Choosing a perfect electric cycle from a large range of different frame styles or specifications is a really tough task now because every manufacturer has so many options to offer. That's why we have brought a detailed difference between step through vs step over electric bikes for you, which will help you understand the highs and lows of both types before spending your hard-earned money on one of these kinds of rides.
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What is a Step-Through Ebike?
A step-through electric bike is a little different in frame shape from normal cycles because in these rides, the top tube is absent to accommodate easy mounting on and off the vehicle for the rider.
Among the different bike frame styles, it's a perfect one for the people who wear skirts because their clothes are not going to get stuck in the frame due to the absence of the top tube. A step-through e-bike is best for carrying cargo and riding even on mountain hills due to its upright riding position.
The best thing about this frame style is that you don't need to lift your legs to mount on and off the vehicle.
Pros of Step-Through Ebikes
Here are some common benefits of buying a step-through ebike for your daily and even adventurous riding requirements. You can scroll through the list and find out why it is better in step through vs step over race.
1. Easy to Mount: There's no need to hoist your leg over the back wheel to mount on the saddle, and its low-step frame allows easy jumping on and off the vehicle to everyone.
2. Friendly to Clothes: Whether you wear a skirt or a maxi, this low-step frame is going to be nicer to your clothes because you don't have to lift your legs to sit on the saddle and get the dress stuck among the frame bars.
3. Unisex Friendly: The best thing about these step through hybrid bikes is their friendliness towards every gender. No matter whether you want to save your dress from getting ripped, or need comfort over everything, even while carrying cargo. These rides can accommodate your every requirement without compromising your comfort.
4. Best for City Commuting: If your most of the day is spent while riding across the city, then these bikes are best for you due to easy mounting on and off repeatedly and a comfortable riding posture.
Cons of Step-Through Ebikes
There are some cons of riding a step through electric bike, as mentioned below. You can consider them as well before making the final purchase decision.
1. Less Stable: Due to the missing top tube, these vehicles are less stable, specifically while climbing steep slopes and manoeuvring across the narrow paths.
2. Not Suitable for Rough Terrains: As mentioned above, the missing top tube makes it unfriendly to ride on rough terrains like off-roading tracks and so on, which means this frame style is best for only city commuting.
What is a Step Over Ebike?
A step-over bike is also referred to as a diamond and triangle-shaped ride that comes with an extra top tube running from the head tube at the front wheel to the back wheel of the ride. This extra tube provides more stability while climbing steep slopes or passing over off-roading tracks, gravel roads and so on.
The only drawback of this frame style is that you need to hoist one leg up and over the back of the ride to mount on the vehicle. That's why its name is step-over because you are literally stepping over the frame to sit on the vehicle.
This is not friendly for most female riders, and its design is against the ideal characteristics of ladies' electric bikes.
Pros of Step-Over Ebikes
In the race of step through vs step over, the pros and cons of each frame type work as the deciding factors for the buyers. That's why we have listed some advantages of buying a high-step or step-over electric bike for you to decide.
1. Robust Frame Design: The addition of the top tube makes the frame design more robust by making it look complete as a diamond or a triangle. This frame design is more sturdy and durable than step through ebikes.
2. More Stable: These rides are more stable and provide complete stability while riding on slippery off-roading tracks and even on steep slopes of up to 50 degrees, thanks to the additional top tube.
3. Lightweight: Step-over bikes with carbon fiber bike frames and other light or tensile metals are lighter in weight but heavier in performance on every kind of terrain, whether in the city or in the jungle.
4. Best for Rough Terrains: These vehicles can make you ride on any kind of terrain without ever once getting slipped or losing stability due to the additional frame bar added in the construction.
Cons of Step-Over Ebikes
Like every other electric bike, it has some drawbacks as well, along with several benefits as mentioned above. You can consider the following disadvantages as well before buying a step-over electric bike, so as to not compromise on your comfort while riding anywhere.
1. Difficult to Mount: Swinging your leg up and over the frame to mount the ride may not be suitable for older people or females, especially when you are wearing constricting clothes. That's why it can be a bad choice for you as well.
2. Not Suitable for City Rides: This high-step frame design is not suitable for riding across the city due to an uncomfortable riding posture, which means it's a big no for city rides due to its downright posture.
Step Through vs. Step Over - Which One is Better for You?
While navigating the differences between step through vs step over, you may find it difficult to choose one for you. But don't worry, we have cleared the air for you. If you are looking for a ride to commute in the city, then consider buying a step-through electric bike. On the other hand, if you want to climb steep slopes or commute over rough tracks, then consider buying a step-over electric bike for a stable commuting experience.
ENGWE's Best Step-Over and Step-Through Electric Bikes to Buy
To help you buy a step-through or a step-over electric bike, we have shortlisted some of the best-selling models for you. Make sure to scroll through the table and bring home a perfect ride matching your requirements without breaking the bank.
| Model | ENGWE MapFour N1 Air | ENGWE Engine Pro 2.0 | ENGWE L20 3.0 Boost | ENGWE E26 | ENGWE L20 Boost | ENGWE M20 |
| Frame Type | Step-thru & Step-over | Step-over | Step-thru | Step-thru & Step-over | Step-thru | Step-over |
| Torque | 40 N.m | 75 N.m | 75 N.m | 70 N.m | 75 N.m | 55 N.m |
| Range | Up to 100 km | Up to 110 km | Up to 135 km | Up to 140 km | Up to 126 km | Up to 150 km |
| Torque Sensor |
√ |
√ |
√ |
× | √ | × |
| Tires | 700*38C spoke tires | 20x4.0" all terrain fat tires | 20" x 3.0" urban hybrid tires | 26 x 4.0 fat tyres | 20 x 4.0 fat tires | 20 x 4.0 fat tires |
Conclusion
The major difference between step through vs step over electric bikes is present in their compatibility with different riding requirements. For example, if you want to enjoy smooth city rides then go for step-through e-bikes that are easy to get on and off rides. And if you want to enjoy extreme stability on rough terrains and conquer mountain hills, then go for a stable step-over electric bike.
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