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Black Friday guide

Buying guide · 6 picks compared

Best electric bike under £1000 UK 2026

The Rockrider E-ACTV 100 Low Frame Electric Hybrid Bike is the best electric bike under £1,000 for most people, with a 45 Nm rear motor and a removable 356 Wh battery that Decathlon claims reaches 70 km in Eco mode.

See it at DecathlonCompare all 6

For folding, choose the Carrera Crosscity 2026 Electric Folding Bike, which comes with mudguards and a pannier rack fitted.

By , Editor✓ Updated

★ Our top pickRockrider Low Frame Electric Hybrid Bike E-ACTV 100, Pearl Grey (ref 8893262)Image: Rockrider (Decathlon)See it at Decathlon

Which one is for you?

Which pick suits which need
Ifyou want the best all-round hybrid under £1,000Rockrider Low Frame Electric Hybrid Bike E-ACTV 100, Pearl Grey (ref 8893262)See it at Decathlon
Ifyou want a folder with a rack and mudguards fittedCarrera Crosscity 2026 Electric Folding BikeSee it at Halfords
Ifyou want an easy step-through framePendleton Somerby Electric Hybrid Bike, Forest Green, S frameSee it at Halfords
Ifyou want a folder that folds in 30 secondsBTWIN E-Fold 500 Electric Folding BikeSee it at Decathlon
Ifyou want the cheapest folding optionApollo Transport Electric Folding Bike, 20-inch wheelSee it at Halfords
Ifyou want the cheapest bike for short ridesHalfords Assist Step-Thru Electric Hybrid BikeSee it at Halfords

The 6 picks compared

  1. 1★ Top pick

    Rockrider (Decathlon)

    Rockrider Low Frame Electric Hybrid Bike E-ACTV 100, Pearl Grey (ref 8893262)Best for best all-round under £1,000

    A 45 Nm hybrid with 60 mm front suspension

    See it at Decathlon
  2. 2

    Carrera

    Carrera Crosscity 2026 Electric Folding BikeBest for folder with fitted rack and mudguards

    Folds to 93 x 40 x 74 cm, with a rack and mudguards fitted

    See it at Halfords
  3. 3

    Pendleton

    Pendleton Somerby Electric Hybrid Bike, Forest Green, S frameBest for easy step-through

    Easy step-through ride with gears, mudguards and a luggage rack

    See it at Halfords
  4. 4

    BTWIN (Decathlon)

    BTWIN E-Fold 500 Electric Folding BikeBest for quick-folding budget bike

    Fold it up in 30 seconds and ride off

    See it at Decathlon
  5. 5

    Apollo

    Apollo Transport Electric Folding Bike, 20-inch wheelBest for cheapest folding bike

    A light aluminium folder with anti-puncture tyres and six gears

    See it at Halfords
  6. 6

    Halfords

    Halfords Assist Step-Thru Electric Hybrid BikeBest for cheapest bike overall

    A helping hand on short trips, with an easy step-thru frame

    See it at Halfords

Side by side

From the makers' and retailers' published facts
The picks side by side
PickBest forPriceThe fact that sets it apartWhere to buy
Rockrider Low Frame Electric Hybrid Bike E-ACTV 100, Pearl Grey (ref 8893262)best all-round under £1,000£999.99A 36 V Rockrider brushless motor on the rear wheel gives up to 45 Nm of torque.See the deal
Carrera Crosscity 2026 Electric Folding Bikefolder with fitted rack and mudguards£975A Bafang rear hub motor and a removable frame battery; Halfords claims an average of 25 to 30 miles, and up to 35 miles.See the deal
Pendleton Somerby Electric Hybrid Bike, Forest Green, S frameeasy step-through£769A lightweight alloy step-through frame with Shimano Acera 8-speed gears.See the deal
BTWIN E-Fold 500 Electric Folding Bikequick-folding budget bike£999.99A 36 V 7 Ah (252 Wh) battery on the pannier rack, with a claimed range of 30 to 50 km, and a motor with 35 Nm of torque.See the deal
Apollo Transport Electric Folding Bike, 20-inch wheelcheapest folding bike£679A lightweight aluminium folding frame on 20 inch double-wall rims with CST anti-puncture tyres.See the deal
Halfords Assist Step-Thru Electric Hybrid Bikecheapest bike overall£525A 250 W, 24 V front hub motor with three assistance levels on an LED display.See the deal

Want an electric bike that fits your budget? This guide picks the best ones sold at Halfords and Decathlon. Three things decide the choice: battery size, which sets how far you ride on one charge; motor torque, the pulling power that helps on hills; and frame type, from hybrid and step-through to folding.

Our picks in detail

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

1★ Top pickBest for best all-round under £1,000

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

A 45 Nm hybrid with 60 mm front suspension.

What it is
It is a Rockrider electric hybrid bike with a 36 V brushless motor, an electric motor with no brushes, on the rear wheel. The motor gives up to 45 Nm of torque, the twisting force that helps you pull away and climb.
Perfect for
Ideal for anyone wanting one all-round e-bike for commuting, errands and weekend rides.
Why we picked it
The 356 Wh (watt-hours, a measure of how much energy a battery holds) battery is built in but removable, and Decathlon claims up to 70 km (45 miles) in Eco mode. A low step-through frame, 60 mm of front suspension and hybrid tyres with reinforced puncture protection come as standard. 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
Carrera Crosscity 2026 Electric Folding Bike
Image: Carrera

2Best for folder with fitted rack and mudguards

Carrera Crosscity 2026 Electric Folding Bike

Folds to 93 x 40 x 74 cm, with a rack and mudguards fitted.

What it is
A folding electric bike that gets you around town with a Bafang motor and removable battery. Halfords claims an average of 25 to 30 miles, and up to 35 miles.
Perfect for
This one is for anyone who wants a folding electric bike that is ready for everyday riding.
Why we picked it
Shimano Altus 8-speed gears and Kenda 20 x 1.75 inch tyres come with K-Shield puncture protection. Mudguards, a kickstand and a pannier rack are all fitted, so you ride away with them already in place. It folds to 93 x 40 x 74 cm when you need to stow it.
Price
£975 (halfords.com, checked 25 October 2026)
  • A Bafang rear hub motor and a removable frame battery; Halfords claims an average of 25 to 30 miles, and up to 35 miles.
  • Shimano Altus 8-speed gears, Tektro alloy V-brakes and Kenda 20 x 1.75 inch tyres with K-Shield puncture protection.
  • Mudguards, a kickstand and a pannier rack are fitted, and it folds to 93 x 40 x 74 cm.

The catch: V-brakes rather than discs, and Halfords lists neither its weight nor its battery capacity.

See it at Halfords
Pendleton Somerby Electric Hybrid Bike, Forest Green, S frame
Image: Pendleton

3Best for easy step-through

Pendleton Somerby Electric Hybrid Bike, Forest Green, S frame

Easy step-through ride with gears, mudguards and a luggage rack.

What it is
This is an electric hybrid bike: a pedal bike with a motor to help you along. Its lightweight alloy step-through frame makes it easy to get on and off, and a removable 317 Wh battery (watt-hours, a measure of battery energy) gives Halfords' claimed average range of 25 to 30 miles.
Perfect for
Perfect for anyone who wants an easy step-through electric bike.
Why we picked it
Shimano Acera 8-speed gears give you eight gears to choose from. Full-length mudguards, a chainguard and a luggage rack are all fitted. The 700 x 38c tyres come with puncture protection.
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
BTWIN E-Fold 500 Electric Folding Bike
Image: BTWIN (Decathlon)

4Best for quick-folding budget bike

BTWIN E-Fold 500 Electric Folding Bike

Fold it up in 30 seconds and ride off.

What it is
Power comes from a 36 V 7 Ah (252 Wh) battery on the pannier rack, with a claimed range of 30 to 50 km. A 35 Nm motor (the twisting force that gets you moving) and Shimano Tourney 6-speed gears with a grip shifter keep you rolling.
Perfect for
Perfect for commuters who want an electric bike they can fold up fast.
Why we picked it
Hinge levers fold or unfold it in 30 seconds. A front bracket holds Decathlon's 25 L folding-bike bag, and Decathlon gives a standard 2-year warranty.
Price
£999.99 (decathlon.co.uk, checked 25 October 2026)
  • A 36 V 7 Ah (252 Wh) battery on the pannier rack, with a claimed range of 30 to 50 km, and a motor with 35 Nm of torque.
  • Shimano Tourney 6-speed gears with a grip shifter.
  • It folds or unfolds in 30 seconds with simple hinge levers, and has a front bracket for Decathlon's 25 L folding-bike bag.
  • Decathlon gives a standard 2-year warranty.

The catch: At 21.4 kg including battery and motor it is heavy to carry.

See it at Decathlon
Apollo Transport Electric Folding Bike, 20-inch wheel
Image: Apollo

5Best for cheapest folding bike

Apollo Transport Electric Folding Bike, 20-inch wheel

A light aluminium folder with anti-puncture tyres and six gears.

What it is
A lightweight aluminium folding bike on 20-inch wheels with a removable battery for electric help. Shimano TY-21 6-speed gears and V-brakes help you ride with control.
Perfect for
Perfect for a city rider who wants a low-cost folding electric bike for short trips.
Why we picked it
It is the cheapest folder here. The removable battery gives an average range of 10 to 15 miles (up to 20) and recharges in 5 hours, which suits short hops to the station or the shops.
Price
£679 (halfords.com, checked 25 October 2026)
  • A lightweight aluminium folding frame on 20 inch double-wall rims with CST anti-puncture tyres.
  • Shimano TY-21 6-speed gears and V-brakes.
  • A removable battery with an average range of 10 to 15 miles (up to 20) and a 5-hour recharge.

The catch: Rider weight limit is 85 kg plus 15 kg of luggage, and the range is short.

See it at Halfords
Halfords Assist Step-Thru Electric Hybrid Bike
Image: Halfords

6Best for cheapest bike overall

Halfords Assist Step-Thru Electric Hybrid Bike

A helping hand on short trips, with an easy step-thru frame.

What it is
The Halfords Assist Step-Thru Electric Hybrid Bike gives you a boost when you pedal. A 250 W motor in the front hub adds help, and you choose one of three levels on the LED display.
Perfect for
Perfect for anyone who wants a simple electric bike they can step onto easily for everyday trips.
Why we picked it
You get a lightweight alloy step-through frame. Full-length mudguards, a chainguard and a pannier rack come fitted, ready to carry your shopping. Inside is a 209 Wh battery with Samsung cells.
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

  • Carrera Subway-E 2: Priced above this guide's £1,000 limit at Halfords.
  • Carrera Vengeance-E 3.0: Priced above this guide's £1,000 limit at Halfords.
  • Apollo Phaze-E Electric Mountain Bike: A 2021 model with a 209 Wh battery rated for 10 to 15 miles on average, and V-brakes; the Rockrider gives more for the money.

How we chose

Our buying criteria

We shortlisted the electric bike models UK shoppers search for, then picked on the makers' published specifications and UK listings, read on the update date. We do not lab-test. You get one clear pick for each need below, plus one honest catch for each model. Watt-hours (Wh) measure battery size, so a bigger number means a bigger battery. Newton metres (Nm) measure torque, the pulling power from the motor.

  • Battery size: 209 Wh to 356 Wh where stated; the smallest is rated for up to 20 miles.
  • Motor torque: 35 to 45 Nm where stated.
  • Frame type: hybrid, step-through or folding.
  • Brakes: some of these use V-brakes, so check if you want discs.

How we choose every pick

Your questions, answered

Can you get a good electric bike in the UK without paying a lot?
Yes. Under £1,000 you still get a removable battery, a motor with up to 45 Nm of torque, up to 8 gears and, on three picks, fitted mudguards and a rack. What you give up is mostly range and braking: smaller batteries, and V-brakes instead of disc brakes on several picks.
Do I need a licence or insurance for an electric bike?
Good news: an EAPC (a pedal-assist electric bike) does not need a licence. It also does not need to be registered, taxed or insured. The exemption holds only for a legal EAPC: a motor of 250 W or less, help that stops at 15.5 mph, and a rider aged 14 or over.
What is the legal speed and power limit for e-bikes in the UK?
The motor must be 250 W or less of continuous power. It must stop helping once you reach 15.5 mph, and it only helps while you pedal. Know both rules before you buy, so you choose an e-bike that works within them.
How old do I have to be to ride an e-bike?
You can ride an electric bike if you are 14 or over, as long as it is an EAPC. Check that the bike is an EAPC before you buy.
Why do cheaper e-bikes have a shorter range?
The battery is one of the most expensive parts of an e-bike, so cheaper bikes fit smaller ones, and range follows battery size. Here, the £525 Halfords Assist has a 209 Wh battery rated for up to 20 miles, while the £999.99 Rockrider's 356 Wh battery is claimed to reach 70 km (45 miles) in Eco mode.

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