This is one of the most common questions we get asked again and again in our stores and online.
To an untrained eye, trying to work out what size electric bike you need can be difficult. Brands size their bikes up differently to others. They may use a geometry table, they might show you sizes on a graphic, they might use cm, inches and to confuse you even more there are different frame styles to choose from too. It can be quite confusing.
Paul, our ebike expert, breaks down the key points you need to know when choosing the correct size electric bike.
In my experience there are 3 ways to choose the correct size ebike in order of importance
The hands-down best way to help you choose the correct size ebike is to pop into one of our stores and take a test ride. Whether you have an existing bike or buying from scratch, our experienced staff will take your height and ask you other key questions and very quickly narrow down your options for you to try. It will tick a lot of boxes for you.
It’s important to understand that Brands quite often advertise different size bikes for effectively the same frame size. Let me explain.
Most brands will measure their frame sizes from the centre of the cranks (where the pedal arms attach to the motor) to the top of the seat tube (where your seatpost fits in and is clamped). For example, if the top tube is horizontal, this may measure, let’s say, 50cm. Another brand’s frame may have a top tube that slopes down slightly and measure 46cm. In essence, we have two different sizes for effectively the same frame size, and this is common.
If the top tube is missing or much lower, Brands often use an effective top tube size. They still measure it like if it were there.
For this reason, I recommend you size yourself per bike, per brand. Don’t assume a size in one brand will be the same for another. I’d also recommend if the sizing is not numeric, ie Small, Medium, Large etc, you find out the numeric sizing that sits behind it and use that to compare.
If you can’t get into a store to take a test ride, don’t despair you can still work out what size electric bike you need.
If you have an existing bike you ride that you find comfortable, you can use the geometry of that to find out what size you need. However there are caveats to this approach. Firstly, you must compare like for like, so don’t try to use the geometry of, say, a road bike if you are buying an electric mountain bike. Electric vs non-electric is fine as they are similar types of bike. Secondly, if the frame styles (eg Crossbar vs Trapeze) are different then comparing geometry charts will be of no use, you will have to default to taking some measurements yourself which I will now explain.
If you can compare bikes using a geometry chart then there are two sets of measurements you can use depending on what the electric bike Brand uses in their data.
You'll see from the measurements that as frames get bigger they have a longer Reach or Top Tube Length and a taller Stack or Head Tube Length.
If the frame styles are incomparable, let’s say a crossbar to a step through for example, then self-measurement is the way to go. Take a tape measure and measure the horizontal plane from the centre of the top of the head tube to the centre of the seatpost. Then measure the length of the head tube, top to bottom. You can use these to compare to the respective measurements in the geometry chart for your new bike and pick the closest match.
If you can’t test ride a bike and you don’t own a bike to compare your new one to then you need to try and work out your correct size from scratch so let me walk you through that process.
As a starting point use the brands size guide. We have size guides for nearly all the electric bikes we sell but if not, go back to the brands own website and find one there. It may be a simple table, based on your height or more commonly these days they may ask you for inside leg and arm measurements as well as your height to try and be more specific.
These are guides though and should be treated as such. They are not absolute. Frame sizes will suite a small range of heights of riders without taking into account other factors like specific anatomy. If you fall in the middle of the range, it’s probably your size but if you are at the upper or lower end of the recommended height range then you will need to do a bit more research to work out if you need a bigger or smaller frame. If there isn’t a size big or small enough for you, just get in touch with us.
When I owned my bike shop I always used to say to customers they could be one of three sizes. The correct size for their height or a size up or size down because of other factors like anatomy or ailments. I’m 5ft 8 and often take a size smaller than my height normally dictates because I have a very short reach, so I always take a shorter frame.
Whether you are in store taking a test ride or talking to us on the phone, via email or live chat. Before you decide what size ebike to order, speak to us and confirm what size you think you need is correct. There are no hard fast rules here only a general guide but take the advice and use our experience for peace of mind. If you have the geometries, let us do the math for you.
The right frame size will give you years of pain-free, enjoyment so take the time and effort to get it right.
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About the Author
Paul is our IT & Technical Operations Manager and has been cycling for over 35 years with over a decade of industry experience as well.
Paul started racing when he was 16 years old and has raced all over the UK on the road, track and offroad. In 2009 he opened his own cycle shop and ran that for six years until he took a brief break from the industry before returning in 2017.
He has hung his racing wheels up now preferring to ride socially with the odd event. Touring is a new passion. He likes to pack up his panniers and go on a short tour and write about it on his blog.
Paul lives in North Worcestershire and has worked for The Electric Bike Shop since 2020. He is one our most experienced cyclists and industry professionals.
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