E-bike recommendations for cycle to work

[Stretchly]

Hi There, I’m looking into using my cycle2work scheme and purchasing an e-bike to get to work. I have seen a few online that are nice and I’m looking around £700 retail (some refurbished) that I can stick a throttle on, alternatively a kit that I can build not including a bike sub £400. Thanks

[POIDH]

Adding a throttle makes it a motorbike not a pedalec, and will then require MOT, registration, insurance, license....

£700 is not a lot for a bike used daily in all weathers and daily to commute. I suspect you may end up wearing things out and discovering parts are an issue. My OH has a Merida with branded batteries and motor, it's two years and 3k miles in and still going strong without any issues. The warranty is only just about to run out on the motor, with battery covered for longer I think. It cost £1800 from local shop, but C2W brought that down to £1200ish which was excellent value in my view.

[Stretchly]

I don’t necessarily want to be paying silly amounts per month for a bike. My buddy is paying £230 per month for a bike which I think is crazy. Throttle would be used for off road ish stuff. The in-laws have a fair amount of land that I can play about on.

[Barchettaman]

Regardless of whether you’re actually using the throttle on the road, I think its mere presence on the bike renders it illegal in the UK. Others will confirm.

I am currently building a parts-bin e gravel bike for about £100, but I got the e kit for free. Retrofitting a kit into an existing bike may be worth considering to keep costs down.

[Stretchly]

Seems a good idea of keeping costs down in fairness, I’ll have a look into diy kits - any to avoid or to keep an eye on?

[POIDH]

Regardless of whether you’re actually using the throttle on the road, I think its mere presence on the bike renders it illegal in the UK. Others will confirm.

That's my understanding too.

[Barchettaman]

Stretchly said:

Seems a good idea of keeping costs down in fairness, I’ll have a look into diy kits - any to avoid or to keep an eye on?

Maybe see if you can find a pre converted Swytch kit bike, with the older (bigger) style battery. That’s what I have. It’s decent but I keep on top of maintenance. Loads of advice on the Swytch Facebook group, if you have a presence on that dreadful site.

[Stretchly]

Thanks for the recommendation. I will certainly have a look and join these groups.