Upway Picks: 5 Best Step Through E-Bikes of 2025

Written by: Rémy Rossi | February 16, 2025 Time to read 5 min

Here’s the down-low on the best step-thru electric bikes of 2025. Find your next ride at a huge discount with Upway!

More about the Author: Remy Rossi

Rémy Rossi is a bike writer, mechanic, and educator who got his start in community-based bike shops and co-ops. With a decade in the industry, he still wrenches on bikes when he can and plays bike polo on a fixie.

Trek Allant+ step-thru electric bike
Swinging your leg over the seat and straddling an e-Bike isn’t always the most convenient (or graceful) movement. And for some riders, hopping over a high crossbar is not recommended due to limited mobility or balance difficulties. But that’s why step-thru bikes have been around since forever, helping riders easily get on and off.

What is a step through e-Bike?

Step-thru bikes feature a frame that dips down in the middle, making it easy for riders to step through and mount the bike. You might see this type of bike written as "step-through" or “open frame”— but either way, it's the same concept.

Aventon Aventure step-thru e-Bike

Benefits of a step-thru bike

  • Easy Mounting: The low, swooping frame requires only a slight leg lift. It’s simpler to get on and off and also accessible for riders with limited mobility.

  • Cargo-Friendly: Many cargo e-Bikes use a step-thru design for safer mounting. Avoiding a high leg swing helps maintain balance, especially when supporting a bike with a heavy load.

  • Lower Standover Height: Easier dismounting, reduced risk of discomfort during sudden stops, and better ground contact when stationary. The low crossbar also makes pedaling in long skirts or dresses more convenient.

5 Best Step Through E-Bikes of 2025

What is the best electric bike with a step-thru frame? Below, I’ve included five top recommendations for a range of riders.

Scott Sub Active eRide

Urban Arrow cargo electric bike motor close up


The Scott Sub Active eRide embraces the classic step-thru hybrid silhouette, but has a few tricks (and premium parts) up its sleeve. The frame dips down to right above the reliable Bosch mid-drive motor and has a very open shape. This comfort-oriented electric city bike smooths out the ride with a short-travel suspension fork and wide 50mm tires. The riding position is upright and the stem and handlebars can be easily adjusted for a better fit.

The Bosch Active Line motor assists up to 20 mph while pedaling, powered by a 400Wh battery housed inside the downtube. The bike comes with fenders, a rear rack, and integrated wheel lock for extra convenience and security. Commuters will appreciate the full-coverage chain guard to avoid grease-stained pants or fabric getting caught in the drivetrain.

Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0

Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 electric bike

Another top-rated electric bike is the Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0, a sporty and comfortable hybrid e-Bike. The step through e-Bike is actually more of a mid-step design that splits the difference between a standard closed frame and low-step shape. I’ve written about why the Turbo Vado 4.0 is great for recreational riding and it’s available in both standard and mid-step frame options.

The Vado 4.0 is powered by a custom-tuned Specialized 2.0 mid-drive motor linked up to a 710Wh battery with more capacity than similar models. It’s a Class 3 e-Bike, meaning it can assist up to 28 mph to really get you zooming! The Vado is loaded with your typical city bike accessories and there’s even a suspension seatpost for added comfort. It looks like it could be a dropper post— which could help with getting on and off the bike— but don’t be fooled by the similar appearance.

Gazelle Arroyo C8 Elite

Urban Arrow cargo electric bike motor close up

The Dutch are experts in step-thru bikes as that is the typical design of the ubiquitous omafiets across the Netherlands. Gazelle— the country’s oldest bike brand— modernizes this tradition with its premium hybrid electric bikes, including the Arroyo C8 Elite step-thru model. Gazelle also produces many of its most popular models like the Ultimate and Medeo in mid-step versions, too.

The Arroyo C8 runs a Bosch Active Line Plus mid-drive motor for ultra-smooth power and acceleration, including a 500Wh battery pack. There’s a low-maintenance belt-drive and internal hub gearing, and it’s all covered for even less mess and potential clothing snags. There’s subtle suspension built into the seatpost and front fork and the headlight melds into the fender. Step into the future with this tech-savvy e-Bike inspired by tradition.

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Trek Verve+ 3

Urban Arrow cargo electric bike motor close up

The Verve+ is the electric version of Trek’s popular Verve range for easy city riding. Step-thru frames on e-Bikes are often quite bulky since they house the battery and motor, but the Verve+ 3 rocks an impressively slim silhouette. There’s a Bosch Active Line Plus motor, delivering smooth pedal assist up to 20 mph. There’s a chain guard, rear rack, suspension seat post, fenders, and fast-rolling 700c as with other recommended models in this list.

Aventon Level.2

Urban Arrow cargo electric bike motor close up


Aventon offers nearly all of its e-Bikes in both step-thru and standard versions, including the popular Aventon Level, now in its second generation. The low-step frame is a fairly standard shape and makes mounting and dismounting the bike a breeze. The Level.2 is an Upway best-seller and may just be the best Aventon model for commuting.

The upgraded Level comes with integrated rear turn signals (cool, right?) and an improved torque sensor for better power delivery. The 500W rear hub motor provides a boost up to 20 mph, in both pedal-assist and throttle modes. This user-friendly commuter bike is stable, fast, and one of the hottest deals around.

Key Takeaways


  1. Easy & Accessible: Step-thru e-bikes simplify mounting, ideal for riders with mobility concerns or heavy cargo.
  2. Top Picks for Every Rider: From the smooth Gazelle Arroyo C8 Elite to the speedy Turbo Vado 4.0, there’s a model for every need.
  3. Big Savings on Premium E-Bikes: Get top models like the Scott Sub Active eRide and Trek Verve+ 3 at major discounts.




There is more to Explore

Visit below articles for more info about electric bikes 

Women on a bike

How to Choose a Step-Thru E-Bike

Cargo electric bike

How to Choose the Right City E-Bike

Aventon Electric Bike

Open Frames vs. Closed Frames on E-Bikes: What’s the Deal?