Absolutely! You can ride whatever pedal type you feel most comfortable with. Flat pedals aren’t the “sportiest” look for road bikes— most of which have clipless pedals— but comfort and convenience reign supreme when it comes to commuting.
Best Type of Pedals for E-Bike Commuting 2025
Written by: Rémy Rossi | December 19, 2024 | Time to read 5 min
Pedals may not be the first e-Bike upgrade that comes to mind, but they can make a big difference. Find the right pair for e-Bike commuting and put the pedal to the metal (or plastic)!
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.
Pedals are just pedals, right? Nah, there’s a whole world of bike pedals out there, and using the right type really does matter! As one of the only parts where your body actually makes contact with the bike while riding, pedals are important for comfort and convenience. This article focuses on finding the best pedals for commuters. As Disney prince Aladdin sings, “Let me share this whole new world [of pedals] with you”. Your magic carpet ride awaits.
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Pedals and commuting
The perfect pedals don’t get the recognition they deserve— good and grippy pedals are taken for granted whereas bad pedals make us notice every uncomfortable pedal stroke. But let’s take a few pedantic minutes to shine a light on the importance of pedals for e-Bike commuters.
The main choice is between flat/platform pedals or clipless pedals. Clipless pedals can increase efficiency when pedaling, ideal for especially long commutes. Flat pedals are compatible with any shoes so you can wear more comfortable shoes that are easier to walk in.
But why not choose both? My preferred setup is hybrid pedals, one side is flat and the other side is clipless. My beloved pair of hybrid pedals is one of my most useful and longest-lasting e-Bike accessories!
Flat pedals
Whether you have an electric city bike or used e-Bike, it probably came with flat pedals. Flat pedals are convenient because riders can use any type of shoe they want. And while pedaling in high heels certainly isn’t recommended, it’s certainly possible! Being able to hop off your bike and comfortably walk in normal shoes is a huge plus for commuters— and you’ll avoid having to change shoes once you arrive.
Flat pedals are also called platform pedals. One popular style is MTB platform pedals which have thin pins that stick up to grip onto the bottom of your shoe while pedaling. This reduces slipping, especially in wet conditions or when pedaling hard.
There are also standard flat pedals with a grip-tape material across the pedal surface. These pedals are often plastic and don’t have the large gaps that pinned platform pedals have. For example, the RaceFace Chester flat pedal is a popular choice for commuters who want a durable, lightweight pedal at a decent price.
Clipless/SPD pedals
Commuters can also choose clipless pedals, often referred to as SPD pedals. These pedals require special cycling shoes with a cleat located beneath the ball of the foot, locking the shoe in place. A bit of a misnomer these days (riders still “clip into” the pedals), this type of pedal replaced the pedals with straps and front toe clips, hence the name “clipless”.
The advantage of clipless pedals is the increased efficiency when pedaling. Riders can put more power down without worrying about foot position or slipping on the pedal. If you have a long commute, locking your shoes in can feel more comfortable and efficient, especially if you’re already used to riding with clipless pedals.
Clipless pedals and cycling shoes come with a slight learning curve, but you’ll catch the hang of them in no time. The downside of clipless pedals while commuting is that your bike shoes are probably not your all-day work shoes, so you’ll have to swap footwear after the ride. Some commuter-specific shoes are designed to be highly walkable while other bike shoes are outright dangerous to walk in (the metal cleat is very slippery on hard surfaces).
The advantage of clipless pedals is the increased efficiency when pedaling. Riders can put more power down without worrying about foot position or slipping on the pedal. If you have a long commute, locking your shoes in can feel more comfortable and efficient, especially if you’re already used to riding with clipless pedals.
Clipless pedals and cycling shoes come with a slight learning curve, but you’ll catch the hang of them in no time. The downside of clipless pedals while commuting is that your bike shoes are probably not your all-day work shoes, so you’ll have to swap footwear after the ride. Some commuter-specific shoes are designed to be highly walkable while other bike shoes are outright dangerous to walk in (the metal cleat is very slippery on hard surfaces).
Hybrid pedals: 2-in-1 commuters’ choice
In the wise words of Hannah Montana, we can enjoy the “best of both worlds”. I am a long-time user of hybrid pedals that have one flat side and another clipless side. I wear my cycling shoes and use the clipless side when going for long training sessions. And I use the flat side with normal shoes for short trips or spins around town. This was especially helpful when I had one bike that needed to serve a few different roles. Now I’m a spoiled cyclist with a bigger personal fleet.
This type of multi-use pedal is my top recommendation for commuters. They are future-proof in the sense that they’ll accommodate any shoe type while riding, whether that’s commuting, fitness rides, or quick errands. They don’t weigh much more nor do they look that funky, so I don’t see many downsides to this style of pedal.
This type of multi-use pedal is my top recommendation for commuters. They are future-proof in the sense that they’ll accommodate any shoe type while riding, whether that’s commuting, fitness rides, or quick errands. They don’t weigh much more nor do they look that funky, so I don’t see many downsides to this style of pedal.
Explore Upway’s selection of commuter e-Bikes!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use flat pedals on a road bike?
Are clipless pedals suitable for commuting?
Yes! Many commuters appreciate the increased pedaling efficiency and fixed foot position offered by clipless pedals. There are commuter-style bike shoes that are comfortable to walk in. If not, you’ll have to swap out your bike shoes when you arrive at your destination.
Do you have to pedal an electric bike?
An electric bike will always have operable pedals and some have a throttle mode for pedal-free cruising. Class 2 e-Bikes include pedal assistance and a throttle that provides a boost of up to 20 mph.
Key Takeaways
- Pedal Choice Impacts Comfort: Flat pedals work with any shoes, clipless offer efficiency, and hybrid pedals combine both for versatility.
- Grip and Safety: Flat pedals prevent slipping, while clipless pedals secure foot position for better power.
- Hybrid Pedals Shine for Commuters: Use cycling shoes for long rides and regular shoes for errands—ideal for flexibility.
