A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking)
Prevents wheels locking during hard braking, improving control.
ABS on an e-bike works like the system in a car. It modulates braking force to stop the wheels from locking up, especially in wet conditions or on loose surfaces. This gives you more confidence when braking hard, particularly when loaded or riding downhill. It is most valuable on heavier bikes and in mixed weather.
Read more in Comfort & FitAssist Level
How much help the motor gives you as you pedal.
Most e-bikes let you choose between several assistance modes, typically from Eco (least help, most range) through to Turbo (maximum support, fastest battery drain). The right level depends on terrain, how much effort you want to put in, and how far you need to go. Most riders settle into one or two modes that suit their usual routes.
Read more in Batteries & RangeB
Belt Drive
A toothed belt replacing the chain, quieter and maintenance-free.
A belt drive uses a carbon-fibre reinforced belt instead of a metal chain to transfer power from the pedals to the rear wheel. Belts are quieter, cleaner, lighter, and last significantly longer than chains. They never need lubricating and won't leave oil on your clothes. The trade-off is that they only work with hub gears or integrated gearboxes, not derailleur systems. For many commuters and everyday riders, the convenience is well worth it.
Read more in GearingBosch CX
Bosch's top-end mid-drive motor, refined and powerful.
The Bosch Performance Line CX is Bosch's highest-torque mid-drive motor, currently delivering up to 85Nm (or 100Nm via the Flow app on Gen5 models). It's known for smooth, natural-feeling assistance that responds well to how you pedal. You'll find it on bikes designed for hills, cargo, off-road, and demanding riding. It pairs well with both derailleur and hub gear systems, and supports automatic shifting with compatible setups.
Read more in MotorsC
Cadence
How fast you turn the pedals, measured in revolutions per minute.
Cadence is your pedalling speed. A relaxed cadence might be around 60 rpm, while a brisk spin could be 80 to 90 rpm. Different motor systems respond differently to cadence. Some reward a steady, relaxed rhythm while others feel better with a faster spin. Finding your natural cadence and matching it to the right motor and gearing setup makes the bike feel more intuitive and efficient.
Read more in MotorsCBT (Compulsory Basic Training)
A one-day moped/motorcycle training course required for speed pedelecs.
Compulsory Basic Training is a one-day course that qualifies you to ride a moped or motorcycle on UK roads. It costs around £150 and the certificate is valid for two years. For speed pedelec (HS model) riders who passed their car test after February 2001, CBT is required before riding on public roads. During CBT validity you must display L plates unless you pass a full motorcycle test.
Read more in UK Rules & RegulationsCycle to Work Scheme
A salary sacrifice scheme that lets you spread the cost of a bike.
Cycle to Work schemes let you pay for a bike through pre-tax salary deductions, typically saving 25 to 40 percent compared to buying outright. Many schemes now cover e-bikes, including premium models. The savings can be significant, and spreading the cost makes better bikes more accessible. Worth exploring if your employer offers one.
Read more in Budget & ValueD
Derailleur
The exposed gear mechanism that moves the chain across sprockets.
A derailleur is the traditional external gear-shifting mechanism found on most bicycles. It physically moves the chain between different-sized sprockets on the rear wheel (and sometimes the front). Derailleurs are lightweight, efficient, and familiar. The downside is that they're exposed to weather, dirt, and impacts, so they need regular cleaning, lubrication, and occasional adjustment. They work well when maintained, but ask more of the rider than sealed alternatives.
Read more in GearingDual Battery
Two batteries working together for extended range.
Some e-bikes can run two batteries simultaneously, effectively doubling the available energy. This is not about chasing extreme distances on every ride. It is about margin and confidence. With a dual battery setup you can use higher assistance levels without worrying, tackle hilly routes comfortably, and finish longer rides with energy to spare. The trade-off is extra weight and cost, but for riders who value flexibility, the reassurance is significant.
Read more in Batteries & RangeE
EAPC (Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle)
The UK legal classification for a road-legal e-bike.
EAPC stands for Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle. It is the legal term used in UK law to define an e-bike that can be ridden as a normal bicycle. To qualify, the bike must have functional pedals, a motor rated at no more than 250W continuous power, and the motor must cut assistance at 15.5mph (25km/h). No full-speed throttle is allowed, though walk-assist up to 3.7mph is permitted. If a bike meets all EAPC requirements, no licence, registration, or insurance is needed.
Read more in UK Rules & RegulationsEnviolo
A continuously variable hub gear with smooth, stepless shifting.
Enviolo hubs use a clever ball-and-ring mechanism to provide a seamless range of gear ratios rather than fixed steps. You twist the grip and the resistance changes smoothly, with no clicking between gears. This makes them very intuitive and relaxed to use, especially in urban riding and gentler terrain. They are sealed and low-maintenance. The gear range is narrower than a Rohloff or Pinion, so they suit flatter terrain and lighter loads best.
Read more in GearingF
Frame Geometry
The angles and dimensions that define how a bike fits and handles.
Frame geometry covers everything from head angle and seat angle to wheelbase and stack height. These measurements determine your riding position, how stable the bike feels at speed, and how it handles at low speed. Relaxed geometry suits comfort and confidence. Aggressive geometry suits speed. On an e-bike, geometry matters even more because you are often riding heavier and faster than on a regular bike.
Read more in Comfort & FitFull Suspension
Front and rear suspension working together to absorb impacts.
Full suspension means the bike has both a front fork with travel and a rear shock absorber. This smooths out rough surfaces, reduces fatigue, and improves traction on loose ground. On an e-bike, the extra weight makes suspension more valuable because impacts are felt more. Full suspension adds weight and complexity, but for rough terrain, long rides, or rider comfort, it can be transformative.
Read more in Comfort & FitH
Hub Gear
Gears sealed inside the rear wheel hub, protected from weather.
Hub gears keep the shifting mechanism sealed inside the rear hub, away from dirt, rain, and road grime. This means less maintenance, cleaner operation, and the ability to shift while stationary. The trade-off compared to derailleur systems is usually a narrower gear range and slightly more weight, though premium options like Rohloff close that gap significantly. Hub gears pair naturally with belt drives for a very low-maintenance drivetrain.
Read more in GearingHub Motor
A motor built into the wheel hub, simpler but less versatile.
A hub motor sits inside the front or rear wheel and drives it directly, without using the bike's gears. Hub motors are simpler and cheaper than mid-drive systems, which is why you see them on many entry-level e-bikes. The limitation is that because they bypass the gears, they lose effectiveness on steep hills where speed drops. They work fine on flatter terrain but feel less natural and controlled when the going gets tough.
Read more in MotorsM
Mid-drive Motor
A motor at the pedals that works through the bike's gears.
A mid-drive motor sits at the bottom bracket (where the pedals attach) and drives the bike through its gears. This means the motor benefits from gear changes just as you do, staying efficient across different speeds and gradients. The result is smoother, more natural-feeling assistance, especially on hills and varied terrain. Mid-drive systems are standard on premium e-bikes because they deliver better performance, balance, and integration.
Read more in MotorsN
Nm (Newton-metres)
A measure of how much turning force (torque) the motor produces.
Newton-metres measure torque, which is the rotational force the motor applies to help you pedal. Higher torque means stronger assistance at low speeds, which matters most on steep hills, when carrying heavy loads, or when starting from standstill. But torque figures alone can be misleading. How smoothly and naturally that force is delivered matters just as much as the peak number. A well-tuned 75Nm motor can feel better than a poorly tuned 85Nm one.
Read more in MotorsP
Panniers
Bags that clip onto a rack on either side of the wheel.
Panniers are bags designed to hang from a rear (or front) rack, keeping weight low and balanced. They are one of the most practical ways to carry shopping, work kit, or touring gear. Good panniers are waterproof, easy to clip on and off, and don't affect handling as much as a backpack or top-mounted bag. On a well-designed e-bike with integrated racks, panniers feel like a natural part of the bike rather than an afterthought.
Read more in Cargo & FamilyPedelec
An e-bike where the motor only assists while you pedal.
Pedelec is short for "pedal electric cycle". It describes an e-bike where the motor provides assistance only when the rider is actively pedalling. This is in contrast to throttle-controlled e-bikes where the motor can propel the bike without pedalling. All UK-legal EAPCs are pedelecs. The term is used more commonly in mainland Europe but applies equally in the UK context.
Read more in UK Rules & RegulationsPinion MGU
An integrated motor and gearbox in one sealed central unit.
The Pinion Motor Gear Unit combines the electric motor and a multi-speed gearbox into a single sealed unit at the centre of the bike. Instead of treating the motor and gears as separate systems, they work together. This means automatic shifting under load, a very wide gear range, and minimal exposed moving parts. It is particularly well suited to steep terrain, off-road use, and heavily loaded bikes. The trade-off is slightly more noise under load compared to a Bosch system paired with Rohloff.
Read more in GearingR
Rohloff
A premium 14-speed hub gear, sealed and extremely durable.
The Rohloff Speedhub is a 14-speed internally geared hub that sits at the top end of hub gear technology. Everything is sealed inside the rear hub, protected from dirt, water, and weather. The gear range is very wide, rivalling most derailleur setups, and maintenance is minimal. Paired with a Bosch motor and automatic shifting, it produces one of the smoothest and quietest drivetrain combinations available. It is a premium option, but many long-term owners consider it the best investment they made.
Read more in GearingRX Connect
Riese & Müller's built-in tracking and theft alert system.
RX Connect is a connected service available on certain Riese & Müller models. It provides GPS tracking, theft alerts, and bundled insurance for the first year. If you park your bike in public spaces regularly, it offers peace of mind without having to set up separate tracking devices and policies. It is a nice-to-have rather than a deciding factor, but it removes friction if security is a concern.
Read more in Theft & SecurityS
Sold Secure
An independent security rating for bike locks (Bronze, Silver, Gold).
Sold Secure is a UK-based testing organisation that rates bike locks by how long they resist attack. Ratings go from Bronze (basic deterrent) through Silver to Gold (resists serious attack tools for longer). Most e-bike insurers require at least a Gold-rated lock. Choosing a Sold Secure rated lock is one of the simplest and most effective security decisions you can make.
Read more in Theft & SecuritySpeed Pedelec
An e-bike that assists up to 28mph, classified as a moped in the UK.
A speed pedelec (or S-pedelec) is an e-bike that provides motor assistance up to 45km/h (28mph), compared to the standard 25km/h (15.5mph) limit. In the UK, speed pedelecs are classified as mopeds, requiring DVLA registration, a number plate, mandatory insurance, a moped-rated helmet, and either a full driving licence or CBT certificate. They cannot be ridden on cycle paths or bridleways. Riese & Muller offer many models in an HS (High Speed) specification.
Read more in UK Rules & RegulationsStep-through Frame
A frame with a low top tube, easier to mount and dismount.
A step-through frame has a low or absent top tube so you can step through rather than swing your leg over. This is not just about flexibility or clothing. It makes the bike easier to handle at standstill, when loaded, or when stopping frequently. On heavier e-bikes, a step-through frame can make everyday use significantly more comfortable and practical, especially for shorter riders or those carrying passengers.
Read more in Comfort & FitSuspension Seatpost
A seatpost with built-in cushioning to smooth out vibrations.
A suspension seatpost has a small amount of travel built in, absorbing the constant small bumps that would otherwise reach your lower back and spine. The effect is subtle but cumulative. Over a long ride, it reduces fatigue noticeably. On hardtail e-bikes (no rear suspension), a good suspension seatpost can be one of the best comfort upgrades available.
Read more in Comfort & FitT
Torque
Rotational force from the motor, felt most on hills and from standstill.
Torque is the twisting force the motor applies to help you pedal. You feel it most when starting from a stop, climbing hills, or riding with heavy loads. Higher torque generally means stronger low-speed assistance, but the way torque is delivered matters as much as the peak number. A motor that ramps up smoothly and responds naturally to your pedalling will feel better than one that surges or hesitates, regardless of the headline figure.
Read more in MotorsW
Wh (Watt-hours)
A measure of how much energy a battery can store.
Watt-hours tell you how much total energy the battery holds. A 500Wh battery stores more energy than a 400Wh one, which usually means more range or the ability to use higher assistance for longer. But Wh is not a direct promise of distance. Real-world range depends on terrain, rider weight, assistance level, wind, and temperature. Think of Wh as the size of the fuel tank rather than miles per gallon.
Read more in Batteries & RangeStill Have Questions?
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