Many products in this world don’t need to be gender-specific: TVs. Computers. Baseball caps. However, many other items need to be made to fit the specific proportions of one gender or the other: Clothes. Multivitamins. And, yes, bikes and e-bikes. Human anatomy is a fascinating thing.
Within each gender, there is wild variation in sizes and even proportions, but themes and trends do emerge. As a (very) general rule, for a given height, women have longer legs than men, as well as shorter torsos and arms. Also, on average, women are shorter than men.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, the average man in the U.S. is 5 feet 9 inches, while the average woman in the U.S. is 5 feet 3.5 inches.
Most bikes and e-bikes are bought by men (what’s up with that?), so the majority of all one-size e-bikes are made for a man’s proportions. This means that, while women can adjust saddle height appropriately, they will likely be left with a long reach from the saddle to the handlebar, resulting in a potentially uncomfortable forward lean.
We’ve selected a collection of e-bikes that cover a variety of uses, ranging from cruisers and commuters to special-use e-bikes such as eMTBs and even a road/gravel e-bike. Almost all of these e-bikes feature step-thru frames to make them easy to mount and dismount, while a few fit with more traditional expectations of woman-centric design.
To be clear, none of the e-bikes on this list were specifically made for women, but we have selected e-bikes with geometry that is suitable for both genders. This is more a reflection of our decision to focus on e-bikes priced in the $1,000-$3,000 range than what is available.
The fact is, the higher your budget range, the more options exist. That’s sadly sexist, but our job is to point out the best opportunities we see. These options will likely satisfy the budget, comfort, and functionality preferences of most women looking for an e-bike.
When you visit a manufacturer’s site using one of our links, take some time to look at their sizing recommendations. The broader the range they suggest, the less likely the e-bike is to work at the extremes of that range.
Few e-bikes can realistically fit a range of heights broader than 5 inches. As such, the more sizes a manufacturer offers, the more likely you are to find a size that fits you.
We’ve assembled a terrific collection of e-bikes; let’s dig in.
*Electric Bike Report aims to help consumers find the right electric bike for their needs. When you buy a product we recommend, we may earn a commission.
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Best City Cruiser
We’ve chosen to lead off our collection of the best e-bikes for women with the Aventon Pace 500.3, a stylish cruiser that combines plenty of power and range with a great feel and handling and a frame that comes in two sizes. With its step-thru frame, it is easy to mount and control, even for more petite riders.
Aventon says the regular size of the Pace 500.3 will fit riders from 4’11” to 5’7”. While that range might be a little generous, the regular is a great choice for people between 5 feet and 5 feet 6. The large size is advertised to fit riders from 5’7” to 6’1”; again, it’s a little generous but definitely great for taller folks.
Aventon did a great job with the geometry of the Pace 500.3 by actually giving the two different frames both a different length of seat tube and different reach.
Other features we like about the Aventon Pace 500.3 are the hydraulic disc brakes and the wide-range 8-speed Shimano drivetrain. The adjustable stem can be adjusted to help make the reach from the saddle to the bar as comfortable as possible.
Aventon has taken the step to make sure all of its e-bikes conform to the highest safety standards, and the Pace 500.3 is certified to UL 2849, which governs the entire electronics system.
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Most Comfortable
Euphree’s City Robin X+ is one of our most recommended e-bikes for those who prioritize relaxation and comfort. As a commuter/cruiser hybrid, the bike features an ergonomic, upright riding position and a myriad of uncommon, practical features for leisure and dedicated daily use.
With a suspension seatpost and a suspension fork with 100mm of travel, the City Robin’s ride is smooth and comfortable. We also liked the bike’s wide, cushy saddle and curved, cruiser-style handlebars.
The bike comes in a single frame size advertised to fit riders from 5’0” to 6’1”. This range of accommodation is largely thanks to its adjustable stem, which allows users to change the handlebar height and reach to suit personal preferences. The City Robin X+ also features a step-thru frame design with a standover height of 17 inches.
As a Euphree e-bike, many of the City Robin’s trim elements are of noticeably higher-than-average quality. From the glossy paint to the 100-lb capacity of its cargo rack to the clear ring of its brass bell, the bike has an overall air of refinement. It’s clear that the brand put a great deal of care into creating a great-looking and great-feeling ride!
There are also a handful of uncommon tech elements we appreciated. The bike’s 500W rear hub motor can switch between torque and cadence sensing modes for either active or low-effort pedaling. Additionally, the bike has an auto-assist feature that adapts its power output based on how the rider pedals. We loved the easy and fun-focused user experience!
Best Commuter
When testing an e-bike made for commuting to and from work, we look for a handful of specific details. The first is solid range. The second is a motor powerful enough to deliver Class 3 speeds up to 28 mph. Finally, the third is a package of commuter-friendly essentials—typically integrated lights, fenders, and a cargo rack.
The Velotric Discover 2 covered over 85 miles in our testing, exceeding Velotric’s own estimates; that doesn’t often happen. Even on the low end, the bike’s minimum of 34 miles should be enough to get to the office and back for a few days, provided home and work are in the same area code.
The bike ships as a Class 2 with throttle and pedal assist up to 20 mph, but it can be unlocked to a Class 3. In fact, this is just one of many customizable aspects of the bike; users are offered three riding modes with different levels of power, and they can switch between torque and cadence-sensing modes to alter the feel of the ride. Even the brake light behavior is adjustable.
Comfort is another aspect that stood out in our testing; the bike’s step-thru frame and cruiser-inspired saddle and handlebars made for an extremely comfortable ride.
Velotric included a comprehensive package of commuter accessories but went above and beyond with elements like the high-capacity MIK-HD cargo rack. In addition to carrying more than a standard rack, it’s compatible with locking storage bags/baskets, pet carriers, and even a child seat.
Additionally, the Discover 2 includes a number of appreciated safety features, including turn signals. The bike features an IPX6 water-resistant rating and is certified to UL 2849, plus its battery is UL 2271 certified with an IPX7 waterproof rating.
Whether you’re seeking a trustworthy and comfortable daily ride to work or school, or you appreciate a high degree of customization in your leisure bike, the Velotric Discover 2 is tough to beat!
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Best Cruiser
A big segment of the e-bike market falls somewhere between $1,000 and $2,000; this price range is chock full of value, but many bikes within it sacrifice features and spec entry-level components to ensure affordability.
What happens when you step outside of that range?
The Specialized Turbo Como 3.0 IGH gets our nod for the best cruiser thanks to its complement of high-quality components and premium, user-friendly features.
For starters, the Turbo Como differs from many similar models in that it has a custom, extremely natural-feeling, and responsive Specialized 2.0E motor. This 250W mid-drive motor delivers power immediately and is powered by a 540Wh battery.
The Turbo Como is a Class 1 e-bike with a top assist speed of 20 mph and no throttle; this classification focuses on an active ride experience while ensuring that the bike is legal and able to be ridden on most paths and roads in the country.
The “IGH” portion of the bike’s name—an abbreviation for Internal Gear Hub—refers to its Enviolo continuously variable transmission. Instead of a traditional system of external gears, this hub uses an internal array of ball bearings to adjust the pedal resistance. Like a volume knob, a slight twist of the grip shifter keeps the ride comfortable and enjoyable.
The combination of Specialized’s MasterMind and smartphone app gives riders an unusual degree of control over their e-bike. With a few touches, users can tune the motor output and set up security features. For example, the app-operated Turbo System Lock can disable the motor and the cranks to give a level of security few other e-bikes can match.
The Turbo Como comes in three sizes for riders from 5’ to 6’3”. The smallest frame size is especially good for more petite riders who may struggle to find an e-bike that fits their proportions. Additionally, the bike’s 14-in. standover height makes mounting and dismounting especially easy.
Best Customization
The Model S is Electric Bicycle Company’s take on the common beach cruiser style—but it’s far from cookie–cutter.
EBC gives buyers the opportunity to customize the bike’s color (or choose multiple colors) from a selection of 41 choices, but the brand also offers personalization options that extend well beyond style.
For example, shoppers have four different choices for range, which maxes out with two 864-Wh batteries. Shorter riders can choose 24-in. wheels instead of the standard 26-in. Wheels to lower the standover height, making the e-bike easier to mount.
Buyers can also choose between one of four different handlebars, such as traditional curved cruiser-style handlebars, flat handlebars, BMX-style riser bars, and even high-rise chopper-style bars. The brand also offers three different saddles (in two colors) with one option that includes a backrest.
Don’t want to tackle hills with just one gear? No problem! Another option is to replace the single gear with a 7-speed drivetrain. Want a little extra comfort for your tush? Choose from two different suspension seat posts. Want instant power instead of the pause that comes with cadence sensors? You can order yours with a torque sensor.
The possibilities are (nearly) endless!
EBC bikes also feature MIK-compatible cargo racks, allowing bike owners to attach a myriad of standardized, locking accessories such as baskets and storage bags. Prefer a basket up front? That’s an option as well.
We’ve seen a huge variety of highly personalized EBC cruisers make their way to happy customers. The Model S is an excellent cruiser-style option for anyone wanting an e-bike uniquely their own!
Best Lightweight Cruiser
We like to think of the Blix Sol X as the cruiser-style e-bike of the future; it features a contemporary spin on a classic design and is loaded with cool, high-tech features we don’t often see at its price point.
Case in point: the Sol X features a responsive electronic shifting system and four pedal assist settings, including an Auto setting that allows its power output to fluctuate in response to pedal pressure. The bike pairs with the Blix Connect app, allowing users to customize the bike’s maximum speed, track ride data, get over-the-air firmware updates, and more.
The bike’s lightweight frame and relaxed geometry give it a comfortable yet nimble feel. A long wheelbase and 26×2.4”-wide tires also help the bike to feel stable when riding.
Along with a standard package of commuter-friendly accessories such as lights, fenders, and a high-capacity cargo rack, the bike also includes less-common safety features. The bike’s headlight has both a high- and low-beam setting, and it also features rear turn signals integrated into its rear rack.
The Sol X’s 750W hub motor is paired with a torque sensor that gives it a natural feel similar to an analog bike. It’s great for casual rides, but it has the power to tackle steep hills or ride at Class 3 speeds when needed. Additionally, its throttle allows users to relax and take advantage of an effort-free ride.
We liked the Sol X for its quick handling, techy feel, and great looks; it’s a value-packed e-bike with great build quality and lots to love!
Full Review Coming Soon | Video Review Coming Soon
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Best Single Speed
Many of our other selections for the best e-bikes for women are packed with features and uncommon technology; few are as straightforward and easy to operate as the Rad Power Bikes RadKick. The RadKick is a (relatively) lightweight urban-centric e-bike that prioritizes simplicity and user-friendliness while including everything we’d expect on a daily-use e-bike.
While Rad offers the bike in a 7-speed model with a chain drive, we tested and reviewed the higher-priced belt drive option that does not require shifting. The belt model also features a steady 500W rear hub motor with a torque sensor, allowing its power output to fluctuate as the rider pedals softer or harder.
This clever setup, while not quite as versatile as a multi-speed drivetrain, helps to make up for the limitations of a single-speed e-bike. We found that the RadKick was uncommonly capable of pedaling uphill compared to similar models we’ve tested.
The RadKick encourages an active pedaling experience, with noticeable input from the motor to make getting up to speed and climbing hills easier. It also includes a throttle to give riders a break or provide help getting started. We liked the bike’s wide handlebars, predictable handling, and safe, approachable Class 2 speed limit of 20 mph.
The bike features a step-thru frame with a standover height of 17”. It’s equipped with essentials such as lights, fenders, and a cargo rack. It also features an adjustable stem that allows riders to personalize the RadKick’s fit; Rad advertises a height range of 5’2” to 6’2”.
Best Cargo
Lectric’s XPedition 2.0 raises the bar for a budget-friendly family e-bike with a responsive ride, a massive weight capacity, multiple options for its battery capacity/range, and a highly competitive price point.
With options starting below $1500, the XPedition 2.0 is one of the most affordable cargo e-bikes on the market. As we’ve come to expect from Lectric, this doesn’t mean there are any sacrifices. The XPedition is purpose-made for hauling kids and cargo, with a total payload capacity of 450 lbs and an included package of passenger accessories such as seat pads and footboards.
The base model features a single 624-Wh battery with an advertised range of up to 60 miles. Those seeking to maximize their mileage can opt for a dual-battery setup with 120 miles of range or a Long-Range model that increases the capacity to a total of 1,680 Wh and the bike’s range to a whopping 170 miles!
The XPedition 2.0 features a powerful yet quiet 750W hub motor that is plenty capable of moving a full load. With a torque sensor that features Lectric’s custom PWR+ programming, pedaling is guaranteed to be easy while also providing adaptability and an overall responsive feel.
We liked many of the bike’s smaller features, too, including its turn signals, color display, 8-speed drivetrain, and grippy pedals. We’ve tested tons of cargo e-bikes, and the XPedition 2.0 is simply one of the best we’ve had our hands on!
Best Fat Tire
The fat tire e-bike category is dominated by models with 4-inch-wide tires, which add plenty of cushion to the ride but can make bikes heavy and sluggish in their handling. We awarded the Rad Power Bikes Radster Trail our nod for the best fat-tire e-bike for women primarily because Rad specced the bike with lighter and much more maneuverable 3-inch-wide tires.
The Radster Trail is part of Rad’s new generation of e-bikes featuring a 750W rear-hub motor with an extremely responsive, natural-feeling torque sensor. With 100Nm of torque, it’s a terrific performer on hills. The Radster Trail is a Class 2 e-bike with throttle and pedal assist up to 20 mph, but it can switch to a limited (25 mph) or full (28 mph) Class 3 mode through its display.
It also features Rad’s new potted, heat-resistant Safe Shield battery. With a substantial 720 Wh of capacity, the bike exceeded 75 miles in our range test thanks to its efficient motor and torque sensor.
We found the bike comfortable to ride because of its tires, flat handlebars with ergonomic grips, and a suspension fork with 80mm of travel. It had lively, predictable handling and a fun feel that felt at home both on- and off-road.
The Radster Trail is produced in two different sizes—regular and large. The regular, which fits riders from 4’11” to 5’8”, features a low-step frame and a reach short enough (15.2 in.) to be friendly to more petite women. The large has a mid-step design and is advertised to accommodate riders from 5’7” to 6’4”.
Best eMTB
There’s a reason the Specialized Turbo Levo Comp Carbon is one of the bikes we see the most when riding our local singletrack: it’s a beast of a bike that can take some serious punishment while conquering the roughest of trails.
The Comp Carbon features Specialized’s custom 2.2 mid-drive motor with a highly capable 90 Nm of torque—plenty for navigating the technical, rocky terrain in the area of SW Utah we call home. It’s not the punchiest motor on the market, but it feels extremely responsive and dialed in, with immediate power delivery ensuring you have the motor behind you when needed.
This version of the bike weighs 50 lbs thanks to its carbon fiber construction. We found it to be surprisingly playful and lively for its weight, allowing us to navigate tricky sections of trail and tight corners without breaking a sweat. The mixed wheel, or “mullet,” design with a 29” front wheel and a 27.5” rear wheel gives the bike great handling.
The Turbo Levo Comp Carbon carries a substantial 700-Wh battery that gives the bike excellent range. This high-capacity power supply allowed us to enjoy extended rides, including completing a 45-mile eMTB race on a single charge!
Specialized offers the bike in a total of six frame sizes suitable for riders between 4’11” and 6’8”. With such a wide accommodation range and such a great overall feel, the Comp Carbon is a bike we recommend to nearly anyone.
Full Review Coming Soon | Video Review Coming Soon
Best Hardtail/Beginner eMTB
Of the many types of e-bikes on the market, eMTBs are the easiest to get wrong. Why? Because they carry more technical requirements that must be met to perform well on the difficult terrain they are meant to tackle. As such, the words “affordable” and “eMTB” are two words that don’t often appear in the same sentence.
The Aventon Ramblas aims to change that.
For starters, it’s equipped with a custom 250W mid-drive motor that generates an impressive 100Nm of torque to make difficult climbs fun and engaging. To put this in perspective, this is more torque than any Bosch or Shimano motor produces. It’s powered by a 708-Wh battery, which gave us a range test result of 107 miles—a positively stunning result.
Next, the Ramblas is a Class 1 e-bike with no throttle and pedal assist up to 20 mph. This is essential, as many trail systems that allow e-bikes only permit those meeting this criteria.
Additionally, Aventon specced the Ramblas with a variety of great-performing, name-brand components. These include a 12-speed SRAM drivetrain with a 450 percent gear range for efficient climbing, a SRAM DB8 4-piston hydraulic disc brake system with 200mm rotors for excellent stopping power, and a RockShox fork with130mm of travel to handle technical terrain.
Finally, Aventon took a step that is rare for most consumer-direct companies: they produce the Ramblas in four sizes, allowing riders to find a frame designed for their height and proportions. The small will accommodate riders 5 feet 1 and up.
We were highly impressed with the Ramblas as a competent entry-level eMTB; the bike felt and performed extremely well right out of the box, but it was designed in a way that makes upgrading components over time easy (for those who wish to). It earned an enthusiastic two thumbs up from our team!
Best Road/Gravel
The Ride1Up CF Racer 1 is an e-bike for road or gravel cyclists seeking to enjoy easier, longer rides without feeling as though they are sacrificing a true cycling experience. Made from carbon fiber, the CF Racer 1 weighs just 29 lbs., making it easy to handle and light enough to capitalize on its subtle yet helpful 250W rear-hub motor.
Let’s start off by discussing value, as the CF Racer’s sub-$2500 price tag is nearly unheard of for a carbon fiber bike—even in the analog market. We’re not quite sure how Ride1Up pulled off such a budget-friendly price, especially considering the bike’s complement of name-brand components, but we’re all for it.
The CF Racer comes in two configurations for road or gravel use. The road version comes with 32mm-wide tires—big by road standards—and an 11-36t cassette for a 330 percent gear range, while the gravel version comes with 40mm-wide tires and an 11-42t cassette for a 380 percent gear range. Both are offered in two sizes.
With a range of power levels starting at minimal and extending to highly impactful, the CF Racer’s ride can feel natural or easy, depending on the rider’s preference. As a Class 3 e-bike, it can reach pedal-assisted speeds of up to 28 mph.
The bike’s 252-Wh battery would seem woefully small were it not for being appropriately matched to a 250W hub motor. In our testing, we got 15.3 miles in PAS 5 and nearly 50 miles in PAS 1, proving that a small motor and a small battery can do a lot in a light e-bike!
While higher-end road and gravel bikes are often offered in a wider range of sizing options for a more precise fit, the CF Racer 1 should work for most riders. The value this e-bike offers is so good that anyone looking for a drop-bar e-bike should consider it before looking elsewhere!
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Honorable Mention
An honorable mention for this list of the best e-bikes for women is the Retrospec Beaumont Rev 2. This affordable, classic-looking cruiser offers fun, comfort, and plenty of value for those seeking a relaxed and leisurely ride.
The Beaumont Rev 2 is about as budget-friendly as we can recommend when it comes to e-bikes; those below the $1k price point often sacrifice features, build quality, or practical components. We’ve found the opposite is typically true with Retrospec; the brand’s e-bikes are often a step above when compared to similarly-priced models.
Simplicity is the heart of the Beaumont; the bike sticks to the basics while being functional and easy to use. Its 350W rear-hub motor is gentle yet helpful, making it excellent for those new to e-bikes or riders who prefer a more natural, active feel.
With a step-thru frame, an upright riding position, a thick saddle, and curved, cruiser-style handlebars, the Beaumont is comfortable and enjoyable to ride. It features an uncomplicated, effective 7-speed drivetrain and mechanical disc brake system. And somehow, Retrospec even managed to include practical extras such as a cargo rack, fenders, a chain guard, and lights.
Additionally, the Beaumont Rev 2 is offered in a surprisingly broad range of six color options, allowing riders to show off a bit of personality without breaking the bank!
Performance can take a few different forms. The first is what the bike is meant to do. We evaluated each of the bikes relative to how they perform their intended mission. In the case of commuters, the option to ride it as a Class 3 e-bike was important, just as having a dropper post on an eMTB was critical.
Next, we considered their sizing. We looked at whether they came in a step-thru design as well as whether the model came in multiple sizes.
We also considered the bike’s geometry, including both its stack (how high the handlebar is above the ground as well as reach (the distance from the saddle to the handlebar). We weighted our choices to those e-bikes that included adjustable stems, which allow users to change stack and reach to tailor the bike’s fit.
Weight was another consideration. An 80-lb. e-bike is noticeably tougher to manage than a 60-lb. one, no matter how big your arms are. We opted for e-bikes on the lighter and more manageable side where possible.
We factored in a couple of other, softer considerations, such as color options (it’s nice to have more options than black and gray) and the brand’s reputation for reliability and customer support. We’re extremely familiar with the bikes and brands listed; they’re all known for being trustworthy.
We did our best to include a variety of options for women of all interest levels, ranging from leisure-focused to performance-oriented. Those seeking simplicity, comfort, and ease of use may wish to consider a cruiser-style e-bike, while those on the more adventurous side might prefer an eMTB or gravel bike.
If you’re not certain of how you’ll use your e-bike beyond recreation and the odd errand, don’t feel compelled to get spendy. A solidly performing but affordable e-bike can be an effective introduction to cycling, allowing you to learn what style of riding suits you best.
Have a bike that you think would be a good contender for our best page? Let us know in the comment section below. At the very least, we always want to know what our readers are riding.
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