Beware buying Electric bikes on tiktock shop

There’s a viral trend exploding on TikTok right now – electric bikes are going on sale for ridiculously cheap prices. Influencers are sharing this content across their feeds, racking up thousands of comments and shares with bicycle hashtags promising the perfect eco-friendly commute solution. One particular bike caught my attention: £379 for what appears to be a 750-watt motor with a 5.2ah battery (with a 9ah option available).

These TikTok creators are building massive followings by promoting these bikes as the ultimate sustainable transportation solution for urban commuters. They present it as innovative technology that will transform your daily lifestyle, but the reality is far from this carefully crafted content.

Currently, trendy electric bikes on TikTok include budget-friendly models like the Tuttio and the Qlaway Electric E-Bike from AOVOPRO, which has gained attention for its impressive speed of 31 MPH and a range of up to 40 miles. As TikTok continues to influence consumer preferences, it is crucial to consider both performance and legality when choosing an e-bike showcased on social media platforms.

Sounds like a bargain, right? Wrong. And I’m about to explain why this “deal” could leave you stranded, frustrated, and potentially in legal trouble. Aovopro are actually a pretty big company and provides ebikes and electric scooters to market, some are good, some are not so good, this falls under the not so good category.

Don’t get me wrong – this bike does have an app and some genuinely cool features. It is technically an electric bicycle. But there’s a reason it’s so cheap: it’s not road legal and has a battery so small that no experienced e-bike owner would go near it.

The Battery Problem That Nobody Talks About

Here’s what TikTok sellers won’t tell you: that 5.2Ah battery is tiny. In my years of testing e-bikes from suppliers, I’ve never seen a battery that small – the smallest I’ve encountered was 7.8Ah.

Why does this matter? The battery is the heart of any electric bike. With a 5.2Ah battery, you’re looking at:

• 10-20 miles of range in ideal conditions
• Closer to 10 miles if you live anywhere hilly
• Zero fun when the battery dies mid-ride

I’ve seen TikTok creators claiming 40 miles from these bikes. Let me be crystal clear: this is impossible unless you’re riding 40 miles downhill off a mountain. I have a range calculator here; test it yourself.

The Pedalling Problem Nobody Mentions

“It’s still an electric bike,” you might think. “I can just pedal when the battery dies.”

Here’s the reality: Pedalling an electric bike without battery assistance is like pedalling through treacle. These bikes are heavy, the gearing isn’t optimised for manual pedalling, and it’s absolutely miserable.

The Dropshipping Deception

Many buyers think the TikTok influencer has a garage full of bikes and knows the product inside out. They don’t. Most of these are drop-shipped from overseas suppliers.

The cycling community on social media is being misled by content creators who’ve never actually tested these products. They’re building their follower count and engagement by promoting “mobility innovation” without understanding the technology behind it.

Dropshipping isn’t inherently bad – I use it for some of my stock because it’s impossible to keep every bike in inventory. But here’s the crucial difference: I test every bike before I sell it.

These TikTok sellers? They’re making videos for commission, not to help you get a good bike. They’ve likely never even seen the product they’re promoting.

The Legal Bombshell

All of these bikes shown here are NOT road legal.

Here’s where it gets serious: that 750-watt motor makes this bike illegal for UK roads.

UK law is clear:

• Motors over 250 watts require the bike to be classified as a moped
• Mopeds need tax, insurance, MOT, and a license
• The 15.5mph speed limit doesn’t make it legal – motor power is what matters

TikTok sellers claiming these bikes are “completely road legal” are spreading dangerous misinformation. If police stop you and do extensive checks:

• They can confiscate the bike
• You could get points on your license
• You might face legal consequences

Yes, it’s rare for police to stop e-bike riders currently (they’re focusing on delivery riders), but this could change. Why risk it?

Check if your electric bicycle is legal with this tool.

The Motorbike-Looking Problem

Some of these TikTok bikes look like motorbikes – and don’t get me wrong, that red-bodied one is genuinely stunning. I’ve even spotted someone riding one on the roads here in Sheffield.

But here’s the thing: think about this logically. Do you want to ride something that screams “motorbike” to every police officer you pass? You’re essentially asking for trouble. While the bike might look amazing, that motorbike appearance is going to attract exactly the kind of attention you don’t want when you’re riding something that’s technically illegal.

What You Should Do Instead

Before buying any e-bike from TikTok:

1. Check the battery capacity – anything under 10Ah will severely limit your range
2. Verify motor power – stick to 250W if you want legal road use
3. Research the actual seller – are they dropshipping or do they test products?
4. Read independent reviews – not just TikTok videos from affiliates
5. Consider the total cost – cheap bikes often mean expensive problems

If you are not particularly bothered about if the bike is road legal and want to take the chance, then that is totally fine. Ride it sensibly you will probably be fine.

The Bottom Line – Should I buy an ebike from Tiktock?

Maybe but

Don’t take advice from sellers on TikTok, who are trying to make a commission from you and not genuinely trying to help you.

That £379 TikTok e-bike isn’t a bargain – it’s a recipe for disappointment. You’ll get terrible range, questionable build quality, potential legal issues, and zero support when things go wrong.

If you’re serious about getting an e-bike, invest in one from a reputable dealer that stands behind its products. Your future self will thank you when you’re still riding happily while TikTok buyers are dealing with dead batteries and broken promises.

This trend does seem to have died down now, until the next batch of electric bikes makes it to market.

Remember: if it sounds too good to be true on TikTok, it probably is.

Don’t let viral content and influencer hype trick you into buying substandard transportation. The real cycling community values quality, safety, and genuine innovation, not whatever’s trending in the latest TikTok challenge.