Looking for the best electric bike in the UK? With electric bikes evolving rapidly, 2025 brings a host of models that are smarter, lighter, and more capable than ever before. Whether you’re after a fast and agile commuter, a lightweight road machine that flattens hills, a folding model for urban portability, or a cargo-hauling powerhouse for family duties, we’ve tested and reviewed the top options available. This comprehensive guide covers every category and riding style, making it easier than ever to find the perfect e-bike for your needs.
Best Overall Electric Bike
Cowboy Cruiser
- Weight: 19.3 kg
- Motor: Rear hub motor, 45 Nm torque, automatic assist
- Battery: Removable 360 Wh, ~40–70 miles range
- Price: £2,590 (approx.)
The Cowboy Cruiser is a comfortable, upright electric bike built for urban riders who want seamless power and effortless style. Unlike the step-through Cruiser ST, the Cruiser features a classic diamond frame with a slightly more upright riding position than the original Cowboy Classic. This geometry balances city agility with relaxed comfort, making it ideal for daily commuting and weekend rides alike.
Equipped with a single-speed carbon belt drive, the Cruiser delivers a silent, zero-maintenance ride. The integrated rear hub motor provides smooth, automatic assistance tailored to your pedal input, with no gears or throttles to manage. The removable 360 Wh battery offers a real-world range of up to 70 miles and recharges in just 3.5 hours.
Smart features are at the heart of the Cowboy Cruiser. The onboard software connects to the Cowboy app for GPS tracking, theft alerts, predictive maintenance, and over-the-air updates. There’s even a built-in Quad Lock mount with wireless charging. With puncture-resistant tyres, hydraulic disc brakes, adaptive lighting, and clean integrated design, the Cruiser stands out as one of the most modern and rider-friendly e-bikes in the UK market today.
Read our full review of the Cowboy Cruiser
Specialized Turbo Vado SL 5.0 EQ
- Weight: ~15 kg
- Motor: 240 W mid-drive
- Battery: 320 Wh, ~60–80 miles
- Price: £4,000+
Ultra-light yet powerful, the Vado SL is an urban hybrid that doesn’t compromise. Fully equipped for daily use and praised for its smooth, responsive power delivery, it’s a top-tier all-rounder.
The Vado SL 5.0 EQ is particularly well-suited for riders who value fitness and performance without the weight penalty of a traditional e-bike. The handling is responsive, the frame geometry is comfortable for longer rides, and the integrated lights and rack make it commuter-ready straight out of the box. With a clean design and high-end components, it provides a premium experience that bridges the gap between serious cycling and practical everyday transport.
Read our full review of the Specialized Turbo Vado SL 5.0 EQ
Best Value Electric Bikes
Ribble Hybrid AL e
- Weight: 14.6 kg
- Motor: Mahle X35 hub
- Battery: 250 Wh
- Price: From £2,000
Looking like a standard hybrid, this Ribble model offers stealthy electrification. Its comfort, low weight, and all-inclusive spec (rack, lights, guards) make it unbeatable value for everyday riders.
The Hybrid AL e is impressively smooth to ride thanks to its lightweight build and reliable Mahle motor. It provides just enough assist to flatten hills without overwhelming the ride feel. The step-through variant increases accessibility for a wide range of users, and it’s especially easy to manoeuvre in stop-start traffic. With internal cable routing and sleek frame design, it also scores high on looks—making it an ideal city or leisure bike on a sensible budget.
Read our full review of the Ribble Hybrid AL e
Carrera Crossfire/Impel (Halfords)
- Weight: ~23 kg
- Motor: Rear hub (varies by model)
- Battery: 300–500 Wh
- Price: Under £1,500
Carrera’s range delivers solid specs at a wallet-friendly price. Sturdy frames, decent assist, and great UK support make these bikes commuter favourites.
The Crossfire and Impel models offer excellent entry-level e-bike experiences. You’ll find user-friendly controls, comfortable upright riding positions, and surprising motor strength for the price bracket. While they may lack the finesse of premium brands, they’re perfect for casual commuting and occasional leisure rides. Spare parts and servicing are widely accessible through Halfords, giving peace of mind to budget-conscious buyers.
Best Cargo Electric Bikes
Specialized Globe Haul ST
- Payload: 200 kg
- Motor: 700 W hub motor
- Battery: 772 Wh
- Price: £2500
A compact longtail cargo e-bike built for heavy loads. Its powerful motor and large battery make it ideal for family errands. Comes ready with bright lights, racks, and passenger options.
The Globe Haul ST is compact yet immensely capable. Its 20-inch wheels keep the centre of gravity low, ensuring stability even when fully loaded with passengers or gear. The large battery ensures you can complete a day’s errands or school runs without recharging, and the robust frame is engineered to take real-world knocks. Add in configurable mounting points and weatherproofing, and you’ve got an ultra-practical alternative to a second car.
Read our full review of Specialized Globe Haul ST
Tern GSD S10
- Payload: 200+ kg
- Motor: Bosch mid-drive, 85 Nm
- Battery: 400–1000 Wh
- Price: From £5,000
One of the most respected cargo bikes, the GSD hauls two kids or serious shopping with ease. With folding features and top-tier build, it’s a genuine car replacement.
Designed to handle demanding family or delivery duties, the GSD combines compactness with enormous capability. The Bosch motor offers consistent torque even on steep hills, and the dual-battery setup extends range for all-day riding. Modular accessories allow it to adapt from school run shuttle to cargo hauler or even a small business vehicle. Despite its utility, it rides like a regular bike, which is no small feat for something this capable.
Read our full review of Tern GSD S10
Best Women’s Electric Bikes
Cowboy Cruiser ST
- Weight: 19.4 kg
- Motor: Rear hub, automatic assist
- Battery: Integrated, ~40–70 miles range
- Price: £2,590 (approx.)
The Cowboy Cruiser ST is a smart, stylish e-bike ideal for city riders. Its carbon belt drive and automatic assistance create an ultra-smooth ride, especially when tackling hills. Lightweight and maintenance-free, it’s perfect for urban commuting. This Belgian-made beauty is also available direct from Cowboy’s UK site.
What truly sets the Cowboy Cruiser ST apart is its seamless integration of technology and design. The automatic assist intelligently responds to your pedal effort, meaning there’s no need for gears or manual adjustments—just get on and ride. The step-through frame offers easy mounting, and built-in lights, GPS tracking, and over-the-air updates via the Cowboy app bring a futuristic level of user experience. Whether you’re commuting daily or cruising on the weekend, the Cruiser ST feels intuitive, elegant, and efficient—making it a clear standout for modern city riders.
Whyte RHeO 3
- Weight: ~17 kg
- Motor: Rear hub, 45 Nm
- Battery: 250 Wh
- Price: £2,299
Unisex in name, women-approved in testing. Lightweight, agile, and packed with useful features, it excels in urban rides. It offers a great blend of balance and comfort.
The RHeO 3 offers confident handling thanks to its stable geometry and 650b wheels. The battery range is well suited for daily commutes, and it charges quickly too. Integrated features like lights and a pannier rack come as standard, so you’re ready to ride out of the box. It’s a versatile choice for women seeking a reliable companion that transitions smoothly between city streets, park paths, and light weekend touring.
Read our full review of the Whyte RHeO 3
Best Folding Electric Bikes
Brompton Electric P Line
- Weight: 15.6 kg
- Motor: 250 W front hub
- Battery: 300 Wh (removable)
- Price: £3,750
The folding king. Brompton’s electric P Line delivers on portability and performance. Perfect for multimodal commutes and tight urban living. Made in the UK and a benchmark in its class.
Thanks to its titanium rear triangle and refined folding mechanism, the P Line Electric is noticeably lighter and faster to fold than earlier versions. The front-mounted battery bag detaches easily for charging and carrying. Ride quality is surprisingly refined, even with small wheels, making it suitable for longer city commutes. With a wide range of accessories and colour options, it’s the gold standard for portable urban travel.
Gocycle G4i
- Weight: ~17 kg
- Motor: Front hub, 250 W
- Battery: 375 Wh
- Price: £4,000+
Tech-forward and uniquely styled, the G4i folds fast and rides beautifully. With features like auto shifting, integrated cockpit, and rear suspension, it’s a premium folding e-bike experience.
The G4i blends futuristic design with premium ride dynamics. It features a clean, single-sided drivetrain and hidden cabling for an uncluttered aesthetic. Folding is fast and intuitive, and once collapsed, it rolls easily like a suitcase. The integrated display and daylight running light add functionality, while rear suspension makes it more comfortable than most folders on rough streets. A statement piece with substance.
Best Lightweight Electric Bikes
Specialized Turbo Vado SL 4.0
- Weight: 14–15 kg
- Motor: 240 W mid-drive
- Battery: 320 Wh
- Price: £2,999+
For those who hate heavy bikes. Despite its slimmed-down frame, the Vado SL still delivers meaningful assist. Ideal for stairs, lifts, or spirited urban riding.
The Vado SL 4.0 balances sportiness with convenience. The motor is whisper-quiet, and the ride feels more like a traditional hybrid than a powered machine. Its handling encourages speed and agility, especially in traffic or on twisty bike paths. You can extend its range with an optional range extender, and it still weighs less than most non-electric hybrids. It’s a rare blend of performance, portability, and poise.
Ribble Endurance SL e
- Weight: 12–13 kg
- Motor: Mahle X35 hub
- Battery: 250 Wh
- Price: From £3,000
One of the lightest e-road bikes around, the SL e feels like a racer with a boost. With stealthy integration and top-tier performance, it’s Ribble’s crown jewel.
The SL e rides and looks like a high-end carbon road bike. The Mahle system kicks in unobtrusively, helping on hills and long rides without affecting the natural feel of the ride. Internal battery and minimal cabling maintain aerodynamic flow, and the geometry is suited for everything from fast club rides to solo endurance efforts. If you want to keep up with fitter friends or extend your weekend loops, it’s a perfect solution.
Best Electric Mountain Bikes (e-MTB)
Specialized Turbo Levo Comp Carbon
- Motor: Brose/Specialized, 90 Nm
- Battery: 700 Wh
- Travel: 150 mm
- Price: £6,000+
Often hailed as the benchmark e-MTB. It’s playful yet powerful, with buttery assist and top trail performance. A consistent winner in our tests.
With its progressive geometry and premium suspension, the Turbo Levo Comp Carbon is made for serious trail enthusiasts. The Brose motor delivers smooth power without jolts, and the long-lasting battery means fewer interruptions. The bike’s carbon frame keeps weight down while enhancing stiffness, making it agile on climbs and explosive on descents. It’s a bike that encourages you to push harder and ride further.
Canyon Spectral:ON CF 9
- Motor: Shimano EP8
- Battery: 720–900 Wh
- Travel: 155 mm
- Price: £5,000+
Direct-sales powerhouse Canyon delivers top performance at compelling value. Light, agile, and long-lasting, the Spectral:ON is a rocketship on any terrain.
The Spectral:ON CF 9 is impressively refined for a high-powered e-MTB. The Shimano EP8 motor delivers strong, adjustable torque and pairs with a high-capacity battery for full-day trail missions. The geometry blends stability and playfulness, making it suitable for both flowing singletrack and rowdy enduro trails. With its carbon frame and internal routing, it feels modern, aggressive, and up to date.
Best Electric Road Bikes
Wilier Cento1 Hybrid (Ultegra Di2)
- Weight: ~12 kg
- Motor: Mahle X35
- Battery: 250 Wh
- Price: £6,000+
Blending road bike purity with e-assist, the Wilier is sublime. It’s light, responsive, and elegant, offering help only when you need it. Perfect for hills or long days.
The Cento1 Hybrid is built for riders who demand the aesthetics and feel of a high-end road machine with discreet assistance. Its geometry is race-tuned, and the electric motor only kicks in when you ask for it—preserving the traditional ride feel. Di2 electronic shifting, carbon frame construction, and lightweight wheels make it a dream on climbs and descents alike. It’s ideal for performance-focused cyclists who want subtle backup on the toughest sections.
Ribble Endurance SL e
- Motor: Mahle X35
- Weight: ~12-13 kg
- Price: From £3,000
Nearly indistinguishable from a traditional endurance bike, it’s one of the best-value electric road bikes available. Agile, efficient, and ideal for UK club riders wanting a discreet boost.
The SL e is based on Ribble’s popular endurance platform, offering comfort for long-distance rides with geometry that encourages efficiency. The battery lasts through multi-hour outings, and the power delivery is so subtle that you forget it’s there—until you crest a hill with less effort than expected. With customisable build options and a UK-based brand behind it, it’s an outstanding all-rounder.
How We Test the Best Electric Bikes
Every e-bike featured in our guide undergoes rigorous real-world testing across varied UK terrain and rider scenarios. Our evaluation focuses on performance, comfort, build quality, and value.
Test Routes: We ride each bike on a mix of city streets, cycle paths, hills, and country roads to assess motor responsiveness, battery range, and handling.
Battery Testing: Range is measured in real-world conditions—urban stop-start, steady countryside cruising, and hill climbs. We record average distances on full charge with different assist levels.
Motor & Assist Quality: We test both hub and mid-drive motors for torque, smoothness, and noise under load. We note any surging or lag, especially on inclines.
Ride Feel & Comfort: Geometry, suspension, tyre size, and contact points (saddle, bars) are assessed for comfort on longer rides. Step-throughs and folding frames are tested for ease of use.
Fit for Purpose: Whether it’s folding for the train, hauling two kids, or cruising 50 miles, we judge how well each e-bike meets its design brief.
Value & Aftercare: We consider total value—spec for the price, included accessories, ease of servicing, and support from UK-based sellers or brands.
This thorough approach ensures our recommendations reflect real rider needs, not just spec sheets.
How to Choose the Best E-Bike for You
Choosing the right electric bike involves more than just picking the most expensive or popular model. Here are the key factors to consider:
1. Purpose and Terrain
Think about how and where you’ll ride most often. For commuting, a lightweight hybrid or folding e-bike is ideal. For hilly areas or longer distances, look for powerful mid-drive motors and larger batteries. If you’re replacing a car, a cargo e-bike with high payload capacity and accessories for kids or gear may be best.
2. Motor and Battery
Hub motors are quieter and more affordable, ideal for city use. Mid-drive motors provide better hill-climbing and natural pedalling feel. Battery size affects range—250 Wh for short city rides, 500–700 Wh+ for longer commutes or rural routes.
3. Weight and Storage
Lighter bikes (under 17 kg) are easier to carry up stairs or onto trains. Folding bikes are best for compact storage or mixed transport. Heavier e-bikes may offer more power or comfort but need secure storage and lift-free access.
4. Comfort and Fit
Step-through frames are easier to mount. Women-specific or unisex models often offer smaller frame sizes and upright positions. Suspension, wider tyres, and adjustable handlebars enhance comfort.
5. Features and Accessories
Look for built-in lights, racks, mudguards, and integrated displays or smartphone connectivity. Some e-bikes come fully equipped; others may need upgrades.
6. Budget and Aftercare
Set a realistic budget. Good e-bikes start around £1,500–£2,000. Ensure your choice comes from a reputable UK retailer with service options, spare parts, and warranty support.
Final Thoughts: What Is the Best Electric Bike in the UK?
Choosing the best ebike depends entirely on your needs. The Cowboy Cruiser ST is an unbeatable urban all-rounder, while the Specialized Turbo Levo dominates the trails. Ribble consistently leads for value and light weight. For portability, Brompton still reigns supreme.
These selections have excelled in our rigorous testing—so you can trust they’re worth your money.
