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Why this is the perfect time to switch to a (cheap) e-bike
April 8, 2025
Spring always has a way of nudging us onto two wheels – longer days, milder mornings, and that irresistible itch to shake off winter sluggishness. But this year, there’s another reason to get pedalling: e-bikes are cheaper than ever.
Thanks to post-pandemic overstocking, global trade spats and a dollop of pricing chaos, manufacturers are scrambling to stay competitive – and that means good news for you and me. We’re seeing proper e-bikes – with solid range, decent components and good looks – sneaking in below the £1,000 mark.
Take Hong Kong-based Fiido, for example. Its C11 is a slick urban number that wouldn’t look out of place in a Scandi cycling ad. It ships direct to your door, shaving off the cost of a middle man, and in place of a customer service centre here in the UK, there’s an active Facebook owners’ group swapping advice and fixes. But – and this is important – its 500W motor makes it illegal to ride on UK roads because it doesn’t meet the UK definition of an EAPC (electrically assisted pedal cycle). In other words, it’s classed as a moped. It’s an easy mistake to make because the speed is capped at the legal 15.5mph.
If you’re set on something legally compliant and backed by a UK distributor, Decathlon has you covered. Next month, they’re launching a fresh range of Rockrider e-bikes starting at £999. Even the entry-level e-actv 100 manages a 70km range thanks to its 360Wh battery and Vision hub motor, while Microshift gears round out a solid package for everyday riding.
But the real showstopper is the e-actv 900. Yes, it costs more (£2,599), but it’s packed with features that rival e-bikes twice the price. A mid-drive motor, seamless automatic gear shifting (a rarity at this price), and a huge 694Wh battery offering up to 130km of assistance. It even comes pre-fitted with a pannier rack that can carry a child seat. Whether you’re riding to the shops or hauling a toddler to nursery, it’s ready for the job.
Don’t forget the insurance
An e-bike is still a bike – but it’s also a bit more. More tech. More value. More tempting to thieves. That’s why getting decent insurance is a must. ETA e-bike insurance is one of the most comprehensive around. It covers theft, accidental damage and vandalism, and offers new-for-old replacement – not a depreciated payout. But the standout perk is our Cycle Rescue: a 24/7 breakdown recovery service that comes to your aid if you’re stuck with a flat battery, mechanical failure or even just a pesky puncture.
Insurance for e-bikes
We cover all road-legal electric bicycles as standard. If the output of your electric bicycle does not exceed 250 W/15.5 mph, we’ll cover it and also include Cycle Rescue as standard. If your e-bike develops a mechanical fault, puncture, or even a flat battery, you can call on our breakdown team 24/7.
Every ETA cycle insurance policy includes the following as standard:
• Theft, accidental damage & vandalism
• E-bike battery theft cover
• Cycle Rescue (breakdown cover for your electric bicycle and you)
• No devaluation of your bike over time
• £2m third party PLUS £20,000 personal accident cover
• Shed and garage storage
• Low standard excess of 5% (£50 minimum)
Read a full list of everything we include as standard.
The ethical choice
The ETA was established in 1990 as an ethical provider of green, reliable travel services. Over 30 years on, we continue to offer cycle insurance , breakdown cover and mobility scooter insurance while putting concern for the environment at the heart of all we do.
The Good Shopping Guide judges us to be the UK's most ethical provider.
Information correct at time of publication.
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