A city e-bike may feel effortless to ride yet be awkward to carry, push up steps or lift onto a train. Catalogue weight alone does not tell that whole story. A low-step frame, upright riding position, mudguards, rack, chainguard and hub gears all add everyday convenience, but they contribute to the total mass. In one practical comparison, a fully equipped city e-bike weighed more than 27 kg, while lighter alternatives retaining some of those features came in around 23 kg.
Before comparing models, list the tasks the bicycle must perform each day. Will it have to be carried upstairs? Will there be a bag on the rack and a basket at the front? Are hub gears and an enclosed drivetrain essential, or would a derailleur be an acceptable way to save weight? Compact e-bikes may be lighter, but their smaller wheels can change the riding feel. That difference is hard to judge from a photograph or specification sheet.
At the shop, try more than a short ride. Push the bike through a doorway, turn it in a tight space and lift it safely over a small obstacle. Confirm that the stated weight includes the battery and the equipment you intend to use. If a bicycle is easy to control and store, a few kilograms may matter more than extra motor power. The right city e-bike is one you can manage comfortably after the ride as well as during it.