How Much Does an Electric Bike Weigh?

Generally speaking, the weight of an electric bike (e-bike) is usually higher than that of a traditional bike.

This is because e-bikes are designed to support the weight of an additional motor and battery. These two components allow a rider to travel great distances with minimal pedaling, easing physical strain, increasing rider comfort, and streamlining climbing ascents.

But what is a typical e-bike weight? What factors contribute to the weight of ebikes? And how do you choose the right weight of an e-bike to suit your needs? Read on to find out.

Why Are Electric Bikes So Heavy?

The main reason why electric bikes are heavier than traditional bikes is simple: they have to support the weight of a battery and motor. The weight of these components varies based on the manufacturer, battery capacity, and motor performance. Higher capacity batteries and faster motors will result in a heavier e-bike.

The Heybike Cityrun electric bike weighs 61.7lbs and features a 500W brushless motor (Peak 1000W), along with a battery capacity of 48V/15Ah (720Wh) and a 48V4A charger (3-4 hours charging time), while the Ranger S folding e-bike weighs 72lbs (32.6) and features a 750W brushless motor (Peak 1400w), plus a battery capacity of 48V/14.4Ah (692Wh) and a 48V/4A (3-4 hours charging time) 100V-220V AC input.

As you see, the Cityrun has 28Wh more battery capacity than the Ranger S. However, the Ranger S has 250W more power than the Cityrun, which contributes to the 10.2lbs weight difference. The Ranger S also has a higher payload capacity, meaning it can hold 50 lbs more than the Cityrun.

Of course, there are other factors outside of the battery and motor that contribute to the weight of an e-bike. So, to accurately compare different e-bike models, you must factor in all components.

What Factors Influence E-bike Weight?

Other factors that influence the weight of an e-bike include the style of the bike, as well as the frame material, brakes, tires, and bonus accessories. Let’s take a closer look at each of these contributing factors.

Style of electric bike

Whether you choose a fat tire bike, commuter bike, or folding bike, each style of e-bike has different weight ranges.

Fat tire bikes are often the heaviest of the bunch, as they have thick tires (between 24” and 26”, with a textured tread to sustain heavy impact and cut through off-road terrain, maintaining grip and stability), powerful motors (around 750W brushless), and high-capacity batteries (54.6V/4A) for long outdoor excursions.

Meanwhile, commuter bikes lean on the lighter side, with thinner tires (around 20”), less powerful motors (500W brushless), and reduced battery capacity (48V/4A). That said, commuter bikes offer superior speed and performance on-road, especially through gravel and asphalt.

Frame material

Most electric bike frames are made out of either stainless steel, aluminum, or carbon fiber.

Stainless steel is the cheapest but heaviest frame material, aluminum is a moderately priced mid-weight frame, and carbon fiber is the priciest but also the most lightweight material.

Brakes

The two main types of brakes found on electric bikes are mechanical brakes and hydraulic disc brakes.

Mechanical brakes use a cable, where, when the rider applies the brakes, the cable friction causes the bike to slow down. Mechanical brakes are slightly heavier than hydraulic disc brakes, weighing about 20 percent more.

Hydraulic disk brakes operate on a system comprised of dedicated shift levers, where, when the rider applies the brakes, a special fluid is applied to provide braking assistance. This essentially multiplies the force of the rider’s braking efforts, meaning they don’t have to apply the brakes as much for the same stopping power as mechanical brakes.

Additionally, hydraulic disk brakes are slightly lighter than mechanical brakes, as there is no cable pulling system.

Tires

Fat tire bikes tend to be the heaviest type of e-bikes, as their tire width ranges from 24” to 26” while commuter bikes have a tire width range of about 20” to 22”.
Naturally, the increased tire width increases the weight of the e-bike. However, thicker tires also increase their durability, enabling them to support the heavy impact of landing and riding through off-road terrain.

Bonus accessories

If you equip bonus accessories to your e-bike, such as a spare battery or pet bike basket, then these items will naturally increase the weight of your electric bike. Other accessories like e-bike lights, pannier bags, and rear racks can also contribute to a heavier ride.

That said, if you are okay with a heavier e-bike – in exchange for new capabilities, such as the ability to carry supplies in a basket – then the benefits of accessorizing your bike will, ultimately, outweigh any potential weight gain.

Is a Lighter E-bike Always the Best Choice?

That depends on your personal preferences, your riding destinations, and your lifestyle goals.

If you use your electric bicycle for commuting to work or school, then a heavier e-bike may make it more difficult to carry – especially if you need to take it on public transport. In that case, a Heybike commuter electric bike is a lightweight and efficient way to get around.

Alternatively, if you primarily ride off-road, then a heavier bike will be a bit sturdier, stronger, and able to resist the bumps and jumps you make along the way. The addition of fat tires will also help cushion the blow of landing, creating a more comfortable off-road experience.

If you are unsure whether a lighter or heavier electric bicycle is right for you, contact us. Our friendly sales team will assess your needs and help you make an informed choice.

How to Choose the Right E-bike Weight for Your Needs

There are many factors to consider when determining the ideal weight of your e-bike.

First, consider the style of the e-bike. Are you in the market for a fat tire bike or a commuter bike? Fat tire bikes are best suited for regular off-road use, while commuter bikes are best suited for on-road use only.

Due to the addition of powerful motors, high-capacity batteries and thick tires, fat tire bikes tend to weigh around 70lbs to 78lbs. Meanwhile, commuter bikes tend to weigh around 61lbs to 70lbs.

Of course, there is no fixed rule to this guideline. The type of frame, brakes, tires, and bonus accessories will naturally influence the weight of your e-bike, regardless of the style you choose.

Secondly, how far do you intend to travel?

Higher capacity batteries will let you travel further on a single charge but at the expense of a heavier bike. 48V/15ah e-bike batteries weigh around 10lbs, while 48V/12ah batteries weigh around 8lbs.

The difference between these two may seem negligible, but when you factor in all the other components, a few extra lbs can make a real difference.

Lastly, how do you intend to use the e-bike?

If you plan on riding off-road and transporting the e-bike via a car, then the weight of your e-bike may not be that important. This is because you won’t be carrying the e-bike often, and the extra weight will provide additional strength and support.
However, if you need a commuter e-bike, which you plan to carry with you downstairs or on public transport, then consider the lightest possible option.

Explore the Heybike Range

At Heybike, we offer a wide range of electrical bikes to suit your needs, from fat tire bikes and commuter bikes to folding bikes.
Be sure to check out our full range of electric bikes. You can also filter your search by style, frame, and categories so that you find the perfect match for you.
And if you need any assistance, contact our friendly team. We’ll be glad to lend a helping hand.