Cycling is wonderful for a whole range of reasons. It’s a lovely way to travel, a leisurely activity for a sunny weekend, and a great way to get and keep fit, too. However, if you’re overweight, you might feel a bit daunted about starting to cycle. Riding a bike can feel like really hard work at times, and you might even be concerned about finding a bike that will hold your weight.
E-bikes are a great idea for those who are just getting back on the saddle, or who want all the fun and fitness that comes with cycling without all of the effort and sweat – and they are, like plenty of non-electric bikes, often suitable for heavy riders too!
On this page, we’ll answer some common questions about e-bike weight limits, how good they are for weight loss, and what to look for in an e-bike for an overweight person, before trying to help find the best electric bike for heavy adults.
Yes, there is an electric bike weight limit, and it’s usually in the range of 220-300 pounds, or 100 to 130kg – which varies from bike to bike. That said, some manufacturers do have models for heavier cyclists, and the weight limit can vary depending on the type of bike, too.
Yes, absolutely! While e-bike pedalling is assisted by a motor, you can still burn between 100 and 600 calories an hour depending on the intensity of your ride and how much motor support you opt for. It’s good cardiovascular exercise, and great for weight loss when combined with a healthy diet.
Looking for a frame that’s made from strong materials like aluminium and steel is a good idea, as is finding a chunky frame with large section joints and plenty of weld between parts of the frame.
This shouldn’t be difficult, though – most e-bike frames from reputable brands will be very strong and well-made.
Double-wall wheel rims will be strong and load-bearing, and they’re pretty standard so you shouldn’t struggle to find them on an e-bike. You should also look for a wheel with more spokes, and smaller wheels are generally stronger than bigger ones, but they can be a bit bumpy to ride.
Wide tires are also a good idea, as they’re better for load-bearing, grip and stability. Anything over 2” in width can be considered ‘wide’.
It makes sense that the more weight your e-bike needs to carry, the more powerful its motor should be. Of course, powering a powerful motor takes more energy, so it’s best to have a bigger battery too to ensure you keep a decent range – 500Wh is a decent benchmark battery capacity for daily commuting for heavier riders.
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