Today, Electric Bikes stand as one of the most versatile modes of transportation. These Electric Bikes are becoming increasingly more popular all over the world thanks to their countless benefits. E-bikes are fun to ride, cost-effective, and eco-friendly. Not to mention that ebikes help people of every age group and fitness level lead more healthy and active lives. With many e-bike communities and groups forming in many major cities, it is safe to say that e-bikes have integrated themselves into popular culture.
You will never regret buying an e-bike to replace your car, motorcycle or scooter. But just like traditional bicycles, Electric Bikes also come in a variety of styles, frames, and designs. In this article, we will shed light on the different frame designs of Electric Bikes.
The frame of an electric bike can be divided into three categories:
- Low step frame/step-through
- Mid-step frame/mixte
- High step frame
Low frame: This frame has a very low crossbar or no crossbar at all, allowing for the rider to quickly get on and off the bike. This style was initially developed for women to accommodate their skirts and other dresses. With time however, it has evolved to become a unisex frame style because it is easy to mount and dismount, even for men wearing formal clothes. It is also known as step through, open, or drop frame.
Advantages
- Easy to mount and dismount
- Can be ridden wearing skirts, dresses or other restrictive clothing
- Ideal for elderly people who have a tough time mounting the bike
- Much less likely of getting stuck and falling
Disadvantages
- Difficulty in lifting the bike
- Less carrying capacity
- Heavier than a high step frame (extra material is used to give it extra strength in the absence of a crossbar)
High step frame style: Also known as a diamond frame, the high step frame has four tubes: the head tube, top tube, seat tube, and down tube. It is considered to be the strongest frame structure on a technical level. The stand-over height can be 30 inches and above, and a person has to swing their leg over the top tube to mount the bike. The battery can be integrated with the down tube giving the e-bike a sleek and concealed look, unlike other frame types where the batteries are fully visible.
Advantages:
- Robust structure
- Stylish look
- More carrying capacity
- Easier to carry
Disadvantages
- Difficulty in mounting and dismounting
- Not suitable for elderly people or people with mobility issues
Mid-step frame: A mid-step frame includes some of the best features of both the low frame and high frame styles. While you can easily mount and dismount the bike similar to a low-step frame, the top tube height remains between 20-30 inches, adding strength and stability to the bike. Mid-step frames are also known as mixte frames, “mixte” coming from the French language meaning “mixed or unisex”.
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Advantages
- Good stability
- Robust design
- Great carrying capacity
- Comfortable
Disadvantages
- Difficulty in mounting and dismounting
- Not suitable for tall people
Each frame has its own list of pros and cons – a frame type that is suitable for some may not be for others. The best way to determine which is best for you is to simply test different types of Electric Bikes with varying frames to see which is the most comfortable for you. Consider how much you will be cycling in your everyday life, and go with what feels right to you. Keep in mind that you can also personalize your bike to your needs to make riding as fun and efficient as possible!
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