Compact bikes save space and are easy to handle. Despite the universal frame, they can be adjusted to different rider sizes using the height-adjustable seat post and Speedlifter stem. This makes them ideal family bikes for the city. With the E-PackMetz has upgraded a compact e-bike to a mini transporter. The front and rear luggage carriers of the 20-inch bike are hooked into sturdy plug-in couplings on the frame and secured with a knurled screw. The two carriers can be easily removed or swapped. Pannier holders are available as accessories. A total weight of 20 kilos can be loaded onto the small plate carrier, while the basket carrier can carry 30 kilos.
Manoeuvrable and stable
Compact bikes are quite stable by design. The Metz impressed on our test bench with one of the best stiffness values ever measured. The mini transporter benefits from this, especially when loaded, as it rolls with exceptional driving stability. Regardless of whether you load only the front, only the rear or both carriers, the Packr always runs safely and is very easy to control. The pedelec reacts calmly to steering movements and its rear end stays precisely on track even when cornering at high speed.
What does the new mid-engine do?
Due to the small wheels and stiff frame, compact bikes are lively and agile, but not very comfortable. On the Packr, only the 55 millimetre wide tyres provide minimal comfort. The Centrelmotor is a Metz in-house development. Performance and smoothness are similar to those of a Brose Drive C or Bosch Active Plus, the maximum torque is slightly higher. Thanks to the drive's effective shift interruption, the gear hub changes its eight gears promptly and precisely, even under load. The colour TFT display with control buttons shows the most important riding data and is equipped with a micro USB port for powering external devices and a Bluetooth interface. If you connect a smartphone, you can install updates to the engine system, among other things. Unfortunately, the display is not removable. We liked the position of the battery, which sits behind the seat tube with a favourable centre of gravity and riding dynamics, and is also easy to remove.
Test summary of the Metz E-Packr 8.0
The Metz E-Packr is a mini transporter suitable for everyday use with an adequate payload, safe driving characteristics and a successful drive.
The compact pedelec costs 2,998 euros.
Correction
We tested the Metz Packr in detail in the magazine. Contrary to what is described there, the frame of the Packr is not made of aluminium, but of steel. No data can be read out or uploaded via the USB socket on the display; it only provides a charging function for smartphones or similar devices. Only dealers can update the motor software via the battery charging socket.
