How Much Does an Electric Bike Weigh
The e-bike industry has seen explosive growth, with e-bike sales hitting around $27 billion in 2019. E-bikes offer a sustainable mode of transport that can cut your commute in half and improve your overall health; however, the quality of your ride depends on the bike’s performance.
Like a regular bike, an electric bicycle’s weight impacts its performance and handling for the rider. On average, an electric bike weighs between 40 and 80 lbs; standard bikes range from 17 to 25 lbs. The weight of an electric bike can determine its overall range, speed, and maneuverability.
Understanding the factors contributing to an e-bike’s extra weight can help you know what to look for when shopping for the ideal electric bike model for your needs.
Factors Affecting E-Bike Weight
While a heavier e-bike can often indicate a larger and more powerful motor, it does not necessarily mean the bicycle will provide you with more speed or a better ride. Several factors determine a bike’s weight, including a particular model's frame material, motor, and battery size.
Frame Material
The frame material is a major contributor to an e-bike’s overall weight. The most common materials are aluminum, steel, titanium, and carbon fiber frames.
Aluminum is a popular option because it has high strength and lightweight properties while still remaining relatively inexpensive. For those who want the lightest material, carbon frames offer the ideal balance of strength and durability; however, these frames tend to be more expensive than other bikes. Steel and titanium are heavier but more durable than aluminum and carbon fiber counterparts.
When choosing a frame material, it is essential to consider the bike’s primary function. For example, aluminum frames, although lightweight and excellent for maneuverability, are often not used for mountain bikes due to their relative stiffness and lack of shock absorption.
High-performance electric mountain bikes often feature lightweight carbon fiber frames because they are more responsive to changing terrain.
Motor and Battery Size
The part of the electric motor determining weight is where it is placed on the bike. There are two types of motor positions: hub and mid-drive.
Hub motors are placed in the wheel hub and are much smaller and lighter than their mid-drive counterparts. While compact, many people find that they lack power and provide a less comfortable ride.
Mid-drive motors are in the center of the bike, directly under where you are sitting. These motors tend to be larger and more powerful, providing better performance and efficiency at the cost of weighing more.
Larger batteries can also add weight to an e-bike. A standard 48V/15A battery weighs around 10 lbs. However, the higher the voltage, the more the battery weighs. The type of battery also impacts the weight. Most modern e-bikes feature lithium-ion batteries weighing as little as 5 lbs., while older lead-acid batteries can weigh over 30lbs.
How Much Does an E-Bike Typically Weigh?
While there are different e-bike models, the standard electric bike weighs between 40-80 lbs. For example, road electric bikes are about twice as heavy as traditional ones.
A compact, folding electric bike will have an average weight of 40 lbs. as its purpose is to be lightweight and portable. A folding e-bike will not have any added features and will have a smaller motor.
On the other hand, an electric mountain bike will weigh around 70 lbs. A larger motor, larger tires, more powerful brakes, and heavier frame material increase the weight of your e-bike.
A larger cargo e-bike, such as the Urban Arrow Family, can weigh as much as 120 lbs.