Is an electric bike right for me?
If you’re looking for a quick, environmentally-friendly and economical way of getting from A-to-B, an electric bike could be a great option.
Electric bikes are pedal-powered like a conventional bicycle but assisted by an electric motor and rechargeable battery that help out at speeds of up to 15.5mph. This is often faster than the average person would cycle, especially in hilly terrain, so an e-bike could help you reach your destination a lot quicker than a traditional pedal bicycle.
There are lots of different types of electric bikes, including electric hybrid bikes, electric folding bikes, electric mountain bikes and e-cargo bikes. The different categories suit a wide range of activities from commuting to hardcore mountain biking.
Charging an electric bike at home and on the go
Electric bikes use regular three-pin plugs, compatible with domestic wall sockets. This means you won’t have to install charging points as you can charge an electric bike battery at home, or on the go.
Lots of electric bikes also come with removable batteries, which can offer extra flexibility on where you can charge.
Are electric bikes legal in the UK?
Electric bikes are legal in the UK, as long as you are 14 or older and the electric bike meets Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC) requirements. It is vital you buy your electric bike and electric bike battery from a reputable seller who makes sure that the electric bike not only meets the Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC) requirements but also follows the Construction and Use regulations, complies with the European standard EN15194 and contains a CE mark.
You don’t need a licence to ride one and it doesn’t need to be registered, taxed or insured.
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Need a second opinion?
Check out the latest electric bike reviews from our team
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Dawes Spire 2.0 (2024 – ) review
A stylish but affordable all-rounder, the Dawes Spire is a great e-bike for commuters or casual riders alike
This car has a rating of: 4 out of 5
Cube Reaction Hybrid Pro 750 (2024 – ) review
Cube’s enormous electric mountain bike range has options for all budgets built around slick design and powerful Bosch motors
This car has a rating of: 3.5 out of 5
Claud Butler Wrath 2.0 (2024 - ) review
Stylish and reasonably priced, the Claud Butler Wrath 2.0 strikes a decent balance between performance and cost
This car has a rating of: 4 out of 5
Brompton Electric C Line review
More power to the pedals and no sacrifice in the incredible versatility – the Brompton Electric is a Brompton but more so!
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