rider pedals. On flat, paved roads and in good weather conditions, an eBike with a 500W motor can go a maximum of 20 mph without pedal assist and 25 mph with some degree of pedal assist.
Most, if not all, states in the United States allow eBikes to go at least 20 mph. In some states, 20 mph is the speed limit for eBikes, and in some states, the speed limit is 25 mph. You don’t have to be as mindful of your speed on an eBike with a 500W motor as on an eBike with a motor over 500W.
However, checking the speed laws for eBikes in your state is crucial to ensure you do not exceed the speed limit when you ride.
For more information about the laws regarding eBikes in your state, check out our article titled “Are Electric Bikes Street Legal (Detailed Info: All 50 States).”
How Fast Does a 750W Electric Bike Go?
On average, a 750W electric bike can go 28 mph (45 km/h) without pedal assist and 32 mph (52 km/h) with pedal assist. It is crucial to check the speed laws for eBikes in your state to ensure you are adhering to the rules when you ride.
Pedaling provides a forward thrust and more momentum to your eBike, allowing it to go faster than relying solely on battery power. On flat, paved roads and in good weather conditions, an eBike with a 750W motor can go a maximum of 28 mph without pedal assist and 32 mph with some degree of pedal assist. A 750W eBike can go faster with pedal assist because the battery works more efficiently when the rider pedals.
In some states, 20 mph is the speed limit for eBikes, and in some states, the speed limit is 25 mph. However, there may be some areas where the speed laws do not apply, such as designated eBike trails or trails that prohibit pedestrians on bike trails.
Checking the speed laws for eBikes in your state is crucial to ensure you do not exceed the speed limit when you ride.
For more information about the laws regarding eBikes in your state, check out our article titled “Are Electric Bikes Street Legal (Detailed Info: All 50 States).”
How Long Will a 500W E-Bike Battery Last?
As a whole, a 500W e-bike should last as long as any other eBike, so about five years. To ensure your eBike lasts as long as possible, you should be sure to clean it after riding on loose terrain and store it in a dry, mild environment.
E-bike batteries are generally good for three to five years, depending on how well they are maintained and how often they are used. If you store your eBike in a mild and dry environment and clean it after each use, this can extend the battery life to the five-year mark.
Check out our article “17 Electric Bike Storage Ideas You Can Actually Use (Home, Garage, Outside)” for more information about proper eBike maintenance.
Another critical aspect of extending the life of your eBike’s battery is following the recommended charging guidelines. Generally, it would be best if you did not leave your eBike battery to charge overnight because charging it after the battery is full can cause it to depreciate over time. Not letting your eBike battery completely discharge on a regular basis is also recommended.
To read more about the lifespan of eBike batteries, check out our article titled “How Long an Electric Bike Batter Last [Lifespan, Per Charge].”
Is 750W eBike Legal?
As a general rule, 750W eBikes are legal in most states. Most states do not permit an eBike with a motor over 750W. To be safe, it is always a good idea to check your state’s eBike laws to ensure you adhere to the rules when you ride your eBike.
eBikes with 750W motors are legal in many states. In some states, however, a 750W motor is the highest power motor permitted by law.
The legality of eBikes does not typically apply to the wattage of the motor but rather the speed at which you ride the eBike. In many states in the US, riding a 750W eBike at its maximum speed (32 mph or 52 km/h) may not be permitted, as most states limit eBike speeds to 20 mph or 32 km/h. It is always important to check the laws regarding eBikes in your state before embarking on a ride.
For more information about the laws regarding eBikes in your state, check out our article titled “Are Electric Bikes Street Legal (Detailed Info: All 50 States).”
If you are planning to buy an electric bike, check out our article “Best Electric Bike Brands (Ranked by Budget Level & Style).”
