What Are E-bike Models for Overweight Riders? How to Select?

Last Updated on August 1, 2023 by Igor Karni

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I assume that most of the people reading this post are somewhat curious about the wonders of electric bikes. Their stylish design, availability of different sizes, models, and types make e-bikes often the best choice for people of all ages – be it a child, a senior citizen, a fitness enthusiast, or a bike lover. 

Electric bikes work for everyone! Yes, for everyone, even if you are quite a bit larger than an average cyclist or have a few more pounds (or kilos) under your belly.

At the same time, an electric bicycle could be one of the most underrated products on the market today. Quite a few models have been specifically made to provide those with a few extra pounds (or kilograms) with a boost by electric power. 

What are e-bike models for overweight riders? How to select? There are multiple models of electric bikes that are specifically designed for large or overweight riders. When selecting one, think about maximum weight capacity, stronger frames, wider tires, disk breaks, more powerful motor, and battery capacity.

So, if you think that these electric bicycles aren’t a good choice for you because you think, your weight may not allow you to ride an e-bike, you’ve been underestimating. In fact, using an electric bicycle might be the best way to regain fitness for an overweight person. 

Read also: Can I use e-bike to get fit or for weight loss? And, Are e-bikes good for cardio exercise

It is nearly certain that almost every – now overweight – the person was once a bike or other sports fanatic.  But when you’re twice the size of an average person, it becomes hard to even lift your feet to the center bar of the bike. This is where specially designed electric bicycles come in handy. 

Keep following and learn more about e-bike models for those with extra weight and how to select one for your needs.     

At the same time, if you are looking to improve your existing e-bike to make it suitable to carry extra weight, this Thompson seatpost (see on Amazon) is a great choice. Thompson seatposts are heavy-duty and well recommended for those extra pounds/kilos. Reviews are always top.

Model NameWeight LimitType
Addmotor Motan350 lbs (158 kg)Electric Tricycle
26” Aceshin MTB330 lbs (150 kg)Electric Mountain Bike
Emojo Breeze 500250 lbs (113 kg)Electric City Bike
ONWAY 36v E-bike300 lbs (136 kg)Electric Commuter Bike
Zize Bikesup to 550 lbs (250 kg)Electric Bicycles for heavy riders

Here are extra details about e-trikes, which are probably the most suitable models for heavy riders:

Read also: Best e-bikes for 260 lbs / 120 kg riders. And, Best e-bikes for 330 lbs / 150 kg riders. And, Best e-bikes for 400 lbs / 180 kg riders.

Electric bikes for the “above-average-weight” riders

“What is the average weight capacity of an e-bike?” is probably the most asked question among the “above-average-weight” riders looking forward to riding an e-bike and potentially regaining fitness. 

Just when these people gave up on riding a bike again, engineers introduced electric bikes for obese people to get back on the fitness track in a fun way. The ability to lose weight, get fit, and build stamina definitely makes up for the extra investment in buying an e-bike. 

As discussed earlier, e-bikes come in a variety of styles and types. From tricycles to mountain bikes to commuter and city models, one can easily find an e-bike specifically made for his or her body type and weight. Most of all, one can also find a model with a low center bar, which may make it difficult for overweight people to ride an e-bike in the first place. 

As the name suggests, the primary feature of an electric bicycle is the extra energy driven by an electric motor to take you around town with minimal effort. People looking forward to getting past their fitness goals can also buy an e-bike that uses pedal power and motor power at the same time.  

Read also: Front, mid-drive, or rear e-bike motor. Which one to choose? And, What is the difference between e-bike motors?

Whether you’ve been left out of climbing a steep hill with your friends or run out of stamina way before them, the electric bikes work as a backup plan to save the day. Make sure the bike you select has the following properties:

  • Durable frame to withstand the extra weight of its rider
  • Higher thread counts on tires and durable inner tubes
  • Stronger and long-lasting brakes – bikes with a hydraulic disk braking system are a good choice
Easy E-Biking - cargo e-bike city parked, helping to make electric biking practical and fun

Best e-bikes for heavy riders

Let’s talk about the average weight capacity of electric bicycles first. 

Overall, most e-bikes are able to withstand a weight of up to 250 lbs (115 kg), which well covers the requirements for an average rider. 

If you have special weight requirements, there are some e-bike models that can withstand up to 550 pounds (250 kg). Following are further details on the e-bike models, which are specifically manufactured to withstand the extra weight requirements.

  • Heavy-duty mountain e-bike
  • Electric city bike for extra load
  • Electric commuter bike
  • Electric tricycle
  • Special design e-bikes

Electric tricycle with an extra weight capacity

When talking about tricycles, the first picture that comes to our mind is a toddler riding one. Well, this is not the case with electric tricycles. Electric tricycles are an ideal option for heavyweight people who are unable to handle e-cruisers and mountain bikes irrespective of their v-shaped center bar and unique design. 

Easy E-Biking - Addmotor trike e-bike, helping to make electric biking practical and fun
Photo credit Addmotor bikes

This may sound a little odd but an electric tricycle is a thing now for overweight and large riders. Having an extra wheel to support your body weight minimizes the risk of crashing and falling on the bike. As long as you have lost enough weight, you can simply shift to an electric mountain or commuter-type e-bike.

Addmotor Motan Electric Tricycle is one of the best adult tricycles available on the market. This e-bike is suitable for overweight people of all ages and offers an easy-to-use approach. It is quite lightweight as compared to a 3-wheeling system and is the best option for tall yet heavy people. Addmotor Motan Electric Tricycle can withstand a weight of up to 350 lbs (158 kg). 

Here are some key features of this heft beast:

  • Highly durable aluminum frame 
  • Adjustable handlebars
  • Front and rear linear-pull handbrakes 
  • It comes in two-wheel sizes i.e. 26” and 25” 

Easy Tip: It is recommended to always keep e-cruisers and mountain bikes as your first options as electric tricycles be quite bulky and require more space.

Moreover, they serve as effective fitness companions as compared to an electric tricycle. Electric tricycles are genuinely for extra overweight people but if you think that you can handle a 2-wheel e-bike, take a look at the options from the list above. 

Heavy-duty mountain e-bike

As the name suggests, mountain bikes serve the best deal in climbing steep surfaces. They have the best braking systems, high-grade frames, and stronger tubes to withstand heavy weight and friction due to steep surfaces all at once. 

Read also: Can e-bikes help climb steep hills? And, How safe are electric bikes?

Thus, if your weight seems to be a problem and, still, you don’t want to miss a chance of camping, hunting, or hiking with your friends, buying a mountain e-bike would be the ideal option. These bikes are suitable for people around 280-330 lbs.   

In this regard, 26” Aceshin MTB (see on Amazon) is certainly the best mountain bike with an efficient frame optimized for obese people to get on and off the bike. 

As mountain bikes are made sturdy and strong, you may find them difficult to get off irrespective of the size.  But the v-shaped cool frame of 26” Aceshin MTB makes it an ideal choice for both smart and obese people. The maximum weight capacity of this hefty mountain beast is 330 lbs or 150 kg. Some key features of 26” Acheshin MTB are as follows:

  • 250-Watt battery power
  • A high-speed shift gear system
  • 3 smart speed buttons 
  • Lamp attached at the front
  • Height adjustment

Electric city bike for oversized riders

If you don’t see yourself riding on the steep ground anytime soon, electric city bikes are the next ideal option for those with extra weight. An electric city bike lets you sit up tall and hold the handlebar without bending over the bike. 

Easy E-Biking - unimoke cruiser e-bike, helping to make electric biking practical and fun

Setting aside losing weight, these types of e-bikes also help you with back problems. In fact, a straight back may be the key to your fitness goals. 

Read also: How to prevent and cure back pain when riding an e-bike? And, How to prevent and cure knee pain when riding an e-bike?

Emojo Breeze 500 Watt (see on BikeBerry or on Amazon) is a sleek beach cruiser and is the perfect bicycle to wander around the town. The unique design, efficient charging time, and average weight make it one of its kind. Overall, Emojo Breeze 500 Watt is the best e-cruiser to get past your fitness goals with the extra motor power. The weight capacity of Emoko Breeze 500 is 230-250 lbs (115 kg). Here are some key features of this e-bike:

  • 26” wheels
  • Weighs 52.4 lbs (24 kg)
  • 500-watt electric motor
  • Lithium-ion removable battery 
  • Top speed of 28 mph
  • Robust alloy frame – perfect for extra load

Electric commuter bike to carry extra load

ONWAY 36v E-bike (see on Amazon) is another e-cruiser slightly more powerful than Emojo Breeze 500 Watt. It can withstand up to 300 lbs (136 kg) – 50 pounds (22 kg) more than the above-mentioned e-cruiser. Some key features of this commuter electric bike are as follows:

  • 36V Lithium-Ion battery
  • Can cover the distance of about 40-50 miles (65 to 80 km) on a fully charged battery 
  • Max speed of 15-18 mph
  • 7 speed Shimano gearshift

Overall, it is quite a decent bike for a heavy rider. 

Read also: How to select the best commuter e-bike (with examples)? – also in this article. And, how much does a commuter e-bike cost?

Specially designed electric bicycles with 550 pound (250 kg) weight limit

Zize electric bikes have been specially designed with the needs of heavy riders in mind. Zize e-bikes possess all required extra load e-bike features:

  • Strong frames
  • Extra strong brakes
  • Comfortable, stable seats
  • Sturdy wheels and tires

Here is a quick video to tell you more:

Both Zize’s traditional bikes and electric bikes are designed with a heavy rider in mind. Here is a link to Zize e-bike models (link to the Zize website).

A few words in conclusion

In a nutshell, the weight limit is certainly an important factor to consider when buying an electric bicycle. However, make sure not to compromise the mileage, gear system, battery power, and material used to manufacture the bicycle frame. 

If you’re willing to buy an electric bike just because of its top speed, note that electric bikes cannot maintain the same speed forever. Thus, buying a durable bike with an ideal speed is the best choice. There’s a reason why some electric bikes cost $1000 while others are $10,000. Find that reason!

Read also: E-bike brands, manufacturers, models, countries: complete list (560+).

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