How Much Does an Electric Bike Weigh?

John Clark 30.10.20

The weight of any bicycle, and especially of an electric bike, is one of the most important parameters when choosing a particular model and a bicycle itself as a mode of transportation. Because in general the lighter the bike, the faster you ride (sounds almost poetic). You don’t want to ride at the speed of a snail, do you? However, this rule does not work with electric bikes…

We have already learned from the few past articles that ebikes are heavier than regular analogue bikes. But what’s surprising is that they ride just as quickly as lighter regular bikes – thanks to the motor.

Let’s look closer at the weight of ebikes, answering a few simple questions to understand how important the weight of an electric bike is and whether it is worth paying as much attention to it.

How much exactly do electric bikes weigh?

On average, ebikes weigh between 15 and 30 kg, on average around 24-25 kg. For comparison: regular bicycles weigh between 5 kg and 20 kg, with an average weight of 10-15 kg. In other words, the average weight of a normal bicycle is the minimum weight of an electric bike.

Why are electric bikes heavy?

These bicycles are heavy because they include a motor and battery, which (obviously) regular bikes don’t have.

The entire motor system (motor plus components) usually weighs about 8 kg – a large proportion of the weight of an ebike. The motor itself weighs about 4-5 kg.

The weight of a battery is on average 2-3.5 kg. The more powerful it is, the larger its size and weight. You can get the idea of this by looking at bikes in the shop.

What else affects the weight of an electric bike?

The ebike weight is also strongly influenced by the size and material of the main part of any bicycle – the frame. It will often be aluminium (lightweight) or carbon (even lighter). The weight of the frame is not a huge issue, generally, as while you can shave a few grams from the total weight it’s the motor and battery that account for the main weight. Steel frames are uncommon today. Wheels, handlebars, pedals and other parts are usually made of lightweight materials.

Does the weight of an electric bike affect the speed?

Well…yes and no. No – because the motor helps you turn the pedals. In this motor assistance mode, you can easily reach speeds of up to 25 km per hour. And Yes, because as soon as you develop that speed, the motor will stop helping you. But you can keep pedalling. In doing so, you will have to put more effort in, unless you’re zooming downhill.

This is especially important when climbing a hill or a mountain. However, you are unlikely to go up a mountain at a speed exceeding 25 km per hour. It can be quite difficult if you run out of battery power before climbing, so keep a close eye on the range indicator on the bike and keep it charged up before each trip.

(NB We speak about 25 km per hour — this is the legal maximum speed in the UK and Europe – about 15.5mph)

When else would a heavyweight ebike be a disadvantage?

Electric bicycles are not flying yet – they still need to be transported. Lifting 20-25 kg is not that easy. If you don’t live on the ground floor, or if you don’t have a lift, it could be a real problem.

It is also important where you usually ride. If you’re in the city and have a good cycle track or park near your home, you are lucky. If you need to ride on public transport to a nice place for riding a bike – more difficult. Take this into account, too.

What are the advantages of a heavyweight ebike?

There are many advantages. A heavier bike is more stable than a lighter one. You might find that a heavier electric bike will suit you better than a lighter ordinary bike, as its weight makes it waft along in a confident and sedate manner. Probably rather like driving a Bentley, though I’ve never had that opportunity.

What are the heaviest and lightest electric bikes in the world today?

The manufacturers are constantly working to reduce the overall weight of the bike. There are electric bikes in the world that weigh less than 20 kg – 19 kg, 18 kg, maybe 17-15 kg, but for a full size bike this is the lowest limit. For commuters, there are small folding ebikes that weight as little as 12kg, which is a great weight for carrying onto a train, or into the office.

The heaviest e bikes weigh 2-3 kg more than the average 23-25 kg. It could be up to 28-30 kg, as you can see in the article.

When it comes to specific types of bicycles, road bikes usually weigh slightly less than the average, mountain bikes and some folding bikes can weigh more. The heaviest bikes are cargo and family bikes.

How much do our electric bikes weigh at Velospeed?

Let’s do an e-bike weight comparison with several models of different types of ebike from low, medium, and high price categories:

*plus weight of the battery (depends on the type)

Conclusion

When buying an electric bike, of course you should pay attention to its weight — this is one of the main things people consider at first. But, in the case of electric bikes, weight does not play the same role as in the case of ordinary bikes. You simply will not notice an extra couple of kilos. (Unless you don’t have a lift at home).

The idea behind riding an electric bike is that the motor makes it easier for you to pedal, so you put less effort into it. Especially when it comes to riding in hilly or mountainous terrain or a long ride of more than 30 miles — an electric bike will win over a regular one.

That’s why so many people love them.