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Buying guide

Best electric bikes under £1,000

Chosen from what the Amazon listings state, not tested by us. How we pick

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Top picks at a glance

Compare them all
  • Best overall

    Carpat GB1: EN 15194, Shimano hydraulic discs

    The listing states EN 15194 certification, plus REACH, RoHS and UN 38.3 compliance.

  • Best value

    LOOKRUN G11: 14 in folder, 2-year warranty

    The listing states a 250 W, 45 Nm motor with a 25 km/h top speed.

  • Most features

    SAMEBIKE XD26-II: 672 Wh, 180 mm hydraulics

    672 Wh battery with up to 100 km claimed in pedal-assist mode.

This is the busiest part of the UK e-bike market, and the listings vary wildly. Some bikes sold here have bigger motors or throttles that make them illegal on public roads, so every bike in this guide has a listing that states a 250 W motor and pedal assistance up to 25 km/h (15.5 mph), with no throttle or electric-only mode. Within that, the things that separate a good buy are battery size, brakes (hydraulic discs need less adjustment than cable discs), a gear range for hills, weight, and how long the warranty runs on the motor and battery. Spare parts and support matter too, since budget brands rarely have shops on the high street. We compare seven bikes on those points, using only what each maker lists, and flag where a listing leaves something out.

All products compared

The products in detail

No. 1 · Carpat

Carpat GB1: EN 15194, Shimano hydraulic discs

A 27.5 inch e-bike certified to EN 15194 with branded Shimano brakes and gears. The clearest choice on compliance and parts in this price band.

In its favour

  • The listing states EN 15194 certification, plus REACH, RoHS and UN 38.3 compliance.
  • Named Shimano hydraulic brakes and Altus derailleur are widely stocked parts in UK bike shops.
  • Five assist levels up to 25 km/h and walk assist up to 6 km/h from a 250 W hub motor.

Good to know

  • The 374.4 Wh battery is modest and no range figure is given.
  • 28.6 kg with a high tensile steel frame makes it heavy to carry.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: GB1 27.5" Road-Legal Electric Mountain Bike

No. 2 · SAMEBIKE

SAMEBIKE XD26-II: 672 Wh, 180 mm hydraulics

A dual-suspension fat tyre e-bike with a 672 Wh battery and 180 mm hydraulic brakes. Big battery and strong brakes for the money.

In its favour

  • 672 Wh battery with up to 100 km claimed in pedal-assist mode.
  • 180 mm hydraulic disc brakes are the largest rotors in this group.
  • One-year warranty covering motor, battery and controller, with UK after-sales support stated.

Good to know

  • At 29 kg it is heavy to lift up steps or onto a rack.
  • Fat tyres add rolling resistance on smooth commutes.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: SAMEBIKE Electric Bike for Adults Men Women, 250W Pedal Assist E-Bike,...

No. 3 · SAMEBIKE

SAMEBIKE RS-A01MEN: 540 Wh, 50 Nm

A 27.5 inch hardtail with a 540 Wh battery and 50 Nm motor that the maker says sticks to the 15.5 mph UK limit. A big battery for the money.

In its favour

  • A 540 Wh battery with a claimed 90 to 120 km range, among the largest in this group.
  • The listing states 250 W, 50 Nm and the 15.5 mph UK legal limit.
  • Brake-activated rear light, 3 W front light and a USB port are included.

Good to know

  • Brakes are mechanical rather than hydraulic, so expect more cable adjustment.
  • At 29 kg it is heavy, and the listing says the rear is a hardtail despite a dual-suspension title.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: SAMEBIKE Electric Mountain Bike for Adults 24"/27.5" - 90km Range 540W...

No. 4 · SAMEBIKE

SAMEBIKE LO26-II: folding 26 in, 21 gears

A full-size 26 inch folding bike with full suspension, hydraulic brakes and 21 gears. Folds to 102 cm for a car boot or train.

In its favour

  • The listing states a 250 W rear hub motor reaching 25 km/h and calls it UK road legal.
  • 21 gears and hydraulic disc brakes are unusual on a folding bike, per the listing.
  • A step-through frame and adjustable saddle suit riders from 1.6 m to 2.1 m.

Good to know

  • Weight is not stated, and full-size folders tend to be heavy.
  • The rider plus cargo limit is quoted as 120 kg in one place and 150 kg in another.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: SAMEBIKE Electric Bike for Adults 48V, 26” Folding Electric Bike with ...

No. 5 · COLORWAY

COLORWAY BK15M: 720 Wh fat tyre pedelec

A 26 x 4.0 inch fat tyre pedelec with a 720 Wh removable battery. The listing stresses that you must pedal for the motor to help.

In its favour

  • The listing states 250 W with pedal assistance up to 25 km/h, activated only by pedalling.
  • 720 Wh is the largest battery in this guide.
  • Integrated front light and an LCD showing speed, battery and assist level.

Good to know

  • At 30 kg it is the heaviest bike in this guide.
  • Warranty length is not stated, and brake type is given only as disc.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: COLORWAY 26" 4.0 Fat Tyre Electric Mountain Bike 250W Pedelec for Adul...

No. 6 · FabricBike

FabricBike Volt: 16.5 kg folder, 2 years

A 16.5 kg 20 inch folder with a 250 W motor and 25 km/h limit. The lightest and the only one here with a two-year warranty.

In its favour

  • Two-year manufacturer warranty, longer than every other bike in this guide.
  • At 16.5 kg and folding to 86 x 50 x 71 cm it is easy to carry and store.
  • The listing states 250 W and assistance up to 25 km/h.

Good to know

  • Single-speed with a small 250 Wh battery, so it suits short flat trips.
  • Rigid frame with no suspension on 20 inch wheels.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: FabricBike Volt - Folding Electric Bike, 20 inch Adult Electric Bike, ...

No. 7 · LOOKRUN

LOOKRUN G11: 14 in folder, 2-year warranty

A low-cost 14 inch folding e-bike with a 250 W, 45 Nm motor, a 25 km/h top speed and an IP65 rating. For short flat urban trips.

In its favour

  • The listing states a 250 W, 45 Nm motor with a 25 km/h top speed.
  • Two-year manufacturer warranty and a claimed IP65 water resistance rating.
  • Folds for storage, with front and rear mechanical disc brakes.

Good to know

  • Neither weight nor folded size is stated in the listing.
  • Small 14 inch wheels and no listed gears suit flat riding only.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: Folding e-bike, 48V 13AH Battery, 14'*2.1' Tire, Max 25km/h Speed, 45-...

Read before you buy

More buying guides: City and hybrid e-bikes

Pedal and Volt chooses every product independently, based on what its Amazon listing states. We may earn a commission on purchases made through the affiliate links above. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.