Electric bike buyer's guide 2021

Why use an electric bike?

Contrary to what some may believe, using an e-bike isn’t cheating. These motor-assisted bikes open many avenues for people who otherwise might not be able to cycle. Thus, they create the potential for a reduction in car use and, longer term, lessening the burden on the NHS as more people are active. 

Essentially, they're brilliant tools for a wide variety of people. They make commutes easier and less sweaty to some degree, and they make short trips manageable without a car. Not only this, but they're incredibly fun to ride. The moment the motor assist kicks in is comparable with that of the first time you freewheeled your bike down a hill as a child - a feeling most recall with immense happiness!

Types of e-bikes

City e-bikes

City bikes offer a more upright riding experience that complements itself to the urban environment. Often available in step-through or step-over frame designs, they are also frequently called 'Dutch' bikes. They're designed for shorter urban journeys and often provide a chain cover so you can wear regular clothes without worrying about oil and dirt transferring itself from the chain. They usually come with a smaller selection of gears, so bear that in mind if you live on a mountain.

Folding e-bikes

For commuters or those who use public transport as part of their journey, there are folding bikes. They quite literally do what it says and fold up when not in use. They are fantastic for those living in flats on the 17th floor or who don't have a lot of storage space. But the compact size may come at the expense of bigger wheels and better ride quality.

Hybrid e-bikes

For the hardy commuter and leisure rider, a hybrid bike is ideal. It’s a mash-up between a road and mountain bike, as a flat-bar bike with wide tyres - perfect for taking the family on the towpaths. The geometry is less racy than a road bike's, and they're generally heavier than their skinny-tyre counterparts. They're great for being loaded up with bags and panniers, making them perfect for nipping to the shop on.

E-mountain bikes

These e-bikes are ideal for trails and bike parks. They are available as both hardtails and with full suspension. A hardtail has only fork suspension and is ideal for smoother trails, although modern hardtails are now more capable than ever. A full-suspension eMTB has fork suspension and a rear shock. These are ideal for more technical trails and, within the mountain bike universe, there are further categories such as trail, cross-country, enduro, and downhill. They come with wide tyres and disc brakes.

Road e-bikes

The skinny-tyre variant, these are often the slickest-looking e-bikes. Some of the more premium options don’t even look like e-bikes any more, with everything contained in the frame internals. They are great for, you guessed it, riding on the road – and come in a multitude of component levels and thus prices.

Gravel e-bikes

The term 'gravel bike' is rather contentious for some in the bike industry. Are they just road bikes with increased tyre clearance? Or old-school rigid mountain bikes with drop bars? In any case, they’re here to stay. They come with disc brakes and often a 1X drivetrain set-up (one chainring rather than two or three), and are perfect for bridleways and that rare gravel road we have in the UK.