A Buyer’s Guide to Finding the Right E-Bike Size

As the technology used for e-bikes evolve, a lot of other aspects of the electric ride have developed too. Thanks to these innovations, electric bikes are now available in more shapes and sizes. Given these changes, it became extra trickier to pick the perfect e-bike, especially when considering one’s height.

If you’re buying an e-bike for the first time, you might not be aware that there a lot of factors to consider before doing so. The right electric bike size for your height, for one, affects your riding experience directly.  

According to various researches and on-hand experiences from e-bike enthusiasts, there are a few things that matter when selecting an electric bike size. Some of these factors are frame size, saddle height, pedal position, and even handlebar height.

So, the question stands, why is it important to know the right e-bike size? How does this affect one’s riding comfort and experience? We’ll answer those questions in this article, so you might want to read on! 

Why does the right e-bike size matter? 

Unknown to some, it is important that you have an understanding of why having the correct e-bike size for your height is crucial. Knowing the right size for you would also save you from injuries, both short and long term. Choosing the right type of e-bike is essential, yes, but you also have to make sure that you have it in the right size too.  

Electric bikes normally come with pedal assist, which means that you can easily pedal for a longer period of time without exerting that much effort. This feature makes your riding experience comfortable and fun, but it wouldn’t be as fun when you have the wrong size of the e-bike.

Hastily choosing a bike might lead you to pick one that’s uncomfortable, therefore defeating the purpose of getting an e-bike in the first place.

Before you go on choosing the right e-bike size, you have to consider other aspects from your point of view as well. These include your riding style, inseam measurements, and most of all, your height. These factors will determine the right frame size and saddle height perfect for you.

Moreover, it is also important to know how exactly you’re planning to use your e-bike. What purpose will it serve? Will it be for your everyday commutes? For hobby riding? Are you planning to take your e-bike to the trails and the off-road?

Once all of these are considered, you can be at ease knowing that you have chosen the perfect e-bike, that’s fit for you and your needs.

Disadvantages of Picking the Incorrectly-Sized E-Bike

As stated earlier in this explainer, choosing an e-bike of the wrong size might lead to injuries, both short and long term. Here are some issues that you might encounter when you fail to choose an electric ride that’s suitable for you.

• Regular Back Pains
• Wrist Pain
• Fatigue

To avoid these unwanted problems, you should be extra meticulous when picking your electric bike of choice. Others might think that doing so is not completely necessary, but there is no harm in going the extra mile for your comfort, right?

Choosing the Suitable Electric Bike Size

Admit it or not, we know that the correct size is one of the factors most overlooked when shopping for an electric bike. One should understand that this aspect is as important as other features like battery life, motor power, charging time, and others.

We’re sure you have a question or two regarding the whole sizing process, so here’s a list of things you need to pay attention to if you want to find the perfect e-bike size.

Frame Size – this should probably one of the first things you should consider when choosing the right e-bike size. It’s mainly because an e-bike’s frame size is normally set, and there’s rarely a way to customize it.

Riding a bike with the wrong frame size might result in back pains, especially when you are on a commuter bike. There might be additional tweaks that can be done to other parts like saddles and stems, but the right frame size should be your primary concern.

Handlebar Height (and Size) – the handlebar is one of the three main connection points in all kinds of e-bikes, and more importantly, it controls one’s steering and handling.

The correct handlebar height and size must be able to offer the rider a comfortable transition and steering. Choosing the wrong one might result in pains on the neck, shoulder, and even the lower back. It could also lead to more serious complications like handlebar palsy.

It might not look that essential, but the correct handlebar will take you to places. There are online guides available to help you, and we highly suggest that you follow them too.

Saddle Height – just like the frame size and handlebar height, this is another essential aspect that you need to take note of. A saddle that’s too high or too low might not give you the riding experience that you’re expecting.

One way to determine if you have chosen the right saddle height is to check your foot’s positioning as you pedal. If it’s positioned correctly, your knee should be slightly bent once it hits the bottom. The perfect saddle height should allow the rider to do more powerful downstrokes with less effort on your knees.

Luckily enough, the saddle can be adjusted. If you feel uncomfortable with how high or low the seat is, you can adjust the binder bolt, and move the saddle to a position most suitable for you.

Essential Measurements for Finding the Right Electric Bike Size

Now that we have tackled the importance of the right sizes and heights for an e-bike’s component, there are still a few things that we need to take a glance at.

In this part, we will talk about the different measurements that you should know before purchasing any type of electric bike. Knowing these dimensions is just as important as knowing the kind of bike you want. These will also be what will make or break your e-bike riding experience.

1. Inseam Measurement – your inseam is the measurement from your inner thigh to the floor. Here are a few steps on getting your measurement:

• Stand against the wall with your cycling shoes on. Your feet must be 6 inches apart.
• Get a book (or anything that can mimic a bike seat) and place it between your legs, and against the wall. Make sure that you are positioned as if you are sitting on a saddle.
• Mark the top of the book.
• Measure the distance between the top of the book and the floor. That is your inseam measurement.

2. Stand Over Height – the stand-over height of an electric bike is the clearance between your inseam and the top tube. It can be calculated depending on the shape of the frame (albeit a little tricky). Here is how you measure it:

• Stand on the center of the frame, with your feet flat on the ground. Make sure you have your cycling shoes on.
• Measure the clearance between your inseam and the top tube.
• For electric city bikes, a 1-inch clearance would be enough. However, for E-MTBs, you would need at least 2 inches of clearance. Most cruiser e-bikes do not require a standover height measurement.

3. Your Over-all Height – this aspect is probably the easiest measurement to get since, more often than not, you already what it is. But, if you’re not 100 percent sure about your height, then here’s how you measure it.

• Stand against a wall with your feet flat on the ground. Make sure that you are barefooted.
• Use a tape measure or a yardstick to measure the distance from the top of your head to the ground. Ask for someone’s help if you need to.

Once all of these measurements are taken and into consideration, you can be confident that you will find the perfect electric bike, and you will have nothing but the best riding experience.

Electric Bike Sizing for Different Heights

Let’s say that you have taken note of all the aspects mentioned above, and are ready to buy your very first electric bike. You could be asking “What’s the perfect e-bike size for me?” The following charts will show you the right size of hybrid bikes depending on your height.

While these charts might show you an overview of the suitable e-bike size for your height, some e-bike manufacturers might size their bikes differently. Most models also come with adjustable seats. To avoid making the wrong choice, you can always ask for assistance from experts or their staff to access their own charts, if available.

However, if those resources are not accessible, then you can always refer to the charts above.

Is it Advisable to Buy Electric Bikes Online?

Ordering e-bikes online are getting popular these days. However, some are still worried that they might need to try on the bike first to ensure that they are picking the right one. This might be possible if you are purchasing your e-bike from a physical store. But what if you’re buying it online?

No need to worry! With the right guides (like this one) that can easily be accessed on the internet, and the accommodating staff who are always to answer your questions, you are sure to get the perfect electric ride right at your doorstep.

Finding the Best Electric Bikes in Australia

Now more than ever, the world has seen a boom in the online selling industry. This is also the reason why most electric bike manufacturers in countries like Australia have partnered with trusted online electric rideable stores that can cater to customers’ needs 24/7. Online stores like E-Ride Solutions are equipped with guides and information on electric rides that will surely satiate every customer’s curiosity.

Not only that, these online stores offer nothing but the best electric bikes in Australia. More often than not, they also carry other forms of electric rides like e-scooters, e-unicycles, electric hoverboards, and more.  

So, now that you have ticked all the necessary boxes in this guide, and know where to go, you are finally ready to purchase your very own electric bike! Whether it’s for your daily commutes, or for leisurely riding during your favorite holidays, there’s always the perfect electric bike for you!

Have you already bought your own e-bike? What steps did you follow and consider before doing so? We’re glad to hear what you think, and we’d love to share it with our readers, too!