Best E-bikes for Short Riders in 2023: Our Top 10 Picks

One good thing about cycling is that it’s an activity that anyone can truly enjoy, and it doesn’t matter what size or shape you are. 

No matter how tall or short you are, there’s a bike for you. Today, we will focus on the best e-bikes for short riders, this is a topic I completely relate with being a short person myself. 

But, finding the perfect electric bike can be tough because most models are designed to fit riders with average height or tall, mostly around 5′4″ to 6′ and above. 

But what of riders who are less than 5′1″ and 5′2″, or those who are 4′10″ and 4′11″?

Well, after a great deal of digging around, we found out that there are in fact many great e-bikes on the market that are designed with shorter riders in mind. And we put together a list of the best e-bikes for short riders. 

10 Best e-bikes for short riders

We made our choices based on important factors like build quality, durability of components, frame size, wheel size, and handlebar width to help you find the perfect fit. 

Whether you’re a commuter or a leisure rider, we’ve got you covered with some great options that will have you cruising in comfort and style.

Jasion EB7 2.0 Electric Bike

The Jasion EB7 2.0 Electric Bike is a great option for those who are looking for an affordable and practical e-bike. 

With a 500W motor, it provides enough power to reach a top speed of 20mph and tackle hills with ease. The battery life is also impressive, allowing for a range of up to 40 miles on a single charge.

One of the standout features of the Jasion EB7 2.0 is its compact and foldable design, making it easy to store and transport. It is also equipped with a range of useful features such as an LCD, adjustable seat and handlebars, and front and rear lights for improved visibility and safety.

While the bike may not have the highest-end components or advanced features, it offers excellent value for its price point. 

The Jasion EB7 2.0 is a reliable and practical option for anyone looking to experience the benefits of electric biking without breaking the bank.

Recommended rider heights: 5′1″-6′2″

MICLON Cybertrack 100 E-Bike

The MICLON Cybertrack 100 is an affordable and impressive electric bike that offers a smooth and enjoyable riding experience. 

Its powerful 350W motor and a 36V 10.4Ah removable fast-charging battery, allow for max speeds of up to 20mph, so you can cover distances of up to 30–37 miles on a single charge.

Cybertrack has a sleek and modern design, thanks to a lightweight aluminum alloy frame, a front suspension fork, and wide 26-inch tires that provide excellent traction and stability on different terrains for a safe and comfortable ride. 

The 21-speed Shimano drivetrain allows you to easily switch gears and adjust your riding speed to match your needs. 

The electric system is easy to use, with a user-friendly LED display that shows your speed, distance, and battery level. It also has a comfortable saddle, and front and rear disc brakes for enhanced safety and control.

Overall, the MICLON Cybertrack 100 is a great value for money e-bike that offers a fun and comfortable riding experience, making it an excellent choice for commuting, recreation, or adventure.

Recommended rider heights: 4′11″ to 5′9″

Vtuvia SF20 Electric Bike

The Vtuvia SF20 electric bike is a versatile and practical option for commuting or leisurely rides. It features a powerful 750W motor and a 48V 13Ah battery that provides a maximum range of up to 35 miles on a single charge, making it suitable for longer trips.

A sturdy aluminum frame and suspension fork ensure a comfortable and stable ride, while its Shimano 7-speed drivetrain allows for easy gear shifting and adaptability to various terrains. Additionally, the bike’s front and rear disc brakes provide reliable stopping power and safety.

The SF20 also has an impressive foldable design, which makes it easy to store and transport when not in use. You also get to enjoy a variety of accessories, including front and rear lights, and a digital display that shows speed, distance, and battery level.

The Vtuvia SF20 is a great option for anyone looking for an affordable and versatile electric bike for commuting or leisurely rides.

Recommended rider heights: 5′3″-6′2″

Hipeak Electric Bike

Hipeak Electric Bike is an eco-friendly and stylish electric bike that is designed for urban commuting and leisure activities. It comes equipped with a powerful 750W motor that can deliver speeds of up to 20mph, making it an ideal choice for covering short to medium distances quickly.

One of the key features of the Hipeak Electric Bike is its lightweight frame and foldable feature, which makes it easy to handle and maneuver through traffic. Additionally, it comes with a range of safety features such as hydraulic disc brakes, LED lights, and a sturdy kickstand.

Hipeak has a long-lasting battery, which can provide up to 60 miles of riding on a single charge. This makes it an excellent choice for daily commuters who don’t want to worry about running out of battery during their rides. 

It is also equipped with 4-inch wide puncture-resistant fat tires for better performance and an integrated rear rack for a stylish and comfortable ride experience.

Recommended rider heights: 4′10″-6′2″

VITILAN U7 Electric Bike

VITILAN U7 Electric Bike is a solid choice for commuters or casual riders looking for an affordable electric bike. It has a powerful 750W motor that can reach a top speed of 20 mph and has a range of over 40 miles on a single charge. 

The U7 is equipped with a Shimano 7-speed drivetrain, for easy gear shifting to easily adjust to and tackle various terrains.

One of the amazing features of the VITILAN U7 is the step-through frame that makes it easy to get on and off the bike, and the adjustable saddle and handlebars ensure a comfortable ride for riders of all sizes. 

It also comes with a front basket and rear rack, providing ample storage space for groceries, bags, or other personal items.

Overall, the VITILAN U7 Electric Bike is a well-designed and versatile option for those looking for an affordable electric bike for commuting or leisurely rides. 

Recommended rider heights: 5′3″-6′5″

Heybike Ranger Electric Bike

Heybike Ranger Electric Bike is equipped with a 500W motor and a 48V 15Ah battery, which provides enough power to tackle hills and cover longer distances. The Ranger has a top speed of 25 mph and a range of up to 48 miles on a single charge.

It comes with a sturdy aluminum frame and a trail-taming suspension system, which provides comfortable rides even on rough terrain. Plus, 20-inch puncture-resistant fat tires that offer excellent traction and stability, making the bike suitable for off-road adventures as well.

The Ranger features a Shimano 7-speed drivetrain, allowing you to adjust your speed and resistance to your liking. It also has an adjustable stem, seat, and step-thru frame which allows different sizes of riders to use the bike easily and ride comfortably on rough terrains.

Heybike Ranger ebike is generally a solid choice for anyone who wants an affordable and versatile e-bike for commuting, leisure, or off-road adventures. With its powerful motor, long range, and comfortable design, the Ranger is a great value for its price.

Recommended rider heights: 5′3″-6′3″

Narrak Folding Fat Tire Ebike

The Narrak Folding Fat Tire Ebike is a unique and versatile electric bike that combines the convenience of a foldable design with the ruggedness of fat tires. 

This electric bike is powered by a 500W motor and a 48V 13Ah lithium-ion battery, which provides a range of up to 65 miles on a single charge. The motor is also available in 750W.

A Shimano 7-speed drivetrain for smooth shifting, while the dual disc brakes ensure precise and quick stops. You also get a lockable front suspension fork, which provides a good shock absorption effect.

Narrak comes with a variety of features, including a detachable and sturdy luggage rack, 30.8 mm aluminum high-end belt clip saddle that can withstand up to 325 pounds, and a bright LED headlight for a safe ride.

The folding mechanism makes it easy to transport and store, while the fat tires provide excellent traction on various terrains, including sand, snow, and mud.

Overall, the Narrak Folding Fat Tire Ebike is an excellent choice for those who want a versatile and durable electric bike that can handle various terrains and situations. 

Recommended rider heights: 5′2″ – 6′4″

Heybike Mars Electric Bike

The Heybike Mars Electric Bike is a sleek and powerful electric bike that delivers a fun and smooth riding experience. It comes with a powerful 500W motor that can help riders reach speeds of up to 20 mph, making it a great option for commuting or recreational use. 

Heybike Mars delivers a smooth and stable ride, thanks in part to its 20″ x 4.0 fat tires that provide great traction and stability. It also features dual disc brakes that offer excellent stopping power, even at high speeds. 

The bike’s 7-speed Shimano gearing system makes it easy to tackle hills and headwinds, while the electric assist mode provides an extra boost when needed. And a removable 48V 12.5Ah battery provides ample power and can be easily recharged in just a few hours.

One of the standout features of the Heybike Mars is its stylish design. This bike features a unique frame shape that is both modern and functional, with a sleek black finish that looks great in any setting. 

Recommended rider heights: 5′3″ – 6′3″

HOVSCO HovBeta EBike

The HOVSCO HovBeta EBike is a fantastic electric bike that offers a smooth and effortless riding experience. It features a powerful 750W motor that provides excellent acceleration and a top speed of up to 28 mph. 

The battery life is impressive and can last for up to 60 miles on a single charge, making it an excellent choice for long-distance rides.

The HovBeta’s design is sleek and modern, with a lightweight aluminum frame that makes it easy to maneuver. It also comes equipped with a comfortable saddle and handlebars that provide a comfortable grip, even during extended rides.

It also comes with a range of safety features, including LED lights and a responsive hydraulic braking system, making it a safe and reliable choice for riders of all skill levels.

Another standout feature is the HOVSCO App and advanced LCD which lets you sync your electric bike information, and unlock your speed limit. It’s a great tool to see your speed, travel time, odometer, trips, and other important metrics. 

Recommended rider heights: 4′11″-6′3″

Himiway Cruiser E-bike

The Himiway Cruiser e-bike is known for its long range capacity, it is a sturdy and powerful electric bicycle that is well-suited for both city commuting and off-road adventures. 

With its fat tires and powerful motor, the Cruiser can tackle a variety of terrains, from gravel paths to steep hills.

Himiway ebike features a 750W motor and a 48V 17.5 Ah battery that provides a range of up to 60 miles on a single charge. It also comes with a variety of convenient features, including a built-in headlight and taillight, a USB charging port, and a rear rack for carrying cargo.

One of the standout features of the Cruiser is its comfortable ride. The bike has two front suspension forks with superior shock removal that help to absorb bumps and vibrations on rough terrain. 

One downside of this bike is that the step-through bar is a double bar, which might pose a little inconvenience for a user with a medium body size. 

Recommended rider heights: 5′3″ – 6′5″

Buying Guide: Choosing the best e-bikes for short riders

The first things to consider when choosing an electric bike are often build quality, durable components, battery capacity, motor power, etc. 

But as a short rider, there are a few things we think are even more important, like how well the bike fits your body and how comfortable you are when riding it. 

And to ensure a perfect bike fit and comfortable riding, you will have to check the frame size, wheel sizes, top tube length, standover height, handlebar width and reach, etc.  

There are several factors to consider when choosing an electric bike, but the most important features will depend on your specific needs and preferences. You need to consider your commuting needs, the terrain you will be riding on, and your budget when selecting an electric bike. 

But you also have to think of the build quality and durability of the bike components, including the frame, wheels, brakes, motor, battery, etc. 

Here, we discuss features that are more specific to short riders.

Frame size

This is the most obvious thing to consider when choosing a bike for a short rider. The ideal bike for short riders should certainly have a small frame with a low top tube and small wheels. Ideally, you want a bike that allows you to touch the ground with your feet while seated comfortably.

It’s important to note that the ideal frame size for a short person can vary depending on factors such as inseam length, torso length, and arm length. However, as a general guideline, electric bike manufacturers typically offer smaller frame sizes for riders who are 4′10″ or 4′11″ and above.

You should also consider an electric bike with a step-through frame, which allows for easy mounting and dismounting without having to swing your leg over the top tube. This can be especially helpful if you have limited mobility or flexibility.

In addition to frame size, other factors such as saddle height, handlebar height, and reach can also be adjusted to ensure a comfortable and safe riding position.

When shopping for an electric bike, be sure to check the manufacturer’s size chart to determine which frame size would be most appropriate for you. 

Wheel size

A smaller wheel size is best for short riders because it makes it easier to handle the bike and maintain balance. Smaller wheels can also help with maneuverability, making it easier to navigate tight turns and switchbacks. 

There are generally three common wheel sizes for electric bikes: 26-inch, 27.5-inch (also known as 650B), and 29-inch (also known as 700C).

A 26-inch wheel size is often a good choice for shorter riders, as it can provide a good balance between stability and maneuverability. 27.5-inch wheels can also work well for shorter riders, especially those who are looking for a slightly smoother ride. 

The only drawback for smaller wheels is that they can make the ride feel less stable at high speeds, and they may not roll over obstacles as smoothly as larger wheels. 

As a short rider, you really don’t have much of a choice here because you certainly need small wheels (depending on your height of course), but you can consider thick and fat tires to help smoothen your rides. 

This is an important consideration if you intend to ride off-road.

However, the best wheel size for you as a person will depend on your personal preference and the type of riding they plan to do. It’s always a good idea to test ride different wheel sizes to find the one that feels the most comfortable and provides the best handling for your specific needs.

Handlebar width

This is another important factor that many people tend to overlook. Handlebar width is very important because it helps proper riding posture, which ensures comfort and safety. 

However, finding the right handlebar width can be tricky because there isn’t one perfect size for all short riders.  Instead, the ideal handlebar width for short riders will vary depending on factors like shoulder width, riding style, and many other subtle personal preferences you may have. 

But, as a general guideline, handlebars that are narrower than the standard width can be a good choice for short riders.

Handlebars that are too wide for you can make it more difficult to maintain a comfortable riding position, as they can cause your arms to extend too far apart. This can lead to shoulder pain, fatigue, and reduced control over the bike. 

You also don’t want a handlebar width that is too narrow, because it can make it difficult to steer the bike and may cause discomfort in the hands and wrists.

To find the ideal handlebar width, it’s important to consider your shoulder width and riding style. If you have narrow shoulders, a narrower handlebar width may be more comfortable. 

Similarly, if you tend to ride in a more upright position, a narrower handlebar may be more comfortable than a wider one.

As a general guideline, handlebars that are around 20–22 inches (508 mm to 558 mm) wide can be a good choice for shorter riders. 

However, it’s important to test ride different handlebar widths to find the one that feels the most comfortable and provides the best handling for your specific needs.

Bike weight

Ebikes are usually much heavier than traditional bikes because frame material, design style, motor and battery all contribute to the weight. The average weight of an electric bike is about 40 to 50 lbs, and it’s not unusual to see bikes that weigh 80 lbs and above. 

However, you still need to consider a bike’s weight before purchase because weight can be important for portability and storage, especially if you plan to carry the bike upstairs or transport it by car. 

Lighter bikes are generally easier to handle and transport, so look for models that are designed to be lightweight or have a weight distribution that makes them easier to handle.

Brakes

A good braking system is crucial for safety, so it’s important to choose a bike with reliable and responsive brakes. And it’s important to choose a bike with brakes that are easy for you to use.

Electric bikes often come with disc brakes, which are more powerful and require less effort to use than traditional rim brakes.

Disc brakes are generally preferred as they offer better stopping power than rim brakes. But rim brakes are the much cheaper option.

What is the minimum height for an electric bike?

The minimum height for an electric bike can vary depending on the specific model and type of bike. However, most electric bikes can be ridden by individuals who are at least 5 feet tall, but some bike brands have models for riders who are only 4′10″ or 4′11″ tall. 

For instance,   the MICLON Cybertrack 100 has sizes for riders who are 4′11″ to 5′9″, while the Hipeak Electric Bike has sizes for riders from 4′10″ to 6′2″. 

Another great option is the HOVSCO HovBeta EBike with sizes for riders from 4′11″ to 6′3″.

It’s important to consider the frame size, wheel size, and handlebar height when choosing an electric bike to ensure a comfortable and safe fit for riders of all heights.

It’s also a good idea to test ride different sizes of electric bikes to find the one that feels the most comfortable and provides the best fit for your body.

Is it worth getting a folding e-bike?

Yes, folding e-bikes can be a great option for commuters, as they are easy to store and transport on public transit or in a car trunk. 

They can also be a good choice for those with limited storage space or who live in apartments. And they are also great bikes to take with you for camping adventures and picnics. 

However, folding bikes typically have smaller wheels and frames, which can make them less comfortable and less efficient for longer rides. It’s important to consider your specific needs and riding habits before deciding if a folding bike is worth the investment.

You may also like our posts on:

• Best electric bikes under $500
• Best electric bikes under $1500
• Best electric bikes under $2000 + Buying Guide