The Shortlist: Best Electric Bikes for Smaller Riders
Written by: Rémy Rossi | January 31, 2025 | Time to read 4 min
Getting the right bike fit can be tough for shorter riders. I’ve collected a handful of e-Bikes that offer big performance to smaller cyclists.
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.
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Find the right size with Upway
Upway’s huge online catalog of electric bikes can be filtered according to almost any parameter, including rider height. Better than simply sorting the e-Bikes by frame size, you can enter your height and see the e-Bikes available that will fit your exact measurements.
Riders on the smaller side can generally benefit from a light weight electric bike that’s easier to maneuver, especially considering the added weight of a motor and battery. In addition to filtering results by bike weight, you can browse Upway’s large selection of lightweight e-Bikes under 45 lbs that offer a more natural ride feel and nimble handling.
Best Electric Bike for a Short Person
If it fits, it fits. There are no sacred rules when it comes to e-Bikes for shorter riders, but there are some trends. A step through e-Bike makes it easier to mount the bike because you don’t need to swing your leg over the high frame or seat. Also, a women electric bike is more likely to suit shorter riders because of women’s shorter average height— but these, days pretty much all bikes are unisex. That said, we recently discussed the best e-Bikes for shorter women.
In the shortlist below, I’ve included step-thru models across city, cargo, and fat tire e-Bike categories for a wide range of options!
Gazelle Ultimate C380+
The Bosch Performance Line 250W motor and Enviolo stepless shifting system make for a super-smooth ride. This accessible e-Bike is designed for the city streets, commuting, and recreational joyrides. There’s even a compact rear rack to add more functionality to your e-Bike, plus an integrated short-travel fork suspension system. The sky’s the limit for this impressive hybrid e-Bike that fits shorter riders just right.
Frame size: S, 4’10” to 5’6”
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Specialized Globe Haul ST
If you need more cargo-carrying capacity, there’s the “LT” (long-tail) version of the Globe Haul, which made it on our list of the 5 best cargo e-Bike of 2025. The Tern HSD is a similar model that’s another favorite over here at the Upway headquarters, and it even folds down at the handlebars for convenient storage.
Pedego Element
This small but mighty fat tire e-Bike is also a great choice for young cyclists looking for a full-powered model that fits them. There’s a 500W rear hub motor and 500Wh battery— it’s a Class 2 e-Bike which means there’s a throttle and a top speed of 20mph. Rip along in style and comfort with this compact e-Bike perfect for shorter riders.
Frame size: One size, 4’10” to 5’11”
Key Takeaways
- Find the Right Fit: Upway’s filters help smaller riders choose e-Bikes that match their height, with step-thru frames for easier mounting.
- Top Picks: Great options include the Gazelle Ultimate C380+, Specialized Globe Haul ST, and Pedego Element, all designed for shorter cyclists.
- No Compromises: These e-Bikes offer top performance, powerful motors, and great handling without sacrificing features.
