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Though similar to (and sometimes overlapping) the commuter e-bike style, city or urban e-bikes often prioritize portability, practicality, and quick handling. With lightweight, simple construction, they’re typically quick to get up to speed and are easily carried up a flight of stairs to a second or third-story apartment.
Most city bikes feature slim but full-size frames with flat handlebars and performance-oriented saddles. Some urban bikes, however, feature folding frames to make them easier to fit on public transit.
To maximize weight reduction, city e-bikes are usually relatively stripped-down and utilitarian. This has the benefit of increasing their agility and acceleration, but it can also mean sacrificing ride quality due to an absence or reduction in comfort, features, and accessories—at least when compared to more thoroughly outfitted commuters.
On the plus side, this means urban e-bikes tend to be “stealthy” or not easily identifiable as e-bikes. In social groups averse to e-bikes, this could help riders maintain their coveted street cred, but in areas where crime is a factor, it could also reduce the likelihood of theft. E-bikes, after all, tend to be more valuable than their analog counterparts.
City e-bikes typically have small motors providing a relatively light amount of pedal assist. As such, they encourage active pedaling and make great exercise bikes. Some urban bikes do have throttles, though they are best used to take brief breaks from pedaling instead of being relied upon for extended periods of travel.
If you’re looking for a speedy and spirited method of getting to class or delivering packages, à la the bike courier film Premium Rush, a city e-bike might just fit the bill. You can see our full selection of reviews for this category below, or head over to our list of the best city and urban e-bikes to see our favorites.
