A step-through frame has a low, open middle, so you step through the frame to sit down. A step-over frame has a top tube running from the seat to the handlebars, so you swing a leg up and over it. Choose a step-through if easy getting on and off matters most, for example in everyday clothes, with frequent stops or when lifting a leg high isn't comfortable. Choose a step-over if swinging a leg over is easy for you and you like the classic frame.
The same choice applies to an e-bike and an e-trike, and this guide covers both. It's for the rider and for anyone helping them choose.
By the Ridewave team, updated October 2026
What is the difference between step-through and step-over?
It comes down to the top tube. A step-through frame has no high bar between the seat and the handlebars: the frame dips low in the middle, so you walk up beside the bike, lift one foot a short way over the low point and sit down.
A step-over frame, sometimes called a diamond frame, has a top tube from the seat to the handlebars. To get on, you swing a leg up and over it, or tilt the bike towards you first.
The number to compare is the height of the lowest part of the frame your foot has to cross. On a step-through frame that's the step-through height; on a bike with a top tube it's often given as the stand-over height. The lower it is, the less you need to lift your leg.
Frame styles aren't about gender. Anyone can ride either, and the choice comes down to what feels comfortable getting on, getting off and riding.
Who suits a step-through frame?
Riders who get on and off often, or who'd rather not lift a leg high. A step-through frame helps when you:
- Ride in everyday clothes. A skirt, long trousers or a coat doesn't have to clear a top tube.
- Stop and start a lot. Shops, cafés and traffic lights mean getting off and back on many times on one ride.
- Carry things. Stepping through with a bag in one hand is easier than swinging a leg over.
- Find lifting a leg high uncomfortable. A low frame means there's no need to swing a leg over a high bar.
It matters a little more on an e-bike, because the motor and battery add weight. The Miniwave folding e-bike, for example, has a step-through frame and weighs 26.5 kg with its 10.4Ah battery, so being able to step through rather than tip the bike towards you makes stops easier.
On an e-trike. Every Ridewave e-trike has an aluminium low-step frame. With three wheels you also don't need to balance while you step through, which is why many riders choose a trike when getting on and off is the main concern.
Who suits a step-over frame?
Riders who find swinging a leg over easy and like the look and feel of a classic bicycle frame. If you've ridden a step-over frame for years and getting on isn't an effort, there's no need to change.
A step-over frame can be less convenient for frequent stops, in long or fitted clothes, or with a bag in your hand. If any of those describe your rides, try a step-through as well before you decide.
At Ridewave. Every model we make has a step-through frame: the Miniwave folding e-bike and every e-trike. If you're choosing one of ours, the question is how low the step-through is, not which style.
How do the two compare side by side?
| Question | Step-through frame | Step-over frame |
|---|---|---|
| How do you get on? | Step one foot through the low middle | Swing a leg over the top tube, or tilt the bike first |
| Everyday clothes | Easy in a skirt, coat or long trousers | Needs room to lift a leg high |
| Frequent stops | Quick on and off at shops and lights | More effort each time |
| Carrying a bag | Easier to step through with one hand full | Harder to swing a leg over |
| What to measure | Step-through height | Stand-over height |
| Who it suits | Riders who want easy on and off | Riders comfortable lifting a leg who like a classic frame |
| At Ridewave | The Miniwave and every e-trike | Not offered |
How low are the frames on Ridewave e-bikes and e-trikes?
Here are the measurements for each model, side by side. Compare the step-through or stand-over height first for getting on and off; the seat height and rider height tell you about fit once you're on.
| Model | Step-through or stand-over height | Seat height | Fits riders | Max total load (rider plus cargo) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Koala Electric Trike | 29.5 cm step-through | 78 to 92 cm | 150 to 190 cm | 150 kg |
| Quokka Electric Trike | 35 cm step-through | 76 to 97 cm | 155 to 190 cm | 120 kg |
| Platypus Electric Trike | 35.5 cm step-through | 72 cm (slides forward and back) | 150 to 190 cm | 120 kg |
| Wallaby Electric Trike | 39 cm step-through | 74 to 84 cm | 155 to 190 cm | 150 kg |
| Wallaby Plus Electric Trike | 39 cm step-through | 75 to 85 cm | 160 to 195 cm | 150 kg |
| Miniwave folding e-bike | Step-through frame, 46.3 cm stand-over | 76.6 to 96.8 cm | 147 to 193 cm | 155 kg, including the rear rack |
Rider heights are a guide. A test ride is the way to confirm the fit for each rider.
How do you know which height suits you?
Try a simple check at home before you visit. Find a step, a low stool or a box of about the same height as the frame you're considering, stand beside it with something steady to hold, and lift one foot over it slowly. If that feels comfortable, the height is likely to suit. If it feels like a stretch, look at a lower frame.
A few things to think about while you do it:
- Clothes and shoes. Try it in what you'd normally ride in, whether that's a skirt, long trousers or walking shoes.
- Which leg leads. Most people lift the same leg every time. Notice which one feels easier.
- What you'll carry. A loaded rack or basket doesn't change the frame height, but stepping through while holding a bag does change how it feels.
- Who will help. If a partner or support worker usually helps the rider on, involve them too.
Then confirm it in person. The measurements tell you what to try; sitting on the bike or trike tells you what works.
How do you get on and off safely?
Take it slowly and in the same order each time, on two wheels or three.
On an e-bike
- Stand beside the bike on flat ground and hold both brakes on.
- Keep the power off, or the assist at its lowest level, until you're seated.
- Lean the bike slightly towards you, then step through or swing a leg over.
- Sit down, put one foot on a raised pedal, then release the brakes and push off.
- To get off, stop, hold the brakes on, put a foot down and step back over the frame.
On an e-trike
There's no balancing at a stop, so the trike stays upright while you get on and off.
- Park on flat, even ground and put the parking brake on. Every Ridewave e-trike has parking brakes, which hold the trike still while you get on.
- Keep the power off until you're seated.
- Hold the handlebars and lift one foot through the low point of the frame.
- Sit down, settle your feet on the pedals, then switch on, release the parking brake and set off.
- To get off, stop on level ground, put the parking brake on, switch off and step back through the frame.
Every Ridewave e-trike also has powered reverse, which helps you back out of a parking spot without getting off to push. The Quokka, Wallaby, Wallaby Plus and Platypus have a walk mode for when you'd rather walk alongside.
Whatever you ride, set the seat correctly. The NSW Government's three minute check includes making sure the seat is at the right height and the seat post sits at least 5 cm into the frame (NSW Government guide to maintaining your bicycle or e-bike). At a showroom test ride, we'll help set the seat for the rider.
Which frame should you try first?
Start with the frame height you're comfortable with, then let where you'll ride decide.
- For a supported, sit-back seat: the Platypus Electric Trike. A semi-recumbent seat with armrests and a 35.5 cm step-through, for riders who find upright riding no longer comfortable.
- For everyday riding on paths and light gravel: the Wallaby Electric Trike. A 39 cm step-through, 20 x 3 inch tyres and a front suspension fork.
- For two wheels that fold small: the Miniwave folding e-bike. A step-through frame with a 46.3 cm stand-over and a 76.6 to 96.8 cm seat height. Its published rider height guide is about 147 to 193 cm (confirm the fit in person), and it folds in three steps to 98 x 52 x 73 cm.
- For the lowest step-through and tight storage: the Koala Electric Trike. At 29.5 cm it's the lowest in the range, and it's the most compact trike we make.
- For rougher ground on three wheels: the Wallaby Plus Electric Trike. The same 39 cm step-through as the Wallaby, with wider 20 x 4 inch tyres.
You can compare all the trikes in the electric trike collection.
When neither frame is the answer
A low frame helps with getting on and off, but the rider still needs to be comfortable pedalling. If they'd rather not pedal at all, our guide to electric trikes and mobility scooters covers when a scooter is the better fit.
If an e-bike or e-trike is part of how a rider with disability gets around, talk with their occupational therapist or physiotherapist about fit. In Queensland, the state government describes adaptive e-bikes as e-bikes or e-trikes designed or modified for people with disability, with their own verification and licence exemption rules (Queensland Government e-mobility licence exemptions). Our state by state rules guide covers the rest of Australia.
Try both frames in person
The quickest way to know is to stand beside a bike and step through or over it. Riders come into our showrooms on their own, as couples, and with adult children bringing a parent along, and most want to see the bike or trike in real life before deciding. Bring the rider, bring whoever helps them, and try a few frame heights side by side.
Test rides run at our showrooms in Vermont (Melbourne), Girraween and Marrickville (Sydney). Most visits take 30 minutes to an hour, with parking right at the door. Call ahead so we can have the right model ready for you: book a showroom test ride, or call us on +61 468 095 888.
Sources
- Maintaining your bicycle or e-bike, NSW Government, checked October 2026
- E-mobility licence exemptions, Queensland Government, checked October 2026
Related articles
- Improving your e-bike's comfort: small changes that make longer rides more comfortable.
- Electric trike vs mobility scooter: which suits the trips the rider wants to make.
- E-bike and electric trike laws in Australia, state by state: what each state allows before you ride.