Short person bikes

Steph2472

New Member
With the dearth of new Ebikes on the market, how about a review if the best bikes for those under 5’? The last one is pretty old.
 
Steph, welcome to EBR.

You probably want to focus on Step-thru models with smaller tires and even Folders.


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Thanks, so many bike sites measure differently and it can be difficult to tell if they even have a bike that would work for someone under 5’. One would think it would be easier to find a bike, especially since youth ride too.
 
Thanks, so many bike sites measure differently and it can be difficult to tell if they even have a bike that would work for someone under 5’.
One would think it would be easier to find a bike, especially since youth ride too.

Good question... EBR also has a kid's bike category.

 
Most of the "selection" for shorter people is limited to 20" folding bikes. Haibike has a 24" mountain bike...but they do not distribute it here to the USA anymore. No one makes a smaller road bike. The one bike I can think of specifically made for the smaller rider is the Evelo Galaxy 500.
 
With the dearth of new Ebikes on the market, how about a review if the best bikes for those under 5’? The last one is pretty old.
Court just did a review of the Pedego Element model that he recommends for short riders. ;)


Summary
  • A compact fat tire electric bike designed around a sturdy but approachable mid-step frame.
  • With its low stand-over height and potential for low minimum saddle height, this is one of the few ebikes that works well for petite riders and even kids! The highly adjustable top-speed settings for pedal assist and throttle add safety or extend range by reducing power consumption. Optional aluminum alloy fenders, rear rack, headlight, and bags add utility.
  • Six beautiful colors allow for personalization if friends, partners, or family members each buy an Element. The removable interchangeable battery pack is fantastic because it positions weight low and center on the frame, provides powerful 48 volt power flow, and offers USB charging! There is also a USB charging port built into the base of the LCD display panel (for maintaining smartphones and other portable electronic devices). Faster 3 Amp charger included.
  • The drawbacks of smaller 20" wheels include higher attack angle and twitchy steering, but both are addressed by the high volume 20" x 4" fat tires here. These tires provide stability and an air cushion that reduces vibration and smooths bumpy terrain. The 5PSI to 30PSI pressure range can actually accommodate sand, packed, snow, and other soft terrain if lowered to 5PSI! Powerful 500W to 864W geared hub motor offers 45Nm of torque, chain guide protects pants and reduces drops, decent 7-speed cassette for comfort at different speeds.
  • The tires do not have an extra puncture resistant lining to help reduce flats. There's no suspension fork, but the bike ships with a 30.4mm to 27.2mm shim for use with an aftermarket suspension seatpost. The mechanical disc brakes require more hand effort and are less adjustable than hydraulic. Somewhat limited 12 to 28 tooth cassette.
 
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My wife is 5' 1". She has the Biktrix Stunner LT in step-thru size small, 20" fat tyre. She has the seat as low as it will go for her comfort and confidence of mounting/stopping. For riding I think it could go up an inch or two, but then she doesn't like how she starts/stops riding. Dropper seat would be a good application here potentially.

I think you will find most 20" step through bikes (fold or not) would be ok for 4' 10" and taller. Smaller and you'd be looking at youth size bikes.
 
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