The 5 Best Electric Mini Bikes for Fun and Compact Rides 2023

(Last updated on March 8th, 2023)

2021 08 juiced bikes hyperscrambler 2 electric moped ebike KYLE 6
Juiced Bike Scrambles. Clean Technica

The e-bike industry is just exploding with fun new bikes all the time. If you’re hesitant to try an e-bike because of its size and weight, you’ll want to consider an electric mini bike. They’re a little smaller and a little lighter than a traditional e-bike, but they’re still lots of fun!

In this article, I’ll tell you about the 5 Best Electric MiniBikes.I’ll go over some key specs, tell you the pros and cons of each one, and help you choose the best one. But first, I’ll explain what an electric mini bike is. Let’s get started.

What Is an Electric Mini Bike?

E-bikes are quickly gaining popularity, but they can be large and bulky. If space is an issue, it might be hard for you to find a place to store your e-bike. Instead, you might want to consider an electric mini bike.

An electric mini bike is a lot like a traditional e-bike – except that it is smaller, lighter, more manoeuvrable, and often folding.

Electric minibikes are an interesting option for urban dwellers looking to save money on transportation costs but don’t have a lot of space. They’re fun to ride, easy to steer, and don’t need much space to store.

You’ll notice many mini-e-bikes have a stripped-down, utilitarian look. Most likely have a cargo rack, and some will even have a vintage look reminiscent of early mopeds.

How to Choose an Electric MiniBike

When choosing an electric minibike, there are a few important qualifications to consider. Here’s what we analyzed when looking at these bikes.

Bike Type

There are two basic types of e-bikes on this list. One is a step-through/folding-style bike. These are better for shorter riders since you don’t have to swing your leg over the top of the bike seat to get on.

On the other hand, we also looked at some vintage moped-style e-bikes. These have banana-style seats like an old-fashioned moped or early dirt bike. 

Moreover, bikes also come in different classes.

Bike Weight

Most e-bikes are heavy. Generally, an e-bike weighs at least 20 pounds heavier than its non-electric counterparts.

Since e-bikes have pedal assist, the motor will help you move the bike – you don’t have to worry about weight as much while you are riding unless the battery dies.

Heavier e-bikes – especially if they don’t have easy gears – can be very hard to pedal without the assist, especially uphill. If this concerns you, you may want to consider purchasing a spare battery to keep with you on long rides.

Motor

The more watts the motor has, the faster and harder the bike can go. Except for the Swagtron, all the bikes on this list have 750-watt motors. This will give you lots of power for riding on flats and enough torque to get up hills pretty well.

Tires

Most of the tires found in this list are 20-inch tires, which is a pretty standard size for a minibike. The tires are also 4 to 4.25 inches wide. The weight of the tires helps you have a comfortable ride with plenty of traction to go off-road.

Battery Charge Time

A battery can only charge as fast as it can. However, the batteries on these bikes charge up relatively fast – typically between 4 and 7 hours. 

Size

Interestingly, these bikes are only available in one frame size. An e-bike’s size is less critical than a road bike or gravel bike’s size. This is because you don’t need your body to be in the ‘perfect’ riding position since the motor does the work for you.

Suspension

A suspension system will give the bike a little more grip on the road and make it more comfortable over rough terrain. But, unfortunately, they also add to the weight of the bike.

The City Scramble and the Rattan have suspension systems, while the other bikes do not.

Range

It’s critical to understand how battery range works. The bigger the battery, the further the range. But the bigger the battery, the heavier it is, too.

Under ideal circumstances, most of the bikes on this list can reach a 45-mile range.

Several factors can change the range of your e-bike. For example, the more pedal assistance you use, the shorter the range of your e-bike. The fewer pedal assists you to use, the more range you’ll get.

Weight can also be a factor. For example, if you carry the maximum amount of passenger and cargo weight, your battery life will be shorter than if you carry as little as possible.

Steep terrain will shorten the battery life, as the motor has to work harder to push the bike uphill.

Lastly, adverse weather, like wind and rough roads, can make the battery work harder and give you less range.

Knowing how much range you’ll get is essential since e-bikes can be hard to pedal when the battery dies. You don’t want to be caught out on a ride without enough battery to get home.

Rider and Cargo Weight

Ebikes are sturdy and can handle a lot of cargo. The Swagtron can carry a maximum of 264 pounds of rider and cargo weight, while the other bikes on this list can carry more. Remember that the more you weigh down your bike, the slower it will go and the shorter the battery range you’ll get.

Brakes

Ideally, every e-bike would have hydraulic disc brakes for maximum stopping power, especially in adverse conditions. However, many e-bike manufacturers will save money using mechanical disc brakes, which don’t stop quite as well. So you need to learn to brake safely and know how long it will take to slow down and stop your e-bike.

Max Speed

Most e-bikes have a max speed of 20mph while you are pedalling. Some will go up to 28 mph. Two of the bikes on this list will only go as fast as 15 mph.

The speed you choose depends on how legal it is where you live and how fast you need to go. Generally, cheaper e-bikes won’t go as fast as expensive ones.

The 5 Best Electric MiniBikes

  Rad Power Expand 5City Scrambler by Juiced BikesAddmotor M-60 R67 Cruiser E-BikeRattan LF-70Swagtron EB-5
TypeStep through/foldingMoped style frame with passenger seatMoped style with passenger seatStep-through/ FoldingBrompton Style
Frame6061 aluminumAluminum6061 Aluminum6061 aluminum alloyaluminum
Bike Weight62.5 pounds78 pounds73 pounds55 pounds without battery37 pounds
Motor750-watt rear hub motor750 watt Bafang motor750 watts750 Watts250 watt
Tire20 x 4 inch offroad20 x 4.2520 x 4 inches20 x 414 inch
Battery Charge time6.5 hours4.5 hours5 – 6 hours6.5 hours4-5 hours
SizeOne Size fits 4’10 to 5’10One size fits up to 5’8One size fits 5’2 to 6’ 2One size fits 5’3 to 6’4 
SuspensionNoneFrontNoneDual front shocks and seat postNone
RangeUp to 45 miles45 plus miles45- 55 miles30-45 miles15 miles
Rider and Cargo Weight275 pounds275 pounds300 pounds300 pounds264 pounds
BrakesMechanical DiscHydraulic DiscMechanical DiscMechanical DiscCaliper
Max speed20mph assisted28 mph20 mph15 mph15mph
Price$1649$1599$1999$1399$599.99
Where to buy?Check priceCheck priceCheck priceCheck price
Rating10/109/108.5/109.5/10 9/10

Best Overall Electric Mini-Bike

1. Rad Power Expand 5

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The RadPower Expand 5 makes commuting on and off-road fun! RadPower Bikes

Our Rating

10/10

$1649

KEY SPECS

Seat:Step-through
Frame:Folding frame 6061 aluminum
Measures:29 x 25 x 41 inches when folded
Motor:750-watt rear hub
Tires:20 x 4-inch puncture resistant
Brakes Lights:Integrated brake light
Range:672 Wh battery with around 45 miles range
Fenders:Front and rear fenders
Charging time:6.5 hours
Bike weight:62.5 pounds
Battery weight:7.7 pounds
Gearing: 48t chainring with 14-32 T cassette
Brakes:mechanical disc

PROS

  • The RadPower 5 gives you plenty of torque with a motor strong enough for hill climbs.
  • Folds up small for easy storage.

CONS

  • This bike will be hard to pedal uphill without the pedal assist
  • Only available in one size, although the bike is adjustable
  • I would prefer the stopping power of hydraulic disc brakes

Rad Power Bikes is a relative newcomer to the cycling scene, but don’t let that scare you. They are at the forefront of cycling technology, especially regarding e-bikes.

The RadPower Expand 5 takes all the best characteristics of the RadMini 4 folding bike and makes them even better!

First, the step-through frame makes this bike accessible if you have trouble getting on and off a traditional bike. It has nice wide, grippy tires, which will also get you over rough terrains! They’re tough tires, so they should resist punctures pretty well, so don’t be afraid if you’re riding on gravel.

The aluminum frame helps lower the weight, but it isn’t the lightest bike. That’s okay because the motor has plenty of torque, and the battery has a great range of up to 45 miles.

This is a well-made bike with a great blend of power, torque, speed, and range for they price.

OUR VERDICT

The RadPower 5 is our favorite electric mini bike, so we’ll give it a 10/10. It’s a great value for the price, and you get a motor with plenty of torque, throttle, and a relatively quick charge time. You also get a nice range – up to 45 miles – on a single charge.

This can be your daily driver – take it to work, take it to the grocery store, or just ride it for fun.

Best Stopping Power

2. Juiced Bikes Scrambler

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The Juiced Bike Scrambles handle well. Juiced Bikes

Our Rating

9/10

$1599

KEY SPECS

Gearing:52t chainring with 14-28t cassette
Brakes:Hydraulic disc
Seat:Moped style frame with dual seat
Bike weight:78 pounds
Motor:750-watt
Max speed:28mph
Tires:All-terrain 20 x 4.25-inch
Range:40 – 75 miles per charge
Battery charge time:4.5 hours
Fenders:not included
Frames:Aluminum
One size frame:riders up to 5 foot 8 inches tall
Max rider and cargo weight: 275 pounds

PROS

  • You have excellent stopping power with the hydraulic disc brakes
  • It can fit two riders as long as the combined weight is less than 275 pounds

CONS

  • The bike is heavy at 78 pounds so that you won’t be lifting it up easily
  • Hard gearing will give you speed on the flats but will be extremely difficult if you have to pedal uphill without the assist

This Scrambler is a really cool bike because it has a retro, moped-look. It’s pretty exciting if you want something different from a mainstream e-bike. It has really wide, chunky tires with deep tread so you can go on the road or off, which is a feature I really like about it.

It has an impressive range if you don’t use too much pedal assist – up to 75 miles! But this means the bike has a big battery, making it a little heavier at 78 pounds.

I love that you can carry a passenger on the Scramble with that moped-style seat. I especially love the hydraulic disc brakes because when you hit speeds up to 28 mph, you really need to stop well.

If you love a bike that handles well and stops on a dime, consider the Scramble.

OUR VERDICT

This is a fast, utilitarian bike. We give it a 9/10 because we love the hydraulic disc brakes but miss that bicycle appearance. This one looks more like a moped than a bicycle and will gain you some dirty looks if you try to ride it on a trail where e-bikes are permitted.

Best Vintage Style Cruiser Bike

3. Addmotor M-60 R67 Cruiser E-Bike

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Love Vintage? Check out the Addmotor Cruiser E-Bike. Addmotor

Our Rating

8.5/10

$1999

KEY SPECS

Seat:Moped-style ebike with a banana seat
Frame:Aluminum
Bike weight:73 pounds
Motor:750 watts
Tires:20 x 4 inch
Battery charge time:5 – 6 hours
One size fits:5.2 to 6 foot 2
Ride and cargo weight:300 pounds
Brakes:Mechanical Disc
Max speed:20mph
Gearing:48 t chainring with 14 -28 t cassette

PROS

  • The generous cargo/rider weight and a banana seat give you room to bring a passenger or beach gear.
  • A double shoulder fork gives you lots of stiffness and strength for a sturdy ride.

CONS

  • The price: this is a bit more expensive than similar bike prices.
  • Mechanical disc brakes should be replaced with hydraulic ones for better stopping power.

If you want a vintage e-bike to cruise the beach, you may want to consider the Addmotor M-60. This vintage, the moped-style e-bike has a banana seat just right for bringing along your favorite passenger.

The wide tires are suitable for sand and off-road, so they can take you pretty much anywhere you need to go. The 750-watt motor gives you plenty of torque to climb your way out. The double-shoulder fork is a cool feature, which gives the bike extra stability and helps remove some bumpiness and road vibration.

The battery charges quickly, and it has a sturdy kickstand, too.

The only drawback here is the price tag – it’s a little bit high considering it doesn’t have the same stopping power as some of the other bikes.

OUR VERDICT

This is a nice bike with a great passenger seat. However, it’s more expensive than similar bikes, so we give it an 8.5/10.

Best Value Mini-E-bike

4. Rattan LF-70 Pro

image3 1
This bike has great color and style. Rattan

Our Rating

9.5/10

$1399

KEY SPECS

Seats:Step-through/ folding Aluminum alloy frame
Bike weight:55 pounds without battery
Motor:750-watt
Tires:20 x 4 inches
Battery charge time:6.5 hours
Suspension:Dual front
Range:30 to 45 miles
Brakes:Mechanical Disc
Rider and cargo weight:up to 300 pounds
Max speed:15mph

PROS

  • This bike is available in great colors
  • High value for the price
  • Generous max rider weight with a ‘sissy bar’ seat means you can bring along your favorite passenger

CONS

  • Uses mechanical disc brakes instead of hydraulic disc brakes
  • Max speed is low at 15mph

The Rattan Cruiser has great style! Available in some new and beautiful colors, the Rattan LF-70 Pro falls somewhere between the look of a vintage moped and a cruiser e-bike.

It has a great little passenger seat with a backrest, so your favorite passenger will be comfortable, too. And it holds up to 300 pounds, which gives you space for a rider and/or cargo.

The bike is pretty lightweight, at around 55 pounds, but that’s without the large battery. So it will feel a little heavier than that if you have to pedal it.

The bike has an average range of 30 to 45 miles, but that will go down if you bring a pal along. The max speed is a little on the lower side so that it might be more of a fun day cruiser bike than a serious commuter bike.

Regardless, it’s a fun bike that is a great value for the price when compared to the other expensive ones

OUR VERDICT

If you want a high-value, unique bike, you might just love the rattan. It comes in some pretty amazing colors, and while the speed and range are on the lower end, so is the price. Nevertheless, this is a cool folding, electric mini bike, so we give it a 9.5/10.

Best Mini Bike For Kids

5. Swagtron EB-5

image5 1
Kids can ride mini-bikes, too. Swagtron

Our Rating

9/10

$599.99

KEY SPECS

Seat:Brompton Style, Aluminum frame
Bike weight:37 pounds
Motor:250-watt
Tires:Small, 14-inch
Range:15-mile
Brakes:Caliper
Max speed:15mph
Rider and cargo weight limit:264 pounds

PROS

  • Highly adjustable, inexpensive bike.
  • Lightweight and easy to ride.

CONS

  • The range is very short for an e-bike battery.
  • This bike has caliper brakes, so you need to take it very easy on descents.

If your kids also need an electric mini bike, you’ll love this Swagtron Eb-5. It’s highly adjustable and should work for adults and older children. In addition, this motor is lower watts and lower speeds, which is better for children to learn. But you can also go for kids’ dirt bikes if you have other preferences.

You can find out more about kids and e-bikes from the Children’s Hospital of Orange County.

This Brompton-style e-bike has small wheels and a low bar, so it’s really easy to get on and off, especially for short people. And it only weighs around 37 pounds, which is manageable even if the battery dies.

I love how inexpensive it is and how it folds up so small. But there are a few drawbacks.

For example, it only has a 250-watt motor, which isn’t a lot for hills. And the max speed is only 15mph, and the range is only around 15 miles.

So if you’re just testing the waters of the e-bike world, you want a small or lightweight e-bike, or your older child is interested in trying one, this is a great entry-level e-bike to go with.

OUR VERDICT

We give this bike a 9/10. It’s small, inexpensive, and folds up. It’s also pretty cute! But it goes slow and has a small range so that you won’t be riding it very far. That’s fine if you’re choosing it for an older child to learn, but it might not be very feasible for your daily commute.

Final Thoughts

Hands down, my favorite electric mini bike is the Radpower Expand 5. It has a nice step-through, folding frame to make it easy to get on and off and easy to store when not in use.

The battery range gives you up to 45 miles of pedal assist and up to 20 mph of speed. At $1649, it’s reasonably priced and fun to ride. My only complaint is that it would be better off with some hydraulic disc brakes, which you often find on high quality road bikes. Hydraulic brakes, though, would increase the price. Overall, this is a great value bike with plenty of range, speed, and comfort both on-road and off.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are electric mini bikes legal?

That depends. In some countries, any type of e-bike is illegal to ride on the road. So you’ll need to check your local laws to make sure the bike is legal for you to ride.

Can you pedal an electric mini bike without the battery?

Yes, you can pedal an electric mini bike without the battery, just like a standard road bike. However, between the hard gearing, the fat tires, and the weight of the bike, it would be very hard to pedal, especially uphill. So be prepared and know how far you can go on your ebike without having to charge it.

Are e-bikes heavy?

Yes, e-bikes are typically 20 pounds heavier than their road bike counterparts.

Can you buy spare batteries?

Yes, most e-bike manufacturers sell spare and replacement batteries in case you need an extra one.

Can I carry cargo on my e-bike?

Yes, your electric mini bike can carry cargo just like a full-size e-bike. Just make sure you don’t exceed the maximum weight limit on the bike.

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