Think you need to drop silly money to get a decent electric mountain bike? Nah. You can absolutely shred UK trails without nuking your bank account. I’ve powered up steep forest tracks in the Lake District and bounced down rocky descents in Snowdonia – all on e-MTBs that cost less than £2,000.
Sure, they might not have carbon this or wireless that – but what they do have is solid motors, decent suspension, and the guts to handle mud, grit, and whatever else British weather throws at you. In his guide, I’ve shared real-world electric mountain bikes that actually hold their own out there – without the designer price tag.
What You Really Get for Under £2,000?
Let’s not kid ourselves – this isn’t Formula 1. If you’re after a £600 bike with a twist-and-go throttle, stop reading now. Decent electric mountain bikes under £2000 are proper kit, but there are boundaries.
You’ll find 250W motors (the UK legal max). Most are rear hub drive, but some mid-motors sneak in. They’re punchy enough for steep lanes and big hills but won’t rip your arms off.
Batteries usually land between 317Wh and 500Wh. That gives most riders 25-50 miles per charge, depending on how much assistance you use, how heavy you are, and if you’re carrying the world’s oldest tent.
Frames are almost always aluminium – light, tough, and no drama in bad weather. Suspension tends to be hardtail: just front fork, usually with 100-120mm of travel. It’s enough for British woods and stony trails, but don’t expect to send big jumps or ride downhill parks hard.
Brakes are mostly hydraulic, though a few stick with cheaper cable discs. Tyres are mid-range – they’ll take rain, grit, and the odd root, but don’t expect top-shelf rubber.
Expect a bike weighing 20-25kg. That’s chunky, but any e-MTB is a lump to lift, whether you’re loading it onto the car rack or carting it into a pub garden after a soggy bivvy.
Key Features to Check Before You Buy
I learned the hard way not to go by colour or brand alone. (Bought a bargain “bonus” e-bike online – front brake cable snapped on the first Dartmoor descent. Never again.)
Here’s what really matters:
- Motor position: Mid-drives (motor by pedals) give a more natural ride and smooth hill power, but at this price, rear hubs are still common. Climbs can feel jerky on cheaper rear hubs, especially in the mud.
- Battery capacity: Bigger numbers mean longer rides. For mixed UK riding, 400Wh is the sweet spot. Look for removable batteries. They’re much easier to charge after a muddy day.
- Frame fit: Getting the right size is as important as any other feature. Too small and your knees will ache on the climbs, too big and you’ll have no control on descents. Measure properly!
- Brakes: Hydraulic discs are worth holding out for. Reliable stopping, especially in rain, beats a few grams saved or a flashier decal.
- Aftersales support: If something breaks, you need parts fast. Buy from a UK shop you trust, not a faceless online “warehouse”. You’ll thank yourself the first time a lever breaks or your battery misbehaves.
Best Electric Mountain Bikes Under £2,000 (UK Top Picks)
1. Decathlon Rockrider E-ST 900 – Top Overall Pick
Key Highlights:
- 70Nm Brose mid-drive motor – excellent for hills
- 500Wh Samsung battery – removable + 3hr charge time
- RockShox Judy front fork + Tektro hydraulic brakes
- 27.5+ inch Hutchinson tyres for trail grip
- Available in 4 sizes (1.5m to 1.95m riders)
- 2-year warranty + free Click & Collect at Decathlon
If you want a bike that eats up hills, handles trail bumps like a champ, and doesn’t cost you a small mortgage, this is the one. I’ve tested a fair few e-MTBs under £2K, and the Rockrider E-ST 900 honestly rides like it belongs in a much higher bracket.
Let’s start with that Brose mid-drive motor. It’s not just powerful at 70Nm; it’s balanced. Because it’s in the middle of the frame, the ride feels natural, even on trickier climbs. It kicks in smoothly and gives you proper confidence when your legs start to feel it on rougher trails.
The Samsung-powered 500Wh battery lasts long enough for a solid day out, and charging only takes 3 hours – quick enough for a lunchtime boost if needed. It’s fully removable too, and locks into place with a key, so you can charge it inside and not worry about leaving your bike out by the mains.
Ride quality is surprisingly premium. That RockShox Judy front suspension soaks up bumpy bridleways like a dream, and the Tektro hydraulic brakes are sharp and reliable, even when the trail gets a bit greasy. The 27.5+ tyres are chunky and grippy, perfect for loose gravel and wet roots.
Even the saddle was comfy out of the box, which almost never happens.
2. Voodoo Bizango-E – Award-Winner for a Reason
Key Highlights:
- 250W rear hub motor
- 418Wh battery
- Front Suntour fork for trail comfort
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- Award-winning performance at Halfords
The Voodoo Bizango-E is like that underrated movie that quietly scoops all the awards while everyone’s busy talking about the flashy blockbusters. Available from Halfords, this bike has racked up praise for a reason – it’s a fantastic ride, especially if you’re moving up from a basic hardtail.
The motor setup is different from the Rockrider – it’s a rear hub motor, which means it doesn’t feel quite as fluid over rocks and roots. But honestly? For most UK trails, you won’t notice unless you’re super picky or doing very technical stuff. What you will notice is how much fun it is to ride. It’s quick, agile, and stable whether the motor’s on or off.
The 418Wh battery gives you between 25-35 miles, depending on terrain and how often you’re gunning it up hills. That’s plenty for most weekend rides and campsite loops.
Braking and suspension? Solid. The hydraulic disc brakes are responsive, and the Suntour front fork gives just enough give without making it feel spongey. It’s a good balance for general trail riding, and if you’re just getting into e-MTBs, this setup gives you everything you need to build confidence.
3. Haibike Alltrack 4 – Premium Power for Under £2K
Key Highlights:
- Bosch Performance Line Gen3 60 motor with 70Nm torque
- Bosch PowerTube 500Wh battery
- SR Suntour XCM32 Boost DS fork with 120mm travel
- Shimano Alivio M3100 drivetrain
- Hydraulic disc brakes (Alhonga HT472) for strong stopping
- LED remote display + multiple frame sizes available
If you’ve got your eyes on the upper end of the budget and want serious trail performance, the Haibike Alltrack 4 is a beast worth checking out. This is one of those bikes that looks great on paper and delivers the goods out on muddy climbs, rocky descents, and everything in between.
Powered by a Bosch Gen3 motor, it’s got a solid 70Nm of torque – plenty to haul you up hills with minimal effort. And because it’s a mid-drive, it gives you a much more natural ride feel and better balance on technical trails. It’s smooth, intuitive, and makes climbs feel way less punishing.
The Bosch 500Wh PowerTube battery is nicely tucked into the downtube for a cleaner look and good weight distribution. It holds enough juice for long trail days, and the whole system feels rock-solid and well integrated – just what you'd expect at this price.
Haibike didn’t skimp on the other parts either. The Suntour front fork has 120mm of travel, which gives you confidence when bombing down uneven ground. The Shimano Alivio gears shift cleanly, and the hydraulic brakes are properly punchy.
It comes in a range of sizes (S to XL), so no matter your height, you’ll find a fit. It’s a smart buy if you’re serious about trail riding and want a long-term bike that’ll grow with your skill level.
4. Vikzche Q MX05 – Big Power, Big Battery, Big Fun
Key Highlights:
- 48V hub motor – powerful and responsive
- 720Wh removable battery – huge capacity
- 26” x 3.0” fat tyres for all-terrain grip
- Three riding modes: full electric, pedal assist, and manual
- Dual hydraulic disc brakes for added safety
- Includes accessories: multi-tool, phone mount, pump, lock, bottle cage
If you’re looking for maximum bang for your buck and aren’t afraid of a bold look, the Vikzche Q MX05 is one seriously capable machine. With a massive 720Wh battery and a torquey 48V motor, this e-bike is built for big rides and even bigger terrain – whether that’s gravel, snow, or soggy forest tracks.
The fat 3-inch tyres give this thing beast-like grip on messy surfaces, while the dual hydraulic brakes stop you in your tracks without any drama. It’s not the most refined ride out there, but it’s sturdy, fun, and surprisingly versatile.
What really makes this bike stand out is the range of riding modes. You’ve got:
- Pedal assist (up to 90km range),
- Full electric (up to 50km range), and
- Manual – for when you want a proper workout.
The built-in digital display shows your stats clearly, and the inclusion of practical extras like a phone mount, lock, and pump is a great bonus, especially for anyone just getting started with e-bikes.
That said, it is a heavy beast at nearly 30kg, so you’ll want a vehicle or bike rack if you’re planning to bring it along on camping trips. Also, while the 7-speed gearing works fine for general use, more experienced riders might find it a bit limiting on trickier climbs.
Still, for under two grand, it’s one of the most generous packages you’ll find, and a real contender if you want power, range, and all-terrain muscle.
Best Electric Mountain Bikes Under £2000 – Quick Comparison
Rockrider E-ST 900
Motor Type & Power: 70Nm Mid-drive, 250W
Battery: 500Wh Samsung
Weight: ~24kg
Approx Price: £1,899
Voodoo Bizango-E
Motor Type & Power: Rear hub, 250W
Battery: 418Wh
Weight: ~22kg
Approx Price: £1,799
Haibike Alltrack 4
Motor Type & Power: 70Nm Bosch mid-drive, 250W
Battery: 500Wh Bosch PowerTube
Weight: ~23kg
Approx Price: £1,999
Vikzche Q MX05
Motor Type & Power: Rear hub, 48V system
Battery: Huge 720Wh
Weight: ~30kg
Approx Price: £1,999
Why Stick to the £2,000 Budget?
No, you don’t need a gold-plated frame for a real ride. Staying under £2,000 gets you a bike that’s legal on UK trails (250W, pedal-assist only – no throttles), with just enough bells and whistles to handle our weather and climbing.
Here’s the bonus: After a season or two, you can upgrade brakes, tyres, or even the fork if you get the bug. I swapped to wider tyres and beefier discs on my first e-MTB after a hairy descent in Northumberland, and it was worth every penny.
You’ll avoid the “entry-level trap” of bikes that look sturdy but have no parts support or can’t handle a wet spring. Spend more and, sure, you’ll get lighter or fancier gear, but it’s not essential for genuine trail fun.
Handy Tips for UK E-Bike Buyers
- Try before you buy: Get in a test ride if you can. I once thought I wanted a certain model, but the frame felt wrong and the bars made my wrists ache.
- Size matters: Don’t get seduced by internet deals. Make sure the bike fits you. A dodgy fit will make long rides miserable, and your knees will let you know, trust me.
- Dealer backup: Buy from a UK-based shop or trusted local chain, not just a web-only store selling “warehouse direct”. Warranty claims or urgent fixes are so much smoother when you know the staff.
- Bring your own pedals and saddle: Most stock ones are rubbish. If you care about comfort after mile 10, swap them.
- Plan upgrades: Brakes and tyres are the first things you’ll want to swap if you start riding harder trails. Budget an extra fifty quid or so if you can.
And don’t forget good lights and a solid lock if you’re leaving your bike at a campsite or outside a pub. Rain covers matter – batteries hate a proper British soaking.
Conclusion: You Don’t Need Big Money to Get Rolling
I’ve camped in hail, got lost in cloud, and fixed a snapped chain in the dark – all on budget e-mountain bikes. Don’t let YouTube adverts or glossy brochures fool you: You can get a proper, reliable electric mountain bike under £2,000 in the UK that’ll take you further than most cars, rain or shine.
Just pick with your head, not your eyes. Focus on the motor, battery, fit, and brakes. Buy from folk who’ll help you if things go wrong. Plan small, easy upgrades once you know what you like.
And if you see me out on a muddy Peak District trail, stop for a cuppa – I’ll probably have a tarp over my bars. We’ll swap stories and compare kit. That's what it's really all about.
For more real-world camping advice and honest gear picks, check my best camping tents guide – I test everything the hard way. See you on the trails!
