10 cheap electric bikes Under £1,000 you should seriously consider

10 cheap electric bikes Under £1,000 you should seriously consider

21 October 2024Mariam Parra

Finding a quality electric bike without blowing your budget is no easy task. But we ride electric bikes every single day here at Electroheads, and we're on hand to help you find an affordable option.

We’ve narrowed it down to 10 e-bikes that offer great performance, style, and value—all for under £1,000. Whether you’re commuting, exploring, or just enjoying the ride, there’s something here for everyone. So let’s take a closer look.

  1. Engwe M20 - £949
  2. Fiido C11 - £817
  3. Eleglide M1 - £649
  4. Emu Roam - £899.99
  5. Hitway BK3S - £699.99
  6. Eskute Polluno - £819
  7. Eleglide M1 Plus - £699
  8. Pure Flux One - £924
  9. VARUN - £649
  10. ROCKRIDER E-ST 100 - £999.99

1. Engwe M20 - £949

Engwe M20

The Engwe M20 offers a combination of power, style, and versatility - it might just be the best-looking bike on this list. With a 750W motor, the M20 can hit speeds of up to 28 mph (the legal speed limit in the UK is 15.5 mph, and can only be ridden at speeds above on private land), making it one of the fastest options available at this price point. But it’s not just about speed—the M20 is designed to handle everything from city streets to rough trails, offering a range of up to 44 miles on a single charge/

The dual suspension pairs well with the fat tyres, keeping your ride smooth whether you're cruising through town or taking on some off-road terrain. With its fat tyres and hydraulic disc brakes, you’ve got the control and stability to tackle just about any terrain, perhaps barring trickier mountain/off-road trails.

Cruiser style bikes aren't for everyone - a lot of people prefer a more traditional city style bike, but if this is your sort of thing, then the M20 is a worthy option.

Buy directly from Engwe UK

Buy directly from Engwe EU

2. Fiido C11 - £817

Fiido C11

The Fiido C11 feels like a natural fit for city life. It’s sturdy enough to handle daily commutes, and you'll be able to get to work without breaking a swear.

With a 500W motor, the C11 reaches speeds of up to 24.8 mph (the legal speed limit in the UK is 15.5 mph, and can only be ridden at speeds above on private land), which makes zipping through traffic a breeze. What really stood out to us is its range—up to 55 miles on a single charge, thanks to its efficient DMEGC/EVE 499.2Wh battery.

The design is clean and minimal, with the battery cleverly hidden away, so it doesn’t scream “electric bike.” And with five adjustable assist levels, it’s easy to find a setting that matches your energy level for the day. Unlike many other city bikes in this price range, the Fiido C11 features front suspension which we found took the strain off our wrists on the bumpier areas of London.

All in all, this is a very impressive ebike for the price point, from one of the world's leading ebike specialists in Fiido.

Buy directly from Fiido UK

Buy directly from Fiido EU

3. Eleglide M1 - £649

Eleglide M1

The Eleglide M1 is the budget-friendly bike, but that doesn’t mean it cuts corners. This bike is all about versatility - making itself useful in both the city and the countryside, with a 250W motor that delivers a top speed of 15.5 mph and a range of up to 62 miles. 

The 27.5-inch wheels, combined with front suspension, offer a comfortable ride whether you’re navigating city streets or venturing off-road. 

What we appreciated most is the sturdy design that feels a lot more premium than you’d expect for the price. The removable 12.5Ah battery is also a handy feature, making it easy to keep your bike charged up at home or at work. For anyone looking for a reliable all-rounder, the M1 is a great choice.

Buy directly from Eleglide

4. Emu Roam - £899.99

Emu Roam Step-through

Emu is a British brand originally backed by Delbanco Meyer, a UK company with an 85-year history of making innovative consumer products. The Emu Roam Step Through is built with a female customer base in mind, and is designed for comfort and convenience. With a 250W motor and a top speed of 15.5 mph, it’s a good option for relaxed rides around town or as a daily commuter.

The bike offers a range between 27 to 55 miles depending on which battery option you choose (10.4Ah / 374Wh or 14.5Ah / 522Wh).

We like that this book looks so classically British, but rides like a modern ebike. The step-through frame makes it easy to get off and on the bike — especially if you’re carrying a bag or just prefer not to lift your leg too high. With practical touches like mudguards and a rear rack, it’s not just a joy to ride but also incredibly user-friendly.

5. Hitway BK3S - £699.99

Hitway BK3S

The Hitway BK3S is another city bike, but it comes with a rear pannier rack and front suspension, making it more versatile than a lot of the other options out there. With a 250W motor and top speed of 15.5 mph, it’s not going to conquer mountains, but it's great for city streets, bumpy trails, and even muddy terrain. The 36V 14Ah battery provides a range of up to 60 miles, so you won’t have to worry about charging it too often.

The bike is built on a sturdy steel frame that’s both lightweight and durable, making it easy to handle but tough enough to withstand daily wear and tear.

The front suspension and comfortable saddle add to the smoothness of the ride, while its sleek design gives it a stylish edge. If you’re in the market for an affordable city e-bike that doesn’t skimp on quality, the BK3S is a solid option.

Buy directly from Hitway

6. Eskute Polluno - £819

Eskute Polluno

The Eskute Polluno is loaded with a lot features for its price point - mud guards, suspension, pannier rack, and step-through fame as standard. It's not the best-looking bike on this list, but it's hardly offensive to look at.

Powered by a 250W motor, it comfortably reaches a top speed of 15.5 mph, which is just what you need for city cycling. The standout feature here is the range—up to 65 miles on a single charge, courtesy of its 36V 14.5Ah battery.

The rear hub motor provides smooth and consistent power delivery, so you won’t have to push too hard to get where you’re going. And with the built-in LCD display, you can easily keep track of your speed, battery life, and distance, making it a reliable companion for longer commutes or weekend rides.

7. Eleglide M1 Plus - £699

Eleglide M1 Plus

If the Eleglide M1 wasn't enough for you, then how about the Eleglide M1 Plus? It takes everything good about the M1 and adds a little more to the mix. With a beefed-up 36V 12.5Ah battery, this e-bike extends your range up to 62 miles, which is great if you’re planning to go the extra mile—literally.

The 250W motor still delivers a top speed of 15.5 mph to keep it fully compliant with UK ebike laws, and with 27.5-inch wheels and enhanced front suspension, you’re in for a smooth ride on a variety of terrains.

Whether you’re using it to commute or for some weekend trail riding, the M1 Plus handles it all without breaking a sweat. The integrated LCD display keeps you updated on your ride stats, so you always know where you stand.

Buy directly from Eleglide

8. Pure Flux One - £924

Pure Flux One

The Pure Flux One is simply a great bicycle, with a battery and a motor attached. It's for those who appreciate a minimalist approach. Weighing in at just 17.5kg, it’s one of the lightest e-bikes around, which makes it incredibly easy to manouvre and transport.

But don’t let the classic bicycle style frame fool you—the 250W motor and 36V 7Ah battery give you a 25-mile range at a top speed of 15.5 mph, making it plenty capable for most commutes.

The single-speed belt drive system is a nice touch, offering a quiet, low-maintenance ride. If you’re after something simple, efficient, and stylish for getting around town, the Pure Flux One should definitely be on your radar.

It's very rare to have a belt drive on an ebike at this price point, so this one comes highly recommended from us.

9. VARUN Mountain Bike - £649

Varun

The Varun Electric Mountain Bike is one of the cheapest ebikes on this list, but still comes with mudguards, suspension, and disc brakes.

Equipped with a 250W motor and a 36V 7.8Ah battery, it has a claimed range of 43 miles and a top speed of 15.5 mph, which is plenty for both city rides and light off-roading.

What we found particularly handy is the removable battery, so you can charge it wherever is most convenient for you. With 24-inch wheels and front suspension, it handles bumps and uneven paths well, making it a versatile choice whether you’re in the city or venturing out a bit further.

Buy from Amazon

10. ROCKRIDER E-ST 100 - £999.99

Decathlon E-ST 100

The ROCKRIDER E-ST 100 is an excellent entry point for anyone interested in electric mountain biking without the hefty price tag, and it looks good too!

Weighing 21.5 kg, this hardtail e-MTB is designed to take on trails and dirt paths with confidence. With a 250W motor and a 36V 11.6Ah battery, it offers a range of up to 37 miles, giving you plenty of time to explore the outdoors.

Its top speed of 15.5 mph is ideal for both trail riding and urban commuting. The front suspension with 100mm of travel keeps the ride smooth, while the 27.5-inch wheels provide stability and control. Plus, the removable battery adds an extra layer of convenience, making charging a breeze. The ROCKRIDER E-ST 100 is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to get into the world of electric mountain biking.

Buy from Decathlon

The specs

 

How we test

Our expert testers ride all the bikes we get in to review, and we assess them against a range of criteria on road, off-road and in our testing rooms.

Fact check: Price and specs checked 13th August 2024.

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Cycle to Work scheme - save £££

The Cycle to Work scheme is a government incentive that cuts the cost of buying a new electric bike and accessories by paying through tax-free salary sacrifice.

The price of the bike and accessories are deducted from your salary before tax and national insurance is applied - so depending on your tax rate you can save between 32% and 42% on the cost of the bike. Higher rate tax payers save the most.