Bikes come in all shapes and sizes and as the need for renewable energy gets more and more important, so does the evolution of our vehicles.
We’ve seen cars move from running on gas to running on electricity, with bikes leading the way in this movement of changing fuel types.
Electrical bikes are so popular nowadays that it’s hard to keep up! We’ve done research into how big these bikes can get, which may help you pick your next mode of transport.
Whether you’re in the market for a new bike or just wondered about the sizes of electrical bicycles, we’ve got you covered.
Are Electrical Bikes Bigger Than Normal Bikes?
Simply, the answer to this question is yes! Electric bikes tend to be quite a bit heavier than your common form of bike because of the extra materials and the larger frame.
Additional features to the electric bike that a normal bicycle doesn’t have, can include a motor, battery, display screen, control system, and the wiring connecting all of these together.
The frame, in particular, is heavier to hold up the motor and to help you maneuver the bike at high speeds.
How To Measure The Size Of My Bike?
When it comes to measuring the size of a bike, people tend to go off the dimensions of the bike’s frame. Otherwise, the bike’s sizing would be massively affected by the size of the wheels, which is another topic entirely.
First of all, it’s important to note that there are two aspects of the bike frame that can be measured. The inseam is the length from the underside of the groin to the ankles of the cyclist. Usually, this is measured in inches, whereas the size of the frame can be measured in inches or centimetres.
The easiest way to measure for the inseam is to grab something the size of a notebook, a ruler, or a TV remote. Once you’ve got this item, stand up against a wall with the object between your upper thighs.
You’ll be straddling this item to give the impression that you’re sitting on a bike.
Step away whilst leaving the object in the same place and grab something to measure the height distance between this item and the floor. These measurements are the size of the inseam, which gives you a good idea of how tall you’re going to need your bike to be.
How Long Is A Bike?
If your bike is designed for a person with a height of anywhere from 4’10” to 5’1”, then the inseam is going to be around 25.5” and 27” with a frame size of 46cm to 48cm, which is the equivalent of 18-19 inches. To measure different sizes of bikes, the figures follow a pattern of increase.
For example, the next bracket will have a height standing between 5’0” and 5’3”, which is an increase of 3” in height. The inseam will then come in anywhere from 26.5” to 28”.
This is a slight increase of just an inch from the previous bracket. The frame size then increases to 48-50cm from the previous numbers of 46-48cm, which is a 2-centimeter increase. Knowing your height is crucial to finding the perfect bike design for you.
Your middle-of-the-range bikes are usually suited for people with a height between 5’6” and 5’9”, with an inseam of 54cm and 56cm, equaling 21.5-22 inches. As previously mentioned, you need to know your height if you want to get an accurate representation of which bike suits you best.
The highest size bracket for a bike is designed for people standing at 6’2” to 6’5” tall. The inseam for these bikes is anywhere from 34.5” to 36”, the largest on the list. The frame size for these bikes is a range from 62cm to 64cm, the equivalent of 24.5-25cm.
Are Electric Bike Tires Larger than Normal Tires?
Usually, the tires for an electric bike are a lot larger than the types that are designed for the normal kinds of cycles. You’ll find that electric bikes are equipped with a huge range of sized tires.
You can get e-bikes with a small width, of around 12-inch wheels, or giant 29-inch wheels, making the range of options at your fingertips as wide as possible.
However, the majority of electric bikes will usually come in a smaller range of common-sized tires. Starting at around 16-inches, they also come in sizes of 20-inches, and 26-inches.
The tires a designed for all sorts of different types of weather and terrain, with flat, smooth, and even tread patterns to help battle the elements as you ride. The difference is that the motor of the bike sends a lot more power towards the tires, giving your more speed.
However, this wears out your wheels a lot quicker and requires more protection as a result. Normal bicycles without an engine have thinner tires because they don’t face as much damage when it comes to natural wear and tear.
Summary
Electric bikes are typically bigger than their pedal-powered counterparts due to the number of features that come with the vehicle. The thicker tires, the engine, and the larger weight require a larger frame and larger wheels to handle the load.
The taller the person, the larger the measurements that are needed for the bike. Knowing your height is the easiest place to start, then measuring the inseam to give you an idea of where to go from there. Then it’s just about finding the perfect bike design for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Far Can An Electric Bike Go On One Charge?
With relaxed pedalling, your bike can last from anywhere between 22 and 50 miles on a single charge. Of course, as time goes on the battery capacity tends to get smaller, affecting the distance you can ride.
How Many Hours Does An Electric Bike Battery Last?
A 500wh battery with a load of 250w will usually have a run time of around 2 hours. The same battery with double the load will have a run time of approximately 1 hour, and so on.
Can You Lose Weight Riding An Electric Bike?
Yes! Cycling typically burns up to 500 calories per hour, depending on the person. This can be a lot harder to do when on a traditional bike, so electric assistance can actually help!
