Abstract The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli amongst community-onset bacteraemia and to evaluate treatment outcomes. From the database of a nationwide surveillance programme for bacteraemia, data from patients with community-onset E. coli bacteraemia were analysed. Patients with ESBL-producing E. coli bacteraemia were compared with those with non-ESBL-producing bacteraemia. The overall proportion of ESBL-producers was 9.5% (82/865) amongst community-onset E. coli bacteraemia cases. Healthcare-associated infection, underlying liver disease and primary bacteraemia were significant independent factors associated with ESBL-producing E. coli bacteraemia ( P < 0.05). There was a trend toward mortality being higher in the ESBL group compared with the non-ESBL group (15.0% vs. 7.6%; P = 0.096). ESBL production was found to be an independent factor associated with mortality after adjusting for confounding variables (odds ratio = 2.99, 95% confidence interval 1.01–8.84; P = 0.048), along with severe sepsis, higher Pitt bacteraemia score, primary bacteraemia, pneumonia and underlying liver disease ( P < 0.05). ESBL-producing E. coli is a significant cause of bacteraemia, even in patients with community-onset infections, predicting higher mortality, particularly in patients with primary bacteraemia, underlying liver disease or healthcare-associated infection.