It is difficult for a beginner to decide on the right electric bike size. There are so many nuances to consider when buying an electric bike. If you want your new electric bike to be perfect for you, it is important to consider seat height, handlebar height, frame size, and even pedal position. You should feel comfortable using the e-bike.
If you purchased a bike that is not the right e-bike size, you will be very uncomfortable while using it. Moreover, an incorrectly sized vehicle poses a serious threat to your life, because you can simply lose your balance and fall. At best, a rash purchase threatens neck and back pain. This is why you need to know what electric bike size should you get for your height.
Why it’s important to size your e-bike to suit you
Electric bikes usually have a power pedaling system that allows you to ride for long periods without stopping. If you choose the wrong size, you will not be able to enjoy this advantage. Accordingly, in the case of a properly sized electric bike, a comfortable ride is assured.
Being in a store and choosing an electric bike, pay attention to fit. This necessarily takes into account the circumference of the hips and height. With these parameters select frame size and seat height.
Answer yourself the question: what do you need an e-bike for, and what tasks it should perform? Will it be a weekend ride or a regular commute? Perhaps you are going to ride it far out of town? The answers to these questions will give you an idea of what kind of electric bike you need.
The dangers of choosing the wrong electric bike
The wrong electric road bike size can lead to accidents and injuries.
Cyclists who have neglected the principles of choosing the right electric bike complain of constant back pain, numbness and pain in the wrists, and chronic fatigue.
To avoid such troubles you should be especially careful and attentive when buying a new electric bike. Before you buy an e-bike, be sure to test-ride it and make sure you are comfortable.
E bike’s frame size
This is one key thing to consider when choosing a bicycle size. Unlike other e-bike components, you cannot adjust the frame size to suit your needs.
If you ride an electric bike with the wrong frame size, your back can hurt a lot, especially if it is a commuter bike. Of course, you can adjust the e-bike seat height, but you should know that the frame size should fit you perfectly.
The frame of electric bikes measured from the bottom of the frame to the top of the seat tube.
Be especially careful when ordering online. Be sure to check the frame size of the e-bike so that you do not have to return the goods.
Seat Adjustment
A seat that is too high or too low will not give you pleasure and comfort when riding.
To adjust the seat properly, put one foot on the pedal at the lowest point of the pedal stroke. At the lowest point, you should have a slight bend in the knee.
Handlebar height
Electric bike handlebars often come in different widths, shapes, and sizes. The idea is the width of your shoulder joint. If you have narrow shoulders, then you need to pay attention to models with narrower handlebars.
If you have discomfort after riding in the form of cramps or pain, you adjust the handlebar height to make it easier for you to ride.
How to choose the right e-bike size for your parameters
Most people buy electric bikes that are either too tall or too short. To avoid this mistake, you should measure your body correctly.
Often people think that the taller a person is, the bigger the electric motor should be. But in reality, the size of the electric motor has no bearing on the choice of bike size. It determines how fast and far your bike can go.
Also, most people mistakenly think that a person’s weight determines the electric bike’s right size. It is determined by the height of the rider.
Measure your height
- Prepare a tape measure to measure your height.
- Stand near a wall and put your feet flat.
- You should not have any shoes on.
- Ask someone to measure the distance from your toes to your head.
Measure your hip circumference
Your inseam measurement is the length of your pant leg.
To take the leg inseam measurements correctly, do the following steps:
- stand up against the wall and squeeze the book between your legs;
- the book is your imaginary e-bike saddle, so pull it up to your crotch;
- ask someone to measure the distance from the book to the floor.
By taking these simple leg inseam measurements, you’ll know exactly what kind of electric bike you need.
You can also calculate the stand-over height. To do this, measure the distance from your waist to the top tube. This can be done with the frame configuration in mind.
Perform the following steps:
- Stand in the center of the frame. Your feet should be level on the ground;
- Measure the distance from your waist to the top tube;
- For road bikes, a one-inch distance is sufficient. But electric bikes require at least 2 inches.
Wheel e bike size matters
E-bikes come with a wide variety of wheel electric bike sizing. They vary depending on the model.
What matters here is what you need the bike for. For everyday use, a commuter model is a perfect electric bike choice. These models have wheels that look like simple road bikes.
Exploiting the e-bike on rough terrain, it is worth paying attention to mountain bikes, equipped with the simplest wheels of regular size. These tires provide perfect traction on the road surface.
If you know for sure that you will ride a bike in bad weather and even in the cold season, then you should buy a bike with thick tires. These models are ideal for dealing with difficult roads.
For a cycling style that combines off-road and city riding, a hybrid bike is ideal. Such a vehicle is suitable for riding on different types of terrain. Many people buy hybrid bikes for regular trips to work.
If you plan to use a bike for leisurely riding style, you should consider the Cruiser model. It is equipped with the same tires as a regular bike.
In addition, modern e-bike manufacturers offer mini bike models with smaller diameter wheels, but their folding mechanism makes them very convenient and practical.
Monitor your upper body position
The position of the upper body varies greatly with the model of the e-bike. For example, an upright riding style is recommended for a Cruiser-type bike in which the back does not sag too much.
When using a mountain bike or a road bike, which aggressive cyclists who have extensive riding experience and prefer to ride vigorously, a forward lean with a sagging back are the best option.
How do I know if my bicycle size is correct?
Most beginner riders choose bike models recommended by friends and acquaintances. People also seek help from shopkeepers who are interested in selling goods. If you find a conscientious seller who can offer the best electric bikes, you’re lucky. But you can not completely trust their words.
Here are some tips to help you decide if your electric bike is the right size for you.
The saddle height is too high
You can tell this easily by the bike’s maneuverability. If you have a saddle that is too high for you, it’s a sure sign that it is not the right size for you.
Persistent back pain
The cyclist with extensive riding experience knows that cycling should only be for pleasure. However, if you complain of severe back pain after a spirited ride, it is an indication that you have the wrong size e-bike. You may be suffering from the frame size, handlebar, or saddle.
Shallow saddle height
If the seat is too low, riding the bike will always be accompanied by problems. You may be bothered by muscle strain and pain.
The bike stem doesn’t fit
The stem of an electric bicycle is one of its most important parts of it. If there are any problems with the bike stem, it may indicate that it is not original. Therefore, you will be forced to replace it, and this will lead to constant mechanical fixes and breakdowns in the future.
Peculiarities of choosing a bicycle for a child
Choosing electric bikes for children is not as easy as it looks. In addition to important factors such as the frame size, seat, and handlebars, it is also important that the child is comfortable. Also, parents usually choose the e-bike size for their child so they can ride it even after a couple of years.
Make sure the child’s feet barely touch the surface of the floor. This will allow him or her to grow up a little and not stop using the bike in the future.
To keep your child from being intimidated by a big bike, you can adjust the seat height to make him or her comfortable. But make sure that the frame size is not too large, as this can create serious discomfort and discourage riding.
Remember that it is better to buy an electric bicycle that is slightly larger than a small one.
How to choose the right e-bike size for women
Choosing the correct size of bicycle for women is often different. This is because women by nature have narrower shoulders and long legs.
When buying an e-bike for women, you should look for a model with a narrower handlebar and smaller frame size. Depending on their physique, many women fit men’s models. Here everything is individual.
Concluding Thoughts
E-bike size matters for riding comfortably and quickly with pleasure. If you choose the wrong size e-bike, you are guaranteed to have signed your sentence. At best, your riding experience will severe discomfort, especially on longer distances, and at worst, you will begin to have health problems such as back, muscle, and knee pain.
Take your body measurements, as indicated in this article, and feel free to buy a new bike. It does not matter what your height is, with this information, you can choose the best model for you.
In addition, keep in mind that different manufacturers make measurements of e-bikes differently. Before you buy a bike, check with the salesperson to see if the bike is right for you.
FAQ
What is the best bike size for my height?
To find out if the bike is the right size for your height, you need to take your body measurements and choose the right model accordingly. If you did not feel uncomfortable during the test ride, it is your correct e-bike size.
How tall should you be for an XL bike?
If you are 5 feet tall or taller, you might to take a look at the XL frame size models.
What size person is a 26-inch bike for?
Electric bikes equipped with 26-inch wheels are the standard option for adults. But for tall people who are taller than 5 feet 5 inches, it is better to look at models with 27.5-29 inch wheels. They guarantee perfect grip and durability, also they are perfect for heavy riders.