08.05.2024 | Reading time - 14 min(s)

Best E-bikes under £3000

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Electric bikes have been gaining in popularity for a number of years and all the signs point towards this trend continuing. Electric bikes are an excellent choice for many riders as the power assistance takes away a lot of the barriers that prevent people from cycling. In this article, we will take a brief look at why electric bikes are so popular, followed by what to expect for the under £3000 mark and then finally moving on to the main event - the best electric bikes under £3000. This will include electric mountain bikes, electric road bikes, electric hybrids and electric folding bikes. but first, here are some of the benefits of electric bikes.

Contents and Quick Links to sections

Benefits of Electric Bikes - an overview of the many benefits of e bikes
What to Expect from a sub-£3000 E Bike - a look at the different specs and styles of e bikes under £3000
The Best E Bikes Under £3000 - A list of the top e bikes under £3000 that we stock
Electric Bike FAQ's - a look at the top questions related to e bikes under £3000
Final Thoughts

Benefits of electric bikes

Electric bikes are becoming popular for a number of reasons, the bikes themselves,the barriers they remove, the health benefits, commuting, and the environmental benefits of cycling an electric bike. We will have a look at each one in turn.

Cycling specific

One of the main barriers to cycling in general is that it requires quite a lot of effort, particularly on hills. An electric bike gives you a boost when you are pedalling so that you can get up hills using only a fraction of the effort required.

Another benefit to having the power assist of an electric bike is one of confidence. When sitting at traffic lights with traffic behind, it can be rather intimidating having traffic right behind you, especially on an uphill start. An electric bike allows you to accelerate away faster from lights and standing starts.

Assistance on an electric mountain bike allows mountain bikers to get up the hills with minimal effort and enjoy the downhills. Having the electric assist in this scenario is the next best thing to a shuttle or lift.

Work and commuting

An electric hybrid bike can be ideal for those that want to cycle to work but do not have showering facilities to use when they get there. Cycling an electric bike removes the need for showering when you arrive as you can use an assist mode that does not require you to get up a sweat on the way. This can easily be done on most modern electric bikes as there are various different assist modes depending on how much, or how little, effort you want to expend.

Folding electric bikes are also great for those that want to use very little effort and do not have secure storage at work (or at home) to keep the bike. Folding electric bikes can be stored in small spaces like under desks and in cupboards and can reduce the chances of the bike being stolen as it will either be being used by you or will be safely stored in your home or workplace.

Health

You can probably take a look at any of our articles and find a piece about the benefits of cycling - better physical and mental health, less chance of getting sick, more productivity, and the list goes on. Feel free to check out the other articles on a full breakdown of the health benefits of regular cycling. But, long story short... its really good for you.

Environmental

Another hot topic where electric bikes are concerned is how much better they are for the environment. They do not rely on fossil fuels and they do not emit harmful greenhouse gasses.

Cost

They are also incredibly cheap to run as the cost of charging is incredibly low and upkeep compared to cars and other vehicles is very low with chains, cassettes and brake pads being the parts you will likely replace the most.

What to expect from sub £3000 electric bikes

At the £3000 and under electric bike category, this will include some very well specced bikes and some at the entry level. For this reason, you will find quite a wide array of electric bikes with different motor positions, battery positions, battery sizes and styles. We will cover each of these in turn - Motor position, battery position, battery size and styles of bikes.

Motor Position

In the under £3000 category, you will find bikes with motors in all three of the main positions. Some electric bikes in this category will have front hub driven motors where the motor is in the front wheel driving you forwards. Others will have the motor system in the rear. This rear hub motor drives the back wheel when you pedal and, finally, you will also find the centre driven or, bottom bracket, driven motor on the other electric bikes in this category.

Battery position and style

Again, this price point, sub £3000, has numerous different options of battery position and style. Firstly, to cover battery position, you will likely find the battery either above the rear wheel for bikes at a lower price or in the downtube on the more expensive models. The batteries in the downtube are the better handling and balanced due to the centre of gravity being lower.

What we mean by 'style' is the type of battery on the downtube. You will either get intgrated or external batteries. Integrated means it is fitted flush into the bike frame or they are external where you can see the battery attached to the bike frame.

A kalkhoff e bike has a deep step through option for easy mounting and dismounting.

Battery Sizes

A wide choice of battery sizes are available at this price point. Battery size, measuerd in Watt/Hours (Wh), is what gives your electric bike its range - the larger the number, the longer the range. At the sub £3000 point, you can find batteries of up to a massive 710Wh for incredibly long range.

Styles of bikes

It really is a great price point as you get a choice of almost every style of electric bike. You can find electric mountain bike and electric hybrid, and you will even find electric folding bikes and electric cargo bikes. The only notable exception is the elecric road bikes as these cost quite a significant amount more, starting around the £4000 mark.

A recent, and incredibly popular electric bikes are the lighter weight, or SL, bikes. You can even find some of these under £3000. It is worth noting through, that these bikes are lighter as they do not have as powerful a motor as some of the heavier bikes and their batteries are smaller as you require less assistance on a lighter bike.

Now that we are done listing the styles of bikes available at under the £3000 mark, we will now have a look at the best electric bikes in this price point.

Best Electric Bikes Under £3000

Now we are into the meat of the article. We are going to take a look at the best electric bikes we stock that are under the £3000 price point, starting with the lowest priced and working our way to the highest. We will include some sale bikes here also with savings that take these below the threshold - hopefully we can find you the perfect e bike.

Liv Rove E+ 2023 Women's Electric Bike

Currently, the Liv Rove E+ is sitting at the bargain-basement price of £1999, down from £2499. The Rove E+ is an ideal women's specific gravel bike that is equally at home on rough terrain and forrest paths as it is in the city. The Yamaha motor makes light of rolling hills and a 500Wh battery gives you plenty of range for a commute or leisure ride. Front suspension smooths out the rough stuff and hydraulic disc brakes give confidence when stopping in all weathers. For other suitable electric bikes, check our Giant electric bikes.

Whyte Rheo 2 ST V1 2024 Electric Bike

Here is one of the newest stock additions in our electric bike range. The Rheo 2 comes in either a step through (pictured) or a classic diamond frame and to look at it, you wouldn't even believe it is an electric bike. The battery is a compact 250Wh battery capacity which may sound low but this is how Whyte keep this bike at its exceptionally low weight. The motor is also 'paired down' to 45Nm, again, to keep the weight low - approximately 15.5kg for the medium.

Keeping the weight low means you rely on the motor and battery less which makes this bike an incredible commute or leisure bike with excellent acceleration away from standing starts and that extra boost when heading uphill.

Whyte Rheo 3 V1 2024 Electric Bike

This is a very similar bike to the above Rheo 2 2024 but with some awesome added features. The main bike is the same - frame, motor and battery but the added value comes from a remote dropper post that allows the seat to be lowered for easier mounting and dismounting and when released will return to exactly the correct height for cycling. The other additions are; front and rear lights, rear pannier rack, full mudguards and a handy kickstand. Also available in a step through frame similar to that pictured above for the Rheo 2 2024.

Gazelle Esprit C7 HMS 2024 418Wh High-Step Electric Bike

Here is a super-stylish Gazelle electric bike that comes in at just over £2000 - £2149 to be precise. This is a bargain for a Shimano steps mid drive motor with 40Nm of power for your commute around the city. The 418Wh battery gives you a good chunk of range too due to the Shimano steps system being so efficient. Its incredibly smooth and quiet too.

Internal hub gears give a bike that's easy to maintain and hydraulic disc brakes give reliable stopping in all weathers that the British Isles throws at it.

Gazelle Esprit C7 HMS 2024 418Wh Low-Step Electric Bike

The same bike as the above but as a low step through version for those looking for an easier bike to mount and dismount. All the specs are the same as the above and, again, at £2149, it's a bargain. It is important to note that these two bikes, the Gazelle Esprit C7 HMS in the low and the high step, are also available with a larger 504Wh battery for those that want longer range on their cycles. The 504Wh battery capacity version comes in at the still incredible price of £2319.

Liv Tempt E+ Sport 2023 Women's Electric Mountain Bike

Liv bikes are bikes designed by women, for women. The Liv Tempt E+ is a hardtail electric mountain bike that is a great leisure option for thoise that cycle in the hills, on rough terrain. Discounted by £350 to £2149, this great value bike offers a 70Nm motor for powering up hills and a 500Wh battery capacity for longer rides in the country. Equipped with Shimano gearing and powerful hydraulic disc brakes, this bike is everything you need for gravel and forrest paths where the front suspension smooths out all the rocks, bumps and tree roots. This is probably the best electric mountain bike for women at that price point.

Gazelle Grenoble C8 HMB 2023 (400Wh) Low-Step Electric Bike

Gazelle Grenoble C8 HMB.jpg

Reduced down to £2499, the Gazelle Grenoble C8 HMB comes with the reliable and robust Bosch Active Line Plus motor with 50Nm of motor support when cycling uphill and the 400Wh battery is great for city cycling. The Grenoble is a great example of the integrated, but still easily removable battery in the down tube. The low and deep step through is great for mounting and dismounting and it offers a lovely, upright sitting position. Adjustable handlebars mean you can dial in your perfect position even further by either raising or lowering the front of the bike.

Brompton Electric C Line URBAN HIGH Handlebar 2024

Brompton bikes are responsible for the quickest and most compact fold of any bike and they have brought this incredible folding mechanism to their folding ebike. The perfect bike for city commuting and leisure riding for those who want or need to store their bike indoors at home or in the office. The brompton folding electric bike solves many issues with cycling - storing a bike indoors almost removes the chance it will get stolen and the same goes for the office. The electric assist allows you to get to work non-sweaty so you can just get cracking with your day without the need for showering.

The bike itself features a front hub driven motor with removable battery for ease or transport and storage and with 6 speeds you will get up hills in style and with relatively little effort. Brompton bikes really are a British instititution and at the currently discounted price, the Electric C Line Urban 2024 is a must for any city commuters.

Specialized Turbo Vado SL 4.0 2024 Electric Bike

One of the more popular recent innovations in the electric bikes world are lightweight electric bike that offer a balance between power and weight. The lightweight electric bikes have a less powerful motor and a smaller battery capacity to keep the weight down but still offer you that boost when going uphill or into a stiff headwind.

The Specialized Turbo Vado SL is one such bike that weighs in the region of 16kg (depending on size) but still offers a help when pointing uphill. These are incredible bikes for commuting and leisure and for thoise that want electric assistance but do not want the weight of a 'full power' electric bike. You also have the option of adding a 160Wh battery range extender for more range if you so require.

It's well specced too with SRAM 1 x 11 speed, hydraulic disc brakes and integrated front and rear lights to make this the ultimate lightweight electric hybrid bike. Oh yeah, and it's on sale at only £2500 just now.

Specialized Turbo Vado 3.0 2023 Electric Bike

For the same discounted price, £2500, you can get the full power version of the above bike. The Specialized Turbo Vado 3.0 offers a 50Nm motor and a whopping 710Wh battery for huge range. A wider tyre and front suspension allows for off-road excursions on gravel paths and forest trails.

This bike comes fully equipped with mudguards, rear rack, lights and kickstand making this an excellent commute and leisure bike for those that find themselves on all kinds of terrain or those that just want the comfort on rubbish British road sufaces.

Gazelle Grenoble C8 HMB 2023 (500Wh) Low-Step Electric Bike

On the Grenoble C8 HMB you can manoeuvre quickly through traffic. If you are approaching an incline, you will be at the top of it in no time. All thanks to its smooth, low-noise assistance.

Do you travel by bike regularly? Then the Grenoble C8 HMB is the right e-bike for you. The smooth, quiet, mid-drive motor gives you great assistance wherever you go, whether you're criss-crossing the city or touring the hills. The use of high-quality components — integrated LED lighting, leather handlebar grips, a gel seat and more — completes this e-bike.Yep, still under £3000 at a discounted price of £2649.

Tern Quick Haul D8 Electric Bike

And now for something a bit different. The Tern Quick Haul is a mini cargo bike capable of carrying extra luggage or a (less than 50kg) passenger. Ably supported by the Bosch Active Line motor for getting you and your cargo uphills and a 400Wh battery to help you get where you are going.

One of the great things about the Quick Haul is that it is adjustable so can fit various heights of riders - great for when you are sharing a bike. Adjusting the bike requires no tools and is quick and easy to do. Tern say this bike can fit people 4ft 11" all the way up to 6ft 5".

Cargo bikes are becoming the next big thing in cycling and when you can get them for under £3000 (this one os £2700) then they will only become more popular.

Giant Explore E+ 2 2024 Electric Bike

The Giant Explore E+ 2 2024 is Giant's take on the trekking electric hybrid bike that can easily be taken on roads, gravel or dirt and is comfortable over all of these. The front suspension smooths out the rougher stuff (and, yes, we are including British roads in this) and gets you where you are gong in comfort and ease.

The Giant/Yamaha motor gives you an ample 70Nm for easing you up any hill and a 625Wh battery is more than you would expect at this price (£2799) and it comes fully kitted out with rear rack, mudguards, kickstand and lights. The brakes are, yes you guessed it, hydraulic disc brakes and the gearing is reliable SHimano 9-speed.

This bike is everything you would need for commuting or leisure.

Liv Amiti E+ 2 2024 Women's E Bike

The Liv Amiti E+ 2 is a women's hybrid bike very similar to the above Giant bike. From lumpy, bumpy gravel tracks to smooth urban roads -and everything in between - the Amiti E+ is built to optimise your comfort, fitness, and confidence. It comes equipped with a 75Nm motor for easily getting up hills and a massive 625Wh battery for extended range. Front and rear lights, guards, rear rack and kickstand mean this bike is ready to go and the front suspension smooths out the roads, gravel and paths. Hydraulic disc brakes and Shimano 9-speed gearing completes the package. Coming in at only £2799.

Specialized Turbo Tero X 4.0 29 2024 E Bike

This bike makes out sub £3000 list only by virtue of the incredible discount that is currently running on this e bike. This bike retails at £3750 but is currently reduced to £2800 while stocks last. Yaay, because it's on the list, we now get to talk about it.

The Specialized Turbo Tero X 4.0 is an incredible all-terrain and bikepacking bike with front and rear suspension that can be loaded up with equipment such as camping and touring equipment. The motor is Specialized (Brose) and offers 50Nm for the hills and a 530Wh battery to get you where you are going. Because of the set up, this can easily be a cross country mountain bike and, at this price, one of the best electric mountain bikes you can get.

Everything has been thought about here with pannier rack, mudguards and front and rear lights included, this is your ultimate gravel, bikepacking, touring, front and rear suspension emtb.

Brompton Electric C Line Urban Mid Handlebar Pop Lilac 2024 Folding Bike

Ok we will hold our hands up here and say that this is partially in because of the colour. But it also happens to be one of the best e bikes under £3000. The super compact Brompton fold, the removable battery, the power boost and the undeniable style - these are not just an e bike, they are a fashion item.

The perfect bike for cities expecially for those with nowhere to store the bike and they also reduce the chance of theft as you can take them indoors with you. Is your commute too long? Just fold it up and take it on the train, tram, bus or stick it in the boot of your car and take it to explore some new roads.

There are a huge selection of Brompton foding e bikes to choose from and most are available in a low, mid or high handlebar style so suit individual riders heights and preferences. They are also available with different gearing set ups - with 4-speed, 6-speed and now the brand new 12-speed system available depending on how far you go and how hilly the city you live in is.

Electric Bike FAQ's

When writing our blogs, we take a look at what the top questions people ask about the blog topic in question. Below, we will take a look at the top questions related to "the best electric bike under 3000 UK"

What features are typically included in e-bikes priced below £3000?

We covererd this in the meat of the article but here is the summary. For under £3000 you can expect either a front, mid or rear hub driven motor. The motor and battery companies you will find at these prices are Bosch, Shimano, Giant (Yamaha), Specialized (Brose), Fazua and a few more . With regards to battery size, these will range between 320Wh and 710Wh and you will find either rim brakes or hydraulic disc brakes depending on where you look on this scale.

What is the typical speed of an electric bike?

The actual top-line speed of an ebike is not limited and you can go as fast as you feel comfortable and are able however, you will only get a power assisted speed of 15.5mph or 25kph. At this speed, the electric assistance will end.

How does an electric mountain bike perform in the UK’s varied weather conditions?

All of the electric bikes that we sell can handle rain and wet conditions - even the UK weather. With an electric mountain bike (well, all electric bikes really) it is vitally important not to submerge the battery and/or motor by, for example, cycling through a river.

Can an electric bike under 3000 meet city commuting and leisure weekend rides needs?

This is a definite yes! As we have discussed above, you can find exceptional quality electric bikes for under £3000. If you are in the city and on a tight budget, then opt for a front or rear driven motor as these offer excellent acceleration or if you are cycling on gravel paths and roads, opt for a centre driven motor and some robust and maybe knobbly tyres.

What should I look for when choosing an electric bike under £3000 to ensure it lasts?

Our advice would be to look for the well established and well known names in cycling and electronics. A Shimano or Bosch motor for example and look to the reputable companies that manufacture bikes such as Giant, Liv, Specialized, Merida, Whyte, Kalkhoff, Gazelle, Riese & Muller, Brompton and Tern. These companies will not put their names to inferior products and neither will we, here, at Edinburgh Bicycle Cooperative. All of the brands we stock have reputations for fitting their bikes with the highest quality components and that now includes batteries, motors and the electronic connections.

Following on from this, look only at reputable dealers for all of the same reasons as why you choose the big name cycling brands - you know you are going to get quality.

Another, final, point here is to look at the warranties offered. All of the above mentioned companies offer a good warranty on their batteries and motors. This is usually two years but it is worth checking this before you buy an electric bike under £3000.

Final Thoughts

As you will have seen, there are a great many available options below the £3000 mark for an e bike where you can find front hub motor, centre driven motor or rear hub motor and a mixture of battery sizes from 320Wh up to 710Wh. Hydraulic brakes dominate these prices but you can still occasionally find rim brakes or mechanical disc brakes. All styles are catered for too with electric mountain bikes, electric hybrids, electric cargo bikes and electric folding bikes.

There is something for everyone below the £3000 mark and, of course, if you need any guidance or help picking the perfect option for you, either contact our online team or visit us in any of our stores in Aberdeen, Newcastle, Leeds or the three in Edinburgh - Bruntsfield, Canonmills and our Giant and Liv store in Stockbridge.

Author

Ross Howieson

Content Creator

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Best E-bikes under £3000

Benefits of electric bikes

Cycling specific

Work and commuting

Health

Environmental

Cost

What to expect from sub £3000 electric bikes

Motor Position

Battery position and style

Battery Sizes

Styles of bikes

Best Electric Bikes Under £3000

Liv Rove E+ 2023 Women's Electric Bike

Whyte Rheo 2 ST V1 2024 Electric Bike

Whyte Rheo 3 V1 2024 Electric Bike

Gazelle Esprit C7 HMS 2024 418Wh High-Step Electric Bike

Gazelle Esprit C7 HMS 2024 418Wh Low-Step Electric Bike

Liv Tempt E+ Sport 2023 Women's Electric Mountain Bike

Gazelle Grenoble C8 HMB 2023 (400Wh) Low-Step Electric Bike

Brompton Electric C Line URBAN HIGH Handlebar 2024

Specialized Turbo Vado SL 4.0 2024 Electric Bike

Specialized Turbo Vado 3.0 2023 Electric Bike

Gazelle Grenoble C8 HMB 2023 (500Wh) Low-Step Electric Bike

Tern Quick Haul D8 Electric Bike

Giant Explore E+ 2 2024 Electric Bike

Liv Amiti E+ 2 2024 Women's E Bike

Specialized Turbo Tero X 4.0 29 2024 E Bike

Brompton Electric C Line Urban Mid Handlebar Pop Lilac 2024 Folding Bike

Electric Bike FAQ's

What features are typically included in e-bikes priced below £3000?

What is the typical speed of an electric bike?