8 Must-Know E-Bike Frame Types for Beginners

Posted by Eahora E-Bike on September 20, 2024

The Rise of E-Bikes Worldwide

E-bikes have become quite common in the bicycle industry. Those who support the green revolution only endorse the use of e-bikes from the bicycle category. These bikes come in various sizes, frame types, and shapes to meet specific needs. E-bikes are environmentally friendly, provide a good workout, and can save a lot of money. If you're interested in e-bikes and thinking of buying one, it's essential to know the basic types of frames and choose one based on your personal style. Eahora is here to tell you some different frame types and related e-bike styles you can consider.

Traditional Frame

The traditional frame is a favorite among many customers because it is sleek and stylish, making it more attractive from a consumer’s perspective. You might not even realize it's an e-bike, mistaking it for a regular mountain bike. However, the traditional frame has some drawbacks that should be evaluated before purchasing. It has space inside to hide a battery, but it can only hold a small one, which is a limitation in terms of range. The smaller battery also limits the power available. If you plan to use your e-bike for long trips every day, a traditional frame might not be the best choice.

Step-Through Frame

This frame style is popular among riders because it makes mounting and dismounting easy. It's particularly favored by adults and seniors. Those with arthritis or similar disabilities, who cannot lift their leg over a traditional bike bar, prefer this design. There aren’t any significant downsides to this design, but it does offer the advantage of accommodating a larger battery, which has great potential for extended range and power. The step-through frame also comes in various styles, offering excellent options.

Moped Style

The moped-style frame suits those wanting a unique e-bike. Traditional frames are of no use to these individuals, as they are common and accessible to everyone. This e-bike looks like a mini version of a motorcycle at first glance. It features a great rear seat, spacious enough to comfortably hold a person. The only downside is its weight due to its bulky design, making it larger than standard e-bikes. It often comes with wide tires, making it an excellent choice for riding on almost any terrain. Overall, it's a durable e-bike that won't cause issues in terms of resilience and build quality, and it will accompany you for many years.

eMTB/Adventure

This is your standard mountain bike with an electric twist. This frame is particularly suitable for off-road use, as it features thick, grooved wheels, and elegant suspension. To support such a robust build, it comes with a higher wattage motor. If you must travel over rough terrain, the eMTB is the bike for you.

Cargo/Delivery

Delivery cyclists have a new favorite in town: the cargo e-bike. These bikes are sturdy and offer separate compartments for storing delivery items, all powered elegantly by a battery. They can carry about 400 pounds of cargo and easily upgrade from standard cargo bikes. You can extend the range with thumb throttle and pedal assist. Additionally, the battery is powerful enough to give you an extra boost when needed. A potential downside is the added weight due to the installed brackets containing cargo space, making it a bit heavier than standard e-bikes.

Hybrid Style

If you aren't someone who likes just one style, a hybrid e-bike might appeal to you. It strikes a perfect balance between road and off-road bikes and their frame styles. They feature a slightly upright seat, modern suspension, and thinner tires like street styles. These bikes are perfect for riders who have to tackle different types of terrain every day, as hybrid frames respond well to every type.

Fat Tire

These e-bikes have incredibly large tires, bigger than any other bike mentioned. These bikes are more suited for smooth street surfaces, and due to the large tires, they offer a unique form of traction. Because of poor suspension, the tires don't interact well with uneven ground, so they aren’t recommended for off-road terrains.

Folding Frame

Choosing the Right SizeWith so many sizes and frame styles available, choosing a specific frame style can be confusing. Many find hybrid e-bikes more accessible because they often choose them, but other factors need consideration. When choosing a frame size and type, consider your height and inseam.

These two factors alone can help you select the right size, no matter which frame style you choose. Beyond these factors, your personal ideas and preferences will also play a role, so keep in mind an ideal choice and select a frame size that matches your height and inseam.