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E-Bike Cultures: From Tokyo Mamacharis to Dutch Bakfiets
Written by: Rémy Rossi | May 28, 2025 | Time to read 6 min
Not all e-Bikes are created equal— what works in Tokyo might look out of place in Texas. From Dutch bakfiets to throttle-happy cruisers, bike culture is as local as it gets.
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.
There’s more than one way to ride a bike— cyclists across the world adapt their setup of wheels to their specific needs, resulting in tons of distinct styles. Some of the most characteristic bikes and e-Bikes out there are Dutch-style bikes, bakfiets or “box bikes”, and Japanese mamacharis. I would also argue that the extra-large and fast e-Bikes that are so popular in the US are another unique style; it’s just that we are so used to seeing them around. Buckle up for a fun discussion of common e-Bike types from around the globe!
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What shapes e-Bike design and culture?
How we get around shapes the society we live in, and the same is true in reverse. The landscape, weather, population density, and many other factors influence the modes of transport— think Japanese bullet trains, Southeast Asian tuk-tuks, and the US’s obsession with big cars.
Different cultures have different flavors of bicycles and e-Bikes, too. The flat terrain of the Netherlands gave way to the clunky yet comfortable Dutch-style cruisers, for example. Densely populated urban areas like Tokyo have super functional bikes loaded with child seats and baskets. And the wider roads and faster car traffic of the US likely gave way to moto-inspired electric bikes with a throttle and high top speeds, so quick that they’d actually be illegal in Europe.
Beyond bike design, the cycling culture itself in each place is special. How fast riders typically go, the quality of bike infrastructure, relationship with cars and pedestrians, ease of parking, ridership numbers, and so many more factors. But we don’t live in a vacuum, of course, and we can get inspiration from other places to improve cycling where we are. Dutch bike brand Gazelle is very popular in the US, and riders love front-loading cargo e-Bikes based on bakfiets from across the pond.
Dutch e-Bikes & bakfiets
Nobody does bikes quite like the Dutch. The bike-centric culture, flat terrain, and comfortable bikes make for a totally enjoyable pedaling experience, and the bikes are perfectly suited for those conditions. The classic Dutch-style bike is fairly simple, often with only one gear and plain brakes, and built for comfort and practicality.
For commuters needing to travel longer distances, Dutch e-Bikes like the models from Gazelle preserve the elegant design while adding a smooth motor. They often come with nice touches like an integrated rear wheel lock, rear rack, and fenders. The balanced, premium ride is a big reason these Dutch-born e-Bikes from Gazelle are so darn good.
Another popular style of bike with Dutch origins is the bakfiets, or “box bike”. These utilitarian bikes have a large cargo box at the front of the bike where riders can store items or transport a couple of small kids. Brands like Urban Arrow make fantastic modern models, and there are tons of custom builds to match the specific cargo needs. This type of cargo e-Bikes can take kids to school, run errands, and even significantly improve last-mile delivery in cities.
Japanese mamacharis
I got to know a bit about Japan’s immensely rich cycling culture on a trip to the Land of the Rising Sun this past winter. From keirin racing to custom bike stores, if you remember one thing about bikes in Japan, though, make it the mamachari.
Short for “mom bike,” this step-thru electric bike is everywhere—ridden not just by moms, but also by salarymen, seniors, and students. In the US, it’s most similar to a step-thru hybrid bike, verging on a more relaxed cruiser bike. Typical features of a mamachari include: a low step-thru frame, pedal-assist motor with external battery, one or two child seats or baskets, upright riding position, and built-in lights.
The mamachari dominates Japan’s streets. Most bike trips in Japan are under 2.5 km, and average cycling speeds are low, so efficiency isn’t a priority— instead, comfort is key. Mamachari are designed for everyday convenience: easy to hop on in regular clothes, stable for short riders, and perfect for quick errands or school drop-offs with the kids.
Most models I saw were domestic brands from Japan like Panasonic, Bridgestone, or Yamaha. Batteries are usually mounted behind the seat post, with a mix of hub and mid-drive motors. Notably, Japanese e-Bikes don’t use throttles.
Bigger & faster: US e-Bikes
I’d say that US e-Bike culture turns in the opposite direction from the slower and more modest mamachari. It’s not just Texas where everything is bigger; e-Bikes in the US can be quite a bit larger, heavier, and faster than e-Bikes in the rest of the world, though there are still tons of lightweight e-Bikes or more standard models around.
The most clear evidence is probably the existence of e-Bikes with a throttle and fast Class 3 e-Bikes in the US. Class 2 models with a throttle can’t be classified as electric bicycles in Europe, and the 28 mph top speed of Class 3 e-Bikes is much faster than the legal limit for e-Bikes in the EU.
These differences, of course, are up to the discretion of state governments, but I find the comparisons interesting. Moto-inspired e-Bikes like SUPER73 are super fun and stylish, and strike me as a very American take on electric bikes— the country of Harley-Davidson, after all.
The US is really big, and all that space and wide roads could be the reason behind the faster and more powerful traits of many e-Bikes here, especially if you want an e-Bike that can keep up with cars on the street, if there’s no dedicated bike path. However, lightweight and sleeker electric bikes are becoming more and more popular in the States, so I’m interested to see where these trends go in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do electric bikes cost?
How often should I maintain my bike?
We recommend checking that your tires are inflated before every ride, but other components can be inspected after every few rides. It’s also a good idea to complete a tune-up every riding season. Learn more in our other blog about how often e-Bikes need maintenance.
Should I charge my e-Bike after every ride?
Yes, keeping the battery fully or nearly fully charged ensures you have enough range for your next range and maintains optimal battery charge levels. Modern batteries are much better equipped to avoid problems from overcharging.
Key Takeaways
- Bakfiets pulls its weight: This popular style of front-loading cargo bike means easy transport of kids, pets, and whatever else you’re hauling.
- The mamachari rules Japan: Designed for short trips and convenience, this step-thru e-Bike is a staple for riders of all ages.
- American e-Bikes go big (sometimes): With throttles, high speeds, and moto styling, many US e-Bikes are built for longer commutes and wider roads.
