Electric Bike Types: A Simple Buyer's Guide

An electric bike is a bicycle with an integrated electric motor that helps propel the bike forward. That rider assistance can come from a hub motor inside a wheel or a motor located near the pedals, known as pedelec assistance. Pedal-assisted electric bikes only provide a boost when you are pedaling, increasing the power the harder you pedal.

E-Bikes sold in the US fall into one of three classes based on their level of motor assistance. These labels will quickly clue you into the e-Bike’s top speed and if it has a throttle. Local regulations may limit the use of certain classes of e-Bikes on some trails, so check your area’s rules before you buy.

Unlike other used electric bike retailers that only sell certain classes, Upway stocks Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 electric bikes so you have the largest selection to choose from!

There’s an electric bike out there for any type of riding you can think of. Modern e-Bikes run the gamut from compact foldable models to oversized cargo e-Bikes that can replace your car. In this article, I’ll discuss the most popular mountain, road, city, and cargo e-Bike categories.

Electric mountain bikes (also referred to as e-MTBs) are built for rowdy trails and off-road terrain, providing a boost when the trail slants upward. They have knobby tires, suspension, and flat handlebars for ultimate control over the bumps. You can ride a hardtail or full-suspension eMTB depending on your needs and choose a model with the right amount of suspension travel.

Slapping a motor and battery on a mountain bike makes total sense. The powerful pedal assist helps you save energy on steep climbs and uphill sections before sending the descent. There’s also a newer class of lightweight eMTBs with weight-saving electric components that offer less beastly power for the sake of better handling. Having an eMTB that is closer in weight to a regular mountain bike can feel more natural on technical terrain and flowy singletrack.

Road e-Bikes are sleek, sporty models that feel at home on paved road surfaces. Just like their analog counterparts, these amplified road bikes have drop handlebars, narrow tires, and no suspension. Gravel e-Bikes have a more robust build, including wider tires with grippier tread and gearing designed for riding over dirt and gravel roads. Some road e-Bikes have such compact motors and batteries that they can pass as regular bikes to the untrained eye.

It’s a hybrid e-Bike! No, it’s a commuter e-Bike! Wait, it’s an urban e-Bike! However you like to call this category (fitness and comfort can also be thrown into the mix), we’re all talking about the same thing. These are comfortable and practical electric bikes designed for smooth-surface riding, such as city streets and bike paths. They typically come with convenient add-ons for commuting like a rear rack, fenders, and integrated lights. Certain models have front suspension for extra cushion and a step-thru frame to easily hop on and off the bike. 

Additional pedal power means it’s easier to haul cargo, whether it’s heavy groceries or an extra passenger. Electric cargo bikes share a similar design to city e-Bikes but have more room at the front and back to carry big items. Riders can use the extended rear rack to install panniers or child seats. These heavy-duty electric bikes are practical for running errands and transporting children. With cargo e-Bikes around, who needs a car?!

Some electric bikes don’t fit into a single category. These “crossover” models claim to do more than one thing and feature design elements from different types of e-Bikes. For example, there are compact cargo bikes for city use and smaller errands, often referred to as utility e-Bikes. There are also foldable all-terrain e-Bikes with fat tires, mixing mountain bike traits with foldable convenience.