Best women’s e-bike? Wheels?

PB Forum :: eMTB

Author	Message

Defektboy

Posted: Oct 23, 2023 at 5:06	Quote
Looking for an e-bike for the wife. She’s 5’2” beginner so looking at smalls, but what wheel size? 29 or 27? Thinking a YT decoy since they’re on sale and seem like more bang for your buck. Other suggestions?

BenLow2019

Posted: Oct 23, 2023 at 6:38

Quote

Defektboy wrote:

Looking for an e-bike for the wife. She’s 5’2” beginner so looking at smalls, but what wheel size? 29 or 27? Thinking a YT decoy since they’re on sale and seem like more bang for your buck. Other suggestions?

Wheel size isn't a huge issue - your wife isn't too short for 29" wheels. You'll want to look at standover height so she can easily straddle the top tube. I believe she'd be okay on a size small Decoy. If i'm looking at the right bike it's got a 29" wheel up front and a 27.5" wheel in back.

The Decoy is a serious bike and you said she's a beginner. I don't know what your definition of beginner is but the Decoy may be over biking her. In other words: you may be paying for performance features she won't ever use. Does she really need such a capable, trail-shredding machine?

I would take a look at the e-bikes that Giant has. You may find a good beginner e-bike that fits the budget and the rider.

Ross36

Posted: Oct 26, 2023 at 10:09	Quote
For size reference, my 5'1" wife manages fine on her S2 Levo. Prefers the mixed wheel size over full 27.5.

fendou

Posted: Nov 10, 2023 at 20:41	Quote
for women ebike I think this Young Electric E-Flow 750W Folding eBike is a good choice for you

tbartoncv

Posted: Nov 11, 2023 at 8:05

Quote

fendou wrote:

for women ebike
I think this Young Electric E-Flow 750W Folding eBike is a good choice for you

lol. I disagree

johnovey

O+

Posted: Nov 11, 2023 at 11:06

Quote

Got my wife a Liv(Giant women specific) Intrigue Advanced E+ Elite this summer. She is loving it. It's 29/27.
She is 5'5'' & only 105lbs on a small. They make an xs also. 42 ish lbs But still has full power capability (85nm).
Range is not a problem at all. We generally do 2hr rides with some steep climbs & rarely does in ever get down to 60% left after the ride.
The heavier ebikes like the Decoy can be a bit much for someone smaller, & hard to set up for a light rider.
With the women's specific design I found it easy to dial it for fit & suspension plushness.

venturavin

Posted: Nov 13, 2023 at 11:15

Quote

In my limited experience helping small female beginner riders get into riding (sample size of 2) the biggest hurdle is confidence and comfort handling the bike. For this reason, I think it is absurd how many size small or women's specific bikes are built around 29" wheels... A beginner rider (male or female) just getting comfortable on technical trails is not worried about blasting through a rock garden as fast as they can, they're worried about whether or not they can keep their tire on the trail and whether or not they can get around that next switchback without toppling over. I don't know any bikes to recommend, but my $0.02 is to seek out a 27.5" front and rear if possible.

gnarlysipes

Posted: Dec 8, 2023 at 22:47

Quote

tbartoncv wrote:

fendou wrote:

for women ebike
I think this Young Electric E-Flow 750W Folding eBike is a good choice for you

lol. I disagree

LOL fendou doesn’t know the audience he/she is spamming.

Completely missed the mark.

Caroleb2

O+

Posted: Apr 13, 2025 at 20:42	Quote
Defektboy, what did you end up buying for your wife? I have a medium 2019 YT Decoy that is too big for me but I love. As you said, you get a bang for the buck. Having said that, I do hate the Shimano E8000 motor noise

Caroleb2

O+

Posted: Apr 13, 2025 at 21:07	Quote
sorry dbl post

Fironwoo

Posted: May 29, 2025 at 22:33

Quote

Any option from Liv?

Defektboy wrote:

jsbless

Posted: Jun 24, 2025 at 8:44	Quote
Looking into getting the best women’s e-bike for trail riding, any recommendations? Also curious what wheel size you all prefer for mixed terrain, 27.5 or 29?

Dinsey89

Posted: Jul 5, 2025 at 17:12

Quote

Hey man, I was in the same spot recently trying to find a good e-bike for my wife — she’s also around 5'2" and just getting into it. I’d say definitely lean toward 27.5" wheels for smaller riders; easier to handle and more confidence-inspiring, especially starting out.

The YT Decoy is a great choice, especially with the deals they’ve got going — solid value for the components. I looked at that too. Have you checked out the Liv Intrigue E+ or even the Norco Fluid VLT? Let me know what terrain you’re thinking she’ll ride most.

ROFF

Posted: Jul 7, 2025 at 20:02	Quote
Just built up an Ari Nebo peak for my GF. Medium with 27.5 F/R with a bit longer shock. She’s 5,4. Fits perfect and much easier for her than a 29

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