Need an affordable ebike that is for someone who is 4"10 petite bought a Letric wayyyy too big.
Posted by Cleverwabbit5@reddit | ebikes | View on Reddit | 22 comments
I am going on a trip next week and have been desperately trying to find an ebike that fits. I thought Aipas was small but their seat is 33" at lowest. Then talked to Letric they swore it wouldn't be too big, it is huge, and their measurements are off. I am fighting to return it. I don't have a big budget 800 is the max. I need the seat to be 27" range. I have looked for used Aventon and the other pricey ones. I have gone to bike shop to bike shop and NOTHING for smaller people. Is anyone a short person like me that found a 20" wheel 3" tire bike that they can ride, and their feet and arms and hands can reach and touch and control it? I am so frustrated. I don't have time to build one. Thanks!
Fun_Faithlessness495@reddit
The Victrip R6 is advertised to fit people from 4'9". It has 16" wheels, so it's lower than most eBikes. I just measured my daughter's and the top of the seat is exactly 27" off the ground. And it's $799!
It does only have one gear though, but the frame does have a derailleur hanger, so I guess you could potentially add gears.
Cleverwabbit5@reddit (OP)
I lovvveee these bikes but unfortunately I need to be able to put a basket or a cargo shelf on it, and I don't think you can with these
Fun_Faithlessness495@reddit
Oh, I think a handlebar mounted basket would fit. Let me see if I can attach one and take a picture. There are holes on the back that should accept a rear rack. I can experiment with that too if you want!
Cleverwabbit5@reddit (OP)
Sure!! I didn't think it would fit since the seat goes over the fenders in the back. I tried to put baskets on ebikes the regular way and the cords never like it. I guess you would have to trade the headlight for it or something. Love to see what you come up with! Thank you so much!
Fun_Faithlessness495@reddit
Yeah, a handlebar mounted basket fits fine. This one is pretty big, but I think you can get a smaller size. The wires fit behind the basket.
I’ll need some time to get a rear rack on there
Relative-Display-676@reddit
spacewalk m6 has seat to floor 26.37". these are perfect for teens or small adults in 4'-5' range.
Cleverwabbit5@reddit (OP)
That is a cool bike, but I need something I can put a basket on.
Relative-Display-676@reddit
https://www.eilleobike.com/collections/accessory/products/m6-e-bike-rear-rack
RedGobboRebel@reddit
Which Lectric did you buy? XP Lite2?
How are you measuring your saddle height? u/Comfortable-Fly5797 is correct. Proper saddle height isn't where you can place you feet on the ground. Saddle height is set in relation to the pedals, not the ground.
For standing with the bike at a stop you need to get off the saddle and stand in front of it. The clearance there with the bike frame is called the standover height.
If assuming XP Lite 2 -- It has a standover of 22" So as long as you have an inseam of 23" of greater you should be able to comfortably stand when off the saddle.
This is how it works no matter what your height or inseam is. This is how it works for any bicycle-like eBike with pedals. The saddle height is intended to give you the best position to pedal. eBikes that are more similar to mopeds or dirtbikes have a different type of saddle more like a motorbike since the intention isn't to pedal. The pedals there are only for regulations.
https://bikefaff.com/bike-saddle-height-calculator/
Cleverwabbit5@reddit (OP)
Thank you!! I think one of the issues is my size as well. I weigh about 90lbs and built like a 12 year old. So even some of the "smaller" ebikes are big for my build. They are more than half my weight. So being able to put my feet on the ground helps me handle the bike.
RedGobboRebel@reddit
Using your feet on the ground is a bad habit to get into. And one that most bicycle style eBikes just are clearly not intended. The bike will steady and balance itself just from your pedaling, you don't need to balance it with your feet.
You've got the wrong kind of eBike for your needs. There are eBikes out there that weight significantly less but will likely run more than $800. Trek Verve+ Stepthru models can get down to 40lb. Specialized Turbo Vado SL StepThru lists as 35lb. Urtopia Carbon Fold is under 30lb. There's more super lightweight eBikes if you look at the Road/Gravel style bikes, but they don't tend to be cheap.
With fit so important, you should spend some time looking at bikes in your local shops where they can measure you for a proper bike fit.
Comfortable-Fly5797@reddit
That seat height sounds way way too low. Are you trying to adjust the saddle so you can have your feet flat on the ground? Your saddle should be adjusted so your leg is almost all the way extended at bottom of the pedal stroke. Adjusted like that you won't be able to easily reach the ground from the saddle.
My saddle is at about my hip height. I'm 5'. My inseam is 26". My bike has a stand over height of 28". The saddle is several inches above that.
nomadrone@reddit
My friend, most people looking for an e-bike are not into pedaling, especially heavy bikes with hub drives. The seats on some of those bike are like bar stools.
Comfortable-Fly5797@reddit
Doesn't matter, that's just how the saddle is designed to be adjusted. So if the company is saying it'll fit someone 4' 10" they didn't intend for it to fit someone that short with their feet flat on the ground from the saddle.
Rude-Possibility4682@reddit
Correct.. I'd also add you don't sit on the seat when you come to a halt. You slide off the seat, and place youself over the top strut (or frame if ) its a step thru . The seat is only required for when you start peddling.
Alarming_Lynx_4323@reddit
Take a look at Heybike Ranger S http:/www.heybike.com
Prestigious_View_401@reddit
Isinwheel u1 or/and u4. They are actually a lot of fun to ride. I have both (and lectric).
Away-Revolution2816@reddit
Which Lectric did you get? My XP Lite 1.0 I can get down to 27 1/2 with the clamp flipped no suspension seatpost.I don't know if they made the Lite 2.0 taller.
nightstorm52@reddit
Trek makes a couple of bikes in XS sizes. Might find something like a Trek Verve 2 in an XS. Would have to be used in your budget, but those bikes hold up incredibly well and last a long time. Also supported by almost every bike shop.
iH8MotherTeresa@reddit
I know they're both a bit out of your price range but both the Ride1Up and roadsterPortola would fit the bill for seat height. Not sure how the cockpit would be for you with the reach though.
I do love my Portola tho. Had it since launch. Only 1700 miles but the thing is a bit of a tank.
The LectricXP lite 2.0 seems pretty popular too. Minimum seat height is listed at 32"... But they have a baller ass lavender colour.
Number4combo@reddit
Yea it's hard to find an affordable ebike for someone that short and if you don't know what to look for you are at the mercy of the company's ad/website which might not show it and just say a range of heights that can fit the bike.
Generally I stay away from such ebikes that only have one size and fit all.
You want something like a 15" seat tube size or shorter. Biktrix not the one I got but it comes in 3 frame sizes with one they say fits 4'9" but lacks more powerful motor and battery. Also wheel size should've been bigger.
SmithKenichi@reddit
Here you might be able to convert this one I found on ebay. https://www.ebay.com/itm/226341269299