You're an urban cyclist looking for a lightweight e-bike and find the hubless electric bicycle appealing. Who doesn't? It offers a head-turning, futuristic construction unlike any bike ever built. It sure is light, but not for your wallet.
The price starts at two to three thousand dollars, which might not be a practical purchase for many urban commuters. So if you want something easy to take on public transportation or store in your small apartment, some alternatives will work.
Would you be interested in considering another e-bike? We gathered five of the most lightweight e-bikes to meet your financial and cycling needs!
Easy Rides and Light Pockets: 5 Lightweight E-bike Alternatives to the Dreamy Hubless E-bicycle
There are many reasons you would prefer lightweight bikes for urban cycling. They're easier to carry, reduce pedaling effort, are space-saving, and are affordable. Such bikes are certainly not perfect, but they're more beneficial for casual, everyday use.
So don't waste your time dreaming about the expensive Reevo hubless e-bike when it's out of your budget. Instead, check out these lightweight alternatives for easy rides and light pockets!
1: Swagtron EB12 City E-bike With a Detachable Battery
Here's a simple and sleek urban e-bike to start with. The Swagtron EB12 E-bike is designed to make you feel comfortable while cruising busy city roads. Let's see how light it can make your daily rides.
Light and Easy Features
What makes this e-bike lightweight and convenient for urban cycling?
- It weighs 39.24 lbs.
- It has a high-grade, 6061-series aluminum diamond frame. This makes a lightweight bike that rapidly accelerates and keeps a consistent speed.
- It’s constructed with a neat, comfortable design: a 53cm frame and a flat bar for a relaxed, upright riding position.
- It costs less than $1,000 (Currently at $799).
- It’s composed of 25mm tires on 700c wheels for smooth cruising.
- It has a removable Li-ion battery for convenient options and can last up to 28 miles per single charge with no pedaling.
- It has a battery mount you can use as a cargo rack.
- It includes an LCD backlit display for easy viewing under direct exposure to sunlight.
Heavy Drawbacks
Meanwhile, here are some areas of improvement.
- There are efficiency issues with the throttle.
- The instructions provided are not that helpful.
2: Xprit 14-Inch Folding Electric Bicycle
One Amazon customer once said, "small bike, big fun," and it's something we can agree on. The Xprit Folding E-bike is an affordable, compact, and classy bicycle that offers great potential and convenience in low-light conditions!
Light and Easy Features
What makes this e-bike lightweight and convenient for urban cycling?
- It features a maximum load of 264 lbs.
- Super bright high-beam LED head, tail, and brake lights ensure your safety on low-light roads.
- It incorporates an aluminum alloy bike frame and foldable construction for a light and easy carry.
- It’s an easy assembly.
- The locking battery is removable for convenience and security.
- The handlebars and saddle height are adjustable to help you find the most comfortable position.
- It has a rear cargo rack with a spring-loaded clamping bar that helps carry bulky items.
Heavy Drawbacks
Meanwhile, here are some areas of improvement.
- Some packages don't have instructions, a disadvantage to those with little bike assembly knowledge.
- There are durability issues with most bike components.
3: Heybike Race Plus 26-Inch Electric Bike
Here's a simple-looking bike that exceeds the expectations of many urban riders and even bike experts! The Heybike Race Plus might be an excellent deal for you.
Light and Easy Features
What makes this e-bike lightweight and convenient for urban cycling?
- It weighs 48.5 lbs.
- Its high-step bike frame makes it sturdy and lightweight from an engineering perspective.
- It’s perfect for riders who like it light and fast. The 350W brushless motor helps with speed acceleration.
- This bike's battery is detachable.
- It has a 3-level PAS system with Shimano 7-speed gearing for stable uphill climbs and pedal authority.
- It incorporates a front suspension for a comfortable riding position and smooth ride.
- It has a built-in horn and bright bike lights (head and rear tail) for visibility.
Heavy Drawbacks
Meanwhile, here are some areas of improvement.
- There are construction and durability issues with some components such as brakes, tires, and the saddle seat.
- Their customer service is poor.
4: VIVI S5 26-Inch Mountain E-Bike
Here's another chic bike design in black with small hints of yellow. Suppose you haven't cycled in a while and are now looking for a comeback. Then, the VIVI S5 26" MTB would make a good starter e-bike!
Light and Easy Features
What makes this e-bike lightweight and convenient for urban cycling?
- It weighs 52 lbs.
- It's made of an aluminum alloy frame and an ergonomic handlebar structure.
- It’s equipped with a front suspension fork (high-strength) to ensure seamless rides.
- The adjustable seat height helps you find a good riding posture.
- The controls have waterproof lines, so you have excellent control of your bike in any weather condition.
- This bike includes fenders for protection under wet conditions.
Heavy Drawbacks
Meanwhile, here are some areas of improvement.
- It's not a folding bike, so storage may get a little tricky in limited spaces.
- All components work well but lack durability.
5: Ride1UP Roadster V2 Electric Bike
For the last item on this list, let's make a big jump in the price. The Ride1UP Roadster V2 E-Bike might not seem light for your pockets, but it is still affordable compared to the hubless electric bike's wheel and other accessories.
Light and Easy Features
What makes this e-bike lightweight and convenient for urban cycling?
- It weighs 33 lbs.
- It's constructed with a 6061 aluminum alloy bike frame.
- It’s designed with neutral colors for a minimalistic look.
- The bike structure allows for an upright riding posture and excellent maneuverability.
- The quiet motor and integrated battery are too subtle to notice; the Roadster V2 looks just like a regular bike!
Heavy Drawbacks
Meanwhile, here are some areas of improvement.
- This e-bike is missing some accessories for convenience and customization: throttle, kickstand, removable battery, and bike lights.
- This e-bike uses v-brakes instead of disc brakes (which is a better option).
- This isn't an ideal bike for shorter cyclists (below 5'5") and those who pedal on steeper roads.
You Don't Need Heavy Pockets for a Light Urban Ride
The hubless electric cycle is the ultimate dream of many modern cyclists. It offers game-changing features for better, lighter, and cooler urban rides. However, there's not one bike that everyone likes.
It's understandable if some can't afford it or feel skeptical of the bike's reliability. If you're looking for a lightweight e-bike to help you with your commutes around town, any of the five bikes on this list can suffice.
Want to know our best bet? It's none other than the VIVI S5! It's the second most affordable bike on our review, and you get more than what you pay for! It's a mountain bike slash cruiser e-bike with sturdy and lightweight features that hold up well. The drawbacks are few and minor, so you can easily address them.
Thanks for checking this roundup! Feel free to read more bike reviews on our website by navigating the blog categories.
August 1, 2022