When it comes to electric bikes, there are a lot of advantages that come with them. Aside from the fact that they allow for an easy riding experience, you can also have a clear conscience thanks to their eco-friendliness. On top of that, they can be lots of fun, too.
One disadvantage you may have already considered is the fact that some of them can be a little less maneuverable than you’d like them to be. Like regular bicycles, e-bikes can be large and hard to carry on public transportation. Another issue is that the average-sized wheels on e-bikes can make them hard to maneuver and make sharp turns, especially if you’re riding in highly populated areas with lots of traffic and obstacles.
The good news is that there are actually plenty of options if you’re looking for an e-bike with smaller wheels.
Not only are 20-inch tire electric bikes easier to maneuver — they’re also way more portable than the standard ones. If you’ve been holding off on hopping on the e-bike train because you’re worried about portability and the other disadvantages of large tires, it may be time to reconsider.
Table of Contents
- Who Are 20-Inch Electric Bikes Best For?
- What to Look for in a 20-Inch E-Bike
- Smaller Wheels vs. Larger Wheels
- Top 5 20-Inch Tire E-Bikes
- Finding the Perfect 20-Inch Tire Electric Bike
We’ve put together a list of the top 5 e-bikes with 20-inch tires that could be exactly what you’re looking for. Before we give you our picks, though, let’s take a look at the specific advantages that 20-inch electric bikes have to offer.
Who Are 20-Inch Electric Bikes Best For?
A 20-inch e-bike is a great choice for many. That said, if you're still unsure as to whether or not you really want or need a 20-inch wheel electric bike, we've put together a list of what they're best for.
- Easy to Transport and Store — A 20-inch e-bike is the most convenient choice for anyone who needs something compact that can be stored away or carried around. This includes students, office employees, and anyone with a small living space. This type of electric bike is also great for folks who ride public transportation or who have to climb steps or take the elevator whether at home, school, or work.
- Pits, Farms, and Off-Road Trails — Whether you're constantly moving across rough terrain as part of your day or you just enjoy getting out and having fun on your e-bike, a 20-inch option is perfect for off-road trails. The smaller wheel size offers great maneuverability and controls so you can enjoy your outdoors adventures.
- Riders Who Are Shorter in Stature — Typically, 20-inch e-bike frames are lower to the ground. As such, they're great for riders who might be shorter in stature, as well as older riders and folks with flexibility limitations.
It's important to note that while 20-inch e-bikes might be the best choice for many riders, they're not for everyone. If you're looking for something that'll get you fast speeds, powerful torque, and high performance, perhaps you should check out our list of the best beach cruiser electric bikes, or our picks for the best electric hunting bikes around.
What to Look for in a 20-Inch E-Bike
Like with any electric bike, there are certain specs you're going to want to keep in mind when choosing the right 20-inch e-bike for you. You're also going to want to have a good idea of how their motors and batteries work.
E-Bike Wattage, Voltage, and Amperage
When look at an e-bike's performance, you're going to want to consider both its motor and its battery. Together, these components use watts, volts, and amps to create the energy that pushes your 20-inch e-bike forward.
- Wattage refers to how much power an electric bike's motor can put out. More watts mean faster speeds.
-
Voltage is the capacity an e-bike motor can accept. Wattage ties directly to this, so you won't be able to get the most out of your e-bike unless you have a compatible wattage and voltage.
- Example: A voltage of 36v won't unlock the full potential of a 1000w motor. For the best results, you'd need 48 or 52v.
-
Amperage is tied to your e-bike battery and refers to how much energy it can transfer to the motor with each charge.
- Note: Once again, compatibility is important to get the most out of an e-bike's motor and battery. A higher wattage/voltage will require a battery with higher amperage.
Smaller Wheels vs. Larger Wheels
Maybe you’ve never even considered the fact that small wheels have a number of advantages over standard, larger wheels. We typically only imagine them on children’s bikes, but as it turns out, there are a lot of benefits to riding with smaller tires instead of larger ones.
- Smaller tires make an e-bike way more compact and easier to transport. The most portable e-bikes are foldable e-bikes, and most of these tend to have tires that are 20 inches or smaller. This makes the bike lighter and much easier to take with you, whether you’re storing it in your car or taking it on the train.
- Small tires make an electric bike easier to steer and weave through traffic and obstacles. They’re more responsive to steering and provide better tire compliance on the road because of their higher pressure per square inch than larger tires. This makes it safer and simpler to make sharp turns and ride on wet surfaces.
- Another advantage of small wheels over large ones is that they provide faster acceleration. Because 20-inch tires are lightweight, they have a lower moment of inertia. This is another plus for people who are looking to ride in busy cities with lots of traffic, because it makes it much faster to stop and go.
There are a few disadvantages, too, though. For example, small wheels don’t maintain their speed as well as large wheels because of their low inertia. If you’re going to want to go fast for a long period of time, you’ll have to pedal faster and use more of your battery to keep the speed up on a bike with smaller wheels. Another disadvantage is that smaller wheels are more susceptible to potholes and will give you a less smooth ride on bumpy roads than larger tires.
At the end of the day, you should consider all the pros and cons when purchasing an electric bike. That said, e-bikes with smaller tires are definitely an option to consider if you’re really concerned about portability, or if you’re going to be riding on city roads very often.
Top 5 20-Inch Tire E-Bikes
Now that you know all of the advantages of smaller tires, here are our top 5 electric bikes with 20-inch tires.
Editor's Choice: Nakto 300W Mini Cruiser Fat Tire Electric Bike
This Nakto 300W Mini Cruiser Fat Tire Electric Bike combines ultimate comfort with safety, and it’s perfect for riding through hilly city streets. Thanks to its durable carbon steel frame, adjustable saddle, and 20-inch fat tires, you’ll be able to ride up any inclines on your way to work or school.
The 20-inch tires are responsive and easy to maneuver due to their smaller size. They also feature shock and impact absorption, allowing you to take on tough off-road terrain while still maintaining comfort.
The Nakto Mini Cruiser Electric Bike comes with convenience in mind and is 80 percent assembled out of the box. That means minimal effort is required on your part to get it all put together.
This electric bike is equipped with a 6-speed Shimano derailleur system, reactive brakes, LED headlights, and an engine cut-off switch that will automatically stop the power as soon as you apply the brakes. Plus, the lithium battery will take you up to 30 miles on a single charge, so you can keep riding longer and further.
20-Inch E-Bike Specs
- Wattage: 300w
- Battery: 36V10AH lithium
- Top speed: 25 MPH (unassisted)
- Range: 30 miles
Our Price: $889.00 | Click Here to Buy This 20-Inch E-Bike
Best 20in. Ebike For Off-Road Terrain: Olic 350W TCB-20 Tank City Fold Electric Bike
Whether you’re looking for a good 20-inch e-bike to ride around town or take to your favorite mountain trail, the Olic 350W TCB-20 Tank City Fold Electric Bike has you covered. This electric bike is versatile enough to meet any of your e-bike riding needs, from leisurely rides through the city to off-road adventures in nature.
The wide 20in x 4in tires can take on even the most uneven paths and provide comfort the whole way. In addition, the 350-watt mid-drive motor and 48-volt lithium-ion battery are equipped to give you the power you need to make your way through thick terrain. This makes it a great e-bike if you’re going off-road or if your commute is especially bumpy.
The e-bike is also extremely portable thanks to its foldable frame — so you can carry it anywhere, pack it into your car, or take it along with you on public transportation. It’s super lightweight, too, making it even easier to carry. Of course, as lightweight as it is, this small electric bike is still able to carry loads as heavy as 331 pounds.
If you’re looking for a 20-inch e-bike that does quite a bit of everything, the Olic 350W TCB-20 Tank City Fold Electric Bike is the perfect choice.
20-Inch E-Bike Specs
- Wattage: 350w
- Battery: Lithium-ion 48V/8Ah; 10Ah battery available
- Top speed: 28 MPH (unassisted)
- Range: 55 miles
- Special features: Carries up to 331 pounds
Our Price: $2,199.00 | Click Here to Buy This 20-Inch E-Bike
Best 20in. Ebike For Quick Trips Around Town: Busso Bikes 500W Alpha 500
Maybe you just need something to quickly get around town. If that’s the case, the Busso Bikes 500W Alpha 500 is a functional and fully featured 20-inch e-bike that’ll get you from point A to point B with no trouble.
This bike is equipped with 20in x 4in Kenda Krusade fat tires that are perfect for leisurely trips through the city, running errands, and quick commutes. The tires ensure low impact so that you’re able to take on tough potholes on city roads.
The rigid 6061 aluminum frame helps, too, providing reliability to withstand and absorb shock while you make your way around town. The Busso Bikes Alpha 500 also includes an LCD screen attached to the handlebar that allows you to keep track of all your vital stats while you ride — that way you know how fast you’re going and how much battery life your e-bike has left.
Other features include the Shimano Altus 7-speed gear shifting for effortless, precise shifting, and a thumb throttle so you can either ride free or with electric assistance.
20-Inch E-Bike Specs
- Wattage: 500w
- Battery: 48V 13Ah lithium-ion
- Top speed: 25 MPH (unassisted)
- Range: 30 miles
Our Price: $1,595.00 | Click Here to Buy This 20-Inch E-Bike
Best 20in. Ebike For Carrying Cargo: Eunorau 500W Trike 20'' Fat Tire Folding Electric Tricycle
The Eunorau 500W Trike 20” Fat Tire Folding Electric Tricycle is for riders who need to move cargo, or for those folks who are carrying a lot with them. Whether it’s your tools or equipment for work, books for school, or groceries, the electric trike is equipped with both a rear rack and a front basket.
This tricycle is equipped with not only tough 20-inch tires, but also fenders that protect the tires from rain, drizzle, and snow. That way you can ride this electric trike anywhere regardless of weather conditions.
Heavy duty stainless steel spokes will help you carry your cargo up and down hilly roads and rough terrains. In addition, the thumb throttle lets you accelerate at the push of a button to maintain even speed while the cadence sensors let you manually adjust the speed and level of your boosts.
20-Inch E-Bike Specs
- Wattage: 500w
- Battery: Lithium-ion 48V 12.5Ah
- Top speed: 23 MPH (unassisted)
- Range: 40 miles
- Special features: Rear cargo rack and front basket
Our Price: $2,299.00 | Click Here to Buy This 20-Inch E-Bike
Best 20in. Ebike Most Lightweight Frame: Eprodigy 500W Fairweather Folding Electric Bike
If you’re specifically going with a 20-inch e-bike because you want something that’s smaller, lighter, and easier to move around, the Eprodigy 500W Fairweather Folding Electric Bike Black is for you. At just 35 pounds with battery, this is the most lightweight electric bike on this list.
Despite its lighter weight, this small electric bike is equipped with a strong, rigid frame made of carbon fiber, providing ultimate strength and sturdiness while remaining light. This ensures maximum durability, so you don’t need to feel like you’re moving around a fragile piece of equipment.
The Schwalbe semi-slick 2in x 2in tires are puncture-resistant due to RaceGuard puncture protection, so you don’t need to worry about getting a flat while on the road. For added comfort, this 20-inch e-bike has a wide Velo speed flex saddle that provides the smoothest possible riding experience on top of these impact-absorbing tires.
Plus, the Eprodigy coaxial bottom bracket motor will let you upgrade the system at any time to stay up-to-date with the market without having to replace your electric bike — and you won’t need to for a while, because this one is sure to be long-lasting.
20-Inch E-Bike Specs
- Wattage: 500w
- Battery: Panasonic lithium-ion 36V 5.8Ah
- Top speed: 25 MPH (unassisted)
- Range: 30 miles
- Special features: Upgradable system stays-up-to-date with future models
Our Price: $3,599.00 | Click Here to Buy This 20-Inch E-Bike
Best 20in. Ebike For Riders Who Need a Step-Through Frame: T4B 350W Fat Black 2-Way Fat Tire Folding Electric Bike
Some riders prefer a step-through e-bike frame. This includes folks who may be a bit shorter in stature, older riders, anyone with flexibility issues, or those who just like the convenience of a step-through bike. For those riders, the T4B 350W Fat Black 2-Way Fat Tire Folding Electric Bike is ideal.
Frame aside, this e-bike’s 20-inch fat tires ensure a smooth, stress-free riding experience no matter where you’re headed — either on city streets or off-road terrain. The frame is also super durable, made of aluminium alloy with anti-exposure and anti-rust coating so that it can last you a long time and ride through any sort of weather.
The e-bike is also equipped with electric assist and a lithium-ion battery that will allow you to get anywhere you need to go and back on a single charge.
20-Inch E-Bike Specs
- Wattage: 350w
- Battery: Lithium-ion 36V 13Ah
- Top speed: 20 MPH (unassisted)
- Range: 30 miles
- Special features: Step-through frame for ease-of-use
Our Price: $1,499.99 | Click Here to Buy This 20-Inch E-Bike
Finding the Perfect 20-Inch Tire Electric Bike
If you’re looking specifically for an electric bike that’s portable and features smaller tires than most, there are plenty of great options available. You don’t need to limit yourself when it comes to e-bikes — there’s a bike for everyone out there.
Just like there are standard bicycles with smaller wheels, there are electric bikes that offer that same level of versatility and style, too, with the added bonus of sophisticated technology. With a 20-inch tire e-bike, you’ll get optimal maneuverability and portability, as well as a great, smooth riding experience regardless of the terrain you’re on.
You can’t go wrong with any of the 20-inch electric bikes listed above. So if you’re ready to make the jump to e-bikes, there’s never been a better time to do so.
