Electric bicycles offer riders a wide range of health benefits, helping them become more active, improve their fitness, and boost their mental health and well-being. However, one of the biggest challenges for many e-bike wannabes is being able to get started on the vehicles in the first place.
Heavier individuals can be put off the idea of cycling by the fear of strenuous physical exercise and concerns about finding a bike that will hold their weight. For example, many e-bikes on the market advise their vehicles are only designed for people weighing 250lbs or less. However, an e-bike can be a great option to help people feel comfortable getting into the saddle, avoid some of the hard effort required by traditional bicycles, and begin getting fitter and losing weight.
Best E-Bikes For Heavier Riders
With that in mind, here are our top three electric bikes designed for heavier riders:
Aventon Aventure
45 mi
RANGE
28 mph
TOP SPEED
5 hrs
CHARGE TIME
73 lbs
WEIGHT
Rear Hub
MOTOR TYPE
45 mi
RANGE
28 mph
TOP SPEED
5 hrs
CHARGE TIME
73 lbs
WEIGHT
Aventon developed the Aventure as its “most powerful and versatile” e-bike. The class III e-bike is powered by a 750W motor with a top speed of 28mph and a high-capacity battery that offers a maximum 53-mile range on a single charge. Other key features include 4” fat tires, an aluminum frame, a front suspension fork, and excellent handling to deliver comfortable rides on any terrain.
The Aventure is perfectly suited to heavier riders given its wider, sturdy body, which also neatly hides away the battery and cables within its aluminum frame. The e-bike is also available with a step-over or step-through frame design and in multiple sizes, which makes it versatile and adaptable to the needs of heavier riders.
Himiway Cobra
63 mi
RANGE
25 mph
TOP SPEED
7 hrs
CHARGE TIME
88 lbs
WEIGHT
Rear Hub
MOTOR TYPE
63 mi
RANGE
25 mph
TOP SPEED
7 hrs
CHARGE TIME
88 lbs
WEIGHT
The Himiway Cobra is a monster of an electric mountain bike that’s ideal for thrill-seeking heavier riders. The bike is powered by a 750W ultra-drive geared hub motor that offers speeds of up to 25mph, huge torque to tackle steep hills and deliver great acceleration, and longer life expectancy. While its 48V 20Ah Samsung/LG battery offers a large capacity, enabling an impressive range of up to 80 miles per charge.
The Cobra offers an extra bite with massive 26×4.8” super fat tires that provide significant traction on any surface. That’s combined with a four-bar linkage suspension that easily absorbs all force and vibrations on even the most rugged terrains.
RadWagon 4
45 mi
RANGE
25 mph
TOP SPEED
6 hrs
CHARGE TIME
76 lbs
WEIGHT
Rear Hub
MOTOR TYPE
45 mi
RANGE
25 mph
TOP SPEED
6 hrs
CHARGE TIME
76 lbs
WEIGHT
At the other end of the scale is the more sensible but highly practical RadWagon 4. The e-bike features a sturdy design that maximizes stability and is ideal for loading up for trips to the grocery store or the daily commute to work or school.
The RadWagon 4 is powered by a 750W Rad-engineered motor designed to climb steep hills and pack a punch over short distances, but it comes in slower than other bikes on this list, with a top speed of 20 mph. It also has 22×3” tires that are ideal for uneven surfaces and deliver a low center of gravity and mechanical brakes that help you stop quickly at high speed and in any conditions.
More E-Bikes For Heavier Riders
Beyond these top three suggested e-bikes for heavier riders are several other bikes to assist you in your search for your ideal electric bike:
RadRover 6 Plus
45 mi
RANGE
20 mph
TOP SPEED
4 hrs
CHARGE TIME
73.4 lbs
WEIGHT
Rear Hub
MOTOR TYPE
45 mi
RANGE
20 mph
TOP SPEED
4 hrs
CHARGE TIME
73.4 lbs
WEIGHT
The RadRover is a beast of an adventure bike and boasts an impressive 275 lbs payload. The 750 W rear-hub motor delivers just under that to keep with regulatory compliance, but provides enough umph to get you to where you need to go. As a heavy rider, you will right at home on this powerful rig.
The affordable price of the Rover helps as well. We recommend grabbing a rack or two from Rad Power while you’re purchasing the Rover. All the racks and accessories are built to fit on the Rover with zero hassles, taking away the stress of outfitting your e-bike to fit your needs.
Trek Verve+ 3 Lowstep
40 mi
RANGE
20 mph
TOP SPEED
5 hrs
CHARGE TIME
54 lbs
WEIGHT
Mid-drive
MOTOR TYPE
40 mi
RANGE
20 mph
TOP SPEED
5 hrs
CHARGE TIME
54 lbs
WEIGHT
The Verve+3 Lowstep has a maximum load of 300 lbs, which is a little lower than the three bikes we recommend above. However, this is a very durable e-bike that’s ideal for people who are new to cycling or struggle to lift their legs over high crossbars. It offers a top speed of 20mph and will take you up to 40 miles on a single charge, and only weighs 54.6 lbs.
Select The Best E-Bike For Heavier Riders
Heavier riders should look for a few critical components in a potential e-bike, including being sturdy yet powerful, which likely means a chunky frame or use of high-quality, solid materials. It should also have full-suspension frames, strong tire rims, thick spokes, wide tires, durable gears, drivetrain, and be packed with a powerful motor and battery. Also, look for a sturdy, comfortable seat for long rides and high-performance brakes. And always remember to check the bike manufacturer’s recommended maximum weight limit and load capacity before purchasing.
An electric bike’s motor and battery can help heavier riders tackle terrains, hills, and distances that may previously have seemed daunting or even impossible. So buying an e-bike can encourage heavier riders to feel more comfortable getting out on two wheels, enabling them to become more active and healthy and help them to lose weight.
