Electric bikes are typically come in frame sizes from XS to XL. The measurement can be represented by the length of the seat tube, but also includes other aspects of the frame geometry— that's why bike brands use alpha sizing these days.
How to Choose the Right Electric Bike for Your Height
Written by: Rémy Rossi | June 6, 2025 | Time to read 6 min
Cinderella had her glass slipper— you have your perfect bike frame. Getting the right fit isn’t just about comfort; it’s the key to unlocking your best ride.
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.
Prince Charming knew the importance of shoe fit to find his perfect princess. In the search for your dream electric bike, frame size is just as crucial. E-Bike size recommendations based on rider height are quite accurate and are a great place to start to select the correct frame size option, but there are a few more things to keep in mind. Here’s everything you need to know to choose the right electric bike for your height.
Find the right bike size for you
You’re never too far from a size chart or bike frame size recommendation. The most accurate estimates are provided by the brand that makes the bike (they know it best and have done plenty of testing), which is typically listed on the model’s webpage.
Upway uses these same measurements and includes them on the listing of every electric bike on our website— or we’ll calculate the recommendations ourselves when the manufacturer doesn’t provide them. We’ve also cross-checked this data against thousands of e-Bikes that have gone through our UpCenters, so you can feel confident that our recommendations will help you find a bike that fits you well.
Avoid using general size charts as they tend to be inaccurate across different brands and bike categories. At the end of the day, remember that all size recommendations are simply a guideline.
Upway uses these same measurements and includes them on the listing of every electric bike on our website— or we’ll calculate the recommendations ourselves when the manufacturer doesn’t provide them. We’ve also cross-checked this data against thousands of e-Bikes that have gone through our UpCenters, so you can feel confident that our recommendations will help you find a bike that fits you well.
Avoid using general size charts as they tend to be inaccurate across different brands and bike categories. At the end of the day, remember that all size recommendations are simply a guideline.
🤝 Get an even better discount when you trade in your electric bike now!
Click here for a price estimation
What does seat tube length mean?
The seat tube is the part of the frame between the center of the bottom bracket and the seat post clamp. The length of this part can represent the size of a frame well since it generally scales with leg length and rider height.
Bicycles used to be sized according to seat tube length, with road bikes listing the measurement in centimeters and other bikes using inches. That standard is less common now, giving way to alpha sizing, from XS to XL. This way, other relevant bike geometry numbers beyond seat tube length can be included in the overall listed frame size.
The frame size of a bike is normally listed somewhere along the seat tube. If your old bike fits you well, for example, you can compare its seat tube length with the measurement of the model you are considering.
Standover height: safety and convenience
Stand-over height is most relevant for bikes with a closed frame design— that’s in contrast to step-thru e-Bikes, for example. It’s the vertical distance from the ground to the top tube, the horizontal bar that runs between the head tube and seat tube, right where you'd be straddling the bike.
To ensure a proper fit, the stand-over height should be around 1 to 2 inches less than your leg inseam length. This allows for sufficient space between your body and the bike when standing over the bike when stopped. The clearance is important for comfort and ease of use, particularly for newer riders or anyone who may find mounting and dismounting taller frames challenging.
- Aim for at least 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) of clearance for most bikes
- For mountain bikes or bikes used on uneven terrain, a bit more clearance (2-4 inches or 5-10 cm) may be beneficial for added safety. That said, the top tubes on e-MTBs are typically slanted downward anyway, so there’s plenty of room.
Seat height: comfort and efficiency
Once you’ve got the correct frame size locked in, you can fine-tune the bike fit by adjusting the seat height. Position the seat to a height at which there’s only a slight bend in your knee when your foot is at the bottom of the pedal stroke. Too low and pedaling will feel clunky and inefficient, and too high can lead to uncomfortable leg overextension. The handlebar height can also be adjusted slightly for a better riding position.
Upway helps you find the right size
Each electric bike on Upway includes a suggested height range in its product description to help you choose the right fit. You can enter your height and browse our e-Bikes that match your measurements, it's that easy! Read Upway’s bike sizing guide for even more information.
Choosing the correct size is especially crucial for mountain bikes and premium models, where proper frame fit can impact both performance and safety. In many cases, manufacturers recommend using your inseam length to determine the right frame size. Upway includes these detailed sizing guidelines whenever they are provided by the manufacturer.
In contrast, fat-tire electric bikes and cargo e-Bikes typically have more flexible sizing. Many of these models are designed to fit a broader range of riders and are only available in a couple of frame sizes— some even come in a one-size-fits-most option, generally accommodating people between 5 feet and 6 feet tall. We even have a blog specifically about finding the right-sized Aventon e-Bike!
Upway offers a 14-day trial period, so if your bike doesn’t feel like the right fit, you can return it hassle-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are electric bikes measured?
I’m in between sizes: which should I choose?
If two different sizes are available, we recommend that our customers select the smaller of the two. This is because it's always possible to raise the saddle, whereas it's impossible to lower it further. If you are slightly under the minimum size (or over the maximum size) indicated on our site, it’s likely that the bike won't fit you correctly.
How can I measure my inseam?
To measure your inseam accurately, ensure you’re wearing snug clothing and no shoes. Stand with your back against a wall, feet shoulder-width apart. Place a book between your legs, spine up, snug against your crotch to mimic a bike’s top tube. Measure from the floor to the top edge of the book— this is your inseam length.
Key Takeaways
- Height-based size charts are a helpful starting point, but inseam measurements and stand-over clearance ensure the most accurate fit.
- Frame size labels (XS to XL) vary by brand, so always refer to the manufacturer's specific sizing guide—not just general charts.
- Upway listings include expert-vetted size recommendations and a 14-day return window to ensure you ride away happy.
