Electric bikes (e-bikes) have often had a reputation for being somewhat large and cumbersome, but today’s models are certainly challenging that stereotype. You could say they’re the ‘next big thing’ in the cycling world.
At Cycleplan, 19% of our insurance policies sold now cover e-bikes*, so change is most certainly in the air – but why?
The best e-bikes on the market today are much lighter, slicker, and generally a lot better to look at than older models – not to mention that vast improvements in their performance now mean e-bikes deliver a far more rounded and complete cycling experience.
There are various categories as far as e-bikes in the UK are concerned. Typically, these are:
Types of e-bike
- General/commuter – used by everyday commuters and the like.
- Cargo – normally used for carrying goods, shopping, young children, and so on
- Road bikes – growing massively in popularity due to a significant drop in weight compared to older models.
- Mountain bikes – like road bikes, do exactly what they say on the tin. Now, even brands like Harley Davidson are entering the mountain e-bike market.
- Folding bikes – another solid choice for city commuters. The foldability makes them perfect for carrying when not in use, too.
Though most e-bikes don’t come cheap – something that has been made somewhat worse by the pandemic – e-bikes are a smart investment if you’re fortunate enough to have the funds available.
Such is their popularity, even non-bicycle companies are now starting to branch out into the e-bike market to capitalise on the growing demand. For example, brands such as BMW, NIU, and GTech are now enjoying success in the e-bike space.
Related: BMW unveils high-speed electric bicycle
It’s a big, competitive, often confusing market – but we’re here to ease said confusion. Here are our picks for the 8 best e-bikes on the market in 2022.
*As of January 2022.
Table of contents
1. Ribble Endurance SL e Sport Road Bike
2. Rad Power RadMission Electric Metro Bike
3. GocycleG4
4. Giant Revolt E+ Plus
5. Tern Vektron S10
6. Carrera Impel im-1 Electric Hybrid
7. Cowboy 4
8. VanMoof S3
1. Ribble Endurance SL e Sport Road Bike
Typical price: £2,999
Key features
- Fizik Antares R5 saddle
- Level 5 integrated handlebar system
- Tubeless-ready tyres
The Ribble Endurance SL e is widely considered one of the lightest e-bikes on the market, weighing just 12kg even in size XL (various specifications are available).
Visually, there’s not too much that sets it apart from a standard bike, but with the assistance of a rear-wheel motor, you can rest assured this is by no means a standard ride.
The bike’s chassis is made from high-quality T800/T1000 carbon and is recommended for cyclists who want to maintain the fast, responsive ride of a race bike but with a helping hand. This comes courtesy of the motor carried in the rear hub, powered by an internal battery.
With the additional battery power burst, longer, steeper climbs are a breeze with this bike, and its super low weight also reduces resistance on flat ground.
Three power settings are available with the battery, too, which can last for up to three and a half hours if ridden none-stop.
The SL e can also be linked to the EBikemotion app to track performance and measure heart rate and athletic progress.
RIDER REVIEW
“The great thing about the Ribble Endurance is that you don’t need two bikes. It can be used as a regular bike, or you can use it with e-assist whenever you need it. It’s like having a normal bike, and an e-bike rolled into one.”
2. Rad Power RadMission Electric Metro Bike
Typical price: £900
Key features
- 250W geared-hub motor
- High-step and mid-step frames
- Kenda Kontact puncture-resistant tyres
Slick and stylish is the name of the game as far as the RadMission is concerned.
This single-speed electric metro bike ships to the UK and is perfect for city riders and commuters seeking an added element of excitement. At a maximum of 22kg in weight, this e-bike is designed not just for people that ride in the city but also for those who live there.
Live in a high-rise apartment with limited storage space? The RadMission has you covered.
Don’t let its aesthetic simplicity fool you, either. Fitted with a 250W geared-hub motor providing 50Nm of torque and with an impressive battery range of 45-80+ km, the RadMission is capable of handling whatever you ask of it.
Available with either high-step or mid-step frames, this e-bike provides 787mm or 711mm standover heights to accommodate taller and shorter riders, too.
The Kenda Kontact tyres used on this e-bike are Rad Power’s narrowest, meaning they generate minimal rolling resistance while still matching the trusty feel of perhaps a more traditional commuter bike. The tyres also have K-Shield puncture-resistant liners fitted as standard.
What’s more – the single-speed drivetrain promises low maintenance and an easy ride time after time.
RIDER REVIEW
“The RadMission offers specs well above its price range, that’s for sure. Buying a daily commuter e-bike is all about convenience and simplicity – and this model is exactly that.”
3. Gocycle G4
Typical price: £3,999
Key features
- Mudguards and lights included as standard
- Bespoke MotoGP-inspired treaded tyres
- Integrated USB port
Powered by the G4drive™ electric motor, the Gocycle G4 is a smooth and quiet ride for any cyclist.
A brand renowned in the cycling world for the handling capabilities of its bikes, the G4 e-bikes handling is enhanced even further thanks to the introduction of a new, lighter, and more precise carbon fibre mid-frame forming the monocoque chassis.
Another unique element of the GoCycle G4 is the brand’s new, bespoke MotoGP-inspired treaded tyre. These super-lightweight tyres are infused with a silica compound, providing second-to-none grip and sure-footed handling. Also boasting a wider design, the increased air volume in the tyres makes for a more comfortable glide, too.
From a control perspective, the G4’s twist-shift gear changer allows you to select between three gears effortlessly. Hydraulic disc brakes are also fitted at the front and back of the bike.
The G4 is also a foldable e-bike and can be stored away as a compact package in under ten seconds.
If that wasn’t enough, there’s a USB port integrated on the handlebar, too, for device charging on the move.
RIDER REVIEW
“The improved motor and carbon fibre design make the G4 an upgrade on GoCycle’s previous folding e-bikes. It has long-range and plenty of power to help you cycle faster on any terrain.”
4. Giant Revolt E+ Pro
Typical price: £4,999
Key features
- EnergyPak Smart Compact 500 battery
- Lightweight ALUXX SL aluminium frame
- SmartAssist motor
As e-bikes go, they don’t come much more versatile than the Giant Revolt E+ Pro.
From bustling city centres to quiet but bumpy backstreets and everything in between, this e-bike gives you the power to tackle any terrain.
The ALUXX SL aluminium frameset is fitted with a SyncDrive Pro motor, powered by Yamaha. This ensures smooth acceleration on everything from perfectly paved roads to gravel or dirt tracks, so you can set off for any ride safe in the knowledge that your bike is up for the task ahead.
What’s more - the SmartAssist motor automatically adapts to your riding style, meaning you’ll never have to adjust your support levels while out and about.
This is a Class 3 e-bike, which means it provides pedal assistance up to speeds of 28mph. However, be warned that such assistance eats through your charge relatively quickly – so forward route planning is always advised.
Unlike many other e-bikes on the market, the Giant Revolt E+ Pro’s battery isn’t removable for charging. Instead, the battery is cleverly integrated into the aluminium frame, ensuring a cleaner look and lowering the bike’s centre of gravity, too.
RIDER REVIEW
“The Giant Revolt E+ Pro is a solid option. By no means does it replace human effort; it actually magnifies it. They’re also generally cheaper and lighter than an electric mountain bike.”
5. Tern Vektron S10
Typical price: £3,700
Key features
- Resizes in seconds for multiple rider use
- Bosch Performance electric drivetrain
- Reclinable battery
With its highly unique approach to frame design, the Tern Vektron S10 is a folding e-bike gamechanger.
The bike has a telescopic seat post with an adjustable angle stem allowing it to accommodate riders ranging from 4’10 to 6’5 – you’d be hard-pressed to find such generous range elsewhere on the e-bike market.
Although a relatively compact design, the S10’s wheelbase is that of a standard bike, while other aspects such as the handlebars, fork and overall geometry also make for a similar experience to what you might otherwise be used to as a cyclist. However, the foldability feature gives the S10 a serious edge.
It’s also fitted with a Bosch Performance Line motor, which provides an extra power boost of 15Nm of torque compared to some of its Tern sister products.
As a brand, Tern has always been highly renowned for its reliable folding e-bikes. But with the addition of Bosch technology, a new level has now been firmly reached.
Yes – the S10 will get you from A to B, but you’ll want to seek the rest of the alphabet, too!
USER REVIEW
“This is the bike you want to have underneath you for long, leisurely rides. It’s comfortable, fast over any terrain and even has a luggage rack.”
6. Carrera Impel im-1 Electric Hybrid
Typical price: £1,000
Key features
- Frame-integrated battery
- Tektro V-brakes
- Torque-sensing pedal assist
While it may be true that Carrera models are somewhat the Marmite of the e-bike world, the Carrera Impel im-1 Electric Hybrid bike is a great place to start if you’re looking for a basic introduction.
This entry-level model is humbly priced compared to most other e-bikes on the market and provides everything you could need as a beginner.
Fitted with a Hyena 250W rear hub motor and frame-integrated 367Wh battery, the claimed battery range of the im-1 is around 50 miles, so it more than punches its weight alongside the more expensive e-bikes. It also has single-speed transmission, Tektro V-brakes and a nifty LED display function as standard.
The Hyena system is also integral to the bike’s pedalling. Using state-of-the-art sensing firmware, it produces a smooth and responsive pedal assist experience scarcely bettered elsewhere.
At a weight of just over 19kg, too, the im-1 is more or less what you’d expect from an e-bike of its spec.
USER REVIEW
“For the price, you can’t complain. Both this model and the im-2 are good sellers for a reason.”
7. Cowboy 4
Typical price: £2,500
Key features
- Mobile phone docking station
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- GPS tracking
Though a largely minimalist looking e-bike, the Cowboy 4 is anything but.
The fourth version of the innovative Belgian manufacturer’s design, the Cowboy 4, provides everything you could both want and need to dart across town.
The bike is designed with commuters in mind and is available with either a standard or step-through frame. It’s simple to use, reliably low-maintenance, and above all, immensely clever thanks to its built-in wirelessly charged smartphone interface and GPS tracking. You can be sure you’ll never get lost riding the Cowboy 4.
A combination of a rear-hub motor and a single-speed drive is what glides this e-bike forward. These are all powered by a removable battery that can last several commutes before needing a recharge.
Coupled with the smartphone app and GPS technology, the Cowboy 4’s ingenious auto-unlock feature can also sense when you’re nearby and automatically unlock your e-bike ready for use.
The addition of hydraulic disc brakes and ‘all-rounder’, puncture-resistant tyres complete the package and make this an ideal commuter e-bike.
RIDER REVIEW
“The Cowboy 4 is a very enjoyable bike to ride. Though quite different to e-bikes designed by perhaps more traditional firms, every component adds up to create a final product streets ahead of others.”
8. VanMoof S3
Typical price: £2,000
Key features
- Electronic automatic gear shifting
- Integrated anti-theft technology
- Additional VanMoof PowerBank available for increased range
One of the most impressive features of the VanMoof S3 is arguably its range. Even without the additional PowerBank, the S3 can last for a staggering 80 miles.
Indeed, throw the PowerBank into the equation, and you’re looking at a potential range of 100 miles or more, which, as you’ll know, is exceptionally high for an e-bike.
VanMoof has always been highly regarded for its smart technology integration – another key attribute that simply oozes from the S3.
For a start, its intelligent four-speed automatic gear shifting is an e-bike industry first. Adjustable via the accompanying smartphone app to match your pedalling style, the automatic shifting means you’ll always be in the right gear – even when static.
Elsewhere, in-built lights, anti-theft tracking, and a proximity-based immobiliser all combine to make this a product of sheer innovation.
Despite its somewhat odd aesthetic, the S3’s saddle is very comfortable and prompts the desired upright riding position, too.
What’s not to love?
RIDER REVIEW
“The VanMoof S3 is a joyful bike to ride and has a range that eliminates any thoughts of battery woe. The bike’s main contact points are comfort personified, and the overall package is nothing short of excellent.”
Specialist electric bike insurance from Cycleplan
E-bikes are brilliant, but as you now know, they come with a hefty price tag.
That’s why you’re putting yourself and others at huge potential risks by not having the right insurance in place.
At Cycleplan, our specialist electric bike insurance protects your e-bike against loss, theft and accidental damage up to the value of £30,000, so you can ride with complete peace of mind.
We also offer Public Liability up to £5m and protection against personal injury. Our policies are also underpinned by our very own ‘Ripe Guarantee’, meaning you won’t find a better price for your electric bike insurance anywhere else on the market.
Learn more about our specialist electric bike insurance here and get an instant online quote today. What's more, you can enjoy a 40% discount too.
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