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It wasn\u2019t so long ago that the world of electric bikes<\/a> was dominated by electric hybrids<\/a> and electric mountain bike<\/a> models. Alongside electric gravel bikes,<\/a> electric road bikes are increasingly popular and, in some cases, look very similar to non-motorised machines.<\/p>\n A road ebike will have drop handlebars and a more sporty riding position than a hybrid<\/a> \u2013 just like a conventional, non-assisted road<\/a> or gravel bike<\/a>.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll get the gear range to ride faster and to tackle hills, plus narrower road bike tyres<\/a> for more rapid progress on the road.<\/p>\n As with any road bike, reducing weight is important, although not usually at the expense of battery capacity and range. Electric road bikes will always be heavier than their conventional counterparts.<\/p>\n However, some road ebikes will have carbon-fibre frames and lightweight wheelsets<\/a>, bringing their weight down to under 12kg \u2013 not a lot more than some unpowered bikes.<\/p>\n A road ebike\u2019s handling will also be tuned for a sporty ride, so you can enjoy fast descents, while still getting a helping hand from the motor on the uphills.<\/p>\n As with any electric bike motor<\/a>, an e-road bike\u2019s electric assistance will be limited to speeds below 15mph\/25kph as per electric bike laws<\/a> in the UK, EU and Australia. The limit is 20mph in the US. That\u2019s more than enough for climbing \u2013 you\u2019ll be able to climb much quicker than on a regular road bike \u2013 but could limit an e-road bike\u2019s appeal on flat roads if riding in a fast group, for example.<\/p>\n For more advice on what to look for in an electric road bike, our full buyer\u2019s guide is at the bottom of this article, while we\u2019ve also got a separate guide to electric bike types to help you choose the right motorised machine for you.<\/p>\n