Electric bikes have soared in popularity across the UK in recent years; however, that growth has led to a fog of misinformation. The myths and misconceptions abound, from bar-room banter to online forums, with many people being told that e-bikes are ‘only for the lazy’ or are ‘bad for the environment’, which frequently deters those who might genuinely benefit from them. The reality, though, is that e-bikes are changing how Britons move around, by easing commutes, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting a level of physical health that at least compares to traditional cycling. In this article, we’re going to debunk the most common myths specific to the UK and set you straight on what is really true. Whether you’re planning to purchase your first e-bike or are simply interested in what they mean for you, this guide will get you straightened out.
7 E-bike Myths Debunked
Myth 1 (UK): “E-bikes are for lazy bikers.”
Reality: E-bikes lead to more cycling rather than less and enable it to be more inclusive in terms of different types of users.
In the United Kingdom, the legal term for e-bikes is Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles (EAPCs) - essentially still a bike, but with pedal-assist only under certain restrictions, according to TechRadar on Cycling UK.
Key findings discrediting the myth of “laziness”:
Use it more: Cyclists in the UK and Europe ride 12 miles per day. They get to work without worrying about the hilly path or about the range of the bike.
More activity overall: Researchers who have measured e-bikers’ MET-minutes (a measure of physical activity) have found that e-bikers tend to spend more time being active per week because they take more trips they would not otherwise make, especially trips to work and running errands.
Additional insights:
Accessible push: For seniors, people with mild mobility challenges, or anyone who baulks at distance or inclines, e-bikes bring the joy back into cycling.
Inclusive fitness: E-biking would qualify as moderate-intensity exercise, brisk walking does, after all. The fact that it’s more fun and less work means that many more riders will ride with greater consistency.
Myth 2 (UK): “E-bikes are dangerous.”
Reality: E-bikes are considered unsafe and dangerous. Information from UK road safety organisations would suggest otherwise. The UK law is very strict about e-bike speeds and motors, ruling that they are no more dangerous than traditional bikes.
In the UK, the maximum speed and maximum power output for EAPCs are 15.5 mph (25 km/h) and 250 W, respectively (GOV.UK). At this speed, the E-bike’s motor ceases to provide further acceleration, requiring the rider to pedal to move forward. This specific function acts as a support rather than completely substituting human efforts.
E-bikes are often mistaken for mopeds or even for electric scooters, which function differently and can travel much faster. Under the existing law, e-bikes are considered bicycles, so they can be ridden on cycle paths and roads without a licence or insurance.
Why they’re not automatically more dangerous:
Speed limits: E-bikes are configured so that when the rider reaches the speed limit of 15.5mph, the e-bike disengages itself. This threshold is already above the pace of most cyclists.
Safety features: Today’s e-bikes are equipped with hydraulic disc brakes, integrated lights, and sturdy frames that can safely control urban traffic.
User behaviour: As with regular bikes, the safety depends on how the rider behaves and the roads they ride on, not the E-bike itself.
Accident statistics: A 2023 study by the UK-based Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) found that e-bike crash rates in the UK are not significantly different from bicycles, with most of the accidents happening in the same context (e.g., low visibility or driver error).
Rider confidence: Older riders and those new to cycling can enjoy a confidence boost from an e-bike, limiting fatigue, providing more controlled acceleration at junctions, and discouraging risky manoeuvres.
So, although no cycling is without risk, riding an e-bike in the UK is no more dangerous than riding a regular bike, and in many circumstances it may help people feel more confident and stable on the road.
Myth 3 (UK): “E-bikes don’t carry any health benefits.”
Reality: Cycling an e-bike is still exercise, and perhaps even more than riding a pedal bike. One of the most prevalent myths about e-bikes is that you might as well be sitting on a scooter, but the demographic data from UK health studies would indicate otherwise.
In the UK, the NHS recommends that adults get 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly. This can be supported by the e-bikes, which jacks up your heart rate, burns calories, and works muscles, even with pedal assistance.
In Europe, e-bike riders showed 10 percent higher weekly energy expenditure than standard cyclists. The main reason lies primarily with the fact that although the effort per mile is at least marginally lower, the overall mileage is higher, leveling the difference.
Key points:
Moderate exercise: According to the Heart-rate studies, people on regular bikes and e-bikes display the same level of moderate effort and pace. A study commissioned by Transport for Quality of Life found that e-bike users get moderate-intensity physical activity, which decreases cardiovascular risk.
All-inclusivity: By providing ease to people with joint pains or older adults, e-bikes offer inclusivity.
Distance travel: People ride further and more often with e-bikes compared to regular bikes. According to Sustrans, UK riders who switched to e-bikes increased their cycling distances by up to 50%.
Calorie burn: E-bike riders can burn around 300 calories an hour (as long as you’re not just coasting along, according to one study, there are several). That’s on par with a brisk walk.
Instead of displacing exercise, e-bikes get even more people to exercise. They change inactive short car journeys into beneficial ones for your health, which explains why UK public health organisations are advocating them.
Myth 4 (UK): “E-bikes are not good for the environment.”
Reality: They are one of the greenest modes of transport around.
Research by the European Cyclists’ Federation estimates that e-bikes generate about 21g of CO₂ per passenger-kilometre, compared to 271g for cars and 101g for buses. Taking battery production into account, the lifetime footprint of an e-bike is minuscule compared to that of motor vehicles.
Environmental advantages:
Zero tailpipe emissions: No NOx or particulate matter emissions, improving air quality in UK cities.
Energy efficiency: An e-bike consumes approximately 15–20 times less energy per km compared to a car.
Modal shift: The Department for Transport encourages the usage of e-bikes for short trips, accounting for more than 60% of trips made in the UK under 5 miles.
Myth 5 (U.K.): ‘E-bikes are too expensive.
Reality: The initial investment is more than a regular bike, but for what they offer, e-bikes deliver great value.
In the UK, e-bikes were considered a luxury, available to individuals with disposable income. Even though some of the higher-end models do cost several thousand pounds, e-bikes have become a lot more affordable in recent years.
In the UK, although a reliable commuter e-bike is a huge investment (between £1,200 and £2,500), it is far less than the cost of owning a car. On average, £3,500-£4,500 annually according to the RAC (fuel, tax, insurance, maintenance).
Why e-bikes make financial sense:
Running costs: It costs around 5-10p to fully charge a battery on UK electricity tariffs.
Maintenance: 95% of the components are standard bike parts, fairly cheap to maintain.
Cycle to work scheme: In the UK, employees get discounts of at least 25–39% on the purchase of bicycles. Moreover, it offers workers the opportunity to purchase an e-bike from their employer tax-free with payment spread across 12 months.
Car replacement: Cars are replaced by e-bikes for trips, saving parking costs, fuel, and congestion. The Energy Saving Trust estimates the annual cost of running a car lies between £3,500 and £5,000, while the average e-bike costs less than £200 annually, including charging and sporadic servicing.
When you factor in the cost of purchase schemes, low running costs, and long-term savings, e-bikes are not only affordable, they can be one of the cheapest commute options for people living in the UK.
Myth 6: E-bikes are not legal on UK roads
Reality: E-bikes are actually legal on UK roads, except in Northern Ireland.
One of the false assumptions is that e-bikes are not allowed on UK roads. According to the rules, the e-bikes that comply with EAPC (Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle) regulations are entirely legal to use on UK roads, cycle lanes, and shared-use paths.
Legal definition: By British law (Gov.uk, 2023), an EAPC has the following requirements: an EAPC must have a motor of no more than 250W, cannot assist departing at 15.5mph (25km/h), and the rider must be at least 14 years old.
No licence required: Unlike mopeds or motorcycles, e-bikes don’t need a driving licence, insurance, or a vehicle tax, making them hassle-free.
Restrictions for public transport: According to Transport for London (TfL, 2025), nonfolding e-bikes are forbidden on the Underground, buses, and Overground for safety. However, folding e-bikes are permitted.
E-bikes are widely encouraged in the UK for transport, except for certain rules that ensure rider and public safety.
Myth 7: It’s too heavy to handle an e-bike
E-bikes are heavier than regular bikes; the motor and battery indeed add to the weight. But the idea that they’re “too heavy” for daily use in the UK is false.
Average weight: Your average e-bike weighs 18-28kg (40-62lb), about the same as a regular bike with a couple of panniers of groceries.
Motor assistance: The electric motor almost completely compensates for the extra weight when riding. Even up hills or into headwinds, the pedal-assist means it feels lighter than a conventional cycle.
UK commute worthiness: Collapsible e-bikes, such as those widely used in London, are made for effortless carting onto trains and buses.
Functional design: Multiple users in the UK confirm that the weight can hardly be felt once the bike is moving, and it adds stability to the commute.
This means that although e-bikes are heavier to lift upstairs, they are not unwieldy in day-to-day use. For city riders, though, a folding model or a step-through design often makes the weight issue irrelevant.
Conclusion
The notion that e-bikes are a “fad” or work for only a particular type of rider just isn’t backed up by the facts. From easing congestion and reducing carbon emissions to keeping older riders active, e-bikes are quietly but surely steering the future of sustainable transport in the UK. It matters that we debunk these myths because the more we learn about what e-scooters can do for us, the more people are encouraged to give them a try, whether it’s for daily commutes, exploring the countryside, or staying mobile in later life. The truth is simple: e-bikes aren’t substituting for cycling, they’re expanding access to it, while providing a viable option for short drives. So the next time that you hear someone regurgitate one of these myths, you’ll have the evidence to prove them wrong. If you’ve been thinking about taking the plunge yourself, now could be a good time, as the future of cycling in the UK is electric.
