Top Low Step Electric Bikes for 2020!

[@ferryengr]

After decades of riding what in the U.S. is considered "conventional" for men, bikes with a top tube, Chris made the suggestion I consider the R+M Nevo step-through. He suggested it partly for the upright riding position which helps with both seeing and being seen when riding in the city. After almost a year of riding the Nevo, I can say I am very happy with the bike. Especially for riding in town, it is really nice to be able to jump on and off the bike in tight spaces quickly and easily with the step through capability. As I age, my flexibility becomes more elusive and I appreciate the ability to get on the bike without kicking a leg over. The bike is built like a tank and is every bit as stiff and stable as any other bike.

[@Propelbikes]

Thanks Ted! Very happy you have been pleased with the Nevo. It’s such an awesome bike!

[@RitaD0724]

Agree. I went with the Gazelle Ultimate T10, most particularly because it was available in a step through, red, small frame. I took delivery last week and took it for a few short trips around town. Today I took my first long trip and all I could think while riding was, I wish I’d known about e-bikes sooner. It’s just great. Propel is a great source and a wonderful resource for information.

[@GreggMPlahy]

Great Video Chris. I very much appreciate the effort you put forth to produce such a quality video for guys like me.

[@1slyboy]

Thanks for the info. I live in a hilly area and am considering the vario version. If that is what you have how well do you think it handles hills from a stop?

[@Showboatride]

Great video. No silly intros no silly music. Good sound too. Thumbs up

[@Propelbikes]

Thanks! :)

[@christill]

I think the rental bikes now available all over the world have made a big impact to this girls bike vs unisex bike discussion and more men riding them. Since all the rental bikes are low step, many of us have had our minds changed by riding them, including myself. I thought they were old fashioned and hard to steer but as long as you get a good one they’re actually fantastic. I would only ride a bike with a top tube now for long rides and not for running errands or commuting.

[@Propelbikes]

I think you are right. People see that it actually makes a lot of sense, especially for urban riding.

[@EuroYank]

Yet another reason for low-step frames: If you want to use a side-mounted rack (such as for carrying a boogie or surfboard), a step-thru frame is a must. Surfers laugh when newbies call step-thru's "girl's bikes". Board racks are very difficult, even dangerous, to negotiate on a regular-step frame.

[@imogenfox4481]

I've watched a load of your videos tonight and they've been exceptional! Thanks so much for all your hard work!

[@Propelbikes]

Thank you very much for watching and for your comment! I really appreciate it. Looking forward to many more videos to come. I really enjoy it!

[@kldstl]

Hero pose at 1:00. Thank you for this, My knees and back are starting to act up so a low step commuter is my next. I really like the Riese & Muller bikes but that Lundi looks pretty slick. Love the channel keep up the good work. BTW, does the active line get the Bosch 10nm update?

[@MrBazsi888]

You are amazing. This was the exact information I was looking for.

[@Propelbikes]

Glad it was helpful! :)

[@MrBazsi888]

@@Propelbikes You should make TOP folding eBikes too, because your knowledge in the eBike topic is insane. Congratulations to your business! Well done Propel Electric Bike!

[@snich63]

After having a Chinese made ebike with a “standard” frame for a few years, I went searching for a bike with a step through frame 2 years ago. At the time in New Zealand, there weren’t many step through bikes available. I ended up short listing the Lundi and the Nevo, and eventually chose the Nevo. It’s an expensive bike Down Under, so not an easy choice - but I’ve been very happy with it as my commuter. Good to see more step throughs coming to market.

[@tailwaggindragon]

It never made sense to me that men's bikes has a bar that you can rack yer balls on.

[@maxnewts]

The quality of these videos though!!! It’s nice to finally find a hub centred around bikes which really help move people, not just a barely three min long video on a bike where 80% of the time people are complaining about how there aren’t enough bike lanes or they take too much space in the road. Also 4K makes these bikes and detailed reviews look STUNNING. Keep it up!!!

[@jjgoode01]

Nice intro to the current range of quality step-throughs. I’m happy to hear the automatic enviolo has been popular. That bodes well for the future of this drivetrain. Best to you, hope you are doing well.

[@juannoval69]

Awesome review and great choices. Thx Chris.😁

[@Propelbikes]

Thanks Juan!

[@LeanWithMike]

This is literally the video I needed! I'm a short guy who's looking for the best Low Step bikes. Definitely looking at getting the R&M Homage with all it's capability. Just want to see if they'll update it to have the Gen 4 Bosch to get the extra 35% torque and possibly lighter bike. Thanks Chris!

[@Propelbikes]

Thanks I appreciate it! I think you’re not alone there on both fronts...

[@maxnewts]

Arnold 90 newton-metres of torque on an electric bike sounds insane

[@LeanWithMike]

@Arnold Thanks! I'm looking more for the full suspension, high speed, belt drive, etc. Definitely saw some of Bulls bikes and was very intrigued (especially the upcoming Iconic Evo TR 1 Speed). I just like the whole package Riese and Muller offers with the Homage.

[@nija1976]

@@LeanWithMike same boat here, waiting on Sept as Im hearing there will be news

[@Weichi928]

Excellent and informative, as always. Thx.

[@Propelbikes]

Thanks Robert!

[@readyplayer2]

Which low step bikes would you recommend for shorter, lighter riders? 5’1” and 100ish lbs? A lot of ebikes are really overbuilt / heavy and can be very awkward to move, lift up a step or two, load onto a platform rack, perform maintenance, etc. The motor cancels out the additional weight when in motion but I don’t want my wife to throw out her back when doing any of the above.

[@kt9495]

Have you found one? I’m 5’2 and having the same thoughts.

[@readyplayer2]

KT Unfortunately I haven’t. There’s the option of building your own from a kit grafted on to a conventional bike, but I don’t love the idea. They tend to look like frankenbikes with wires every which way, and you’re usually on your own with support. I’m going to reach out on the Electric Bike Review forums and ask for suggestions.

[@cognitiveweightcontrol8163]

What's your opinion of the Electra Townie Go! 5i Step-Thru Electric Bike?

[@SophiaF3499]

I've had a standard frame bike my entire life, started using my mom's ebike to go to work and i just can't get into the habit of using the low step on it, i keep swinging my leg over the back xD

[@Propelbikes]

We’ve seen this before. You’ll get the hang of it

[@dscott130]

Juiced RipCurrent S through. I love it! Very well engineered and assembled and reasonably priced.

[@pironi2405]

What you think about Specialized turbo como 3.0 igh ?

[@stateniland]

10:17 what shoes are those Chris? thanks and Happy 4th!

[@Propelbikes]

Happy 4th! Those are Vans high tops. Vans are pretty popular out here and they are comfortable riding shoes for me.

[@stateniland]

@@Propelbikes TY! I decided on getting (for my wife) the Riese & Muller Charger3 Mixte GT Vario | WITH NEVO 3 and Bosch Gen 4 Motor.. in Brooklyn shop.. any idea on wait time? thanks again Joe Staten Isl.

[@Propelbikes]

Awesome way to go! Right now the Charger3 is being built in the beginning of August and the Nevo3 at the end. With air freight you could have both bikes in September

[@stateniland]

@@Propelbikes TY!.. no rush (and extra $$) for air frieght just wanted to know.. thanks again.. stay safe! Joe NYC

[@wogboy670727]

Hi, I've been looking into the Lekker brand of e bikes and there is very little in reviews and information on youtube. I would like your opinion about three different models I'm looking at in the Lekker Brand, The Urban X, The Outback and the Jordaan GT. All three models are step through and see what you have to say about them. Maybe make video on the Lekker brand.. :)

[@Chimel31]

Excellent video, I like the technical tone and explanations very much. Low step bikes are also great for the elderly: I recently had to go through several low step ebikes for my 80 year old mom, she is still trekking for several days in a row, and she is starting to fall a bit behind the platoon with her regular bike when the hills are rising, so electric assistance will keep her on the road for many more years. We went with a Kalkhoff Endeavour 1.B Move eventually, not sure if you have this brand in the States. I was also looking for a speed hub for easier maintenance, but they barely exist on trekking ebikes in our price range, only on city bikes. Not sure if there is a technical reason for that, or if it's just a matter of cost. Forget about automatic gear selection either. Too bad, it would have been great for fingers with arthritis...

[@maxnewts]

Bear in mind, BIKES ARE THE QUICKEST WAY TO GET AROUND NYC. (Not kidding) so to make traveling easier and less stressful, surely it makes sense for more bikes which are commuter or cargo bikes to include low frames. Plus there are ways with low frames that you can make the weight lower, but also make it more aerodynamically efficient as you can have an entire area which can be low and smoothened for the drivetrain. I can’t wait to be able to make my own electric bikes one day, I’ve designed a few models but haven’t really got too much traction from my target audience just yet, and I live in the United Kingdom so people’s main complaint isn’t the bikes, it’s the environment (there’s a lot of hills and it’s COLD) plus we don’t have many protected or bespoke roads built for biking. I bet if we found a way to make it so that the biking systems in the uk were like they are in the Netherlands or New York, we’d find collectively that biking would be a larger part of our lives and that generally we’d all be healthier, with less CO2 and particulates which may hinder the atmosphere of transport and public health

[@privatestockrecords1]

Is this only apply on Mid Drive bike? Aventon Level is a great city commuter you should review.

[@whereswaldnerd]

FYI, If you add a space after the time code and the second colon. KZbin will create a shortcut that you can use to jump to a different section in the video! Or you can remove the second colon and make it a hyphen. Example > 2:10 : or 2:10 - Hope that helps!

[@nandoflorestan]

Since you can edit the videos and everything... how about offering those figures in the metric system, too?

[@mshayashi]

Agree, because You Tube is being watched by people from all over the World, and most of the World uses　Metric system.

[@sprj1970]

Great video Chris! I love the homage I got from your store

[@Propelbikes]

So cool! The Homage rocks!

[@jun701]

Hi, for a bike with belt drive + internal gear hub such as Tern S8i, is is correct that I should not change the gear while pedaling? I heard that especially when I ride uphill (more torque on pedal) I shouln’t change the gear if it’s internal hub. Is this more like I shouldn’t or indeed I can’t? I can see more and more bike coming out with belt + internal hub and would like to know this.

[@Propelbikes]

For the S8i with the Nexus hub you do need to back off the pedaling before switching to make it smooth

[@KellyanneGill]

Hi Chris, I'm looking at getting an e-bike, and i'm looking at spending around the $2.1k mark Australian, and I was wondering if this would be a good price range

[@skygayle]

Thanks for showing the bikes for smaller people

[@Propelbikes]

Glad you enjoyed it! Let me know if there’s something that we didn’t cover that you’d like to see more of

[@ninetyminutestd]

Recommendation(s) for a low to mid step ebike that is relatively lightweight? I haven't bought an ebike because I worry about carrying it up into my apartment building.

[@dscott130]

They can be quite heavy, even if you remove the battery.

[@MFTgal]

I bought a Ideaplay e bike. 24 inch wheel 250W. Comfortable seat. Easy power button on, off. $799 on Amazon. 47 lbs. Tire is 1.95 wide.

[@cdweng840]

Why did you leave out the Rad Power Rad Rover step thru? It's even more affordable than the most affordable you mentioned.

[@Propelbikes]

This is my list of the best that I recommend. For full transparency we also sell these bikes. I don’t recommend or sell the Radpower bikes, but I don’t think they are a bad budget option, it’s just not the type of bike we sell and on top of that they only sell direct.

[@cdweng840]

@@Propelbikes Thanks. There are so many ebikes offered now that choosing one is difficult. Thanks for your offerings.

[@HauntingHistoryStories]

I am also riding a LS bike. Can state enough how easy it is to get on/off when you had a bad knee :).

[@1adraper]

Enjoyed. informative. But wish you had reviewed and recommended bikes at a lower price point. What would you recommend then?

[@Propelbikes]

We hope to have more offerings in the future, but at the moment our lowest pricepoint is around $2000. Electricbikereview.com has many reviews of lower priced eBikes. I would recommend checking their site out

[@paulaskew4143]

Hi my name is Paul i live in the UK, and i have seen the Gazelle bikes and i think I may end up buying one

[@mxr572]

in my opinion you should buy an Ebike from a local store if you are fussy about things. try several before you buy. city rough roads use needs shocks. buy up if you want to keep it longer.

[@montemify]

Can you make a video on mid steps? Thanks

[@rc_23]

these are also good for clumsy people like me lol, once in a while i bang my knee on the frame because of underestimating the height of the frame

[@Propelbikes]

You’re not alone. I’m also not so coordinated and these make mounting and dismounting much easier.

[@cognitiveweightcontrol8163]

I was surprised you didn't include the Gazelle Ultimate c380 HMB. Any particular reason why?

[@Propelbikes]

At the time of the recording this bike wasn’t released. We will need to do another for 2021 and surely include this bike as it really rocks!

[@cognitiveweightcontrol8163]

@@Propelbikes Good to know. Thanks for your knowledgeable review and reply.

[@mshayashi]

Agree...that's my favorite among the e-bikes I've seen over the Internet.

[@Danielle-tx2es]

ok...but the question still..would it be ok for a taaall woman or man? 5'9 and over?

[@ronfeinberg]

Great video! You didn't mention if any of these bikes have throttles. Can you comment if any do? As well, do you think Bosch will ever feature throttles for their motors? Thanks in advance!

[@277kne]

Do you carry the EG Geneva? Any thoughts on this?

[@jimbo2629]

I have an NCM Milano step through in UK. I’m very happy with it. UK regulations don’t allow a throttle, which is a real pain. If you stop in a high gear either by forgetting or sudden braking, then starting without a throttle is well nigh impossible and can be dangerous. I was hoping the walk assist would bypass this problem but it is too slow. In NZ I use a Smart Motion ecity. Similar bike but with throttle and no speed limiter as the law allows. Much safer and superior. The uk law needs to change to allow throttle up to 10 mph.

[@pepi1442]

With internal gear hub you have no problem with that - you can switch to any gear while you are stopped. Also can get a belt drive instead of chain with this gear hub.

[@jddiggy2343]

I love a good step threw bike safe for the family jewel's you know.

[@idrissamorehouse5776]

The Lundy wins it -it still looks so good even though theres such sporty sharp lookin stuff out nowadays

[@yujishinohara797baby]

Chris nice update now what is the price, do not make us short time spanners dig for it

[@bobshoe1]

Good video that would have been a great video if you gave ballpark costs.

[@injuredtabletennisplayer1474]

Tell me about it. I’m a shrinking 12 score and I’m 5’4” inseam 28. And my Mrs is 4’10”. My adroitness fled with aging. And 4th surgery. 9 hours ago.

[@Propelbikes]

Thanks for your comment! I hope your Mrs recovers well.

[@Danielle-tx2es]

in san francisco i need a strong bike for the hills...but confortable also.

[@amsg7859]

Pls tell me the address where to purchase, I'm from India.

[@JannyLynne]

Great, informative video. What do you think of the CUBE, in particular the Cube Touring Hybrid Pro 500? Thank you!

[@lizvickers7156]

I have this bike, I am in the Uk. Can not fault it. Only thing I changed was the seat, that was so uncomfortable. Changed it for a wider seat with good reviews and now so comfortable.

[@luispedrasilva5922]

The multicharger by R&M is Angie one too. Any idea when it will be available with the gen4 Bosch motor?

[@Propelbikes]

Great point! That’s a great one to add to the list.

[@Danielle-tx2es]

this is a great video..

[@diamp1]

Where is the dost drop ??

[@Propelbikes]

I wouldn’t consider that a top bike. It has its benefits, but it’s old technology. No disrespect to them or any of their owners.

[@davealston3881]

Great to the point

[@julioxicotencatl3854]

Owesome!!I agree

[@rocker-barrel4786]

In the uk these are called step throughs. Yes this is a girls bike is definaitly the old think. I hsve mobility issues and i have a stepthough.

[@JohnnyBoi509]

There is one bike that I want to know the name of, just about 30 seconds in or so... it’s yellow, the only yellow bike in this video. I couldn’t see any branding on it and it wasn’t mentioned. Anyone know what it is? I loved the look of it

[@Chimel31]

It's a Veego fat tire lookalike, but they don't have any with this kind of heavy duty cargo tubing to support the rear rack. Might be a custom job inspired by it, an older model, or a weird import. It probably features somewhere in one of the earliest video in this channel.

[@Propelbikes]

It’s the Tern HSD S00. Below is a link to a video we did with it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqmXlKeIpc94oK8

[@Chimel31]

@@Propelbikes An earlier model or experiment then. I like it better than the frame of their current HSD line-up. The 2 horizontal tubes up and down look sturdy and rad.

[@Pattwon]

$?

[@Cstoreri]

Thanks Chris

[@Propelbikes]

Thank you

[@kkanth0ny]

the title is bad. people call it step through bike NOT LOW step bike... i was having trouble finding this video....

[@Ghostwolf173]

Can't wait until the market floods with high-quality bikes where these $7,000 + Ebikes become $700

[@barriewylde5915]

Criss What is the difference between envioula hub and Rolloff.thanks

[@leojonkers3181]

The Eviola hub is the worst hub you can buy. Cost a lot of energy to ride that hub. On normal bikes it was written off, but with ebikes it is coming back. Still sucks a lot of energy. The Rohloff hub is the best on the market, but very expensive. Lots of reach, very very strong. If money should not play a roll I would buy a bicycle with a Rohloff hub and a beld. Will never happen for me, because like I said, the money.

[@Propelbikes]

I agree that you lose energy, but I don’t feel it’s bad by any means. It’s the lowest maintenance and easiest to use. I think the Enviolo hub is amazing and it’s super popular in our shop. The Rohloff is certainly something special though.

[@christill]

Leo Jonkers I’ve been riding the nuvinci hub for 3 years and I still can barely tell the difference between it and my other bikes. My Brompton single speed and my Dutch bike all feel so similar to me. And I usually notice those small differences in things like that. Having said that I do wish I had gone with the Rohloff with hindsight but that’ll be for the next bike in a few years.

[@Propelbikes]

Thanks for sharing your experience Chris! I agree! I also made a video talking about the different drivetrains: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4STppWuorR5gpI

[@leojonkers3181]

@@Propelbikes I did not say that it feels bad, but it sucks 15 % ( I take a look at your video and it seems even more, 18 %) energy from your battery. In comparison with a derailleur, witch is a direct transmission. The Rohloff hub takes 5 % in comparison, also not a direct transmission. But Rohloff hubs you can see on "normal" bikes without help like an e-bike does. I do not know how much other hubs lose, but the Enviolo hub is extreme in that sense. 18 % is a lot when you want to drive without help from your motor. Like I said, on "normal" bikes without motor help it was written off for that reason.

[@gulapsabano8122]

price

[@Propelbikes]

We have links in the description to the bikes for more details including the price. I will try to include in the video next time, but the challenge is the price can change and it's different throughout the world.

[@karimakamdar9702]

In india I want to buy

[@Propelbikes]

Wish we had a store in India.

[@jimmyadams520]

Nice

[@Capronice]

I really think the E bikes are too expensive for most people to afford. On top of that I feel that many of the bikes in the 15 hundred dollar range are not the greatest quality. I looked at many stores in Ohio and South Florida. Many salesmen don't want to talk about the battery capacity or motor strength. I think its because they are trying to sell the lessor powered bikes because they got them for less money and they are ripping off the public by not showing them what a 750 watt battery and compatible motor can get them. The salesmen I have met were unable to tell be the brand of battery the bikes had. Also no one wants to work on a bike that did not come out of their store. I am not very handy but I am really considering putting on a motor and battery on to my old reliable bike.

[@importantname]

im old now - this bike is correct

[@Propelbikes]

It’s a great way to go!

[@macarari]

I want a electric bike so bad!!!

[@overgrey]

I always ride a woman's bike. Much better than a man's frame bike. I live in Netherlands.

[@Propelbikes]

I know some still call them men’s and women’s frame, but I think that is antiquated terminology at this point.

[@leojonkers3181]

@@Propelbikes I agree with you, but many people still do. Low step sounds much better.

[@armchairwanderer1287]

🚴‍♂️🚴‍♂️

[@Propelbikes]

😎

[@petucker548]

My head is spinning.

[@spannymakronkeep8673]

Step through let you have a child seat or some other thing on the back.

[@glenscheulen4060]

Seat is way too skinny

[@gliderarts3573]

Its safer geee why not just say that......

[@jonathanvogel8859]

my 2 cents? Lose the scruffy look... either shave or grow a mustache, goatee that actually looks good. This is video...Visuals count, you'll be taken more seriously.

[@Propelbikes]

Thanks for the feedback, but I will choose my own grooming habits.

[@manfredsteyn]

W...T...F...?