Saddle

The saddle is the seat. It bolts to the seatpost by a pair of rails underneath, and a worn, torn or badly fitted saddle is one of the most common reasons a ride gets uncomfortable.

What it's used for

Replace a saddle with a torn cover, a cracked shell or bent rails, or one that's simply uncomfortable. Lock the seatpost clamp and saddle bolts with the right hex keys, and tighten them to spec with a torque wrench.

What to look for

• Width for your sit bones. REI says to pick a width that supports your sit bones without rubbing, and that sitting on a saddle at a shop is the surest test (REI saddle guide).
• Riding position. REI matches wide, plush saddles to upright riding and narrower ones to leaned forward riding (REI). Most e-bikes are ridden upright.
• Padding. More cushion isn't always better. REI notes gel feels softest but compacts faster, while firmer foam holds up better on long rides and for riders over 200 lbs (REI).
• Rails. Steel rails are strong but heavy, and alloy, titanium and carbon are lighter (REI).
• Fit to your model. Some makers sell a saddle per model. Aventon asks you to choose your bike from a list before buying its saddle (Aventon saddle). Velotric says its ComfortMax saddle fits all its e-bikes except the Summit 1, and lists it at 11.25 by 9 inches with steel rails (Velotric).
• Setup after fitting. REI suggests a slight knee bend at the bottom of the pedal stroke, about 80 to 90 percent of full extension, and a saddle level with the ground (REI).

Typical price

• Velotric lists the ComfortMax Saddle at $45.99 (read Nov 9, 2026) (Velotric).
• Lectric lists its Comfort Seat at $44, down from $59 (read Nov 9, 2026) (Lectric upgraded seating).
• Rad Power Bikes lists its replacement Seat at $45, shown out of stock (read Nov 9, 2026) (Rad replacement parts).

Where to buy

1. Your bike maker's parts store, such as Velotric, Lectric, Aventon or Rad Power Bikes.
2. A large bike retailer or a saddle maker.
3. A local shop, through find a shop, where you can try a saddle before you buy.

Guides that use it

• Hex keys
• Torque wrench
• Grips
• Pedals

Sources

• REI saddle guide, rei.com
• Aventon saddle, aventon.com
• Velotric, velotricbike.com
• Lectric upgraded seating, lectricebikes.com
• Rad replacement parts, radpowerbikes.com

Stuck after these checks? Find a shop near you.