The difference between electric bike types

Buying an e-bike can be a difficult process with all of the manufacturers, styles and features electric bikes have to offer. The goal of Urban Bikes Direct is to guide you to make the right confident decision while purchasing an electric bike.

It can be quite easy to become overwhelmed when choosing an electric bike. There are hundreds of electric bike manufacturers. When deciding on which bike to purchase there are two major factors: price and style. If you focus on these two factors, it will help you cut through all the overwhelming features and benefits.

Choose from one of the below categories to narrow down the search:

Electric Mountain Bikes

Electric Mountain Bikes are built for trails and off-road performance, but they also do well on the streets. Electric Mountain Bikes are picking up in popularity for commuters and city riders for consumers who want a bike build to last.

Electric Mountain Bikes on the lower end of pricing make terrific commuter e-bikes. These bikes are usually hardtails and do not have rear suspension. They typically will have a front suspension fork.  However, their suspension is not meant for hardcore trail riding but is good for medium trails and any road condition. 

If you want to jump your e-bike and do any serious mountain biking, you'll be looking at a downhill electric mountain bike. These bikes are built to much higher standards and designed to survive the brutal punishment of hardcore trails. Electric mountain bikes are certainly great for riding trails and heading off-road. But don’t count them out on the street either.

Electric City Bikes

Electric City Bikes were originally meant for people in cities with limited space. Electric city bikes are one of the most popular styles of electric bikes due to the convenience and ease that these bikes bring to commuters' lives, especially  where it is difficult and costly to get around in a vehicle. They are also a great way to save money on parking and car maintenance. And you save time! Studies show it is significantly faster to ride an ebike than taking a car in crowded cities. Electric city bikes come in different sub-categories including step-thru bikes, fat tires city bikes and more. 

Electric Cruiser Bikes

Electric Cruiser bikes do not have any of the folding benefits like electric city bikes, but they are typically more comfortable to ride and more stylish. Electric Cruiser Bikes are great for beaches, neighborhoods and for people who just want to enjoy a nice comfortable ride. They provide a lot of comfort and style to go around, a lot of cushy touch points and relaxed riding position. A popular sector of electric cruiser bikes are step-thru electric cruisers. 

Electric Fat Tire Bikes

Electric Fat Tire Bikes are great for people who will be using their e-bike throughout the year. All of what we previously discussed has fat tire options, but we decided to break it into its own group due to its popularity. If you will be traveling in mud or snow, a fat tire ebike is a must. Electric Electric Fat Tire Bikes are much smoother and can even do off road trails since the fat tires provide extra traction and dampen the bumpiness.

Electric Hunting Bikes 

Hunting bikes have become extremely popular over the years as regulations have tightened up for emission vehicles. Hunting electric bikes provide zero emissions along with being quiet and stealthy while approaching your hunting zone. These bikes have powerful motors that can get you through any terrain safely and efficiently. Less air pollution, no noise pollution and no scent left on the trail are some of the main reasons people choose hunting ebikes. If you are looking to enhance your hunting performance, consider quality brands like QuietKat, Rambo, Eunorau, Bakcou and MTNBEX!  

Electric Step-Thru Bikes

Step-Thru electric bikes provide an easier and more comfortable option to get on and off your electric bike. Most step-thru electric bikes are designed "pedal-foward", which means the pedals are placed slightly in front of the seat allowing for a proper seating position. This means your feet can be flat on the ground while at a stand-still. This creates the wheelbase to be slightly longer than traditional bikes, which actually makes it more comfortable. 

Due to step-thru electric bikes being so popular, you will actually find a wide variety of step-thru bikes. While choosing a step-thru, you want to consider which style electric bike you want. We offer Step-thru electric mountain bikes, cruiser bikes and city bikes. If you are not sure about the differences between these bikes, I highly recommend reading our Electric Bike Buying Guide. Here we will give you an in-depth look at the advantages/disadvantages of the different styles of electric bikes. Electric step-thru bikes are also very common for seniors as they provide comfort and ease of use that other electric bikes do not offer.