One of the common questions that many potential buyers have is: how much does an electric mountain bike weigh?
Why the E-Bike Weight Matters
Understanding the weight of an electric bike is essential for several reasons:
- It affects the performance and handling of the bike, especially on steep and rough terrain.
- It influences the battery life and range of the bike, as heavier bikes consume more energy.
- It determines the bike’s ease of transport and storage, as lighter bikes are more convenient to carry and store.
In this guide, we will explore the factors that affect the weight of an electric bike, compare the weight of different models from various brands, and provide some tips on choosing an e-bike based on weight.
Factors that Affect E-Bike Weight
The weight of an electric bike mainly depends on several major components, such as:
The frame
The frame is the main structure of the bike that supports all the other parts. The frame can be made of different materials, such as steel, aluminum, carbon fiber, or titanium. Each material has advantages and disadvantages in strength, durability, stiffness, and weight.
Generally speaking, steel frames are the heaviest but the most durable and comfortable; aluminum frames are lighter but less durable and stiff; carbon fiber frames are the lightest, but the most expensive and brittle; and titanium frames are somewhere in between.
The motor
The motor is the device that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy to power the bike. The motor can be located in different places on the bike, such as the front wheel hub, the rear wheel hub, or the bottom bracket (the part where the pedals attach to the frame). The location of the motor affects the balance and handling of the bike. The motor can also vary in size, power, and efficiency.
Generally speaking, larger and more powerful motors are heavier but provide more torque and speed; smaller and less powerful motors are lighter but provide less torque and speed.
The battery
The battery is the device that stores electrical energy to power the motor. The battery can be integrated into the frame or attached externally. The battery can also vary in capacity, voltage, and chemistry.
Generally speaking, larger and higher-capacity batteries are heavier but provide more range and power; smaller and lower-capacity batteries are lighter but provide less range and power. Different types of batteries also have different characteristics in terms of lifespan, performance, safety, and environmental impact.
The suspension
The suspension system absorbs shocks and vibrations from uneven terrain to provide a smoother ride. The suspension can be located on the front fork (the part that connects the handlebars to the front wheel), the rear shock (the part that connects the frame to the rear wheel), or both. The suspension can also vary in type, such as coil or air springs, and in adjustability, such as preload, rebound, compression, or lockout. Generally speaking, more suspension adds more comfort, control, weight, and complexity.
The wheels
The wheels are the parts that connect the bike to the ground and allow it to move. The wheels consist of rims (the circular metal parts that hold the tires), spokes (the thin metal rods that connect the rims to the hubs), hubs (the central parts that attach to the axles), tires (the rubber parts that contact the ground), and tubes (the inflatable parts that hold air inside the tires). The wheels can vary in size, width, shape, material, and design.
Generally speaking, larger and wider wheels provide more traction and stability but add more weight and rolling resistance; smaller and narrower wheels offer less traction and stability and reduce weight and rolling resistance.
To illustrate how these components affect e-bike weight, let’s look at examples of different e-bike models and how their weight varies based on these components.
Weight Comparison Charts
To give you an idea of how much different electric bike models weigh, we have created charts comparing the weight of various e-MTBs from different manufacturers. The weights are based on the information provided by the brands or online sources and may vary slightly depending on the frame size and configuration.
| Ebike Type | Ebike Model | Ebike Weight (lb) |
|————|————-|——————-|
| Folding | Brompton Electric | 38 |
| Folding | Hummingbird Electric 2.0 | 22.7 |
| Folding | RadPower Radmini 4 | 67 |
| Folding | Gocycle G4 | 38.8 |
| Folding | Tern Vektron Q9 | 48.3 |
| Cargo | Tern GSD S10 | 74 |
| Cargo | Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 4 | 77 |
| Cargo | Aventon Aventure | 62.5 |
| Cargo | Benno RemiDemi 10D Sport | 60 |
| Cargo | Lectric XPremium (+cargo package) | 63 |
| Mountain | Specialized Turbo Levo Comp | 50 |
| Mountain | Merida eOne-Sixty 10K | 50.5 |
| Mountain | Santa Cruz Bullit Carbon CC | 50 |
| Mountain | Giant Trance E+1 Pro | 54.2 |
| Mountain | Trek E-Caliber 9.9 XX1 AXS | 46.6 |
This chart shows that folding electric bikes have the lowest average weight, followed by mountain e-bikes and cargo e-bikes. You can also see a wide range of weights within each category, with some models being much lighter or heavier than others. For example, the Hummingbird Electric 2.0 is the lightest folding ebike at 22.7 lb, while the RadPower Radmini 4 is the heaviest at 67 lb. Similarly, the Trek E-Caliber 9.9 XX1 AXS is the lightest mountain e-bike at 46.6 lb, while the Giant Trance E+1 Pro is the heaviest at 54.2 lb.
What Else Do We Learn about e-bike weight?
- Folding e-bikes are generally lighter than cargo and mountain ebikes because they have smaller frames and wheels and less powerful motors and batteries.
- Cargo e-bikes are generally heavier than folding and mountain ebikes because they have larger frames and wheels and more powerful motors and batteries to carry heavy loads.
- Mountain e-bikes are generally heavier than regular mountain bikes because they have motors and batteries, but they are still designed to be agile and responsive on rough terrain.
- The weight of an e-bike can affect its performance, range, handling, and comfort. Lighter e-bikes may be easier to pedal, maneuver, and transport, but they may also have less power, range, and stability. Heavier e-bikes may be more powerful, durable, and stable but also harder to pedal, maneuver, and transport.
- The optimal weight of an ebike depends on the rider’s preferences, needs, and goals. Some riders prefer a lighter e-bike for convenience and efficiency, while others prefer a heavier electric bike for power and capacity.
How to Choose an E-Bike Based on Weight
Here are some tips for choosing an e-bike based on weight, depending on your needs and preferences.
Consider your own weight and fitness level.
If you are heavier or less fit, choose a lighter e-bike that can provide more assistance and reduce the strain on your joints and muscles. A lighter e-bike can be easier to handle and maneuver, especially on hills and curves. However, if you are lighter or fitter, you may prefer a heavier e-bike that can offer more stability and durability. A heavier e-bike can also have a longer battery life and a higher load capacity, which can help carry cargo or passengers.
Consider the terrain and distance of your rides.
If you plan to ride on flat and smooth roads for short distances, you may not need to worry too much about the weight of your e-bike. However, if you plan to ride on rough and hilly terrain for long distances, choose a lighter e-bike that can handle the elevation changes and reduce battery consumption. A lighter e-bike can also be easier to transport and store, especially if you need to lift or carry it upstairs.
Consider your budget and preferences.
E-bikes vary in price depending on their features, quality, and weight. Generally, lighter e-bikes are more expensive than heavier ones, requiring more advanced materials and technology. However, this is only sometimes the case, as some heavier e-bikes may have more accessories or components that add to their cost. Therefore, you should compare different models and brands of e-bikes based on their specifications, reviews, and ratings, as well as your personal preferences and budget.
Final Thoughts on Electric Bike Weight
Knowing how much an electric bike weighs is crucial for its performance, handling, battery life, and ease of transport. Factors such as the frame, motor, battery, suspension, and wheels all play a role in determining the weight of an e-bike. By comparing the weight of different models and considering your needs and preferences, you can choose an e-bike that is just right for you.
Sales Manager at Jieli Electric Bikes.
Near 10 years experience in electric bike industry, researching/marketing/promoting e-bike is my daily life.
