Electric bike for men vs women: what are the differences ?

There are thousands of electric bike models on the market.

For men, for women, custom-made. For transporting children with an electric cargo bike. For solo rides or everyday commuting. In a mechanical version or with a electric bike kit. With various equipment (handlebars, saddle, battery, motor…).

In short, it's not always easy to find your way around, nor to choose the format best suited to your needs and desires.

In this article, we share all our tips for choosing the right electric bike (e-bike) or for electrifying your current bike with a suitable kit.

Let's go!

5 differences between electric bikes for men and women

Some manufacturers choose to create unisex bicycles, suitable for both men and women. Others opt to adapt certain components and equipment to offer greater comfort, tailoring their bikes to individual body types. This doesn't refer to custom-made bicycles designed for professionals, but rather to bicycles for the general public. Explanation.

The shape of the frame

We are talking here about the geometry of the frame. Generally, this is the most well-known aspect.

Women's bike frames are designed with a shorter top tube and a steeper slant height than men's bike frames. This is the trapezoidal frame shape. It was designed this way because women generally have shorter torsos and longer legs than men. It's also very practical for getting on and off the bike, especially when the rider is wearing a dress—an advantage that's even more appreciated when it comes to a electric bike, often heavier than a classic bicycle.

For men, the frame is slightly different. It's generally referred to as a diamond frame, and it takes the shape of a rhombus. It consists of four parts: the top tube, the seat tube, the down tube, and the head tube (at the front – which is becoming less prominent on newer models). This shape provides excellent stability, high rigidity, and minimal material usage.

Good to know : Gradually, the distinction between these two shapes is blurring. More and more bicycles are being offered in unisex formats and with a trapezoidal shape, due to its practicality for everyday use. As for the choice, it's up to you to try them out and see what suits you best.

The size of the frame

On average, women in France are around 165 cm tall. For men, it's more like 175.6 cm. Logically, this implies some adjustments to the bike size. For professionals, it's worth noting that bikes are also custom-made to fit not only height but also body shape (leg length, torso length, etc.). This is a key criterion when choosing a bike. electric bike kit adapted to its geometry.

A preview on the Decathlon website of the different women's bicycles

The saddle

Adjustments are also planned for the saddle.

Generally, women's bicycle saddles are wider and more padded. The idea? To better adapt to female anatomy (hamstrings wider than men's, etc.) and offer the most comfortable seat possible. Again, it all comes down to personal preference.Below is an example of a saddle designed for professional cyclists. It features a compact and ultra-lightweight design, where comfort isn't the primary concern.

The handlebars

Women's electric bike handlebars are often narrower and shorter than men's. The goal? To accommodate the width of women's shoulders, which is generally less than men's. The handlebar grips are also often thinner and more flexible, for better grip and comfort.

The cranks and the pedals

The cranks on women's electric bikes are often shorter than those on men's bikes, to better suit women's leg length. Similarly, women's bike pedals are often smaller and narrower (since women's feet are smaller than men's). In short, nothing groundbreaking so far.

A closer look at unisex electric bikes

What is a unisex electric bike?

As its name suggests, a unisex electric bike is designed to suit both men and women. How? By choosing an intermediate frame geometry and components adapted to offer optimal comfort and performance for all users, regardless of their body type. This type of frame is also ideal if you want to electrifying your bicycle with a compatible kit.

The Jean Fourche electric bike (Jean-Foudre), which is the result of a partnership with Virvolt, is for example a bike designed to be unisex and thus suitable for people from 1m50 to 1m90.

3 advantages of unisex electric bikes

• They are suitable for everyone (body type, size, gender, etc.)
• They are versatile, making them suitable for a wide variety of uses and situations.
• They are often more affordable because they do not require specific components.

2 disadvantages of unisex electric bikes

• They are designed for everyone, but logically not specifically for each individual. Depending on your body type or preferences, they may not always be a good fit.
• They may be less suitable for certain disciplines or types of cycling, where a perfect fit and components specifically designed for the user's gender can offer a performance advantage.

How to choose the right electric bike based on your gender?

Take into account their needs and preferences

Choosing an electric bike should primarily be based on your needs, preferences (sporty riding, smoother riding, etc.), and intended use (daily commuting, sports, touring, riding alone or with children, etc.). The first step is to clarify all these factors to help you efficiently in your search.

Try several models

The best tip? Try out different types of bikes.

Borrow bikes from friends and family for a few days. This will allow you to see which shapes you like and which you're less comfortable with. Keep in mind that some manufacturers and retailers also offer temporary bike loans so you can form your own opinion.

Finally, it's also possible to initially rent a bike and then buy it later. This allows you to solidify your decision and ensure you choose the model that best suits your needs.

Hire a professional

We also advise you to consult a professional.

These experts have had the opportunity to see and test thousands of models and advise hundreds of people. They know all the options on the market, the advantages and disadvantages of each piece of equipment. They will be able to guide you toward the best solution and also save you time in choosing the format that suits you best.

The added bonus? The vast majority of people who work in the cycling world are passionate about it. It's always a pleasure to chat with them, get their feedback, and be supported by someone who's truly passionate about the sport.

3 leading categories of women's electric bikes

Women's urban electric bikes

Women's electric bikes are specifically designed for city use and daily commutes, including the popular bike-to-work route. They are generally equipped with components adapted to the female anatomy (a wide saddle, narrow handlebars, a basket for carrying belongings, etc.). These bikes offer optimal comfort and are suitable for cyclists of all levels.

Women's electric touring bikes

Women's electric touring bikes are designed for long distances and outdoor adventures. They are equipped with suspension, usually disc brakes, and components adapted to the female anatomy (ergonomic saddle, adjustable handlebars, etc.). These bikes are perfect for cyclists who want to explore new horizons and enjoy nature.

Women's Electric Mountain Bikes

Women's electric mountain bikes are specifically designed for use on rough terrain and mountain trails. They are equipped with high-performance suspension, disc brakes, and components adapted to the female anatomy. These bikes are ideal for cyclists seeking adventure and sporting challenges. Mountains, mountain passes, gravel, gravel or rocky terrain… In short, the idea is to seek a more athletic and intense experience.

5 electric bike models for women that we wholeheartedly recommend

Rockrider E-ST 520

The Rockrider E-ST 520 is a women's electric mountain bike equipped with a 250-watt Brose T Aluminium mid-drive motor and a removable 420 Wh LG or Samsung battery, offering a minimum range of 110 km. This bike is ideal for cyclists looking for a high-performance and versatile model for mountain or forest rides.

Trek Powerfly FS7

The Trek Powerfly FS7 is a women's full-suspension electric bike equipped with a 250W Bosch Performance CX mid-drive motor and a removable 625Wh integrated battery, offering a range of 150km. This bike is perfect for cyclists who want to explore new horizons and enjoy long rides in the great outdoors.

Rockrider E-ST 100

The Rockrider E-ST 100 is a women's electric mountain bike with Suntour XCT 30 front suspension and a 250-watt motor co-developed with Vision.Its removable 380 Wh battery provides a range of 100 km, making it an ideal choice for cyclists looking for a versatile and affordable model.

Nakamura E-Summit Open

The Nakamura E-Summit Open is a women's electric mountain bike with an open aluminum frame and a 250W NAKA E-POWER MAX mid-drive motor. Its 460Wh battery offers a range of 70km, making it an excellent choice for cyclists looking for a versatile and affordable bike.

So, do you know what you want?

If you are unsure which model you need, feel free to visit one of our stores. 250 partner resellers. They will be able to guide you towards the choice best suited to your needs and desires.