If you want a practical e-bike that doesn’t feel flimsy or disposable, £1,000 is a tight but not impossible target. In the UK in 2025, you can find models with decent battery, brand support, and warranties that avoid the worst cutbacks. This guide picks ones that deliver usable range, parts support, and service prospects — not just the lowest cost. Use it alongside our folding bike guide, [Insurance comparison] and [Locks guide] for a fuller decision.
Quick Picks:
- Editor’s Pick: Fiido M1 Pro — best all-round under £1,000 for UK roads.
- Budget Champion: Basis Protocol Electric Bike — basic but complete commuter option.
- Lightest: Basis Osprey Low Step — among the lightest full-size within budget.
- Long Range: Fiido M1 Pro (with larger battery option) — stretches the distance more than rivals in that price bracket.
Fiido M1 Pro
Good bits:
- Among the rare sub-£1,000 bikes that advertise 50+ mile range in optimal conditions.
- Sturdy frame and “fat tyre” styling give better grip on UK roads.
- A known brand with global presence, so spares are more likely than for no-name imports.
Watch-outs:
- 26.8 kg is heavy to lug upstairs or onto a bike rack.
- Warranty terms are often vague or limited (seller-specific), so check carefully before buying.
Best for urban & occasional longer rides under budget.
Basis Protocol Electric Bike
Good bits:
- One of the more “complete” kits you can get for ~£799: good battery, frame, basic accessories.
- Easier to service because parts are based on standard hub motor systems.
- Solid value: avoids the sense of severe corners being cut.
Watch-outs:
- Range is modest in real UK conditions (hills, wind) — 25–35 miles is more realistic.
- Warranty is typically limited to 12 months for the e-system; check if the frame is covered longer.
Best for reliable daily commuting on a tight budget.
Basis Osprey Low Step
Good bits:
- The lower frame step makes it more accessible for riders who prefer not to step over a high top tube.
- Comparable battery and motor to siblings, so performance is similar.
- Good middle ground between accessibility and performance.
Watch-outs:
- Slightly heavier because frame geometry is less rigid.
- For very tall riders the low step might limit leg extension slightly.
Best for those wanting a lighter-feeling e-bike with easier mounting/dismounting.
Carrera Subway E 2.0
Good bits:
- Sold by Halfords, giving local support, a familiar service network, and easier warranty claims.
- Comes with a 2-year battery warranty (500 cycles limit) disclosed on the spec page.
- Light for a built-up hybrid e-bike (~18 kg) and decent gearing (9-speed Altus)
Watch-outs:
- It just exceeds the £1,000 cap (RRP £1,149), so might need to wait for a deal or subsidy.
- A rear hub motor gives less torque on steep hills than mid-drive systems.
Best for buyers who want UK after-sales backup and ease of parts/servicing.
Mycle Compact
Good bits:
- Very portable: 17.5 kg and folding geometry make it suitable for mixed travel or tight storage.
- A UK-based product gives a better chance of local support.
- Solid choice when you need “usable everywhere” rather than max specs.
Watch-outs:
- Folding constraints often reduce battery size or wiring durability.
- Range will drop sharply in adverse weather or hilly conditions.
Best for commuting & multi-modal travel where storage is premium.
Vitesse Pharos
Good bits:
- Robust build with respectable weight for what you get (~22.9 kg)
- Useable gear and motor combination for urban and rural roads in Britain.
- Good for relaxed riding; less aggressive but comfortable.
Watch-outs:
- Brake quality and component spec tend to be the weaker link in this class.
- Battery specs are often vague — you must check the real cell type/capacity before buying.
Best for everyday hybrid rides without overextending.
E-Go / E Movement models (Pedal & Chain range)
Good bits:
- Often designed with UK commuting in mind (lights, mudguards, racks).
- Price point is aggressive and often includes a full build.
- Home dealer (UK) means easier returns or servicing.
Watch-outs:
- Parts are lower tier, so when wear parts fail, you may need to replace cheaper components.
- Warranty of motor/electronics is not always clearly stated—check before purchase.
Best for value-conscious commuters wanting a full-featured bike at minimal extra cost.
Can I get a decent e-bike under £1,000 in the UK?
Yes — you can find models with real battery and motor systems, though compromises on range/component grade are common.
Will the battery last for years?
Not usually — lithium batteries degrade. Expect 500–800 full cycles before noticeable capacity loss; better warranties are a plus.
Are parts and servicing easy to find?
Not always for very cheap or import-only brands. Go for a bike sold through UK dealers to improve spare-parts availability.
Are these bikes legal on British roads?
Yes — as long as the motor does not exceed 250 W and assistance cuts out at 15.5 mph (25 km/h), they fall under pedal-assisted electric bikes.
Should I worry about theft or insurance?
Yes — use a good lock (see [Locks guide]) and consider e-bike insurance or covering it in your home contents policy.
For more options, check our Best Folding E-Bikes and E-Bike Insurance.