PVY H500 Pro: Just another budget e-bike?

The newly-released PVY H500 Pro is now available in the UK. In this article, I will do a quick rundown on the specifications and look at some of the pros and cons to see if it’s a worthwhile choice in the budget e-bike market sector.

Key features

• 250W High-Speed Motor
• 36V 10Ah Li-ion Battery
• Max Range of 90km
• EN 15194 CE Certified by SGS
• Price: €1.049 (Discounted from €1.099)

Electric components

The motor looks like a run-of-the-mill 250w hub motor that produces a claimed 38Nm of torque. If it’s anything like the motor used on the PVY Z20 Pro then it should be relatively quiet and smooth. Pedal assist is taken care of by a standard cadence sensor.

For power, there’s a 36v 10.4Ah battery which neatly integrates into the downtube and can be removed for charging. The claimed range of 90 km is optimistic for the average rider and a range of 50-60 km is going the be more realistic.

A big colour display is centrally mounted on the handlebar, straddling the stem. The display is IP66 rated with a high level of waterproofing and will withstand heavy downpours (but not submersion in water).

Bike components

The components are all fairly generic for this type of e-bike. There’s the usual Shimano Tourney derailleur and a triple crank with 7-speed freewheel giving a total of 21 gears.

Mechanical disc brakes with 160mm rotors are commonplace at this price point but more manufacturers are offering hydraulic brakes in the sub-£1000 category.

There is a basic coil-sprung front suspension fork (lockable) which should be fine for urban riding and some light off-road excursions. The 27.5″ wheels with 2.1″ tyres should be good at dealing with different terrains.

For accessories, there is an integrated front light and kickstand. The gel saddle looks fairly standard and should provide a reasonable level of comfort.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Reasonable price
• Not too heavy
• Good level of waterproofing (IP66)
• Large colour display

Cons

• Mechanical disc brakes
• No mudguards

FAQs

How heavy is the PVY H500 Pro?

Weighing in at 22 kg, the H500 Pro is not too heavy and sits at the lower end of the weight scale for a budget e-bike of this kind.

What is the maximum rider height?

The maximum recommended height is 6’5″ (198cm) I would say this is stretching it as I had the saddle nearly at its highest and I’m 6’1″.

Is the PVY H500 Pro waterproof?

The PVY H500 has an IP66 rating for the electric components making this e-bike suitable for riding in heavy rain. However, deep puddles should always be avoided if possible.

Can I legally ride the PVY H500 Pro in the UK?

Yes, the H500 Pro is UK and EU e-bike law-compliant. Out of the box, it assisted to 25 km/h and the throttle only works to 6 km/h. It can be unlocked to 35 km/h but this isn’t advisable if you want to stay on the right side of the law.

Conclusion

The PVY H500 Pro has a fairly generic specification for an electric bike of this price point. The EN15194 safety certification gives peace of mind and is becoming an increasingly important consideration especially where batteries are concerned.

PVY are a new brand in the UK and based on my testing of their Z20 Pro folding e-bike I can say the build quality and components were up to the standard I’d expect of a budget electric bike. The H500 Pro looks like it could be a good option for commuters and weekend leisure riders. If I can get hold of one for a review, I will update this article accordingly.

Specifications

• Motor: 250w 36v Brushless, geared rear hub motor
• Battery: 36v 10.4Ah
• Range: 90 km (claimed)
• Top speed (assisted): 15.5 mph / 25 km/h
• Weight: 22 kg
• Maximum load: 120 kg
• Gearing: 21-Speed Shimano
• Brakes: Mechanical disc brakes
• Accessories: Front light, kickstand
• Price: €1049