Electric mountain bikes have a reputation for costing serious money. The Merida eBig Nine 300 SE makes a fairly convincing argument that you don't have to spend it.
Built around a solid aluminium frame and powered by a Shimano EP5 drive unit, this is an e-bike that punches well above its price point. The EP5 is smooth, refined, and doesn't give you that jarring, all-or-nothing surge that cheaper motor systems tend to serve up. It just adds power where you need it, in a way that still feels like you're actually riding the bike.
The 504Wh battery mounts externally and lifts off cleanly when you need to charge it indoors or stash it separately, which is a genuinely useful detail if you're parking in a flat, a shared building, or anywhere a bit less secure.
Why it works:
Motor & battery
The Shimano EP5 delivers dependable, well-weighted assist across trails and tarmac alike. 504Wh gives you enough range for a proper day out without constantly watching the battery indicator.
Brakes
Shimano hydraulic disc brakes. In wet Welsh hillsides or a greasy October commute, they stop the bike properly. That matters more on an e-bike, where you're often carrying more speed than you'd expect.
Drivetrain
The Shimano CUES groupset is built tough for mixed-terrain use. Plenty of range across the gears, and durable enough to handle regular off-road riding without constant fettling.
For anyone in the UK browsing Merida electric bikes for sale and trying to figure out where the value actually is in the e-MTB market, the eBig Nine 300 SE is one of the more honest answers at this price. A capable, no-nonsense e-bike that gets out of its own way and lets you get on with the ride.