20-Inch vs. 26-Inch Electric Bike Wheels (The Real Difference)
When I was looking to purchase my first e-bike, I had difficulty deciding whether I wanted an e-bike with 20-inch or 26-inch wheels. So, I compared the 20-inch wheel against the 26-inch electric bike wheel on several factors like their riding quality, cost, acceleration, maneuverability, efficiency, and weight to make my decision. I have compiled my research and results in this article.
As a whole, 20-inch electric bike wheels are less expensive, more maneuverable, and better at accelerating than 26-inch electric bike wheels. If you want to use your electric bike for a quick commute or for riding on smooth roads, 20-inch electric bike wheels will meet your needs.
On average, 26-inch electric bike wheels offer better ride quality and efficiency than 20-inch electric bike wheels. If you want to use your electric bike for mountain biking, riding on rough terrain, or for more extended periods, 26-inch electric bike wheels will be the better choice for you.
As a general rule, 26-inch electric bike wheels are better than 20-inch electric bike wheels. While 20-inch wheels have better acceleration and maneuverability than 26-inch wheels, 26-inch wheels still perform well in these categories and offer better ride quality and efficiency.
While we think 26-inch wheels are better than 20-inch wheels, 20-inch wheels might be a better option for some riders. If you would like to find out which wheel size is best for your needs, keep reading.
20-Inch vs. 26-Inch Electric Bike Wheels
On average, the main difference between 20 and 26-inch electric bike wheels is the efficiency. 26-inch electric bike wheels are more efficient than 20-inch electric bike wheels because they maintain momentum better and provide more torque.
To compare 20 and 26-inch electric bike wheels, you have to look at their ride quality, cost, acceleration, maneuverability, efficiency, and weight. I have created a few different charts highlighting the key differences between 20 and 26-inch electric bike wheels with these factors in mind.
| Wheel Size | Ride Quality | Cost | Acceleration | Maneuverability | Efficiency | Weight |
| 20 inch | Not as good as 26 inch | Less expensive than 26 inch | Faster than 26 inch | Better than 26 inch | Less efficient than 26 inch | Lighter than 26 inch |
| 26 inch | Better than 20 inch | More expensive than 20 inch | Slower than 20 inch | Not as good as 20 inch | More efficient than 20 inch | Heavier than 20 inch |
Pros and Cons of 20 Inch Electric Bike Wheels
| Pros of 20 Inch Electric Bike Wheels | Cons of 20 Inch Bike Wheels |
| Less expensive than 26-inch wheels | Rides differently than traditional bikes, so there is a learning curve |
| Better acceleration than electric bikes with 26-inch wheels | Can feel every bump in the road |
| Easier to maneuver in tight spaces than 26-inch wheels due to shorter wheelbase | Uses a lot of battery power, especially at high speeds with pedal assist |
| Harder to pedal than an electric bike with 26-inch wheels |
Pros and Cons of 26 Inch Electric Bike Wheels
| Pros of 26 Inch Electric Bike Wheels | Cons of 26 Inch Bike Wheels |
| Great for off-roading or riding on rough terrain | More expensive |
| Can maintain momentum for a longer period | Harder to maneuver because it has a longer wheelbase |
| Better battery range than 20-inch wheels | Does not accelerate as well as electric bikes with 20-inch wheels |
| Rides similarly to traditional bikes |
The Ride Quality of 20-Inch vs. 26-Inch Electric Bike Wheels
As a whole, electric bikes with 26-inch wheels provide higher quality rides than electric bikes with 20-inch wheels. 26-inch wheels perform better on rough terrain while maintaining your momentum, allowing your e-bike to have a better battery range.
There are a few things to take under consideration when comparing the ride quality of electric bikes with 20-inch wheels and electric bikes with 26-inch wheels. Ride quality can be determined by measuring performance on different terrains and battery ranges.
The Ride Quality of 20-Inch Electric Bike Wheels
The ride quality on an eBike with 20-inch wheels is not as good as it is on an eBike with 26-inch wheels. Smaller wheels do not absorb bumps as well as large wheels, so bumps will be exaggerated if you ride over them with 20-inch wheels.
Battery range also affects the ride quality of an eBike. E-bikes with 20-inch wheels typically have a lower battery range because smaller wheels do not maintain momentum as well as larger wheels. Since small wheels have a more challenging time maintaining momentum and speed, the battery drains faster to power the motor. Thus, the battery range is shorter on eBikes with 20-inch wheels than on eBikes with 26-inch wheels.
The Ride Quality of 26-Inch Electric Bike Wheels
The ride quality of an eBike with 26-inch wheels is better because larger wheels absorb bumps in the road better than smaller wheels. Therefore, if you want to use your eBike for mountain biking, or if you will be riding in an area with many bumps or potholes in the road, you will want to have 26-inch wheels.
E-bikes with 26-inch wheels typically have a better battery range than eBikes with 20-inch wheels. This is because larger wheels can maintain momentum and speed better than smaller wheels, so the battery does not have to work as hard to power the motor. Thus, you will have a more extended battery range.
If you would like to learn how long an electric bike battery will last, check out our full article, “How Long an Electric Bike Battery Last [Lifespan, Per Charge]
The Cost of 20-Inch Electric Bike Wheels vs. 26-Inch
On average, electric bikes with 26-inch wheels are more expensive than eBikes with 20-inch wheels. The price difference is not extreme, though. In most cases, the difference will not be more than $200.
The difference between the cost of electric bikes with 20-inch and 26-inch wheels is generally no more than $200. For example, this Heybike Cityscape electric bike with 26-inch wheels is $899 on Amazon, and this VIVI Electric bike with 20-inch wheels is $699 on Amazon.
On average, one 20-inch wheel is about $80, and one 26-inch wheel is approximately $150, making the respective totals $160 and $300. The difference between each sized wheel is therefore about $140.
The Cost of 20-Inch Electric Bike Wheels
Since 20-inch wheels are smaller than 26-inch wheels, it makes sense they are a bit less expensive simply because they require less material to make.
If you plan on getting a 20-inch wheel, check out this Master 20″ Front Bicycle Wheel on Amazon.
The Cost of 26-Inch Electric Bike Wheels
Since 26-inch wheels are larger than 20-inch wheels, it makes sense that they are a bit more expensive simply because they require more material to make.
If you are interested in buying a 26-inch wheel, we highly recommend this Wheel Master Bicycle Wheel on Amazon.
The Acceleration of 20-Inch vs. 26-Inch Electric Bike Wheels
As a general rule, electric bikes with 20-inch wheels accelerate faster than electric bikes with 26-inch wheels. This is due to the amount of torque transferred to the ground during acceleration, which tends to be lower with larger wheel frames.
During acceleration, your electric bike wheels transfer torque to the ground, the amount of which determines how powerfully and quickly your wheels can rotate. High torque is necessary for accelerating, especially from a complete stop. If you accelerate with low torque, your electric bike will not accelerate quickly because the wheels are not rotating at the necessary rate to provide the amount of power needed.
If you are interested to learn more about e-bike torque, check our our article “Electric Bike Torque: The Ultimate Guide To eBike Torque.”
The Acceleration of 20-Inch Electric Bike Wheels
Electric bikes with 20-inch wheels accelerate quickly because more torque is applied to the ground during acceleration. Smaller wheels have more torque because they do not require as much downward force as larger wheels.
So, if you are using your electric bike primarily to commute in an urban environment where you will need to stop and go frequently, an electric bike with 20-inch wheels may better suit your needs.
The Acceleration of 26-Inch Electric Bike Wheels
Electric bikes with 26-inch wheels accelerate slowly because less torque is applied to the ground during acceleration. Larger wheels have less torque because they require more downward force during acceleration than smaller wheels.
If you are commuting in an urban environment, an electric bike with 26-inch wheels may not be ideal. However, if you are not using your electric bike in an environment where you must frequently accelerate from a complete stop, the low acceleration will not affect your ride quality.
“I finally concluded that all failure was from a wobbling will rather than a wobbling wheel.”
-Frances e. willard
The Maneuverability of 20-Inch Electric Bike Wheels vs. 26-Inch
As a whole, an electric bike with 20-inch wheels is easier to maneuver than an electric bike with 26-inch wheels. This is because smaller wheels require a smaller wheelbase, making tight or quick turns easier to maneuver.
Maneuverability is an essential factor to consider before deciding whether to get an electric bike with 20-inch or 26-inch wheels. Good maneuverability is crucial if you will be riding your eBike on narrow paths because it will allow you to make tight or quick turns.
However, when an electric bike has good maneuverability, it may not have good stability. Therefore, it is essential to consider which of these two attributes you need more of in your environment.
The Maneuverability of 20-Inch Electric Bike Wheels
While 20-inch electric bike wheels are easier to maneuver than 26-inch wheels, they can be difficult to maneuver at high speeds. When riding your eBike at high speed, you will want increased stability, especially if you are zigzagging. Smaller wheels typically offer less stability than big wheels.
If you will be riding at a low speed on a narrow path, you may want to get an electric bike with 20-inch wheels, as you will not need the extra stability of 26-inch wheels, and you will be able to maneuver your path more efficiently.
The Maneuverability of 26-Inch Electric Bike Wheels
While 26-inch electric bike wheels have lower maneuverability than 20-inch wheels, they are more stable at high speeds.
If you will be riding at high speeds, you may want to get an electric bike with 26-inch wheels. The increased stability offered by the larger wheel size is beneficial if you are going fast, riding on hilly terrain, or traveling downhill.
The Efficiency of 20-Inch Electric Bike Wheels vs. 26-Inch
As a general rule, electric bikes with 26-inch wheels tend to be more efficient than electric bikes with 20-inch wheels. Electric bikes with 26-inch wheels are more efficient because they maintain momentum better, so less pedaling and battery power is needed to power your eBike.
Generally, eBikes with 26-inch wheels are more efficient than their smaller counterparts. Larger wheels are more efficient because they maintain greater momentum than smaller wheels. Since larger wheels maintain more momentum than smaller wheels, e-bikes with large wheels get a better battery range than eBikes with small wheels.
For more information on the battery range on your eBike, check out our article “How Long an Electric Bike Battery Lasts [Lifespan, Per Charge].”
The Efficiency of 20-Inch Electric Bike Wheels
Electric bikes with 20-inch wheels are less efficient than e-bikes with 26-inch wheels because they do not store as much momentum, so you need to pedal more to reach the same speed. There is also a learning curve when pedaling an eBike with 20-inch wheels if you are used to riding a traditional bike.
The Efficiency of 26-Inch Electric Bike Wheels
E-bikes with 26-inch wheels store momentum better than eBikes with 20-inch wheels because they are larger. Because of that, you can ride a further distance with less pedaling or battery power required. As a result, eBikes with 26-inch wheels get a better battery range than eBikes with 20-inch wheels, making them more efficient than eBikes with 20-inch wheels.
The Weight of 20-Inch vs. 26-Inch Electric Bike Wheels
On average, 26-inch electric bike wheels are heavier than 20-inch electric bike wheels. While 26-inch wheels tend to be heavier because they are bigger, some 20-inch wheels are heavier because they have fat tires. The weight of the wheels will depend on the width of the tires.
The average weight of an electric bike wheel with a tire can range between eight and twenty pounds (9 kg), depending on the tire’s width. The wheels are usually three to eight pounds and differ by about two or three pounds between the 20-inch and 26-inch diameter options. Fat tires are available for both 20 and 26-inch wheels and can weigh up to 15 lbs. (6.8 kg) each.
If you are heavier or plan to carry cargo (including a second passenger), we recommend getting fat tires. Fat tires are designed to sustain more weight.
If you are looking to carry two riders on your electric bike, take a look at our article, “Best Electric Bikes for Passengers (Two Riders).”
The Weight of 20-Inch Electric Bike Wheels
20-inch electric bike wheels are slightly lighter than 26-inch electric bike wheels, but not by much. The lightest 20-inch electric bike wheel with a tire is about 8 lbs. (3.6 kg). For instance, without a tire, the weight of this 20-inch wheel on Amazon is 2.18 pounds.
20-inch electric bike wheels can also have fat tires, making them heavier. Some 20-inch wheels with tires can weigh up to 20 lbs. (9 kg) each. An electric bike with 20-inch wheels and fat tires is ideal for someone who frequently commutes in an urban environment with cargo.
The Weight of 26-Inch Electric Bike Wheels
26-inch electric bike wheels are heavier than 20-inch electric bike wheels, but not by much. The lightest 26-inch electric bike wheel with a tire is about 10 lbs. (4.5 kg). For instance, without a tire, the weight of this 26-inch wheel on Amazon is 3.62 pounds.
26-inch electric bike wheels can also have fat tires, making them heavier. Some 26-inch wheels with fat tires can weigh up to 20 lbs. (9 kg) each. An electric bike with 26-inch wheels and fat tires is ideal for someone who weighs above 220lbs. (100 kg) and frequently rides on rough terrain.
Why Do eBikes Have Small Tires?
As a general rule, eBikes have small tires to be more maneuverable. eBikes with small tires are beneficial to riders in urban areas where it is necessary to maneuver through traffic or narrow pathways. E-bikes also have small tires to aid with acceleration and lower the overall weight of your eBike.
You may prefer to have small tires on your eBike if you are concerned about the weight of your eBike. If you live in a place where you need to carry your eBike to store it, having small tires will help keep the overall weight of your eBike on the lighter side.
If you want to learn more about how to store your eBike, check out our article “17 Electric Bike Storage Ideas You Can Actually Use (Home, Garage, Outside).”
Another benefit to having small tires on your eBike is the easier maneuverability. If you have small wheels and small tires, you will have optimal maneuverability. So, if you frequently ride on narrow pathways or need to zigzag through traffic, we recommend getting an e-bike with small wheels and small tires.
Why Are E-Bikes So Big?
As a whole, e-bikes are big because they have a motor, battery, internal wiring, and often a display screen. These additional parts cause eBikes to weigh more than traditional bikes and require eBikes to have a larger frame.
eBikes are bigger than traditional bikes because they have more components. The motor, battery, display screen, and wiring all contribute to the overall size of your eBike. The internal wiring necessary on an eBike requires the eBikes to have a larger frame than a traditional bike.
While eBikes are generally larger than traditional bikes, there are smaller, more compact eBikes on the market. For example, this eBike from VIVI, available on Amazon, is foldable and has 20-inch wheels with thin tires.
Do Electric Bikes Come In Different Sizes?
In total, eBikes come in several different sizes. There are smaller, foldable eBikes available for people who do not have much space to store their e-bikes. There are also larger eBikes for people who often ride on rough terrain or carry cargo when riding their eBike.
Electric bikes come in many different sizes to better suit riders with many different needs. For example, if you weigh less than 220 lbs. (100 kg) and are short, you will be able to find an eBike that is small and suitable for someone of your size.
In contrast, if you are tall and weigh over 220 lbs. (100 kg), you will be able to find a larger electric bike with fat tires, so you will be appropriately supported during your ride. Fat tires are available for any eBike or wheel size. Fat eBike tires are ideal if you weigh over 220 lbs. (100 kg) or ride with cargo or a second passenger.
Check out our article titled “Best Electric Bike For Uber Eats (Are You Allowed To Use It)” for more information on the best eBike you should get if you are towing cargo.
Can I Put Bigger Tires on My eBike?
As a general rule, you can put bigger tires on your eBike. As long as the diameter of your tire matches the diameter of your wheel, you can put any size tire on your eBike. If you are a heavier rider, you may prefer fat tires. If you need a lighter eBike, you may choose thinner tires.
You can put any size of tires on your eBike as long as the tires are the same diameter as the size of your e-bike’s wheels. You can either replace the tires yourself or seek a professional bike mechanic to replace your eBike tires with bigger tires. If you have a hub motor, especially a rear-wheel hub motor, you will want your tires replaced by a mechanic.
Feel free to take a look at the video below to get an idea of how to remove and install a rear hub-drive electric bike wheel.
If you frequently ride on rough or loose terrain, it may be a good idea to have fat tires on your electric bike. Fat tires are more durable than thin tires and create more traction with the ground. So if you are using your eBike to go mountain biking, fat tires will offer you an ideal electric bike ride.
If you are interested in buying a fat tire for your electric bike, we recommend checking out this Mongoose Fat Tire on Amazon.
In addition, if you weigh over 220 lbs. (100 kg) or frequently tow cargo on your electric bike, you might opt to get fat tires. Fat tires will allow your eBike to carry more weight without sacrificing battery range or efficiency.
If you are interested in learning more about how to maintain the tires on your eBike with a rear-wheel hub motor, check out our article titled “Front Wheel Vs. Rear Wheel (Best Place for eBike Hub Motor).”
