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Electric bikes make cycling easier, more accessible and more enjoyable for many people, but there's one big downside to this form of motorised transport: e-bikes are heavy. Many models weigh more than 20kg or even over 25kg, so they're significantly heavier than traditional bicycles.
But as e-bikes become more popular and technology advances, a range of lightweight electric bikes are becoming more readily available. Keep reading to find out how to find the lightest electric bike to suit your needs.
An electric bike is a bicycle with a battery-powered electric motor. Most e-bikes in Australia use a pedelec system, which means that the motor assists you as you pedal. This makes it quicker and easier to ride from A to B, travel long distances and tackle steep hills.
You also get to choose the level of assistance the motor provides, but once you reach 25km/h, you'll need to rely on pedal power alone.
Motor, battery, display and control unit — e-bikes need to carry a fair bit of extra kit compared to normal bicycles. All these extra items result in extra weight you'll need to carry around when riding.
As a general guide, most electric bikes weigh over 20kg, with some tipping the scales at over 25kg. However, lightweight models are increasingly becoming available, so you can expect to see more e-bikes weighing less than 20kg in the future.
Weighing in at just 16kg, this step-through commuter bike features eight-speed gearing and a compact rear hub motor.
Weighing less than 16kg, this sleek Focus bike features a Fazua Evation drive with its 252Wh battery for extra motorised support.
Weighing in at just over 20kg and designed from everything from commuting to casual dirt riding, the Cube Nature Hybrid ONE 400 can tackle a variety of tasks and terrain.
With a lightweight carbon frame and 240W motor, the Turbo Creo SL Carbon offers a range of up to 130km (or more with an optional range extender). The price tag is enough to make your eyes water, though.
Weighing in at less than 20kg, the Polygon Path E5 features an extended-range battery, Schwalbe Super Moto-X tyres and a carbon fork.
Tipping the scales at 17.4kg, the Forestal Siryon features a carbon frame and a lightweight, high-performance motor.
There are several factors to consider when buying an electric bike. These include:
If you're ready to buy, visit one of the following sites.
Pros
Cons
If you're searching for a lightweight electric bike, there's an increasingly wide range of options to choose from. However, be aware that lighter electric bikes tend to come with a higher price tag, so you'll need to compare a range of options to find the best value for money. And because an electric bike is an expensive purchase, it's a good idea to test-ride a variety of models before you buy.
Where can I find the weight of an electric bike?
Many manufacturers list the weight of a bike in the online specs. If there's no weight listed, you can contact the manufacturer directly or head in-store to test the weight of a bike for yourself.
Should I choose an electric bike based on weight alone?
No. Weight is just one of many factors to consider when buying a bike. The type of bike, battery range, power and torque, components and price are just some of the other factors you'll need to take into account before buying.
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