How to Choose the Right Electric Bike Frame?

An electric bike can look absolutely perfect on paper and yet be a very awkward bike to ride. A high top tube, lack of clearance or a rather bulky frame can all have a massive impact on the way it actually rides.

Understanding electric bike frame styles will go a long way to helping you narrow your choices. Begin with how easy it is to mount the bike, then look at storage space, your style and what you intend to carry.

Frame shape and bike design are two very different things. Frame shape is essentially the profile of the frame, the shape of the frame tube. Bike design is the overall design of the bike, the way it's put together.

Names such as crossbar, step-through and trapeze refer to the frame shape and the amount of space there is to get on and off.

Terms such as folding, compact and full suspension relate to other aspects of the bike's design. The categories can overlap (a folding electric bike can have a step-through frame for example and a cargo bike can have a low or high top tube).

That distinction makes it a lot easier to compare electric bikes beyond the names the manufacturers give them.

Step-Through: Easier Access for Everyday Trips

A step through frame has very low clearance so you step into the bike rather than having to lift your leg over a high top tube.

Depending on the design the top tube is either non-existent or very close to the downtube. You may also come across the terms low step, open frame and easy entry.

This is particularly useful when you're riding in normal clothes, making a lot of stops, or using a rear rack (in which case swinging a leg over the back is awkward).

Easy access doesn't necessarily equate to it being the right bike. Check the opening height, how far you can reach to the handlebars and how comfortably you can hold the bike when it's stationary.

Best for: Riders who want the convenience of easy mounting and dismounting.

Crossbar: The Familiar High-Top-Tube Design

A crossbar frame has a higher top tube running from the front of the bike to the seat tube. It's also commonly referred to as a step-over frame. The crossbar frame is also commonly known as a diamond frame. Its front triangle and rear triangle together form a rhombus, hence the name.

This is the layout you'll find on a lot of commuter, hybrid and mountain e-bikes. It might look quite sporty, but your actual riding position is going to be dictated by the bike's geometry and the way the handlebars are set up.

The main issue is clearance. You need to be able to stand over the bike comfortably and get on and off without any hassle (particularly with luggage).

Best for: Riders at the higher end of the frame range who are happy with the fit and the handling.

Trapeze: A Lower Top Tube Without a Fully Open Frame

A trapeze frame uses a sloping (lowered) top tube to give you more clearance than with a conventional crossbar design.

It's an intermediate option for the rider who wants easier access but still wants a visible top tube. Some manufacturers refer to it as a mid-step, others have their own name for it.

Compare the actual standover height rather than just looking at the label. One brand's mid step frame could give you a lot more standover than another.

Best for: riders who want a bit more mounting clearance without going down the fully step-through route.

Compact: Smaller Dimensions for Limited Space

Compact e-bikes take up minimal space (again typically via smaller wheels and a flexible cockpit).

Some have rotatable/foldable handlebars (for storage obviously), others have adjustable bits to suit different riders.

A small bike isn't necessarily a light bike and a compact bike doesn't necessarily fold. If you're going to be carrying it up stairs or into a car then the total weight is as important as the size.

Best for: riders with minimal storage space looking for a smaller everyday bike.

Folding: Designed to Pack Down

A folding electric bike has a folding mechanism.

Before you go for one though do check the folded dimensions, the weight and how it folds. Those are the things that will tell you whether it will actually fit in your car boot, in your storage space or on your commute.

Think about handling it after you've folded it as well. A bike that will fit under a desk is still going to be a right pain to carry through a station.

Best for: Riders who regularly need to fit their bike in a tight space.

Full Suspension: More Control on Rough Terrain

A full suspension electric bike has both a front suspension fork and a rear shock so both wheels can absorb the impact of bumps and uneven ground. The frame is arranged with pivots and linkages so that as the suspension compresses the rear wheel is able to move.

Full suspension describes how the bike deals with impact rather than how you actually get on it. A lot of full suspension e-bikes use a step over design.

This is particularly useful on rough terrain where the rear suspension helps to keep the tyre in contact with the ground and minimises the impact of the repeated bumps that the rider would otherwise feel. Ride quality is of course also a function of suspension setup, the tyres and the frame geometry.

Before you buy though, consider the actual terrain you're going to be riding on. Full suspension adds moving parts and therefore maintenance requirements so it may actually have less practical value if you're doing most of your riding on smooth pavement.

Best for: Riders who are regularly going on rougher trails and want more comfort, grip and control.

Beach Cruiser: A Relaxed Fit for Casual Rides

Beach cruiser electric bikes generally have an upright riding position, swept back handlebars and a relaxed frame geometry. Many of them have curved frame tubes and a low saddle position which is what gives them their characteristic appearance.

Cruisers are available in both step-through and step-over configurations. The 'cruiser' designation is purely a description of the bike's general style and riding position, not a reference to a particular frame shape.

This layout is ideal for the sort of relaxed rides you'd have along a paved waterfront path, in the local streets and so on. The wider tyres provide a good degree of cushioning, though they don't make it suitable for riding on loose beach sand.

When you're looking at one, check the handlebar reach and the saddle height. The frame should look relaxed but still allow you to pedal comfortably without you feeling cramped or stretched out.

Best for: Riders who like a more relaxed, casual type of riding and prefer to be in an upright position.

Which Frame Should You Go For?

Start with the task you need the bike to handle:

* Easier mounting: step-through versus trapeze.
* For a standard frame layout go with a crossbar and plenty of standover clearance.
* Limited storage: look at the compact models and check out how much space you've got.
* Frequent packing or transport? Check folding dimensions and lifting weight.
* Regularly carrying larger loads: look at the purpose built cargo designs.

The right frame will make your life so much easier. A short test ride (stops, mounting, turning, parking etc.) will tell you far more than the frame's name will.