Open Frames vs. Closed Frames on E-Bikes: What’s the Deal?
Written by: Rémy Rossi | December 29, 2024 | Time to read 5 min
There used to be a gender divide between step-thru and step-over e-Bike frames. We’ve left that false dichotomy firmly in the past, but there are still some differences between the two frame shapes.
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.
👋 Welcome to Upway!
What’s the difference between open and closed bike frames?
Open frame: Also called “step-thru”, these frames have a low crossbar design at the middle of the bike that makes it easier to simply step through the frame and mount the bike.
Closed frame: There are a few common names for this one, including “high-step”, “step-over”, or standard frames. The closed shape refers to the high crossbar (or top tube) that closes off the main triangle area of the bike frame. This means riders have to lift their legs higher to mount the bike.
All bikes are unisex: a history lesson
That gender distinction between step-thru and standard frames was conventional wisdom for a long time, but modern riders and manufacturers have recognized that there’s no truth to it any longer. The growth actually helped popularize and normalize women wearing pants without it being a gossip-worthy scandal around town— the feminist history of fashion, cycling, and society is spellbinding, but I’ll have to share those stories another time.
As I’ll explain, there are different pros and cons to each frame style that can help inform your preference.
The advantages of step-thru e-Bikes
- Ease of mounting
- Cargo-carrying convenience
- Lower standover height
Ease of mounting
Coming in clutch with cargo
A step-through e-Bike is convenient when carrying cargo on your bike because you’re never off-balance when mounting the bike. You don’t need to tilt the bike frame to get your leg over the crossbar, which could throw off the weight of a bike that’s heavily loaded with cargo or young passengers. And when you come to a stop, it’s much easier to put down (or both) and keep the cargo bike upright.
Low standover height
I’ve kind of already touched on this point, but it’s worth discussing a bit more. One advantage of open frames is that they don’t have this specific drawback of closed frames: the high top tube and standover height.
Riding with a crossbar right beneath your crotch can put you at risk for some uncomfortable moments if you dismount incorrectly or come to a sudden stop— I think you get what I mean. Not having that high crossbar gets rid of any of those worries. A compact e-Bike can also help with sizing and correct standover height.
Browse Upway’s fleet of step-thru e-Bikes:
The advantage of step-over e-Bikes
- Structural, stiffer frame design
Closed frames have been the tried-and-tested standard for bicycles since the start. Completing or closing off the main frame triangle via a high crossbar provided sufficient structural strength, especially considering the older manufacturing processes and materials. Ever heard that triangles are the strongest shape? Well, the earliest bike engineers knew that, too.
Compared to open frames, closed frames are generally stiffer, which can make a difference in ride feel and performance. But don’t get hung up on open frames being any less strong or structurally sound. However, there’s a reason you only ever see closed frames on professional-grade mountain bikes and road bikes— the closed frame helps the bike achieve the desired stiffness levels that increase efficiency and pedal energy transfer.
Open or closed: how to choose
Some models are available in both frame designs so you can have your pick between frame designs— lucky you. And I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that aesthetics come into play here too— the frame shape makes a big difference to how a bike looks and that can be a totally valid deciding factor.
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Key Takeaways
- Step-Thru Frames: Easier to mount, ideal for riders with mobility challenges, and great for carrying cargo without losing balance.
- Step-Over Frames: Stiffer and more durable, preferred for performance-focused riding like mountain biking and road racing.
- Modern Choice: Frame design is unisex, and your choice should focus on functionality, comfort, and personal style.
