Bodywel M16 vs Varun City Electric Bike

By the ZapRide editorial team · Updated 2026 · How we test & score

We compare the Bodywel M16 and the Varun City Electric Bike across every dimension that matters - our scores, the key specs, and how each performs on the things you will actually notice day to day.

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At a glance

Bodywel M16Varun City Electric Bike
Our score7.3/108.8/10
Best forEveryday riding and commutingEveryday riding and commuting
Not ideal forRiders wanting a premium-brand bike or shop servicingRiders wanting a premium-brand bike or shop servicing
BrandBodywelVARUN

Motor and Power

Bodywel M16

A 250W motor drives the electric bike, using UK road-legal pedal assist so the bike stays within the 250W EAPC limit. Power delivery is described as smooth and efficient for stable acceleration and daily commuting. The motor supports 5 assist levels, plus a Boost option for extra power when required. The setup is described as responsive for city starts.

Varun City Electric Bike

Equipped with a 250W brushless motor, the VARUN (model S700-1) is designed for UK road-legal pedal assist, with a stated maximum assisted speed of 25 km/h. In the electric bike review, the power delivery is described as smooth, which helps urban riders start and maintain speed without sudden surges. The bike pairs this motor with a 48V 10.4Ah battery, and power output is managed across 4 riding modes, including pedal assist and cruise control. For varun electric bike review readers, the practical limitation is that assistance is capped by design.

Battery and Range

Bodywel M16

In everyday riding, the Bodywel uses a removable 13.5Ah battery that is designed to be lockable for added convenience when the bike is parked. The stated range is up to 50 miles, which equates to an up to 30 - 50km per charge figure. For trip planning, it is practical to assume performance varies with rider weight, terrain and chosen assist level, because the battery capacity is fixed. The battery can be taken indoors for charging.

Varun City Electric Bike

With a 48V 10.4Ah battery, the VARUN (S700-1) uses a removable semi-integrated pack that can be charged either on or off the bike. This is intended to make indoor charging easier and allow more flexible charging routines. The manufacturer lists a 4 to 6 hour charging time and a stated range of 50 to 100 km per full charge. Real-world distance can vary with rider weight, assist use and weather, so planning for the lower end is sensible. Anyone checking The electric bike price should compare range expectations.

Ride, Gears and Hills

Bodywel M16

When riding the electric bike, the bike's 5-level pedal assist system with an added Boost option helps shape how hard it feels on different roads. On mixed streets, gentle lanes and light trails, the rider can match assistance to the terrain instead of relying on full power all the time. On climbs, higher assistance reduces effort more quickly, while lower levels encourage steadier pedalling, which can make control easier. On flat routes, a mid setting can help maintain cadence, with Boost available for short steep pitches. Compared with bodywel M16 versus typical city e-bikes, acceleration is described as smooth.

Varun City Electric Bike

When tackling mixed routes, the VARUN City Electric Bike (S700-1) is set up for everyday riding, whether it is flat commuting or rolling hills. It uses 7-speed gears, so riders can move up for faster flat stretches and drop down when the road steepens. In the VARUN, the 250W motor supports up to 25 km/h, and the 7-speed setup helps keep pedalling comfortable as the gradient changes. With 4 riding modes, riders can switch between pedal assist and cruise control for long climbs, although battery demand may rise. Overall, The electric bike pros and cons depend on cadence management.

Brakes and Safety

Bodywel M16

With road safety in mind, the Bodywel M16 uses disc brakes for stopping power, which can help in wet or gritty conditions because pads can grip the rotor more reliably than many rim setups. A rider should test the brakes on safe roads and avoid sudden stops when traction drops, as fat tyres may still slide. The Bodywel pros and cons include not stated pad type and not stated maintenance needs. As forare electric bikes legal uk, the stated 250W limit supports road use on pedal assist, but braking does not affect compliance.

Varun City Electric Bike

Braking confidence matters most in city traffic, and the VARUN (S700-1) uses a front and rear disc brake system, backed up by front fork suspension. This e-bike review notes disc brakes that can help in wet conditions, while the fork shock absorber reduces harsh impacts over uneven roads, supporting more controlled handling. To check braking performance, start at a low speed, apply both brakes smoothly, and practise full stops. For UK compliance, buyers also consider electric bike legality in the UK, since the bike's 250W 25km/h limit matches EAPC limits.

Build and Frame

Bodywel M16

The electric bike's M16 is built for everyday riding with a full-suspension layout designed to smooth out bumps. The frame uses a dual shock absorption system, including rear suspension and a front fork, to reduce vibration on rough roads. It features a compact stance with 16-inch wheels and 16-inch by 4-inch fat tyres to improve stability and grip. Disc brakes are fitted to support consistent stopping. Overall, it is positioned as a best electric mountain bike option for mixed city and light trail use.

Varun City Electric Bike

The electric bike (S700-1) uses a commuter-friendly frame layout with a semi-integrated 48V 10.4Ah battery design that sits neatly into the frame, which can help with day-to-day security and keep the bike's lines relatively clean. This affects storage and visibility of components. The battery is removable and can be charged either on or off the bike, with a stated 4 to 6 hour charging window. The build also includes a front suspension fork and disc braking mounts, so the frame is intended to handle routine stop-and-go loads.

Folding and Portability

Bodywel M16

Folding and portability matter most for the Bodywel, because a smaller, easier-to-handle bike can make short trips and storage simpler. The M16 uses 16-inch x 4-inch fat tyres, which help stability while still allowing a compact layout compared with full-size bikes. A removable 13.5Ah battery supports easier carrying indoors. The rider can unplug and carry the battery, while the bike stays ready for quick reassembly at home. When checking The electric bike listings, it is often marketed as a folding electric bike.

Varun City Electric Bike

Since the S700-1's semi-integrated 48V 10.4Ah battery is built into the frame, portability mainly comes down to how easily the rider can manoeuvre the bike once it is off-road. At about 26 kilograms, lifting it takes effort, and frequent stairs may feel tiring. The text does not mention any folding mechanism, so storage is limited to upright or wheeled spaces. The removable battery can be charged on or off the bike, which helps if power points are nearby. Buyers comparing This electric bike best price UK options and The VARUN listings should plan for non-folding handling.

Who Is This Electric Bike For?

Bodywel M16

Who is the Bodywel electric bike for? It suits adults looking for a compact, fold-friendly ride with stability on rough city roads, supported by 16-inch x 4-inch fat tyres and front and rear suspension. It is designed for UK road use within the 250W EAPC limit, using a 250W motor with 5-level assist. A removable 13.5Ah battery makes commuting simpler for riders planning up to around 30-50km per charge, depending on use. It also fits practical needs for light trail traction and comfort.

Varun City Electric Bike

Who is the VARUN City Electric Bike best suited for? This electric bike for adults is designed for riders who want a UK road-legal pedal assist e-bike with assistance up to 25 km/h for commuting and everyday errands. The 250 W motor, front fork suspension, dual disc brakes and rear rack suit daily travel, particularly on uneven or wet roads. The 48 V 10.4 Ah removable battery is stated to provide a 50 to 100 km range, making it suitable for longer rides, while the 7-speed gearing helps manage hills.

Bodywel M16: pros

  • 250W motor
  • Range up to 50 miles
  • Removable-style 48V 13.5Ah battery
  • Disc brakes

Cons

  • Heavier than a non-assisted bike, so lifting and storage need thought

Varun City Electric Bike: pros

  • 250W motor
  • Range up to 100 miles
  • Removable-style 48V 10.4Ah battery
  • Disc brakes
  • 7-speed gears

Cons

  • Heavier than a non-assisted bike, so lifting and storage need thought

Our verdict

Our pick is the Varun City Electric Bike (our score 8.8/10) - A practical electric bike with 250W motor and range up to 100 miles, best matched to your terrain and how far you ride. The Bodywel M16 is still worth it if it is cheaper when you check, or if it better matches your specific needs.