Which frame size is right for your electric bike?

Are you considering buying an electric bike and wondering which frame size is right for you? It's an important question. Frame size (also known as frame height) directly affects your seating position, which in turn influences safety, comfort and riding efficiency. Here's how to calculate the perfect frame size for your electric bike in three simple steps, or get an indication from a table.

The frame size of an electric bike is usually indicated in inches or centimetres and corresponds to the distance between the center of the crankset and the top of the seat tube (see image). The larger the frame size, the higher you are on the bike. The height of your electric bike's frame therefore influences the range of your leg movements when riding, which is essential for comfort and safety.

 The right frame size influences many aspects of your driving experience:

• Security In the event of a dangerous situation, it's important that the electric bike's frame size matches your height, so that you can easily put your feet down.

• Comfort: If you're in pain, your comfort and motivation will be low. Make sure your position is correct. If the height isn't right, you'll have to stretch or bend over too much, which will put strain on your back and legs. Your body will thank you with long, unhurried outings. 
• Performance: The right frame size is essential for efficient pedaling. That way, you make the best use of your muscle power. A poor seating position wastes energy and makes you move slowly, tiring you more quickly and reducing the length of your rides.

Choosing the right frame height is therefore essential. Ultimately, you want your investment in an electric bike to make your daily life easier.

Tip: For more important questions about buying an electric bike, you can consult our guide :

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All our tips for buying a used electric bike

The ideal frame size for an electric bike is related to your body size, more precisely your inseam length. Follow these three simple steps to calculate the right frame size for your electric bike.

 Stand up straight, preferably shoeless, with your back against a wall. Place a large book firmly between your legs, as close as possible to your crotch, as if you were sitting on a bicycle seat.

Next, measure (preferably with the help of another person) the distance from the floor to the top of the book. This is your inseam length.

To calculate the right electric bike frame size, you need to take into account the type of bike. You do this by multiplying your inseam length by a factor, depending on the bike model:

• Urban and trekking electric bikes Inseam length in cm x 0.65 = frame size in cm
• Electric racing bikes inseam length in cm x 0.665 = frame size in cm
• Electric mountain bikesMTB) inseam length in cm x 0.574 = frame size in cm

The various factors are based on frame geometry and the rider's optimal position for each type of bike.

Electric bike frame sizes are often indicated in inches, so it's useful to convert centimetres to inches: 1 inch = 2.54 cm.

 The recommended frame size for your electric bike is therefore 49 cm.

 If you don't have a tape measure to determine your crotch length, you can also deduce the frame size from your body length. However, bear in mind that two people of the same height don't necessarily have the same crotch length. This method is therefore less accurate than the above calculation. You can deduce the correct frame size from the table below.

Tip: On the Upway store, you can also filter electric bikes by size.

The above calculation methods can give you a good indication of the frame size to choose. However, don't rely on numbers alone. Every body is different, and the ideal position on the bike depends on your personal proportions. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable on your electric bike. If you find that you're uncomfortable, try adjusting the settings. Consider adjusting the height of the saddle, the height of the handlebars or the distance between the handlebars and the saddle.

Manufacturers often indicate the frame size of electric bikes with letters (S, M, L, XL), covering a specific size range. It may be that the calculated size lies between two sizes. In this case, you can choose according to your preferences and riding style. Smaller frames are more compact and make your bike easier to handle. If you're a sporty rider, opt for the smaller size. If you're a long-distance rider looking for more comfort, choose the larger size.

The size (S, M, L, XL) is usually indicated directly on the frame. To obtain the exact value, measure the distance between the center of the bottom bracket and the top of the seat tube, as shown in the image at the top of the page.