What Your E-Bike Says About You: A Not-So-Serious Look at Rider Archetypes

Written by: Rémy Rossi | May 31, 2025 Time to read 4 min

Your e-Bike isn’t just a ride— it’s a personality on two wheels. Let’s take a tongue-in-cheek look at what your electric bike might be saying about you.

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.

Super73 electric. bike close up
There’s an electric bike out there for everyone. And with so many cyclists cruising around, there are clichés and stereotypes that are perhaps more accurate than we’d like to admit. Each rider has their own relationship with their e-Bike, but it can be easy to share the traits with these common characters on two wheels. Here are some humorous e-Biker archetypes you may or may not identify with. 


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The Constant Commuter

Rider on Momentum PakYak+ cargo bike

You ride to work on an electric bike nearly every day and you couldn’t imagine doing it any other way. You’re an enthusiastic commuter that’s often trying to preach the gospel of e-Bikes to friends and family— after all, riding an e-Bike to work has tons of benefits!

You’ve customized your commuter e-Bike to fit your exact needs, complete with the right e-Bike accessories like panniers, lights, versatile tires, fenders, and even some finer touches like a suspension seat post. From the office to campus, the pub, or grocery store, your bike goes everywhere you do. 

The Cargo Conqueror

Rider on Urban Arrow electric cargo bike in parking lot

Is there anything an electric cargo bike can’t do? I’d have trouble answering that question, too. You’ve gone a bit bigger than a typical city e-Bike and upgraded to a cargo bike for additional carrying capacity. Maybe you’re a small business owner or errand-runner that needs the extra space— a cargo e-Bike can haul bigger items and gear up serious hills with ease. You probably didn’t even know how capable your bike was when you got it and have invented awesome new ways to take advantage of its superpowers.  

The People-Mover

Father with child and dog on Urban Arrow electric cargo bike

Also known as the “Human Minivan”, you’re a family-oriented rider who loves transporting your kids on your electric bike. Cargo e-Bikes can fit up to two small kids (sometimes three!) for an enjoyable ride to school, park, or other destination all together. There are front-loading cargo e-Bikes where passengers can sit up front or long-tail cargo bikes with an extended rear rack that can be outfitted with seat pads or child seats. You’re excited to go on family rides and are inspiring the next generation of cyclists! 

The Trail-Head Honcho

Rider on trail on electric mountain bike

You’re a boss out there on the trails, enjoying the assistance provided by your electric mountain bike. You probably ride a Class 1 e-Bike since faster models are prohibited on most trails where e-Bikes are allowed. You’re not alone on your e-MTB out there since e-Bike adoption has happened especially quickly in the mountain biking scene. You can get up the mountain quicker and around the bike park faster, meaning you can get more descents in before it’s dark— after all, ripping downhills is what mountain biking is all about.

The Undercover E-Roadie

Rider on La Pierre electric road bike

If James Bond rode an e-Bike, it would probably be a sleek and powerful electric road bike. Fast, elegant, and super efficient, these streamlined rides are built for performance on paved routes. Many of these models don’t even look like electric bikes because of the compact, nearly hidden motors and slim batteries built into the downtube of the frame. If you want the boost but don’t want to be immediately outed as an e-Biker, these bikes keep the helpful push on the down-low.

The Comeback Cruiser

Rider couple riding electric hybrid bikes near lake


Electric bikes are especially great for people who want to return to bicycling, encouraged by the bike’s natural-feeling boost. Maybe you ride a cruiser-style electric bike with a relaxed riding position for ultimate comfort, ideal for rolling down the boardwalk or your neighborhood bike path. There are hybrid e-Bikes, moped-style, and beach cruiser models to choose from. Making a comeback on two wheels gets you outside more than ever, letting you explore your favorite spots in a new way and flatten out those pesky hills! 

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do e-Bikes weigh?

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.

Is it better to have a removable battery on an electric bike?

I’m a big fan of removable batteries since they offer more options for charging, along with the advantage of swapping in a spare battery to extend the range. Most electric bikes have a removable battery so a majority of bike manufacturers and riders must agree with me. However, a non-removable battery is definitely not a deal breaker.

What are the tariffs on electric bikes?

As of May 31, the current import tariff on bicycle products from China sums to 66%, including the 11% base duty, 25% Section 301 tariffs, 20% fentanyl tariffs, and the 10% baseline tariff. Electric bicycles have a 55% tariff and most bicycle components have a duty between 55% to 65%. These tariff rates are subject to change.

Key Takeaways


  1. E-Bikes Reflect Lifestyle Choices: Whether you're commuting, hauling kids, or hitting trails, your e-Bike often mirrors your daily priorities and passions.
  2. There’s a Ride for Every Rider: From sleek road bikes to hefty cargo haulers, the diversity of e-Bikes supports a wide range of uses and identities.




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