BOOK A TEST RIDE
  • shop
  • Our Story
  • E-Bikes
    • All Electric Bikes
    • Electric trail bikes
  • Accessories
  • Clothing
  • info Centre
    • FAQs
    • Reviews
    • Warranty
    • Become an Agent
    • Info Centre
    • Which EBike Is Right For You? Free Booklet
  • Agents
    • Locations
    • Whangarei
    • Warkworth
    • Franklin
    • Northshore
    • Auckland
    • Coromandel
    • Papamoa
    • Hamilton
    • Waipa
    • Taupo
    • Taranaki
    • Whanganui
    • Palmerston North
    • Napier
    • Hastings
    • Wairarapa
    • Hutt Valley
    • Nelson
    • Marlborough
    • Christchurch South
    • Christchurch North
    • Timaru
    • Tauranga
    • Rangiora
    • Central Otago
    • Dunedin
    • Invercargill
    • Kapiti
  • Blogs
  • Contact
  • Cart
  • Test Ride
15 September
Pros and cons of full suspension step-through electric bikes

Pros and cons of full suspension, step-through electric bikes in New Zealand

Table of Contents

  • If you're considering a full suspension, step-through electric bikes in New Zealand, you'll want to know their pros and cons, what options are available and how those options compare.
  • Why Full Suspension Electric Bikes Suit Older Riders
  • The Step-Through Advantage
  • Drawbacks and Considerations
  • Top Full Suspension Step-Through Ebikes in NZ
  • Summary: Which to Choose?

If you’re considering a full suspension, step-through electric bikes in New Zealand, you’ll want to know their pros and cons, what options are available and how those options compare.

A full suspension electric bike with a step-through frame can transform the riding experience for older adults — offering unrivalled comfort, accessibility, and confidence on New Zealand’s trails and town paths. Rear suspension plays a big part in this, keeping both wheels firmly on the ground to improve stability, grip, and control on uneven surfaces or loose terrain. However, making the best choice still means understanding both the strengths and trade-offs, and how each top contender compares for Kiwi conditions.

Why Full Suspension Electric Bikes Suit Older Riders

Stepping up to a full suspension ebike brings unique comfort and safety. These bikes use both front and rear suspension to smooth out bumps, vibrations, and uneven terrain, dramatically reducing fatigue, soreness, and risk of injury for riders with sensitive joints, arthritis, or post-surgery needs. Rear suspension keeps both wheels on the ground, improving stability and grip on uneven surfaces and loose terrain, therefore improving traction and control. The addition of electric pedal assist or throttle makes hills and longer journeys easier, allowing older riders to enjoy the outdoors without undue physical strain.

The Step-Through Advantage

The step-through frame is a game-changer for accessibility. With its open design, older adults—especially those with reduced mobility or flexibility—can mount and dismount the bike safely without lifting a leg high over the frame. This means more independence and less worry about falls, whether running errands or riding gravel tracks.

Drawbacks and Considerations

  • Weight: Full suspension e-bikes are typically heavier (27–30kg), which can make lifting or manoeuvring the bike more difficult off the saddle.
  • Maintenance: More moving parts mean more upkeep; suspension systems require periodic service.
  • Cost: Advanced suspension designs and electric drive systems come at a premium.

Top Full Suspension Step-Through Ebikes in NZ

Here’s how the major contenders for 2025 stack up—including the MeloYelo SuperTrail, Sinch Force EZ, SmartMotion Xcapade, and Cilo Rivertour:

 

Model Suspension Frame Type Motor & Battery Weight Pros Cons
MeloYelo SuperTrail Full (air fork/rear) Step-through Bafang mid 90Nm; 720Wh 27–29kg Smoothest ride, throttle, dropper seatpost, top NZ agent support Full suspension bikes are heavier
Sinch Force EZ Full (Rock Shox air front/rear) Step-through Bosch CX 85Nm; 625–875Wh ~28kg Auto shifting, dropper seatpost, excellent specs Premium price; full suspension bikes are heavier
SmartMotion Xcapade Full (rear air, 120mm front) Step-through Motinova 75Nm; 720Wh ~27kg Affordable, robust frame, large battery Less rear travel; full suspension bikes are heavier
Cilo Rivertour Full (air fork/rear) Step-through Shimano mid; 500Wh 28.8kg Swiss build, proven on seniors’ tours Lower torque; smaller battery; heavier

 

Summary: Which to Choose?

  • The MeloYelo SuperTrail remains the benchmark for comfort and support in NZ, with its advanced suspension, throttle for immediate assistance, high torque and large battery, and highly-rated after-sales care.
  • The Sinch Force EZ offers the most advanced drivetrain and transmission, leading for tech lovers and frequent riders, but at a premium price.
  • The SmartMotion Xcapade brings robust value and practicality, especially appealing for those seeking large battery capacity and lower cost. It has less torque (75Nm), and a throttle is an optional extra.
  • The Cilo Rivertour stands out with Swiss engineering and a reputation for real-world comfort. It offers the lowest torque (60Nm) of all the options, and does not offer a throttle.

For anyone seeking true riding ease and all-day comfort, a step-through full suspension ebike is worth considering for post-surgery recovery, active ageing, or simple trail adventures in New Zealand’s great outdoors.

 

  • Blog

SUGGESTED ACTIONS

Learn About The MeloYelo Difference Find Your Nearest Agent book a free test ride Which MeloYelo is right for you?
About Author
About Author
Rob McEwen February 4, 2016
Rob McEwen is founder and CEO of MeloYelo ebikes, a NZ company with sales & service agents throughout the country. He Is also founder and a director of EVolocity, a charity which runs a programme in NZ high schools in which teams of students design, build and compete in electric vehicles. McEwen was formerly founder of the Association for the Promotion of Electric Vehicles (now Drive Electric) and a founder of the NZ Clean Energy Centre in Taupo.
author posts
Melo Yelo bikes range
Denise

Categories

  • Questions. Answered.

  • Why MeloYelo?

  • Customer stories

  • Tips for ebike shoppers

  • Video testimonials from our customers

  • Blog

Recent Blog Post

  • Pros and cons of a throttle on an electric bike

  • Pros and cons of full suspension, step-through electric bikes in New Zealand

  • The top 5 reasons to switch to a MeloYelo electric bike today

  • Online vs Local Stores: Best Way to Buy Electric Bikes in NZ

  • Moustache or MeloYelo: Which ebike should I buy?

  • Which electric bike company in NZ has the best customer reviews, best customer service and best warranty?

  • We asked Kiwis aged 50+ who don’t yet own an ebike, what questions they have about ebikes.

  • We asked Kiwis aged 50+ what they were looking for in an ebike.

  • Shimano vs Bosch vs Bafang: The Most Popular E-Bike Motors in New Zealand Compared

  • Best Off Road Electric Bikes in New Zealand for 2025 [With Prices & Features]

  • Real stories from real riders: Why Kiwis love MeloYelo electric bikes

  • 19,000km on his first MeloYelo ebike, and now onto his second! Don’s story

  • Top safety tips for riding your ebike this summer

  • How Much Does an Electric Bike Cost Compared to a Normal Bike?

  • The future of electric bikes: What to expect in the next few years

  • Electric Bike vs. Traditional Bike: Which is Right for You?

  • Best Electric Bikes for Short People in NZ (2025): Lightweight & Compact Options

  • How Long Does an Electric Bike Motor Last?

  • Are MeloYelo the Best Value Electric Bikes in New Zealand? A Complete Comparison (2025)

  • Step-Over vs Step-Through: Which ebike frame should I choose?

  • How long do electric bike batteries last?

  • A PERFECT DAY TRIP: E-BIKING FROM TEKAPO TO THE MT COOK SALMON SHOP

  • How to maintain your electric bike for peak performance in New Zealand’s climate.

  • A guide to choosing your first electric bike in New Zealand

  • MELOYELO RIDER TAKES ON EUROPE ON AN E-BIKE!

  • Best Electric Bikes for Almost Every Kind of Ride

  • How do E-Bikes Work? Everything You Need to Know

  • A 1300 kilometre journey on our MeloYelo ebikes: Charlie and Ruth’s inspiring story.

  • From reluctant biker to conquering the Dunstan Trail – Gill’s inspiring story.

  • Electric bike range: Answers to the 5 most common questions

  • How much does it cost to service an electric bike?

  • What is the best electric bike for women?

  • How Fast Can an E-Bike Really Go in NZ? (Top Speeds + Legal Limits)

  • The life-changing impact of ebikes: Seniors share stories

  • Family-Friendly Cycling Adventures for the Easter Weekend with MeloYelo

  • Before going for a ride, do your ABCs

  • Christchurch Redzone Ride

  • Where are MeloYelo eBikes made?

  • Bafang vs Bosch E-Bike Motors: A Comparison Conducted in 2025

  • What Can You Expect From MeloYelo That You Won’t Find Elsewhere?

  • What our customers love about their MeloYelo eBikes

  • Can You Ride an E-Bike Without Pedaling?

  • Will I be able to ride an electric bike? Even if I haven’t been on a bike in years?

  • NZ Electric Bike Reviews: MeloYelo ebikes

  • Enjoy the Great Outdoors with an Ebike.

  • Best electric bikes for older riders & seniors in New Zealand: Buying Guide, 2025

  • Are Electric Bikes Safe For Older Riders?

  • How to use gears on an electric bike.

  • Mountain eBikes for Outdoor Adventures | Ebike NZ

  • The Top E-Bike Trails in NZ for Seniors

  • How to Find the Best Electric Bikes in NZ

  • We asked an artificial intelligence BOT to scan and summarise our Google Reviews. Here’s what it found.

  • The Rhythm Belles recount their epic journey from North Cape to Bluff on MeloYelo ebikes

  • Lightweight electric bikes for seniors: What are the best options?

  • Beverley and Daisy discuss the MeloYelo Tranzit electric bike

  • We asked our customers what they love most about their MeloYelo ebike. And, how the MeloYelo shopping experience compared. Here’s what they said.

  • Three women. 30 days. 3000 kilometres. On MeloYelo ebikes.

  • Bafang vs Dapu E-Bike Motors: Which is Best?

  • What to expect when you test-ride a MeloYelo.

  • A unique e-bike shopping experience especially for boomers like us

  • Doug Pouwhare has lost 17kgs after 6 weeks of riding his MeloYelo Town’nTrail. Here’s his story.

  • Can electric bikes get wet?

  • Ebike Weight | Why are e-bikes so heavy?

  • MeloYelo’s mid-drive bikes come standard with a gear shift sensor for a buttery-smooth ride.

  • Which MeloYelo ebike is right for you?

  • Dave Waugh is a DOC volunteer on the West Coast. He needed an ebike: A solid workhorse, not a showpony. Here’s his story.

  • Why you won’t find MeloYelo ebikes in most bike shops

  • 8 great tips for taking care of your ebike

  • Taking care of your electric bike

  • Why do Some Electric Bikes Perform Better than Others?

  • What’s the difference between watts and torque in an electric bike?

  • How does MeloYelo meet the needs of kiwi e-bike riders better than the competition?

  • How do I know which ebike motor is best for me?

  • A great value ebike? Or not?

  • How to Extend the Life of Your Lithium-Ion Battery – Maintenance Tips for E-Bike Owners

  • How To Choose An Electric Bike For Town And Trails?

  • What kiwis want in an ebike. (1100 kiwis have told us).

  • How Far Can You Ride on an E-Bike Charge in NZ? (2025 Guide)

  • Christchurch Electric Bike Customer Review

  • EBike batteries: How can you be sure you’re getting what you’re paying for?

  • What is the most comfortable electric bike for seniors?

  • MID DRIVE VS REAR HUB MOTORS: WHICH ELECTRIC BIKE MOTOR IS BEST?

  • How to Ride an Electric Bike

  • “It was our lucky day finding MeloYelo e Bikes”

  • 365 kms on South Island Trails: Our Experience with MeloYelo EBikes.

  • Which eBike is Best?

  • The health benefits of ebikes for seniors: Staying active and mobile

  • EBikes are booming among boomers

  • NZ Electric Bike Survey Results

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR BLOG

  • Low Prices, Everyday
  • Best Nationwide service
  • 3-year warranty
Melo-logo

Founded in 2016, Kiwi-owned MeloYelo offers everyday low pricing on high-spec electric bikes, valuable extras at no extra cost, nationwide sales & service, and an industry-leading 3-year NZ ebike warranty.

Page

  • Our Story
  • Contact Us
  • Our Products
  • Blog

Info

  • Info Centre
  • Privacy & Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Our Stockists
  • Click and Collect
  • Consumer Guarantees Act

Payment Methods

Visa
logo
Internet Banking

Call Now

call now0800 MELOYELO

© Copyright 2025. All rights reserved.