Electric MTB UK exists to help riders make better decisions about electric mountain bikes and the kit that supports them. This editorial policy explains how we create reviews and buyer’s guides, how we handle commercial relationships (affiliate links, advertising and sponsorship), and the standards we use to protect independence and accuracy.
Last updated: 18 December 2025
Related pages: About Electric MTB UK | How we make money | Contact
Our editorial principles
Electric MTB UK is built on a small set of non-negotiables:
Independence. Our editorial team decides what we cover, what we test, and what we recommend. Commercial relationships do not dictate coverage or rankings.
Honesty and clarity. We aim to explain what a product is like to use, who it is for, and where it falls short, in plain language.
Accuracy. We verify specifications, prices (where possible), and claims. If we get something wrong, we correct it.
Reader-first recommendations. Our purpose is to match riders to the right bikes and kit, not to maximise clicks.
How we review products
We publish two main types of editorial content: reviews and buyer’s guides.
Reviews
A review is our closest look at a specific product. Where possible, reviews are informed by hands-on riding/testing and real-world use. We focus on factors that matter to riders, including ride feel, durability, usability, serviceability, and suitability for UK trails and conditions. We will also highlight limitations and trade-offs, especially where they impact safety, reliability or long-term ownership.
If we have not been able to test a product directly, we will avoid presenting the piece as a hands-on review and will make the basis of our assessment clear (for example, research-led reporting or an overview of verified specifications).
Buyer’s guides
Buyer’s guides are designed to help readers shortlist the best options for a particular need and budget. They typically combine hands-on experience (where available), reputable testing data, specification verification, and clear selection criteria. Our goal is to present a balanced range of products across different price points and rider requirements.
We periodically update guides to reflect new releases, meaningful specification changes, availability shifts and genuine improvements.
How we choose and rank products in buyer’s guides
We use consistent criteria to decide which products are included and how they are positioned. Depending on the category, this can include:
- Performance: how the product rides/works in its intended use-case
- Reliability: reputation, service intervals, warranty support, known issues
- Value: what you get for the money (not simply the lowest price)
- Ease of use: set-up, adjustability, compatibility, maintenance
- Suitability: who it is best for (terrain, fitness, riding style, priorities)
What does not affect rankings: affiliate commission rates, advertiser relationships, or whether a brand has bought display advertising on the site.
Where a placement is paid for (for example “Presented by” content or a sponsored feature), it will be labelled clearly and prominently.
Affiliate links and commissions
Some links on Electric MTB UK are affiliate links. If you click through and purchase, we may earn a commission from the retailer. This helps fund the site and does not increase the price you pay.
We do not accept affiliate arrangements in exchange for favourable coverage, and affiliate partnerships do not determine product rankings. If a retailer relationship introduces any limitation (for example, only certain variants available via a partner), we aim to reflect that in the copy.
Advertising, sponsorship and “Presented by” content
Electric MTB UK may carry display advertising and commercial partnerships. We separate editorial from commercial activity as follows:
- Advertisers do not approve editorial copy and have no right to edit reviews or rankings.
- Sponsored content is labelled clearly using plain language (e.g., “Sponsored”, “Advertisement”, “Partner content”, or “Presented by”).
- Paid placements are disclosed at the point they appear, not buried in footers.
If a buyer’s guide is “Presented by” a brand, we will disclose the nature of the partnership and state that the partner had no input into product selection, scoring or rankings.
Product loans, press samples and hospitality
Brands and retailers may loan products (including e-bikes) for review, or provide samples for testing. These arrangements are common in the cycling industry and can help us cover a wider range of products.
Our approach is simple:
- A loan does not guarantee coverage.
- A loan does not guarantee a positive review.
- We aim to return loaned products promptly in line with agreed terms.
- We do not accept gifts or hospitality that could reasonably be seen to compromise independence. If we attend a launch event, we will remain free to publish our honest view.
If a product was supplied on loan or provided as a sample, we may disclose that within the article where it is relevant to reader trust.
Prices, availability and deals
Prices and availability can change quickly. Where we quote a price, it reflects what we believe is accurate at the time of publication or update. We may use RRPs as a reference point and may also reference typical street pricing where appropriate.
If a price changes materially, a product is discontinued, or availability collapses, we may update the guide accordingly.
Corrections and updates
We take accuracy seriously. If we make an error (specification, naming, compatibility, factual claim), we will correct it.
- Substantive corrections may be noted on the page.
- Routine updates (pricing, stock status, minor copy edits) may be made without a formal note.
To request a correction, please contact us via our contact page and include the URL and the issue you’ve spotted.
How we handle conflicts of interest
We avoid conflicts that could undermine trust. If an author has a relevant conflict (for example, paid consulting for a brand, or a personal relationship that could reasonably be perceived as biasing coverage), we will take steps to manage it, which may include reassignment of the piece or disclosure where appropriate.
Use of third-party information and AI tools
We may use press materials, manufacturer specifications and third-party documentation as starting points, but we do not publish claims we cannot reasonably substantiate without scrutiny.
We may use editorial tools (including AI-assisted tools) to support tasks such as transcription, summarisation, structuring, or copy-editing. Any such use is intended to assist the editorial workflow; responsibility for accuracy, tone and final recommendations remains with Electric MTB UK’s editorial team.
Contact
Questions about this policy, commercial partnerships, or a potential correction can be sent via our Contact page.
