City vs. Trekking – Which e-bike is right for me?
You want a Are you looking to buy an e-bike but aren't sure whether a city e-bike or a trekking e-bike is better for you? Whether you commute daily, cycle regularly through the city, or plan longer tours – we'll show you the key differences. The ideal e-bike for you depends largely on your riding style, intended use, and comfort requirements.
What are the differences between city and trekking e-bikes?
City e-bikes and trekking e-bikes differ primarily in their features, range, and seating position. Both are among the most popular e-bike types, but they cater to different needs.
What is a city e-bike?
A city e-bike is specifically designed for use in urban areas. It's ideal for short to medium distances—for example, for shopping, commuting, or the local café. Comfort, everyday usability, and ease of handling are paramount.
Typical features of a city e-bike:
- Single-speed or simple hub gears – low-maintenance and ideal for flat terrain. A single-speed drive combined with sufficient support levels will take you up to 25 km/h, even on gradients over 10% – quiet, efficient, and easy to maintain.
- Range of 40–75 km – perfectly sufficient for city traffic
- Light weight (e.g. only 17 kg for the SUSHI BIKE 3.0+) – advantageous for transport on the train or in the stairwell
- Comprehensive equipment according to StVZO : Integrated lighting system powered by the battery, mudguards, stand, bicycle bell and luggage rack
- Hydraulic disc brakes for good, weather-independent braking power – especially important in wet conditions for safe stopping on slippery asphalt in the city
- Frame shapes : Both as a low step-through bike with low entry for comfortable mounting and dismounting, particularly practical in stop-and-go traffic, as well as available as a diamond frame for sportier driving
- Removable battery : A special feature of modern city e-bikes is a removable battery, which can often also be used as a power bank like the SUSHI BIKE 3.0+ – practical for charging smartphones or lights on the go.
✅ Conclusion : If you are looking for a reliable, low-maintenance and lightweight e-bike for daily rides in the city, a city e-bike like the SUSHI BIKE 3.0+ is exactly the right thing for you.
What is a trekking e-bike?
A trekking e-bike is a true all-rounder—built for longer distances, commuting, cycling holidays, and mixed terrain. It combines sportiness with comfort and is exceptionally versatile: on asphalt, gravel, easy trails, and in daily commuter traffic.
Typical features of a trekking e-bike:
- Multi-gear shifting (e.g. 9-speed derailleur shifting on the SUSHI BIKE TABI ) – for efficient riding on inclines and headwinds
- Long range (up to 90–120 km) thanks to powerful batteries
- Torque sensor – detects your own pedal force and dynamically adjusts the motor support for a particularly natural riding experience
- Puncture-proof gravel tires – ideal for asphalt, gravel, and forest paths
- Hydraulic disc brakes – reliable braking performance in all weather conditions
- Suspension components such as a suspension seat post – for noticeably more comfort on longer tours
- Ergonomic handles , adjustable stem and comfortable saddle – individually adjustable for fatigue-free riding
- Lighting system, luggage rack, mudguards – fully equipped for everyday use and travel
- Frame shapes : both low-step frames for comfortable mounting and diamond frames for a sporty look
✅ Conclusion : If you regularly cover longer distances, sometimes go out into the countryside or are looking for a versatile, stable bike for everyday use and leisure, a trekking e-bike like the SUSHI BIKE TABI is the perfect choice.
What type of e-bike are you?
Choosing the right e-bike depends largely on your usage behavior:
| User type | Typical use | Recommended e-bike |
|---|---|---|
| City driver | Short distances under 15 km, city traffic, asphalt. Value for comfort, lightness, easy handling | → City E-Bike , e.g. the SUSHI BIKE 3.0+ (low-step or diamond) |
| commuter | Daily over 15 km, also on gravel roads or with inclines Need for more range & comfort | → Trekking E-Bike , e.g. the SUSHI BIKE TABI (on flat, asphalted routes , the SUSHI Bike 3.0+ is also possible) |
| Touring riders | Long distances, cycling holidays, mixed terrain Flexibility, carrying capacity, reliability | → Trekking E-Bike , e.g. the SUSHI BIKE TABI (low-step or diamond) |
From e-bike comparison to model: City or Trekking – which SUSHI BIKE suits you?
Now you know the key differences between city e-bikes and trekking e-bikes – but which model is right for you? To help you decide, we'll show you two examples from our range: the SUSHI BIKE 3.0+ city e-bike and the SUSHI BIKE TABI trekking e-bike .
| feature | SUSHI BIKE 3.0+ (City E-Bike) |
SUSHI BIKE TABI (Trekking E-Bike) |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 17 kg | 20 kg |
| Motor | 24V, 200W, 30Nm | 36V, 250W, 40Nm (Bafang H600) |
| sensor | Cadence sensor | Torque sensor |
| Battery | 230 Wh (up to 75 km) | 360 Wh (up to 90 km) |
| circuit | Singlespeed (low maintenance, ideal for city) | 9-speed (microSHIFT) for touring and climbs |
| Brakes | Hydraulic | Hydraulic (Shimano MT200) |
| Frame shapes | Low-step & Diamond | Low-step & Diamond |
| lighting system | Built-in front and rear lights, battery powered | Built-in front and rear lights, battery powered |
| Luggage carrier | No, but integrated bag holder & mounting option | Integrated (Stronglight) |
| Display | LCD, 5 support modes, speed, light control | Bafang DP C11, LCD, 5 support modes, speed, light control |
| Area of application | City, commuting, flat roads | City, country, commuting, tours |
| Price | from 1,499 € | from 1,699 € |
| Product page | To the SUSHI BIKE 3.0+ | To the SUSHI BIKE TABI |
Reasons for the SUSHI BIKE 3.0+
- Easy handling due to 17 kg total weight
- Ideal for short everyday journeys in the city
- Simple design and intuitive operation
- Removable battery with power bank function
- Low maintenance thanks to single-speed concept with 5 support levels
Reasons for the SUSHI BIKE TABI
- Long range up to 90 km
- Comfortable features for long rides (e.g., integrated luggage rack, adjustable stem, gravel tires)
- 9-speed derailleur for hilly terrain
- Torque sensor for natural driving feel
Conclusion
Whether city e-bike or trekking e-bike – the choice depends entirely on your everyday life:
- The SUSHI BIKE 3.0+ is ideal for short distances, city trips and easy handling.
- For longer distances, changing surfaces and a lot of comfort, we recommend the SUSHI BIKE TABI .
→ Which e-bike is right for me? Find out now with our e-bike quiz Find out which of our e-bikes suits you and your needs best!
