What You NEED to Know Before Buying The Simple Step Through E-Bike | The Best E-Bike for Beginners

If you’ve been looking for an e-bike that’s genuinely easy to get on and off—especially if you’re new to e-bikes, not super flexible, or just want something low-stress—the sixthreezero Simple Step-Thru Electric Bike was built for exactly that.

This is the lowest step-through e-bike in the sixthreezero lineup, and one of the lowest on the market. Below is everything you need to know before you buy: how the frame works, how it rides, who it fits, and how to operate it confidently from day one.

Ultra-Low Step-Through: Why It Matters

Most step-through e-bikes still have a top tube that sits close to the crank height. On the Simple Step Through, that tube is dropped even lower than the crank area, creating an extremely low entry height of around 11 inches.

What that does for you:

• You can step through instead of swinging your leg over the frame.
• Mounting and dismounting feels controlled and predictable—even if your balance isn’t perfect.
• In a situation where you need to get off quickly, you can simply step your leg forward through the frame and move away from the bike, instead of trying to clear a high bar.

It’s not just “low-ish” marketing language. This frame is designed as a true step-through to make starting, stopping, and emergency dismounts as safe and simple as possible.

Designed for a Relaxed, Upright Riding Position

The Simple Step Through isn’t just about easy mounting—it’s also built to keep your posture neutral and comfortable.

Key ergonomic features:

• Swept-back handlebars that curve in toward your body
• Upright seating position—no hunching or leaning hard onto your hands
• Relaxed shoulders and elbows when the bike is adjusted correctly
• Customizable cockpit with multiple adjustment points

You have four easy-fit adjustments:

1. Seat height – quick-release on the seatpost
2. Seat tilt – adjust the saddle angle with the side bolts
3. Handlebar height – raise or lower using the stem bolt
4. Handlebar tilt – rotate bars forward or back to bring them closer or farther

Dial those in, and you end up with a riding position that’s easy on your lower back, upper back, shoulders, and wrists—ideal for beginners, returning riders, and anyone who wants an easygoing cruise, not a workout in body tension.

Motor, Power & Speed: 500W That’s Actually Enough

The Simple Step Through uses a 500W rear hub motor. For most riders, that’s a sweet spot: powerful enough to climb real hills and get up to speed quickly, without feeling twitchy or overpowered.

• 500W rear hub motor
• Up to ~20 mph on throttle only
• Up to ~28 mph with pedal assist

Riding impressions:

• The motor gives a strong, noticeable push as soon as pedal assist kicks in.
• On moderate to fairly steep hills, you can stay in a low gear with a high assist level and barely break a sweat, even if you’re over 200 lb.
• You only really need more than 500W if you’re a much heavier rider or you’re doing very steep hills regularly.

For new e-bike riders, 500W is more than enough power—and usually more than you’ll actually use day-to-day.

Battery & Realistic Range

Mounted cleanly in the rear rack is a 48V 10.4Ah removable battery.

Approximate range:

• 30–50 miles per charge using pedal assist
• 20–50 miles using mostly throttle

Why such a big range window? Because it depends on:

• Your weight
• How much you use throttle vs pedal assist
• Whether you ride mostly in assist level 1–2 or spend a lot of time in level 5
• Terrain: flat paths vs. frequent hills
• Average speed

A lighter rider who mostly pedals in level 1–2 will see much more range than a heavier rider riding full throttle in level 5.

Good to know:

• The battery is key-locked into the rear rack.
• You can remove it and carry it inside to charge at home, at work, or anywhere with an outlet.
• Removing it drops about 8 lb off the bike, which makes it easier to lift or to ride as a completely regular bike with the motor off.

Brakes, Tires & Ride Feel

For control and stopping power, the Simple Step Through is equipped with:

• Front and rear disc brakes – strong stopping, even on descents with heavier riders
• 1.95" tires – wider than skinny road tires, but not full fat tires

What does that mean on the road:

• The tires offer a cushioned ride and better balance than narrow tires.
• You’ll feel more stable at low speeds and over small bumps or cracks.
• Disc brakes give you solid confidence when you need to stop quickly, even going downhill at 12–15 mph.

Fit & Sizing: Who This E-Bike Works Best For

The Simple Step Through is designed to fit a wide range of riders. During a live sizing session, riders from 5'0" up to 6'2" tried the bike with different inseams and arm lengths.

General guidelines from those tests

• 4'11"
• Could technically get on, but couldn’t comfortably get feet down with the seat at its lowest.
• Not ideal unless you’re very confident and athletic.

• 5'0"
• Fit is borderline and depends heavily on inseam.
• With an inseam around 29.5–30" or more, it can work, but expect to be more on your toes.

• 5'1" and up
• Riders with ~30" inseam and above found a comfortable, controllable fit.
• Up through 6'2", riders were able to get a good knee bend, upright posture, and relaxed arms by adjusting seat height and handlebar position.

Key takeaway

• Best fit range: approximately 5'1"–6'2", with moderate to average proportions.
• If you’re around 5'0", check your inseam and be prepared for some toe-down stops.
• Taller riders (6'+) had plenty of seatpost and handlebar adjustment to get proper leg extension and upright posture.

If you’re unsure, sixthreezero’s Body Fit Quiz on the website is a great next step. Answer a few quick questions about your height, inseam, and riding style, and you’ll get a tailored recommendation.

How to Operate the Simple Step Through: Step-by-Step

Whether you already have the bike or are thinking about buying it, here’s a clear rundown of how to use everything with confidence.

1. Battery On / Off

1. Make sure the battery switch under the rack is in the ON position.
2. Turn the display on by holding the power button on the control pad.
3. To cut motor power but keep the screen visible, set pedal assist to level 0.

If the bike isn’t responding, the most common culprit is the battery switch under the rack being turned off or the battery not fully seated and locked.

2. Using the Display & Pedal Assist Levels

On the handlebar display, you’ll see:

• Speed (mph)
• Pedal assist level (0–5)
• Odometer / trip
• Battery level

Pedal assist levels:

• 0 – Motor off. No assist, no throttle.
• 1 – Very mild assist; good for starting out and low-speed cruising.
• 2–3 – Nice balance of help and range.
• 4–5 – Strong assist and faster speeds; drains the battery more quickly.

Important:

The pedal assist levels affect only how much power you get when pedaling, not how strong the throttle is. The throttle always has full power available as long as assist is not at 0.

3. Throttle: Think “Gas Pedal”

The Simple Step-Thru uses a thumb throttle.

• The harder you press, the faster the bike will accelerate.
• The throttle works independently of the pedal assist power level (as long as assist is 1–5, not 0).
• If pedal assist is 0, the throttle is disabled—this is a good safety setting when mounting or dismounting.

Best practice:

• When you’re new to the bike, press the throttle very gently to get a feel for how quickly it responds.
• Start with pedal assist 1 and a light press on the throttle until it feels natural.

4. Gears: 7-Speed Shifter

The Simple Step Through has a 7-speed external derailleur that works just like a normal bike:

• Twist the shifter on the right handlebar to change gears (1–7).
• Gear 1 = easiest to pedal (good for hills, starts).
• Gear 7 = hardest to pedal (good for higher speeds with assist).

Important tips:

• Only shift gears when the bike is moving so the chain can move smoothly.
• Avoid shifting while completely stopped; it can cause the chain to jump when you start again.
• Try to match your gear to your assist level:
• Assist 1–2 → Gears 1–3
• Assist 3–4 → Gears 3–5
• Assist 5 → Gears 5–7

You can use the Simple Step Through as a regular bicycle with the motor off, shifting through all 7 gears just like any other bike.

5. Braking

• Left lever = front brake
• Right lever = rear brake

Best practice:

• Use both brakes together for smooth, controlled stops.
• If you must use one, prioritize the rear brake (right lever).
• Avoid grabbing only the front brake at high speed; that can cause the front wheel to lock and pitch you forward.

On descents:

• Start braking early and lightly, and keep steady pressure.
• Don’t wait until the last second for a hard squeeze.

6. Mounting, Starting & Stopping Safely

Mounting

1. Make sure:

• Motor is off or assist is set to 0.
• Throttle hand is relaxed.

1. Step through the low frame opening.
2. Slide back onto the saddle.

Starting

• Option 1 – With pedaling
• Set pedal assist to level 1.
• Place one pedal in a strong starting position (roughly forward and up).
• Push off, complete one full pedal rotation, and the motor will gently join in.
• Option 2 – With throttle
• Keep a foot ready on the ground.
• Press the throttle very gently to start rolling, then bring your other foot up to the pedal and begin pedaling.

Stopping

1. Ease off the throttle and stop pedaling.
2. Pull both brakes to come to a controlled stop.
3. Once you’ve fully stopped, set assist back to 0 or turn the bike off.
4. Step your leg forward through the frame to dismount.

This is where the low step-through really shines—stops and dismounts feel natural and low-risk.

Who the Simple Step Through Is Perfect For

This e-bike is an especially good match if:

• You’re a beginner or returning rider and want something unintimidating.
• You prefer a low step-through frame that’s easy on your hips and knees.
• You like a relaxed, upright ride with minimal pressure on your back and wrists.
• You want enough power to climb hills and ride confidently, but don’t need a high-speed, high-risk machine.
• You appreciate a clean, simple control layout instead of an overly complicated display.

Support, Test Ride & Community

• 30-Day Test Ride – Take the Simple Step-Thru out for real rides. If you don’t love it within 30 days, send it back: no questions asked, no money out of pocket.
• 1-Year Warranty – Parts and labor covered in the first year.
• Body Fit Quiz – Use the fit quiz at sixthreezero.com to confirm sizing and model recommendations.
• Talk to Real Riders – Join the sixthreezero Pedalers Facebook group to ask questions, see how others are using their bikes, and get honest feedback from owners.
• Track Your Rides – Download the sixthreezero app to log your miles and even compete on the leaderboard.

If you have questions about whether the Simple Step Through is right for you, you can always reach the team at theteam@sixthreezero.com or (310) 982-2877.

It’s your journey, your experience. Enjoy the ride.