Types of E-Bike - A helpful guide
Mountain, Leisure, Commuting.
Types of electric bike
Choosing the right type
Making sure you choose the right e-bike for your riding is really important. Despite the ever-growing range of electric bikes available, getting it right is more straightforward than you might think. There are three main types of e-bike, and the factors you need to consider are just the same as for a regular bike: riding style, terrain, mileage, etc. Here's an overview of the different types:
E-Mountain Bike
Read the full guideSome say it's cheating, but we say it's way more fun! Once you jump on an e-mountain bike, you'll immediately know just what we're talking about, and why these bikes are taking the UK cycling market by storm! The addition of an electric motor on a high performance mountain bike allows you to attack the trails harder and faster, plus you can get another lap (or two) into your ride without getting worn out.
E-MTBs are available as hardtails (with front suspension) or full suspension (front and rear). Hardtails are better suited to lighter trails and are more affordable; full suspension models offer more versatility and allow you to tackle even very rough ground with ease. Just as with regular mountain bikes, different frame geometries, fork travel and wheel sizes are available (including plus-size and fat wheels), to suit every kind of off-road riding.
Browse Electric Mountain Bikes Read our E-MTB Buying Guide
Electric hybrid/leisure bikes
Read the full guideCycling is a great way of getting about: it's healthy, cost efficient and enjoyable. However, some of us can find cycling a challenge, especially on steep hills or longer rides. An electric bike provides just the right amount of assistance, so you can enjoy cycling in comfort and ease.
Hybrid e-bikes, sometimes called 'town and trekking e-bikes,' are just like standard hybrid bikes. They're suitable for riding on the roads, and can also cope with light off-road use, such as canal paths and bridleways. Some have a front fork with a little suspension to absorb the bump when riding over rough ground, and others have a rigid fork. Some models come fully equipped with mudguards, pannier racks and even in-built lights and a lock. Your position on the bike can range from very upright, to a sportier position, depending on your comfort and preference.
Browse Electric Hybrid Bikes Read our E-Hybrid Bike Buying Guide
Electric bikes for commuting
Read the full guideDriving to work can be very expensive ... but cycling can leave you worn out and sweating. How to solve this dilemma? Get an e-bike! Using an electric bike to commute to work means you'll not only get to work quicker, but the electrical motor assist means you will expend less energy and arrive dry, comfortable and ready for the day. Plus, running an e-bike can save a lot of money compared to the cost of driving your car to work every day - over £1500 a year!
Depending on the terrain of your ride into work, you'll likely need either a hybrid e-bike, or an e-mountain bike. If you're riding mainly on the roads, then a lightweight hybrid e-bike with slick tyres and rigid forks will see you rolling nice and fast along tarmac; if your route takes in bridleways or unpaved roads, you may prefer a hybrid with a suspension fork, or even a hardtail e-mountain bike, with wider tyres and more suspension than a hybrid bike. For added convenience, you could choose a model equipped with mudguards, pannier racks and even in-built lights and a lock, so you're all set!
Browse Electric Hybrid Bikes Browse Electric Mountain Bikes Commuting with an E-Bike GuideNEED MORE HELP?
Choosing the right type
If you're still not sure which type of e-bike is right for you, then we'd be happy to help advise you further. Our staff are all keen cyclists, and our E-Bike Experts in store have ridden the electric bikes we sell, and completed Bosch-certified e-bike training, so you can be confident in the advice we offer.