The average ebike will weigh in the region of 25kg if you want a full power motor and a good size battery. By compromising on the power of the assistance, the battery size or the price, you can save a significant amount of weight on your ebike. You can even find lightweight Specialized electric mountain bicycle, the Turbo Levo SL. Here, we take a look at five models of the best lightweight ebikes on the market just now.
Specialized Turbo Vado SL 4.0
If you are looking for a very light ebike then it is hard to look past the Specialized Turbo Vado SL 4.0. Weighing in the region of 15.5kg (will vary depending on size), this is one of the lightest ebikes you will find on the market. A bike that is very comfortable being ridden without any assistance at all but has the battery and motor for when you get to the hills or have a howling headwind. Also available in the ‘EQ’ version which comes with rack, mudguards and a kickstand.
Motor Power – 35 N/m
Battery size – 320 W/h
Weight - Low
Optional extra – Battery range extender that adds 160w/h of power to extend the range of the bike by 50%
Specialized Turbo Vado SL 5.0
This is similar to the SL 4.0 above but with some key differences. The first is the addition of Specialized’s ‘Future Shock’ which gives 20mm of vibration damping on the handlebars for added comfort on poor road surfaces or gravel. Going for max comfort and lowest weight, a carbon fork is provided with the SL 5.0 too. Apart from this, you also get better wheels, better gears and a step up in the hydraulic brakes. Also available in the ‘EQ’ version which comes with rack, mudguards and a kickstand.
Motor Power – 35 N/m
Battery size – 320 W/h
Weight - Low
Optional extra – Battery range extender that adds 160w/h of power to extend the range of the bike by 50%
Whyte Clifton and Highgate
For those who want the best of all worlds – light, full power battery and motor and relatively inexpensive, then the Whyte Highgate or Clifton would be a great choice. A 60n/m motor giving ample assistance and a 418 w/h battery for around 45 miles of range, all weighing in at approximately 20kg. Available in the compact (Highgate) and the non-compact (Clifton) version.
Please note: the Clifton and Highgate Whyte e bike have been replaced by the Whyte Rheo 2 & 3
Motor Power – 60 N/m
Battery size – 418 W/h
Weight - Mid
Riese & Muller UBN
The Riese & Muller UBN is available in a number of different models but overall this offers you a full power battery and motor and is in the region of 19kg. You will pay a bit more for this bike but it truly is the bike that ticks all the boxes – 60n/m motor for plenty of oompf up the hills and a 430 w/h battery for 45-50 miles of range. It is also an exceptionally quiet motor system. Another factor that sets this bike apart is that a lot of the super light bikes do not have a removable battery – this one does!
‘Touring’ version – comes with external derailleur gears and is the lightest version of this bike.
‘Silent’ version – comes with internal hub gears for ease of maintenance but this does add approximately 1.5 kg to the weight of the bike.
Motor Power – 60 N/m
Battery size – 430 W/h
Weight – Mid
The Riese & Muller UBN are so new, they aren't on our website yet. Pop into store or call us to discuss these.
Brompton Electric folding bike
A lightweight ebike with the additional benefit of being foldable. Weighing in at approximately 17.5 kg (but you can go lighter if you select different models), this is the perfect bike to combine light and portable. This bike provides 40 n/m of torque and a 300 w/h battery.
Motor Power - 40 n/m
Battery size - 300 w/h
Weight - Low/Mid
As always, if you have any questions on any of the bikes you see here, please do not hesitate to come in to store or call our online team.