E-Bike for Shorter Folks? (4"11)

[RoyalFlush]

Hi guys,

Though I already have the Juiced E-bike, it doesn't work very well for shorter folks (4"11) because even at the lowest seat adjustment, they can only tip-toe on the ground (which makes them feel unsafe).
Any recommendations for a similar spec e-bike (52V, 750W) low enough for shorter grown folks? (low = they can sit on the seat, with 2 feet touching the ground)
Thanks!

 

[lerxst]

Don't have a specific brand recommendation for you, but if you can tip toe on the ground at the lowest seat adjustment, perhaps putting on slightly smaller wheels would give you that last crucial inch or two?

 

[rich c]

Look at folding bikes.

 

[ebikemom]

My daughter is 4'10" and has a 24" Interceptor that is a great fit for her. She keeps the seat adjusted normally to get good leg extension, so she doesn't have both feet flat on the ground, but can put a foot flat if tilting the bike.

A noseless bike seat can be helpful if you want feet on the ground more easily. I love my noseless seat, and it has helped me to be comfortable with the seat adjusted higher than I used to keep it.

 

[Ravi Kempaiah]

it doesn't work very well for shorter folks (4"11)

Juiced has 29" or 700c wheels.
Purchase two new 26" wheel sets and re-lace them. RYDE and Velocity rims are very good.
It will bring the height down by 3-4 inches depending on the tire and would make your bike more approachable, enjoyable and safe.
You spend may be $400 incl of hardware + labor but it is much better than investing $2K on a new bike.

 

[Alex M]

Putting both feet on the ground, while sitting, will be difficult at this height. Step-through, coupled with noseless seat, will help jumping off but it won't help to put both feet on the ground while sitting - though it could help feeling "safer", if this is important.

Folding bikes, despite their smaller wheels, have minimum seat height at about same level as in 26" bikes. The top end of the seat tube will be at least 24" from the ground, make it 28"-29" inseam - to put both feet on the ground while sitting. Folders will have trade-offs that you might not like.

Your requirement to have 750W motor narrows down the options as many folders have 350-500W motor.

26" bikes are 3" lower than Juiced 700C, so you could save 3" - if seatpost is the same length. Now, Juiced come in different sizes, and if yours is 15.5" or shorter, it's not worth buying a whole 26" bike - replace the wheels instead. If you are using seatpost suspension, try replacing it with a rigid post, this will save another 2.5". Before replacing the wheels, make sure your lower pedal on Juiced with 700C wheels is at least 6" from the ground, or you'll have to get shorter crank arms too.

 

[Alex M]

You're talking about diameter, which is 3 inches of difference. But the axle point is half way through, which is radius.

You are right. 26" wheel on 29" bike will lower the the seat height by 1.5".