Best Of
5 Best E-Bikes of 2023
E-bikes can be a quick, environmentally friendly, and economical mode of transportation. There are lots of e-bikes to choose from, which is why we have created this handy guide to highlight some of the best e-bikes currently on the market.
Words by: Auto Trader
Additional words by: Fianna Hornby
Last updated on 11 October 2023 | 0 min read
E-bikes are becoming increasingly popular. People are using them for all sorts like doing their weekly shops, going to the tube, or even as an activity when hanging out with friends. Their ease of use and convenient storage have made them a practical choice for commuting for many Brits.
What is an e-bike?
E-bikes are bicycles with a pedal-powered battery "assist". On a pedal-assist e-bike, a little motor activates when you press the pedals, giving you a boost so you can glide over challenging terrain and climb hills without using too much energy. A lot of people say e-bikes feel exactly like traditional push bikes—but better. Read more about what counts as an EAPC here.How do you operate an e-bike?
Like a traditional bike, you can control your speed with your feet. You simply feel more powerful and can move quickly.
Are e-bikes legal in the UK?
Yes, e-bikes are legal in the UK. As long as you are 14 years and the e-bike meets EPAC requirements, you can ride an e-bike in the UK.
You do not need a licence to ride one and it does not need to be registered, taxed or insured. Read more about e-bike legalities here.
You do not need a licence to ride one and it does not need to be registered, taxed or insured. Read more about e-bike legalities here.
Which e-bike is the best?
1. Brompton Electric - C Line
Price: Starting at £2,995.
The Brompton Electric C Line is perfect for those living in urban areas. It has enough power that you’ll never have to exert yourself and arrive where you need to be flustered. Great for those short on space, it will fit in a nook or cupboard. As it folds, you’ll no longer need to struggle to find a place to lock it up, as you can just take it with you. The Brompton Electric C Line comes with a detachable battery. As you’d expect from Brompton’s incredible design team, this isn’t just any battery. It comes in a carry case and clicks on and off in front of the handlebars. The case has a fold-away carry strap so you can sling it on one shoulder and pick up the bike on the other side if you’re taking it onto a train. Overall, this is a super convenient design, great for any urban commuter. Find a Brompton Electric C Line here.
The Brompton Electric C Line is perfect for those living in urban areas. It has enough power that you’ll never have to exert yourself and arrive where you need to be flustered. Great for those short on space, it will fit in a nook or cupboard. As it folds, you’ll no longer need to struggle to find a place to lock it up, as you can just take it with you. The Brompton Electric C Line comes with a detachable battery. As you’d expect from Brompton’s incredible design team, this isn’t just any battery. It comes in a carry case and clicks on and off in front of the handlebars. The case has a fold-away carry strap so you can sling it on one shoulder and pick up the bike on the other side if you’re taking it onto a train. Overall, this is a super convenient design, great for any urban commuter. Find a Brompton Electric C Line here.
2.Mondraker Crafty R
Price: around £4929.
Perfect for those who want to explore different terrains but need a little extra help every now and then - this electric mountain bike (eMTB), has a built-in motor that helps the user pedal. The Crafty R is quick and excels at navigating difficult terrain. Created with functionality in mind, it’s not got tonnes of gimmicks but it does the job. The Crafty is amazing for climbing up steep, difficult slopes and just keeps going - when other eMTBs would’ve run out of upward flow. Finally, the large but solidly integrated battery, makes epic trail adventures possible. If you are an adventurous biker, this is the one for you. Find a Mondraker Crafty R here.
Perfect for those who want to explore different terrains but need a little extra help every now and then - this electric mountain bike (eMTB), has a built-in motor that helps the user pedal. The Crafty R is quick and excels at navigating difficult terrain. Created with functionality in mind, it’s not got tonnes of gimmicks but it does the job. The Crafty is amazing for climbing up steep, difficult slopes and just keeps going - when other eMTBs would’ve run out of upward flow. Finally, the large but solidly integrated battery, makes epic trail adventures possible. If you are an adventurous biker, this is the one for you. Find a Mondraker Crafty R here.
3. Raleigh Motus
Price: around £2600.
The Motus sits in the middle of Raleigh’s electric bike range and is one of its biggest-selling models. There are three levels to choose from, comprising Motus, Motus Tour and the Motus Grand Tour. Available in step-through or ‘crossbar’ formats, you can also choose conventional derailleur gears or integrated hub gearing. While the range of options is huge, the bike is honest to Raleigh’s heritage of building traditional bikes for people looking for sustainable and healthy transport, not a lifestyle choice. Find a Raleigh Motus here.
The Motus sits in the middle of Raleigh’s electric bike range and is one of its biggest-selling models. There are three levels to choose from, comprising Motus, Motus Tour and the Motus Grand Tour. Available in step-through or ‘crossbar’ formats, you can also choose conventional derailleur gears or integrated hub gearing. While the range of options is huge, the bike is honest to Raleigh’s heritage of building traditional bikes for people looking for sustainable and healthy transport, not a lifestyle choice. Find a Raleigh Motus here.
4. Cube Reaction Hybrid Pro 500 e-MTB
Price: around £2519
Cube has a solid reputation in the industry for well-made, good-quality e-bikes. The Reaction Hybrid Pro 500 e-MTB is no exception. This e-bike has a comfortable cycling position, making your ride enjoyable. It is driven by a powerful, fourth-generation Bosch CX motor and a high-capacity PowerTube battery. The Cube Reaction Hybrid Pro 500 e-MTB is a great bike for riders of all shapes, and sizes as it comes in sizes starting from as small as 13.5". It also comes fully built & ready to ride, so you don’t have to get your tools out. Find a Cube Reaction here.
Cube has a solid reputation in the industry for well-made, good-quality e-bikes. The Reaction Hybrid Pro 500 e-MTB is no exception. This e-bike has a comfortable cycling position, making your ride enjoyable. It is driven by a powerful, fourth-generation Bosch CX motor and a high-capacity PowerTube battery. The Cube Reaction Hybrid Pro 500 e-MTB is a great bike for riders of all shapes, and sizes as it comes in sizes starting from as small as 13.5". It also comes fully built & ready to ride, so you don’t have to get your tools out. Find a Cube Reaction here.
5. Haibike AllMtn 6
Price: around £5399
The Haibike AllMtn 6 is one of the steeper-priced recommendations in this list. Unlike a lot of other e-bike manufacturers, Haibike specialises in making only e-bikes and has done so for around 15 years. This e-bike comes with a powerful, removable, Yamaha battery, which has been found to be highly reliable. Other highlights of this e-bike are its supple suspension, which really softens the impact of even the most adventurous rides. Long-term users have also reported that both the battery and suspension are long-lasting, even with lots of use. Although this bike is more expensive than most of our other recommendations, it is certainly built at top quality. Find a Haibike AllMtn here.
The Haibike AllMtn 6 is one of the steeper-priced recommendations in this list. Unlike a lot of other e-bike manufacturers, Haibike specialises in making only e-bikes and has done so for around 15 years. This e-bike comes with a powerful, removable, Yamaha battery, which has been found to be highly reliable. Other highlights of this e-bike are its supple suspension, which really softens the impact of even the most adventurous rides. Long-term users have also reported that both the battery and suspension are long-lasting, even with lots of use. Although this bike is more expensive than most of our other recommendations, it is certainly built at top quality. Find a Haibike AllMtn here.
Where can you buy an e-bike?
Auto Trader Bikes has thousands of e-bikes to choose from; popular brands such as Raleigh, Bromton and Trek to choose from.
You can browse e-bikes on Auto Trader Bikes today here.
You can browse e-bikes on Auto Trader Bikes today here.