The Best EBikes for Women

No matter where our friends, neighbors, or riding buddies fall on the wide opinion spectrum about e-bikes, one thing’s becoming increasingly clear: they aren’t going anywhere. True, we might have our bias, but we earnestly believe this is a good thing.

With the wider adoption of ebikes becomes a greater variety of types, designs, accessories, and places to ride. So even if you’re on the fence deciding whether or not an e-bike is right for you, we can assure you there’s a bike that fits you (and your lifestyle) like a glove. So, when you decide it’s time to take the plunge and invest in a greener, go-further adventure machine, it’s important to do some research to make sure you’re investing in an electric bike that’s just right.

The first question many ask is…

Which women’s electric bike is best?

The short answer: depends. (Not helpful, we know). BUT, are you looking for a city cruiser to replace your car while you run errands? The bikes you’d choose from for that will likely have step-through frames. If you’re looking for a pedal-assist electric mountain bike to ride backyard trails, then you’d be looking at specific geometry and things like full suspension and hydraulic disc brakes. Maybe you’re looking to get in extra miles on a road bike or simply just enjoy a cruise. There’s an e-bike for that.

So, our best advice: carefully consider your use cases before you dive into research. Here are some considerations to help you get started.

Women’s EBikes Built for Transportation (and Running Errands)

Swing through almost any mountain or vacation town in the summer and you’re sure to see e-bikes everywhere. Among the most common sights: families in flip flops headed to the grocery store, beach, trailhead, or the brewery. The e-bikes they’re most likely using for these types of ventures are commuter or cruiser bikes designed primarily for efficiency and to be a comfortable ride.

Many will feature a step through frame, a rear rack for transporting things (some are even meant to transport small kids!), and will have extras like a super comfortable saddle.

If this is what you’re searching for, we recommend the 2021 Sherpa Cargo EBike.

Based on the Villager Urban EBike, the Sherpa is built with a longer wheelbase and an integrated rear rack to carry all the gear you need. We’ve designed it to be perfect for a trip to the lake, to the park, or to take an epic multi-day adventure.

Every Sherpa comes standard with powerful 750-watt hub drive motors that produce enough power to easily take on climb steep paved hills in town and winding dirt trails off the grid. The 203mm disc brakes supply plenty of stopping power to inspire confidence on technical descents. A premium RST Coil Suspension Fork and 3” plus-size all-terrain tires make for a smooth and comfortable ride on a variety of terrain.

Women’s Electric Mountain Bikes Built for Rougher Terrain

Everywhere we turned this summer someone new was feeling impassioned and excited about getting into mountain biking. And the whole world noticed: the popularity of mountain biking downright surged this year. And for good reason! Not only is it an excellent way to connect to the natural world, but it also is a great source of cardio and an ideal social activity.

So while many opted into traditional bikes, nearly just as many discovered and were compelled by the benefits of pedal assist mountain bikes.

While there’s not too much difference between men’s and women’s-specific electric mountain bikes, a few notable differences are smaller frame sizes, narrow handlebars, and saddles specifically designed to accommodate women’s anatomy (the Ergon SMC Sport Gel Women is our all-time favorite).

If a mountain bike adventure is what you’re looking for, we recommend the 2020 Ridgerunner EBike.

The 1000w Bafang Ultra Mid-Drive Motor makes for a powerful and exciting pedal up steep inclines that—with a traditional mountain bike—might have required a hike. With the thumb throttle on flat terrain, a rider can fairly easily hit up to 30mph on flat terrain.

The Ridgerunner is a full suspension electric mountain bike designed for full backcountry exploration and go-further adventure. The Fire-Link suspension system provides excellent traction. We chose to incorporate hydraulic disc brakes for controlled, high-powered braking even on steep inclines.

Although the Fat Tire RidgeRunner is available as a 1000W unclassified e-bike, it can be programmed down to 750W for Class 1 and Class 2 operations depending on where you’re planning on riding.