How much does an electric bike weigh ?

The e-Bike industry has seen explosive growth, with e-Bike sales in the USA surging by 269% between 2019 and 2022. e-Bikes offer a sustainable mode of transport that can cut your commute in half and improve your overall health; however, the amount of enjoyment you'll deriver from your new 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 – not to mention impacting your ability to store it in your home. Generally speaking – and there are some exceptions to this rule – a lighter e-Bike will handle better than a heavier one. 

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. Of these, carbon fiber is the most lightweight material, with steel being most common on heavier bikes.

Aluminum is a popular option because it has high strength and lightweight properties while still remaining relatively inexpensive. In fact, it's the main component of our lightweight electric bicycles.

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, steel is extremely forgiving and perhaps the most comfortable of all frame materials (with the possible exception of high-end titanium), but it comes with a significant weight penalty. 

High-performance electric mountain bikes often feature lightweight carbon fiber frames because they are more responsive to changing terrain allowing for easier climbing on steep inclines, courtesy of the lower material weight.

Motor and Battery Size

Frame material is just one part of the puzzle. A lighter component specification will also lead to a lighter bike, and the two unique parts of an e-Bike that you won't see on a regular bike are of course the motor and battery.

e-Bike motors and their impact on weight

Delving even deeper, while it won't effect the overall weight, where the electric motor is placed on the bike can also have big impacts on the the handling of your machine. There are two 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.

These are broad-strokes distinctions between mid-drive motors and hub motors, and within the two categories you'll also find varying motor sizes. Try to get a grip on how much torque you think you'll need from your refurbished e-Bike which is measured in Nm, then shop accordingly. Newer e-Bike motors are getting smaller all the time, with no compromise on the power they can provide.

e-Bike batteries and how they affect weight

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 and the size of the battery also impacts the weight. Most modern e-Bike feature lithium-ion batteries weighing as little as 5 lbs., while older lead-acid batteries can weigh over 30lbs. 

Battery capacity is a key feature of your new electric bike, allowing you to go further and explore more. However, it might be that you don't need all that extra juice if you mainly want to use your e-Bike for short trips around the city. If that's the case, then it may be worth considering a smaller battery, and the associated reduction in your e-Bike's weight – as a way of upping the practical performance of your machine.

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.

Choose the Bike That's Right for You

Our refurbished electric bikes include options from reliable brands like Trek, Aventon, and BMC, with a range of weights and functions to find the model that works for you.