Image source: gazellebikes.com
With the cost of fuel rising and our planet on the brink of a recession, now more than ever, electric bikes are the answer. Step-through electric bikes offer great levels of comfort which have transformed the biking world and disability is no longer an inability to ride.
Step-through e-bikes make it easier to hop on and off by excluding the top bar, making for both a fashionable and practical design. What was once a tiring sweaty affair, has turned into a relaxing and stress-free task. As the name suggests, riders step through the bicycle rather than having to lift their leg over it. However, because of the build, there is less space for mounting extras such as luggage onto the bike frame.
Specialists have recommended four main points to consider before purchasing an E-bike.
- Battery Type: This dictates how many miles of fun riding one can get out of the bike and how much of a hassle it can be to charge it up.
- Power Output: The power produced by the motor determines the torque and speed.
- Load Limit: This is the maximum load the E-bike can take.
- E-Bike Type: Class 1, Class 2, or Class 3
Best Step-Through E-Bikes in 2022
- Cannondale Treadwell Neo 2 Remixte
- Marin Sausalito E1 ST
- Norco Indie VLT 1 ST
- Gazelle Ultimate C380
- Electra Vale Go! 9D EQ
- Aventon Level.2
- Juiced RipRacer
- Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus
- Ride1UP 700 Series
- Wing Bikes Freedom ST
- Cannondale Adventure Neo 4
Cannondale Treadwell Neo 2 Remixte
- Price: $1,925
- Motor: Hydrive MRC-250 250W
- Battery: 250 Watt Hours
- Range: 47 Miles (75km)
- Drivetrain: microSHIFT 7-speed
The Cannondale Treadwell Neo 2 Remixte is a lightweight ebike that gets around places swiftly. It enjoys speeds of up to 20mph (32km/h) on pedal assist and can cover over 40 miles (64km) before you need to worry about recharging the bike.
The Treadwell Neo 2 Remixte is suited for cyclists who prefer an upright handlebar with a balanced riding position. Cannondale has gone for concealed cabling and battery for a neat look and has added Urban Armor bumpers to protect the frame from dents. However, this may make battery replacements a tedious task, unlike some ebikes that are easier to deal with.
This step-through electric bike is available in S/M or M/L and caters to riders between 4’11” – 6’0” (125cm – 182cm). The Tektro flat-mount mechanical 160mm disc brakes are powerful enough to bring the bike to a halt in good time, but the lack of suspension is noticeable on rough roads.
Marin Sausalito E1 ST
- Price: $1,999
- Motor: Shimano STEPS E5000 250W
- Battery: 418 Watt Hours
- Range: 55 Miles (88km)
- Drivetrain: Shimano Deore
The Marin Sausalito E1 ST is a versatile, classic-looking ebike with modern features and comes in a subtle cream color. Marin Bikes designed the bike for gravel riding and offers an assisted top speed of 15.5mph (25km/h). Larger tires add to the overall ride comfort, but a suspension system would have improved the performance on rough terrain.
Marin constructed the Sausalito E1 ST step-through Ebike from lightweight aluminum with a rigid steel fork. The integrated wiring adds to the neatness while the semi-exposed battery makes replacement easier. To top it off, it has one of the market’s lightest and most durable motors – the Shimano E5000.
Marin’s choice of a combination of Shimano components is impressive, bringing it to the top of the competition in electric step-through bikes. The Sausalito E1 ST is offered in small, medium, and large to best suit riders from 5’2” to 6’2” (158cm – 189cm).
Norco Scene VLT
- Price: $3,599
- Motor: Shimano STEPS DU-6100 250W
- Battery: 504 Watt Hours
- Range: 62 miles in normal mode (100km)
- Drivetrain: Shimano Alivio
The Scene VLT bike is another step-through electric bike from Norco, a bicycle manufacturer that started in a chicken coop in 1964. Norco has come a long way and today designs state-of-the-art E-bikes like this one with a top-assisted speed of 20mph (32km/h).
Norco fit the Scene VLT model with a rigid fork, very comfortable saddle, and wide tires that will soak up any bumps on the road. Combined with a lightweight aluminum frame, this makes it one of the best step-thru e-bikes for urban and countryside adventures.
A seat-tube-mounted battery on the Scene VLT is easily removable for replacement and can also be charged while still on the bike. Paired with 2.2” Kwick Seven5 Kenda tires for a smooth ride and powerful Tektro M275 hydraulic brakes, what more could you want from an E-bike?
Gazelle Ultimate C380
- Price: $4,250
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line 65 Nm
- Battery: Bosch 500 Watt Hours
- Range: 70 miles on Eco Mode (112km)
- Drivetrain: Enviolo Trekking Manual stepless gear system
The Gazelle Ultimate C380 offers a modern twist to Step Through E-Bikes with a mixture of Shimano and Bosch components. The sporty-looking bike is built for daily commuting and is quite eye-catching with its fully-concealed battery.
Gazelle Bikes further improved this impressive design and build quality with the inclusion of an Enviolo Trekking Manual stepless gear system.
Without a doubt, the combination of the belt-driven drivetrain and an electric motor makes it one of the best steps through E-bikes on the market. Depending on the mode selected, you can enjoy between 25 and 70 miles (40-112km) of assisted riding.
- Related review: Best Belt-Drive E-Bikes
The Ultimate C380 is available in either small or medium sizes in a shade of light green or blue. Being a Class-1 step-through electric bike, the max speed assistance goes up to 20mph (32km/h), with rapid stopping power thanks to 4-piston Shimano disc brakes.
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Electra Vale Go! 9D EQ
- Price: $3,750
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line Sport 250 watts
- Battery: Bosch Powertube 500 Watt Hours
- Range: 70+ Miles on Eco Mode (112 km)
- Drivetrain: Shimano Alivio
The Electra Vale Go! 9D EQ Step through class-3 E-Bike is a trendy commuter bike available in one size to suit a variety of riders. Step-through bikes offer you the ease of hopping on and off and the design on this Vale Go! has even more space compared to its competition. With the smooth finish of a fully integrated battery, you get an elegant look suited to the executive rider.
Class 3 e-Bike regulations allow Electra to provide a top-assisted speed of up to 28mph (45km/h) on the Vale Go. Thanks to the Bosch Kiox display, you can connect the bike to your phone via Bluetooth for on-the-go cycling information – something you’ll find very useful.
Go! for a weekend adventure on the Electra with ease, because of the patented Flat Foot Technology that offers unparalleled comfort and control. The alloy suspension post-27.2×400 mm with a 40mm travel is a handy addition to the Vale Go! 9D EQ.
Aventon Level.2
- Price: $1,949
- Motor: 750W Peak Performance
- Battery: Removable Internal Lithium-ion 48V, 14Ah (672Wh)
- Range: 60 Miles (97km)
- Drivetrain: 8-speed
The Aventon Level.2 is a reasonably priced step-through commuter e-Bike loaded with a 5-level assist system for a relaxing ride. Although the top speed is capped at 20mph (32km/h), you have the option to derestrict it up to 28mph(45km/h) – depending on regulations.
Aventon has rated it to be IPX4 water-resistant standard, intended for gentle rain and wet roads, however, it’s recommended not to expose it to damp conditions.
The Aventon Level.2 Step-Through commuter e-bike is designed with the average rider in mind for ease of use and is built to cater to a range of needs, from work commutes to light gravel riding, Aventon has thought of it all. The Coil Spring Suspension, Thru-axle, and 65mm travel with lockout add superior levels of comfort along bumpy trails.
This Aventon step-through electric bike has a smart app that synchronizes to the Level.2, which is useful for tracking performance and also features rewards to motivate riders.
Juiced RipRacer
- Price: $999
- Motor: 750 Watts
- Battery: RipRacer 52V 10Ah or 15Ah
- Range: 55+ Miles (88km)
- Drivetrain: RipRacer Motorhub
The Juiced RipRacer starting at $999.00 is one of the most affordable and attractive step-through E-Bikes available on the market. RipRacer’s fat electric bike tires make it not only look trendy but allow riders to rip through hard trails with no problems while adding to the ride’s comfort.
- Full Brand Review: Juiced Electric Bikes Review
The RipRacer’s available in either class 2 or 3, giving cyclists a range of between 35 and 55 miles and speeds of up to 28mph (45km/h). Juiced has designed this to be their most size-inclusive bike yet, fitting riders 5’ – 6’3” comfortably. Also, components such as hydraulic brakes, Cadence Pedal Assist Technology, and integrated brake lights, add to the many reasons this RipRacer is outstanding.
However, only the Class-3 model comes with an advanced LCD display, while the others have a button to select between the 5 levels of assisted riding.
Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus
- Price: $1,999
- Motor: 750W Brushless Geared Hub Motor
- Battery: 589-672 Wh
- Range: 25 – 45 Miles (40-72km)
- Drivetrain: RadPower 7-speed
The RadRover 6 Plus is a fat-tire step-through electric bike from the versatile bike manufacturer, Rad Power Bikes. They certainly produce some ‘rad’ bikes that appeal to a variety of bikers of varying heights. The RadRover 6 Plus is a comfortable beastly bike with a 30” inseam and can carry up to 125 kg of weight.
You can customize it with an All-Terrain Adventure kit to mount your belongings on long hauls and amplify the experience. The intelligent 5-level pedal assist with a 12-magnet cadence sensor allows cyclists to enjoy a range of different ride types depending on their mood, whether it’s a leisurely cruise or a quick ride.
Rad Power Bikes has opted to equip this step-through electric bike with a semi-integrated battery which may not give the best look but is a very practical design as it pops in and out and has a 10 LED display monitor.
Ride1UP 700 Series
- Price: $1,395
- Motor: 750W Geared Hub Bafang
- Battery: 48V 15Ah
- Range: 30 – 50 Miles (48-80km)
- Drivetrain: Shimano Acera 8-speed
The Ride1UP 700 Series Step-Through bike is an excellent reason to give the car a rest and enjoy some fresh air cycling around town. Ideal for riders with a height range between 5’-6’2”, it’s one of the best electric step-through bikes for city commuting or weekend excursions.
Equipped with a Bafang Brushless motor and disc brake mount, Ride1UP’s 700 Series is a powerful Class 3 Electric bike with a step-thru frame and top pedal assist speed of 28mph (45km/h) and 20mph (32km/h) on the throttle. It’s an outstanding bike to take on a light tour or long haul thanks to the 50kg carrying capacity on the rear, perfect for two large pannier bags.
The 700 Series comes with a 100mm travel suspension and all-weather tires, giving it the edge needed to grind some treacherous trails. To finish off this list of quality components, Ride1UP has opted for a concealed Retention Rhino Samsung 15Ah cell battery, known to perform very well in most conditions.
Wing Bikes Freedom ST
- Price: $1,300 to $1,500
- Motor: 36V 550W Bafang with 45Nm of Torque
- Battery: Panasonic Cells Available in 8.8Ah, 10.4Ah, and 14Ah
- Range: 35 – 60 Miles (56-96km)
- Drivetrain: Shimano Tourney 7-speed
The Wing Bikes Freedom ST is a new and improved lightweight step-through electric bike with a very simple but extraordinary design. The round tubing that’s unique to the Freedom ST is peculiar and makes it stand out from the other step-through e-bikes.
Wing Bikes has included a state-of-the-art remote-operated anti-theft system with tamper detection and optional location tracking for added security.
Wing Bikes has gone the extra mile by fitting the Freedom ST with a smart built-in sensor that tracks your behavior and tweaks the ride assist to suit your riding. Also, the feature that is exclusive to the Freedom ST is a removable battery with an inbuilt horn to warn others on the road.
The Freedom ST is available with three batteries to choose from, 8.8Ah, 10.4Ah, and 14Ah for riders to enjoy between 35 to 60 miles (56-96km) of uninterrupted cycling.
Cannondale Adventure Neo 4
- Price: $2,875
- Motor: 250W Bosch Active Line
- Battery: 400Wh
- Range: 64 Miles
- Drivetrain: 9-speed Shimano Altus
The Cannondale Adventure Neo 4 step-thru e-bike is a simple but practical electric bike loaded with quality components to offer a comfortable and long-lasting ride to users.
An upright seating position with wide 2.2″ tires and soft touchpoints makes up for the lack of suspension and adds up to the overall comfort of the ride.
The Adventure Neo 4 step-through electric bike has a Shimano groupset that includes hydraulic disc brakes and a 9-speed Altus drivetrain. The 250W Bosch motor provides assistance up to 20mph and, with a 400Wh battery, gets up to 64 miles of range.
