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Top 12 Essential Electric Bike Gear And Accessories

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Electric bike riders are always looking for ways to make their ride safer, more comfortable, and more efficient. And, quite frankly, there are more safety gear and helpful items that can be added to an electric bicycle than you might think.

You need a helmet for safety, a bag to carry your items in, and even lights to keep you visible on the road at night. But what other things do electric bike riders need?

I’ve compiled recommended gear and accessories for electric bike owners, both from my own experience and from researching products and reading reviews.

First, I’ll show you the seven accessories or gear you absolutely need to ride safely and enjoy a stress-free day on your e-bike. And I’ll show you the best, most highly rated options I’ve found for each on Amazon.

Then I’ll point out other affordable accessories to use to make e-biking more comfortable and convenient.

*I may earn commissions as an Amazon affiliate if you click on links on this page.

1. E-Bike Helmets

Woman sitting on Ride1Up Turris electric bike
Wearing a helmet is the most essential gear you need to ride safely on an electric bike!

Always wear a helmet while you ride any bike, but especially an electric bike. Why?! You’re riding faster than you ever would on a regular bike! And most likely much farther distances when you ride. So, your chances of getting into an accident increase.

Find out here if you need a special helmet to ride e-bikes!

But, in my book, any chance of head injury is too much.

Just because you’re an adult and not legally required to wear one doesn’t mean your head is any less susceptible to injury than a child’s.

I’ve seen so many adults without helmets carrying children (wearing helmets) on the back of their bikes… as if their lives aren’t as valuable as their child’s! Your children need you!

All bike helmets are required to meet certain safety standards, so paying more for one than the other doesn’t always make sense. However, a helmet with a MIPS safety design is totally worth paying for.

A helmet with a Multi-Directional Impact Protection System (MIPS) protects your brain from serious injury better by adding a liner inside that moves in a similar way as your brain. It’s meant to reduce stress caused by rotation upon impact.

So, although you’ll pay maybe twice as much as for a cheap helmet, protecting yourself from brain damage is totally worth it! Right?!

Here are a few options that are MIPS, highly rated by customers, and let you choose your color and size!

2. Rear-View Mirror

Hanfy rear-view mirror attaches to your e-bike's handlebar and makes it easier to see cars and other bicyclists to the side and behind you.
A rearview mirror is one of the most important e-bike safety accessories! It helps me stay out of the way of faster riders and even faster cars!

A carefully placed mirror makes riding on busy streets so much easier. You won’t need to whip your head all the way around to see if you should move further into the right lane. However, you should always glance over your shoulder after checking your mirror for cars or other bikes before moving out into the road or turning.

This was the very first accessory my husband and I bought for our e-bikes. You’ll immediately feel more comfortable riding when you can easily glance to see who’s coming up behind you.

We use the Hanfy mirror below… it’s easy to swivel and adjust, easy to attach, and has a reflector on the back (never hurts to have one more way to get seen). Plus, you can put it on either side of your bike. Some people prefer having one on each side.

You can also check out the 2-pack of mirrors. I’d just recommend getting mirrors with long, adjustable stems so that your body doesn’t get in the way of your view!

3. Water Storage

You’ll likely go much further on an e-bike than on a standard bike. So, don’t think you can ride without water, especially if you’re in a hot or dry location.

This is a simple and inexpensive add-on that makes it easy to hop on your e-bike and ride without carrying an entire backpack just for water. Pick out one that looks good with your bike: Maybe it’s sporty or maybe you want a bottle holder that blends in with your sleek style bike.

And look closely at your options because some of the holders actually come with a water bottle.

4. Headlight

Turris ebike headlight
The Ride1Up Turris comes with its own headlight!

If your e-bike doesn’t come with a headlight, make sure to add one. This light will keep you visible to cars and people, even when it’s light outside. Pay attention to what you’re looking for though… you’ll need a light that attaches to your bike’s electrical system so that it works whenever you need it.

I found this really cool 4 in 1 e-bike headlight that’s way more useful than most. It’s a headlight, horn, and waterproof phone holder. Further, the headlights detach so you can use them as flashlights or to light up your camping tent.

Or check out the headlight AND rear-light combo (if you need one, you probably need them both):

5. Rear Light

Aventon Pace Rear Brake Lights
Some electric bikes, like the Aventon Pace 500.3, include brake lights with turn signals to let cars and other cyclists know where you are headed.

Most bikes come with a rear reflector at the least. But having an actual light, that’s easily powered by your electric battery, is much better. So, if you already have a headlight, just make sure to add a rear light. You can get one a little cheaper than the one I list here, but you should read the reviews before deciding if saving a few dollars is worth it!

6. Bike Locks

If you plan on walking away from your electric bike even for a few seconds… you should lock it up! You might even want to use 2 or more locks. After all, your electric bike was a large investment!

But there are some types of bike locks better than others… the ones that can’t be easily cut from your bike for starters. So, get a heavy-duty U lock and/or a chain link lock.

The best U-Locks are the ones that come with a cable as well. Use the U lock to attach the frame of your bike to a secure post while using the cable to wrap through your tire. Like this one:

The highest security locks are going to be a little more expensive. But you can still get a chain lock for a reasonable price as seen below.

I’ve also discovered the “Foldylock”. It’s lightweight and folds up small but it’s reportedly heavy-duty! I haven’t tried it yet myself but it has excellent ratings and looks unbelievable. Just read the details and reviews to see what you’re getting!

7. Flat Tire Repair Kit

Get a kit to repair a tire and take it with you wherever you go. It won’t be easy (in fact, it’ll be really hard) to push your heavy e-bike back home or to a bike shop. And really disappointing if your fun day out gets interrupted.

You can get a special tube sealant, but you’ll have to determine where the air is leaking in the tire. However, since this isn’t always guaranteed to fix the leak, I recommend getting a backup tire tube that fits your ebike. This should be in addition to a complete tire repair kit that includes a portable tire pump, tire repair tool kit, and repair patches like these highly rated ones:

You might also like these accessories to add comfort and convenience to every ride:

8. Cargo Rack

Rad City 5 Plus City Electric Bike with cargo rack
The Rad City 5 Plus Commuter Electric Bike comes with an integrated cargo rack that holds up to 59.5 lbs!

You can put a bike rack (also called a cargo rack) on the back of your e-bike and carry a picnic basket, groceries, or supplies. A rack makes it easy… and you don’t have to carry a pack on your back that swings all over the place, throwing you off balance as you ride.

Check the size and specifications to make sure it’ll fit on your electric bike. Most universal bike racks will fit on any bike, but since e-bikes tend to have larger frames, there’s always a chance it won’t fit.

I’m pointing out this next rear rack because it claims to have a high payload capacity (and it received high ratings)!

9. Storage Bag (Pannier)

If you have a rack, you’ll probably want a pannier bag for it. You can still attach a bag to your e-bike if you don’t use a cargo rack.

The first cargo rack bag I discovered is pretty massive and should be able to carry everything you need, whether it’s overnight camping gear or an awesome picnic spread and a 6-pack. Then there’s a really cool saddle bag that allows you to hang it off to the side and STILL carry more cargo on your rack!

The last type of bag is a smaller bag that you can attach under the seat of your bike (there are also bags you can attach to the mainframe or handlebars).

Every rider needs a bike accessory bag at some point. Watch this video to see how this bag helped me on my daily ride!

10. Non-Slip Bike Gloves

If you’re like me, you might totally underestimate how cold it can be riding an e-bike, even when you’d be warm if you were walking. The wind is hitting you fast and going downhill can make you feel like a popsicle.

So, cycling gloves became an essential item for me during the California “winter”, even though I probably didn’t ride my bike when it was less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Consider grabbing some non-slip gloves that you can easily fit in a pocket or your cargo bag so that you have them when you realize your fingers have suddenly frozen solid. These don’t have to be gloves made specifically for cycling as long as your grip won’t slip. another option is to wear driving gloves that are also made non-slip.

11. Full Coverage Glasses

And here’s another thing no one tells you when you buy your first e-bike... the wind will dry out your eyes and possibly blow debris into them, especially considering how fast you could be riding.

You can get official cycling glasses, but most of us really just need something that covers our eyes, protects from the sun, and stays secure on the face and head.

Oh, and they need to look good! Here are a few cool, sporty options:

Woman with ridng glasses on fat tire electric bike
Riding glasses are essential to keep the wind, sun, and debris out of your eyes, especially when riding the fast Aventon Aventure 2 Electric Fat Bike!

12. Padded Bike Pants

Cycling gear doesn’t always have to refer to what others can see. Your comfort is the most important concern because you want to ride far and often. Of course, you can go for the typical bike shorts… and even wear them under your clothes if you want.

But, ladies, in researching the different gear and fun accessories for e-biking, I discovered something I didn’t know existed: Women’s Cycling Underwear!

They’re not shorts… they’re just like underwear! No tight shorts grabbing at your leg! And, guys, you get to check out the brief-style men’s underwear (although they’re still pretty much like shorts). Take a look:

Find more of the best women’s padded bike shorts here!

Enjoy Your New Electric Bike Gear and Accessories!

Getting the right gear for riding is essential if you want to be comfortable and efficient, as well as get the maximum joy out of your e-bike. All of these products shown here are rated 4 stars or higher and they include everything you need to get started – and more!

All of the products on this page are rated over 4 stars and they’re some of the products I use or have researched to find the best for you. Building an e-bike accessory arsenal can take time, but I hope this helps you get started. Grab one (or a few) items from Amazon and ride safe!

Advantages and Disadvantages of Folding E-Bikes: Should You Buy?

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Woman standing next to Sea Turquoise E-Bike Color

Do you really need a folding electric bike? Or will it just be an extra hassle you don’t need?

Having a folding e-bike myself, I’ve learned there are things you should know before you buy one. There are many reasons for and against owning a foldable electric bike.

First and foremost, you should only buy a foldable e-bike if you can manage its weight and size easily enough to fold it up. Once you are certain you’re capable of handling it, consider all of the advantages and disadvantages of a folding electric bike before deciding to buy one.

In this article, I’ve compiled a list of the advantages and disadvantages of a folding electric bike. I’ll help you weigh one against the other so you can decide once and for all if you should buy a folding e-bike. And, I’ll also show you what to look for in a folding e-bike that’ll help you work around any potential disadvantages.

Check out the affordable options of the best folding e-bikes in the chart later in this article!

What Are the Pros and Cons of a Folding E-Bike?

You’ve likely seen the small and inexpensive conventional bikes that easily fold up and pop into your car or can be carried up a flight of stairs, sometimes with one hand.

But, the truth is that folding electric bikes are quite different from regular foldable bikes due to the added electric motor, battery pack, and controller, not to mention additional wires.

Thus, electric folding bikes have certain advantages and disadvantages as compared to regular folding bikes.

But there are also pros and cons of folding e-bikes that must be considered when comparing them against non-folding electric bikes (compare the Lectric XP with the Rad Expand here).

Take a look at the two lists below to find out exactly what you need to know before you buy a folding e-bike.

Advantages of Buying a Folding E-Bike (Pros)

  • Easy to Take With You: When folded, they fit into most cars and can even be put in your RV’s storage compartment
  • Easy to Take on Public Transportation: Take a foldable electric bike with you on trains or buses just by folding it up and carrying it on
  • Saves Space: Takes up less space in storage at home or work
  • Goes Fast: You’ll get the amazing speed and range of an electric bike (plus the added benefits of a folding e-bike)
  • Many Have a Long Range: You can go super far thanks to a powerful lithium-ion battery included on many models
  • You’ll Save a Ton of Money: Riding a foldable electric bike is far less expensive than driving a car… save on gas, car maintenance, and repair by commuting to work or school on a foldable electric bike
  • Less Risk of Theft: You can take your folding e-bike with you so that it’s not easy to steal (you don’t have to leave it unattended like you would with a non-folding e-bike)
  • Has All The Best Features of an Electric Bike: You don’t have to sacrifice anything if you choose a folding e-bike over a non-folding one
Sunset-colored electric bike in the forest
The Heybike Horizon Electric Bike is easy to store, powerful, and fast!

Disadvantages of a Buying Folding E-Bike (Cons)

  • Heavier than Traditional Bikes (non-motorized): Electric bikes can weigh as much as 70 lbs or more and folding e-bikes are no exception (my Aventon Sinch 2 weighs 68 lbs!)
  • Folding Locking Latch: You’ll need to make sure the latch is locked tight when you open your foldable electric bike to ride it
  • May Break More Easily: If you buy a cheap folding e-bike, it’ll likely break sooner, especially if you are opening and closing it regularly
  • Can Cost More: Including the folding feature on an electric bike can increase the manufacturer’s cost, which will be passed on to you
  • May Be Slower: As an electric bike, this is only a concern if it has super small wheels (especially 12″-16″ wheels)
  • Ride Can Be Bumpier: Once again, those smaller wheels will make your ride a little bumpier and not as smooth
  • Electric Wires Can Get in the Way: When folding up and/or storing folding electric bikes, all those added wires can get snagged
  • Might seem too small for tall bike riders (here are the 6 best e-bikes for tall guys and gals)

Check out the advantages and disadvantages of fat tire e-bikes
… and yes, some of them fold!

Heybike Tyson Electric Bike
HeyBike Tyson Foldable e-bike has a sturdy one-piece frame.

What Should I Look for in a Folding Electric Bike?

Now that you have an idea of the advantages and disadvantages of buying a folding electric bike, you need to know what to look for to avoid those disadvantages.

You can get the best folding e-bike for your needs by taking a look at these 14 things to consider:

  1. Wheel Size
  2. Tire Width
  3. Type of Electric Bike
  4. Electric Motor Power
  5. Battery Range
  6. Brakes
  7. Folding Mechanism
  8. Frame
  9. Gears
  10. Throttle vs Pedal Assist
  11. Fit
  12. Weight
  13. Quality
  14. Price

1. Wheel Size

Wheel size is the number one thing that makes a good folding e-bike. This is because most foldable e-bikes generally require smaller tires so that they can fold up properly. However, there are some drawbacks to getting one with super small tires, including a rougher and slower ride.

You can find ones with 12″ wheels, but I’d suggest avoiding them unless you’re going a short distance, such as riding around a college campus. 16″ wheels are better but will still limit your speed and range.

You can overcome this disadvantage by choosing the most common folding e-bike wheel size of 20″. Any larger and you’ll lose the ease of portability.

Twenty-inch wheels will typically meet all of your needs while avoiding the disadvantages of smaller wheels. They’re pretty standard on most electric bikes and offer a wide range of tire widths, from road tires (around 1.75″-2.6″) to fat tires (4.0″).

So, you won’t have to give up riding on the type of tire you want to just because you have a foldable bike.

2. Tire Width

Choose the tire width based on the type of riding you want to do.

On a 20″ wheel, you can get narrower tires if you just want to ride on paved roads (I’d still recommend 2.3″+ for a heavy e-bike frame), 4″ fat tires if you intend to be riding through rain, mud, or snow, or even something in between if you want to ride on the road and on dirt trails (perhaps 3″-3.3″ wide tire).

If you choose a wheel size smaller than 20″, you may be giving up some of the flexibility of choosing tire width.

Find out more about tire size and how to choose the best tire for you!

Folding electric bike in the back of a car
The Aventon Sinch 2 4-inch fat tire ebike folds and fits in the back of the car!

3. Type of Electric Bike

What is your primary reason for purchasing a folding electric bike? Is it for commuting? For exercise? For recreation?

Do you need to ride with a child seat on the back, carry cargo, or even bring along your dog for the ride?

You can find a folding e-bike that fits your purpose. Most electric bikes, even if they’re not labeled as cargo bikes, can come with a rear rack capable of holding 50 lbs or more (make sure to compare to the weight of your cargo).

If you want to ride only on paved bike paths, or concrete, you can get a road e-bike with narrow tires. But if you want to be able to ride on dirt paths, then you’ll want to get a hybrid e-bike or electric mountain bike with wider tires.

4. Electric Motor Power

Folding e-bikes primarily use a front or rear hub motor because they’re small and stay out of the way of folding it up. This is just fine as you’ll find there’s plenty of power to be had.

In the USA, you can buy an e-bike with 250W-750W of power pretty easily thanks to many states following the three-tiered e-bike classification system. However, some countries won’t allow any greater power than 250W motors, so be sure to check before you buy.

Despite the amount of wattage, most motors will legally cut off at 20 mph (Class 1 or 2) or 28 mph (Class 3). But some e-bikes, especially smaller ones, will only reach speeds up to 15.5 mph. This can be a disadvantage if you intend to ride a lot or get where you’re going quickly.

So, to make sure you have enough power, I’d typically recommend buying a folding e-bike that has a 500W or higher electric motor that can reach 20 mph. You’ll have so many bikes to choose from. And you can always go slower when it’s appropriate.

Foldable E-Bike in Back of Car
A folding electric bike with a 750W motor saves space and fits in the car!

5. Battery Range

One of the disadvantages of some foldable e-bikes is that they have smaller batteries. Thus, they can’t go as far on a single charge as other batteries. If you’re only looking at the very cheapest folding e-bikes, you will likely end up with a less powerful battery.

You can avoid this by checking out the battery voltage (V) and capacity (Ah) of the battery before you buy. Since VxAh= Wh (Watt Hours), all you really need to know is the total Watt-hours (Wh) from the bicycle manufacturers or brands.

But if you have trouble finding this number, just know that a 48-volt battery is more powerful than a 36-volt battery, and so on. Additionally, the higher the Ah, the greater the battery capacity, and thus the larger the range. This means that you can go farther on a single battery charge.

Most USA e-bike brands tell you how many miles you can go on each of their e-bike models, so you shouldn’t need to figure it out yourself.

6. Brakes

Good quality electric bikes will have good quality brakes and brake pads like Shimano or Tektro. So, if you want to be sure to stop your e-bike, foldable or not, make sure it has mechanical or hydraulic disc brakes.

Don’t assume that because it’s a folding e-bike you don’t need powerful brakes, especially since it might be just as heavy as an electric bicycle.

7. Folding Mechanism

As this is what makes an electric bike fold and open securely, make sure there have not been any complaints about the folding latch on the model you intend to buy. As mentioned above, if this isn’t strong or doesn’t work correctly, you’ll have a greater chance of your bike breaking, a definite disadvantage to buying a folding e-bike.

Also, understand what kind of folding mechanism you’re getting and how it works.

The most common type is the split-fold mechanism. This typically uses a strong hinge in the frame’s center that releases for an easy one-way fold.

Another type is a triangular hinge. This is a little more complicated but allows you to compactly fold your e-bike for storage or hopping on and off trains or buses.

HeyBike Tyson Foldable e-bike
The HeyBike Tyson fat tire e-bike folds up tight.

8. Frame

Most electric bike frames are made of aluminum, as this is the most cost-effective and affordable. However, you can get folding e-bikes with a titanium or carbon fiber frame as well, but you will pay quite a bit more for these lighter frames.

So, if you see a huge difference in e-bike prices for what appears to be a similar model, check the type of frame. Then you’ll have to decide whether the more expensive frame is worth the difference in cost. And as e-bikes are already heavy, it might just be worth it.

9. Gears

The question is… do you need to use gears if you already have electric assistance?

Well, the advantage of having gears is that you’ll have an even wider range of pedaling options. If you lower the gear shift and increase your pedal assist level, you’ll have more opportunities for speed. You’ll also make it easier (or harder) to pedal, which means you’ll have greater control over how you ride.

10. Throttle vs Pedal Assist

Naturally, you’re thinking of buying an electric bike because of its electric power. But, exactly what kind of power do you need most? Will you need a throttle or just pedal assist?

The benefits of a throttle (in addition to pedal assist) include:

  • Getting a burst of speed at any moment
  • Propelling you up a steep hill without too much effort
  • Providing full electric power without pedaling when you’re too tired (or if you don’t love to exercise)

Personally, I use my throttle frequently to get myself out of the way of oncoming traffic or to get my e-bike started up a hill. So I think it’s essential to have if you’ll be riding in traffic or up steep hills!

11. Fit

Because electric folding bikes typically sit closer to the ground with their smaller wheels, it might not seem the right fit for a tall person. But you can find the right fit if your e-bike has adjustable handlebars or a stem that can be lengthened or replaced with a taller one.

On the other side, folding e-bikes with smaller wheels can improve the fit for smaller riders, especially ones that have a step-thru frame.

Black RadMini Folding E-Bike
Folding RadExpand Electric Bike from Rad Power Bikes

12. Weight

So you know by now that e-bikes are heavy, and that folding ones generally aren’t an exception. But the difference with a folding e-bike is that you actually need to be able to manage the weight in order to fold it up and lift it, whether it’s into a car or up a flight of stairs to your apartment.

This is the biggest disadvantage of a folding e-bike!

With the exception of the smallest ones (which most adult riders wouldn’t want), folding e-bikes typically weigh from

50lbs-75lbs. This is no lightweight bike!

But you can overcome this disadvantage in two ways:

  1. You’ll need to be able to fold and lift by yourself (without getting hurt) or
  2. You’ll need to have a partner to help. My husband and I help each other fold and lift our nearly 70 lb folding electric bikes to assure that neither of us gets injured.
Woman standing next to white step-thru Lectric e-bike
Riding My 63 pound Lectric XP 3.0

13. Quality of Electric Components

The quality of the electronics and other components on any e-bike is obviously important, but even more so on a foldable e-bike. This is because these parts need to be able to withstand a little more contact from folding and unfolding the bike.

Every time you fold it, you run the risk of breaking parts and damaging electrical wires. But you can overcome this issue by learning how to correctly fold your e-bike (follow your manufacturer’s directions) and getting help from another person when you do so.

Will you pay more for better-quality parts? Generally speaking… you bet!

14. Price of Folding E-Bikes

Although adding a bike frame folding feature can increase the cost, thankfully, there is a good amount of competition that has helped folding e-bikes stay affordable.

You can get a cheap foldable e-bike for around $400 and a premium quality one for close $4000. However, average prices for electric folding bikes of good quality hover around $1500.

Woman riding Mars 2 Electric Bike
Ride to fun destinations on the Mars 2 Electric Bike! It only costs around $1000!

Best Foldable Electric Bikes for Adults

When buying the best folding electric bikes, you should be willing to spend $999-$1800. The best ones have great to excellent customer reviews and the brands of each model should provide details about all of the things you should look for in a folding e-bike (as listed above).

Here are 5 of the best folding e-bikes that you can buy for adults (that meet the above criteria):

Folding E-Bike ModelWeightTiresBattery Range (miles)MotorCost
Lectric XP Step-Thru64lbs20″ x 3″Up to 45+500W$999
Rad Power Bikes RadExpand Step-Thru64lbs20″ x 3″Up to 45+750W$1499
Blix Vika+ Flex50lbs20″ x 2.4″Up to 45500W$1799
Aventon Sinch Step-Thru Fat Tire 68lbs20″ x 4″40+500W$1799
HeyBike Mars Foldable (on Amazon)66lbs20″ x 4″Up to 21 miles500W$1099

Generally, sticking to this price range will get you an awesome e-bike that folds and has enough power and range to get you where you need to go. Plus, you’ll typically get a throttle (all of the foldable e-bikes in the chart have one), disc brakes, gears, and an LCD display. Check each model for additional features that make the price worthwhile.

Wrapping Up: Should You Buy a Folding E-Bike?

So, why should you buy a folding e-bike? And will it be worth it?

If you’re looking for convenience, then a folding e-bike is right for you. Not only can you fold it, carry it, and easily store it, you can take it with you pretty much anywhere you go. You don’t need an expensive car bike rack or trailer to haul it.

Plus, there are many affordable options that are high-quality and can be ridden just like any other e-bike, without giving up a smooth ride or other essential features.

Although there are some potential disadvantages of a foldable electric bike, the advantages typically outweigh them, as you can see from the pros and cons listed in this article.

Helpful Reading:

Can You Put a Child Seat on an Electric Bike? (Explained)

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A family riding bikes together with helmets on

Now that parents and grandparents are discovering the ease of riding an electric bike, it’s not surprising that they want to bring a child or grandchild along who is too young to ride a bike.

Thankfully, there are ways of putting a child on an e-bike so that no one misses out!

In general, putting a child’s seat on an electric bike is something most parents and grandparents can do easily. Most seats can hold kids up to 50 lbs (typically ages 1-4). However, some can handle children up to 75 lbs. Babies under six months of age should not ride on an e-bike at all.

However, to use a child seat safely requires understanding the precautions you need to take on an electric bike, as well as the age of the child. Although some of these concerns are the same as for a traditional bike, e-bikes add another layer of concern, which I discuss below.

Continue reading to check out the child seat comparison chart below. Child seats were chosen based on my research and customer ratings of each. It’ll help you choose what type of child seat you need for your child given their age and ability, as well as safety and other concerns.

Is It Safe to Carry a Child On an Electric Bike?

It’s generally safe to ride with a child on an e-bike as long as you take certain precautions. Although some of the concerns are the same as when riding a regular bicycle, there are additional ones to consider when riding on an e-bike with a child in a child seat. These include:

  • The added weight of an electric bike
  • The ability to go much faster than on a regular bike
  • Keeping all electrical components away from your child
  • Greater loss of battery charge due to added weight
  • Protecting your child from weather and wind (due to longer rides and faster speeds)

Since electric bikes generally weigh more, it’s extra important to practice getting on and off the bike with a fake “load” before putting a child on it. That’ll help you get a feel for how to balance on your bike. Losing balance could mean having the e-bike fall over, putting your child at risk for injury when they fall up to 3 feet to the ground.

Further, never leave the child unattended on the electric bike, even if strapped into the child’s seat. If they shift seat positions or try to get off, they could topple the bike.

Have a system for getting the child on the e-bike, especially since it’s likely heavier than a standard bike. this might include having someone hold the bike while you put the child in the seat (and take them off). Or you can use a double-sided kickstand to balance the bike.

Make sure your child is strapped in tightly using the harness system that comes with the bike seat, even if you think they’re old enough to stay in the seat. A dog could pique their interest or they could fall asleep, thus shifting their weight to one side and causing them to fall off. And, on an e-bike, you don’t want them to be able to reach any electrical parts.

Finally, it’s easy to get carried away on an electric bike and end up riding for hours. This could be a problem if your battery loses its charge (which may happen more quickly due to the added weight of a child and the child seat).

Also, don’t forget that any age kid is exposed to the sun and weather. The wind at higher speeds can be brutal! Make sure to apply and reapply sunscreen as well as dress them for the weather (layering is always a good idea).

Are electric bikes safe for you and your kids? Learn more…

White Step-Thru Lectric XP 3.0
The Lectric XP 3.0 is one model that can carry a child seat on the rear rack.

Can You Put a Baby on an Electric Bike?

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), it’s not recommended to put a baby in a child seat on any bike if they’re under 1 year of age or weigh less than 40 lbs. Babies must be able to sit up on their own, unsupported, and have the strength in their necks to hold up their heads independently.

Once they can do so, they can wear a lightweight helmet and securely ride in a rear-mounted seat or a child trailer. To be secure, child seats should have a sturdy harness that goes over the shoulders and a high back to fully support the baby.

Not surprisingly, the Academy also states that only an adult should carry a baby on their bike (don’t let your teenage rider do it). And, I’ll add that you should always make sure their eyes and faces are protected from the sun and wind, that you ride slowly, and that you avoid busy streets!

You should also follow this advice if you will carry a toddler on a bike. A toddler might not be able to tell you what they need or whether they’re uncomfortable.

A family riding bikes together with small children in child seats that attach to bike

What Kind of Child Seat Do I Need for an E-Bike?

First of all, deciding what kind of seat you need depends on the bike. With the increasing popularity of e-bikes, there are many models to choose from that carry a child. Typically, cargo e-bikes already have a rear rack to attach a child seat.

If you haven’t already purchased an e-bike, buying a cargo (or sometimes called “urban”) model that’s already fully equipped to add on a seat is a simple solution.

However, you can also add a rack to your current e-bike which allows a child’s seat to be added. Because e-bikes generally have stronger frames than standard bikes, there’s a good chance that adding the weight of the seat plus your kid’s weight won’t be a problem.

But you should check with the manufacturer first to make sure your model can safely handle a rack and a child’s seat.

Most child seats are attached to the rear of an e-bike, while a few are mounted on the front. Although this is similar to any bike, the placement of the child seat on an electric bike may be further determined by the location of the battery and other electronics.

When buying a child seat to put on your e-bike, you’ll primarily be looking at two options, the rear seat (most common) and a front seat (less common).

Rear Child Seats

These are the most common types of bike seats for small kids and toddlers. This is because they fit on most e-bikes and are better at accommodating your child’s size and weight than a front-mounted seat.

Further, there are so many electric bikes that come with a rear rack ready to attach a child seat. In fact, if you’re buying a new cargo bike, the same company likely has a seat that works perfectly with your model.

Looking for a new e-bike to hold a child seat? Here are the best e-bike companies in the USA.

little girl riding in rear bike seat
A child riding in a rear bike seat

When purchasing a rear child seat you should look for

  • a high back that supports the head
  • cushioning around the neck and head
  • washable, padded lining
  • a 3 or 5-point harness with a childproof safety buckle
  • a reclining backrest for napping (and then you get a longer ride!)
  • adjustable footrests
  • ventilation throughout the seat
  • one that leaves space for additional cargo on the back, if possible

Front Mounted Child Seat

Although this option is far less common than a rear seat, some parents really like it. For one, it keeps your small child close to you, allowing more interaction. You can easily talk to your child about what you see and check on them to make sure they’re comfortable… without turning around or yelling. Your child may also be happier being close to you.

A front seat is also a bit smaller and lighter, which can be a benefit while riding and traveling.

Toddler riding in front bike seat with mom.
A child riding in a front bike seat

However, there are some downsides to a front seat, which is why this option is less popular:

  • you might not have this as an option if the location of the battery or other electronic parts interferes with the seat’s attachment. So consider this before buying a new e-bike if you’ll want to use a front seat.
  • it may only be useful up to 35 lbs (and remember, the AAP doesn’t even recommend putting your child in a seat until one year of age or 40 lbs).
  • you should be a strong rider and comfortable carrying your child upfront… there’s a greater tip-over risk and a head-on crash would clearly be more dangerous
  • it may be harder to steer with the child in front
  • your knees may hit the seat as you ride
  • more difficult to put on due to 3 different possible mounting locations: Frame, seat post, handlebars

Additional Options to Take a Child With You When You Ride Your E-Bike

Trailer– Many parents and grandparents opt for a trailer that attaches to the rear of an e-bike. A trailer is great for kids ages 1 to 6 and up to 40 lbs, although you can also get a double trailer, and some convert into strollers.

This is a comfortable way to ride but has its downfalls. Because the kids sit low to the ground and behind you, it’ll be harder to have a conversation. Also, they’re closer to car exhaust and aren’t as visible, so I wouldn’t recommend using these in traffic. But, they are popular on bike paths!

Trailer bike– A trailer bike will attach to the bike’s seat post or a rear rack. This can be a good option for a child who wants more independence and to be on a “big kid’s” bike. A child will be able to pedal but still count on you for balance and to control the bike in general.

A good age for allowing a child to ride a trailer bike on a traditional bike may be about 4 years of age. But on an e-bike, I think they should be a bit older and able to handle the sudden changes in speed. Of course, as a parent, it’s your responsibility to make sure you are riding at a slow, even pace that your child can manage. I’d consider turning off the motor entirely.

Their own bike– Of course, if they’re old enough to ride a bike on their own, around 6 and up, then they’ll absolutely love the independence! They’ll be really slow initially, so you won’t get much use for your electric bike while riding with them.

However, when they’re capable of riding a regular bike, you can even consider getting your older teens their own electric bike.

I’ve written a guide for parents to learn more about e-bikes for independent children:

Read the #1 Parents’ Guide to E-Bikes for their Kids!

Best Child Seats for Electric Bikes

The best child seats for an e-bike have a 3 or 5-point harness for safety. All of the models I’ve included here have one PLUS a 4+ Star customer rating.

Child SeatRecommended AgeMax WeightMountingPrice
Thule Yepp Mini9 months-3 yearsup to 33lbsFront$159
Peg Perego OrionMinimum 12 monthsup to 33lbsFront$80
Tyke ToterMinimum 2 yearsup to 45lbsFront$119
Thule Yepp Maxi9 months-6 yearsup to 40lbsRear$250
Hamax CaressMinimum 9 monthsup to 48.5lbsRear$199
Schwinn DeluxeMinimum 12 monthsup to 40lbsRear$130
Top Rated Child Seats

Best Child Helmets

Every child of the recommended age (12 months and up) should wear a safety helmet. It’s usually the law in many places, although why would any parent or grandparent not want to protect their little one’s head?!

Plus, wearing a helmet now will make it a lifelong habit (even when they’re of the age when it’s no longer legally required). You can be a good role model and wear your own helmet, no matter what your age.

I’ve found the best helmets for small children ages 1-3, which are much harder to find than for older kids. These were also the most popular with thousands of 5-star ratings!

HelmetAgePrice
Akaso Adjustable 1 year – 8 years$20
Joovy Noodle Helmet Extra SmallMinimum 1 year$35
Ouwoer Adjustable Bike HelmetMinimum 2 years$38
Schwinn 3D Character Features, Infant-Toddler1 year- 3 years$21

Here’s the Schwinn 3D Characters helmet (many other characters to choose from):

What’s the Best E-Bike for Carrying a Child?

As mentioned above, there are many electric bike models made for carrying kids. They have sturdy rear racks ready to attach a bike seat. And, many manufacturers have recommendations for the type of seat for the e-bike you’re purchasing.

Not sure what type of e-bike you need? Here’s the complete guide!

The best cargo e-bike I’ve found that will easily allow a seat to be added as well as carry your older child on the back is the Rad Power Bikes RadWagon.

Get this… you can carry two (2) kids in child seats on the back! For parents of 2 small children (or fathers/mothers of multiples like myself), this is a game-changer! You can load a bunch of other stuff on the front, back, and sides of the ebike as well. You’ve got to take a look to believe it.

Thankfully, it’s reasonably priced at $1999. With its 350-pound load capacity and ability to put two child seats on it (plus add other cargo), it’s perfect for fun and errands with the family. Plus, it looks really cool (it comes in white or bright orange)!

Black Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 4
Rad Power Bikes RadWagon holds up to 2 child seats on the back!

In Conclusion

Children love riding on bikes, even if they’re not yet able to do the pedaling. And thanks to sturdy e-bikes that allow adding a child seat, tiny tots can participate in the family ride.

It’s great to know that you can safely put child seats on an electric bike. However, just make sure your child is old enough to sit in a bike seat. And make sure you get the right e-bike with the best child seat for your situation.

How Much Does an E-Bike Weigh? (Weight Comparison Charts)

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Blue e-bike

Considering that e-bikes are quite a bit heavier than regular bicycles, knowing the weight of an electric bike is extremely important before buying one. Having an e-bike that’s too heavy for you can decrease the joy and fun of e-bike riding… and might be more than you can handle.

Generally, an electric bike weighs up to 40 lbs more than a regular non-electric bike. Depending on the added weight of the frame, motor, and battery, as well as the type of e-bike, it can weigh between 32-70 lbs (15-32 kg). Most weigh over 50 lbs (23 kg) and some weigh as much as 80 lbs (36 kg).

I’ve put together a chart showing you a comparison of e-bike weight differences among various models and types. You can see how the weights vary, even between the same types.

Ultimate Electric Bike Weight Comparison Chart

E-Bike Brand and ModelType of E-BikeWeight in lbs (kg)
Aventon Soltera.2Commuter46 lbs (20.86 kg)
Aventon Aventure2Fat Tire Adventure73 lbs (33.11 kg)
Rad Power Bikes RadExpandFolding Fat Tire62.5 lbs (28.35 kg)
MAGICYCLE CRUISER All-Terrain Fat TireHybrid76 lbs (34.47 kg)
Ride1Up Roadster V2Road33 lbs (14.97 kg)
Ride1Up TurrisCity/Hybrid55 lbs (24.95 kg)
Ride1Up 700 SeriesCity/Commuter62 lbs (28.12 kg)
Blix Vika+Folding50 lbs (23 kg)
Lectric XP Step-Thru Folding Fat TireFolding Step-Thru64 lbs (29.02 kg)
Charge XCCross-Country Mountain (eMTB)55 lbs (24.95 kg)
RadRunner Plus Utility 20″ X 3.3″ tiresHybrid74.3 lbs (33.70 kg)
Heybike Mars 2.0Folding Fat Tire75 lbs (34.00 kg)
Emojo Wildcat Pro Aluminum Mountain Electric BikeMountain (eMTB)58 lbs (26.30 kg)
See more e-bikes below under Weight Comparison Charts

This chart is a great place to find an electric bike with a reasonable weight for you. But continue reading to find out what else you need to know about how much e-bikes weigh and why it matters (some bikes are better if they weigh more and some are not).

Plus, you’ll find charts of specific types of e-bikes and their weights below (folding, commuter, hybrid, road, etc.). Check out how much each of these electric bikes weighs: a fat tire or folding e-bike, a commuter/city e-bike, an electric road bike, a hybrid, or an electric mountain bike.

Does the Weight of an E-Bike Matter?

How much an e-bike weighs is more important than you might think. The actual weight of an e-bike matters for four primary reasons:

  1. Quality and Performance
  2. Cost
  3. Rider Capability
  4. Weight of Rider

E-Bike Quality and Performance

An e-bike’s weight is largely determined by:

  • The size and material of the bike’s frame itself (approximate weight 30-50 lbs)
  • The type and size of the motor (typically weighs 10-12 lbs)
  • And the battery capacity (typically weighs 10-20 lbs)

These materials and components affect the quality and performance of an electric bike, but not consistently.

For example, the more an e-bike frame weighs, the lower the quality it generally is because it’s made with cheaper metals. However, in general, e-bike frames are thicker and therefore heavier than regular bikes so that they can support the extra weight of the electric components, including the motor, battery, and controller.

The frames also must support wider, heavier tires as a general rule.

Alternatively, heavier motors and batteries are bigger in order to offer greater power and range, as a general rule. A bike with a rear hub motor (built into the rear wheel of a fat tire e-bike) will need to have greater power because of the width of the tire. So, the motor will likely have a higher wattage of 500W to 1000W.

Additionally, having a larger and heavier battery typically offers increased capacity… meaning that it’ll hold its charge longer, allowing you to ride farther and for a longer time period. Greater battery capacity is essential to performance for many.

However, it’s important to note that some manufacturers are making higher-quality batteries in smaller casings. And if you’re willing to spend more money, then you can get a battery that weighs less but has more capacity than larger battery packs. You’ll typically find higher-priced, premium e-bikes with smaller batteries.

Hub motor and battery add a lot of weight to an electric bike
The rear hub motor and battery add a lot of weight to an electric bike

Electric Bike Cost

A heavy e-bike around 70 lbs (32 kg) will typically cost more than an e-bike weighing around 50 lbs (23 kg). The cost of an e-bike is determined by the quality of the materials used to build it.

For instance, if a frame is made from carbon fiber, it’ll be lighter than typical heavy aluminum frames. This lighter material will add to the cost of an electric bike.

And, as mentioned previously, it’ll cost you more to get an electric bike with a smaller but higher-capacity battery.

Virtually every part of a lightweight e-bike will cost more due to the use of higher-quality materials and construction. So if you buy a cheaper electric bike, you can expect it to be on the heavier side overall.

Rider Capability

Another important reason that the weight of an e-bike matters strictly depends on the rider.

Because electric bike frames can be very heavy, they may not suit the person who will be on them or the motive for riding.

They might need to lift it to get it into the car for traveling to bike trails, the bus (for commuters), or for hanging storage. Either way, they need to be easy to manage while riding. Further, a person needs to be able to get on and off easily, jump off for a quick stop, balance the extra weight, grab and hold it if it starts to fall, and maneuver it around corners and in tight spots.

Thus, searching for a lighter (and/or smaller) framed bike might be a top priority for a:

NOTE: Getting an e-bike with a step-thru frame is one way of making it easier to handle. Unfortunately, these frames don’t necessarily weigh less.

Ride1Up 700 step-through frame in blue
The Ride1Up 700 Series Step-Through makes it easy to get on and off!

Weight of Rider

It’s not just the weight of the e-bike that matters. Rider weight will make it easier or harder to ride a heavy e-bike.

On the one hand, if you’re a heavy or obese rider, you’ll need a bike that can hold your weight. Thus you’ll need a heavier frame. And when riding a heavy e-bike frame (and pedaling against your own weight), you, your battery, and your motor will need to work harder to get where you’re going, even with electric pedal assistance.

If this is the case, you can help minimize this problem by getting an e-bike with more motor power… a higher-watt bike of 750W would help.

On the other hand, if you’re a small person or don’t have a lot of strength, you probably won’t slow the e-bike down and battery capacity will remain high because the bike doesn’t have to work so hard. However, if you’re not a strong rider, the heavy e-bike will make it more difficult to get started pedaling, especially on an incline.

I also have a solution for this… get an e-bike with a throttle! It’ll help you get started without pedaling and works well for me (especially since I’m a small person riding in a hilly area).

What Is a Good Weight for an Electric Bike? (Weight Comparison)

There isn’t necessarily a “good” or “bad” weight for an e-bike. Rather, what is a good weight depends on whether you will need to lift it and whether you can manage it safely while riding.

Additionally, it depends on the type you want or need: One that is foldable, climbs mountains, rides efficiently through the city, conquers the road smoothly or rides well over both asphalt and rough terrain.

Just keep in mind that the extra weight of the battery pack and electric motor, not to mention added accessories like cargo racks and baskets, will also determine how much an electric bike weighs, no matter what type of ebike it is.

What is a Good Weight for Folding E-Bikes

Foldable electric bikes can weigh more or less than the average e-bike depending on their wheel size, tire width, and frame size. Typically, a small commuter folding electric bike with 12-16 inch wheels might weigh 28 pounds while a full-size hybrid folding e-bike with 20″ wheels can weigh 70 pounds or more (which is more than the average e-bike in general).

If you’re looking for a small one to lift onto buses for commuting or to an upstairs city apartment, then stick to a folding e-bike you can easily lift depending on your size and strength (perhaps under 40 lbs).

If you want one with 20″ wheels and or 4.0″ wide fat tires, you’ll have to pay more to get one at a reasonable weight of around 55 lbs.

You can see in the comparison chart below how variable the weight is for e-bikes that fold up.

Folding Electric Bikes Weight Comparison

Folding E-BikesWeight
Aventon Sinch Step-Through68 lbs (31 kg)
Blix Vika+50 lbs (23 kg)
Rad Power Bikes RadExpand62.5 lbs (28.35 kg)
SWAGTRON Swagcycle EB-5 Mini (Amazon)37 lbs (16.78 kg)
Ride1Up Portola Fat Tire Compact60 lbs (27.22 kg)
Green Aventon Sinch Folding E-Bike
The Aventon Sinch Folding e-bike has 20″ tires and a sturdy frame.
Swagtron Folding E-Bike on Amazon
Swagtron Folding E-Bike on Amazon has much smaller tires and a smaller frame, which is why it weighs a lot less than many foldable e-bikes.

How Much Does a City (Commuter) E-Bike Weigh

Typically, a city e-bike, often used for commuting or just riding locally, weighs less than some electric bikes with wider tires and larger frames. You should be able to find one that weighs an average of 55 lbs.

Because you’ll be riding primarily on asphalt and concrete, you won’t need wide tires, which will reduce the overall weight. But you might want cargo racks to carry a surfboard, books, groceries, or supplies, which will affect how much electric bikes weigh.

However, if you are also looking for one that folds, as above, you’ll need to find one with wheels 12″-20″.

City and Commuter E-Bike Weight Comparisons

City/Commuter E-Bike ModelsWeight
Aventon Soltera 7 speed (also a single speed option)43 lbs (19.5 kg)
Ride1Up 700 Series Fully Loaded62 lbs (28.12 kg)
Rad Power Bike RadCity 565 lbs (29.5 kg)
Ride1up LMT’D with cadence sensor53 lbs (24.04 kg)
Mokwheel Asphalt ST60 lbs (23.13 kg)
Aventon Soltera in Salmon
Aventon Soltera is a lightweight commuter bike at only 43 lbs.

How Much Does a Hybrid E-Bike Weigh

Hybrid electric bikes can be quite heavy due to the variety of features that allow them to ride well on paved roads and off-road. Typically the weights range from 45-75 lbs primarily depending on the size of the wheels, tires, and added accessories as well as the battery and motor.

Because it’s a hybrid, it’ll have wider tires than electric road bikes or city e-bikes. The tires will then weigh more, the frame will need to be thicker and heavier, and the battery will need to be more powerful (and thus bigger) to have a decent range.

Blue Ride1Up Core-5 E-Bike with tree in the background
Hybrids come with endless style options like my sleek and sturdy Ride1Up Core-5!

Hybrid E-Bike Weight Comparison

Hybrid Electric Bike ModelWeight
Ride1Up Turris49 lbs (22.23 kg)
RadRunner Plus Utility 20″ X 3.3″ tires74.3 lbs (33.70 kg)
MAGICYCLE CRUISER All Terrain Fat Tire76 lbs (34.47 kg)
Lectric XP Trike69.5 lbs (31.52 kg)
Aventon Sinch 268 lbs (30.84 kg)
How Much Does an E-Bike Weigh
Hybrid E-Bikes like the RadExpand Step-Thru can weigh more than you’d think… this is 62.5 lbs!

Best Weights for Electric Mountain Bikes

Electric mountain bikes (eMTBs) typically have a similar weight range as all e-bikes. You can find one weighing 38 pounds or 80 pounds, depending upon the size of the frame, tires, motor, battery capacity, and other electric parts.

Better suspension systems will typically weigh more. Plus, heavier mountain bikes (with fat tires) can provide better control and traction on rough terrain. So, in this case, getting the lightest eMTB might not provide you with the best quality mountain bike.

Following this logic, the best weight for an electric mountain bike is at least 50 lbs, and perhaps closer to 60-70 lbs for a truly heavyweight eMTB.

Electric Mountain Bikes Weight Comparison

eMTB BikesWeight
Charge Bikes XC Cross-Country55 lbs (24.95 kg)
Eunorau 1000W Fat HD All Terrain Fat Tire Electric Mountain Bike62 lbs (28.12 kg)
Emojo Wildcat Pro Aluminum Mountain Electric Bike58 lbs (26.30 kg)

How Much Fat Tire E-Bikes Weigh

Not surprisingly, fat tire e-bikes will weigh more than comparable e-bikes with a similar frame, and electric components. And the wider your tires, the heavier the bike might weigh. The truth is that you’re unlikely to find an e-bike with 4.0″ fat tires weighing less than 60 pounds.

So, when you’re looking at an e-bike that’s going to be that heavy regardless, does weight really matter? You can’t plan on easily carrying it upstairs or onto a bus!

Fat Tire E-Bike Weight Comparison

Fat Tire E-BikesWeight
Rad Power Bikes RadRover 4.0 Fat Tire Electric Bike69 lbs (31.30 kg)
Aventon Aventure 4.0 Fat Bike73 lbs (33.11 kg)
QuietKat Apex 4.5″ Fat Tire Bike70 lbs (31.75 kg)
Lectric XP Step-Thru Folding Fat Tire64 lbs (29.02 kg)
Heybike Mars 2.075 lbs (34.00 kg)

Take a look at my list of the best fat bikes made in the USA!

How Much Does an Electric Road Bike Weigh

Electric road bikes are typically lighter than other electric bikes, weighing around 40-50 lbs. This is due to their need for road speed. They have narrower tires and lighter frames so that they can go fast… this is why they’re often used for racing.

Even if you don’t need speed, road e-bikes are a good choice if you need a lighter bike and you only plan to ride on paved trails or roads.

Electric Road Bike Weight Comparison

Road E-Bike ModelWeight
Ride1up Roadster with gravel tires33 lbs (14.97 kg)
Aventon Soltera Single Speed43 lbs (19.5 kg)
Cannondale Adventure Neo 448.5 lbs (22.0 kg)
Trek Alliant + 8S56.3 lbs (25.54 kg)

Check out the comparison between hybrid and electric road bikes.

What is the Lightest Weight Electric Bike?

According to my research, the lightest e-bike weighs in at under 19 lbs and costs around $14,000. But, if you’re looking for a reasonably affordable lightweight electric bike, you can grab the under 23 lbs Hummingbird Electric foldable commuter e-bike for around $5400.

And since that still is way out of line with most people’s budgets, I suggest you use the charts provided in this article to find the best e-bike for you based on model and weight.

Finally, take a look at my other article on the lightest e-bikes for more ideas.

Find out how much weight an e-bike can pull!

How Can I Reduce the Weight of My E-Bike?

Reducing the weight of your e-bike significantly will be hard to do. However, there are a few things you can do to make a difference in how much your electric bike weighs.

Here’s some good news:

As more lightweight carbon frames are being used, electric bikes will get lighter. However, they’ll still always be heavier than traditional bikes because of the added electrical components.

That being said, improved technology will also continue reducing the weight and size of the batteries and motors… So I think we can all expect to have lighter e-bikes as time goes on!

Find out about special car bike racks for your heavy e-bike!

Conclusion

As you’ve read, electric bikes vary a lot in their weight and there are many reasons why. These reasons will help you choose the perfect e-bike for you. Thus, how much one weighs is a huge factor to consider before buying one.

The weight comparison charts listed in this article are here for you to review at any time (finding the weight of an e-bike on the brand’s page can be a challenge).

Just remember that choosing the right e-bike weight is a personal decision and you should find one that suits you.

Ready to do some brand comparisons?

Heybike Horizon E-Bike Review (Full Suspension!)

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You might have guessed that I have a passion for exploring the latest advancements in e-bikes given all of the reviews I do. And today, I’m excited to let you know about the Heybike Horizon, Limited Sunset-Color Edition. The first thing to notice about this folding electric bike is the incredibly cool design reminiscent of a sunset. But the Horizon electric bike also offers incredible speed and a full suspension system. And that’s just the beginning of its remarkable features.

In the next few minutes, I’ll dive into the pros and cons of the Heybike Horizon and explore what sets this e-bike apart from its competition. By the end of this electric bike review, you’ll have a clear picture of what the Heybike Horizon offers and whether it’s the electric bike you’re looking for. So, let’s get started! 

Check out the Heybike Horizon on Amazon.

Pros of the Heybike Horizon Folding Electric Bike

It’s F-A-S-T… FAST!

With a 28 mph maximum speed limit, the 1200-watt peak brushless geared hub motor decimates hills in seconds while 80 Newton meters torque gives you a powerful, fast start, especially on pedal assist level 2 and up. Riding uphill, you can see how my speed quickly increased with each level.

Fast Charging, Long-Lasting Battery

After only a 3-hour charge, you can ride up to 55 miles on the 692-watt-hour battery. In fact, riding 13 miles didn’t even register a drop in battery life.

E-Bike with Automatic Headlight & Integrated Battery
Automatic Headlight & Integrated Battery

Full-Suspension Electric Bike

To start, you should know that Heybike Horizon’s full-suspension system has 80mm travel with both preload adjustment and lockout. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Suspension Lockout control
Suspension Lockout control

This bike rocks off-road, pun intended, thanks to its horst-link suspension. This type of suspension greatly enhances the riding experience. It provides superior shock absorption over rough terrain, improves traction, especially during uphill climbs or on slippery surfaces, and ensures consistent performance in both pedaling and braking. 

This design not only contributes to a more comfortable ride, reducing fatigue from bumps and vibrations but also boosts bike handling and control. Overall, it makes for a smoother, more stable, and enjoyable cycling experience, particularly beneficial for longer or more challenging rides.

Woman on Full suspension electric bike
Full-suspension 80mm travel electric bike

Hydraulic Brakes That Work in Tandem with the Suspension

The Horst-link suspension on the Heybike Horizon electric bike works with hydraulic brakes to enhance the overall riding experience. The suspension system is crucial for effective braking, especially on uneven or rough terrain. 

I noticed that this suspension system helps maintain consistent wheel-to-ground contact. So, when I applied the hydraulic brakes going downhill on dirt and leaves, the bike had excellent traction and stability. 

Here’s another way to look at it. The Horst-link design minimizes the impact on the suspension’s performance during braking. Thus it allows the hydraulic brakes to work efficiently without causing the bike’s rear end to stiffen or lose its ability to absorb shocks. Together, they provide a safer, more controlled, and smoother ride, with reliable braking and comfortable suspension action, regardless of the trail conditions.

Check out this link for more help understanding e-bike suspension.

Now, here’s another huge pro of the Horizon e-bike… 

24 X 4-inch Fat Tires

These tires are not only unique in a folding e-bike but also amazing on their own. My ride off-road was comfortable and without slipping or sliding, making it feel effortless.

And there’s no doubt that the larger 24” tires helped me travel fast and smooth over bumps and dips. They’d beat out the typical 20-inch folding e-bike tires any day.

Foldable, Step-Through Frame

The 16-inch frame feels solid when folding. The bigger tires and rear suspension add to the weight a bit. But, overall, the frame folded smoothly and should be manageable for average-sized riders. Plus, the step-through frame is a definite advantage, helping every rider get on and off the bike easily.

Horizon e-bike folded
Horizon e-bike folded

Adjustable Handlebar Stem

The fact that the handlebar can be adjusted to the perfect height is a winner. Even though I’m a shortie, I pulled up the handlebars so I could sit fully upright. However, I can put them down instantly if I want more speed and control.

LCD Display with App Sync

First, you’ll see real-time speed, distance, pedal assist level, and battery life updates on your LCD display. Then, the Heybike App helps you reach your cycling objectives through detailed tracking and analysis of your rides.

Heybike Horizon LCD Display
Heybike Horizon LCD Display syncs with the Heybike Android and iOS app

Other Benefits of the Heybike Horizon

The Horizon includes fenders and a rear rack holding up to 120 lbs, an integrated brake light that alerts others you’re about to turn, and a headlight that comes on automatically when it gets dark. If you watch the Heybike Horizon YouTube review, you’ll see that the headlight came on as soon as I entered a dark tunnel! There are also Shimano 7-speed gears that allow you to pedal easier and preserve your battery when shifting down.

Further, you should check for a free gift package and custom plaque showcasing your unique Horizon electric bike.

CONS of the Heybike Horizon Folding E-Bike

Weight 

This powerful, substantial e-bike is just over 79 pounds. The slightly larger folding ebike tires (24” vs 20”) add to the weight as does the horst-link suspension. If these added features are essential to you, then this isn’t a big deal. But if you’re hoping for a lightweight folding bike, you won’t find it here.

Limited Edition Heybike Horizon with Horst-Link Suspension
Rear suspension adds to the heavy weight of the Horizon e-bike

Throttle

One thing I don’t love is that the throttle is tied to the pedal assist level, rather than being on-demand. I want to be able to take off fast when crossing a street or get throttle help when starting on a hill. That being said, the powerful throttle increases in speed as you turn up the pedal assist power.

Assembly

Assembly was of average difficulty and there were several pieces to attach. I would’ve liked to see the front fenders, headlight, and rear rack already connected to the bike. You’ll need to use the included tools as well as pliers to grip the back of the headlight bolt while tightening the front. Further, the included bolt was too short, which made it more difficult.

Heybike Horizon before assembled
Heybike Horizon before completed assembly

What You Need to Know Before You Buy

First, understand that there are only 500 units of this Limited Sunset-Color Edition! So, if you love its unique look, get it now (I’ll point out that my Horizon e-bike is number 358 out of 500… hmm, does this mean there aren’t many left?).

You should also know that this Heybike has a maximum weight capacity of 330 pounds, which includes the e-bike, rider, and cargo.

Heybike Horizon Size and Fit

This electric bike is designed for riders 5’5” to 6’3”, which is on the tall side for a step-through. So, a large number of people may be excluded from riding comfortably. However, I say “may” because I’m only 5’1” and am quite comfortable riding it. 

Be sure to consider the bike’s measurements, such as the handlebar reach of 25.6”, to ensure that you’re a good fit. Check out the size & fit table on the Heybike website.

Price

Finally, you need to know that full-suspension electric bikes are more expensive due to the cost of extra moving parts. The Heybike Horizon’s retail price of $1999 is a bit higher than a comparable e-bike without a rear suspension. Yet, it’s still a great price for this feature-filled e-bike package.

Woman standing next to Heybike Horizon
The Heybike Horizon is a beautiful Limited Edition sunset-colored e-bike

Is This the Best E-Bike for You?

Do you want to ride technical terrain, simply be more comfortable while riding, or ride faster off-road? Then the Heybike Horizon may be the best e-bike for you. This is, in large part, thanks to its full suspension.

If the e-bike’s weight of 79 lbs is too heavy or you don’t need a folding e-bike, then you’ll probably want to choose a different electric bike.

Heybike offers many other e-bikes just as cool as this one. You can find exactly the features you want in e-bikes like the Heybike Ranger, Tyson, and Mars 2.0. Check out my reviews of the Heybike Mars and Heybike Tyson! Plus, be sure to search for other detailed electric bike reviews at E-Biking Today.

Well, that’s it for the Heybike Horizon review! Now, take in the sunset on your Heybike Horizon and enjoy your ride.

What Is E-Bike Suspension and Do I Need It? (Front vs. Full Suspension)

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Woman Riding a full-suspension e-bike
Riding a full-suspension e-bike

Road and track roughness is the main factor that affects an e-bike’s comfort. You know what happens when you ride on rougher terrains; your wrists and arms start aching due to the bumpier ride. This is where e-bike suspension comes in to enhance your riding comfort. 

Electric bike suspension is the bike’s shock absorber. The suspension suspends you and the bike while riding, providing insulation against the impact of bumps and rough terrain. Consequently, you get a smooth ride without body stiffness and damage to your electric bike.

In the rest of this article, I’ll talk about e-bike suspension and its different types. I’ll also discuss why you need an electric bike suspension (or why you don’t). Keep reading!

What Is E-Bike Suspension?

Besides being a leisure activity, cycling serves health purposes like protecting against obesity, arthritis, and stroke. The opposite is also true. Cycling can expose you to injury and discomfort if not done correctly, for instance, by riding faster on rougher terrains. Electric bicycles make this easy to do.

An e-bike suspension is a system that keeps you comfortable, safe, and secure throughout the ride. The system is meant to withstand the impact of bumpy roads and rough terrain.

E-bike suspension also facilitates traction by keeping the tires on the ground. This means better stability and control while riding, which leads to a safer ride overall. 

Types of E-Bike Suspension

There are two types of e-bike suspension:

  • Front suspension
  • Full suspension

Front Suspension

Blue E-Bike with Suspension fork sitting on street
This e-bike has a front suspension fork with 100mm of travel. See more about it below!

Front suspension e-bikes, also known as hardtail bikes, have a shock absorber in the front fork. It’s an inexpensive option suitable for casual trails and less rocky terrains.

Due to the presence of shock absorbers only on the front fork, the rear wheel remains rigid and is affected more by the impacts.

Front suspensions are classified as long or short-travel suspensions.

When it comes to an electric bike’s suspension, travel refers to the maximum distance the suspension can move before hitting a limit. Long-travel suspensions have greater shock absorption, making them suitable for rough terrains.

Here is a general overview of the long and short travel suspensions:

  • Long-travel suspension: These suspensions have a travel distance that exceeds 120mm (4.72 inches). They are suitable for descending rougher terrains at higher speeds. The longer the front travel, the more impact it can absorb.
  • Short-travel suspension: These suspensions have a travel distance of less than 120mm (4.72 inches). They are suitable for casual trails, flat terrains, and cross-country riding.

Full Suspension

Sunset-colored Heybike Horizon e-bike
Full-Suspension Heybike Horizon e-bike

A full suspension, also known as a dual suspension or a full squish, has shock absorbers on both the front fork and rear triangle.

This type of suspension is more expensive and suitable for rough terrains. It offers better shock absorption as it has two shock absorbers.

Pivots connect the front and rear shock absorbers in e-bikes along the bike’s frame.

A point to note is that full-suspension e-bikes are heavier than their hardtail counterparts. This is because they have more components and a heavier frame.

Since they are heavier, manufacturers tend to counter their weights through improved riding efficiency. For instance, full-suspension e-bikes have aluminum alloy front suspension forks that enhance the damping effect. With this enhancement, you won’t feel a greater impact from bumps when riding on rough terrains.

Other features that make full-suspension e-bikes more comfortable are:

  • Stable frames: These frames improve riding stability and control, allowing the suspension to work effectively.
  • Advanced damping systems: These systems allow for greater flexibility in adjusting the shocks’ stiffness or “softness” while riding.
  • Grippy tires: These tires increase traction on any terrain. High traction means better control and stability.

You can adjust full suspensions on your e-bike to suit your riding style, body weight, and terrain. Many mountain bike riders prefer to have this type of suspension.

Man riding mountain bike on a hill
A high-quality electric mountain bike should have a full suspension

The Working of E-Bike Suspensions

E-bike suspensions are meant to absorb shocks for a smooth ride. However, how do these suspensions achieve that?

E-bike suspensions work based on the following systems:

  • Spring system
  • Resistance rubber system
  • Pneumatic system
  • Hydraulic system

Spring System

The spring system shock absorption suspension is the most common among electric bikes. It’s the cheapest option and works in the following ways:

  • A coil spring: It creates linear compression for smooth and consistent impact absorption. Since these coils have different resistance rates, they are fitted on the bike depending on its frame size.
  • An air spring: It uses pressurized air in a chamber for progressive compression. This means that the air spring can absorb impact with greater force.

Resistance Rubber System

This system uses rubber to absorb shocks through compression and rebound. Resistance rubber systems are often found in entry-level electric bikes.

The downside of resistance rubber is that it deteriorates with time. Therefore, it gets to the point where the rubber remains solid, reducing the shock absorption capacity. In this case, you’ll need to replace it.

Pneumatic Suspension System

This system compresses the sealing gas to generate pressure that absorbs the shock. It’s more advanced and expensive compared to the spring system.

Pneumatic suspensions are often found in high-end electric bikes as they have better shock absorption capabilities. They are also super light.

Hydraulic Suspension System

This system is similar to pneumatic suspension, only that it uses hydraulic fluid to absorb shocks. It offers the best shock absorption abilities, making it suitable for heavy e-bikes and rough terrains.

Most cyclists prefer the hydraulic suspension system since it’s lightweight, requires less maintenance, and has a low failure rate with efficient shock-absorption capacity. However, once it breaks down, the repair costs can be high.

Suspension fork held by hand
Suspension forks like this one make your ride more comfortable.

Electric Bikes Without Suspension

Electric bikes with no suspensions (rigid e-bikes) are cheaper than those with suspensions. However, you may want to know how beneficial such bikes are.

Economically, it doesn’t make sense to buy an expensive e-bike with suspension for use mainly in a bustling city. Riding in such cities will likely never exceed 20 mph (32.19 kph). Moreover, the tracks in cities are smooth with fewer bumps. Therefore, a rigid bike can serve you well here.

Saving money is helpful if you’re on a tight budget. However, if your financial means allow, it’s still worth considering an e-bike with suspension for recreational use.

Do You Need E-Bike Suspension?

Now that you understand the different types and workings of e-bike suspensions, do you need one for your rides?

It depends on the terrain you usually ride on and how much impact absorption is necessary for a comfortable ride. For example, if you mainly ride on flat surfaces, a rigid e-bike could suffice. On the other hand, a full-suspension e-bike is the best option if you often ride on rough terrains or mountain bike trails.

It’s also crucial to consider the type of riding. If you want to go for off-road adventures, a full-suspension e-bike would be ideal. You’re most likely to encounter different terrains, both smooth and rough, when you go for off-road adventures.

However, if your primary purpose is commuting or leisurely rides, a front-suspension e-bike may be enough to increase your ride comfort.

Ultimately, I advise having at least a front suspension, regardless of your riding terrain. Remember, you need to enjoy every moment of your riding.

Aventon Aventure 2
Aventon Aventure 2 has a supportive frame and front suspension.

How to Find E-Bikes with Front Suspension

Many mid-range electric bikes come with a front suspension fork while low-end ones do not. Generally, speaking, you’ll find plenty of options in the $1000-$3000 price range.

You can find out whether an e-bike model you’re considering has a front suspension by looking at a model’s “specifications” or “components” on the brand’s website. If you don’t see information about the “front fork” in the e-bike’s description, you can bet that it doesn’t have any suspension.

To help you get started looking for an affordable electric bike with front suspension, here are a few high-quality e-bikes that I’ve tested and have enjoyed riding:

Ride1Up 700 Series

Woman riding away on Ride1Up 700 Step-Through Electric Bike
Riding my own Ride1Up 700 Series

I’ve tested and completed a full review of the Ride1Up700 series. And I’m still riding it! It’s a great electric bike for commuting or recreation and doesn’t disappoint when it comes to a comfortable front suspension. With its hydraulic lockout suspension fork and 100mm of Travel, it’s a smooth ride.

Check out the 700 Series on the Ride1Up website!

Lectric XP 3.0

Woman riding white electric bike
Reviewing the Lectric XP 3.0

I was incredibly surprised to discover an e-bike priced around $1000 that has a great front suspension. The Lectric XP 3.0, upgraded from an XP 2.0, has a front fork with 50mm of travel.

Although it has only half of the travel as the 700 Series above, it’s enough to reduce bumps and discomfort. Additionally, Lectric offers a suspension seat post and wide, comfy, suspension saddle (may be an added charge) to make the ride ridiculously comfortable for such an inexpensive e-bike.

I got a great bundle offer that included the seat and seat post for free but that offer may change.

Take a look at the Lectric website to see the XP 3.0 and their latest offer!

Conclusion

An e-bike suspension maximizes your riding comfort and absorbs shocks from bumps on the terrain. The type of suspension you choose will depend on your budget, preferred riding style, and terrain. Ultimately, it’s worth investing in a suspension bike to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable ride every time.

Moreover, good suspension electric bikes come in handy for your health. You don’t want to suffer back pains or aches on your rides. Therefore, choose wisely and enjoy every moment of your e-bike journey.

E-Bike Conversion Guide: Converting Your Bike to Electric

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If you’ve thought about converting your bike to an electric bike, you’re not alone. After all, you already have a good bike that’ll just sit and collect dust once you have your new, way more fantastic e-bike. So why pay a lot more money to have a second, even more expensive bike, right?

But you probably have a lot of questions as to whether converting your regular bike to electric is really something you want to do and can do yourself.

You can convert your regular bike to an electric bike by purchasing a standard conversion kit or an “all-in-one” electric wheel kit. Converting your regular bike can cost less than buying a new e-bike and is relatively easy but will require time, knowledge, and patience.

Whether you decide to convert your old bike or not depends on a lot of factors. So I’ve researched and pulled together everything you need to know in this conversion guide so that you can make an educated decision. Just know that no matter what you decide to do, having an e-bike will provide endless enjoyment and convenience.

Follow this conversion guide to learn everything you need to know about converting your regular bike to an electric bike. Here’s what you’ll discover:

  • Why Convert Your Bike to Electric
  • How Do I Convert My Bike to an Electric Bike?
  • Where Can I Find EBike Conversion Kits and How Much Will the Parts Cost?
  • Best Electric Bike Conversion Kits
  • What Should I Know Before Converting My Bike to Electric?
  • Making an Electric Bike Conversion

Why Convert Your Bike to Electric?

You may be on the fence about whether to buy a new electric bike or convert your existing one.

Buying an electric bike is easy, but it might not be what you want in terms of style and functionality. Plus, it’ll cost a great deal more to buy a brand new e-bike than to convert your own bike to electric. Converting can also give you the control you want over your ride’s performance.

Then consider that, if you’ve already spent several hundred dollars or more on a nice bike, that adding another $700 to make it completely electric is still less than buying most quality e-bikes.

And certainly, if you want to go faster and farther on your bike or now find that you need electronic assistance to help you get uphills or across long-distances, then converting your current bike to an e-bike makes sense.

But converting also takes time, money, and patience – things that many people don’t have these days! Ultimately you’ll need to weigh out all of this before making any decisions. Besides, as technology for electric bikes continues to advance rapidly we might find even better options for both converting and buying.

Learn more about the purpose of electric bikes here:

11 Ways E-Bikes Are Different Than Normal Bikes

How Do I Convert My Bike to an Electric Bike?

If you’re looking to convert a conventional bicycle into an electric bike, one of the most common methods is by adding a hub motor to the front or rear wheel. This conversion will leave the original components of the bike untouched, while only changing out or adding a few parts including a motor, battery, and controller.

By leaving all other components untouched and only changing up parts such as hubs or controllers (find out if you need a dual mode controller), this method can appear seamless.

Electric bike with a rear Hub Motor
Hub Motor in Rear Wheel

However, taking a conventional hub and converting it into a motorized one isn’t quite as simple as that. For starters, rebuilding wheels after taking them apart can be complicated. You’ll need to reinstall the spokes into your wheel. Not only does this task require patience but precision when matching up spoke lengths and using the right tool to get the correct tension.

Further, you might even need to get an entirely new wheel that can handle the added weight of the motor and the work (or torque) of the engine, which is required to pull the bike forward. If you’re good with mechanics, need a project, or enjoy getting your hands dirty, this may be no problem for you.

But there’s good news for everyone else! Many companies are now selling electric wheels that already contain the hub motor, battery, and of course the rim and spokes… all in one unit! This electric wheel can replace the front or back wheel, making it much simpler to convert your bike to electric.

Although converting to electric with a wheel conversion kit is a good option for many, you might prefer to get an e-bike conversion kit with a mid-drive motor which is more efficient and gives you a better ride, especially if you have a road bike.

However, this is a different type of conversion that doesn’t use the wheel but instead adds a motor in the middle of your bike. This “balance” is why some people prefer a mid-drive motor and why you can get a smoother ride.

You can also do a conversion with a couple of other, less common, types of electric bicycle conversion kits. These are discussed below.

Find out more about the mechanics of an e-bike before converting:

How E-Bikes Work: A Guide to the Basics

Where Can I Find Conversion Kits and How Much Will the Parts Cost?

Conversion kits are easy to find since they’ve become more popular. However, it can still be difficult to choose one. Not only will you look at the price and the general types of kits, but you’ll also want to consider other electrical features that can be added such as an LCD display, headlight, or throttle.

Different Types of Conversion Kits for Electric Bikes

Conversion Kits by TypeAverage Price Range
Friction DriveUnder $300
*Mid-Drive (with or without battery)$350-$1200
Concealed$500+
*All-in-One Electric Wheel (Hub Motor)$200-$600
*Most common types of conversion kits
  1. Friction Drive Kits
    This is probably the lowest-cost option because it’s simple and not too efficient. But you can still get your bike converted and increase the power of your bike. If you want an e-bike that’s more similar to what you’d buy new, then this is not it.
  2. Mid-Drive Motor Kits
    The great thing about adding a mid-drive motor to your bike is that it attaches low and to the middle of your bike frame. This helps you keep balanced and have a smooth ride. It’s also more like an e-bike you’d purchase. This type of motor is fairly popular on many e-bike models because of its smooth ride.

    However, it isn’t covered and is therefore exposed to rain, dirt, rocks, and sand more easily. So, if you’re a rider who enjoys rough trails, this type of conversion kit may not be the best choice. Instead, it’s often chosen for road bikes.
  3. Concealed Conversion Kit
    This kit can be added to your bike in a way that makes it less noticeable, and perhaps more professional. Both the motor and the battery are hidden inside the seat tube of the bike. So, they are well protected from the elements.

    However, this is probably the most expensive conversion option. After all, you pay for beauty and efficiency. Further, because it’s fitted inside your bike seat, it’s also more difficult to install.
  4. All-in-One Electric Wheel (Hub Motor Conversion Kit)
    Because these replace your bike’s entire wheel with one that includes a hub motor and gears, it’s not surprising that this has become a very common choice in e-bike conversion kits. It’s easy and streamlined and you can even choose a rear or front wheel.

    Generally, choose a rear hub motor wheel kit for good traction and riding your bike off-road. Otherwise, choose a front wheel kit for smoother riding overall, as the weight of the motor is better distributed. Either way, hub motor kits are probably what you’re looking for.

How to Select a Battery and How Much It Costs

Unfortunately, most conversion kits don’t come with batteries, unless you’re opting for the more “concealed” kits. So, you’ll need to figure in the cost of the battery when comparing your options.

E-bike batteries range from around $200 to almost $1000! If you want a reasonably powerful and efficient battery without getting top-of-the-line, you can get one for closer to $500. However, you’ll find many lower-priced options that might work for you.

Prices depend primarily on whether it’s a well-known brand and what the capacity of the battery is.

E-bike batteries are typically lithium-ion and costs go up as the voltage (power and speed; V) and capacity (how far you can go on a charge; Amps or Ah) increase. By multiplying these two factors (V times Ah), you’ll get the total Watt-hours (Wh).

Basically, what you need to know is that if you want to go faster and farther, you’ll want to get a bigger and more powerful battery. So the higher the Volts (V) and Amps (Ah), the better you’ll be able to achieve this. Oh, and this means you’ll need to pay more… unless you have an old battery to rebuild.

Thinking about converting to electric? Compare the cost with new e-bike prices first:


Best Electric Bike Conversion Kits

Although there are different types of conversion kits, this guide will show you the best electric wheel kits with a hub motor and mid-drive kits since they are the most common. If you’re looking for a concealed kit, you should go to professional bike retailers who can give you the best advice.

But for most of us, these are the best ebike conversion kits:

Electric Bike Conversion KitsMotorBattery IncludedPrice
JAXPETY 26″ Front Wheel Kit500W Hub MotorNo$225
EBIKLING 700C Waterproof Wheel Kit1200W Hub MotorNo$379
BAFANG 20″ Rear Wheel Kit 500W Hub MotorOptional$285
BAFANG BBS02B Mid-Drive Conversion Kit750W Mid-Drive MotorOptional$387
BAFANG BBS02B Mid-Drive 44T Chainring500W Mid-Drive MotorYes (for this price)$714
Check each of them out below!

JAXPETY 26″ Front Wheel

These parts are included in the JAXPETY 500W 26" Front Wheel E-Bike Conversion Kit
Photo courtesy of Jaxpety

This is one of the less costly wheel conversion kits and it’s actually a front wheel conversion, as opposed to the most common rear wheel. So this is why I’m mentioning it. This, and because of its low price, is why it’s being labeled as one of the “best.

The JAXPETY comes with a 36V 500W front wheel hub motor and can get up to 19.88 mph. It has all of the basic parts you’d need to go electric but also comes with a twist throttle, which is pretty surprising for the price. Otherwise, you’ll get the basics that align with the low price. Getting this kit could be a good way to test out having an electric bike before spending much money.

Overall it has great reviews and lots of questions answered on Amazon, so it appears to be a winner in its price category.

EBIKLING 700C Waterproof Hub Motor Kit

Parts that come with the Bikling conversion kit for e-bikes
Photo courtesy of Ebikling

Substantially more expensive than the JAXPETY, the EBIKLING comes with better quality parts, as well as a powerful 48V 1200W hub motor. In addition, you have the choice of upgrading to an LCD display (from an LED), which I think adds a great deal of value to your e-bike.

It also comes with a torque arm, throttle, and cable ties (so you don’t need to buy any). Individual reviewers suggest that you can get up to 35mph with this conversion, which is super fast! However, it’s important to note that many states and countries don’t allow an e-bike that goes that fast in some places. so, make sure you decide where you’ll want to ride your e-bike before settling on this conversion kit.

Note also that it has 700C size wheels as opposed to 26inch, so know your tire size before buying.

BAFANG Rear Wheel Kit

Parts that accompany Bafang's rear wheel conversion kit
Photo courtesy of Bafang

This is a 500W 20-inch rear wheel conversion kit from BAFANG. This is just one variation of at least 50 options that they have, so it really pays to look closely at what you’re getting. The tire size for this conversion is quite a bit smaller, so it might be just right for a foldable e-bike.

Further, it has 9 speeds, hydraulic brakes, and a thumb throttle, not to mention an optional LCD display and an optional battery.

And best of all, the company claims that you can convert your bike in less than one hour! However, reviewers have said that it takes much longer. Once again, I’m sure it has to do with one’s experience with mechanics.

BAFANG BBS02B Mid-Drive Conversion Kit

parts included in the Bafang E-Bike Conversion Kit
Photo courtesy of Bafang

This is the 44T Chain Wheel mid-drive 750W motor conversion kit with an LCD display. It fits 68-73mm bottom brackets, which are compatible for road, commuter, and mountain bikes. However, they discourage its use for fat tire bikes.

This kit comes with a color display, chainwheel, and thumb throttle as well as all of the other basic parts. In addition, you can choose to add the battery if you’d like.

BAFANG BBS02B Mid-Drive 44T Chainring

the parts that come with the BAFANG 500W Mid-Drive Conversion Kit are shown and include the battery.
Photo courtesy of Bafang

The price shown in the chart above may seem to be significantly more than the other conversion kits. However, this is an example of a price that includes the battery and charger. You can get this model without the battery for around $400. So the battery itself is actually priced at over $300… and this is a common lower-priced battery.

This mid-drive motor comes with 500W of power instead of the 750W like the previous model and it fits 68-73mm bottom brackets. It also includes all of the basic conversion accessories as well as a thumb throttle.

Don’t forget about these helpful accessories all under $25!

But take a closer look and they are offering a free headlight as a gift. This is a nice offer since headlights are super important for your safety. I keep mine on even during the day if I’m riding on the road.

Bafang also appears to offer a 1-year warranty on their mid-drive motor kits but make sure to check the specific warranty for the model you choose.

What Should I Know Before Converting My Bike to Electric?

PROS of ConversionCONS of Conversion
You get to keep the bike you loveConversion will require time and patience
Cost-effective: You’ll pay hundreds of dollars less than buying a new electric bikeIt might be challenging
Customization: You get to choose your own partsNewer e-bikes are designed to house the electrical components perfectly
You might enjoy the project, especially if you’re working with a buddyThe “All-in-one” wheels generally use hub motors instead of mid-drive motors
You’ll learn about your e-bike and all of the parts that make it work… that’ll come in handy later on!

Like any mechanical and electrical project, there are advantages and disadvantages to converting your bike to an electric one. And you should know these before you decide to start building a customized e-bike. The pros and cons table above is a general guideline but not exhaustive, as reasons to convert your existing bike may be different for everyone.

It’ll help to get all of the knowledge you can to make the decision that’s right for you. So consider writing down your own pros and cons list, using the ideas from the above table.

Pros of Converting Your Bike to Electric

There are many good reasons to convert your bike to electrical.

Not only do you get to keep the bike you already love and are comfortable riding, but you also get to add exactly what you want to it to make it even better. If you like the idea of just adding an electric wheel to your almost perfect bike, then you can do so quickly and easily.

But, if you’re a tinkerer, you might have a great time overhauling your bike to add all of the components you want. And you get to pick them out, rather than just accepting what comes on the electric wheel or even a new e-bike.

Further, completing this project with a buddy or your child can make the time pass quickly and make it so much more worthwhile.

Of course, the best advantage is that you’ll save a ton of money, likely a thousand dollars or more! Buying an average conversion kit, as discussed previously, will cost around $350. But to get a good quality brand new e-bike you’ll need to spend upwards of $1200-$1500. Additionally, if you already have a high-quality bike, buying a comparable electric one could cost you $5000 or more.

Cons to E-Bike Conversion

There are some downsides to converting your bike.

Not only will it be a little difficult (unless you’re a super handy person) but it’ll also take time and patience as mentioned above. And you won’t be getting a new bike frame that’s built perfectly to house the motor and battery.

But there are still plenty of ways to convert to electric anyways.

Making an Electric Bike Conversion

In this section, you’ll get an idea of how much time it’ll take to do an electric bike conversion, what tools you’ll need, and basic installation advice.

Make sure to follow the conversion kit manufacturer’s advice for specific installation instructions.

How Long Does It Take to Convert a Bike to Electric?

For the very simplest of conversions, you might be able to convert to an electric bike in under an hour. Of course, this also depends on your mechanical skills and confidence in doing it correctly… and whether you read the “how-to” manual beforehand.

Time spent is also determined by whether you’re adding other parts and lots of additional electronic features. In this case, it might take you a full day or longer, depending on your speed, mechanical knowledge, and whether you have the right tools on hand.

What Tools Are Required?

Generally speaking, the conversion kit you purchase should come with the specific tools you need to install it. However, if you’re willing to put your own electric bike together, there may be some tools that you’ll be expected to have or get prior to installation. And they’ll likely come in handy later on when working on your e-bike.

Additionally, the tools that the manufacturer includes may not be of great quality and could actually cause damage to your bike. So you might prefer to have your own since they’re pretty inexpensive and you’ll use them again for tune-ups and repairs.

Check to see if your kit includes these before you begin installation:

  • Free Wheel Removal Tool ($10-$15)- This is not optional! This is used to remove the wheel from the bike. If you’re planning on doing your own tune-ups, you should definitely have this tool at home.
  • Torque Wrench ($25-$50)- Having this on hand can be very useful. It’ll allow you to torque each nut, bolt, and screw to a specific degree. Many bolts require a different torque on your bike and you can actually not tighten one enough or over-tighten and strip the thread. The manufacturer’s guide should tell you exactly what the torque of each nut or bolt should be.
  • Adjustable Wrench ($8-$25)- You can use this to loosen or tighten different size nuts if you don’t have any other tool made specifically for your need.
  • Zip Ties ($7)- These will hold your cables together in place and away from areas where they could get twisted incorrectly or caught.
  • Pedal Wrench ($10-$20)- You’ll want to make sure that, after all the work you do making the conversion, you can pedal your bike effectively. So, your pedals should be tightened appropriately.
  • Bike Specific Multi-Tool (around $20): This tool is great to have on hand for all of your bike’s mechanical needs. It’ll typically include Allen key wrenches, spoke wrenches, open wrenches, a universal chain breaker tool, Phillips head screwdrivers, flat head screwdrivers, and a Torx key. Additionally, bigger kits might also contain a Mavic spline, pad spreader, and even a bottle opener!

Find out more about maintaining your e-bike correctly:

How to Care for Your E-Bike: A Step By Step Guide

How to Install a Rear Wheel Hub Motor Conversion Kit

Once you buy your conversion kit, you’ll want to follow the specific instructions from the manufacturer on how to install it.

And, this is very important… check your kit to make sure you have ALL of the parts that are supposed to be included. Don’t start unless everything is accounted for!

In general, to install a rear wheel conversion kit with a hub motor you’ll need to do this:

  1. Remove your bike’s rear wheel.
  2. Install the electric hub motor on the rear axle of your bike frame and lock it into place.
  3. Remove the handlebar grips to remove the shifters and brakes.
  4. Connect your bike’s wiring harness to the controller.
  5. Install the electric brakes and throttle while your handlebars are removed.
  6. Put the battery pack under your seat or in a bag hanging off the handlebars.
  7. Install a pedal-assist sensor.
  8. Install any other parts you’d like to connect to the electrical system, such as front or rear lights.
  9. Connect all wires to their respective connectors (either by plugging them in or using wire nuts).
  10. Use zip ties to keep your cables organized and from being snagged.

Are E-Bike Batteries Universal and Interchangeable?

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Electric bike battery

Traveling fast and far (and having fun) on your e-bike is hugely dependent upon your electric bike battery. The battery can make or break the electric bike experience. So what should you do if you need a new battery or your battery has lost its charge (and what if you’re far from home)? Can you put any battery on your e-bike as long as it seems to fit?

Unfortunately, e-bike batteries are not universal or interchangeable. An electric bike requires a specific type of battery based on its voltage (V), amps/capacity (Ah), and other features such as size and weight. For example, you can’t put a 48-Volt battery on an e-bike built for a 36-Volt one.

The biggest mistake you can make about e-bike batteries is believing that they’re all the same… even though they look similar.

But this is far from the truth! If you’re trying to replace the battery in your e-bike, you’ll need to make sure you get one that has the correct specifications. Otherwise, your bike won’t work or you’ll cause serious damage to the battery and motor.

In this article, I’ll help you figure out how to replace an old battery with a new one that’s right for your e-bike.

Battery volts multiplied by Amp-hours results in Watt-hours
Watt-hours equals the total energy output of the e-bike battery

Why Aren’t E-Bike Batteries Universal?

Having one universal battery for all types of electric bikes is certainly ideal. Wouldn’t it be nice to just grab an emergency battery anywhere they sold electric bike batteries? You wouldn’t have to be worried about your battery dying while you were riding because you could pick up a new one in a pinch. And you could even borrow a battery from another e-bike for the day.

Unfortunately, this isn’t how it works. There are so many different kinds of lithium-ion batteries, all with unique specifications. They may differ in voltage (V), capacity (Ah), energy/watt-hours (Wh), size, and weight.

For a quick understanding, what’s ultimately important to know is that Voltage x Amp-hours= Total Watt-hours. Therefore, a battery with a different amount of volts or amps would produce totally different Watt-hours. Further, the volts and amp-hours must not only match the battery charger you’re using (generally the one that comes with the battery) but also the total wattage of the e-bike itself.

4 different battery chargers
These different battery chargers are built to give out the same amount of volts and amps

For example, a 48V lithium-ion battery may already be slightly larger and heavier than a 36V lithium-ion battery. And, even if it had the same amp-hours as the 36V bike, it still wouldn’t give out the same Watt-hours. And, there are several other potential problems as well that can be answered by understanding what voltage and amp-hours are best for your e-bike.

What Voltage is Best for an Electric Bike?

Generally, the average voltage (V) for e-bike batteries is 36 volts. This is because the maximum speed of an average human pedaling is around 20 km/h (12 mph). So, a 36-volt battery will help maintain a reasonable and safe speed for someone riding an e-bike. Depending on where you live, a manufacturer is required to follow laws about how fast an electric bike can go… and some laws set maximum speed limits for an electric bike.

However, more and more electric bikes are using a 48-volt battery (in places that the law allows higher speeds, like in the US), especially on higher-performance bikes and/or e-bikes that have a throttle. Why? Because bike riders want more speed!

Let’s not get confused about higher voltage meaning more power (at least not on its own). By itself, higher voltage just offers higher speeds.

But, if you use a battery with a higher voltage than your electric bike needs, it runs the risk of overcharging and may stop working sooner than usual. This is a really good example of why e-bike batteries aren’t universal.

Back side of ebike battery showing battery specifications.
This battery has 614 total Watt Hours, whereas other e-bike batteries may have more or less.

Is a Higher Ah Battery Better for an E-Bike?

Unlike Volts, Amp-hours (Ah) measure a battery’s capacity. In general, that’s how long your battery will last and what range it can travel. But there’s a little more to it.

Higher Ah isn’t necessarily better for an e-bike. Whether or not you need a battery with high Ah really depends on how long and how far you intend to ride. Amp-hours will determine how long your battery will last on a single charge.

Basically, an e-bike battery with 36V and 8 Ah, as compared to one with 46V and 15Ah, won’t speed as fast or be able to go as far on a full battery charge.

Man holding large electric bike battery.
Lithium batteries come in different sizes. This one has a typical voltage (48V) but has a larger capacity of 21 Amp Hours than some.

Are E-Bike Batteries Interchangeable?

Now that you have a basic understanding of Voltage and Amp-hours, it’s really important to put the two together when considering if electric bike batteries are interchangeable (even though they’re not universal).

Generally, lithium batteries can’t be shared between electric bikes because each bike’s allowed wattage and the Watt-hours (Wh) of the battery may differ.

Just imagine trying to put a C battery in your computer mouse instead of a double AA battery? It simply won’t fit and therefore you know it wouldn’t work. However, batteries on electric bikes may not fit as tightly when bolted onto the outside of the frame.

So, it might appear that you’d be able to replace your old battery with a similar-sized battery on your e-bike.

Two different e-bike batteries sitting side by side.
These two electric bike batteries are different sizes and won’t fit into each other’s frame.

Why can’t I interchange e-bike batteries?

This question can be answered with a simple calculation (sounds tricky but it’s not). You need to calculate e-bike watt-hours (Wh) so that you can compare the total energy of the battery to your electric bike’s capacity.

Again, remember this simple formula: V x Ah = Wh

48V times 14 Ah equals 672 Watt-hours
Example of total Watt-hours calculated

Here’s an example of what could go wrong if you use the incorrect battery:

If a battery is 48V, 14Ah then it puts out 672 total Watt-hours (48 X 14= 672)… like my Rad Power Bike battery. And since my e-bike has a 750-watt (max) geared hub motor, the battery Watt-hours fall right under the maximum wattage of the bike.

Now, if I were to put a 52V, 18Ah battery on my e-bike (52 X 18= 936), it would overpower my bike’s maximum 750-watt capacity and quite likely damage the battery and the motor! Then I’d have to buy new parts or replace the bike entirely (which would be a reasonable option given the hundreds of dollars I’d need anyway to replace just the battery and motor).

This is just one example of why you shouldn’t swap one e-bike battery out for another without knowing what’s correct for your e-bike model. Truthfully, there are numerous combinations of volts, amp-hours, and watts that can go wrong if your e-bike wasn’t designed for that combination!

Find out everything you need to know about taking care of your e-bike battery!

What Type of Batteries Do E-Bikes Use?

Battery packs can have so many different characteristics that it would be extremely difficult to have a universal battery for all electric bikes.

Typically, an electric bike uses a Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery as its main power source. Lithium-ion batteries generally have a long lifespan and a quick recharge time. This makes electric bikes with Li-ion batteries ideal for riding frequently and for long distances. This type of battery lasts for approximately 1000 charges.

So, in other words, they’re perfect for cycling regularly.

Hand pulling ebike battery out of frame.
This Ride1Up integrated battery is small and slender. It fits inside the bike’s sleek frame. Plus, lower Watt hours mean less power and range than a larger battery.

And lithium-ion batteries are also much lighter than lead-acid batteries, which will only give you about 300 total charges anyway.

If you’re purchasing a newer e-bike, you’ll find that it typically comes with a lithium-ion battery. So you won’t have to make a big decision about the type of battery, but you’ll still need to choose an e-bike based on the battery output.

Focus on getting an electric bike with a battery that lets you go as fast as you want (voltage) and as far as you want to ride on a single charge (Amp-hours).

And don’t charge using a car battery, solar panel, or generator without learning more first!

Rad Power Bike external battery
My Rad Power Bike’s external 48 Volt lithium battery.

How Can I Replace My E-Bike Battery?

You can get a new battery to replace a non-working or damaged battery by matching its specifications. It must have the same Volts, Amp-hours, and Watt-hours, as well as be the correct size and weight as your old one.

The best way to buy a new e-bike battery is to talk with your bike’s manufacturer or a reputable e-bike shop.

Both Aventon E-Bikes and Rad Power Bikes are reputable dealers who can answer such questions.

And since a battery will cost you about a third of the total e-bike’s cost, make sure you ask the right questions so that you end up a happy bike rider with a high-quality battery that’ll last you for years.

E-Bike Battery questions to ask before you buy

  • How far can a lithium battery go on a single charge?
  • How long will it take to charge it?
  • What is the warranty and how long does it last?
  • What should I do to take care of it properly?
  • Do you offer any discounts?


Find out: Is it safe to charge your e-bike battery overnight?

Conclusion

I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but electric bike batteries aren’t universal or interchangeable. Therefore, it’s best to understand what your needs are as an ebike owner and how to find a lithium battery that works for your e-bike.

Make sure you’ve read the article in detail to learn what you need to know about your own electric bike battery and how to replace an old or damaged battery.

Mokwheel Asphalt ST Review – A New E-Bike Contender

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Hey e-bikers! Here’s a surprising find – the Mokwheel Asphalt ST electric bike. Now, Mokwheel might not be the first name that springs to mind when you think of e-bikes. But, the Asphalt ST makes a statement… Mokwheel is ready to compete with the big brands.

In this Mokwheel Asphalt ST review, I’ll show you what makes the Asphalt ST stand out. From its impressive LG battery that promises long rides to its robust ride quality, Mokwheel has packed a lot in for the price… along with a few surprises.

I’m Lisa at E-Biking Today and I’m sharing what I’ve learned about the Mokwheel Asphalt Step-through electric bike. In my Asphalt ST review, you’ll discover the pros and cons and what makes this ebike unique. Plus, find out what I like best about it and get help deciding if the Mokwheel Asphalt or Asphalt ST is for you.

Let’s start with the pros.

Pros

1. Battery Performance

Mokwheel Asphalt ST LG Battery
Mokwheel Asphalt ST LG Battery

The LG 48V 14.7 Ah battery offers a substantial range of 50-60 miles per charge, making it ideal for long rides or commuting.

2. Multiple Speed Options 

With 5 speed levels reaching up to 28mph, the Mokwheel Asphalt caters to various riding needs, whether for leisure or faster commuting. In fact, level 5 felt like a thrill ride. Once I started pedaling at this level, I took off fast, without much effort! This surprised me given the middle-of-the-road motor power.

Pedal Assist System shown in display
Pedal Assist System has 5 levels


3. Motor Efficiency

The Asphalt may only have a 500W motor. But it’s powerful enough for moderate hills and accelerates smoothly, making it great for recreation and commuter-friendly.

4. Sensor

Ready for another surprise? This electric bike has a torque sensor, which greatly adds value. It performs well and gives me a feeling of control over my ride. The Asphalt ST doesn’t take off on its own free will as some cadence sensor e-bikes do. 

The Asphalt ST with Torque Sensor
The Asphalt ST has a Torque Sensor instead of a Cadence Sensor


5. Payload Capacity

The Asphalt has a substantial payload capacity of 300 lbs. This allows for carrying additional weight without affecting performance, which is super important if you’re commuting to work or school.

6. Quality Tires

The 27.5″ x 2.4″ tires provide a good balance of speed and stability on pavement. However, I was still surprised that I rode comfortably on packed dirt and gravel.

7. Braking System

The TEKTRO HD-E350 Hydraulic Disc Brakes were reliable and responsive. I was always able to stop as quickly as needed.

Asphalt electric bike rear tire and brakes
The Asphalt electric bike has Tektro hydraulic disc brakes.


8. Suspension

The Asphalt offers a 100mm adjustable front fork suspension. I noticed it immediately when hitting bumps… and combined with the comfortable saddle, it made for an enjoyable ride.

9. Swift Gearing

The Shimano 7-speed gearing system offers flexibility and smooth shifting.

Now, Let me share what I enjoy most about this ebike. But first, please subscribe to e-biking Today if you want more electric bike reviews and helpful e-biking information. 

10. Riding Position & Adjustable Handlebar

Here we go… what I enjoy most about the Mokwheel Asphalt ST is my riding position. Besides the comfortable leather saddle, the fact that I can ride sitting straight up is determined by the Adjustable handlebar stem. I rotated the stem to bring it higher and closer to me and easily gripped the swept-back handlebars.

11. Convenient Extras

Features like an integrated LED display, thumb throttle, and rear rack, add to the overall riding experience.

E-Bike Rear Rack and Saddle
It holds up to 300 lbs, including both rider and gear.

Cons

1. PAS Display Controller 

I don’t love that the buttons to change the pedal assist levels are in between the on/off and headlight buttons. This design makes it harder to increase or decrease the PAS level. Further, the cable connecting it is pretty tight. So it doesn’t allow the controls to sit as close to my left hand as I’d like.

2. Rear Tire 

The rear tire was slightly off-center, as shown by the white line and I couldn’t entirely fix it by deflating and adjusting the tire. However, this corrected itself after a short ride.

3. User Manual

Mokwheel’s user manual isn’t updated exclusively for the Asphalt e-bike. So, some details are incorrect, such as the tire pressure and rear rack payload. Thankfully, I emailed Mokwheel who let me know that the Asphalt requires a max PSI of 30. But, I’ve found that having a PSI of 25 is quite comfortable.

Also, note that the Mokwheel Asphalt carries up to 300 lbs, according to the website, whereas the manual says it’s 400 lbs.

4. Lack of Advanced Features 

While it has basic features, the bike lacks advanced technological integrations like GPS and app connectivity. Although I don’t expect to see these features on an e-bike priced at $1799 retail, they’d be nice to have.

7 Shimano Gears
7 Speed Shimano Gears

What You Need to Know Before Buying the Asphalt

At 60 lbs, the Asphalt e-bike is an average weight for a city commuter e-bike. So, that’s no surprise.

The Asphalt step-through comes in 2 frame sizes that suggest it fits riders between 5’2” and 6’6”. However, being shorter than 5’2” myself, I believe it can fit shorter riders as well. I set the seat up a few inches and rotated the handlebars upward. So, I was perfectly comfortable riding at all times.

Mokwheel Asphalt e-bike Size and Fit chart
Mokwheel Asphalt Size and Fit chart

And, it’s also nice to know that Mokwheel offers a 2-year limited warranty when the e-bike standard warranty is only 1 year.

Mokwheel Warranty 2 year
Mokwheel offers a Limited 2-year warranty, a year more than the standard brand warranty.

But here’s what you’re itching to find out…

The Asphalt ST comes in three beautiful color options while the Asphalt Step-over offers a bright orange instead of white.

Mokwheel Asphalt Orange
Mokwheel Step-Over Asphalt in Orange

So, Is the Mokwheel Asphalt right for You?

The Asphalt ST is right if you want to easily get on and off your e-bike and take long, comfortable rides without recharging the battery. If you’re more of a traditionalist, you might prefer the step-over Asphalt.

Either way, you’ll be getting a well-priced electric bike that offers enough adjustments to get you seated comfortably. And, if desired, you’ll benefit from worthwhile exercise while pedaling consistently with the torque sensor and 44T crankset. However, you can always fall back on the thumb throttle when you’ve had enough.

Despite your preference, thanks for checking out my Mokwheel Asphalt ST Review. Enjoy your ride!

Ride1Up Portola Electric Bike Review

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Craving a manageable folding ebike that traverses all terrain? One that packs in the features you’d never expect for a budget-priced electric bike?

To say that the Ride1Up Portola has massive value for a fold-up electric bike is an understatement. But is it just another affordable but cheap ebike?

In this electric bike review, you’ll discover everything the Ride1Up Portola offers. Learn the pros and cons and get help deciding if this compact ebike is worth your money. Further, I’ll share something shocking you have never seen in one of my reviews!

I’m Lisa from E-Biking Today and I’m geared up to show you everything you need to know about this budget folding bike in the Ride1Up Portola electric bike review.

The first thing you should know is that its retail price of only $995 is competitive with the Lectric XP3 at $1095. Even comparing sales prices, the Portola beats its competition by around $100. Check the Portola’s best price in the link I’ve provided below the video.

However, whether Ride1Up’s first-ever folding ebike offers greater value than the competition is another thing entirely. Let’s look at the Pros and Cons of the Ride1Up Portola to find out.

Ride1Up Portola Folding E-Bike on a dirt path
Ride the Ride1Up Portola Folding E-Bike on trails and gravel paths!

Pros of the Portola Electric Bike

750W Geared Hub Motor

For a smaller folding ebike, I was surprised that the Portola had so much power. With a 750W sustained geared hub motor and 65 Newton Meters of torque, the motor kicks off quickly and keeps its speed.

Class 1-3 Electric Bike 

The Portola speeds up to 28mph with 5 levels of pedal assist or up to 20mph using the left thumb throttle. I appreciate that the throttle put out as much juice as I wanted, when I wanted it, rather than limiting its power by pedal assist level. 

You can change between classes using the display by pressing the Plus and Minus buttons at the same time. Changing your ebike’s classification is handy when riding in National Parks or other locations that restrict Class 2 or 3 ebikes. 

Additionally, you can modify pedal assist sensitivity in these settings.

Pedal Assist Class 3 Electric Bike
Pedal Assist E-Bike with Class 1-3 settings lets you change as required.

Dual-Piston Hydraulic Brakes 

These add way more value than the mechanical disc brakes put on most inexpensive electric bikes. Yes, I love that this ebike is going to stop when I need it to, especially when riding dirt and gravel. 

20”x3” Cross-Country Tires

Even though they’re not 4-inch fat tires, the 3-inch wide tires have chunky knobs that made me feel comfortable riding over dirt and gravel. So, I never felt like I was slipping.

Cross Country Tires
3-inch Cross Country Tires with knobs to prevent slipping.

80mm Suspension Travel with Hydraulic Lockout

Trust me, this suspension makes all the difference. When I first got on the Portola, I thought I must have overinflated the tires because the ride was so hard. As it turns out, the suspension had been in lockout mode since I assembled it, allowing for no suspension at all! So, let me suggest that you unlock it before riding.

Suspension with Lockout
Suspension with Lockout

Shimano Parts

Another sign of good value is the use of a Shimano Altus 8-speed shifter, cassette, and derailleur. It’s promising that Ride1Up didn’t use cheaper parts just to make it’s ebike affordable.

Rear Rack

With a pannier side mount and a weight capacity of 130 lbs, you can add a child seat, heavy cargo, or even a passenger to the rear rack.

Rear Rack on Portola e-bike
The Rear Rack holds up to 130 lbs. Put a large load on it, a child seat, or a passenger seat.

CHECK OUT RIDE1UP’S BEST DEALS HERE!

Additional Advantages of the Portola E-Bike

You can see that the Portola electric bike has lots of value for the price. But there are still other advantages that add even more value. Before I mention these, I’d appreciate you taking a second to subscribe to E-Biking Today on YouTube. You’ll get to watch more helpful reviews and learn everything you need to know about electric bikes.

Now, other pros of the Ride1Up Portola include hardened alloy fenders and a taillight that doubles as a brake light. There are even connector cables that are easy to manage at the top, as opposed to threaded through the bike frame.

Another huge pro is that the Ride1Up Portola is a manageable folding e-bike! What I mean by that is this… Even with its hefty payload capacity, the Portola weighs only 60 lbs! Compare that to the 64-pound Lectric XP3 and the 68-pound Aventon Sinch 2.

But here’s what was most shocking! I lifted the folded Portola into the van all by myself, which I’ve never done with an electric folding bike! Not only is it lighter than similar electric bikes, but it also has an attached strap to hold together the folded frame. I was surprised that all 5’1 inches of me could manage it! This should assure smaller riders and those concerned about lifting an ebike that they can probably manage the Portola.

Portola folding e-bike
The Portola folds up small and weighs only 60 lbs!

Cons of the Ride1Up Portola

Overall, this Ride1Up ebike is great value for the money. However, I did find a few considerations.

The Comfort Saddle

Honestly, I didn’t find the bike seat to be particularly comfortable. It’s okay. But this is really more of a personal opinion. And you can easily replace the seat with some of the money you’re saving on the Portola in the first place.

Lack of a Protector Bar on the Derailleur

This is a little disappointing, especially on a folding bike that’s going to be hauled to other places or stored folded up. So, you may want to use a blanket and some bungees to further protect your ebike during travel.

Derailleur
No Protection on the derailleur

No Preload Adjustment

As I mentioned earlier, the suspension has a lockout. But, you can’t adjust for the load. So even though the Portola can carry up to 300 lbs, a large load may cause the seat to bottom out.

What You Need to Know Before You Buy

Overall, the Ride1Up Portola is a solid electric folding bike with better features than other ebikes at the same price point. But let’s check out other important details.

Range

You can ride a range of 20-40 miles with the $995 e-bike or 25-45 miles with the optional 13.4 Amp Hour battery upgrade, for about $100 more. 

screenshot of optional battery size
Choose the bigger battery if you want to be able to ride a little further.

Sizing and Fit

Make sure you’ll fit comfortably by checking out the sizing chart on the Ride1Up website. I put the seat up higher than typical for myself, so I question whether it would fit a rider over 6 feet tall.

Portola e-bike size specifications
Check to make sure you’ll fit comfortably on the Portola folding e-bike.

Assembly

I’m happy to say that Ride1Up has figured out that we don’t want to assemble our new e-bikes! In fact, the Portola was completely assembled except for the header tube and handlebars. Front wheel, check. Pedals, check. Rack and fenders, check. 

Plus, it comes with a step-by-step card showing you what’s left to assemble (although I noticed they forgot to mention attaching the seat and tightening up the display)! Regardless, bike assembly is quick.

Open box with Portola ebike
Thanks to the included assembly instruction card, assembly was fast!

Color Choices

Okay, come on, the Sea Turquoise color that I tested is a ton of fun. But if that color isn’t right for you, check out the Indigo or Charcoal options.

Woman standing next to  Sea Turquoise E-Bike Color
Riding the Portola Sea Turquoise E-Bike

Is the Portola Electric Bike Right for You?

It may be the best electric bike for you if you want one that travels with you. Whether you are an RVer or live it up in posh hotels, this foldable bike can go with you.

It’s also a great choice if you want to ride on any terrain, especially if you need to pack it up to get to a trailhead.

The Portola may not be right for you if you don’t have any need to fold a bike. Alternatively, if you have an extra $500 or more in your budget, you may want to take a look at the Ride1Up LMT’D e-bike with a torque sensor and a longer range.

To conclude the Ride1Up Portola electric bike review, I’d have to say that Ride1Up has done it again, but even better! The Portola is a quality, feature-filled electric bike at a ridiculously affordable price.

It’s definitely worth checking out! But whatever you decide, enjoy your ride!

Check out other Ride1Up Reviews:

Ride1Up LMT’D V2

Ride1Up 700 Series

Ride1Up Turris