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 Benefits |
Comfortable, low-maintenance, efficient for daily use |
| Key Features |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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.