ARCC Rosemont Electric review: British‑made elegance meets urban e‑bike simplicity
It’s not often I get to test an electric bike that’s truly British-built. In a market dominated by German engineering, Chinese motors and Dutch design, the ARCC Rosemont Electric stands out as a genuine product of Cambridgeshire craftsmanship — and one that’s refreshingly different in both concept and execution.
ARCC Innovations has built a reputation for combining traditional frame-building know-how with clever, homegrown electrification. The company not only manufactures its own bikes but also converts Bromptons and Moultons into pedal-assisted versions. The Rosemont Electric, however, is a model designed from the ground up, blending elegant Reynolds steel tubing with ARCC’s unique power system — one that’s powered not by a proprietary battery, but by something you might already have in your shed: a Bosch 36V powertool battery.
Smart engineering, British style
At first glance, the Rosemont Electric looks like a classic step-through city bike, complete with a swept-back handlebar, upright posture, and a beautifully finished frame that oozes craftsmanship. Each bike is sprayed locally in a choice of vibrant colours, and you can feel the attention to detail in every weld and cable routing. The riding position is superb — straight-backed, shoulders relaxed, and hands resting naturally on comfortable grips. It’s the sort of posture that makes you want to keep pedalling long after you’ve reached your destination.
That comfort is matched by build quality. The frame combines Reynolds 631 and Chromoly steel, making it strong yet pleasantly compliant on rough tarmac. My test bike was fitted with Schwalbe Marathon Plus tyres and a Madison saddle, though upgrades to a Brooks B17 are available — and well worth the extra outlay. The result is a smooth, forgiving ride that glides across urban streets with minimal vibration.
A unique power system
The ARCC system is unlike anything else I’ve tested. Instead of a bulky, integrated battery, it uses a removable Bosch 4Ah powertool battery, which slots neatly into the bike’s front-mounted housing. This design keeps weight low, makes recharging a breeze, and — best of all — means replacements are readily available from most hardware stores. A 6Ah upgrade is available for longer rides, and you can even add a second battery bracket for £125 if you want extra range.
There are trade-offs, of course. The smaller Bosch cells mean a range of around 20 miles per charge, depending on terrain and rider weight. But for most short, flat urban commutes, that’s perfectly adequate. The system is light, convenient, and clever — and because you can carry spare batteries easily, “range anxiety” all but disappears.
Power is delivered via a Bafang front hub motor, which uses both torque and cadence sensors, plus a built-in inclinometer that adjusts assistance based on gradient. There’s even a launch control function that gives you a brief boost when pulling away from traffic lights — activated by holding both brakes and then applying pressure to the pedals. It’s a subtle but satisfying bit of engineering.
Performance and handling
In use, the Rosemont Electric feels poised and confidence-inspiring. The power delivery is gentle but effective, helping you get up to speed without jerky surges. The motor is quiet, and though it’s not the most powerful in its class, it’s perfectly suited to the bike’s urban remit. For gentle commutes and errands, it’s near-perfect.
The Magura MT5 hydraulic brakes are a real highlight. They provide strong, consistent stopping power and lovely modulation through large, ergonomic levers. Combined with the smooth Shimano Alfine 8-speed hub (upgradeable to 11-speed or even a 14-speed Rohloff), the drivetrain feels reliable, tidy, and almost maintenance-free. You can also specify a belt drive setup, which I’d highly recommend for those who prefer a grease-free, long-life system.
Comfort and customisation
ARCC offers a range of customisation options via its online configurator, allowing buyers to tailor everything from gearing to saddles and paint colours. Each bike is hand-assembled and tested in-house, with a five-year frame warranty and three years on the electronics — a strong statement of confidence from a small British builder.
On the road, comfort reigns supreme. The upright position, soft tyres, and swept bars make for one of the most relaxed rides I’ve had this year. It’s not built for off-road or gravel use — this is very much a city bike — but as an everyday commuter or leisure cruiser, it’s a delight.
Verdict
The ARCC Rosemont Electric isn’t trying to compete with mass-produced, high-speed folders or long-range tourers. Instead, it offers something far rarer: a British-made e-bike that prioritises quality, simplicity, and craftsmanship. Yes, it’s pricey, and the range won’t suit everyone, but the design ingenuity and local production values make it something special.
It’s elegant, comfortable, and built to last — a modern classic for those who value substance over flash. In an industry dominated by imports, the Rosemont Electric is proof that the UK can still handcraft an e-bike worth celebrating.
