How Much Do E-Bikes Weigh?

Most electric bikes weigh between 40 and 70 pounds. The weight matters because it affects range, portability, and performance.

Average e-bike weight

The majority of e-bikes weigh between 40 and 70 pounds. The type of e-bike and its features play a role in the weight.

Related: The best electric bikes in 2021

If you’re looking for a lightweight one, go with a folding e-bike because it’s designed for portability. Racing e-bikes are also light because they’re all about speed.

Typically, commuter, racing, and folding e-bikes are closer to 40 or 50 pounds.

On the heavier side are fat tire and cruiser e-bikes. Generally, they weigh closer to 70 pounds.

What affects the weight?

E-bikes consist of more pieces than a traditional bike. The additional features, such as a motor and battery, result in a heavier bike.

While the motor and battery are essential, together, they add about 15 to 20 pounds.

The average e-bike battery weighs around 7 pounds. However, some weigh as little as 3 to 4 pounds, and others are as heavy as 12 pounds. Motors can add about 6 to 8 pounds.

E-bikes also have a controller, which weighs about 1 pound. Other minor items include LCD, wiring, sensors, and brake switches. They add a little bit of weight, but it’s minor.

Batteries and motors are specific to e-bikes. However, other factors affect weight.

Like a traditional bike, the frame makes a difference. Carbon frames are lighter than aluminum frames.

Another crucial aspect is the tire size. Fat tire bikes have a width of 3 to 4 inches while commuting bikes have tires with half of the width. Thinner tires also result in less weight.

Lastly, accessories will impact the overall weight. If you have a rear rack, baskets, mirrors, and other add-ons, your e-bike will weigh more.

Why weight matters

When you’re researching for the perfect e-bike, consider its weight. While the battery and motor are crucial details, the weight also plays a role in the performance and range.

If you have two e-bikes with the same motor and battery, but one weighs 35 pounds and the other weighs 70 pounds, your battery will drain faster.

When the battery drains faster, your range decreases, which means you can’t ride as far with assistance.

Another impact that the weight has is portability. A lighter e-bike is easier to carry around and lift, especially if you have to lift it onto a rack.

Bottom line

The bottom line is that weight is an important detail. However, consider your needs before making a decision.

The e-bike must be capable of the weight you plan to put on it. It must also ride well for the type of riding you plan to do.

If you need a fat tire e-bike to take on the snow, don’t expect to find one for 30 pounds. The most important thing is that you get an e-bike that suits your needs. Just consider the weight.

Related articles:

• Rad Power Bikes RadRunner 1 review
• What’s the best electric bike motor?
• Electric bike range: How far can you go?
• The best roof-mounted bike racks

Featured image courtesy of Canva.