If you ride in a hilly area, you already know the feeling: you start a climb with good intentions, then your legs burn, your speed drops, and the ride turns into a test of willpower. E-bikes change that. Instead of dreading every incline, you can keep a steady rhythm, arrive less sweaty, and still feel like you’re actually riding rather than being dragged uphill.

An e-bike does not remove effort. It removes the steepest part of the struggle, the bit that often puts people off cycling in the first place.

Why hills feel hard on a normal bike

Climbing asks for one thing above all: sustained power. On a flat road, you can coast, tuck in behind the wind, or spin gently. On a hill, gravity is constant. If the gradient rises, you need more force on the pedals to maintain the same speed, and that extra demand hits quickly when you are carrying a bag, riding into a headwind, or stopping and starting in traffic.

That is why short, sharp climbs can feel worse than long ones: you do not have time to settle into a gear and cadence. Your heart rate spikes, your legs fatigue, and many riders either grind a heavy gear or wobble at low speed.

What an e-bike changes on an uphill

An e-bike adds motor assistance to your own pedalling. On climbs, that assistance matters most because it helps you keep momentum. Instead of dropping into an uncomfortable grind, you can stay in a smoother cadence, keep balance and control, and choose how much effort you want to put in.

Many modern systems use a torque sensor, which responds to how hard you push on the pedals. The result is a more natural feel: push a little harder and the bike supports you; ease off and it eases off too. The right set-up makes hills feel like gentle inclines, especially when you are riding with luggage, commuting in work clothes, or keeping pace with family and friends.

PVY models that make climbing noticeably easier

PVY’s range includes several options that suit different types of climbing, from short urban ramps to rougher off-road gradients.

For riders who want a strong all-terrain feel, the PVY Z20 PLUS is built around a powerful 1000W motor, 20×4.0-inch fat tyres, a 48V 16.5Ah battery and a claimed 100 N.m of torque. That combination is designed to keep traction and pull steadily when the surface is loose or the slope bites.

If your priority is commuting with comfort and adjustability, the PVY Z20 MAX is a folding model with a 250W brushless motor (with support for unlocking up to 750W), a torque sensor, and options that include a frame battery listed as 36V/15Ah alongside an external battery option. It also highlights practical touches such as hydraulic disc brakes and an adjustable stem for a more relaxed riding position.

For a lighter, everyday fold-and-go approach, the PVY Z20 PRO EVO pairs SHIMANO 7-speed gearing with a torque sensor, a 36V 14.5Ah battery and 50 N.m torque. It is the kind of set-up that helps you spin comfortably up hills rather than grinding, which is especially useful in stop-start city riding.

If you like the idea of a city-friendly bike with a tougher edge, the PVY LS20 is described as having a rugged 250W geared hub motor with 100 N.m of torque, aimed at quick starts and smoother hill climbs, with an unlockable power figure stated up to 1000W.

A simple way to ride hills well on an e-bike

Start by shifting early. If you wait until your speed has dropped, you will feel the hill more than you need to. Change down before the climb steepens.

Keep your cadence steady. Most riders climb best when they are spinning rather than stomping. Use the motor assist to protect your knees and keep traction.

Treat assist levels like gears. On gentle slopes, a low assist can be enough. On sharp ramps or with a heavy load, increase assist for a short burst, then return to a sustainable level.

A quick note on road rules

E-bike rules vary by country. If a model mentions ‘unlocking’ higher power or speed, treat that as an off-road or private-land feature unless you have confirmed it is legal for your local roads. Always ride responsibly, wear suitable safety gear, and maintain your brakes and tyres, especially if you commute in wet conditions.

Hills do not have to decide where you can ride. With the right e-bike, the climb becomes part of the journey rather than the reason you avoid it. If you want to explore PVY’s line-up, look for the model that matches your terrain: fat tyres and higher torque for mixed surfaces, a folding frame for commuting, or a lighter build for carrying and storage.