Forme Electric Bike Review: Is Forme A Good Brand?

An Honest Review of Forme E-Bikes

It can be hard work deciding on a new electric bike, with dozens of brands competing for your attention. If you’ve landed on this article, chances are you’re thinking about a Forme e-bike, a brand with strong British roots, and I'd guess you're wondering: are they any good? You’re not just after a static list of specs; you want to know what the brand believes in, how it feels to ride in the real world, and whether a Forme electric bike is a wise investment for you in particular. This honest review aims to weed out the chaff so you can spend your hard-earned coin on something that’s actually worth it. We’ll discuss their entire product line, dive deep into some of the most popular models, and answer the most important questions you need answered to move from considering one to confidently owning one.

Forme has carefully selected a targeted collection of e-bikes to cater for the needs of the road and off-road rider. Their roster makes sense for the most part—divided roughly by their intended use, whether that be rugged trails or smooth city commutes. This structure is the first step to discovering your best match. Here’s a look at all their e-bike options now:

Peak Trail Series (Hybrid/Trekking):

Peak Trail 1E
Peak Trail 2E
Peak Trail 3E
Peak Trail 1ELS (Low Step Frame)
Peak Trail 2ELS (Low Step Frame)

Curbar Series (Electric Mountain Bike - eMTB):

Curbar HTE (Hardtail)
Curbar HTE X

Morley Series (Leisure/Urban Trekking):

Morley 1E
Morley 2E
Morley 1ELS (Low Step Frame)

Cromford Series (Classic/Commuter):

Cromford 1E
Cromford 1ELS (Low Step Frame)

Kinder Series (Kid's Electric Bicycles):

Kinder E (24 inch)
Kinder E (26 inch)

Real-World Riding: How Do Forme E-Bikes Feel?

And now, let us leave the catalog behind and enter the real world. The rubber meets the road, or trail, and that is where a bike’s identity shines through. We have tested some of the very best Forme models and below are a few of them to give you a real experience. First up, the Forme Peak Trail 2E is an all-rounder. From the instant you leg over it, the bike is very balanced and composed. The Bosch Performance Line motor responds with a linear, predictable surge of power that never gives a jerk or feels overwhelming. On pavement, up a steep hill, the help is so well-integrated that it feels as if you have suddenly sprouted a pair of bionic legs, as opposed to being pushed by a machine. Aesthetically, the downtube-integrated battery gives it a nice, modern look that few will realize is an e-bike at first glance. The ride is smooth as well—the Suntour suspension fork will soak up the bumps and the trail buzz so your hands and wrists don’t have to on longer rides. Gear changes through the Shimano gears are sharp and precise, showing off Forme's dedication to including quality, branded parts.

If you are looking for a more casual city or town-capable experience, the Forme Morley 1ELS is simply comfortable and convenient. The step-thru frame is beautifully done for easy mounting and dismounting—this you will appreciate both when tackling stop-and-go urban traffic as well as when wearing normal clothing. The upright riding position not only makes you more visible to other road users but also ensures your back will be in a better state. With a Bosch Active Line motor that is practically silent and feels smooth to ride, and is smart enough to kick in as soon as you start pedaling, it’s well suited to leisurely park jaunts or running errands around town. What’s more, the Morley imparts a feeling of calm control; it is a confidence-inspiring, friendly, and accessible machine that makes one want to get out more often.

The Forme Philosophy: British Design and Quality Components

A great electric bike is more than the sum of its parts, but let’s start with the parts. To figure out whether Forme is a good brand for you, we need to look at long-term satisfaction factors. For one, Forme is proudly British. Their bikes are designed and developed in Derbyshire, the heartland of UK cycling. This in turn results in practical, sturdy designs—ideal for dealing with changeable British weather and mixed terrain. You can just feel the quality of the purpose-built stuff. Secondly, components are a huge advantage for them. Forme continually collaborates with world-class companies such as Bosch (motors and batteries), Shimano (drivetrains), and Suntour (suspension forks) to maintain the highest level of quality and performance. It’s not just a matter of brand names here; you know that your e-bike is powered by serviceable, proven technology that will be supported for years to come. This dedication also applies to the smaller details as well—the comfortable saddles, the ergonomic grips, and the high-quality paint finishes that are the hallmark of the premium owner experience. Forme also has a solid understanding of its customer base. They’re not seeking to make extreme, high-performance eMTBs aimed at professional racers. Instead, they specialize in fantastic bikes for the everyman (or woman) cyclist—city commuters, weekend leisure riders, and adventurous types who like to take paths through the forest or country lanes. This concentration means that they can refine the qualities that are most important to most riders: comfort, reliability, practicality, and ease of use.

Considering Alternatives? A Look at ENGWE

True, Forme does already have an impressive selection of bikes to choose from under their roof, specializing in traditional frame designs and renowned Bosch systems–but there could be some riders out there who seem to be sniffing out something else, especially in the booming foldable, all-terrain e-bike market. For those in the market for a single do-it-all, new-tech, and go-anywhere friend, a brand such as ENGWE is a strong contender. Consider the ENGWE EP-2 Boost, for example. This model represents a masterclass in feature-packed design. Designed around a solid folding frame, it is a masterclass in versatility, perfect for storage in an apartment, traveling in a car trunk, or even taking on the train. Its stand-out feature is the 20 x 4.0 fat tires with front suspension that make it feel like you're riding a magic carpet–it can handle anything from potholes in the city to gravel paths to sandy trails. Fueling it is a 250W brushless motor; the trick, however, is the manner in which it's deployed. It uses a very sophisticated torque sensor that offers an incredibly natural and intuitive amount of assistance in proportion to how hard you pedal. For steep hills, a mere press of the “Boost” button releases the full whack of 55Nm with immediate effect. Powering the bike is a larger 48V 13Ah high-capacity lithium battery which can be easily removed to charge with a range of approximately 120 km. Powerful 180mm dual disc brakes provide reliable stopping and control, and the durable Shimano 7-speed drivetrain lets you easily conquer rolling terrain. The EP-2 Boost is a fresh, powerful, and flexible interpretation of the e-bike.

To make it a little clearer which of Forme's own e-bikes would be best suited for you, I have compiled a comparison table below with specific features for the main models they sell. This way you can get a quick glimpse of what the differences between the models are, as well as why one was built compared to the other.

Frequently Asked Questions About Forme E-Bikes

Below are responses to five common and important questions prospective buyers ask about Forme e-bikes:

What is the practical range of a Forme electric bike?

The stated range is a manufacturer's estimate under ideal conditions. The real-world range of a Forme e-bike, or any electric bike, has a lot of variables: the assist level you select (Eco mode will take you far; Turbo will not), the terrain (hilly rides will zap the battery), rider weight, and even the wind. With efficient Bosch motor systems, you can rely on a proper range. On a frame with a 500Wh battery like the Peak Trail 2E, an average rider might expect between 60 and 110 km of assisted riding, which is more than adequate for long leisure rides or a few days of commuting between charges.

Are Forme e-bikes heavy and unwieldy to handle?

Forme e-bikes usually weigh 22–26 kg (48.5–57.3 lb). This is heavier than a regular (non-electric) bike, but the weight is very low and centered in the bike due to the motor and battery position. This gives them a very planted feel and makes you feel super stable while riding. It’s definitely noticeable when you need to pick it up to lug it up a flight of stairs, but for navigating in a garage or walking the bike, it’s easily manageable. Bikes equipped with a “Walk Assist” riding mode further facilitate pushing the bike up steep ramps or hills.

What Forme e-bike maintenance and care is needed?

Maintenance is actually as easy as for a regular bicycle. You’ll still have to clean and lube the chain, keep the tires properly inflated, and check the brake pads for wear. The Bosch-provided electrical parts are sealed and do not need any regular service by the user. The biggest difference is the battery: you’ll want to store that in a cool, dry environment at room temperature and never leave it entirely empty or full for long stretches of time. An annual service at a qualified bike shop is always suggested to check the electrical system and run a general tune-up, making sure the bike is safe and will last.

Where are Forme bikes made?

This is a big part of the appeal of the brand. Forme bikes are lovingly conceived and created in Derbyshire, United Kingdom. The design team is made from avid cyclists and tests out the bikes in the nearby Peak District to make sure they are fit for purpose. The frames and the components are made by reputable partners in the Far East (as is the case for most bicycle brands), but the final assembly, quality control, and the whole design ethic are British-led, producing a high-quality product that can perform consistently.

Are Forme e-bikes waterproof? Can I ride them in the rain?

Yes, Forme e-bikes are water-resistant and can be ridden in the rain. The motor, battery, and controller housing are all sealed units, capable of handling the inevitable wet weather UK riders experience. They are made to an IPX5 water-resistance standard, meaning they are guarded against water jets from any direction. However, you should not clean it with a pressure washer; the high pressure may drive water past the seals. At the same time, you should never dunk the bike into water while fully submerged. Riding in the rain is okay; swimming with it is not.

All of this means that a Forme electric bike is a sound investment in both British engineering and design, as well as unbeatable ride quality mastering all the fun of cycling.