Best list of e-bikes for small people: From city bikes to SUVs to e-MTBs, Velomotion shows the best e-bikes - our purchase recommendation for small and light people.
Small people are often at a disadvantage when looking for a suitable e-bike: While there is still a reasonable choice for body sizes from around 155 to 160 cm, it gets thin under 155 cm. In addition, small people usually don’t weigh much either – accordingly, large batteries and powerful motors are not so important, because they increase the weight of an e-bike. This is then quickly more than half of the body weight - handling can be tedious, for example, on stairs, when boarding the train or similar. Of course, the weight also affects handling – e-bikes that are too heavy become very sluggish for small, light people.
The wheel size on e-bikes for small people
29-inch wheels roll well, but they can negatively affect the handling of e-bikes for small people. Their moment of inertia has a greater effect on small people with low weight than, for example, on the average man who is 180 cm tall. That's why some manufacturers rely on wheels with 27,5 or even 26 inches - because it's still not easy to design a compact, small e-bike with large 29-inch wheels. But you can also find e-bikes with 24 or 20 inch wheels, especially among the city bikes. These are usually much more compact, but the smaller wheels increase the rolling resistance and they are usually less comfortable for longer tours. That's why we didn't include these models in our leaderboard.
E-bikes for small people - children's bikes can be an option
Some manufacturers now also offer e-bikes for older children. These are definitely an option for small adults. When designing them, the manufacturers take body size into account, while conventional e-bikes for adults are often simply scaled in the frame, but not in the components. That's why our list of the best e-bikes for small people also includes a few e-bikes for children.
Test drive recommended for small people
Geometry data and size tables say a lot - Velomotion still recommends a test ride before buying. For example, you can experience the seating position, because not every e-bike suits your personal preferences. While young people tend to sit more stretched out in a sporty manner, older, smaller people often prefer a very upright sitting position. In addition, not every body is the same: torso length, leg length and arm length can vary from person to person. Specialist dealers, for example at ZEG workshops E-bikes can still be individually adapted for small people to a certain extent: A shorter or adjustable stem can shorten a sitting position that is too stretched out and thus make it more upright. The handlebar height can also be adjusted. The seat post installed on the e-bike also has an influence on the seating position: Some cannot be lowered completely or are offset to the rear (setback) - changing them can still result in adjustment options.
List of the best e-bikes for small people: The bikes
Here you will find our list of the best e-bikes for small people, sorted by area of application, starting with the e-MTBs. You will also find SUV bikes, everyday bikes, city bikes as well as trekking and touring bikes.
Specialized Turbo Levo SL Comp
Allmountain E-Fully also for the rough
Designed as a trail and all-mountain e-bike, the Turbo Levo SL Comp can be moved quickly and sportily through the terrain by small people. The seating position is moderately sporty. A steep seat angle, in combination with medium-length chain stays and 29-inch wheels, ensure good climbing properties. With the 150 mm suspension travel at the front and rear and the 66° steering angle, the E-MTB definitely has potential for fast downhill riding. If you want to focus even more on the descent, you could install an angle headset.
In-house SL 1.1 engine
The SL 1.1 motor developed by Specialized delivers 240 W and 35 NM of torque. The manufacturer is thus taking the path of providing sufficient support while keeping the weight of the e-bike low. With 320 Wh, the battery is sufficient for most tours and keeps the weight at a moderate level of around 19 kg. By the way, you can use the in-house Mission Control app to customize the riding modes of the E-MTB. The valuable components are determined by a Fox chassis and Sram 4-piston disc brakes.
wheel size: 29 inch
seat tube height: XS, 38cm
For body size according to the manufacturer: 150 - 160 cm
And finally ... With the large 29-inch wheels, the Turbo Levo SL Comp is a classy e-bike for all little people who want to accelerate downhill and value smooth running and safety more than agility. In addition, there are good climbing properties with moderate motor support, which may hit the right balance between support performance and weight savings.
Price: €6.000 | www.specialized.com
Mondraker F Play 26
Downhill-oriented e-fully for all-mountain use
The F-Play was designed by Monraker as a children's bike. But it is also suitable as an e-bike for small adults. The seating position is rather stretched, which gives the bike good climbing properties. The chainstays of the F-Play 26, on the other hand, are quite short at 420 mm - this makes the bike agile and manoeuvrable. The e-bike should have quite lively riding characteristics on the trail, because at only 16,4 kg the weight has little influence on inertia. The only 120 mm spring travel and the 67° steering angle can be limiting in downhill at some point. However, the latter could be brought to 65° by installing an angle control set and would thus have a mini enduro.
Mahle Ebikemotion X35 motor with hub drive in the rear wheel
With the Mahle Ebikemotion X35, we already presented have installed a light power pack in the F-Play 26. The latter, like the 250 Wh battery, only weighs 3,5 kg. The drive reliably takes small people up the mountain, but you won't win a race against more powerful engines and the battery isn't enough for the highest Alpine passes either. However, that shouldn't matter for most drivers anyway. The equipment and the components are solid, but not in the high-end range - but fair for the price of € 2.999. If you want, you can retrofit something here.
wheel size: 26 inch
seat tube height: 35 cm
For body size according to the manufacturer: 145 - 165 cm
And finally ... The F-Play 26 is probably the most agile and playful e-fully on our list of the best. With its low weight and modern geometry, it is an e-bike for little people who want to have fun downhill and on the trail and also really step on the gas.
Price: from €2.999 | www.mondraker.com
ben-e-bike TWENTYSIX E-Power PRO
E-Hardtail with modern descent geometry
First of all - the TWENTTYSIX E-Power PRO is designed as an e-bike for children, but ben-e-bike emphasizes that it is also explicitly suitable for small, adult people. The maximum total weight of 90 kg is limiting, but small people should very rarely reach it. The bike is sporty and modern: the 65° steering angle ensures smooth running downhill, complemented by the 397 mm reach, which allows small people with a height of 150 cm to sit a little more stretched out. The e-bike gets the necessary agility from the chainstays, which are rather short at 429 mm. The off-road driving characteristics should be quite lively - also because the e-hardtail with battery only weighs around 14,5 kg. At some point, the suspension fork with its 100 mm spring travel could become limiting.
Hub drive in the rear wheel
The hub motor on the rear wheel provides 30 NM of torque. That's enough to reliably get small, light people up almost anywhere - but you won't win an uphill race with it. But that is not necessary either, because the TWENTYSIX E-Power PRO focuses on low weight. Accordingly, the batteries are also small and light: you have the choice between 250 and 375 Wh. If you want more, you can simply pack a second 250 Wh battery weighing just 1,3 kg in your backpack. The components of the e-bike are not of high quality, but absolutely fair for a price of less than €2500. If you want, you can simply upgrade.
wheel size: 26 inch
seat tube height: 38,7 cm
For body size according to the manufacturer: 146 - 165 cm
And finally ... Modern geometry that promises fun: The TWENTYSIX E-Power PRO is the liveliest e-hardtail in our list of the best. This makes it suitable for everyone who focuses on downhill fun. By the way, the support of the motor can be adjusted individually via software.
Price: from €2.349 | www.ben-e-bike.net
Lapierre Overvolt TR 5.6W
Sporty trail & all-mountain e-bike
130 mm spring travel at the front and 120 mm at the rear paired with a 67° steering angle give the Overvolt TR 5.6 W good qualities as a trail and all-mountain e-bike. The 440 mm chainstays stand for good climbing properties, but are still short enough to retain some mobility off-road. The e-bike for small people is aimed at everyone who wants to accelerate on trails and off-road, but still expect full power from the motor. The reach is moderate at 385 mm - so you sit quite neutrally on the Overvolt.
Bosch Performance CX motor for massive power
Lapierre treats the Overvolt to the Bosch Performance CX engine a powerful drive that has a long range with a 625 Wh battery. The latter can be conveniently charged via an integrated socket. The engine itself provides massive thrust with 85 Nm of torque - small people will never be able to complain about a lack of power here. The other equipment is not located in the high-end area, but is fair and solid for the price. The 100 mm adjustment range of the variable seat post might not be enough for small people, but replacing it is not a problem.
wheel size: 27,5 inch
seat tube height: XS, 37cm
For body size according to the manufacturer: 150 - 165 cm
And finally ... The Overvolt TR 5.6 W has plenty of power and a large battery, making it suitable for anyone who enjoys off-road trails and tours and values a lot of support. Accordingly, there are losses in weight and handling.
Price: €4.299 | www.lapierrebikes.com
Bull's Amiga EVA 3
E-SUV with lots of power
An e-bike for all occasions: be it a leisurely or faster Sunday ride on the trails and country lanes behind the house, commuting to work or a mountain hut on an Alpine holiday. The Amiga EVA 3 from Bulls comes with a moderately sporty seating position and can be moved in a sporty way off-road - the geometry promises good uphill properties. But the Amiga EVA 3 doesn't have to hide when going downhill either: It should master simple trails and steep, alpine forest paths well and thus be a loyal companion for the owner for almost every occasion.
Full power thanks to the Bosch Performance CX motor
The Bosch Performance Line CX motor delivers 85 NM of torque. Small, light people are more than served with it. The corresponding battery delivers 400 Wh and is therefore big enough for almost every ride, but at the same time saves weight compared to larger batteries. Incidentally, the battery can be charged via an integrated charging socket or conveniently removed from below. The Amiga EVA 3 comes with solid equipment such as four-piston disc brakes. Lighting, which is powered by the battery, can be quickly and easily clipped on via the Monkey Link mount.
wheel size: 27,5 inch
seat tube height: XS, 37cm
For body size according to the manufacturer: 150 - 165 cm
And finally ... The Amiga EVA 3 is an SUV E-MTB that offers massive engine power and still appeals to sporty riders. Small people will therefore not be able to complain about a lack of performance, but rather about the associated weight.
Price: €3.699 | www.bulls.de
Maxx Racemaxx ELF
Sporty light E-SUV
With the Racemaxx ELF, MAXX has an e-bike for small people from 150 cm tall in its range. The e-bike is aimed at leisurely touring riders who might also like to ride a simple trail. The seating position of the Racemaxx ELF is accordingly more upright. At just over 17 kg, the e-bike is still easy to handle even for small people with less strength. As usual with MAXX, the Racemaxx ELF can be individually configured. For example, you can install stronger brakes or a higher-quality suspension fork. The weight can also be pushed down a bit via the individual configuration. Of course you can also determine the frame color according to your own taste.
Fazura 2.0 motor: strong drive with low weight
MAXX installed on the Racemaxx ELF with the Fazua 2.0 a light but powerful engine. Its 60 NM torque powerfully accelerate small people. With 252 Wh, the battery is not huge, but it is still more than sufficient for most tours. If you want more: The battery is not heavy at 1,8 kg - so a second battery can easily be accommodated in the backpack. If you would also like to be really sporty, you can easily replace the battery and the motor unit with an empty cover, making the e-bike around 3 kg lighter.
wheel size: 27,5 inch
seat tube height: XS, 35cm
For body size according to the manufacturer: 150 - 159 cm
And finally ... The Racemaxx ELF by MAXX is a light SUV E-MTB that can be individually configured. Everyone can decide for themselves which strengths the bike should have. In addition, the e-bike can also be equipped with a light, luggage rack and mudguards so that it can be used for everyday use.
Price: from €4.599 | www.maxx.de
Hercules Robert/a I-R8
The ultimate everyday companion
Robert is the e-bike for everyday use. Accordingly, the seating position is more upright and comfortable. In addition to leisure trips, the commute to work or shopping can be done easily and conveniently. The latter can be securely attached to the robust luggage rack - for example with saddlebags. With its low entry and the smaller 26-inch wheels, the city bike is ideal for little people who are a bit older and like to sit upright and comfortably. A suspension fork and a suspension seat post provide additional comfort.
Ideal for everyday use: Bosch Active Line
The Bosch Active Line with 50 Nm torque is a decent power pack for small, light people. The battery with 500 Wh is also large enough for almost every trip, but it is significantly lighter than larger batteries. Nevertheless, at around 27 kg, the e-bike is not a lightweight for small people. The battery can be charged via the integrated charging socket or conveniently removed from the bottom of the e-bike. The eight-speed Shimano gear hub is virtually maintenance-free and ideal for use in and around the city.
wheel size: 26 inch
seat tube height: XS, 40cm
For body size according to the manufacturer: from 150 cm
And finally ... With its upright sitting position, Robert is the faithful companion for comfortable everyday life in and around the city. The price-performance ratio is good, but for around €2900 the equipment is in the affordable range. But that's all you need in everyday life.
Price: €2.899 | www.hercules-bikes.de
Flyer GoTour4 7.23
Power pack for city and everyday use
The GoTour 4 7.23 from the Swiss manufacturer Flyer is a city bike designed for safety. Accordingly, it has a low entry and is fully suitable for road traffic. A robust luggage rack complements the concept of the city bike, which with a total weight of 150 kg is a real pack mule. Small people can therefore load a lot of luggage - be it shopping or tent equipment, for example when circumnavigating Lake Constance. The e-bike for small people is suitable for a body height of 150 cm and rolls on 26 inch wheels. The seating position of the GoTour4 is a bit more stretched, but it is equipped with a variable stem so that individual settings can be found here.
Panasonic GX Ultimate with 90 NM - performance without end
With the Panasonic GX Ultimate Motor, Flyer has given the GoTour4 one of the most powerful motors on the market. Combined with the 630 Wh battery, this is a real powerhouse. So nothing stands in the way of a quick trip to the shops or work! However, this power also has a catch: At approx. 28 kg, the e-bike is not so easy to handle for small people. Another highlight of the equipment is the infinitely switchable belt drive, which is also very low-maintenance.
wheel size: 26 inch
seat tube height: XS, 42cm
For body size according to the manufacturer: 150 - 160 cm
And finally ... The GoTour4 is a real powerhouse that is also quite elegant. With the Panasonic GX Ultimate motor, it is the most powerful city bike in our list of the best e-bikes for small people - but also the heaviest.
Price: €4.849 | www.flyer-bikes.com
Ampler Juna
Elegant city runabout
With the Juna, Ampler has – that we here presented - a very elegant e-bike designed for small people. It also gets its elegance from the discreetly integrated lighting. The bike can be ordered directly online and equipped with a luggage rack using the configurator. This means that the city bike is really suitable for everyday use and can also be used with panniers for shopping trips. The seating position is comfortable and upright. The Ampler Mobile App 2.0 offers nice features: The motor can be locked, and the e-bike can be tracked in the event of theft. In addition, the engine can be individually configured and you have an insight into driving statistics.
Hub motor with 45 NM
With Juna, the hub motor is installed discreetly in the rear wheel. Its 45 NM torque provides a lot of support for small, light people. The battery with 336 Wh is built into the down tube and is practically undetectable. Thus, the elegant Juna is not recognizable as an e-bike at first glance. The display is integrated in the top tube - last but not least, this makes the e-bike look nice and tidy. The Juna is driven by a maintenance-free belt with one gear (single speed). So if you often have very steep climbs on your everyday rides, you should probably use an e-bike with more gears.
wheel size: 26 inch
seat tube height: XS, 43cm
For body size according to the manufacturer: 150 - 162 cm
And finally ... Juna is an elegant, lightweight city bike. At just 16,5 kg, it's the lightest e-city bike in our leaderboard. This makes it ideal for all small people who, for example, have to go up and down stairs with the e-bike. On very steep mountains it could be tedious with the single-speed drive.
Price: from €2.790 | www.amplerbikes.com
Patria Ranger Hybrid
Comfortable steel e-bike for short and long trips
Handwork made in Germany - and made to measure. In addition to the off-the-shelf model with a seat tube length of 44 cm, Patria can produce special geometries for an additional charge of around €225. This can make sense for small people, because the e-bike can be adjusted exactly to their body size. The Ranger Hybrid is designed as a sporty, comfortable trekking bike, but is also suitable for everyday use in and around the city. The packing options on the stable luggage rack can be supplemented with lowrider luggage racks on the fork - this turns the Delta Hybrid into an e-touring bike that, with a total weight of 150 kg, can also transport a good deal of equipment.
Various Shimano motors to choose from
The Ranger Hybrid can be equipped with a Shimano E5000, E6100 or EP8 motor. So you have the opportunity to define the support power yourself to a certain extent. For small people, the performance of the E5000 is sufficient for everyday use - on the other hand, if you are planning long trips with a lot of luggage, you can also use a more powerful motor. You can choose between 504 and 630 Wh for the battery, which of course affects the range and weight. When it comes to the drive, Patria consistently relies on gear hubs: 5, 8, 11 or 14 gears are available and can also be equipped with belts. For use as a touring bike, it is best to use the 14 gears, because with a lot of luggage a small gradation of the gears is an advantage. Instead of the hydraulic rim brakes from Magura, Shimano XT disc brakes can also be installed - our recommendation for better controllability.
wheel size: 26 inch
seat tube height: 44 cm or made to measure
For body size according to the manufacturer: Can be made to measure up to 150 cm
And finally ... At Patria you get a very individual e-bike made to measure. Accordingly, the robust trekking e-bike also has its price. At around 22 kg, it is not a lightweight – also due to the steel frame – but the frame can be welded in any workshop when traveling to exotic countries if something breaks.
Price: from €5.112 | www.patria.net
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