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How to find the ideal frame size for your e-bike

Like many cycling enthusiasts, do you appreciate the freedom and comfort of an e-bike? Then you should choose the right frame size. Because only with the right frame size can you fully exploit the comfort and safety of an e-bike.

Von Fabian Huber  |  4 minutes read time

So findest Du die ideale Rahmengröße für Dein E-Bike
About the author Fabian Huber

Fabian founded MYVELO together with Vincent. The two share a long-standing passion for cycling. Together they have cycled thousands of kilometers and fought for victories in the German racing bike league. The idea of founding MYVELO arose from their many years of experience and knowledge of what makes a good bike. Find out more about MYVELO now

Published: April 19, 2023  |  Updated: June 12, 2024

The frame size of an e-bike is calculated based on your height and your stride length. In this article, we will show you how this works and what differences there are in calculating the frame size between the various bike models.

This is what the frame size of an e-bike says

The frame size of an e-bike can be given in inches or centimeters. Depending on the manufacturer, you will often find the size information S, M, L and XL on the frame. But why is the size of the frame important? The size of the frame determines the posture on the bike. The frame size therefore not only influences the sitting position, but also the driving experience and safety.

If you want to calculate a suitable frame size, the following two variants are probably the most well-known methods. Firstly, you can calculate your stride length and compare the values ​​with table values. Another option is to determine the frame size based on your height. Both methods are particularly practical if you plan to buy your e-bike online. You can find the values ​​for both variants and the easiest way to calculate your stride length further down in the article.

An important point that you should always keep in mind: The calculations give you a good indication, but should always be understood as a guideline. Whether the frame height has been chosen correctly can only be determined once you are actually sitting on your e-bike and doing your first few laps. However, the calculation values ​​are usually reliable and lead to good results.

Calculate frame size for an e-bike

So that you can calculate the frame size for your e-bike, you will find a simple method for determining your stride length here. If you follow the individual steps, you will have calculated your frame size within a few minutes.

Here's how:

  1. To measure your stride length you will need a tape measure or ruler and a book.
  2. For an accurate result, you should take off your shoes and pants.
  3. To measure your stride length properly, stand against a wall and place the book between your legs. The book should be close to your crotch and represent the bike saddle.
  4. If the book is sitting correctly, measure the distance from the spine to the floor.
  5. It is easier if someone else does the measuring. If you have done everything correctly, you will be able to read a stride length of between 60 and 100 centimeters.

Tip : Many manufacturers state which body sizes the frame sizes are suitable for. Our myvélo frames are available in sizes S, M, L and XL. Our myvélo e-bikes always state which body sizes our frames are suitable for. So you don't need to worry and can easily buy your e-bike in the right size online.

You can also determine the frame size without a ruler or tape measure. To do this, you should look at the guidelines in the table. They will give you a good idea of ​​which frame size is right for you.

bicycle frame size table

Good to know: If your height and inseam are between two frame sizes, the smaller size is often the better choice. If the frame of your e-bike is too high, your feet can hardly touch the ground.

Which frame size for which bike?

mountain bike frame size

The right frame size is important so that you can explore nature and be active on your mountain bike. As explained above, you determine the mountain bike frame size based on your inseam. To calculate the exact frame height, you need the following calculation:

Inseam in cm x 0.5875 = guideline for frame height

Important for all models: If the frame size is only given in inches, you have to convert the value and divide it by the factor 2.54.

road bike frame size

For a racing bike, the right frame size is a must to ensure the best performance and safety. For a racing bike, you also need your inseam so that you can specifically search for a suitable frame size. The formula is slightly adapted for a racing bike:

Inseam in cm x 0.5875 = guideline for frame height

frame sizes for city and trekking bikes

The versatile companions among the e-bikes are ideal for long trips and for everyday use. To find the right size for these models, you again need your inseam. The formula for calculating the frame size for city and trekking bikes:

Inseam in cm x 0.675 = guideline for frame height

Tip : To ensure that you ride your e-bike safely and comfortably, you should not neglect other factors such as the saddle, grips and handlebars in addition to the frame size.

In short

The right frame size is important so that you can sit comfortably on your e-bike and ride safely on the roads. Calculating your stride length and height will give you good guidelines to help you choose the right frame size.

The interaction of inseam length and body height determines the frame size. You should also pay attention to the different models. If you are riding a mountain bike, the frame size is different than for a trekking bike. In general, you can use the following values ​​as a guide and refine them with your personal data and table values:

  • Frame size S: 150-165 cm height
  • Frame size M: 165-180 cm height
  • Frame size L: 180-195 cm height
  • Frame size XL: 195-210 cm height

Once you have calculated the right frame size for your new e-bike, nothing stands in the way of a safe and comfortable ride.

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Further information and frequently asked questions zu How to find the ideal frame size for your e-bike

Get advice from cycling enthusiasts

In order to choose the right frame size, it is important to calculate the inseam. Your height also indicates which frame size is suitable. Up to 175 cm, size S is recommended. From 175-185 cm, size M fits, and from 185 cm you should go for size L.

If you are 175 cm tall, the appropriate frame size for the bike is size M. Depending on the model, size M varies in height and fits an inseam between 76-80.

In order to calculate the correct frame size, you should calculate your stride length. To do this, stand against the wall, hold a book between both legs and measure the distance from the spine to the floor. This value can be used as a guideline for the frame size.

Frame size M is suitable for a body height of 170 to 185 cm. This corresponds to a stride length of approximately 76 to 82 cm. If your stride length is between 74-76 cm and your body height is 170-175 cm, it may be advisable to try a frame in size S.

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