E-Bikes

Choosing an electric bike

The right e-bike depends almost entirely on the journey you are actually making. A folding bike that lives under a desk solves a different problem from a full-size mountain bike, and paying for range you never use is the most common way to overspend.

What actually matters

• Range, quoted at the assist level you will really ride at rather than the lowest setting
• Motor position — hub motors are simpler and cheaper, mid-drives handle hills better
• Battery capacity in watt-hours, which is a fairer comparison than voltage or amp-hours alone
• Weight, which decides whether you can carry it up steps or lift it onto a rack
• Whether a rack, mudguards and lights are fitted or something you will have to add

A legal point worth checking first

Any bike sold as road legal in the UK must have a motor rated at 250W or less, assistance that cuts out at 15.5mph, and working pedals. Plenty of imported bikes exceed that and are not legal to ride on roads or cycle paths. See UK Road Legal (EAPC) for the full test.