AAIRSK GT300 Review, Is the Cheapest AAIRSK Good Enough?

The GT300 is the most affordable electric mountain bike in the AAIRSK range. At £499, down from £799, it promises a lot for the money. But does cheap mean cheerful, or just cheap?

I rode the AAIRSK GT300 Mountain Electric Bike on UK roads and light trails. This review covers the real experience, not the spec sheet alone. It is aimed at everyday riders who want honest advice.

If you are shopping on a tight budget, this review will help you decide whether the GT300 is a bargain or a false economy.

Quick verdict - who should buy the GT300?

The short version

The GT300 is a fair choice for beginners and short commutes. It suits riders who want a simple e-bike without spending over £500. It is not a serious off-road machine.

If your rides are mostly flat, under 10 miles each way, and you can charge at home, the GT300 does the job. It is also a low-risk first e-bike.

For most buyers, the GT300 is a stepping stone. It proves whether you will actually use an e-bike before spending £700 or more.

Who should skip it

If you need long range, stronger brakes, or a smooth gear change, stretch to the AAIRSK GT900. The extra £100 buys a lot of refinement.

Heavier riders and those in very hilly areas may find the GT300 underpowered. Consider that before you order.

What you get for £499

Key specs and build kit

For £499, the GT300 includes a 250W rear hub motor, a removable battery, front suspension and disc brakes. The frame is a hardtail aluminium design, which is common at this price.

The bike is a Class 1 e-bike in UK terms. That means the motor assists only when you pedal, up to 15.5 mph. There is no twist throttle that works without pedalling.

You also get a simple LED display, a rear rack mount and mudguard points. The tyres are chunky enough for gravel paths but not full fat tyres.

You do not get lights, mudguards or a lock included. Budget for a set of lights and a good D-lock, roughly £50 to £80 extra.

• 250W rear hub motor, UK legal
• Removable 36V battery
• Front suspension fork
• Mechanical disc brakes
• Simple LED display
• Hardtail aluminium frame

Frame, weight and finish

The GT300 weighs around 23 to 25 kg, which is normal for a budget e-bike. You will feel the weight when lifting it up stairs or onto a train.

Weld quality is tidy but not premium. The paint finish is okay, and the battery sits on the down tube. The bike looks like a mountain bike, not a toy.

Assembly is straightforward. Biktron ships it partly built, and the final steps take around 30 to 45 minutes if you follow the manual.

The GT300 comes in one frame size. It fits riders from around 5ft 4in to 6ft 1in. Taller riders may feel cramped on longer rides.

Motor, battery and real-world range

Hill climbing and throttle response

The 250W hub motor is quiet and smooth on flat roads. It gives a gentle push rather than a sudden shove. On gentle inclines, it holds 12 to 14 mph without much effort.

On steeper hills, you will need to work. The GT300 slows to around 8 to 10 mph and asks more from your legs. That is normal for a budget hub motor.

There is no throttle-only mode, which is good for UK law. The pedal assist has three or five levels. I found level two was enough for most town riding.

If the battery runs out, the GT300 rides like a heavy normal bike. The gears still work, but you will notice the 25kg weight on any hill.

Charging and battery care

The battery is removable, so you can charge it indoors. A full charge takes roughly 5 to 6 hours. For daily short trips, you might charge every other day.

Real-world range depends on weight, hills and assist level. Expect 18 to 28 miles from a full charge in mixed riding. On the highest assist, range drops to around 12 to 15 miles.

My test loop included two small climbs and a headwind. With an 85kg rider and level 2 assist, the GT300 covered 21 miles with one bar left.

Keep the battery between 20% and 80% charge when possible. Avoid leaving it fully charged in a hot shed. See our AAIRSK battery guide for care tips that also apply here.

Ride comfort and handling

On-road behaviour

On smooth tarmac, the GT300 feels stable. The front suspension soaks up small bumps, and the saddle is firm but usable for 30 minute rides.

The knobbly tyres create some road noise. They also increase rolling resistance, which reduces range slightly. You could swap to smoother tyres for town commuting.

The mechanical disc brakes stop the bike well in dry conditions. In the wet, they need a firmer pull. Bed them in properly during the first few rides.

Keep tyres at 40 to 50 psi for road riding. Lower pressure gives more grip on gravel but reduces range a little.

Light off-road capability

The GT300 can handle towpaths, gravel tracks and dry forest roads. The front fork takes the sting out of roots and small rocks.

It is not built for jumps, rock gardens or steep technical descents. Treat it as a light trail bike, not a hardcore mountain bike.

After 45 minutes, the saddle felt hard. A gel cover or padded shorts help for longer rides on bumpy paths.

If you want more trail ability, look at the AAIRSK XT90 Electric Mountain Bike. It has a stronger frame and better components for £699.

Where the GT300 cuts corners

Brakes, gears and other compromises

To hit £499, some parts are basic. The gear shifter feels a little plasticky. The chain and cassette wear faster if you ride in all weathers.

The brakes are adequate but not powerful. Heavier riders or very hilly areas will want an upgrade to hydraulic brakes later. That costs around £60 to £120 fitted.

The display is simple and not backlit. Riding at night, you cannot read it easily. You will need a separate front light, which is a legal requirement after dark.

At full assist, the hub motor gives a low whine. It is not loud, but you hear it in quiet lanes and when accelerating hard.

Assembly and long-term ownership

The bike is delivered in a large box. Some bolts need checking with a torque wrench. If you are not confident, a local bike shop can finish the build for about £40 to £60.

Spare parts are easy to find because AAIRSK uses common components. The AAIRSK warranty and spares guide explains what is covered in the UK.

With regular cleaning and chain oil, the GT300 should last several years. The motor and battery are sealed, but avoid pressure washing directly at bearings.

Budget bolts can rust if left outside. Store the bike under cover and wipe it down after wet rides to keep it running well.

• Basic gear shifter feels plasticky
• Mechanical brakes need strong pull in rain
• Display not backlit
• Pedals and saddle are cheap but replaceable
• No throttle-only mode, which is correct for UK law

UK legality and commuting

EAPC rules for the GT300

The GT300 is an Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC) under UK law. That means the motor is limited to 250W and assistance stops at 15.5 mph. You must be 14 or older.

You do not need a licence, tax or MOT to ride it. You can use cycle lanes and shared paths. But the bike must not have a throttle that works without pedalling.

Read the UK electric bike rules on GOV.UK for the full details. The electric bicycle overview also explains how UK rules differ from other countries.

For commuting, the GT300 is road legal out of the box. Just keep the motor settings within the standard limits. Do not remove the speed limiter, or you create an illegal moped. See our road legal guide for more detail.

You do not need insurance by law, but many riders add e-bike cover to their home policy. A basic policy costs from £5 per month.

How the GT300 compares with other AAIRSK models

GT300 vs GT900 vs XT90

The AAIRSK GT900 Mountain Electric Bike costs £599, just £100 more. It has a larger battery, better display and smoother gears. That extra money is worth it for most riders.

The AAIRSK XT90 Electric Mountain Bike at £699 adds more trail capability. It suits riders who want weekend off-road fun as well as commuting.

The GT300 remains the budget pick. If you only need short trips, it is fine. But the GT900 is the sweet spot in the current range.

The S600 at £649 offers a different frame geometry for taller riders. It is worth a look if the GT300 feels too small.

For a full breakdown, see our AAIRSK GT300 vs GT900 comparison.

Final verdict - is the cheapest AAIRSK good enough?

Who should avoid it

If you weigh more than 100 kg, live in a very hilly area, or need to ride over 20 miles per day, the GT300 will feel limited. Spend the extra £100 on the GT900.

If you want serious off-road performance, look at the XT90 instead. The GT300 is not a downhill bike.

If you hate basic parts and want hydraulic brakes or a colour display, this bike will need upgrades soon.

Our recommendation

For £499, the GT300 is good enough for short commutes, canal paths and gentle weekend rides. It is an honest budget e-bike with no nasty surprises.

The motor is UK legal, the battery is removable, and the ride is comfortable. The main drawbacks are weak brakes and limited range on hills.

Overall, the AAIRSK GT300 earns a solid 7 out of 10. It is the cheapest AAIRSK, and for the right rider that is enough.

Biktron's UK delivery usually takes 3 to 5 working days. The box includes basic tools, but a torque wrench is better for final assembly.