Choosing your first electric bike involves more than selecting a motor or battery. One of the most important decisions is the frame style. For many riders, the choice comes down to a step-through electric bike or a crossbar electric bike.
Both options offer excellent performance, but they suit different riders, riding styles and lifestyles. If you’re unsure which is right for you, this guide explains the key differences and highlights who each style is best suited for.
If you’re still early in your search, you may also find our guide to How to Choose the Right Electric Bike helpful before comparing frame designs.
What Is a Step-Through Electric Bike?
A step-through electric bike features a lower frame, allowing riders to easily step through rather than swing a leg over a traditional crossbar.
These bikes have become increasingly popular with riders seeking comfort, convenience and confidence.
Benefits of a Step-Through Electric Bike
- Easier to mount and dismount
- Ideal for riders with reduced mobility or flexibility
- Comfortable upright riding position
- Excellent for leisure rides and commuting
- Convenient when carrying shopping, luggage or panniers
- Provides added confidence when stopping and starting
Many riders assume step-through models are only intended for older cyclists, but today’s designs are stylish, capable and suitable for riders of all ages.
Bergamont E-Horizon Edition 5 Low Bar
What Is a Crossbar Electric Bike?
A crossbar electric bike features a traditional diamond frame design, with a horizontal or sloping top tube connecting the handlebars to the seat post.
This design has been the standard bicycle frame for decades and remains popular amongst commuters, leisure cyclists and more active riders.
Benefits of a Crossbar Electric Bike
- Increased frame rigidity
- Sportier riding position
- Excellent stability on varied terrain
- Popular for longer rides and mixed-terrain use
- Often preferred by performance-focused riders
Modern crossbar electric bikes remain comfortable while offering a slightly more responsive ride feel.
Which Frame Style Is Best for Devon Roads?
Devon offers a mix of rolling countryside, steep hills, cycle paths and coastal routes, meaning both frame styles can work exceptionally well.
The best choice often comes down to comfort and personal preference rather than terrain alone.
Step-Through Bikes Are Ideal If You:
- Primarily ride roads and cycle paths
- Want maximum comfort
- Frequently stop and start during rides
- Prefer easy access on and off the bike
- Enjoy leisurely countryside rides
Many customers visiting our Exeter showroom choose a step-through bike because they feel more confident and comfortable from the first ride.
Crossbar Bikes Are Ideal If You:
- Prefer a sportier riding position
- Regularly ride longer distances
- Use mixed terrain routes
- Want a more traditional cycling feel
- Enjoy challenging climbs and faster riding
Does a Step-Through Frame Affect Performance?
This is one of the most common questions we hear.
For the vast majority of leisure and commuter cyclists, there is very little noticeable difference in performance between a quality step-through and crossbar electric bike.
Modern frame engineering means today’s low-step e-bikes are highly capable and exceptionally stable.
The motor, battery system and tyre choice will have a much greater impact on your riding experience than the frame style itself.
Our Recommended Step-Through Electric Bikes
Bergamont E-Horizon Edition 5 Low Bar
The Bergamont E-Horizon Edition 5 Low Bar combines comfort with impressive Bosch-powered performance.
Highlights include:
- Bosch Performance Line motor
- Bosch Smart System
- Integrated 500Wh PowerTube battery
- Range of over 50 miles
- Intuvia 100 display
- Comfortable low-step frame
- Ideal for Devon roads and countryside routes
This is an excellent option for riders seeking confidence-inspiring comfort without sacrificing hill-climbing ability.
Ampere Deluxe Step Through
The Ampere Deluxe Step Through is a popular choice for leisure riders thanks to its comfortable riding position and excellent value.
Perfect for:
- Day-to-day riding
- Leisure cycling
- Local journeys
- Exploring Devon at a relaxed pace
Our Recommended Crossbar Electric Bikes
Scott Sub Sport 30
The Scott Sub Sport 30 is an excellent choice for riders looking for a traditional crossbar electric bike that delivers comfort, stability and everyday versatility.
Why riders love it:
- Traditional crossbar frame for a stable and responsive ride
- Comfortable geometry for longer journeys
- Well suited to commuting and leisure cycling
- Equipped for everyday practicality
- Reliable performance on Devon’s roads and cycle paths
- Confident handling on longer rides and mixed terrain
Ampere X-Trail
For riders looking for additional versatility and capability, the Ampere X-Trail offers excellent performance across roads, cycle tracks and trails.
Ideal for:
- Mixed-terrain riding
- Devon’s rural routes
- More adventurous cyclists
Can You Ride Either Style on Devon Hills?
Absolutely.
Whether you choose a step-through or crossbar frame, modern electric bikes provide the motor assistance needed to tackle Devon’s challenging gradients.
In fact, many local customers are surprised by how confidently step-through bikes handle hills around Exeter, Dartmoor and the South Devon coast.
If climbing ability is your priority, pay closer attention to:
- Motor type
- Battery capacity
- Gearing
- Tyre choice
These factors have a greater impact on hill-climbing performance than frame style alone.
You may also enjoy reading our guide to Best Electric Bikes for Devon Hills for more detailed recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, there is no universally “better” option when it comes to choosing between a step-through and a crossbar electric bike. The right choice depends on how and where you ride, as well as what makes you feel most comfortable and confident on the bike.
For many leisure cyclists, commuters and riders returning to cycling after a break, a step-through frame offers outstanding convenience, comfort and accessibility. Meanwhile, riders looking for a more traditional cycling feel or a slightly sportier riding position may naturally gravitate towards a crossbar design.
The good news is that modern electric bikes have evolved significantly. Whether you choose a step-through or crossbar frame, you’ll still benefit from the same electric assistance, battery technology and hill-climbing performance that make e-bikes such a joy to ride.
If you’re still undecided, the best solution is to try both. A short test ride can quickly reveal which frame style feels most natural and enjoyable for the way you ride.
At Leisure Life, we stock a wide range of step-through and crossbar electric bikes from trusted brands including Ampere, Raleigh and Bergamont. Our team is always happy to help you compare models, explain the differences and find the perfect e-bike for your needs.
Browse our range of electric bikes or visit our Exeter showroom to speak with our experienced team.
Not Sure Whether a Step-Through or Crossbar E-Bike Is Right for You?
Choosing the right frame style can make a big difference to your comfort, confidence and enjoyment on every ride. At Leisure Life in Exeter, our experienced team can help you compare step-through and crossbar electric bikes, explain the key differences and find the perfect model for your riding style.
- Compare step-through and crossbar electric bikes side-by-side
- Expert advice tailored to your needs and riding goals
- Test rides available on selected models
- Top brands including Ampere, Raleigh and Bergamont