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How to choose an e-bike: motor, battery and the law

This guide explains what EU law counts as an e-bike and what is already a moped, how to read battery capacity and motor position, which type of bike to pick and what costs least in total today.

Published October 8, 2026 · updated October 8, 2026 · prices in the text are today's

Three picks by budget

From today’s verified prices: in the low, middle and top third, the product with the best forDeal score (popularity, shops, price against the average, ratings). Live prices, total with shipping.

The picks side by side

ModelTotal todayShopsShop ratingforDeal score
Budget pickTrek FX+ 2 2023 XL blackCZK 30,28014.6 / 5 · M1 sport65 / 100
Best middle groundTrek Domane+ ALR 5 2026 L greyCZK 93,49214.6 / 5 · M1 sport59 / 100
No compromiseTrek Checkpoint+ SL 6 AXS 2026 ML blueCZK 127,49214.6 / 5 · M1 sport60 / 100

Prices in charts

How many products sit in each price band today
14under CZK 75,0008CZK 75,000 – CZK 100,00020CZK 100,000 – CZK 150,0001over CZK 150,000

Totals with shipping, verified offers only.

Trek FX+ 2 2023 XL black: price since October 7, 2026
CZK 29,9907 Oct9 Oct10 Oct

What the law counts as an e-bike

EU Regulation No 168/2013 does not treat as a motor vehicle a pedal-assisted cycle whose motor has a maximum continuous rated power of 250 W, assists only while pedalling and cuts out progressively and finally by 25 km/h. Such an e-bike needs no type approval, registration or driving licence.

Bikes assisting faster or stronger (speed pedelecs up to 45 km/h) fall outside this exemption; they are category L vehicles with type approval and all the duties that brings.

What to look at

  • Bike type: city and trekking for roads and firm paths, mountain (hardtail or full suspension) for off-road.
  • Mid motor (at the pedals): a balanced bike and natural pedalling, better uphill. Hub motor: cheaper and simpler.
  • Battery (Wh): capacity in watt-hours sets the range. Real range depends on assistance level, hills, rider weight and temperature; makers state a span.
  • Removable battery: charge it at home when the bike lives in a cellar or on a balcony.
  • Frame size: by height and inside leg, the maker has a chart; a wrong size is not fixed by a motor.
  • Brakes: hydraulic disc brakes are standard on a heavier e-bike.
  • Service: availability of service for that motor and battery; a spare battery is among the dearest parts.

Price bands today

The lowest band holds city e-bikes with a hub motor and a smaller battery. The middle band holds trekking and city bikes with a mid motor. At the top are full-suspension e-MTBs with a large battery and quality components.

Recommended models

Bracketed prices are today's totals including shipping; e-bikes often ship as bulky goods.

ModelTypeFor whom
Hecht Runnis (price being collected)City e-bikeThe cheapest entry, short trips in town
Hecht Compos XL (price being collected)E-bikeA comparison with brand bikes
Trek FX+ 2 (from CZK 30,280)City and fitness e-bikeCommuting, a light bike
Trek Fuel EXe 5 (from CZK 81,991)Full-suspension e-MTBOff-road with a natural ride feel
Trek Rail+ 8 Gen 5 (from CZK 127,492)Full-suspension e-MTBDemanding terrain, long rides

Price history

CZK 29,9907 Oct9 Oct10 Oct

Older model years (bikes carry the year in the name) are often cheaper in autumn and winter; check it is a new bike, not an ex-demo.

Common mistakes

  • Buying by motor power; above 250 W or with assistance beyond 25 km/h it is no longer an ordinary e-bike under EU law.
  • Comparing bikes of different frame sizes; the size is often right in the offer title (S, L, XL).
  • Trusting the maximum range; expect less, especially in winter and hills.
  • Not counting bulky shipping and the first service.
  • Leaving the battery out in the frost and charging it cold.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a licence or a number plate for an e-bike?

No, if it is a pedal-assisted bike up to 250 W whose assistance cuts out by 25 km/h. Faster bikes are category L vehicles with other rules.

How far will I get?

It depends on battery capacity (Wh), assistance level, hills, weight and temperature. Makers state a span; expect less in winter.

Mid motor or hub motor?

A mid motor is better uphill and off-road and rides more naturally. A hub motor is cheaper and enough for a flat town.

Must I wear a helmet?

Cyclists under 18, yes. The law does not require one for adults, but at e-bike speeds it pays.

Sources

Fordeal earns a commission when you buy through a link; it never changes the order of offers. Every price carries its capture time on the product page.

Products named in this guide

Today's lowest totals, shipping included, at rated shops.