Today, many more people are choosing electric bikes over traditional bikes for several reasons. They often ask, how much do electric bikes weigh?
Apart from being an extremely convenient alternative to using a vehicle to commute, electric bikes help to increase your range, reduce joint pains by eliminating the strain on your knees and back, and are overall a comfortable ride.
However, apart from the price of an electric bike, the other most important thing to consider before purchasing one is the weight of the e-bike. The electric bike’s weight determines your performance, speed, and distance.
Electric vs Traditional Bikes
In general, electric bikes are heavier compared to traditional bikes. So, how much do electric bikes weigh? It is important to determine this before actually purchasing one.
Typically, electric bikes are around 40% to 50% heavier compared to traditional bikes. A traditional bike can weigh between 30 lb to 35 lb (12 to 13 kgs), while an electric bike (with a rear, mid or front-drive) can weigh between 40 lb to 70 lb (18 to 23 kgs).
However, the actual weight of the electric bike will depend on various factors, such as the type, motor, battery, and material of the frame.
So, the important questions are, why are e-bikes heavy? How much do electric bikes weigh? Why is the weight of the electric bike important and why should you pay attention to it?
Why Are Electric Bikes Heavy?
If you’re looking for a regular bike, then it is better to opt for one that is lighter because the lighter the bike, the easier it is to use and the better the maneuverability.
However, electric bikes are built differently compared to traditional bikes. They have a motor and battery, which contribute to as much as 20 lb and make them heavier than regular bikes.
Electric bikes are generally heavier than regular bikes because they include a motor, as well as a battery.
Typically, a huge proportion of the electric bike is because of the motor system, which weighs around 17.5 lb (8 kgs), while the motor itself weighs around 8 lb to 11 lb (4 to 5 kgs).
On average, the battery of the electric bike weighs around 4 lb to 7.5 kgs (2 to 3.5 kgs). And, the more powerful the electric bike, the larger it is in terms of its size and it is heavier too.
The extra weight of the electric bike makes it easier to pedal and you can go much faster, thanks to the motor. A lighter electric bike will have a smaller size and capacity motor and battery, which means you can travel smaller distances.
There may be lightweight electric bikes with smaller batteries and weighing around 30 lb to 40 lb; however, these usually come with a higher price tag.
Size Matters
The weight of the electric bike is affected by the size of the bike. The material of the frame and the other components of the electric bike, i.e., the handlebars, wheels, pedals, etc. also contribute to its weight.
Electric bikes feature an LCD that enables you to control the power assistance you need; however, this does not add a lot to the bike’s weight.
Most electric bikes are equipped with wider tires compared to traditional bikes. This enables you to gain more traction, allowing you to cycle on tough terrains.
However, the drawback of having wider wheels is that it increases the bike’s weight and also the amount of drag, which makes it difficult to move the bike.
Types of Electric Bikes
The type of electric bike you opt for also determines its weight. For instance, a lighter bike will help you to cycle faster, in which case a road bike is the best option.
However, if you want to ride on tougher, uneven terrains, then mountain bikes are the best because they have wider wheels and are heavier.
However, before you choose the appropriate bike for your requirement, you need to understand the various types of electric bikes and their weights.
Commuting Bikes
Also known as a hybrid electric bike, a commuting bike allows you to commute comfortably. The bikes have wheels like a road bike, while the handles are similar to that of a mountain bike.
Commuting e-bikes are to travel far distances. They have heavier batteries. This will increase the weight of the bike, which usually weighs around 50 lb to 70 lb.
Mountain Bikes
One of the most common types of electric bikes that can be used both on-road, as well as off-road, mountain e-bikes produce a power output of up to 750 watts and the suspension of the bike helps to reduce the impact of bumps.
Typically, the mountain e-bikes tend to be heavier, weighing around 40 lb to 70 lb.
Comfort Bikes
These are generally used for leisure. In comfort e-bikes, typically, the frame has a step-through design, and the handlebars usually extend backward, instead of on the sides. Usually, comfort bikes weigh around 50 lb to 70 lb.
Cruiser Bikes
These are meant for leisure riding and weigh around 70 lb. Cruiser e-bikes usually have wide handlebars and soft, large, and comfortable seats that enable you to ride in greater comfort compared to other bikes.
Folding Bikes
Typically, designed for easy and convenient portability and storage, you can easily carry your folding e-bike wherever you go.
There are different types of folding e-bikes that you can choose from i.e., mini folding e-bikes, which weigh between 30 lb and 40 lb, folding fat tire e-bikes that weigh around 50 lb, and folding mountain e-bikes that weigh around 40 lb to 70 lb.
Racing Bikes
Weighing just around 40 lb, racing e-bikes are among the lightest electric bikes; however, they are the most expensive too.
Usually, the racing e-bikes have very thin and lightweight frames and wheels and handlebars, which are curved forward, allowing you to cycle very fast.
Fat Tire Bikes
Fat tire e-bikes are quite similar to mountain e-bikes and are best for use off-road and on rough terrains such as snow, sand, etc. A fat tire bike commonly has wider tires, which make them heavier and they weigh around 50 lb to 70 lb.
Does the Electric Bike’s Weight Affect Its Speed?
Typically, the e-bike’s weight does not affect its speed because the motor aids you in turning the pedals faster, allowing your bike to reach speeds of up to around 15 mph (~25 kmph).
However, as soon as you gain speed, the motor stops helping you, but you can keep moving by pedaling but you will have to put in greater effort, especially if you’re cycling uphill.
What Are the Limitations of a Heavy Electric Bike?
If you’re planning to purchase an e-bike and not very sure about the extra weight these bikes come with, then an important thing to consider is how you will be using the electric bike.
If you’re planning to use the electric bike to commute long distances then despite the extra weight of the bike, it will be easier to pedal because of the electric motor.
However, the electric bike’s weight can pose a problem if you want to transport it. And, carrying the bike up several stairs after every ride can be even more difficult.
Also, where you will use the electric bike is important to consider because if you live in the city with a park or cycle track close by then this is a good thing; however, if you need to carry your electric bike on public transport such as the bus to someplace where you can ride it, then this may be a problem.
You can choose a very lightweight electric bike; however, this may mean that you may not have a large range.
An e-bike can typically last for between 20 to 50 miles on a single charge. Though, some newer, lightweight models can last for 50 miles or even more.
How to Reduce the Weight of the Electric Bike
There are different ways by which you can try and reduce the electric bike’s weight. You could consider purchasing a lightweight model that has a carbon fiber or aluminum frame. Clean your bike regularly because the mud clinging onto it can increase the weight of your e-bike.
You can consider changing the tires of your bike to thinner ones, which will not only reduce the weight but also allow you to pedal faster; however, this can sacrifice the grip. Remove any bags and other accessories that you may have attached to the e-bike. All these things can help to lessen your electric bike’s weight.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, electric bikes are essentially like traditional bikes with a few add-ons including a motor, battery, wiring, and a display panel and these components can add some weight to the bike. However, an electric bike offers many advantages that outweigh the limitations.
While a traditional bike may weigh around 30 lb, an electric one may weigh around 40 to 70 lb; nevertheless, an electric bike allows you to pedal more easily and travel greater distances conveniently, especially when you’re riding long distances or up hilly or mountainous terrain.
This makes the extra weight of the e-bike a mild inconvenience, which is why today, more and more people love electric bikes and are opting for them instead of traditional ones.