Electric Bike Buyer's Guide

An electric bike, or electric bicycle, is a bicycle equipped with an electric motor operating in support of the pedals to help you go further and faster for less effort. This motor is powered by a rechargeable battery, which which can be integrated into the frame or attached to the outside of it according to the design of the bike.
By law electric bikes can travel up to 15.5mph with electric assistance, beyond which the rider can continue pedalling if they wish to travel faster. Because of the extra power, they’re especially suited to those who like to cycle in hilly areas, carry heavy loads or want to cycle further for longer, as they require less effort. The extra speed and the fact it they aid people to pedal also means they act as a mobility aids, which can make riding a bike more accessible for people who would struggle to ride a traditional pedal bike. Electric bikes are legal to use in the UK for anyone aged 14 or over, and you don’t need insurance or a licence (although insurance is recommended in case of an accident). To be legal to ride, your bike mustn’t travel over the 15.5mph speed limit, it must use pedals for propulsion and the motor must not deliver more than 250 Watts of continuous power.

The price of electric bikes can vary depending on the brand, model, year of manufacture, features, power, battery size and range.
Electric bikes typically start from around £1,000 upwards for the basic foldable models such as the Estarli Electric Bikes e16.1 which is perfect for city riding. At the very top of the range, you could pay over £13,000 for an elite off-road model like the Trek Fuel EXe. However, there are plenty of options in between for different purposes. Commuter and road electric bikes tend to be cheaper than electric mountain bikes, coming in at around £1,000-£3,000. Cargo bikes tend to be slightly more expensive at around £3,000-£6,500 as they’re specifically designed for carrying heavy loads. You can choose whether to buy new or used, and mileage per charge will determine the cost in some cases, particularly with more expensive models. It’s possible to buy used electric bikes at a much cheaper price than brand-new ones. You can also choose between electric bikes with a manual or automatic transmission, depending on how you’d like to operate your gear changes. On Auto Trader, you can find a wide range of brand new electric bikes with different price points, depending on your needs.

There are lots of reasons to consider investing in an electric bike. Electric bikes provide an efficient, cost effective and eco-friendly mode of transportation, especially for commuting or running errands. They offer assistance on hills and against headwinds, making cycling easier and more accessible for people of varying fitness levels. Electric bikes are also a great alternative to traditional bikes for individuals with joint or mobility issues. They’re also great if you’re carrying kids, or use your bike for carrying heavy shopping.

Electric bikes come in various types, each designed for specific purposes. To find the right type for you, here are some considerations:

Consider your intended use for the electric bike, such as commuting, recreational riding, off-road trails or carrying cargo.

Determine how much you're willing to spend on an electric bike, as this may affect the features and quality you can expect.

Pay attention to the motor power and battery capacity, as they will affect the electric bike's speed, range and overall performance.

Check the weight and frame design:

Consider the weight of the electric bike, especially if you need to fold and carry it.

Consider whether you want automatic or manual gear transmissions and other aspects such as suspension, to ensure a smooth and reliable ride.
Look at other features you may need and choose an electric bike that ticks the boxes for you, based on your budget.

Take sizing into account:

Ensure the electric bike is the right size for you by looking at manufacturer size charts, measuring your inseam and considering the bike's sizing. Most manufacturers offer simple ways to explain what electric bike would be the right size for you. If in doubt visit a retailer and have a proper fitting.

Finding the right size electric bike is essential for comfort and proper bike handling. While electric bike sizes can vary between brands, following these steps can help ensure a proper fit:

When purchasing an electric bike, it's important to ask the right questions to ensure you're making an informed decision. Here are a few questions to consider:
What is the range of the electric bike?

Charging an electric bike is a straightforward process that typically involves the following steps:
1. Locating the charging port on your electric bike, which is usually located near the battery. 2. Ensure that the electric bike is turned off before connecting the charger. 3. Plug the charger into a standard electrical outlet and then connect the other end to the charging port on the electric bike. The charger will typically have an indicator light to show that it's properly connected and charging. 4. Leave the electric bike to charge for the recommended duration, which can vary depending on the battery capacity and charger specifications. 5. Once fully charged, disconnect the charger from both the electric bike and the electrical outlet. It's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines for charging your specific electric bike model to ensure safe and optimal charging. Always refer to the manual before charging your electric bike for the first time, as the manufacturer will be able to share the best advice for your electric bike.

Like any other bike, electric bikes require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Basic maintenance tasks can help keep your electric bike in workable condition for much longer. It also gives you a chance to catch any issues before they develop into something more serious. It's recommended to follow the manufacturer's maintenance guidelines and have the bike serviced by a professional when necessary. With that said, here are a few maintenance tips to keep in mind:

Electric bikes can be expensive so may be a target for theft. That means it’s important to keep your electric bike safe and out of danger, ideally in your home or a secure lock-up. Invest in a sturdy lock to secure your electric bike when you're not using it and you’re out of the house. You might want to consider a U-lock or a heavy-duty chain lock for maximum security. It is also worth considering insurance to protect your investment in case anything happens to your electric bike.

The battery life of an electric bike can vary depending on various factors, such as the battery capacity, level of assistance used, terrain and rider weight. Generally, electric bike batteries can last anywhere from 20 to 100 miles on a single charge. However, it's important to note that battery life decreases over time, and regular charging and proper maintenance can help prolong its lifespan. Check the manufacturer’s handbook or instructions for specific advice about maintaining battery health on your specific model.
Below are a few tips to help you get the most out of your electric bike’s battery:

While riding an electric bike, prioritise your safety on the road. As you’re exposed to the elements and fast-moving vehicles like cars, your safety is paramount. Thankfully, there are a few pieces of essential gear for electric bike riders to help keep them safe, such as:

It goes without saying that it is very important to check an electric bike is legal in the UK before you buy it. There can be lots of issues with counterfeit electrical goods which don’t meet British or European standards. Although it is tempting to look at cheaper alternatives it is vital you buy your electric bike and electric bike battery from a reputable seller who makes sure that the electric bike meets Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC) requirements,. fulfils the Construction and Use regulations and complies with European standard EN15194.
If you are buying separate components it is important you should check that they are compatible. Electric bikes are legal in the UK, providing the rider is 14 or older and the e-bike meets Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC) requirements.. In the UK we have a body of UK law which defines the legal safety criteria for electric bikes to be used on UK roads, this is called the ‘Construction and Use regulations.’ The parts of these Construction and Use regulations which are relevant to electric bikes are:

It is always worth checking for that the electric bike you wish to purchase fulfils the Construction and Use requirements and complies with European standard EN15194.
The electric bike you look to purchase should also contain a CE mark, which will tell you that it has passed the relevant directive’s standards. You can read lots more about the Construction and Use regulations law on the Cycling UK website here.

There are several useful apps available for electric bike riders that can enhance their overall riding experience. Three include:

Now that you have a comprehensive guide to buying an electric bike, why not browse Auto Trader's electric bike section to explore our extensive selection herehere?

The Bicycle Association has put together some excellent advice on electric bikes and fire safety, although we’ve summarised their advice below for your convenience. The fire safety risk that an electric bike presents can be split into two groups of circumstances:

*The Bicycle Association says that products with all these characteristics present, in the body’s understanding and based on information currently available, low levels of fire risk for responsibly users who use them according to the instructions – but this can only be indicative. You can read the full terms and conditions on the body’s website.