Image source: gazellebikes.com
With the cost of fuel rising and our planet on the brink of a recession, now more than ever, electric bikes are the answer. Step-through electric bikes offer great levels of comfort which have transformed the biking world and disability is no longer an inability to ride.
Step-through e-bikes make it easier to hop on and off by excluding the top bar, making for both a fashionable and practical design. What was once a tiring sweaty affair, has turned into a relaxing and stress-free task. As the name suggests, riders step through the bicycle rather than having to lift their leg over it. However, because of the build, there is less space for mounting extras such as luggage onto the bike frame. Most of the best women’s electric bikes are also step-through bikes.
Specialists have recommended four main points to consider before purchasing an E-bike.
- Battery Type: This dictates how many miles of fun riding one can get out of the bike and how much of a hassle it can be to charge it up.
- Power Output: The power produced by the motor determines the torque and speed.
- Load Limit: This is the maximum load the E-bike can take.
- E-Bike Type: Class 1, Class 2, or Class 3
Best Step-Through E-Bikes in 2024
- Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus
- Ride1UP 700 Series
- Trek Dual Sport+ 2 Stagger
- Buzz Centris
- Aventon Level.2
- Cannondale Treadwell Neo 2 Remixte
- Velotric Discover 1
- Lectric ONE
- Gazelle Ultimate C380
- Electra Vale Go! 9D EQ
- Specialized Turbo Como 3.0 IGH
- Cannondale Adventure Neo 4
1. Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus
MSRP: $1,399
- Motor: 750W Brushless Geared Hub Motor
- Battery: 589-672 Wh
- Range: 25 – 45 Miles (40-72km)
- Drivetrain: RadPower 7-speed
- Weight: 73.4 lb
The RadRover 6 Plus is a fat-tire step-through electric bike from the versatile bike manufacturer, Rad Power Bikes. They certainly produce some ‘rad’ bikes that appeal to a variety of bikers of varying heights. The RadRover 6 Plus is a comfortable beastly bike with a 30” inseam and can carry up to 125 kg of weight.
You can customize it with an All-Terrain Adventure kit to mount your belongings on long hauls and amplify the experience. The intelligent 5-level pedal assist with a 12-magnet cadence sensor allows cyclists to enjoy a range of different ride types depending on their mood, whether it’s a leisurely cruise or a quick ride.
Rad Power Bikes has opted to equip this step-through electric bike with a semi-integrated battery which may not give the best look but is a very practical design as it pops in and out and has a 10 LED display monitor.
2. Ride1UP 700 Series
MSRP: $1,695
- Motor: 750W Geared Hub Bafang
- Battery: 48V 15Ah
- Range: 30 – 50 Miles (48-80km)
- Drivetrain: Shimano Acera 8-speed
- Weight: 62 lb
The Ride1UP 700 Series Step-Through bike is an excellent reason to give the car a rest and enjoy some fresh air cycling around town. Ideal for riders with a height range between 5’-6’2”, it’s one of the best electric step-through bikes for city commuting or weekend excursions.
Equipped with a Bafang Brushless motor and disc brake mount, Ride1UP’s 700 Series is a powerful Class 3 Electric bike with a step-thru frame and top pedal assist speed of 28mph (45km/h) and 20mph (32km/h) on the throttle. It’s an outstanding bike to take on a light tour or long haul thanks to the 50kg carrying capacity on the rear, perfect for two large pannier bags.
The 700 Series comes with a 100mm travel suspension and all-weather tires, giving it the edge needed to grind some treacherous trails. To finish off this list of quality components, Ride1UP has opted for a concealed Retention Rhino Samsung 15Ah cell battery, known to perform very well in most conditions.
3. Trek Dual Sport+ 2 Stagger
MSRP: $2,400
- Motor: 40 Nm rear hub drive
- Battery: 250W (optional range extender)
- Range: 35 Miles (extendable to 70 miles)
- Drivetrain: Shimano Altus 9-speed
- Weight: 38.1 lb
Dual Sport+ 2 is one of Trek’s best-selling and most-affordable class 1 hybrid e-bikes that provides good value for the money, even though some corners had to be cut to keep the price low.
It’s powered by a 40 Nm Hyena G2 rear hub motor that’s not super well known, but user reviews tell us that it performs surprisingly well. It’s complemented by a 250Wh battery, so you can expect around 35 miles of pedal assistance.
Of course, the Trek Dual Sport+ 2 has a step-through frame and weighs just 40 lb, which also makes it one of the best electric bikes for seniors. It rolls on fast, multi-purpose 650 x 50c tires, so you can ride it around town, or hit some gravel. That’s where its name comes from.
It’s also equipped with a Shimano Altus 9-speed rear derailleur that’s reliable and precise, but it would be better to see Alivio at this price point. On the other hand, the Shimano MT200 hydraulic brakes are more than satisfactory.
So if you want a comfortable, multi-purpose hybrid step-through ebike with integrated lights and decent components, you can’t go wrong with Trek Dual Sport+ 2 Stagger.
4. Buzz Centris
MSRP: $1,399
- Motor: 500 Watts rear hub motor
- Battery: 48V
- Range: 20-40 Miles
- Drivetrain: 6-speed Shimano
- Weight: 67 lb
The Buzz Centris comes priced at $1,399 which makes it one of the most affordable and attractive step-through e-bikes available on the market.
Centris’s excellent accessory package makes it extremely practical for urban riding. It includes front and rear fenders, lights, a kickstand, and even a front and rear rack to carry groceries.
The Centris offers Class 1 speeds, giving cyclists a range of around 20-40 miles and speeds of up to 20 mph (32 km/h). Buzz has designed this to be their most size-inclusive bike yet, fitting riders of up to 250 lb comfortably.
Also, components such as mechanical brakes, 6-speed Shimano gearing, and an integrated battery, add to the many reasons the Centris is outstanding for the money.
So if you want an affordable electric bike equipped for everyday urban riding and commuting, the Buzz Centris will definitely not disappoint you.
5. Aventon Level.2
MSRP: $1,799
- Motor: 750W Peak Performance
- Battery: Removable Internal Lithium-ion 48V, 14Ah (672Wh)
- Range: 60 Miles (97km)
- Drivetrain: 8-speed
- Weight: 62 lb
The Aventon Level.2 is a reasonably priced step-through commuter e-Bike loaded with a 5-level assist system for a relaxing ride. Although the top speed is capped at 20mph (32km/h), you have the option to derestrict it up to 28mph(45km/h) – depending on regulations.
Aventon has rated it to be IPX4 water-resistant standard, intended for gentle rain and wet roads, however, it’s recommended not to expose it to damp conditions.
The Aventon Level.2 Step-Through commuter e-bike is designed with the average rider in mind for ease of use and is built to cater to a range of needs, from work commutes to light gravel riding, Aventon has thought of it all. The Coil Spring Suspension, Thru-axle, and 65mm travel with lockout add superior levels of comfort along bumpy trails.
This Aventon step-through electric bike has a smart app that synchronizes to the Level.2, which is useful for tracking performance and also features rewards to motivate riders.
6. Cannondale Treadwell Neo 2 Remixte
MSRP: $1,925
- Motor: Hydrive MRC-250 250W
- Battery: 250 Watt Hours
- Range: 47 Miles (75km)
- Drivetrain: microSHIFT 7-speed
- Weight: 37 lb
The Cannondale Treadwell Neo 2 Remixte is a lightweight ebike that gets around places swiftly. It enjoys speeds of up to 20mph (32km/h) on pedal assist and can cover over 40 miles (64km) before you need to worry about recharging the bike.
The Treadwell Neo 2 Remixte is suited for cyclists who prefer an upright handlebar with a balanced riding position. Cannondale has gone for concealed cabling and battery for a neat look and has added Urban Armor bumpers to protect the frame from dents. However, this may make battery replacements a tedious task, unlike some ebikes that are easier to deal with.
This step-through electric bike is available in S/M or M/L and caters to riders between 4’11” – 6’0” (125cm – 182cm). The Tektro flat-mount mechanical 160mm disc brakes are powerful enough to bring the bike to a halt in good time, but the lack of suspension is noticeable on rough roads.
7. Velotric Discover 1
MSRP: $1,599
- Motor: 500W rear hub motor
- Battery: 691 Wh
- Range: 65 Miles
- Drivetrain: Shimano 7-speed
- Weight: 65 lb
The Velotric Discover 1 is a versatile urban e-bike with reliable components and a simple user-friendly design. This bike is intended for commuting in comfort thanks to its 26″ x 2.5″ wheels and tires, upright geometry, and city accessories.
Velotric Bikes constructed the Discover 1 step-through e-bike from lightweight aluminum. The fully integrated wiring adds to the neatness, while the easily removable battery makes replacement and charging easier. To top it off, its 500W rear hub motor offers pedal assistance and throttle up to 25 mph.
The choice of a 7-speed drivetrain is great for climbing, so Velotric Discover 1 is can be used in areas with diverse terrain.
Finally, Velotric offers this ebike in one frame size that fits riders 5’1″ to 6’4″, which is a good range, but you might not get the best fit if you’re on either end of this range.
8. Lectric ONE
MSRP: $1,999
- Motor: 750W hub
- Battery: 500 Wh or 672 Wh
- Range: 45 – 60 miles
- Drivetrain: Pinion C1.6i Smart gearbox
- Weight: 55 lb
The Lectric ONE bike is a step-through electric bike with an incredible value for the money.
It boasts a premium Pinion C1.6i smart electric gearbox and Gates Carbon Belt Drive, but costs just $2,000. That’s hard to believe.
The Pinion gearbox shifts gears automatically based on your preferred cadence, whereas the belt drive requires almost no maintenance.
Lectric fit the ONE model with a rigid fork, comfortable saddle, and wide 2.5″ tires that will soak up any bumps on the road. Combined with a lightweight aluminum frame, this makes it one of the best step-thru e-bikes for urban riding.
A seat-tube-mounted battery on the Lectric ONE is easily removable for charging and can also be charged while still on the bike. In addition, you get hydraulic brakes and a full set of commuter components.
9. Gazelle Ultimate C380
MSRP: $4,250
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line 65 Nm
- Battery: Bosch 500 Watt Hours
- Range: 70 miles on Eco Mode (112km)
- Drivetrain: Enviolo Trekking Manual stepless gear system
- Weight: 55 lb
The Gazelle Ultimate C380 offers a modern twist to Step Through E-Bikes with a mixture of Shimano and Bosch components. The sporty-looking bike is built for daily commuting and is quite eye-catching with its fully-concealed battery.
Gazelle Bikes further improved this impressive design and build quality with the inclusion of an Enviolo Trekking Manual stepless gear system.
Without a doubt, the combination of the belt-driven drivetrain and an electric motor makes it one of the best steps through E-bikes on the market. Depending on the mode selected, you can enjoy between 25 and 70 miles (40-112km) of assisted riding.
- Related review: Best Belt-Drive E-Bikes
The Ultimate C380 is available in either small or medium sizes in a shade of light green or blue. Being a Class-1 step-through electric bike, the max speed assistance goes up to 20mph (32km/h), with rapid stopping power thanks to 4-piston Shimano disc brakes.
10. Electra Vale Go! 9D EQ
MSRP: $3,750
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line Sport 250 watts
- Battery: Bosch Powertube 500 Watt Hours
- Range: 70+ Miles on Eco Mode (112 km)
- Drivetrain: Shimano Alivio
- Weight: 54 lb
The Electra Vale Go! 9D EQ Step through class-3 E-Bike is a trendy commuter bike available in one size to suit a variety of riders. Step-through bikes offer you the ease of hopping on and off and the design on this Vale Go! has even more space compared to its competition. With the smooth finish of a fully integrated battery, you get an elegant look suited to the executive rider.
Class 3 e-Bike regulations allow Electra to provide a top-assisted speed of up to 28mph (45km/h) on the Vale Go. Thanks to the Bosch Kiox display, you can connect the bike to your phone via Bluetooth for on-the-go cycling information – something you’ll find very useful.
Go! for a weekend adventure on the Electra with ease, because of the patented Flat Foot Technology that offers unparalleled comfort and control. The alloy suspension post-27.2×400 mm with a 40mm travel is a handy addition to the Vale Go! 9D EQ.
11. Specialized Turbo Como 3.0 IGH
MSRP: $3,000 – $3,750
- Motor: Turbo Full Power 2.0E 250W, 50 Nm
- Battery: 530 Wh
- Range: 56 miles (4 hours)
- Drivetrain: Enviolo City Internal Gear Hub (IGH)
- Weight: 61 lb, 11.7 oz
The Specialized Turbo Como 3.0 IGH is a new and improved lightweight step-through electric bike with a very simple but practical design.
This is a premium ebike with a stepless Enviolo City Internal Gear Hub (IGH) paired with a Gates carbon belt drive. Therefore, maintenance is minimal and the riding experience is smooth and practical.
Specialized Bikes has also included some handy accessories, such as fenders, a rear rack, a kickstand, and lights. Therefore, the Turbo Como is ready for year-round commuting.
The 250W, 50 Nm Turbo Full Power 2.0E motor will assist you up to 20 mph and the 530 Wh is expected to return around 56 miles of range or 4 hours of fully assisted riding.
Finally, the Specialized Turbo Como 3.0 is available in four attractive colors and comes with a suspension fork and powerful hydraulic disc brakes.
What more could you ask for?
12. Cannondale Adventure Neo 4
MSRP: $2,875
- Motor: 250W Bosch Active Line
- Battery: 400Wh
- Range: 64 Miles
- Drivetrain: 9-speed Shimano Altus
- Weight: 48 lb
The Cannondale Adventure Neo 4 step-thru e-bike is a simple but practical electric bike loaded with quality components to offer a comfortable and long-lasting ride to users.
An upright seating position with wide 2.2″ tires and soft touchpoints makes up for the lack of suspension and adds up to the overall comfort of the ride.
The Adventure Neo 4 step-through electric bike has a Shimano groupset that includes hydraulic disc brakes and a 9-speed Altus drivetrain. The 250W Bosch motor provides assistance up to 20mph and, with a 400Wh battery, gets up to 64 miles of range.
This would be a great article if only you added the information of the weight of the bikes.
Thank you for your suggestion, Freyda. We have now added the information on the weight of each bike.
Cheers!
Thank you for your quick response. I am impressed!
Here is another suggestion. Perhaps you could also include the range of sizes the bikes are offered in? For those of us at either end of the height scale, that also matters a great deal.
Thank you.