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.
How Much Does Weight Really Matter on E-Bikes?
Written by: Rémy Rossi | May 29, 2025 | Time to read 5 min
The championship boxing match: lightweight vs. heavyweight e-Bikes. The winner depends on your ride preferences— and whether you’ll have to carry it up a flight of stairs.
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.
E-Bike weight is a spec that gets mentioned a lot when searching for the right ride, but what does it actually mean? It can be a favorite number of marketing teams or concern for weight weenies, though the effect on e-Bike performance isn’t as widely discussed. Here’s a deep dive into how much does weight really matter for e-Bikes and their riders.
How e-Bike weight affects the ride
The weight of an electric bike mainly influences the ride feel and user experience while off the bike. Of course, bike weight also affects the battery range (more weight drains the battery faster) but this is typically already compensated for via the battery size anyway.
A light weight e-Bike will handle much more similarly to a standard, non-motorized bicycle. A heavy electric bike, however, may have a different center of gravity and require more effort to maneuver, though hefty bikes can also feel more stable. A heavy rear hub motor, for example, while add noticeable weight to the rear end of the bike.
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Lightweight e-Bikes: efficiency & ride feel
At Upway, we consider lightweight e-Bikes to be any model that weigh less than 45 pounds. There are even lighter e-Bikes that can eek under the 30 lbs. mark. These bikes can shave grams in a variety of ways, including premium motors, smaller batteries, and lighter frames.
Light weight e-Bikes have several key benefits. Efficiency and natural ride feel is the name of the game here, not necessarily longer range, which is often a oft-touted benefit of lighter e-Bikes. Basically, the motor and battery don’t have to work as hard to push a lower bike weight, extending the range. But lightweight e-Bikes are lightweight and sleek, in part, because of their slimmer batteries that match the intended design of the bike. These moderate batteries provide balanced range, but aren’t necessarily super long-distance setups.
Lightweight electric mountain bikes are booming in popularity as the tech gets better and weight continues to drop. Lightweight e-MTBs are especially nice because they handle the same as standard MTBs on technical descents without hefty motors and batteries messing with your mojo. This natural ride feel is a major perk for performance-oriented MTBers and technical riders.
E-Bikes on the heavier side
Depending on what you’re looking for, heavier e-Bikes can be well worth the added heft. Despite larger mass being a drain on batteries in general, heavy e-Bikes often have bigger batteries for seriously long range. Many of Upway’s long-range electric bikes are larger models with high-capacity (and heavier) batteries that can go the distance.
Cargo e-Bikes and full-suspension mountain bikes are naturally going to be on the heavier side because of their longer frames and suspension components, respectively. Some cargo models even have dual batteries for added juice when the bike is weighed down with heavy cargo, adding to the overall weight while injecting excellent range capabilities. You may notice the heft when riding compared to traditional bicycles, but these models still handle incredibly well.
E-Bike weight matters a lot off the bike
My hot take is that e-Bike weight probably matters the most when off the bike, at least to most casual riders. Most of us aren’t demanding top-level performance from our e-Bike where we’d notice the difference in range or ride feel from a few extra pounds here or there. After all, rider weight and accessories play a part in total payload as well!
But lightweight e-Bikes have a huge advantage when lifting the bike, moving it around, or loading it onto a car rack. If you have to carry your e-Bike up some stairs, a lighter model will save your butt. Even pivoting the bike around in the garage or when locking it up can be a struggle with especially heavy e-Bikes.
Certain lightweight e-Bikes can fit on standard vehicle bike racks while heavier models require heavier-duty racks. And I’ve heard that many municipal buses max out their racks at around 50 lbs. per bike. Overall, consider your own strength levels and where you’ll be taking your e-Bike to decide what weight makes sense for you.
I recommend lighter e-Bikes
Unless you’re deadset on a specific model, I think skewing toward the lighter end of the spectrum is the right way to go. There are some seriously heavy e-Bikes out there in the entry-level or low-budget categories which weigh more than 75 lbs. and can even break the 100 lbs. mark. Lifting or even pivoting those bikes to move them is a struggle and such bulk probably means many of the parts of the e-Bike are lower quality.
E-Bikes from reliable, top brands are already designed to high standards and a balanced overall weight. Not all of them are lightweight models, of course, but you avoid getting stuck with a hefty clunker that feels sluggish or requires a massive (and heavy) battery for adequate range. And as someone who likes standard cycling, I enjoy the more natural ride feel of lightweight e-Bikes.
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
- Ride Feel & Handling: Lightweight e-Bikes offer a more natural ride and agile handling, especially on technical terrain or urban streets.
- Battery & Range Trade-Offs: Heavier e-bikes often pack bigger batteries for long-range rides, but the extra weight can reduce overall efficiency.
- Ease of Transport: The biggest difference weight makes? Off the bike— lighter models are far easier to lift, store, and load onto vehicles.
