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Welcome to our roundup of the very best electric bikes we’ve ridden on road.cc and ebiketips over the past 12 months. Whether you’re hunting for a sporty off-roader to spice up your weekend adventures, a laid-back leisure machine for soaking up the countryside, or a practical urban runaround, we’ve got you covered.
Our annual awards exist for one reason: to celebrate the outstanding products that have come our way over the past 12 months. We review hundreds of bikes, components, accessories and items of clothing each year, and only the standout stars make the cut, and here we’re shining the spotlight on electric bikes.
Let’s be honest: the e-bike market has gone nuts over recent years. Established brands are flexing hard, newcomers are snapping at their heels, and the sheer spread of genres and price points is enough to make even the most seasoned cyclist wonder where they should be spending their money.
Fear not. Our top 10 proves that brilliance can come from anywhere – big names, small names, bargain buys, and premium beasts alike. If it has pedals and a battery and it impressed us massively, it’s in here.
The prices listed are from the time we initially published each review. Some may have shifted since, but we’ve stuck with these original prices because they’re what we based our comments and scores on. Alongside the RRP in brackets, we’ve also added best links to buy, which also may be higher or lower than the price when we reviewed each bike.
Right then. Battery topped up, feet on the pedals — let’s dive into the top 10 electric bikes that blew us away in 2025.
10. Specialized Turbo Vado SL 2 4.0 (£3,500)
Buy from Cyclestore for £3,099.00
Specialized Vado SL 2 4 (8) (credit: Tony Tompkins)
We’re kicking off our top 10 with the Specialized Turbo Vado SL 2.0, which might now stretch the definition of ‘Super Light’, although it’s still super capable.
The new Vado SL 2 arrives with a bigger battery than its predecessor, a brawnier frame, and – checks scales – an extra 6kg of weight.
Bulk aside, the Vado SL 2 makes an excellent first impression. Out on the road, the bike feels lighter than its 21kg would suggest, helped by a Brose-developed motor that’s punchier, smoother and quieter than before. Eco mode does the job for most riding, with Sport providing enough oomph for hilly delivery shifts.
Range is where the new model really pulls ahead. The 520Wh battery is a game-changer, and hitting 50 miles between charges was almost casual for reviewer Tony Tompkins, even though he’s quite heavy and lives in a hilly area.
Handling is confidence-inspiring, comfort is excellent – partly thanks to Specialized’s FutureShock 3.1 shock-absorbing system that’s built into the steerer and stem – and the chunky 47mm tyres shrug off potholes with indifference.
The Shimano CUES 1×10 drivetrain shifts crisply, the Tektro brakes stop you reliably (even with 15kg of shopping wobbling behind you), and the colour display adds value rather than tech-induced stress.
At £3,500, the Turbo Vado SL 2 4.0 isn’t cheap, but it is versatile, comfortable, and properly fun.
Why it’s here A great e-bike but too heavy to be considered ‘super light
Read the review
9. Engwe Mapfour N1 Air (£1,499)
Engwe Mapfour N1 2.JPG (credit: Richard Peace)
If you’ve dreamed of a carbon-framed e-bike without the need to remortgage your house, the Engwe Mapfour N1 Air might be just the ticket. It’s respectably lightweight for a bike of its price, with beautifully smooth power delivery and an efficient motor.
Reviewer Richard Peace found assembly a breeze – around 30 minutes unpacking, bolting on the pedals, light, mudguard and kickstand – and the step-through carbon frame immediately impressed him. Threaded alloy mounts for a rear rack, bottle cage and chainguard, plus an adjustable stem and broad, comfy saddle, tell you that everything has been well thought through here. At 18.1kg with the removable 2.4kg 360Wh battery installed, it’s not featherlight, but the weight is well distributed.
The real star of the show is the Mivice M070, a quiet torque-sensor rear hub motor that delivers smooth assistance across five power levels. It felt surprisingly brisk on Richard’s hilly Pennine rides, with only the steepest 15% gradients making it gasp. Range is equally strong – 40-plus miles over hilly terrain, even in cold, windy conditions.
Shimano Tourney gears shift reliably, the brakes are adequate after a short bedding-in period, and the 40mm tyres soak up rough tarmac nicely. The GPS tracking (geo positioning to track the bike should it get stolen) and motion alarm are nice-to-haves, although they’re not infallible.
The N1 Air is a compelling package: carbon frame, hub motor smoothness, and surprisingly sprightly performance. It’s not ultra-light, but for a budget e-bike that actually delivers a fun and fast ride, it punches well above its weight.
Why it’s here Probably the best value sub-20kg e-bike out there, despite some shortcomings
Read the review
8. ADO Air One Pro (£1,699)
ADO Air One Pro (credit: Ado)
ADO markets its Air One Pro as a “modular urban mobility platform,” but strip away the jargon and you’ve got a practical, low-maintenance city e-bike with the ability to carry cargo. It’s not that compact, and weighing 26kg with the front rack attached, it’s not featherweight, but its dual-rack setup – the rear rated to 60kg – makes running errands a breeze.
Assembly is straightforward if you don’t mind a bit of fiddling: the front wheel, handlebars, and racks all need attaching, and the quick-release seatpost battery requires a little trial and error to get the tension right. The 370Wh removable battery powers a Bafang H700 dual-speed hub motor. One gear gets you moving, the other keeps you cruising near the assistance limit. This is perfect for urban commuting, although steeper inclines will see the motor falter a little, especially if you’re carrying loads. We found that the battery was into the red and in need of recharging after around 45km with moderate climbing.
The ride quality is impressively stable, while the 2.4-inch tyres on 20-inch wheels handle loose stones and uneven paths better than most city bikes. The belt drive keeps things clean and minimises maintenance, while accessory options like the Luca backpack and the Transport Carrier (a version of the front rack with sides) add practicality.
The ADO Air One Pro isn’t a full-on cargo bike, but it’s versatile enough for shopping, commuting, and general city errands. It combines usability, a decent range, and a suitable motor into a capable urban package, and it’s solid value for money.
Why it’s here Practical, affordable errand bike you can just hop on and ride
Read the review
7. Tenways CGO600 Plus (£1,799)
Buy from Tenways for £1,599.00
Tenways CGO600 Plus (credit: Ian Evenden)
If the Tenways CGO600 Pro that we reviewed 18 months ago is the clean-cut city slicker, the CGO600 Plus is its sibling that isn’t afraid to leave the bike lane and go exploring. On paper, the two are twins: same aluminium frame, same 700c wheels, same price tag, and both available in a shade of grey. But the Plus swaps the Pro’s singlespeed belt drive system for a chain and an eight-speed drivetrain, opening the door to more varied riding.
The motor is different too. The Plus uses a 250W Tenways-branded rear hub motor that delivers up to 45Nm of torque – handy when the road turns upwards. It’s noticeably perkier on hills than the Pro’s Mivice M070 unit, especially when paired with sensible gearing. The torque sensor keeps power delivery smooth all the way up to the 25km/h cutout, and although you can happily ride it with the motor off, you’ll probably spend most time in the second of the three assistance modes.
The 360Wh removable battery that’s neatly hidden in the down tube is good for a claimed 100km, though our experience is that you’ll need monk-like restraint on assist levels to match that. Still, it’s easy to charge and keeps the frame looking sleek.
At 20kg, the Plus is 2kg heavier than the Pro, but it’s still very manageable. If your riding includes hills, towpaths or weekend detours, the CGO600 Plus is the more versatile pick. Flat-landers can stick with the Pro – but gears add versatility, and they genuinely earn their keep.
Why it’s here Versatile and accomplished suburban explorer
Read the review
6. MiRider 20 (£1,795)
Buy from Winstanely’s Bikes for £1,525.75
MiRider 20 (credit: Richard Peace)
The MiRider 20 takes the fun and practicality of the brand’s folding e-bikes up a notch. Bigger than its 16in sibling but still eminently portable, this bike is available as a singlespeed (our test model) or a three-speed with the innovative Efneo crank-based gearbox.
Right out of the gate, the MiRider 20 grabs attention with its funky frame, wide-profile tyres, and adjustable elastomer rear suspension. Unlike its smaller sibling, this bike tempts you to venture off smooth tarmac. Bridleways and even hummocky grass feel surprisingly comfortable. That’s thanks to the 20in wheels, plush saddle, and suspension that smooths out bumps.
A throttle is legal on an e-bike at walking pace independently of pedal action, and up to the full-assisted speed of 25km/h (15.5mph), as long as the pedals are being turned. The MiRider 20 can do both, and it’s an excellent feature, letting you weave through traffic, tackle hills, and get away from traffic lights with grin-inducing ease.
Folding is straightforward, although the MiRider 20 weighs 19.6kg (including battery), and the folded footprint is noticeably larger than that of the 16in model.
Reviewer Richard Peace had a few minor quibbles – a fiddly display and no hardwired rear light – but the MiRider 20 is fun, capable, and well-built. Whether you’re a leisure rider, a motorhome traveller, or a throttle-happy commuter, this is a high-quality e-bike that’s a lot of fun.
Why it’s here More singlespeed throttle-powered fun. Highly recommended
Read the review
5. Pedibal Navigata with throttle (£1,399.99)
Pedibal Navigata (18).JPG (credit: Richard Peace)
Into the top 5… At first glance, the Pedibal Navigata is your classic 20in-wheeled folder for commuting and leisure, with a neat hinge and sensible spec, but the surprising feature is a throttle that you can operate independently of pedal action. Is it legal in the UK without a licence and insurance? Yes, it is.
You can find out why here. The bottom line is that Pedibal has managed to give the Navigata proper on-demand acceleration while keeping it free of the need for insurance, plates, and paperwork. Pedibal sorts the one-off DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) test for you. Keep the certificate with the bike and you’re golden.
The Navigata is great fun on the road. Twist the throttle and it glides up to 25km/h. There’s plenty of torque in the modestly sized rear hub motor, and the throttle makes town riding, hill starts and tight manoeuvres feel easy.
In terms of spec, the Navigata punches well above its price: 345Wh battery, bright display, decent cable-operated disc brakes, comfy touch points and proper mudguards. The 21.2kg weight is typical for the category, folding is straightforward, and a range of around 25 miles on our very hilly test route is respectable – just don’t expect miracles if you throttle up every incline.
In short, the Navigata is spot on for riders who want legal, practical assistance with a dash of grin-inducing throttle fun. Good on Pedibal for finally giving this neglected niche some love.
Why it’s here If you want an e-bike for everyday riding with the benefits of pure throttle power, this is a sound choice
Read the review
4. Tern GSD S10 Gen 3 (£5,900)
Buy from Balfe’s Bikes for £5,900
2025 Tern GSD Gen 3 – 2 (credit: road.cc)
The Tern GSD is the original longtail e-cargo bike against which rivals are measured, and with this third-generation GSD, Tern has basically said: “Fine, we’ll just improve everything.” Which, irritatingly for the competition, they mostly have.
At first glance, the new model looks identical to its predecessor, but start riding and the updates quietly reveal themselves. The bolt-on rear rack now hauls 100kg without complaint, and the whole frame – certified to the German cargo bike standard DIN 79010 – feels like it could survive a direct meteor strike. Even the Atlas locking stand has levelled up, sprouting wider feet and mudproof armour so it no longer gets covered in much and sticks.
The Bosch Cargo Line motor is a real star: 85Nm of torque and up to 400% assist turns nasty gradients into mild inconveniences. Paired with the Bosch Smart System, a crisp Kiox 300 display and a 545Wh battery, the GSD has proper range too – you’ll easily get 50km from one charge in most places if you’re judicious with the assist, and you can still add a second battery to create a 1.6kWh endurance monster.
Tern’s accessory ecosystem is unrivalled, and you might be tempted to buy various bags and bits, although they’re not cheap. Neither is the bike, but if you want the most capable, most confidence-inspiring longtail out there, the Gen 3 GSD is at the top of the pile.
Why it’s here Sensible updates keep the new GSD at the top of the pile if you want a do-everything cargo bike
Read the review
3. Giant Explore E+ Pro 1 GTS (£3,799)
Buy from Cyclestore for £4,199.00
Giant Explore E+ Pro 1 GTS (credit: Oli Pendrey)
In third place, Giant’s Explore E+ Pro 1 GTS is a hugely capable all-rounder with one of the best motor and battery pairings out there. From the first pedal stroke, it’s clear that his thing is rock solid. Whether you’re riding on the smoothest tarmac or potholed gravel tracks, the Explore stays composed and confidence-boosting.
At the heart of everything is the SyncDrive Pro 2 motor, Giant’s Yamaha-powered 85Nm powerhouse. It’s phenomenal with super-smooth delivery and no hint of the lag you can get on cheaper setups. The system uses six sensors to measure the power you’re putting through the cranks, responding instantly to what your legs are doing.
Paired with Giant’s EnergyPak 800Wh battery, range anxiety really isn’t an issue. Giant claims up to 250km on its lowest settings in ideal conditions. Stay in the lower modes and you might forget where you left the charger.
Despite all the tech – the RideControl Ergo 2 control unit, full-colour RideDash Evo display, and app-based tuning that lets you fiddle with torque response – the ride itself is incredibly straightforward. The upright position offers great visibility, the handling is surprisingly nimble for a chunky utility bike, and the 100mm SR Suntour fork smooths rough ground without turning the front end mushy.
Add in the tidy integration, powerful Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, comfy touchpoints and a useful rack and mudguard setup (although you might find the front mudguard is slightly short), and you’ve got a fabulous e-bike for real-world riding.
Why it’s here A versatile, top-quality all-rounder e-bike with excellent motor performance and range
Read the review
2. MMR X-Bolt 120 00 (£5,449)
Buy from Paul’s Cycles for £3,999.00
MMR X-Bolt (credit: Richard Peace)
The MMR X-Bolt 120 00 is being phased out, but it still takes our runner-up spot because it offers a superb ride and plenty of stock remains.
Spanish brand MMR is serious about performance, and the X-Bolt 120 00 is a full-suspension e-MTB that’s built around a carbon frame with its G2 geometry, aimed at balancing long-ride comfort with the ability to get stuck into rough terrain.
Power comes from Bosch’s excellent Performance Line CX mid-drive motor (Gen 4 here), delivering 85Nm of torque, 340% pedal assist and 600W peak power. It’s paired with a removable 625Wh Bosch Powertube battery, the whole bike weighing in at 23kg – very respectable for a full-suspension e-MTB with this kind of motor and battery spec. The newer Bosch Gen 5 motors may offer bigger numbers and slightly less weight, but out on Pennine tracks, reviewer Richard Peace never felt short-changed in terms of power.
Big 29×2.5in Hutchinson Griffus tyres, 120mm of travel at both ends and a well-executed four-bar rear suspension provide loads of comfort and control, whatever the terrain. Shimano Deore gearing (with a 34-tooth chainring and sprockets as large as 51-tooth) keeps your legs spinning, and the Race Face Aeffect dropper seatpost quickly makes you wonder how you ever lived without one. As well as being handy for technical riding, Richard found himself dropping the post a little even on moderate descents, and right down at stops.
The biggest surprise is that the X-Bolt isn’t just a trail toy; it’s genuinely versatile. On potholed urban commutes and bridleway link-ups, the plushness, power and easygoing handling make this bike absurdly likeable.
Why it’s here Solid value and great performance from an electric mountain bike specialist
Read the review
1. Orbea Diem 10 (£5,299)
roadcc recommends awards 2025-26 – Electric Bike of the Year – Orbea Diem 10 (credit: road.cc)
And our winner is… the Orbea Diem 10, a slick and speedy option that’s close to being the ultimate urban e-bike, as long as you can justify the price. With its sweeping carbon lines, the Diem 10 looks pretty radical, and it backs up its appearance with a fabulous performance on the road.
Orbea has given its flagship urban machine the Shimano EP801 mid-drive motor, a full-fat 85Nm unit normally seen on eMTBs. Overkill for city scenarios? Maybe for some, but why not go for this kind of power?
At 2.7kg, it’s not the lightest system out there, but paired with a 630Wh battery, it delivers an urban riding experience that feels almost unfair on the rest of the morning traffic. Reviewer Rebecca Bland got 80 miles or so from a full charge, and the optional 252Wh range extender feels like something only compulsive wanderers would really need.
The Enviolo Automatiq gear hub shifts with calm logic, and you can use the Enviolo app to customise things. If you want the system to change to a harder gear when you get to a pedalling cadence of 80RPM, say, you can tell it to do that.
The carbon frame and fork combine with 50mm Vittoria e-Randonneur tyres to deliver a smooth, composed and quietly luxurious ride. In fact, Rebecca likened the Orbea Diem 10 to a Jaguar saloon car in bike form.
You might be bothered by the lack of a display screen to tell you your speed, the level of battery charge remaining and so on, but Orbea gets around this by adding a phone mount so you can see all this info courtesy of a downloadable app.
You’re certainly paying flagship money here, but the Diem 10 is a comfortable and agile urban bike that puts in an absolutely superb performance, and that’s why it comes out on top.
Why it wins An impressive urban option from the Spanish brand, delivering more than meets the eye
Read the review
