How to Correctly Size Your Electric Bike

Updated on August 18, 2022

Bike riding is fun, enhancing on an electric bike that requires less effort to ride smoothly. But have you ever imagined yourself riding an improper size bike? It is not only a lack of comfort but also damages your spine and ends up injuring you. And that urges more in an electric bike. Because you do not put a lot of effort into riding the bike, it is easy to get injured if the bike is not the proper size according to your body.

But, how to correctly size your electric bike? That depends on a few factors that you have to stay concerned about. Let’s dive into the sizing guide of an electric bike that ensures proper comfort and a smooth-riding experience.

How to Correctly Size Your Electric Bike

Electric bikes are often lower than standard bikes. That makes it hard to find an ebike for tall rider. Also, that inconvenient size is the main reason for decreasing its popularity in the past. However, if you know how to find the right size, you can get the proper bike for yourself to ensure ultimate comfort without getting any injury. 

Let’s dig deep into the sizing guide to clarify everything to you. And it will help you to become an expert on choosing the right size electric bike. 

Size guide for Road Bike

Height	Inseam	Frame Size	Inches
4’10” – 5’1″	25.5” – 27”	46 – 48 cm	18-19
5’0″ – 5’3″	26.5″ – 28″	48 – 50 cm	19-19.5
5’2″ – 5’5″	27.5″ – 29″	50 – 52 cm	19-20.5
5’4″ – 5’7″	28.5″ – 30″	52 – 54 cm	19.5-21
5’6″ – 5’9″	29.5″ – 31″	54 – 56 cm	21.5-22
5’8″ – 5’11”	30.5″ – 32″	56 – 58 cm	22.5-23
5’10” – 6’1″	31.5″ – 33″	58 – 60 cm	23.5-24
6’0″ – 6’3″	32.5″ – 34″	60 – 62 cm	24.5-25
6’2″ – 6’5″	34.5″ – 36″	62 – 64 cm	24.5-25

Size guide for Mountain Bike

Height	Inseam	Frame Size	CM
4’11” – 5’3″	25” – 27”	13 – 15 inches	33-38
5’7″ – 5’11”	29″ – 31″	17 to 19 inches	43-48
5’11” – 6’2″	31″ – 33″	19 to 21 inches	48-53
6’2″ – 6’4″	33″ – 35″	21 to 23 inches	53-58
6’4″ and up	35″ and up	23 inches+	58-64

Frame Size

Although you can adjust the saddle and handlebar to match your height, that is not the most convenient way to ride a bike. The first concern of choosing a bike is always the frame size. And that matters the most in commuter bikes. If you feel immense back pain while riding a bike, that is because of the wrong frame size. And the electric bike has fewer customization options for the frame. Therefore you have to choose it carefully according to your height. 

Check the above table to get the proper size according to your height. Or you can also get an electric bike that allows you to adjust the frame size. However, that is a rare possibility. So, choosing the right height of the frame is the best option. 

Handlebar

You are thinking about the handlebar height. Yet, height is essential for riding the bike. But the handlebar size is equally important to ensure comfort. Make sure you do not have to lean too much, which can cause shoulder or lower back pain. Fortunately, most electric bikes have adjustable handlebars. So, you can adjust the height. But there is no chance to adjust the length. Therefore, pick it carefully. 

Saddle

Saddle height is the most important to choose when you intend to get proper comfort. You should reach the paddle without bending your knee. Well, your knee could be slightly bent but not too much. And a perfect saddle height will ensure proper downstrokes to ride the bike faster. And always go for the adjustable saddle height option. So, you can adjust it with your height. 

How To Measure Your Size

There are two measurements you need to do while choosing an electric bike. Your inseam height and standing height. The inseam height helps to choose the comfortable height while sitting on the saddle. And overall height is for reaching the handlebar without bending too much. 

Measure Your Height

If you do not reach the handlebar properly, it can cause back pain and shoulder pain. But, it is easy to measure your height.

• Stand against the wall while your cycling shoes are on foot. 
• Put a book or similar on the top of your head and mark that position. 
• Now measure the height from that mark to the floor. 

Measure Standover Height

It is the height between your top tube and inseam. That is also essential, even more than in your overall height. It ensures proper measurement of the overall height. 

• Stand against the wall, put something between your legs, and mimic sitting on that. 
• Now mark on the bottom of the book and put a book on the top tube and mark that too. 
• Then, measure the height of that to get the proper standover height. 

Measure Your Inseam

• Put your cycling shoes on
• Stand against the wall and put a book between your legs as if you’re sitting on it. 
• Now mark that position while your two legs are at 6 inches distance. 
• That is the proper measurement of your inseam. 

Now use these measurements to get the perfect size electric bike for yourself. 

What If You Choose The Wrong Size Electric Bike?

The disadvantages of picking the incorrectly-sized e-bike are numerous and can be summed up with discomfort. If the e-bike is too small, the rider will be cramped and uncomfortable. If the e-bike is too large, the rider will be unstable and difficult to steer. Additionally, an incorrectly-sized e-bike will be more difficult to pedal and not travel as far as a correctly-sized e-bike.

Also, you will feel back and shoulder pain along with fatigue because of the incorrect size. 

Conclusion

Now you know how to correctly size your electric bike. And never go for the wrong size that can cause pain for a long period. Since you know how to choose the correct size bike, I hope you will not make a mistake anymore. Before getting a new bike, know your inseam, standover, and standing height. And if you are getting it online, check their sizing guide properly. Also, an adjustable handlebar and saddle are essential to match the height properly.