One of the big differences from a standard bicycle is the added weight of Electric Bikes. With all the added tech and extra frame strength – an E-Bike’s weight can be surprising. But does it really matter?
How Much Does An Electric Bike Weigh?
A typical Electric Bike weighs around 40-50 lb or 18-22 kg. This is for your standard leisure/commuter/eMTB and can vary. Your average non-electric bicycle weighs around 18-28 lb or 8-13 kg in comparison
The weight has gone down significantly in the last few years, to the point where an Electric Bike typically weighs just under double what a standard bicycle would. E-Bikes will continue to get lighter as battery and motor technology are improved.
Does E-Bike Weight Matter?
If how much Electric Bikes weigh is a concern for you we urge you to consider how you’ll use them. There are just a handful of situations where weight makes a difference. Most find it’s not something to think about at all.
Traditionally a bicycle’s weight is fairly important, especially for road or commuter bikes. However, as long as you keep your battery charged you shouldn’t worry. E-Bike weight really doesn’t matter when the motor is engaged.
Problems & Solutions For Heavy E-Bikes
Even with a very heavy E-Bike you’ll never work as hard as you would pedaling a standard bike. The only situations you might need to worry about weight are below. Check out our trick to help with these underneath: –
- City Living – Apartments with tight staircases can be a pain when you need to maneuver or carry heavier E-Bikes up stairs
- Reduced Mobility – If you are worried about having trouble pushing or lifting a heavy bike – for example, getting it into the boot of a car
- Public Transport – Getting the bike on to awkward train carry compartments or on buses
- Mounting – If you mount your bike on a roof rack or a high rear rack
The solution could be as simple as getting an E-Bike with Walk Assist or Walk Mode. This is a mode where you can walk alongside the bike and hold a button on the handlebars. This engages the motor slightly and pushes the bike at a walking pace.
It feels like you are making no effort and you can use this in a few situations. When you need to dismount and push like normal, or on tight staircases with just the back wheel on the stairs/floor and the bike held vertically.
For pushing E-Bikes uphill on steep trails use it like a wheelbarrow with the bike almost upside down, just holding the handlebars with the back tire out in front of you. Mountain bikers should recognize this “wheelbarrow” technique.
Learn more in What Is Walk Mode On An Electric Bike?
Are Electric Bikes Waterproof?
Why Are Electric Bikes Heavy?
Electric Bikes have a few extras that make up the bulk of their added weight. These are mainly made up of the battery and the motor, as well as a slightly sturdier frame that may have more welds.
Better motors use well-designed and miniaturized parts, as well as being tuned for the highest output per size. As a result, the cost can be high. Comparing the Bosch Performance line to a Bafang hub motor you’ll see a huge price gap.
For E-Bike batteries weight is really more about capacity. More power or longer range means bigger size. Quality components matter but don’t make a massive weight difference – it’s more about longevity and safety.
Smaller bits that add weight can include an onboard computer and display, beefier tires and wheels, sometimes a sturdier set of brakes and chain, as well as protected wires.
How Much Does An Electric Bike Battery Weigh?
A typical Electric Bike battery weighs 5-8lbs or 2.2-3.6 kg. You can get bigger “range extender” battery packs that can weigh up to 14 lb or 6.3 kg, as well as smaller and lighter batteries – typically built in to Road E-Bikes.
Perhaps surprisingly the Lithium-Ion batteries in E-Bikes actually weigh more when fully charged, and less when discharged. The differences are so little that it’s almost not measurable but still a fun fact.
Popular Electric Bike Models By Weight
Here are the weights of the some of the most popular E-Bike models, with battery weight included for the full picture: –
- Cowboy 3 – 16.9 kg / 37.25 lb – Ultralight city bike
- Brompton M6L – 18.31 kg / 40.3 lb – Clever folding commuter classic gone electric
- Specialized Levo SL Comp – 19.4 kg / 42.76 lb – Sleek and powerful eMTB
- Vanmoof S3 – 21 kg / 46.3 lb – Streamlined city bike
- Rad Rover Rad Runner – 29 kg / 64 lb – Leisure / cargo E-Bike
- Super 73 S-2 – 33.11 kg / 73 lb – Big “chopper” style cruiser
What Is The Lightest Weight Electric Bike?
The Hummingbird Electric is a super lightweight folding Electric Bike that comes in at 10.3kg or 22.7 lbs. The Furo Etura at only 12kg or 26.5 lb is the lightest fully folding Electric Bike we’ve found.
The Orbea SL is the lightest eMTB or Electric Mountain Bike you’ll find at just 16.2 kg or 35.7 lb. It’s trimmed down to an insane degree but still a great ride at a fairly good price for the incredibly low weight.
The Scott Addict eRide Premium is a super lightweight road E-Bike that weighs only 10.75 kg or 23.7 lb. It’s the highest-end (and price) model but you can get other Scott eRide’s that come in cheaper and are still under 12kg / 26.5 lb.
Basically, all of the lightest E-Bikes use a full carbon frame to cut down on the weight. Carbon fiber is very lightweight but still stronger than aluminum or steel, though comes with a higher price tag.
Are Electric Bikes Hard To Push?
E-Bike weight only becomes a problem when you need to push it, pick it up, or when it runs out of battery. Ideally, you’ll never run out of battery but it does happen if you don’t plan. Depending on the bike it can be much harder to ride than a normal bike.
When you need to dismount and push because of tight space or cycling restrictions in a city, it’s not too bad. For short pushes, it’s just like having a couple of shopping bags on a pannier. A lot of E-Bikes come with a walk mode that assists just a bit.
Can You Ride An E-Bike Without The Battery?
You can ride most E-Bikes without a battery or when it runs out. It depends on the model as to how hard this is. For bigger, heavier leisure bikes built for comfort, it will be harder to pedal and you may need to push.
If you run out it can be a pain as you need to get somewhere to charge it. If you don’t have access to a charger (like having an extra at work) then you’re out of luck. Plan ahead, most E-Bike riders have never had a flat battery.
Many models allow you to remove the battery entirely to save weight for a short battery-less ride. Some eMTBs also allow you to remove the motor fairly simply too for getting in extra rides on a flat battery day.
Do Electric Bikes Have A Weight Limit?
Most Electric Bikes have a much higher weight limit than you’d expect. Check with the manufacturer before you buy as they should list a weight limit for riders. E-Bikes are also generally stronger and made to withstand more force than a standard bicycle.
This is because E-Bikes generate more force and can go faster so need a bit more stability. Plus E-Bikes are generally made more for leisure riders and people who don’t necessarily have the fitness and build of a wannabe “Tour de France” rider.
How To Reduce Electric Bike Weight?
There isn’t much you can do to reduce an Electric Bike’s weight once you’ve bought it. If it’s an older E-Bike you might find battery and motor tech has evolved. Replacing those parts can have a big difference in weight.
Standard bike parts can also be swapped to remove weight. Typically the biggest savings come in the tires, wheels, saddle, and seat post. Other metal parts (like stems, seat posts, and bolts) can often be swapped but at a higher price and lesser weight savings.
If you are really worried about running out of battery – consider either upgrading to a bigger one, or investing in a spare charger where you might need it.
Does Weight Affect eMTBs?
Yes – in general, lighter weight Electric Mountain Bikes or eMTBs are better in the air and more maneuverable. However, the heavier eMTBs tend to be a little more stable on uneven surfaces. Great video on the subject below: –
What Class Of E-Bike Is Lightest?
There is no one class of Electric Bike that is always lighter or heavier than the other. In general, it’s possible to say that Classes 1 and 2 will probably be lighter weight because they don’t need to go as fast so might not need a larger motor.
Class 1 and 3 E-Bikes also aren’t normally allowed to use throttles so that’s a tiny bit of weight they can remove. On the other hand a Class 2 throttle E-Bike could probably get away with less sturdy pedals.
