28-inch e-bikes price comparison

Large wheels roll over edges and potholes more easily, track more steadily and hold their speed better. For commuting on cycle paths and touring on tarmac or gravel, 28 inches is therefore the first choice. Most trekking and many city e-bikes from German brands are built in this size, so spare parts such as tyres, inner tubes and mudguards are available everywhere.

Whether a 28-inch e-bike fits you is decided mainly by the frame size. Many models come in two or three sizes, such as 45, 50 and 55 cm. Shorter riders from around 1.60 m get on well with a small frame or a step-through. If you are considerably shorter, a bike with 26 or 27.5 inches is usually more comfortable.

With 28-inch e-bikes for everyday use, it's worth looking closely at the details: a mid-drive motor with torque sensor feels more natural than a simple rear motor, and a hydraulic disc brake stops reliably even in the wet and with luggage. Puncture-resistant tyres save you roadside repairs on the way to work, and a lockable, removable battery makes charging indoors easier. Also compare the permitted total weight: rider, bike and luggage together must not exceed it.

A 28-inch pedelec suits commuters with longer cross-country routes, touring riders and anyone from around 1.70 m who values a calm, secure ride. In tight city centres with lots of kerbs, and when transporting the bike by car, smaller wheels are handier. If you need both, a trekking e-bike with a step-through frame is a good compromise: big wheels for distance, a low step-through for city traffic. When buying, also make sure the tyres are e-bike rated, as they are designed for the extra weight and speed.