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If you are very short which electric bike do you ride?

34 replies

Mynewnameis · 16/05/2025 12:40

It seems to be a unisex market so only the cube xxs looking like an option in my local shop.
Even that I'd have to switch seat post or chop.

OP posts:
LunchWithAGruffalo · 16/05/2025 13:29

Batribike do a couple of smaller bikes, I did a test ride of of a couple of different ones. The vista was surprisingly adjustable but still felt a little bit big. I went with the smallest frame size omega and am very happy with it.

WhitWhoop · 16/05/2025 13:29

I had to get a size “small” frame for Cube, even though I’m 5’6

ebike sizing is not very female-friendly!

Even with that I’ve had to get used to being more on tiptoe than I’d like to be.

The bike is heavy and loves to tip over and take me with it!

Cyclistmumgrandma · 16/05/2025 13:30

I ride a Tern Vektron. It can be adjusted for heights from 147 - 195cm (4'10 - 6'5"). I'm very happy with it.

If you are very short which electric bike do you ride?

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TheSilentSister · 16/05/2025 13:31

I've got a MiRider electric bike. I'm 5.4 and the seat isn't fully down. The blurb says it's from 4.11 to 6.3 as it's a telescopic post. The MiRider is quite a compact bike so suits a smaller rider imo. Not the cheapest but it's great, I love mine.

suki1964 · 16/05/2025 13:32

Im 5'2 and got the cube step through

I couldn't get my leg across any of the cross bars on any bike ( but I am in my 60's )

Absolutely love it

Radiatorvalves · 16/05/2025 13:34

I’ve got a medium mustache bike. Yo be honest I rush I’d gone large… I’m only 165cm but like my legs to be fully extended and the medium frame is only just big enough. Putting the seat down on taller DHs bike works for me too. I don’t know how tall you are but a small moustache might well work.

Toddlerteaplease · 16/05/2025 14:05

I’m not short but have a Dawes foldable e bike. That would work.

Zumezume · 16/05/2025 15:07

155cm with long legs and strong preference for upright position
I have done lots of test runs over a 3 month period
My favourite bike in the local shop was was the cube compact. However, the rear carrier didn’t meet my needs and the derailleurs looked like trouble getting off curbs.The cube compact can be retrofitted with backswept handlebars to bring your shoulders closer to your body if you have a short back.
Ditto the Bergamont Hans but ordinary accessories were compatible with the carrier. The latter is categorised as a cargo bike for tax reasons
I tried the Tern hsd - didn’t feel like a real bike and the accessories were very expensive. The Vektron is more compact but once you get an e-bike you will start hauling stuff because you can say goodbye to traffic and parking.
Eventually I bought a second hand Isy bike with hub gears from a guy who sells on e-bikes he sources from family bike shop in Germany. The geometry is very similar to the cube but I was able retrofit a carrier with a load capacity of 22kg. I also retrofitted the handlebars and brake levers , improving comfort further. Almost everything on these higher end bikes can be upgraded/ personalised if the frame geometry works for you.
The problem with the bigger frames is that they have a habit of collapsing on top of you when they overbalance. The owner of one of the bike rental companies on one of the big Greenways recommended the Isy as the safest for someone my size.

Natsku · 16/05/2025 15:27

I have a foldable ebike, It's very small, only 20 inch wheels, so not a problem for short people like me, and can fold it up and stick it in the carboot

Mynewnameis · 16/05/2025 15:28

Thanks. This is confirming what I thought, although a few to look at.
A foldable won't suit as I need upright position due to sore shoulder.

The cube step through is soooo heavy. One reason I'd need the seat post cut is because I'm afraid of it toppling on me. I also don't think I could lift it onto a bike rack or the train.

OP posts:
Mynewnameis · 16/05/2025 15:34

WhitWhoop · 16/05/2025 13:29

I had to get a size “small” frame for Cube, even though I’m 5’6

ebike sizing is not very female-friendly!

Even with that I’ve had to get used to being more on tiptoe than I’d like to be.

The bike is heavy and loves to tip over and take me with it!

You could probably gain a few inches if you got seat post changed or cut. Will remove the suspension though.

OP posts:
Mynewnameis · 16/05/2025 15:37

Radiatorvalves · 16/05/2025 13:34

I’ve got a medium mustache bike. Yo be honest I rush I’d gone large… I’m only 165cm but like my legs to be fully extended and the medium frame is only just big enough. Putting the seat down on taller DHs bike works for me too. I don’t know how tall you are but a small moustache might well work.

Thanks. Not seen those. I'm at the small end for them but could work.

OP posts:
Mynewnameis · 16/05/2025 15:40

suki1964 · 16/05/2025 13:32

Im 5'2 and got the cube step through

I couldn't get my leg across any of the cross bars on any bike ( but I am in my 60's )

Absolutely love it

Did you get the xxs size suki?
I'm in my 40s but think I'll need a step through due to the weight of them

OP posts:
WhitWhoop · 17/05/2025 00:07

Mynewnameis · 16/05/2025 15:28

Thanks. This is confirming what I thought, although a few to look at.
A foldable won't suit as I need upright position due to sore shoulder.

The cube step through is soooo heavy. One reason I'd need the seat post cut is because I'm afraid of it toppling on me. I also don't think I could lift it onto a bike rack or the train.

For bike rack, there’s no way I could lift mine, so we got a new Thule towbar carrier that has a removable ramp.

It’s SO great. I can get the bike on and off really easily, no struggle. Pricey but worth every penny as a companion piece to the bike.

Mine is a step-through frame.

Totally love it and it’s changed my life, for real. I’m out on it at every opportunity cruising up the hills.

it was definitely a challenge to learn not to topple it - the weighting is so different to a manual pedal bike.

But it’s been a long while now since I last dropped it, so it definitely gets better with practice.

WhitWhoop · 17/05/2025 00:08

Mynewnameis · 16/05/2025 15:34

You could probably gain a few inches if you got seat post changed or cut. Will remove the suspension though.

I decided to keep it and see if I could get used to it - and it’s working out all good. Didn’t want to lose the suspension as I do a fair bit in tracks and lumpy surfaces.

suki1964 · 17/05/2025 06:34

Mynewnameis · 16/05/2025 15:40

Did you get the xxs size suki?
I'm in my 40s but think I'll need a step through due to the weight of them

I did

It's heavy, but manageable I have no strength in one arm due to injury and I manage to hold it ok while pulling out the stand. Stopping at lights etc is fine

I have space in a garage at home to wheel it straight into. I would struggle to get ii in through a door into a hallway say

I couldn't lift it

I called in with a friend the other day and didn't realise it had switched itself off. Went to cycle and I thought blimey this is heavy going, dont remember this road being so steep lol

I live very rural so to pop around to a friend used to mean getting the car out, so popping anywhere never really happened. Now I pop out all the time :)

I went to a local E bike specialist to try bikes for size and to get advice . Im glad I did because buying a crossbar - of any size - online , would have been a costly mistake

begone25 · 17/05/2025 08:25

My friend bought a Swytch to use on her regular bike, worked well for her commute.

Mynewnameis · 17/05/2025 08:48

@suki1964 thanks that's so helpful.
Sounds like I have similar requirements.

The first bike i liked the look of and researched only came in one size. That definitely would have been a mistake!

The cube step through was the first one the bike shop recommended. I initially dismissed due to weight

OP posts:
Radiatorvalves · 17/05/2025 10:58

All e-bikes are seriously heavy. It makes my road bike feel like a plastic toy! I don’t think there’s too much variation in weight - all seem very heavy to me. But that’s what the e is for. Be wary going up steps or if you have to put it in a car. I have a walk assist button which is useful (if pushing up a hill).

suki1964 · 17/05/2025 13:47

Mynewnameis · 17/05/2025 08:48

@suki1964 thanks that's so helpful.
Sounds like I have similar requirements.

The first bike i liked the look of and researched only came in one size. That definitely would have been a mistake!

The cube step through was the first one the bike shop recommended. I initially dismissed due to weight

The weight isnt really an issue - unless you are lifting it.

I cant place both feet fully flat on the ground, but Im also not on fully tip toes

This is the one I have. Comes with 2 battery sizes, Ive the 625 because I do live so very rural ( and in blue , very pretty )

https://www.cubestores.co.uk/products/cube-touring-hybrid-exc-625-grey-metal-2024-ee-xs

I live in NI, its very very hilly , some are near on vertical climbs, but this gets me up them, not had to push yet.

It's not suited for dirt tracks but I rarely go off track, I got it for cycling the lanes and going to the coast - leisure cycling. It did take a few uses to get used to the speed and gears and manoeuvrability - the weight makes a big difference - you cant take too tight a turn

I dont particularly like the saddle but then I have a boney bum, even a hard chair I find uncomfortable, but I perch up on the back of it which helps

CUBE TOURING HYBRID EXC 625 GREY/METAL

Have your Touring Hybrid EXC just the way you want it. Classic Men's, Trapeze or Easy Entry – each version is available in a range of sizes and features Bosch's Smart System Performance motor and a high-capacity PowerTube battery. Combined with Shimano...

https://www.cubestores.co.uk/products/cube-touring-hybrid-exc-625-grey-metal-2024-ee-xs

Mynewnameis · 17/05/2025 14:15

Radiatorvalves · 17/05/2025 10:58

All e-bikes are seriously heavy. It makes my road bike feel like a plastic toy! I don’t think there’s too much variation in weight - all seem very heavy to me. But that’s what the e is for. Be wary going up steps or if you have to put it in a car. I have a walk assist button which is useful (if pushing up a hill).

Good point. One of my local bike routes has steps with a small push up ramp at the side. I can see me falling backwards 😄

OP posts:
GildedRage · 17/05/2025 14:34

I’m 5’3” and own a riesse&muller NEVO step through bike. They have frame size options.

GildedRage · 17/05/2025 14:37

https://edemo.bike/riese-and-muller-nevo-ebike

OP posts:
Mynewnameis · 17/05/2025 14:39

GildedRage · 17/05/2025 14:34

I’m 5’3” and own a riesse&muller NEVO step through bike. They have frame size options.

Wow heated seat option!
Sadly these are outside of by price range, but look lovely.

OP posts: