Summary:
There are six main types of eBikes, each built for specific riding conditions. Electric mountain bikes (eMTBs) are for steep trails and rough terrain. Fat tire eBikes perform well on snow, sand, and grass. Commuter eBikes are for daily urban travel. Cruiser eBikes prioritize comfort and style for relaxed riding. Folding eBikes offer compact portability for mixed transportation or storage, while Trikes offer extra stability and accessibility for riders.
The Different Types of eBikes
Not all eBikes are created equal—and that’s the point. You need the right kind of eBike for the type of riding you do.
Whether you’re climbing steep trails, navigating downtown Calgary, or cruising by the river, there’s an electric bike designed for how and where you ride. In this guide, we’ll break down the major types of eBikes, what they’re best suited for, and the key features to look for when choosing your next ride.
Find Your Next eBike:
- Commuter eBikes
- Cruiser eBikes
- Fat Tire eBikes
- Electric Mountain Bikes (eMTBs)
- Folding eBikes
- Trikes
Commuter eBikes
Made for everyday riding in urban environments, these bikes are safe and practical in city traffic—but the best models should also be able to take you over dirt or gravel paths pretty easily.
You’ll also want to make sure your commuter eBike is comfortable and fun to ride, since you’ll probably be spending at least an hour or two on it most days of the week. That’s where these models shine.
Best For Urban commuting, light trails, daily errands Main BenefitsComfortable, low-maintenance, efficient for daily use Key Features
- Ergonomic saddle: Reduces pressure during longer riders
- Puncture-resistant tires: Protects against glass and road debris
- High-torque motor: Helps with acceleration in traffic or hills
- Long-range battery: Reduces charging frequency and supports long commutes
Recommended Models:![]()
SURFACE604 - ROOK Low Step 500W
The Rook comes with an adjustable ergonomic gel saddle, two high-capacity battery options (the extended range option lasts for up to 65 miles or 105 kms), and a 500W Bafang motor putting out 65 Nm of torque. Better still, it comes with puncture-resistant tires, and gives you the option of using either torque sensors or a thumb throttle for those days when you just feel like coasting through the streets.
Battery
48V 20Ah / 960Wh Samsung lithium-ion 18650 cells
Controller
SURFACE604-designed 12 MOS 48V 500W 25Ah
Display
SURFACE604 color LCD display with USB port
Charger
3–4 hours for a full charge from empty (fast charger available)
Throttle
Thumb push–activated throttle
Lights
Büchel "Secu Forte" LED headlight (150 lumens) + LED rear light
SURFACE604 - Colt 500W Mid-Drive
The Colt is also a great choice for those who want something slightly more tailored for going to work or school—it offers the same power and range with built-in front and rear luggage racks.
Battery
48V 20Ah / 960Wh, Samsung lithium-ion 21700 cells
Controller
SURFACE604 Designed 12 MOS 48V 500W 25Ah
Display
Ananda D16 TFT 48V 2.4" Color Display
Charger
3-4 Hours for a Full Charge from Empty
Throttle
130Nm of Torque - Thumb Push Activated
Lights
BÜCHEL "SHINY 60" LED headlight with 60 lumens
Cruiser eBikes
These eBikes are all about recreation. You won’t use these for rugged adventuring or lugging supplies back and forth from your job, but the smooth and comfortable riding experience they offer makes them ideal for pleasure cruises (hence the name).
Most cruisers also have a sleek and stylish design, making them instant head-turners when you ride them in public places.
Best For
Casual rides, waterfronts, group outings
Main Benefits
Comfortable seating, upright posture, eye-catching design
Key Features
- Swept-back handlebars: Allow relaxed arm position
- Plush saddle: Adds comfort for long, easygoing rides
- Relaxed frame geometry: Provides stability and smooth cruising
- Optional retro styling: Appeals to riders who want a vintage look
Recommended Models:
T4B - Victory V-Shaped Low Step 500W
A cruiser for everyday use that also works great for commuting, this is a versatile ride you’ll be happy to take all over the city. Integrated fenders, a rear rack, and an adjustable stem make this as practical and low-maintenance as it is comfortable. Easy to ride and easy to love.
Battery
48V 12Ah Samsung Lithium Ion battery
Controller
9mos - 20ah
Display
Ourmeter monochrome
Charger
48V 2A
Throttle
Thumb throttle
SURFACE604 - Sunny Day Low Step
The Sunny Day comes with advanced features like a torque sensor and Surface 604’s intuitive color display at a fraction of the cost of most of S604’s lineup. The step-thru frame makes for easy mounting and dismounting without needing to swing a leg high over a top tube. A versatile, comfortable, and powerful e-bike designed for small commutes and leisure rides.
Battery
48V 12Ah / 672Wh Samsung lithium-ion (18650 cells, integrated)
Controller
SURFACE604-designed 12 MOS 48V 500W 25Ah smart controller
Display
SURFACE604 color LCD display with USB jack (3.5" for 2022 vs. 3.2" for 2020)
Charger
3–4 hours for a full charge from empty
Throttle
Thumb push–activated throttle
Fat Tire eBikes
Characterized by wheels fitted with generous amounts of rubber, these eBikes are designed to handle well over roughly-even-but-challenging terrain—think off-roading through grassy fields, moderate hills, sand dunes, and even snowdrifts.
While many fat tire eBikes lack suspension forks or seatposts, their tires are designed so that you can adjust the level of air in them to a greater degree than you would for other bikes, allowing you to control how much you feel the surfaces beneath you while riding.
Best For
Snow, sand, grass, off-grid travel
Main Benefits
Exceptional traction, terrain versatility, backcountry durability
Key Features
- Extra-wide tires: Grip soft and uneven surfaces like sand or snow
- Adjustable tire pressure: Lets you fine-tune comfort and traction
- Hydraulic disc brakes: Offer strong stopping power on unpredictable terrain
- Gear racks (optional): Useful for hauling equipment on outdoor trips
- Built-in headlights: Essential for riding in remote or low-light conditions
Recommended Models:
SURFACE604 - Boar Hunter 500W
The Boar Hunter gives you 4.5” wide Kenda Juggernaut tires that eat up pretty much any surface they roll over, and 180mm hydraulic disc brakes ensure that you can come to a halt at a moment’s notice. You also get a brilliant Axendo LED headlight and stock front and rear luggage racks—plus a highly sought after torque sensor, which most fat tire eBikes don’t have.
Battery
48V 20Ah / 960Wh, Samsung lithium-ion 21X700mm cells
Controller
SURFACE604 Designed 12 MOS 48V 500W 25Ah, Smart Controller
Display
SURFACE604 Color LCD Display with USB Jack, Bigger display: 3.5"
Charger
3–4 hours for a full charge from empty
Throttle
Thumb Push Activated Throttle
Lights
BÜCHEL "SHINY 120" LED Headlight
iGo - Outland Torgat RS Mid-Drive
4.8” wide fat tires make this eBike something closer to a tank when you’re rolling over dirt, snow, or sand. An air fork with 120mm or suspension play makes the ride even smoother, and an IP65 display with all kinds of advanced features means you’ll have advanced technology you can count on in a wide range of challenging conditions.
Battery
5000mAh SAMSUNG cell, removable with security lock (48V | 15Ah | 720Wh)
Display
2” HD High Brightness IPS Color LCD Display
Charger
48V 2A Charger
Brakes
TEKTRO HDE350 Hydraulic brakes w/ 180 mm rotors. Motor power cutoff switch.
Lights
BÜCHEL "SHINY 120" front headlight
Electric Mountain Bikes (eMTBs)
As the name suggests, these are ideal off-roaders—built to shred trails and traverse tricky terrain without any trouble. An eMTB needs to be versatile, responsive, and safe above all else. Of course, it’s never a bad idea to look for a model that will offer decent comfort as well so that you can really enjoy your outdoor adventures.
Shop All Electric Mountain Bikes (eMTBs)
Best For
Mountain trails, off-road terrain, steep climbs
Main Benefits
Strong climbing power, confident handling on trails, comfortable posture
Key Features
- High-torque motor: Delivers the power needed for steep inclines
- Torque sensors: Adjust power based on how hard you pedal, improving control
- Front suspension: Absorbs bumps for smoother rides over rough terrain
- Upright frame geometry: Reduces fatigue and improves visibility on technical trails
Recommended Models:
SURFACE604 - Shred 500W
The Shred offers incredible value for an eMTB, with a 500W Bafang motor, torque sensors, 100mm Suntour front suspension, and brilliant frame design that allows you to literally stay on top of the trail at all times.
Battery
48V 14Ah / 672Wh Samsung lithium-ion (18650 cells, integrated)
Controller
SURFACE604-designed 12 MOS 48V 500W 25Ah smart controller
Display
SURFACE604 color LCD display with USB jack (3.5" for 2022 vs. 3.2" for 2020)
Charger
3–4 hours for a full charge from empty
Throttle
Thumb push–activated throttle
SURFACE604 - Quad 500W
The Quad isn’t as hardcore as the Shred, but it offers thicker tires with larger contact patches for stable and comfortable trail riding, making it somewhere between a true eMTB and a fat tire eBike (we’ll get into those next).
Battery
48V 20Ah / 960Wh Samsung lithium-ion (21700 cells)
Controller
SURFACE604-designed 12 MOS 48V 500W 25Ah smart controller
Display
SURFACE604 color LCD display with USB jack (3.5")
Charger
3–4 hours for a full charge from empty
Throttle
Thumb push–activated throttle (peaks at 750W)
Lights
Büchel LED headlight, pre-wired to connect rear stop light
Folding eBikes
These eBikes are portable, packable, and practical—but they can also offer surprising performance for such a small package.
A folding eBike with the right features should be able to fit in the backseat of your car, unfold in less than two minutes once you’ve driven it to the middle of nowhere, and offer an entire afternoon’s worth of fun on trails, city streets, or bike paths. They’re also great if you regularly park in places where bike theft is common (since you can just take them indoors with you instead of leaving them on the street).
Best For
Car travel, small storage spaces, theft-prone areas
Main Benefits
Compact, portable, versatile for mixed-use environments
Key Features
- Adjustable folding frame: Packs down for easy transport and fits a range of rider heights
- Durable tires: Let you ride confidently on both paved and rugged paths
- Extended battery life: Ideal for riding in remote areas without charging stations
- Comfortable seat: Ensures you’re not sacrificing ride quality for portability
Recommended Models:
SURFACE604 - Twist Low Step 500W Folding
The Twist packs way more eBike than you’d expect into an adjustable step-thru frame so foldable you could throw it in the backseat of a Corolla and still have room to seat two kids. You also get mini fat tires to help you rip through rugged areas, and a battery big enough to grant you up to 45 miles (or 72 kms) per charge.
Battery
48V 14Ah / 672Wh Samsung lithium-ion (integrated 18650 cells)
Controller
SURFACE604-designed 12 MOS 48V 500W 25Ah smart controller
Display
3.5" SURFACE604 color LCD with USB jack (larger than 3.2" on 2020 model)
Charger
Full charge in 3–4 hours
Throttle
Thumb push–activated throttle
Trikes
Electric tricycles (or eTrikes) are all about stability, comfort, and practicality. Ideal for seniors, riders with mobility challenges, or anyone hauling heavier cargo, trikes offer a balanced ride and impressive load capacity while maintaining range and power.
With three wheels and wide, supportive frames, they’re a reliable option for errands, deliveries, or everyday riding where confidence and control matter most.
Best For
Stability-focused riders, seniors, cargo transport
Main Benefits
Excellent balance, high load capacity, safe at low speeds
Key Features
- Three-wheel design: Provides added stability for riders who prefer not to balance on two wheels
- Large rear basket or cargo platform: Ideal for carrying groceries, gear, or equipment
- Low step-thru frame: Makes mounting and dismounting easier for all mobility levels
- Throttle and pedal assist: Offers flexible riding options for varied physical ability
Recommended Models:
SURFACE604 Trio Mid Drive 500W Folding Trike
The Trio is built for riders who need stability without sacrificing performance. Its powerful 500W Bafang mid-drive motor is paired with a high-capacity 48V Samsung battery, giving you up to 450 lbs of hauling capacity and a comfortable upright ride. Foldable for easier storage and transport, it’s loaded with premium features like Tektro hydraulic brakes, 20” Panaracer fat tires, and a Selle Royal saddle for plush support.
Motor
500W Bafang mid-drive
Battery
48V 20Ah Samsung lithium-ion (960Wh)
Display
Bafang color LED display
Throttle
Thumb push
Charging Time
3–4 hours
Lights
Büchel SHINY 120 LED headlight + front/rear stop lights
Choosing the eBike Type that Fits Your Lifestyle
If weekend trips to the mountains or backcountry camping excursions are your thing, you’re probably in the market for an eMTB or fat tire eBike—but if you’re looking for a daily rider to take you to the office or around town, commuters and cruisers are where it’s at. Folding eBikes offer an added degree of flexibility, making for versatile companions on city streets or rugged areas as far away as you can drive them. If you want the stability of a third wheel, trikes are your best bet.
Ultimately, it all comes down to what you’re looking for—and the Calgary eBikes team is here to help!
Explore our available eBike models here to find your next two-wheeled obsession.
