What e-bike should I buy?

Step 1: match the bike to your main journey

Pick the row that best describes most of your riding. If two rows fit, choose the one that matches your most frequent trip.

Step 2: think about storage and lifting

E-bikes are heavier than ordinary bikes, often around 20 kg or more. If you have stairs, a lift or a small hallway, weight and size matter as much as range. A folding e-bike or a lighter city bike may suit better than a bigger hybrid.

Also think about where you will charge. Fire services advise charging while you are home and awake, away from escape routes. If your bike lives in a shed, a removable battery you can bring indoors is useful.

Security matters too. A good lock is part of the cost of ownership; see our e-bike lock guide.

Step 3: choose the battery and motor

Battery size is measured in watt-hours. Multiply your longest regular ride in miles by about 20 to get a cautious Wh figure, then add some margin. Our battery size guide explains this.

Hub motors are simpler and common on city and budget bikes. Mid-drive motors use the gears and suit hills and off-road riding. Torque sensors give a more natural feel than cadence sensors. See our guides to hub vs mid-drive and torque vs cadence sensors.

Step 4: check it is road legal

To be ridden on UK roads without registration, insurance or a licence, an e-bike must meet the EAPC rules: a motor of no more than 250 W continuous rated power, assistance that stops at 15.5 mph, and no throttle above walking pace. Riders must be at least 14. Some bikes sold online exceed these limits; read listings carefully.

Our UK e-bike law explainer and the UK e-bike law check help you confirm a bike qualifies.

Where to buy and what support to expect

Where you buy matters almost as much as what you buy. A local bike shop can set the bike up, adjust the fit and handle servicing and warranty work. Buying online can widen the choice, but check who will service the bike, how warranty claims work and whether spare parts such as batteries, chargers and brake pads are easy to get in the UK.

Look for clear information on the motor's continuous rated power, the battery's Wh and the charger supplied. Listings that are vague about these, or that boast very high power or top speeds, are a warning sign. A bike that needs a lot of work to be road legal is rarely a bargain. Our budget e-bike guide focuses on bikes that meet UK rules out of the box.

Step 5: fit and features

Choose a frame size that suits your height and inside leg, and consider a step-through frame if getting on and off is a concern. Our e-bike size guide has a sizing table.

Then look at practical features: mudguards and a rack for commuting, integrated lights, hydraulic disc brakes for stopping power, and a display you find easy to read. Check the maximum load rating if you will carry heavy bags or a child seat.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best electric bike for a beginner? A step-through or low top tube hybrid with a modest battery and simple controls is easy to live with. Our guide on how to ride an e-bike covers the basics.

Should I buy a folding or full-size e-bike? Buy a folder if you need to carry it on trains or store it in a small space. Otherwise a full-size bike usually rides more comfortably.

Is a more powerful motor better? Road-legal e-bikes are limited to 250 W continuous rated power. Torque and sensor type affect how strong a bike feels on hills.

Can I buy an e-bike through the Cycle to Work scheme? Many employers offer the scheme, which can include e-bikes. Ask your employer how their scheme works.