Most standard e-Bikes weigh between 20 and 25 kilograms, or around 45 to 55 pounds. Performance-oriented e-MTBs are on the lighter side despite the added suspension, ranging from 15 to 28 kilograms. Folding e-Bikes designed for commuters usually weigh around 20 kilograms for portability. On the heavier end, electric cargo bikes tip the scales at up to 40 kilograms.
Gimmick or Gadget: Future of Electric Bike Features
Written by: Rémy Rossi | May 30, 2025 | Time to read 6 min
Hot or not? Pondering the future of e-Bike tech, I’ll give my two cents on whether these fancy electric bike features are great gadgets or goofy gimmicks.
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.
The world of e-Bikes can get pretty weird and wacky sometimes. And normally, that’s a good thing as designers and engineers are playing around with advanced new tech, but fluffy and frivolous features can rub me the wrong way.
Brands occasionally install gimmicky details to catch your eye, or maybe I’ll eat my words later when these funky features catch on industry-wide. Below, enjoy a wandering discussion about e-Bike features that are making waves, some that should be on the rise, and others that shouldn’t. Hot takes incoming…
Brands occasionally install gimmicky details to catch your eye, or maybe I’ll eat my words later when these funky features catch on industry-wide. Below, enjoy a wandering discussion about e-Bike features that are making waves, some that should be on the rise, and others that shouldn’t. Hot takes incoming…
Café wheel locks: hot
So-called “cafe locks” are frame-mounted locks that secure the rear wheel with the turn of a key. These compact, built-in locks are always on the bike and prevent someone from simply riding off with your bike. The light layer of security is good for brief stops when you’re still in the proximity of the bike, like at a cafe.
It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of these locks and Dutch-brand Gazelle equips each of its electric bikes with a wheel lock, one of the reasons that Gazelle e-Bikes are so darn good. More bike security and theft-resistant measures are always a plus in my book. Wheel locks mean the rear wheel is secured, so you can get away with using a single, heavier-duty bicycle lock to secure your frame and front wheel together, instead of carrying around two locks or one lock and a long cable.
However, this point can be debated. To properly lock your bike, you’re still going to need to carry a larger primary lock. So if you weren’t going to lock your rear wheel anyway, you’re not actually saving anything ,and your bike is slightly heavier for it. In the end, I think these cafe wheel locks are going to get more popular, but they’re not a silver bullet to prevent bike theft, of course.
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Built-in alarm or remote turn-off: hot
There’s also talk of incorporating theft alarms into electric bikes and other functions like a remote motor cut-off if it gets stolen. There are already some models and drive units that have alarm features, including Bosch’s new smart system and eBike Flow app. There are different technologies offering theft protection, ranging from vibration sensing of an angle grinder attack, location tracking, and loud alarm activation.
Aventon electric bikes, for example, have a handful of anti-theft features, including GPS tracking through the brand’s app, remote locking, and alarm systems. Newer models like the Aventon Aventure 3 and Abound SR have integrated rear wheel locks and optional anti-theft accessories.
I’m heavily in favor of the continued development of these anti-theft features, especially since e-Bikes are popular targets due to their higher value. Hidden trackers prevent thieves from knowing the e-Bike is sending its location, and car alarm-inspired functions make sense— after all, many people are replacing their larger vehicles with e-Bikes! This hot tech is definitely a gadget instead of a gimmick— anything that makes your e-Bike safer and more secure is worth it in my opinion.
More advanced and connected head units: lukewarm
A lot of e-Bike brands try to one-up each other via the digital displays on their latest models. Still, many excellent e-Bikes forgo a display and have a simple handlebar-mounted controller with a few buttons. Other e-Bikes have digital displays to show speed, distance, battery health, and other ride metrics. There are now many color displays and ones that sync up with e-Bike apps for even more connectivity.
I’ve even seen displays that are integrated into the handlebar stem, lying flush for a super sleek look. Even with such tech-savvy integration and connectivity, I’m not entirely sold on this feature. I think it’s a much cleaner solution to do away with displays and invest in e-Bike apps instead, which can track metrics and other stats on the phone you already have.
The controller still lets you toggle between ride modes, and you can dive into the app for adjustments to the motor and other settings. A head unit or display can crowd the handlebar area, and I don’t think it’s so necessary to know all my ride stats all the time, but that’s just me.
Integrated turn signals: hot
It was a huge shock when I learned that some e-Bikes have LED turn signals, but after some thought, it totally made sense. City e-Bikes riding through traffic can indicate their next move to other people on the road, adding another layer of safety and communication. Aventon was one of the first major brands to incorporate this creative feature into some of its bikes, including the Aventon Aventure, Abound, Pace, and Sinch models. The turn signal lights were built right into the frame seat stays, a super clean design.
While turn signals aren’t necessary, I think this hot piece of tech is overwhelmingly positive. It adds illumination for better visibility and another form of communication on the road (in addition to safe riding habits and hand signals). The Aventon approach is impressively streamlined, and we may see more brands catching onto this trend.
Crazy frame shapes: not
There are some wacky e-Bike ideas out there, and sometimes they go too far. I’m all for innovation, but some concepts should probably have stayed on the sketch paper. I’ve seen super chunky yet foldable e-Bikes with Batmobile flair and weird hinges— we’re talking full suspension, weight over 80 lbs. and fat tires. I’m not sure what this odd design was trying to achieve, but I don’t think it did anything well enough. There are hubless wheels and seat tube-less frames too that aren’t going to catch on either. Call me a hater, but some gimmicky designs are tailor-made for TikTok instead of real-life riders looking for a high-quality e-Bike.
Rear warning radar: hot
Rear lights with radar sensors already exist, and they are increasingly popular among road cyclists. My dad has this cool accessory and loves it— it works as a normal rear red light and sends a ding or notification to the cycling computer to let you know there’s a car approaching from behind.
With all the tech and integrated lights on electric bikes, I wouldn’t be surprised if integrated radar sensors will be included on some upcoming models, like road e-Bikes or commuter e-Bikes. And as I’ve said before, anything that increases rider safety (especially in such a streamlined package) is a win in my book. E-Bike radar is on my radar for incoming trends, and it should probably be on yours, too.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do e-Bikes weigh?
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 remove my e-Bike battery when not in use?
For short-term storage, it’s encouraged to leave the battery on the bike where it’s designed to be. For long-term storage, take it out and keep it at room temperature. Modern chargers are designed to prevent overcharging, but keeping it at 100% charge levels still puts extra stress on the battery.
Key Takeaways
- Security features are heating up: Integrated wheel locks, alarms, and remote motor cut-offs are gaining popularity to combat e-Bike theft.
- Safety tech is trending: Turn signals and rear radar sensors are practical additions, enhancing visibility and rider awareness in traffic.
- Not all innovations are useful: Some wild frame designs and overly complex displays may look cool, but often sacrifice practicality for flash.
