Which type of e-bike?

Start with how you’ll ride. Each type has a guide to who it suits and what to look for.

Commuter

Regular rides to work or the station

E-bikes built for getting to work: mudguards, lights and racks are often fitted, and comfort matters more than speed.

Look elsewhere if: You'll carry it up stairs every day

All-round riding on roads, towpaths and tracks

All-rounders for towpaths, roads and light trails, with an upright riding position.

Look elsewhere if: You'll ride proper off-road trails

Trails, hills and off-road riding

Electric mountain bikes for off-road riding, usually with suspension and powerful mid-drive motors.

Look elsewhere if: You'll mostly ride on roads

Carrying children, shopping or work loads

E-bikes for carrying children, shopping or work loads, from longtails to front-loading boxes.

Look elsewhere if: You have nowhere secure and dry to keep a long, heavy bike

Trains, small flats and car boots

E-bikes that fold for trains, flats and car boots. Weight and folded size matter most here.

Look elsewhere if: Your rides are long or on rough roads

Fast road rides with help on the climbs

Lightweight electric road bikes with drop bars, often with smaller motors and batteries to keep weight down.

Look elsewhere if: You want strong assistance all the time

Mixed roads, gravel and tracks

Drop-bar e-bikes with wider tyres for mixed roads, gravel and bridleways.

Look elsewhere if: You want an upright riding position