Pedal power is one of the best ways to get around while keeping fit – and since e-bikes arrived on the market in the 1990s, all kinds of bike designs, from e-mountain bikes and folding models to gravel cycles and even scooters, have become available with a bit of extra oomph from built-in batteries.
Wondering if an e-bike is for you? An electric bike still requires pedalling, so you’ll still keep fit by hopping on your new bike, but that extra juice makes hill climbs and long distances much easier to tackle and can open up cycling to people who might not be able to take on bigger distances otherwise or who have mobility issues. They’re also ideal for commuting and for carrying or pulling heavier loads.
What e-bike suits my style of cycling?
First up, think about where you want to ride your new bike. If you’re planning on pedalling to work every day, a comfortable road or hybrid e-bike will suit you best, and a bike with racks will let you load up your ride with shopping on the way home. Folding bikes are the best choice if you want to take your new wheels on a train or pop it in the boot of your car.
What features should I look out for?
Next up, think about how much help you want from your bike’s battery. E-bikes tend to be heavier and bulkier than traditional bike models, but some are lightweight enough that you don’t need to pop the battery on if you don’t want to, so they work well as both. Battery life varies, too – if you’ll top your bike up daily when you get home then this doesn’t matter much, but if you like the idea of taking your new ride out on long weekends in the countryside, you’ll need something with decent battery life to get home again with. Tot up the number of miles you think you’ll cover between charges and check the model you buy offers at least that amount per charge. Don’t forget that e-bikes in the UK can only legally go at 15.5mph.
Whatever e-bike you go for, there are some features we found handy on test. A built-in rack or mounting points, so you can add a rack, means you can add pannier bags and mudguards to your new ride for commuting or bikepacking.
Do I need a gender-specific e-bike?
Most e-bikes are marketed as unisex designs, although we’ve included two great female-specific models in our round-up below. So what should women consider when picking an e-bike? If you’re on the shorter or petite side, look for a model that offers multiple frame sizes and pick a smaller one, or consider a ‘step through’ bike, which is easier to get on and off.
Don’t forget to check that you can manoeuvre the weight of your bike without the battery on, so that you can comfortably wheel it about or store it. Check the seat and handlebars are at the right height for you before you hit the road – you may find a women’s-specific saddle more comfortable, although you could always add one to a unisex frame.
How we tested the e-bikes
We tried out these e-bikes on country lanes and gravel tracks and looked for a comfortable, electrically assisted ride, reliable battery life and easy charging.
Shop the best e-bikes for women below