When it comes to choosing e-bikes, you may be surprised to find out that not all e-bikes are unisex. There are actually a number of models that are specifically designed for women, ie. are geometrically adjusted to more comfortably accommodate the female physiology.
This article will highlight some components to consider when it comes to women-specific e-bikes, as well as recommending some top city e-bike models for women to consider! Below is a quick preview of these e-bike models, which will be explored in further detail later in the article.
| Model | Price | Attributes |
| Ride1Up Prodigy | $2295 | Class 3, step-through frame, up to 50 miles |
| Nakto 250W Camel City Women’s Electric Bike | $699 | Class 2 Throttle/Pedal Assist, city e-Bike, step-through frame, 20 – 25 miles |
| Yuba Boda Boda | $3200 | Class 1: Pedal Assist, ideal for urban cycling, 20-93 miles |
| Electra Townie GO! 8i | $3399 | Class 1: Pedal Assist, step-through frame, best for recreational cycling, 20 – 100 miles |
| Specialized Women’s Turbo Vado 3.0 | $3400 | Class 1: Pedal Assist, city e-Bike, 35-75 miles |
| Cannondale Treadwell Neo EQ Remixte | $2600 | Class 1: Pedal Assist, city e-Bike, best for urban cycling, 40-70 miles |
| Trek Dual Sport 3 Women’s E-Bike | $1000 | Commuter e-bike, high-performance hybrid, ideal for all weather and terrain |
| Blix Bike Aveny | $1599 | City e-Bike, step-through frame, 45 miles |
Considerations for Women Specific City E-Bikes
City e-bike handlebars and fit
Though there are many unisex e-Bike options out there, women who are considering buying an e-Bike might better be able to find what they are looking for in e-Bikes that are specifically tailored for women.
In fact, some riders argue that various “unisex” e-Bikes are actually better suited to men, and are not always made equally for both genders’ comfort and stability. To specify, e-Bikes made for women have specifically altered components to suit the average physical dimensions of women.
When understanding the difference between unisex or male-specific e-Bikes and women-specific models, the main thing is the fit, which is reliant on the average physiological differences between males and females.
For example, women tend to have shorter torso lengths than men, and therefore e-Bike models for women usually have shorter reach lengths. Women also generally have narrower shoulders than men, which means that handlebars for women-specific e-Bikes are narrower.
Not only can this help to prevent shoulder soreness, but having proper handlebar width is also extremely important to maintaining safe and optimal stability while riding: having handlebars that are too wide can throw off the rider’s center of gravity, control, and balance, and can also risk other injuries while riding.
A good way to tell if your e-Bike handlebars are too wide is if your elbows are too high and your shoulders are hunched over or shrugged.
Read also: How to select the right electric bicycle size? And, Which electric bicycle to buy? Making your educated e-bike selection choice.
Another thing to consider is the average miles per battery charge that you will get while riding your e-Bike. If you are planning to go long and fast distances for your commute or exercise regimen, aim for an e-Bike that has a larger mileage range.
However, if you are planning to take shorter or more leisure rides, you’ll be fine going on the lower end of mileage range. The mileage range per battery charge is also dependent on the rider’s weight, level of pedal assist, and speed.
Read also: How far can e-bikes go? What is e-bike range on a single charge? And, How fast are e-bikes?
City e-bike height, saddles, and frames
The height of the rider, of course, depends on a case-by-case basis, but on average women tend to be shorter than men.
For example, in the United States (source link), the average height for an American male 20 years or older is 5 feet 9 inches (175.4 cm), and the average height for an American female 20 years or older is 5 feet 3.5 inches tall (161.5 cm).
With this information considered, women-specific e-Bikes might have short-reach brake levers, since shorter riders may tend to have a shorter reach as well as smaller hands. It is imperative to be able to comfortably reach your brake levers while riding, in order to safely operate your e-Bike brakes.
If you are a shorter person, other components to keep in mind on your e-Bike are the stem and suspension, which should be adjusted accordingly for your height, fit, and comfort.
Some studies have also shown that women have a shorter arm span than men (source link), on average, which means that a shorter top tube is required for optimal riding quality. As well, women tend to have proportionally longer legs than men do, which means that some e-Bikes for women come with taller head tubes.
Saddles are one of the main e-Bike components that need to be adjusted differently between women and men specific models. Many female e-Bike riders tend to find unisex or male-specific saddles are more uncomfortable to sit on (generally causing pressure, discomfort, and pain in the groin and hip areas), which can affect the overall riding experience.
Generally, women also have wider sit bones than men, which means that the rear part of the saddle typically needs to be wider than a unisex or male-focused saddle.
Read also: How to prevent and cure hip pain when riding an e-bike? And, How to prevent and cure knee pain while riding an e-bike?
For women who are looking to find an e-Bike suited for comfort, keep in mind that many saddles for women come with a gap or a groove in the middle for optimal comfort. Having a comfortable saddle also frees up the pedaling motion while e-Biking.
Lastly, step-through frames are recommended for women riders who are shorter (typically under 5’5). A step-through frame is a low or nonexistent top tube which allows for easy mounting and dismounting, which is especially useful for shorter riders who may find that they trip easily or cannot balance with a step-over frame.
E-Bike Models for Women
Nakto 250W Camel City Women’s Electric Bike
This e-Bike comes with a 250W motor, has a range of 20 – 25 miles per battery charge, has a step-through frame for easy comfort when mounting/dismounting, and has a rear luggage rack and front basket. This e-Bike is ideal for city commutes, carrying cargo, and running errands.
Click here to find out more information about the Nakto Women’s Electric Bike!
Yuba Electric Boda Boda
The Yuba Electric Boda Boda has both a step-through and a step-over frame option depending on the rider’s height. This cargo model comes with integrated racks, a 250W motor, a 36V battery, and speeds up to 20 miles per hour.
With hydraulic disc brakes, a Yuba Comfort saddle, extended seat post, and an adjustable cockpit, this option is ideal for riders who are looking to commute or run errands.
Click here to find out more information about the Yuba Electric Boda Boda!
Electra Townie GO! 8i Step-Through Women’s Electric e-Bike
This e-Bike model comes with hydraulic disc brakes and flat foot technology that allows riders to be seated in an upright position and put their feet flat on the ground when stopped, which is optimal for balance when stopping and going.
It also comes equipped with an ergonomic saddle and a moustache bar handlebar. It has a 250W motor, a step-through frame, and is ideal for recreational cycling.
Click here to find out more information about the Electra Townie Go!
Specialized Women’s Turbo Vado 3.0
The Specialized Women’s Turbo Vado 3.0 comes with a 250W motor, is custom-made for city riding, and is equipped with an LCD display that monitors your ride data in real-time.
It has a lowered down top tube (which allows for more standover height), hydraulic disc brakes, back-sweep handlebars, and all-terrain tires, which make it a versatile option for all types of paths (pavement, gravel, and dirt).
Click here to find out more information about the Specialized Women’s Turbo Vado 3.0!
Cannondale Treadwell Neo EQ Remixte
This e-Bike model comes with a step-through frame, a 250W motor, a riser bar handlebar, and hydraulic disc brakes. Though this model is a unisex model, it has been recommended as a good option for female riders.
It boasts an Easy-Ride Geometry feature which allows the handlebars to stay in comfortable and easy reach, as well as a quilted saddle and ripped grips for optimal comfort.
Click here to find out more information about the Cannondale Treadwell Neo EQ Remixte!
Trek Dual Sport 3 Women’s E-Bike
This affordable electric hybrid bicycle has a 250W motor and is great for both city and commuter riding on the pavement as well as for more adventurous paths on dirt trails. This model is equipped with hydraulic disc brakes and a saddle designed for women.
If purchasing the Small frame, the e-Bike top tube slopes down as it approaches the seat tube, ideal for shorter riders as this allows them to straddle the e-Bike more easily. For Medium and Large frames, this model has a straight top tube.
The handlebar has a 600mm width, ergonomic grips, and the e-Bike comes in a lightweight aluminum frame.
Click here to find out more information about Trek Dual Sport!
Blix Bike Aveny
The Blix Bike Aveny comes with a powerful 500W motor, up to 45 miles per charge, puncture-resistant tires, a padded saddle, and mechanical disc brakes.
This step-through e-Bike is built for safety, with features like Power Auto Cut-Off that cuts off the battery power when brake levers are pressed to prevent unwanted motion forward. This e-Bike also comes with a rear rack, making it an effective choice for city riders who are looking to carry cargo.
Click here to find out more information about the Blix Bike Aveny!
A few words in conclusion
As you can see, women riders have a lot of options when it comes to choosing an e-Bike that is specifically designed for the female anatomy, with the main factors being fit, comfort, and safety.
While you are absolutely not limited to buying a women-specific e-Bike if you are a female rider, be sure to consider all of the options in relation to the type of riding you would like to do, your height and weight, and your physical proportions. Being aware of these factors will help to ensure that the e-Bike you choose is fitted optimally to your body and comfort!
Read also: Ever considered offering e-bike as a gift? Or gifting one to yourself? Check out our suggestions – in this e-bike gift guide.
