Best Step-Thru E-Bikes

robb dorr
Written by Robb Dorr
Co-founder
Toby Hill
Edited by Toby Hill
E-Bike Reviewer

There are two breeds of electric mountain bikes out there – ones that you can jump, high-speed turn, and generally abuse; and those that can cruise over mud, rock, and ice. In this article we will look at both types, including high-powered trail monsters but also a child’s electric mountain bike for introducing them to mountain biking.

We also cover a number of relatively affordable electric mountain bikes that will suit your needs for exploring the backwoods. Whatever you want from an electric mountain bike in 2023, there’s probably one for you here. Read on to find out more.

Best Step-Thru E-Bike for Leisurely City Rides

Cannondale logo

Cannondale Treadwell Neo 2 Remixte

cannondale-treadwell-neo-remixte

37 mi

RANGE

20 mph

TOP SPEED

3 hrs

CHARGE TIME

40 lbs

WEIGHT

Rear Hub

MOTOR TYPE

37 mi

RANGE

20 mph

TOP SPEED

3 hrs

CHARGE TIME

40 lbs

WEIGHT

Best For: Adults, Men, Seniors, Women
Approx. Price:
$1,925
Model Year:
2022
Ideal For
• Whizzing Round to a Friend's House
• Cafe Hopping
• Getting To and From Meetings
• Commuting
• Going for a Ride in the Countryside
• Family Rides

Highlights

  • 250W rear-hub motor and concealed 250W battery
  • Easy Switch
  • 7-speed drivetrain
    Tektro mechanical disc brakes

Bottom Line

Treadwell’s Neo 2 Remixte step-through e-bike is the perfect combination of comfort and playfulness. It is equipped with a lightweight yet powerful drive system and is effortless to get on and ride.

The electric assist system provides you with increased power and potential. It packs a 250W rear-hub motor and concealed 250W battery. It’s not as powerful as some e-bikes, but it’s a great option for the casual rider.

The bike features effortless transitioning between pedal-assist and non-assist modes via the Easy Switch on its handlebar. You can keep an eye on the bike’s battery life through its indicator lights.

In addition, the 7-speed drivetrain and Tektro mechanical disc brakes deliver smooth gear shifting and consistent braking so your ride is safe and enjoyable.

Whether going out for leisurely rides with friends or heading to a crowded street in town, the Neo 2 Remixte’s mountable battery ensures you can enjoy an all-day cycling experience.

Accessories

The Neo 2 Remixte has a wide range of accessories that include:

  • Brushed Aluminum Alloy Fenders with Plastic Ends
  • Clear Plastic Slap Guard Sticker
  • Front Basket Rack with Bamboo Deck
  • Herrmans H-Black MR8
  • Integrated Headlight
  • Herrmans H-Trace Integrated Rear Light
  • Mid-Frame Adjustable Length
  • Kickstand
  • Urban Armor Frame Bumpers

Things to Consider

The battery has a relatively low capacity, which puts longer rides or more challenging terrain out of reach of this bike. Indeed, this bike is not at all suitable for off-roading. Also, the display isn’t the best we’ve come across – the workaround is to download the app and attach your phone to your handlebars so you get reads like speed, distance, range, burned calories, etc.

Best Belt-Driven Step-Thru E-Bike

Gazelle logo

Ultimate C380+ HMB

Gazelle Ultimate c380 HMB

55 mi

RANGE

28 mph

TOP SPEED

5 hrs

CHARGE TIME

55 lbs

WEIGHT

Mid-drive

MOTOR TYPE

55 mi

RANGE

28 mph

TOP SPEED

5 hrs

CHARGE TIME

55 lbs

WEIGHT

Best For: Adults, Men, Seniors, Women
Approx. Price:
$4,499
Model Year:
2021
Ideal For
• Commuting
• Utility riding
• Shorter fun rides into the countryside
• Shopping or Cafe hopping
• Casual family rides

Highlights

  • The Bosch Performance Line Speed mid-drive motor boasts 85 Nm of torque
  • The Ultimate C380+ has various sensors, including a torque sensor, rotation sensor, and speed sensor
  • Enviolo 380 Trekking Manual stepless gear system
  • Robust Gates Carbon Belt Drive
  • Ergonomic handlebar grips
  • Comes in three different frames

Bottom Line

The Gazelle Ultimate C380+ adds serious power to the world of step-through e-bikes with its combination of Shimano and Bosch components.

Not only is this bike aesthetically impressive with its fully concealed battery, but Gazelle Bikes has outdone itself by equipping this sleek two-wheeler with an Enviolo Trekking Manual stepless gear system too.

With a belt-driven drivetrain and a powerful Bosch Performance Line Speed mid-drive motor in the mix, you’re looking at one of the best step-through e-bikes on the market today.

Ultimate C380+ Accessories

  • Carrier bag
  • Commuter bag
  • Panniers

Things to Consider

Retailing north of $4,999, the Ultimate C380+ is a premium bike with a premium price tag – so bear that in mind before falling in love with it. The only other thing to mention is that the motor is louder than other models – not deafening, by any means, just curiously louder.

Best Step-Thru Cargo E-Bike

Rad Power Bikes logo

RadRunner 2

RadRunner from Rad Power

45 mi

RANGE

25 mph

TOP SPEED

4 hrs

CHARGE TIME

65 lbs

WEIGHT

Rear Hub

MOTOR TYPE

45 mi

RANGE

25 mph

TOP SPEED

4 hrs

CHARGE TIME

65 lbs

WEIGHT

Best For: Adults, Men, Seniors, Women
Approx. Price:
$1,499
Model Year:
2022
Ideal For
• Taking a child to school or to activities
• Commuting
• Delivering food or groceries
• Running down to the store or to a business meeting

Highlights

  • Powerful 750W brushless geared hub motor
  • Pedal and throttle assist
  • Wide range of fit
  • Pre-assembled, meaning minimal assembly
  • 20″ x 3.3″ four-ply tires
  • Custom-made Rad Power moped-style saddle

Bottom Line

The RadRunner 2 step-through e-bike offers a wide fit range to accommodate riders 4’ 11” to 6” 2”.

At 65 Ibs, this e-bike is heavy but sturdy, and it has all the space you need for your cargo. It has a total load capacity of 300 lbs (rider and cargo plus bike weight). What’s more, unlike a lot of electric bicycles, this one comes pre-assembled and ready to ride.

Boasting 20″ x 3.3″ tires that are four plies thick, this bicycle provides outstanding puncture resistance through its K-Shield liners. The moped-style saddle is designed to provide optimal comfort, featuring an additional layer of padding, a fixed-angle design, and an integrated steel seatpost.

If you’re interested in quality and performance in equal measures, then the RadRunner 2 could well be the e-bike you’re looking for.

Accessories for the RadRunner 2

RadRunner 2 accessories include:

  • Large Front-Mounted Basket
  • Cargo Straps
  • Pet Basket Carrier
  • Fremont Pannier Bag
  • Hollywood Racks RV Rider Rack

Things to Consider

One potential downside of this e-bike is its weight. At 65 lbs, it can be difficult to carry up stairs or lift onto a car rack. Also, the bike’s battery is rather inefficient, considering its large size. On other bikes with similar 672Wh batteries, we find we can travel twice as far as we can on a single charge compared with what we can do on the RadRunner 2.

Most Powerful Step-Thru E-Bike

Juiced logo

Juiced HyperScorpion

juiced-hyper-scorpion

68 mi

RANGE

20 mph

TOP SPEED

6 hrs

CHARGE TIME

102 lbs

WEIGHT

Rear Hub

MOTOR TYPE

68 mi

RANGE

20 mph

TOP SPEED

6 hrs

CHARGE TIME

102 lbs

WEIGHT

Best For: Adults, Men, Seniors, Women
Approx. Price:
$2,499
Model Year:
2020
Ideal For
• A Future Classic as a Collector's Item
• Utility Riding
• Restaurant/Store Deliveries
• Commuting Through Busy Streets
• Alternative to a Vehicle
• Family Rides

Highlights

  • Accommodates riders 5’2″ and taller.
  • Custom-built 1,000-Watt RetroBlade motor
  • Upgrade your performance bigger battery

Bottom Line

This off-road beast is powered by a 1,000W RetroBlade motor to reach speeds of up to 30 mph and boasts an incredible 70+ mile riding range thanks to its G2 52V/19.2Ah battery.

Its adjustable handlebars let you ride in an upright position, while its extended padded seat offers plenty of room for movement so you can find your most comfortable riding posture quickly.

The Juiced HyperScorpion comes with rearview mirrors, an integrated brake light, turn signals, hydraulic disc brakes, and an upgraded horn for maximum rider protection.

An electric vehicle well outside the accepted three-class e-bike system, the HyperScorpion is a machine for those looking for speed, comfort, and style.

Accessories

  • Juiced portable air pump
  • Scorpion passenger seat kit
  • Anti-theft e-bike alarm
  • Rearview mirrors

Things to Consider

At 6 hours of charging time, the HyperScorpion by Juiced Bikes takes a while to juice up, which is due to its large 52V/19.2Ah battery. It is also an extremely heavy machine. At 102 Ibs, it’s not only difficult to carry and store but is also challenging to maneuver. And it’s fast – too fast and too powerful to fall into standard e-bike classifications, so be sure to check state laws before riding it.

Best Folding Step-Thru E-Bike

Nakto logo

Nakto Folding OX

nakto-folding-ox-2

22 mi

RANGE

20 mph

TOP SPEED

4 hrs

CHARGE TIME

66 lbs

WEIGHT

Rear Hub

MOTOR TYPE

22 mi

RANGE

20 mph

TOP SPEED

4 hrs

CHARGE TIME

66 lbs

WEIGHT

Best For: Adults, Men, Seniors, Women
Approx. Price:
$1,199
Model Year:
2021
Ideal For
• Rving
• Apartment Living
• Visiting Friends
• Shopping
• Cafe Hopping
• Family Rides
• Boating

Highlights

  • Cleverly designed folding mechanism
  • 500W brushless geared hub motor with a maximum torque of 52Nm
  • Five electric-assist levels
  • Fat tires
  • The LCD screen provides you with all the data necessary as you cruise around the city and suburbs
  • An ergonomic suspension, user-friendly twist grip throttle, and plush saddle are all included as standard features

Bottom Line

The Nakto Folding OX electric bike is ideal for those looking for a more portable step-through e-bike. It has all the features you need to enjoy your ride, such as a powerful 500W motor, front and rear disc brakes, and a suspension fork.

The high-rise cruiser handlebar creates a comfortable lower riding profile, while the 20″ x 4″ fat tires provide excellent traction and stability. With its foldable design, you can easily take it wherever you go.

Folding Ox Accessories

Accessories for the Folding OX include:

  • Fenders for all-weather riding
  • Front basket
  • Comes with a headlight

Things to Consider

The most glaring con is the low range of 22 miles, which is quite modest compared to other step-throughs on this list. At 66 Ibs, this e-bike from Nakto is also quite heavy despite its portable design.

Best Step-Thru Commuter

Trek E-Bikes logo

Trek Verve+ 3 Lowstep

trek-verve-plus3-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

Best For: Adults, Men, Seniors, Women
Approx. Price:
$3,299
Model Year:
2022
Ideal For
• Commuting
• Cafe hopping
• Family rides
• Longer rides in the countryside
• Seniors returning to cycling

Highlights

  • An easy-on, easy-off step-through frame
  • Lightweight aluminum construction and low-step geometry
  • Bosch Active Line Plus (250W, 50 nm) motor
  • 9-speed Shimano drivetrain
  • Hydraulic disc brakes
  • Wide puncture-resistant tires for enhanced steadiness and confidence
  • Ergonomically designed e-bike grips
  • Trek’s Removable Integrated Battery (RIB) system
  • Integrated lights, fenders, and rear rack
  • Range Boost, an extra battery
  • Bosch Purion display

Bottom Line

Looking for a smooth ride that’s easy to handle? The Verve+3 Lowstep e-bike from Trek is a perfect choice. Boasting a lightweight aluminum construction and low-step geometry, this electric bike offers an easy ride with superior power thanks to the Bosch Active Line Plus (250W, 50 Nm of torque) motor.

With pedal assist up to 20 mph, a 9-speed Shimano drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes, and wide puncture-resistant tires, this e-bike performs well in most environments.

In addition, the ergonomically designed grips offer enhanced comfort and control. With Trek’s Removable Integrated Battery (RIB) system, as well as integrated lights, fenders, and rear rack, the Verve+3 makes for an amazing riding experience.

Plus, with Range Boost, you get an extra battery to double your mileage and explore further. In all, if you want an easy on/off step-through frame with reliable all-weather performance, look no further than the Verve+3 Electric e-bike from Trek.

Verve +3 Accessories

There are plenty of accessories for this bike, including:

  • Baby trailer
  • Trunk bag with panniers
  • Rear rack
  • Range extender battery

Things to Consider

If you live in a region with bumpy roads and numerous potholes, the lack of front suspension could make for an uncomfortable ride, especially for those susceptible to hand or wrist pain. The Bosch Purion display is also light on features – meaning that if you like plenty of data on your rides, you may not be impressed with its minimalist design.

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Our Research Methodology

We personally research and test every e-bike featured in our reviews and guides to provide accurate, data-driven recommendations. Learn how we review.

About Our Editorial Team

robb dorr
Written by Robb Dorr
Co-founder
Robb is a massive cycling enthusiast who has more than 20 years of non-motorized cycling experience. He started eBikes.org to lower the barrier of entry to cycling and reduce the intimidation people can experience when getting into the cycling world.
Toby Hill
Edited by Toby Hill
E-Bike Reviewer
A trained journalist with 30 years of print and online experience, Toby Hill is an avid cyclist who has fully embraced the exciting new ride experiences that e-bikes have brought to his favorite pastime. He's ridden and tested dozens of e-bikes of all styles and technologies.

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