Best Electric Bikes for Heavy Riders: Top 7 Strong E-Bikes

Cycling is wonderful for a whole range of reasons. It’s a lovely way to travel, a leisurely activity for a sunny weekend, and a great way to get and keep fit, too. However, if you’re overweight, you might feel a bit daunted about starting to cycle. Riding a bike can feel like really hard work at times, and you might even be concerned about finding a bike that will hold your weight.

E-bikes are a great idea for those who are just getting back on the saddle, or who want all the fun and fitness that comes with cycling without all of the effort and sweat – and they are, like plenty of non-electric bikes, often suitable for heavy riders too!

On this page, we’ll answer some common questions about e-bike weight limits, how good they are for weight loss, and what to look for in an e-bike for an overweight person, before trying to help find the best electric bike for heavy adults.

Best Electric Bikes for Heavy Riders (Top 7)

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Do Electric Bikes Have a Weight Limit?

Yes, there is an electric bike weight limit, and it’s usually in the range of 220-300 pounds, or 100 to 130kg – which varies from bike to bike. That said, some manufacturers do have models for heavier cyclists, and the weight limit can vary depending on the type of bike, too.

Can You Lose Weight on an E-Bike?

Yes, absolutely! While e-bike pedalling is assisted by a motor, you can still burn between 100 and 600 calories an hour depending on the intensity of your ride and how much motor support you opt for. It’s good cardiovascular exercise, and great for weight loss when combined with a healthy diet.

What to Look for in a E-Bike for Overweight Person

Strong frame

Looking for a frame that’s made from strong materials like aluminium and steel is a good idea, as is finding a chunky frame with large section joints and plenty of weld between parts of the frame.

This shouldn’t be difficult, though – most e-bike frames from reputable brands will be very strong and well-made.

Sturdy wheels and wide tires

Double-wall wheel rims will be strong and load-bearing, and they’re pretty standard so you shouldn’t struggle to find them on an e-bike. You should also look for a wheel with more spokes, and smaller wheels are generally stronger than bigger ones, but they can be a bit bumpy to ride.

Wide tires are also a good idea, as they’re better for load-bearing, grip and stability. Anything over 2” in width can be considered ‘wide’.

Motor power and battery size

It makes sense that the more weight your e-bike needs to carry, the more powerful its motor should be. Of course, powering a powerful motor takes more energy, so it’s best to have a bigger battery too to ensure you keep a decent range – 500Wh is a decent benchmark battery capacity for daily commuting for heavier riders.

Best Electric Bike for 400 lb Person

1. Himiway Zebra Fat E-Bike

• £1,999
• $1,999
• €2,299

Prices are approximate

Type: Fat-Tire E-Bike

Weight Capacity: 181kg / 400lb

Max. Rider Height: 1.95m / 6’5

Gears: 7-Speed

Fat Tires

Strong Frame

Front suspension for maximum comfort

Fat bikes are some of the most durable bikes around and having electric assistance makes riding them a pleasure.

The Himiway Zebra is a stunning fat e-bike that is packed with power thanks to its built-in battery, and can even ride through deep sand, snow and mud.

This is easily the best electric bike for big guys. It just looks and feels the part.

Enjoy up to 80 miles of pedal assistance from this extremely durable and stylish electric bike.

Pros

• Can handle any terrain (seriously: deep sand, mud and snow are not a problem)
• It is sturdy and durable
• Throttle to help move off
• Pedal assist for up to 80 miles

Cons

• The bike itself is very heavy (79lb/35kg)
• Fat tires and suspension fork may require additional maintenance
• Expensive

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2. Aventon Aventure.2 E-Bike

• £1,568
• $1,899
• €1,788

Prices are approximate

Type: Fat-Tire E-Bike

Weight Capacity: 181kg / 400lb

Max. Rider Height: 1.93m / 6’4

Gears: 8-Speed

Fat tires

60 mile range

28mph top speed

The Aventure.2 e-bike comes with an intuitive torque sensor to promote a more natural riding experience, allowing you to switch between four levels of pedal assist and throttle to have a great adventure while barely breaking a sweat.

Its 4″ fat tires, quality suspension fork and powerful motor make it great for larger riders: in fact, it can support up to 400lbs in weight.

Pros

• Wide tires
• Aluminium frame
• Hydraulic disc brakes
• Decent range

Cons

• Expensive
• Only two colour choices
• Heavy at 77lbs/34kg

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3. Himiway Cobra Electric MTB

• £2,499
• $2,399
• €2,259

Prices are approximate

Type: Electric Mountain Bike

Weight Capacity: 181kg / 400lb

Max. Rider Height: 1.95m / 6’5

Gears: 7-Speed

Aluminium frame

4.8″ fat tires

Up to 80 mile range

This is a beauty of an e-MTB, and it’s perfect for tall and heavy riders too.

With a 750W motor and 86Nm of torque, it will tackle steep hills with ease and is capable of accelerating quickly from a stop.

With 80+ miles of range, the Cobra is ideal for adventures, and its fat tires make it great for all terrains.

Pros

• Blurs line between e-bike and dirt bike
• Super fat tires can tackle all kinds of terrain
• Extra long range of 80 miles
• Powerful upgraded motor with longer life expectancy
• Premium components

Cons

• Heavy at 88lb/39kg
• Very pricey
• Only suitable for riders up to 6’5

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Electric Bike for 350 lb Person

4. Rad Power RadWagon 4

• £1,999
• $2,419
• €2,282

Prices are approximate

Type: Electric Cargo Bike

Weight Capacity: 158kg / 350lb

Max. Rider Height: 1.95m / 6’5

Gears: 7-Speed

Stylish cargo bike

250W motor

Low centre of gravity

This electric cargo bike combines a 158kg (350lb) payload capacity with a 54kg (119lb) rear rack capacity and running boards that can take 13kg (28lb) per side for an excellent max weight limit.

On top of this, its small but wide tires give it a lower centre of gravity, its twist power assist gets you going from a standstill, and its mechanical disc brakes give you great stopping power even on loose or wet terrain.

Pros

• Excellent weight capacity
• Power assist
• Suitable for multiple terrains
• Eye-catching design
• Great digital display

Cons

• Small wheels may be uncomfortable
• Best for urban riding only
• Only 44 miles (72km) range

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5. Riese & Müller Superdelite Ebike

• £7,099
• $8,611
• €8,101

Prices are approximate

Type: Touring E-Bike

Weight Capacity: 150kg / 330lb

Max. Rider Height: 2.05m / 6’9

Gears: 11-Speed

Beautiful design

Powerful Bosch motor

Suitable for tall and heavy riders

If you’re still not convinced that heavy riders can ride beautiful bikes, let this one be the proof you need.

The Riese & Müller Superdelite is a gorgeous, powerful and high quality touring bike with an excellent range, built with all the best high-end components for the perfect ride.

Pros

• Quality components
• Bosch Performance Line CX motor
• DualBattery for extra long range
• Looks fantastic
• ABS

Cons

• Very expensive
• Not for riders below 5’5

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Heavy Duty Electric Bike

6. GUNAI 1000W Electric Bike

• £1,663
• $2,018
• €1,899

Prices are approximate

Type: High Power E-Bike

Weight Capacity: 200kg / 440lb

Max. Rider Height: Unknown

Gears: 7-Speed

50km/h (30mph) max speed

75km(45 mile) range

Pedal mode, pedal-assist mode and electric mode

The GUNAI e-bike bridges the gap between e-bike and dirt bike with its 1000W motor and whopping top speed of 50km/h, but this high power means it is treated like a moped/motorbike under UK law.

Despite this, it’s a great choice for heavier riders with a 200kg max load, and its long range makes it brilliant for adventurers.

Pros

• High power
• High speed
• Durable
• High weight limit
• Hydraulic suspension and shock absorber
• Long battery life

Cons

• Need a licence for road use
• Large and heavy

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