E-Bikes For Heavier Riders

One aspect of e-bikes not discussed that often but which is a very common point of advice for e-bike shop staff is the question of the ‘best’ e-bike for heavier riders.

As you would expect, defining a single ‘best’ e-bike is tough, but most e-bike manufacturers give a recommended maximum rider weight rating for each particular model of e-bike. These can be a useful guide, but certainly no more than a guide. They may have been conservatively rated to ensure that e-bikes are not loaded to anywhere near their safe maximum limit, or a manufacturer may have been overenthusiastic with the rating in an effort to boost the performance credentials of their e-bikes.

In any event, it is up to the manufacturer to make clear what is the maximum suitable weight and many manufacturers go above and beyond the minimum legal limit that might be specified in national law, or that specified in international standards.

On some e-bike spec descriptions you won’t find any recommended maximum weight at all whilst others, like Rad Power Bikes, advertise weight ratings and payload capacities prominently.

The average US male weighs around 200lbs / 90kg and the average female around 170lbs / 77kg so you can figure out if you class yourself as a heavy rider based on these benchmarks!

An obvious first step in looking for an e-bike suitable for your weight is to look at the e-bike spec to see what the weight rating is.

It’s essential you are clear whether the figure includes the weight of the e-bike or just refers to the rider and any extra cargo or passengers they load onto the e-bike.

So, for example, Riese and Muller’s 2022 e-bike catalogue gives ‘Gross Vehicle Weight Capacity’ in their detailed spec reports. So you would need to subtract the e-bike weight off of this to get the max rating for rider and luggage.

You might also see a ‘total weight limit’ given by other manufacturers, and often this includes the weight of the bike.

By contrast, phrases like ‘maximum rider weight’ or ‘maximum load’ will clearly exclude the weight of the e-bike itself. If there is any doubt make sure you clarify with the dealer (preferably in writing) exactly what it refers to if the description is at all unclear.

Yes – it can be confusing, but it’s best not to get too hung up on what an e-bike’s stated weight limit is – as we say, they are only a guide and manufacturers’ weight ratings can vary from the overly cautious to the rather optimistic!

Just as important is using your own judgement on what is a suitable e-bike for your weight and whether a test ride reveals it to perform as you would want. So let’s dive into what particular features make for a good e-bike for heavier riders.

Double-wall rims are pretty standard and offer plenty of strength and load-bearing. Wider is better too as that will help spread the forces throughout the rim.

More and thicker spokes are better – 36 spokes per wheel (36H) being a good standard. Smaller wheels are stronger than larger ones, all other factors being equal, but do have a test ride as smaller wheels generally offer a livelier ride than larger ones. Wide tires are good too for load-bearing, grip and stability – above 2″ can be considered wide. Thru-axles are bigger thicker axles and another good feature to look out for (more common on e-mtbs).