Apr 1, 2025
Classification of Electric Bicycles by Structural Design


The EcoE 5000W electric bike
Powerful Motor: EcoE is equipped with a 60V 5000W high-speed brushless motor. Due to different loads and road conditions, the electric bike drive system provides adjustable assistance, allowing you to stay healthy, relax, and exercise.
Accessories: This electric bike accessory set includes a rearview mirror, water bottle holder and bottle, a sturdy phone mount, and a waterproof phone pouch. The reinforced cargo rack allows you to easily carry extra items needed for your ride. Additionally, if you need more accessories, you can purchase a detachable storage rack, passenger safety seat, trailer, and more.
60V 32AH Battery: The bike is equipped with a high-capacity, removable 32AH battery, providing longer range per charge and over 1000 charge cycles. With pedal assist, the fat tire e-bike can travel 35-80 miles, depending on riding mode, load, and terrain. You can also purchase a spare battery for extended trips.
Comfort and Versatility: This fat tire electric bike comes with dual front suspension and rear shocks to reduce impact and strain during rides. Its 26-inch wheels, 4-inch tires, and SHIM 7-speed system offer excellent grip across diverse terrains. Front and rear disc brakes ensure safe, responsive stopping, whether on mountain trails or city streets.
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Structural Type | Subtypes | Description | Advantages | Disadvantages | Ideal Use Cases | Cost Range |
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Standard Frame | Traditional Diamond Frame | Resembles a conventional bicycle with a rigid diamond-shaped frame. | Balanced weight distribution, easy maintenance, compatible with accessories. | Limited cargo capacity, less stable at high speeds. | Daily commuting, casual rides, entry-level users. | $300–$1,500 |
Step-Through Frame | Low-top tube design for easy mounting/dismounting, often with rear storage. | Enhanced accessibility, ideal for riders in skirts or heavy clothing. | Weaker frame rigidity, limited off-road capability. | Urban commuting, senior riders, short-distance errands. | $400–$2,000 | |
Folding Frame | Compact Foldable | Frame collapses for storage in small spaces (e.g., under desks or in car trunks). | Ultra-portable, fits in public transport, lightweight (15–25 kg). | Shorter battery life (30–60 km), reduced structural strength. | City commuting, shared mobility, travel companions. | $500–$2,500 |
Cargo Frame | Longtail Design | Extended rear frame for carrying heavy loads (200–300 kg) with racks or trailers. | High payload capacity, stable at low speeds, modular storage options. | Bulky, slow acceleration, limited maneuverability. | Logistics delivery, family transport, commercial use. | $1,500–$5,000 |
Low-Slung Cargo | Low center of gravity for balance, often with front/rear cargo boxes. | Enhanced stability with heavy loads, easy loading/unloading. | Heavy weight (30–50 kg), limited speed. | Grocery shopping, urban delivery, ADA-compliant mobility. | $1,800–$6,000 | |
Electric Motorcycle-Style | Scooter-Style | Moped-like design with enclosed bodywork, under-seat storage, and step-through frame. | Weather protection, integrated storage, comfortable seating. | Higher price, heavier weight, limited off-road capability. | Urban commuting, bad weather conditions, long-distance rides. | $2,000–$8,000 |
Sportbike-Style | Aerodynamic design with aggressive geometry, carbon fiber frames, and high-speed motors. | Lightning-fast acceleration (0–50 km/h in 5 seconds), sporty handling. | Poor comfort for long rides, short battery life (40–80 km). | Racing, performance enthusiasts, premium urban commuting. | $4,000–$12,000 | |
Tricycle Design | Three-Wheel Cargo | Three wheels (two rear, one front) with large cargo bins for heavy loads. | Maximum stability, no tipping risk, ideal for uneven surfaces. | Large turning radius, high weight (40–60 kg), limited speed. | Parcel delivery, disabled users, elderly mobility. | $1,200–$4,500 |
Recumbent Tricycle | Low-slung, reclined seating for comfort, often used for touring or medical purposes. | Ergonomic design reduces back strain, superior downhill speed. | Difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, limited uphill performance. | Long-distance touring, rehabilitation, leisure rides. | $1,800–$6,000 | |
Electric Scooter | Foldable Kick Scooter | Compact, lightweight (10–15 kg) with small wheels and telescoping handlebars. | Ultra-portable, fits in backpacks, ideal for last-mile connectivity. | Low range (20–40 km), unstable at high speeds, no suspension. | Urban micro-mobility, campus commuting, short errands. | $200–$1,000 |
Sit-Down Scooter | Larger wheels (10–12 inches) and seating for comfort, often used for delivery services. | Smooth ride on rough roads, higher payload capacity (100–150 kg). | Bulky when folded, limited storage space. | Food delivery, warehouse operations, urban logistics. | $800–$3,000 | |
Innovative Designs | Belt-Driven System | Carbon fiber belts replace chains for silent operation and corrosion resistance. | Quiet, low maintenance, aesthetic appeal. | Lower torque capacity, higher replacement costs. | Urban commuting, luxury brands, eco-conscious riders. | $1,000–$3,000 |
Axle-Driven System | Motor integrated into the rear axle for compact design, common in folding bikes. | Space-efficient, compatible with suspension systems. | Limited torque, higher rotational inertia. | Folding bikes, lightweight urban designs. | $800–$2,500 | |
Chainless Drive | Generators convert pedaling energy to electricity, stored in frame-integrated batteries. | No chain maintenance, cleaner design, longer lifespan. | Higher manufacturing cost, complex electronics. | High-end sports bikes, experimental builds, niche markets. | $2,000–$5,000 |
Detailed Analysis of Each Structural Type
1. Standard Frame
- Traditional Diamond Frame:
- Mechanism: Rigid triangular structure provides stability and balance.
- Performance: Dominates entry-level models like the Ninebot N70C 1.
- Trade-offs: Vulnerable to rust in wet climates, limited customization.
- Step-Through Frame:
- Mechanism: Low-top tube design for easy access.
- Performance: Popular in women’s models like the Giant Liv Alight E+.
- Trade-offs: Reduced frame strength compared to diamond frames.
2. Folding Frame
- Mechanism: Quick-release hinges allow the frame to collapse.
- Performance: Compact models like the Dahon Mariner D8 weigh as little as 16 kg 12.
- Trade-offs: Shortened wheelbase affects high-speed stability.
3. Cargo Frame
- Longtail Design:
- Mechanism: Extended rear end for cargo racks or trailers.
- Performance: Carries up to 300 kg in models like the Yuba Mundo.
- Trade-offs: Requires powerful motors (1,000–2,000W) to maintain speed.
- Low-Slung Cargo:
- Mechanism: Low center of gravity prevents tipping.
- Performance: Used in commercial delivery bikes like the Trek Fetch+.
- Trade-offs: Heavy weight reduces battery efficiency.
4. Electric Motorcycle-Style
- Scooter-Style:
- Mechanism: Enclosed bodywork and under-seat storage.
- Performance: Weatherproof designs like the Segway Ninebot F90.
- Trade-offs: Higher price due to advanced electronics.
- Sportbike-Style:
- Mechanism: Aerodynamic carbon fiber frames.
- Performance: High-speed models like the Cannondale Topstone Neo reach 60 km/h.
- Trade-offs: Aggressive seating position causes discomfort on long rides.
5. Tricycle Design
- Three-Wheel Cargo:
- Mechanism: Three wheels for stability.
- Performance: Used in delivery fleets like the Rad Power Bikes RadTrike.
- Trade-offs: Difficult to park in standard bike racks.
- Recumbent Tricycle:
- Mechanism: Reclined seating for comfort.
- Performance: Popular in touring models like the HP Velotechnik Scorpion.
- Trade-offs: Complex steering system requires learning.
6. Electric Scooter
- Foldable Kick Scooter:
- Mechanism: Telescoping handlebars and compact wheels.
- Performance: Ultra-portable models like the Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter.
- Trade-offs: Prone to tire punctures on rough roads.
- Sit-Down Scooter:
- Mechanism: Larger wheels and seating.
- Performance: Used in food delivery services like the Bird Cargo.
- Trade-offs: Heavy weight (25–30 kg) limits portability.
7. Innovative Designs
- Belt-Driven System:
- Mechanism: Carbon fiber belts replace chains.
- Performance: Featured in luxury models like the Cannondale Treadwell Neo.
- Trade-offs: Belts cannot be repaired and must be replaced entirely.
- Axle-Driven System:
- Mechanism: Motor integrated into the rear axle.
- Performance: Common in folding bikes like the Tern Verge X11.
- Trade-offs: Limited torque restricts use to flat terrain.
- Chainless Drive:
- Mechanism: Generators convert pedaling to electricity.
- Performance: High-end models like the Cervélo E-Bike use this technology.
- Trade-offs: Complex electronics increase maintenance costs.
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