Advice
What are the different types of electric bikes?


Words by: Auto Trader
Published on 5 April 2024 | 0 min read
What should you consider when choosing the right electric bike for you?
To choose the right electric bike for you, you should ask yourself the following:
- What you will be the main use for your e-bike? E.g., commuting, carrying items or people, adventures, etc.
- Where you want to store your electric bike?
Once you have considered where you want to store your bike and what you want to use it for, you should explore the different types of electric bikes and what they offer.
Here are a selection of the types of electric bikes available at the moment:
Here are a selection of the types of electric bikes available at the moment:
Electric Hybrid Bikes
Hybrid bikes combine the greatest features of a road bike and a mountain bike. Lots of hybrid bikes come with flat handlebars, knobbly tyres, mudguards, and racks.
This makes them a versatile e-bike, appropriate for more difficult commutes and light touring. A hybrid electric bike will be a similar size to a standard pedal bike, you will be able to store this by leaving it indoors freestanding, fixing storage to the wall, or in a secure bike shed.
This makes them a versatile e-bike, appropriate for more difficult commutes and light touring. A hybrid electric bike will be a similar size to a standard pedal bike, you will be able to store this by leaving it indoors freestanding, fixing storage to the wall, or in a secure bike shed.
Electric Folding Bikes
Electric folding bikes are electric bikes that fold, making them very simple to store away whether it be in train compartments, next to tables, or even under your desk at work. Electric folding bikes can be folded and unfolded in a matter of seconds.
All folding bikes have small wheels and folding e-bikes are no exception. As folding e-bikes are swift and maneuverable, they are ideal for city streets, short commutes, or taking on and off public transport.
All folding bikes have small wheels and folding e-bikes are no exception. As folding e-bikes are swift and maneuverable, they are ideal for city streets, short commutes, or taking on and off public transport.
Electric Mountain Bikes
What is possible in off-road adventuring has been revolutionised by electric mountain bikes. Electric bikes allow riders to overcome greater climbs and more difficult obstacles as they are assisted by a powerful engine and rechargeable battery.
Electric mountain bikes are perfect for an off-road adventure such as shredding your local trails, riding up mountains, or adventures on smoother off-road tracks. Just like hybrid e-bikes, a mountain bike will be a similar size to a standard pedal bike. You should be able to store your mountain e-bike by leaving it indoors freestanding, fixing storage to the wall, or in a secure bike shed.
Electric mountain bikes are perfect for an off-road adventure such as shredding your local trails, riding up mountains, or adventures on smoother off-road tracks. Just like hybrid e-bikes, a mountain bike will be a similar size to a standard pedal bike. You should be able to store your mountain e-bike by leaving it indoors freestanding, fixing storage to the wall, or in a secure bike shed.
Electric Cargo Bikes
An electric cargo (e-cargo) bike, is an electrically assisted bicycle (or tricycle, or quadricycle) with a large storage area built into it.
E-cargo bikes can be used to transport food, parcels and other heavy items. They’re useful for deliveries and some families even use them to transport children or pets around. E-cargo bikes tend to be larger than other bikes as they have built in storage space. You will need a larger space to store an e-cargo bike such as a large secure storage space, a storage room, or garage.
E-cargo bikes can be used to transport food, parcels and other heavy items. They’re useful for deliveries and some families even use them to transport children or pets around. E-cargo bikes tend to be larger than other bikes as they have built in storage space. You will need a larger space to store an e-cargo bike such as a large secure storage space, a storage room, or garage.
Ready to search for an electric bike?
You can browse lots of different electric bikes on Auto Trader bikes here.