Buying guide · 8 picks compared

Best electric bike UK 2026

The Carrera Subway-E 2 Electric Hybrid Bike is the best electric bike in the UK for most people.

A torque sensor makes its 45 Nm motor respond to how hard you pedal, and its 378 Wh battery comes out for charging. Want a premium Bosch commuter? Choose the Raleigh Motus Electric Hybrid Bike, Night Blue (derailleur gears). It has a 75 Nm Bosch motor, with lights, mudguards and a rack fitted.

By Bez, Editor✓ Updated 25 October 2026

★ Our top pickCarrera Subway-E 2 Electric Hybrid BikeImage: CarreraSee it at Halfords

Which one is for you?

Which pick suits which need
Ifyou want a well-rounded commuter hybrid	Carrera Subway-E 2 Electric Hybrid Bike	See it at Halfords
Ifyou want a fully equipped commuter with a Bosch motor and battery	Raleigh Motus Electric Hybrid Bike, Night Blue (derailleur gears)	See it at Halfords
Ifyou want a mid-drive motor and a 120 mm suspension fork	Boardman MTX-E 8.8 Mens Electric Hybrid Bike	See it at Halfords
Ifyou want a hybrid for £1,000 or less	Rockrider Low Frame Electric Hybrid Bike E-ACTV 100, Pearl Grey (ref 8893262)	See it at Decathlon
Ifyou need to take the bike on trains or store it small	Brompton Electric C Line, e-Motiq system, 4-speed	See it at Brompton
Ifyou want to ride trails and bridleways	Carrera Vengeance-E 3.0 Electric Mountain Bike, Grey	See it at Halfords
Ifyou want an easy step-through frame	Pendleton Somerby Electric Hybrid Bike, Forest Green, S frame	See it at Halfords
Ifyou want the lowest-cost way in for short rides	Halfords Assist Step-Thru Electric Hybrid Bike	See it at Halfords

The 8 picks compared

1★ Top pick
Carrera
Carrera Subway-E 2 Electric Hybrid BikeBest for best all-round commuter
Ride to work with less effort, every day
See it at Halfords
2
Raleigh
Raleigh Motus Electric Hybrid Bike, Night Blue (derailleur gears)Best for premium Bosch commuter
Ride further with a premium Bosch motor and big battery
See it at Halfords
3
Boardman
Boardman MTX-E 8.8 Mens Electric Hybrid BikeBest for mid-drive for hills
Climb hills with ease from a mid-drive motor
See it at Halfords
4
Rockrider (Decathlon)
Rockrider Low Frame Electric Hybrid Bike E-ACTV 100, Pearl Grey (ref 8893262)Best for hybrid at around £1,000
A 45 Nm hybrid with a removable 356 Wh battery
See it at Decathlon
5
Brompton
Brompton Electric C Line, e-Motiq system, 4-speedBest for train and small-space commuter
Fold it small and ride to work with electric help
See it at Brompton
6
Carrera
Carrera Vengeance-E 3.0 Electric Mountain Bike, GreyBest for trails and bridleways
Ride trails and bridleways with 120 mm of suspension
See it at Halfords
7
Pendleton
Pendleton Somerby Electric Hybrid Bike, Forest Green, S frameBest for easy step-through
Step on easily and ride with gears, mudguards and a rack
See it at Halfords
8
Halfords
Halfords Assist Step-Thru Electric Hybrid BikeBest for lowest-cost short rides
Zip around town with a little electric help
See it at Halfords

Side by side

From the makers' and retailers' published facts

The picks side by side
Pick	Best for	Price	The fact that sets it apart	Where to buy
Carrera Subway-E 2 Electric Hybrid Bike	best all-round commuter	£1,299	A Bafang rear hub motor gives 45 Nm of torque, and a torque sensor makes the help respond to how hard you pedal, with five modes (Eco, Tour, Sport, Sport+, Boost) on a TFT display.	See the deal
Raleigh Motus Electric Hybrid Bike, Night Blue (derailleur gears)	premium Bosch commuter	£2,299	A Bosch Performance Line motor gives 75 Nm of torque, powered by a Bosch PowerTube 500 Wh battery; Halfords claims up to 70 miles.	See the deal
Boardman MTX-E 8.8 Mens Electric Hybrid Bike	mid-drive for hills	£1,440	A Shimano EP5 mid-drive motor (250 W, 60 Nm of torque) runs off a Shimano 36 V 504 Wh battery.	See the deal
Rockrider Low Frame Electric Hybrid Bike E-ACTV 100, Pearl Grey (ref 8893262)	hybrid at around £1,000	£999.99	A 36 V Rockrider brushless motor on the rear wheel gives up to 45 Nm of torque.	See the deal
Brompton Electric C Line, e-Motiq system, 4-speed	train and small-space commuter	£2,999	Brompton's rear hub motor (250 W, 24 Nm) uses the e-Motiq torque sensor, with three power modes and Start Assist on the handlebar control.	See the deal
Carrera Vengeance-E 3.0 Electric Mountain Bike, Grey	trails and bridleways	£1,099	A Bafang rear hub motor gives 45 Nm of torque, powered by a removable 378 Wh in-tube battery; Halfords claims a real-world range of 25 to 40 miles.	See the deal
Pendleton Somerby Electric Hybrid Bike, Forest Green, S frame	easy step-through	£769	A lightweight alloy step-through frame with Shimano Acera 8-speed gears.	See the deal
Halfords Assist Step-Thru Electric Hybrid Bike	lowest-cost short rides	£525	A 250 W, 24 V front hub motor with three assistance levels on an LED display.	See the deal

Buying your first e-bike, or replacing an old one? This guide helps you pick the right type: commuter, hybrid, folder or trail. Three things decide it. Motor torque, the twisting force that helps on hills, comes first. Then battery size, because range claims assume ideal conditions. Finally, check the brakes and gears, from hydraulic discs to V-brakes, and from single speed to 9 gears.

Our picks in detail

1★ Top pickBest for best all-round commuter

Carrera Subway-E 2 Electric Hybrid Bike

Ride to work with less effort, every day.

What it is: The Carrera Subway-E 2 is an electric hybrid bike with a 45 Nm Bafang rear hub motor and a torque sensor, so the help responds to how hard you pedal. Halfords claims a real-world range of 25 to 40 miles from its removable 378 Wh battery.
Perfect for: This is for you if you want one all-round bike for the daily commute.
Why we picked it: Switch between five ride modes, from Eco to Boost, on a TFT display, a type of colour screen. Shimano CUES 9-speed gears and Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, which use fluid pressure to slow you down, sit alongside Kenda tyres with K-Shield puncture protection. Every electrical part has a 2-year warranty.
Price: £1,299 (halfords.com, checked 25 October 2026)

A Bafang rear hub motor gives 45 Nm of torque, and a torque sensor makes the help respond to how hard you pedal, with five modes (Eco, Tour, Sport, Sport+, Boost) on a TFT display.
The 378 Wh Bafang battery is removable and sits in the frame tube; Halfords claims a real-world range of 25 to 40 miles, and a full charge takes up to six hours with the supplied 2A charger.
Shimano CUES 9-speed gears, Tektro hydraulic disc brakes with 180 mm rotors and Kenda 27.5 x 1.95 inch tyres with K-Shield puncture protection.
All electrical components have a 2-year warranty.

The catch: Rigid steel fork with no suspension, and mudguards and lights are listed as trade-up accessories.

See it at Halfords

2Best for premium Bosch commuter

Raleigh Motus Electric Hybrid Bike, Night Blue (derailleur gears)

Ride further with a premium Bosch motor and big battery.

What it is: This electric hybrid bike pairs a Bosch Performance Line motor with a 500 Wh (watt-hours, a measure of battery size) PowerTube battery and Shimano CUES 9-speed gears. Halfords claims it goes up to 70 miles.
Perfect for: This is the one for you if you want a premium Bosch commuter for everyday trips.
Why we picked it: You get Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, a Suntour fork with 50 mm of travel and Schwalbe Road Cruiser 700c x 50 mm tyres. Full-length mudguards, built-in lights, a frame lock, a kickstand and a rear rack that carries up to 25 kg come fitted too.
What's new: Raleigh lists an upgraded frame with a refined, lighter build.
Price: £2,299 (halfords.com, checked 25 October 2026)

A Bosch Performance Line motor gives 75 Nm of torque, powered by a Bosch PowerTube 500 Wh battery; Halfords claims up to 70 miles.
Shimano CUES 9-speed gears, Shimano hydraulic disc brakes (180 mm and 160 mm rotors), a Suntour fork with 50 mm of travel and Schwalbe Road Cruiser 700c x 50 mm tyres.
Full-length mudguards, built-in lights, a frame lock, a kickstand and a rear rack that carries up to 25 kg are fitted.

The catch: At £2,299 it costs well over the £1,299 Carrera Subway-E 2, and Halfords does not list its weight.

See it at Halfords

3Best for mid-drive for hills

Boardman MTX-E 8.8 Mens Electric Hybrid Bike

Climb hills with ease from a mid-drive motor.

What it is: This is an electric hybrid bike built around a Shimano EP5 mid-drive motor, 250 W with 60 Nm of torque (turning power, which helps on hills). A Shimano 36 V 504 Wh battery powers it.
Perfect for: Anyone with hills on their route, or a rider who wants a bike that helps them up the slopes.
Why we picked it: Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, with 180 mm front and 160 mm rear rotors, bring the stopping. A Suntour suspension fork with 120 mm of travel takes the edge off bumps. Goodyear Connector 700 x 50c tubeless-ready tyres roll it all along.
Price: £1,440 (halfords.com, checked 25 October 2026)

A Shimano EP5 mid-drive motor (250 W, 60 Nm of torque) runs off a Shimano 36 V 504 Wh battery.
Shimano CUES 9-speed gears and Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, with a 180 mm front and 160 mm rear rotor.
A Suntour XCR32-Boost suspension fork with 120 mm of travel and Goodyear Connector 700 x 50c tubeless-ready tyres.

The catch: The frame has mounts for mudguards and a rack, but they are not listed as fitted.

See it at Halfords

4Best for hybrid at around £1,000

Rockrider Low Frame Electric Hybrid Bike E-ACTV 100, Pearl Grey (ref 8893262)

A 45 Nm hybrid with a removable 356 Wh battery.

What it is: This is a hybrid electric bike with a low step-through frame, so you can get on easily. A brushless motor on the rear wheel gives up to 45 Nm of torque, the pulling force that helps you climb, and a removable 356 Wh battery powers it.
Perfect for: If you want a comfortable hybrid for daily rides, commutes and weekend trips, this is your bike.
Why we picked it: Its 60 mm front suspension helps smooth out bumps on rough roads and paths. Hybrid tyres add reinforced puncture protection. Decathlon also gives a standard 2-year warranty.
Price: £999.99 (decathlon.co.uk, checked 25 October 2026)

A 36 V Rockrider brushless motor on the rear wheel gives up to 45 Nm of torque.
The built-in 356 Wh battery is removable; Decathlon claims up to 70 km (45 miles) in Eco mode.
A low step-through frame with 60 mm of front suspension and hybrid tyres with reinforced puncture protection.
Decathlon gives a standard 2-year warranty.

The catch: A kickstand and rack are listed as compatible add-ons, not fitted, and the 70 km claim is for Eco mode only.

See it at Decathlon

5Best for train and small-space commuter

Brompton Electric C Line, e-Motiq system, 4-speed

Fold it small and ride to work with electric help.

What it is: The Brompton Electric C Line is a folding electric bike with a 250 W rear motor that adds power as you pedal. Its battery clips off in one move, and Brompton claims up to 90 km on a charge.
Perfect for: Perfect for you if you commute by train or live in a small space and want an e-bike that folds away.
Why we picked it: Three power modes and Start Assist on the handlebar control make setting off easy. The e-Motiq torque sensor helps the motor respond to your pedalling, and Brompton gives a 7-year frame warranty. When folded, the bike still rolls along, so you can wheel it along beside you.
Price: £2,999 (brompton.com, checked 25 October 2026)

Brompton's rear hub motor (250 W, 24 Nm) uses the e-Motiq torque sensor, with three power modes and Start Assist on the handlebar control.
The 345 Wh battery unclips in one move; Brompton claims up to 90 km on a charge and 5 hours for a full charge.
It weighs from 17.6 kg, or 13.85 kg without the battery, and rolls along while folded.
Brompton gives a 7-year frame warranty.

The catch: Only four gears and 24 Nm of motor torque.

See it at Brompton

6Best for trails and bridleways

Carrera Vengeance-E 3.0 Electric Mountain Bike, Grey

Ride trails and bridleways with 120 mm of suspension.

What it is: You get a Bafang rear hub motor with 45 Nm of torque, the twisting power that helps you up steep climbs. A removable 378 Wh battery sits in the frame tube, and Halfords claims a real-world range of 25 to 40 miles.
Perfect for: If you love trails and bridleways and want a little help up the hills, this bike is made for you.
Why we picked it: The Suntour fork has 120 mm of travel, the amount of suspension movement that soaks up bumps. Kenda 27.5 x 2.35 inch tyres come with K-Shield puncture protection, and Shimano ESSA 8-speed gears cover climbs and descents. Tektro mechanical disc brakes with 180 mm rotors finish the build.
Price: £1,099 (halfords.com, checked 25 October 2026)

A Bafang rear hub motor gives 45 Nm of torque, powered by a removable 378 Wh in-tube battery; Halfords claims a real-world range of 25 to 40 miles.
A Suntour XCM32-DS fork with 120 mm of travel and Kenda 27.5 x 2.35 inch tyres with K-Shield puncture protection.
Shimano ESSA 8-speed gears and Tektro mechanical disc brakes with 180 mm rotors.

The catch: Its disc brakes are cable-operated (mechanical) rather than hydraulic, so they need more hand force and more adjusting.

See it at Halfords

7Best for easy step-through

Pendleton Somerby Electric Hybrid Bike, Forest Green, S frame

Step on easily and ride with gears, mudguards and a rack.

What it is: A lightweight alloy step-through electric bike, built for easy riding. Its removable 317 Wh battery and Shimano Acera 8-speed gears keep you moving, and Halfords claims an average range of 25 to 30 miles.
Perfect for: Ideal if you want an easy step-through electric bike for daily trips.
Why we picked it: Full-length mudguards, a chainguard and a luggage rack are all fitted. The 700 x 38c tyres come with puncture protection, and the 317 Wh battery is removable.
Price: £769 (halfords.com, checked 25 October 2026)

A lightweight alloy step-through frame with Shimano Acera 8-speed gears.
A removable 317 Wh battery; Halfords claims an average range of 25 to 30 miles.
Full-length mudguards, a chainguard and a luggage rack are fitted, on 700 x 38c tyres with puncture protection.

The catch: Rim V-brakes rather than disc brakes.

See it at Halfords

8Best for lowest-cost short rides

Halfords Assist Step-Thru Electric Hybrid Bike

Zip around town with a little electric help.

What it is: A step-through electric hybrid bike with a 250 W front hub motor that adds assistance when you pedal. Three assistance levels on an LED display let you choose how much help you get.
Perfect for: Ideal for anyone who wants an easy ride to the shops, the station or the park.
Why we picked it: The 209 Wh battery uses Samsung cells. The lightweight alloy frame comes with full-length mudguards, a chainguard and a pannier rack already fitted.
Price: £525 (halfords.com, checked 25 October 2026)

A 250 W, 24 V front hub motor with three assistance levels on an LED display.
A 209 Wh battery with Samsung cells, rated for up to 20 miles on a charge.
A lightweight alloy step-through frame with full-length mudguards, a chainguard and a pannier rack fitted.

The catch: Single speed and a range of up to 20 miles.

See it at Halfords

What we left out, and why

UTO ESS20 Electric Folding Bike: We kept one folder here, the Brompton; the UTO is in our folding electric bike guide.
Apollo Phaze-E Electric Mountain Bike: A 2021 model with V-brakes and a 209 Wh battery; the Halfords Assist covers the low-cost end with mudguards and a rack fitted.
Brompton Electric P Line with Advance Roller Frame (4-speed): Same 345 Wh battery and 90 km range claim as the C Line we picked, with a titanium and steel frame.

How we chose

Our buying criteria

We shortlisted the electric bike models UK shoppers search for most. We picked them on the makers' published specifications and UK listings, read on our update date. We do not lab-test. Every pick has one honest catch, so you know the trade-off before you buy.

Motor and torque: more Nm helps on hills, so check it if you ride steep roads.
Battery size: capacities run from 209 Wh to 504 Wh, and maker range claims assume ideal conditions.
Brakes and gears: hydraulic discs, mechanical discs or V-brakes, and single speed to 9 gears.
Frame and fittings: step-through, hybrid, mountain-bike style or folding, plus mudguards, lights, rack and kickstand.

How we choose every pick

Your questions, answered

Do I need a licence or insurance to ride an electric bike in the UK?

Good news: you don't need a licence. An electrically assisted pedal cycle (EAPC), the legal term for an e-bike that helps you pedal, does not need to be registered, taxed or insured either. To count as an EAPC, the motor must be 250 W or less and stop helping at 15.5 mph, and the rider must be 14 or over.

How old do you have to be to ride an electric bike in the UK?

You can ride an electric bike if you are 14 or over, as long as it is an EAPC. Buying for a teen? Check the bike is an EAPC before you order, then get riding.

How fast can an electric bike go in the UK?

The motor must have a continuous output of no more than 250 W and must stop helping at 15.5 mph. A bike whose motor can move it without you pedalling, called a twist-and-go, needs vehicle type approval, so check this before you buy.

How far does an electric bike go on one charge?

It depends most on battery size, measured in watt-hours (Wh). Across our picks, the makers and retailers claim from up to 20 miles on a 209 Wh battery to up to 70 miles on a 500 Wh one. Those figures are for ideal conditions: rider and luggage weight, assist mode, cold weather, tyre pressure and wind all cut the real range.

Hub motor or mid-drive motor: which is better?

A mid-drive motor turns the cranks, so it works through the bike's gears, which helps on steep hills. A hub motor sits in the wheel hub, a simpler design used on most of our lower-priced picks. Torque is the number to compare: our picks run from 24 Nm on a folder to 75 Nm on the Bosch-powered Raleigh Motus.

Which one is for you?

The 8 picks compared

Side by side

Our picks in detail

Carrera Subway-E 2 Electric Hybrid Bike

Raleigh Motus Electric Hybrid Bike, Night Blue (derailleur gears)

Boardman MTX-E 8.8 Mens Electric Hybrid Bike

Rockrider Low Frame Electric Hybrid Bike E-ACTV 100, Pearl Grey (ref 8893262)

Brompton Electric C Line, e-Motiq system, 4-speed

Carrera Vengeance-E 3.0 Electric Mountain Bike, Grey

Pendleton Somerby Electric Hybrid Bike, Forest Green, S frame

Halfords Assist Step-Thru Electric Hybrid Bike

What we left out, and why

Our buying criteria

Your questions, answered

Read next