E-Bike Myths: Is a Lighter E-Bike Always the Best Choice?

Inspiration

E-Bike Myths: Is a Lighter E-Bike Always the Best Choice?

The lightweight electric bikes market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.88% from 2025 to 2032, aligning with a greater demand for lighter, more portable e-bikes from many urban and recreational riders.

With less weight to contend with, a lightweight e-bike boasts easy manoeuvrability when storing or carrying onto public transport. It also provides an agile and potentially more energy-efficient ride compared to heavier e-bike models.

When it comes to choosing the best e-bike, it might be easy to assume that lighter is better.

However, as weight is only one factor in choosing which e-bike is best for you, it might also be a matter of your preferences and how you like to ride!

So, is it an e-bike myth, or is a lightweight e-bike better? Let's take a look.

 

Why your e-bike's weight matters

 

The upsides of a lighter e-bike

We're no stranger to the blissfully convenient, nimble agility of a lightweight bike at TENWAYS — our CGO600, CGO600 Pro/CGO600 Plus, and CGO800S/CGO800 Plus are all lighter, effortless commuter e-bikes for easy, breezy city rides.

Lighter e-bikes are perfect for those looking to carry, lift, and store a bike with ease and efficiency, offering convenient portability for both commuters and those with limited storage space.

Additionally, for urban riders, the nimble handling is a massive advantage in making daily journeys feel as smooth as they are agile due to the easy manoeuvrability.

In short, for those looking for fuss-free commutes, pleasant portability, and smooth agility, lightweight e-bikes are the perfect choice.

 

The benefits of heavier e-bikes (and what contributes to the weight)

Though the assumption may often be that heavier = bulkier, this isn't necessarily the case for heavier e-bikes.

Firstly, a heavier e-bike model often has greater stability and durability, particularly at high speeds, making them ideal for versatile use for trekking and urban roads.

Secondly, many heavier e-bike models, such as our AGO X, AGO T, and AGO AIR, are robust with solid builds that still boast enhanced comfort and control for long distances or rougher terrain.

For riders seeking more power and range, heavier e-bikes are preferable because of their bigger batteries and stronger motors. Plus, if you're seeking a feature-rich e-bike with integrated lights, racks, and suspension, the extra weight is critical in ticking off all your boxes!

 

Debunking the myth: it's about balance

It's unlikely that the sole qualifier you have for buying the best e-bike for your needs is that it's as light as possible.

It's far likelier that you prioritise a number of different features that might relate to weight, such as:

  • Greater portability due to commuting or reduced storage space
  • Increased durability for more challenging terrain or cross-country adventures
  • Streamlined design for a more elegant aesthetic 
  • Powerful features, such as mid-drive motors, for steep climbs and carrying heavy loads

All of these preferred features can relate to the weight of your ideal e-bike, blending power, comfort, and practicality to your preferences.

Whilst a well-built e-bike might weigh more, it's also more likely to serve its purpose better based on the balance you require!

 

What really matters when choosing an e-bike

Though it can be overwhelming trying to decide which e-bike is best for you, there are a number of factors to consider that will make it easier to know whether a lighter or heavier e-bike would be best.

  • Riding style and usual routes

An urban commuter looking for an e-bike that they can manoeuvre swiftly for light road or fast-paced cycling is likely to prefer a lightweight model, particularly one without bulky tubes, for an aesthetically pleasing and efficient ride.

A rider contending with heavier loads (or even additional passengers for cargo e-bikes), longer-distance rides, and trickier or more exciting terrain will often require a heavier model for greater power and stability.

 

 

  • How often you need to carry or transport the bike

As mentioned earlier, those contending with reduced storage space, steep stairway climbs to apartments, or daily commuting will favour lighter models for ease of use.

Leisure riders or those seeking the thrills of a trickier terrain or steeper journey will favour a heavier weight for the power, control, and additional features it provides.
  • Features you prioritise

Our CGO600, for example, is described as 'The Featherlight Classic', owing to its minimalist design, swift acceleration, and compact OLED display. With a low-resistance Mivice M070 rear hub motor with 40Nm max torque, it's a smooth, peppy ride.

By comparison, our heavier AGO X is described as 'Your E-Bike SUV' due to its powerful 80Nm mid-drive motor, Shimano 10-speed drivetrain, 504 Wh portable battery and all-terrain design that is sleekly built for intensity.

 

Practical tips for choosing your e-bike

The best way to know which weight of e-bike model suits you best is to try a test ride, which you can do by heading to our Find a Store page to get a true feel for what you like.

It's also important to closely check the weight specifications of models you like the look of and consider the factors we mentioned above to guide your decision-making — after all, you want an e-bike that aligns with your lifestyle and preferences!

 

Your e-bike's weight is only the beginning

Weight is just one part of the equation when considering your perfect e-bike companion. The best choice rests on how you like to ride!

Why not explore the TENWAYS' lineup and find the right fit for your needs by using our handy comparison tool? You can read through the key features and components to find the e-bike that best aligns with your ideal balance to make the decision-making process easier.

Leer más

Deja un comentario

Tenga en cuenta que los comentarios deben aprobarse antes de que se publiquen.