Most people think you need deep pockets to get out on a decent electric mountain bike. I used to believe the same, until my old knee injury forced me to look for something electric, without emptying my camping wallet.
But the truth is – you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy electric mountain biking in the UK. There are solid bikes under £1,000 that can take on local trails and forest tracks without falling apart halfway through. No, you’re not getting Tour de France tech – but you are getting real value, honest power, and a proper way into electric riding.
This guide rounds up the best electric mountain bikes under a grand that actually perform, especially on rough UK terrain. I’ll keep it simple, skip the marketing fluff, and tell you what really matters – because when you’re out there in the mud, rain, and midges, the last thing you want is a bike that talks big but rides wobbly.
What to Expect from an Electric Mountain Bike Under £1,000?
Let’s get one thing straight – you’re not buying a space-age trail weapon at this price. What you’re getting is more of a sturdy workhorse. And honestly? That’s no bad thing.
Under a grand, most e-MTBs will be hardtails – meaning they’ve got front suspension only. You won’t find carbon frames, top-tier Shimano kits, or feather-light builds. But what you will find (if you choose right) is a tough, no-nonsense bike that’s more than up for muddy bridleways, forest loops, and Sunday scrambles.
Expect 250W hub-drive motors, which are totally legal for UK trails and cycle paths. They’re simple, reliable, and give you a solid boost when your legs start protesting. I once rode a chunky 27kg budget e-bike down a rain-slick byway in the Chilterns. Was it heavy? Absolutely. But did it put a grin on my face? Every puddle of the way.
Battery-wise, you’re looking at 250 to 450Wh, which will typically give you around 20 to 40 miles per charge. That depends on your weight, the terrain, and how often you hit the “gimme more” power button on climbs. For single-day rides or campsite loops, it’s plenty. Just don’t expect to tackle Snowdonia’s full trail network on one charge.
Bottom line? These bikes are built for fun, not flashy finishes. And if you're okay with that, there's a lot to like in this price bracket.
Which Features Matter Most for Budget E-MTBs?
Some buyers get tunnel vision on just motor power or battery spec. But from years fixing punctures at muddy campsites, I can say a few other things are just as important:
- Motor Power: All UK-legal e-MTBs under £1,000 offer a 250W hub motor. It’s simple, robust, and gives a decent boost on moderate hills.
- Battery Range: Look for batteries between 360 and 450Wh. Anything lower and your fun might end with a push home. Check if the battery removes easily – charging in a cold shed isn’t fun.
- Weight: Most e-bikes at this price weigh 23–28kg. That’s like carrying a couple of well-fed Labradors. Fine when riding, tricky if you’re lugging it up train steps.
- Frame Type and Build: Hardtail frames dominate these budgets. They’re easier to maintain and surprisingly comfy for forest trails and Bridleway bashing. Don’t expect full-suspension unless you spot a wild sale.
- Brakes and Gears: Expect mechanical disc brakes and basic 7 or 8-speed cassettes. Hydraulic brakes would be nice, but at this price, they’re rare as midges in December.
- After-Sales Support: This bit is underrated. Cheap online deals might save cash, but if the motor dies and you can’t find spares in the UK, you’re stuffed. Pick brands with a phone number, not just an email.
Top Picks: The Best Electric Mountain Bikes Under £1,000
Eskute Wayfarer
Bike Model: Eskute Wayfarer
Motor & Torque: 250W rear hub
Battery (Wh) & Range: 360Wh, ~20–50 miles
Weight: 28kg
Key Features: 28” Kenda tyres, Shimano 7-speed drivetrain, Tektro mechanical disc brakes, LCD display, integrated headlight & horn, mudguards, rear rack
Basis Beacon Hybrid
Motor & Torque: 250W rear hub, 59Nm torque
Battery (Wh) & Range: 504Wh, ~40–50 miles
Weight: 20kg
Key Features: Zoom front suspension, aluminium frame, Shimano Tourney 7-speed twist grip gears, mechanical disc brakes, 27.5” all-terrain tyres
Vitesse Pharos
Motor & Torque: 250W Mxus rear hub
Battery (Wh) & Range: 418Wh Samsung, ~25–30 miles
Weight: Not specified
Key Features: Step-through frame, Shimano 7-speed twist grip, gel saddle, upright riding position, mudguards, lights, front & rear racks, chain guard
BTwin Rockrider E-ST100
Motor & Torque: 250W rear hub, 42Nm torque
Battery (Wh) & Range: 380Wh Samsung, ~30–35 miles
Weight: Not specified
Key Features: Suntour XCT30 fork (100mm travel), 27.5” wheels, 8-speed Microshift drivetrain, mechanical disc brakes, aluminium hardtail frame
I’ve scoured reviews, pestered bike shops, and talked with wet-footed campers across the UK. These three models keep cropping up as solid choices that won’t have you swearing halfway up a bridleway.
1. Eskute Wayfarer E-Bike – Surprisingly Premium for the Price
Key Highlights:
- 250W rear hub motor for easy pedal-assist cruising
- 360Wh battery neatly integrated into the downtube
- 28” Kenda anti-puncture tyres on 700C wheels
- Shimano 7-speed drivetrain + Tektro mechanical disc brakes
- Integrated LCD display, LED headlight, and horn
- 28kg total weight with mudguards and rear rack
The Eskute Wayfarer is the kind of e-bike that makes you double-check the price tag. It’s pitched as a city-hybrid, but don’t let that put you off. This bike is perfectly happy off-road on canal paths, gravel tracks, or looping round campsites. And for under £1,000, it’s a serious bit of kit.
It runs on a 250W rear hub motor, which gives a nice smooth push when you start pedalling. The 360Wh battery is tucked away in the downtube, locked in place with a key, and easily removable for charging. Expect 20-50 miles of range depending on how much you lean on the assist.
Ride-wise, it’s surprisingly comfortable. The front forks take the edge off bumps, and the Tektro disc brakes give decent stopping power. I particularly liked the wide Kenda tyres, which felt stable even on slippery ground.
It's not a featherweight – 28kg with rack and mudguards, but that solid frame gives stability, and once you're riding, the weight isn't a problem. You just might want help getting it onto a bike rack.
The LCD display is modern and bright, showing speed, distance, and battery life at a glance. And the extra touches – a horn, a bright headlight, and a rear rack – make it super practical for real-world use.
This isn’t just “good for the price.” It’s genuinely good full stop. If you’re after an e-bike that doesn’t scream “budget,” this is your guy.
2. Basis Beacon Hybrid E-Bike – Worth the Stretch if You Can
Key Highlights:
- 250W rear hub motor with a peppy 59Nm of torque
- 504Wh battery (14Ah, 36V) with 40–50 mile range
- Zoom front suspension fork + aluminium frame (total weight: 20kg)
- Twist-grip Shimano Tourney 7-speed gears
- Mechanical disc brakes front and rear
- Three pedal-assist power levels from handlebar controls
Alright, the Basis Beacon technically just creeps over our £1,000 budget, but hear me out. For the slight extra spend, you get more battery, better suspension, and a surprisingly nippy motor that really makes it feel like a step above.
It’s built around a sturdy aluminium frame that keeps weight down to around 20kg, which is refreshingly light for an e-bike in this bracket. The layout is hybrid-style with 27.5” all-terrain tyres, making it equally happy on towpaths, park trails, or urban commutes.
That rear hub motor is a lively one, especially with 59Nm torque, which is high for this price range. Whether you're heading uphill or accelerating away from a junction, it’s got plenty of kick. Pedal-assist kicks in as expected and gives you a choice of three power modes from the bar-mounted controls.
What really seals the deal is the 504Wh battery – it’s powerful, removable, and will easily get you up to 50 miles on lower power settings. That’s more than enough for a full day out, even if you dip into ‘turbo’ mode now and then.
Gears are controlled via motorbike-style twist grips, and the mechanical disc brakes are reliable. During our ride, they brought the bike to a stop in just a few metres when an off-lead puppy wandered into the path – so thumbs up there.
Is it the most rugged mountain bike? No. But for everyday off-road and hybrid riding with serious battery backup, the Beacon punches well above its weight.
3. Vitesse Pharos (formerly Pulse) Hybrid E-Bike – Relaxed Rider’s Dream
Key Highlights:
- 418Wh Samsung battery on rear rack – up to 30 miles range
- 250W Mxus rear hub motor – smooth pedal assist
- Unisex step-through frame – great for easy mounting
- Shimano 7-speed drivetrain
- Comfort features: gel saddle, upright riding position, mudguards
- Includes front/rear lights, kickstand, chain guard, and front rack
If you prefer cruising to climbing, the Vitesse Pharos might just be your perfect match. This bike is all about comfort, practicality, and smooth riding – and with a unisex step-through frame, it’s super easy to hop on and off, even in your camping joggers (or yes, your kilt).
The motor setup is classic: a 250W rear hub that gives you a gentle push from behind when pedalling. It's surprisingly addictive, especially when you’re gliding through a headwind like it's nothing. Paired with the 418Wh Samsung battery, you’ll get around 25-30 miles of pedal-assist range in Eco mode. And yep, the battery lives on the rear rack, but it’s neatly done and doesn’t ruin the bike’s clean silhouette.
There’s no fancy suspension, but for towpaths, tarmac, and light gravel, the 26” tyres are wide enough to keep things comfy. The Shimano 7-speed gears shift well using twist-grip controls, and while V-brakes aren’t as powerful as discs, they do the job just fine in dry conditions.
What really makes the Pharos shine is all the built-in extras. We’re talking mudguards, a rear wheel spray guard, lights, a kickstand, a chain guard, and even a front rack. You’d struggle to find all of this included at this price point.
It’s probably not the one for hard trails or mountain terrain, but for daily rides, campsite errands, or gentle countryside cruises, it’s hard to fault. And it rides as nicely as bikes twice the price.
4. BTwin Rockrider E-ST100 – Trail-Ready Power at a Budget Price
Key Highlights:
- 250W rear hub motor with 42Nm torque
- 380Wh Samsung battery – up to 35 miles of range
- Suntour XCT30 front suspension fork – 100mm travel
- 27.5” wheels with mechanical disc brakes
- 8-speed Microshift gearing system
- Three power modes: Eco, Mid, and Turbo
The Rockrider E-ST100 is Decathlon’s way of saying, “You don’t need to be rich to hit the trails.” And honestly, this thing performs way better than its sub-£1K price tag would suggest.
This is a true hardtail mountain bike built on a lightweight 6061 aluminium frame. The wide 720mm handlebars and 27.5” wheels offer brilliant control and confidence, especially for newer riders tackling bridleways or forest trails.
Power-wise, the 250W rear hub motor has a solid 42Nm of torque, which kicks in beautifully on climbs when you hit the cranks. The Samsung battery gives you about 30-35 miles, and it’s securely mounted to the downtube (and yes, it locks in place).
You get three assist modes to suit your ride: Eco, Mid, and Turbo. I found Mid mode to be the sweet spot for balancing power and range, but Turbo will absolutely put a grin on your face when you need a boost.
The drivetrain setup is simple and efficient—8-speed with a single front chainring, which makes gear changes easier and less prone to mechanical issues. And those Tektro mechanical disc brakes? They’ve got bite. Braking felt stable even in wet conditions.
One minor gripe – the saddle is pretty firm, and since there's no rear suspension, you’ll feel the bumps. A gel cover or suspension seat post is a worthy upgrade here.
But overall, this is one of the best true electric mountain bikes you can get under £1000. Whether you’re hitting trails or carving paths around a hilly campsite, it’s a solid ride that overdelivers for the price.
Buying Tips: Don’t Get Caught Out
Here’s where a bit of hands-on experience saves you bother and money. I once bought a ‘bargain’ bike online, only to realise the nearest repair shop wouldn’t touch it. Lesson learned – buy like someone who’s fixed punctures in the dark.
Test Ride First. Stats on paper mean nothing if the bike feels wrong. Try it outside the shop – ride up a kerb, brake hard, see if it fits you. There’s nothing worse than a bike that rattles under you, or leaves your back aching.
Ask about Service Support. In the UK, a bike with no local spares is trouble. Can you get warranty repairs done nearby? Are replacement batteries and display units easy to order? If storms knock out your motor – will you be left stuck?
Think About Weight & Carrying. Lifting a heavy e-MTB onto your camping rack isn’t fun, especially in rain. If you travel by train or stairs are involved, test-lift the bike before parting with cash.
Look for Removable Batteries. Charging in a cold garage isn’t fun. It’s much simpler (and drier) to bring the battery into the kitchen. It also helps if you’re worried about security at trail centres or leaving the bike outside the tent.
Check for Legal Stickers. Make sure it’s UK-legal – 250W motor, with no throttle-only mode. Otherwise, you’ll end up with awkward questions if stopped on a bridleway.
Are Sub-£1,000 E-MTBs Good for UK Trails?
Let’s keep it real. Budget e-MTBs like these are absolutely spot-on for green lanes, gravel byways, canal paths, and most UK bridleways. They’ll chew through Surrey mud and handle Forestry Commission trails.
If you try to hammer a sub-£1,000 e-bike down a rocky Snowdonia descent or a BMX track, you’ll reach the limits fast. The suspension, brakes, and tyres just aren’t up to wild, technical trails. Lighter bikes and mid-drive motors (the motor in the crank, not the wheel) change the game, but those start at £1,500 plus. If you’re camping with friends and sticking to well-marked trails and woodland tracks, you won’t feel short-changed.
When Should You Spend More?
If your weekends end up on gnarly singletrack, or you want to join a club hitting Lake District climbs every Sunday, save a bit longer. A £1,500-£2,000 mid-drive e-MTB will climb easier, feel lighter, and last more seasons.
But for most riders, especially campers looking for easy escapes or newcomers to e-biking, these budget bikes will do the job. Better to start riding on something you can afford – than keep dreaming about pricey kit.
Conclusion: Enjoy Affordable E-MTB Adventures – And Know the Limits
I’ve seen fancy gear stuck in sheds and cheap bikes rattle through years of muddy adventures. A sub-£1,000 electric mountain bike might not turn heads at an enduro race, but it’ll get you out into those woods, hills, and tricky old trails all the same.
Focus on honest brands and practical features – battery range, support in the UK, basic suspension. You’ll get more smiles per mile than you think. Most people overcomplicate things, but e-MTB fun is still about windy hilltops, muddy socks, and snack breaks with a view.
Keep your expectations sensible and your waterproofs handy. That’s all you really need for big adventure smiles – trust me, I’ve learned the muddy way.
If you want more gear tips for wild weekends, or tales of kit disasters in the rain, check out some of my other guides and stories in the Camping section.
Got questions about finding the best electric bikes under £1,000 UK? Ask below or drop by your local bike shop. You’ll always get better advice from someone who’s had to patch a puncture in the dark.
