Browse through our handy Electric Bike Buying Guide for everything you need to know before buying an electric bike – from motors and batteries to legal limits and best value models.
Electric bikes (also called eBikes) have exploded in popularity because they make cycling easier, faster, and more accessible. Whether you’re commuting, exploring trails, or replacing car trips, an eBike helps you go farther with less effort.
Modern electric bikes are now:
Lighter than older models
More powerful (but still legal)
Equipped with longer-range batteries
Available in every style from city bikes to mountain bikes
If you’re wondering “What is the best electric bike to buy?” — the answer depends on your riding style, budget, terrain, and how much you want the motor to assist.
Let’s kick off the Electric Bike Buying Guide with some basics:
An electric bike is a bicycle with an integrated motor and battery that provides pedal assistance (and sometimes a throttle). Unlike scooters or motorcycles, most eBikes require pedaling to activate the motor.
Key eBike components:
Motor (hub motor or mid-drive motor)
Battery (measured in watt-hours / Wh)
Controller + display
Pedal assist sensor (cadence or torque)
Best for: city riding, daily commuting, errands, fun
Typical features:
• Upright geometry •
• Lights and mudguards •
• Rear rack compatibility & click systems •
• Choice of motor power •
Ideal if you want: driving alternative on short trips, or just for fun!
Best for: trails, hills, off-road terrain
Typical features:
• Mid-drive motor •
• Strong brakes (hydraulic) •
• Suspension (front or full) •
• High-torque motor (60–90Nm) •
Ideal if you want: maximum climbing power and trail control.
Best for: ease of handling, portability
Typical features:
• 14kg – 20kg •
• Moderately powerful motors •
• Slightly less range •
• Less bulky feel and look •
Ideal if you want: comfort, agility and less weight underneath.
Best for: motorhome & caravan owners, mixed commute (train + bike)
Typical features:
• Compact frame •
• Smaller wheels (16” – 20”) •
• Moderate range •
• Easy fold mechanism •
Ideal if you want: portability and easy storage.
Best for: carrying kids, groceries, deliveries
Typical features:
• Longtail or front-load design •
• Heavy-duty frames •
• Strong motors + big batteries •
• Often supports dual batteries •
Ideal if you want: to replace a car.
Best for: fitness riding, speed, long distances
Typical features:
• Lightweight •
• Smaller motors •
• Hidden batteries •
• Drop handlebars or flats •
Ideal if you want: a “normal bike” feel with extra help on climbs.
The motor determines how your eBike feels when accelerating, climbing hills, or carrying weight.
There are TWO main motor types, hub and mid-drive:
In our experience, there is only ONE clear winner that delivers the best ride experience and natural power delivery:
a CRANK MOTOR such as BOSCH!
General guide:
35–50Nm = light assistance, flat terrain
50–70Nm = strong commuter power
70–90Nm = excellent hill climbing
90Nm+ = premium performance, cargo & eMTB
If you live in a hilly area, torque matters more than top speed.
Understanding Motor Power (Watts)
Most eBikes are marketed with motor power ratings such as 250W, 500W, 750W and 1000W+
In many regions such as the UK, 250W is the legal standard for road use. In others (like parts of North America), 750W is common. Bigger watt numbers don’t always mean better.
Torque and motor efficiency matter just as much.
The battery determines how far you can ride and how often you need to charge.
The key measurement is Watt-Hours (Wh).
Battery formula:
Voltage (V) × Amp Hours (Ah) = Watt Hours (Wh)
Examples:
36V × 10Ah = 360Wh
48V × 14Ah = 672Wh
52V × 20Ah = 1040Wh
How Much Range Do Electric Bikes Get?
Most brands advertise ranges like “up to 60 miles” or “up to 120km,” but real-world range depends on:
How Much Range Do Electric Bikes Get?
Most brands advertise ranges like “up to 60 miles” or “up to 120km,” but real-world range depends on:
Rider weight
Tyre size and pressure
Hills and wind
Motor power
Assist level used
Temperature (cold reduces range)
250–400Wh: 15–35 miles (24–56km)
500–700Wh: 25–60 miles (40–96km)
750–1000Wh: 40–90 miles (64–145km)
If you’d like to know a bit more about battery range and the variables that can affect this, the masters of technology, Bosch, have a great guide HERE.
Common placements:
Down tube battery (best balance)
Rear rack battery (less stable, common on older models)
Integrated internal battery (clean look, harder to remove)
Dual battery systems (best for cargo and touring)
Most lithium eBike batteries last:
500–1000 full charge cycles
That typically equals:
3–7 years depending on usage.
Charging usually takes:
3 to 7 hours
Fast chargers exist but can slightly reduce battery lifespan if used constantly.
This matters more than most buyers realise.
Look for:
UL certification (where available)
Name-brand battery cells (Samsung, LG, Panasonic)
Smart battery management system (BMS)
Avoid unknown ultra-cheap batteries with no certification.
Even the best electric bike will feel wrong if the sizing is off.
General sizing tips:
If between sizes, size down for easier control
Step-through frames are easier for commuting and cargo
Check stand over height and reach, not just height charts
Because eBikes are heavier and faster than normal bikes, braking is critical.
Pros
Cheaper
Easy to adjust
Cons
Less stopping power
More hand effort
Pros
Strong stopping power
Better in rain
Less hand fatigue
Cons
Slightly higher cost
If you’re buying a commuter eBike or anything over 500W, hydraulic brakes are strongly recommended.
Best for: smooth pavement, lightweight bikes
Cheapest and lowest maintenance.
Best for: rough roads, gravel, comfort
Great middle option for most riders.
Best for: trails, mountain biking
Usually more expensive and heavier.
Narrow tyres = faster, more efficient
Wider tyres = comfort, grip, stability
A great “all-around” commuter tyre size is 2.0”–2.4”.
If you plan to ride on the public highway, bike paths or trails, then legally, your ebike should operate a ‘pedal assist’ system comprising a motor that has a continuous rated power not exceeding 250 Watts and only be assisted up to 15.5mph (25kph).
Good for casual riders, flat terrain
Expect compromises in:
brakes
battery quality
long-term durability
Best value category
You’ll often get:
quality, mid-drive motor (e.g. Bosch)
better battery with good range
hydraulic brakes
good warranty
For riders who want:
powerful mid-drive motors
longest range battery
premium components
Before buying, make sure you know:
✅ What type of riding you’ll do
✅ Your preferred motor type (hub vs mid-drive)
✅ Battery size in Wh (not just “range”)
✅ Torque rating (Nm) if you live in hills
✅ Brake type (hydraulic strongly recommended)
✅ Total weight of the bike
✅ Warranty length and brand reputation
✅ Local eBike laws and class limits
✅ Availability of replacement parts
The best electric bike isn’t always the most powerful or expensive – it’s the one that fits your lifestyle, terrain, and comfort needs.
We very much hope that you’ve found our Electric Bike Buying Guide useful!
Browse our full range of electric bikes HERE.
