Mid-Step (Mixte) eBikes

What Is a Mid-Step (Mixte) eBike Frame?

A mid-step frame, sometimes called a mixte bike frame, drops the top tube partway down instead of running it straight across like a high-step or all the way down like a step-thru. That middle position gives you more standover clearance than a high-step while keeping more structural rigidity than a step-thru. 

Mid-step eBikes are especially great city bikes. The lower bar makes hopping off the bike and walking into your office, coffee shop, or dinner reservations a lot easier than a high-step. 

Who Rides a Mid-Step eBike?

A mid-step frame works for any rider who found a high-step awkward to swing a leg over but wants more stiffness than a step-thru offers. That includes: 

• Commuters who ride daily

• Families carrying gear (or little ones) 

• Newer riders who want a comfortable bike

• Riders who start/stop often and want an easy way to step on and off

• Anyone who loves the vintage look of a mixte bike

How Is a Mixte Bike Frame Different From Step-Thru and High-Step?

A high-step frame runs the top tube straight from the seat to the handlebars, giving you the most rigidity but the tallest height to swing your leg over when getting on and off the bike. A step-thru drops that tube all the way down for the easiest mount and dismount. A mid-step splits the difference: a sloped top tube that clears your leg more easily than a high-step while keeping more strength and rigidity than a full step-thru design.

Finding the Right Mid-Step eBike for You

Mixte-style eBikes are great for a variety of riders. You might especially like them if:

• If you commute through the city every day: The XPress Lite is light enough to maneuver through narrow bike lanes with ease. A front headlight and rear brake light and turn signals keep you visible to others on the road. 

• If your ride involves a lot of stops and starts: The mid-step frame of the XPress Lite makes it easy for riders of all heights to put their feet down without leaning the bike over. Plus, hydraulic disc brakes bring you to a stop on a dime, and a brake light lets others know you’re stopped.

• If you need an eBike to match your busy schedule: The XPress Lite charges in under 4 hours, giving you top speeds of 28mph and a range of up to 45 miles.