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15 kilosChildren's e-MTB with Fazua motor from VPace

Florentin Vesenbeckh

 · 02.05.2019

15 kilos: Children's e-MTB with Fazua motor from VPacePhoto: Florentin Vesenbeckh
15 kilos: Children's e-MTB with Fazua motor from VPace
E-bikes for children that actually work for youngsters are rare. The first product from children's bike specialist VPace is very promising. The weight is particularly impressive.

Whether bikers want to put their offspring on an e-bike is a topic in its own right that can provide material for whole discussion scenarios. However, anyone who decides to do so faces a problem: most e-MTBs for children are far too heavy. With a mid-motor, the small bikes often weigh 20 kilos. A no-go for kids weighing just 35 kilos. The children's bike specialist VPace is known for Lightweight and well-designed children's MTBs. At the BIKE Festival in Riva, the small forge presents a prototype of its first children's bike with an electric motor. The VPace Emil is in the starting blocks.

Premiere at the BIKE Festival in Riva on Lake Garda: The 26-inch version of the VPace Emil fits kids from 135 centimetres tall. Special feature: Emil is the first children's e-MTB with a Fazua motor.Photo: Florentin VesenbeckhPremiere at the BIKE Festival in Riva on Lake Garda: The 26-inch version of the VPace Emil fits kids from 135 centimetres tall. Special feature: Emil is the first children's e-MTB with a Fazua motor.Well thought-out and child-friendly equipment is standard at VPace. The in-house cranks are short and suitable for children.Photo: Florentin VesenbeckhWell thought-out and child-friendly equipment is standard at VPace. The in-house cranks are short and suitable for children.In the basic configuration, the VPace Emil shifts 11-speed with Sram. The cables are routed internally.Photo: Florentin VesenbeckhIn the basic configuration, the VPace Emil shifts 11-speed with Sram. The cables are routed internally.

To keep the weight low, VPace relies on the Minimal assist drive from Fazua. Less maximum power, less battery capacity: the use of the Evation motor on the kids' bike is a logical consequence. After all, lightweight children need neither full power nor extreme ranges. The 27.5-inch bike should only weigh 15 kilos. The battery has 252 watt hours and the motor delivers significantly less maximum power than a classic Shimano or Bosch drive. The maximum assistance speed can be limited to either the classic 25 km/h or 20 km/h, as is usual for children's e-bikes, according to customer requirements.

The motor-battery unit of the Fazua-Evation drive can be removed from the underside of the down tube.Photo: Florentin VesenbeckhThe motor-battery unit of the Fazua-Evation drive can be removed from the underside of the down tube.The battery (left) is located in the motor unit (right). With slim dimensions and a weight of 1.4 kilograms, a second battery pack disappears easily into the rucksack.Photo: Florentin VesenbeckhThe battery (left) is located in the motor unit (right). With slim dimensions and a weight of 1.4 kilograms, a second battery pack disappears easily into the rucksack.The gear unit is located in the bottom bracket area and is slim. The power of the motor is transmitted via the star-shaped insert.Photo: Florentin VesenbeckhThe gear unit is located in the bottom bracket area and is slim. The power of the motor is transmitted via the star-shaped insert.Using the remote control on the handlebars, children can choose from three different support levels.Photo: Florentin VesenbeckhUsing the remote control on the handlebars, children can choose from three different support levels.

The VPace Emil is available in 26-inch, 27.5-inch and 29-inch versions. As with the brand's non-motorised bikes, the Emil also uses the 29er principle. In other words, relatively large wheels are fitted in small frames. This means that children who normally ride a 24-inch bike will fit on a 26-inch Emil. The large wheels are designed to provide more comfort, riding safety and grip, and the three frame sizes are suitable for children between 1.35 metres and 1.65 metres tall.

Smooth-running and powerful: Hydraulic disc brakes are the first choice for delicate children's hands and are standard equipment on VPace.Photo: Florentin VesenbeckhSmooth-running and powerful: Hydraulic disc brakes are the first choice for delicate children's hands and are standard equipment on VPace.

The special thing about the Fazua drive: the motor and battery unit can be removed. This saves almost three kilos in weight and allows the bike to be ridden as a normal bike without assistance. Emil "without E" is said to weigh around 12 kilos. This option is particularly exciting for parents, as they no longer have to buy a normal MTB in addition to the expensive e-bike.

Clear proportions: 1.96 man Sören Zieher from VPace next to his new offspring, the 26er Emil.Photo: Florentin VesenbeckhClear proportions: 1.96 man Sören Zieher from VPace next to his new offspring, the 26er Emil.

The new children's e-MTB VPace Emil will be available from autumn and is expected to cost just under 3000 euros.

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Florentin Vesenbeckh

Florentin Vesenbeckh has been on a mountain bike since he was ten years old. Even on his very first tour, he focussed on single trails - and even after more than 30 years in the saddle of an MTB, these are still the quintessence of biking for him. He spent his youth competing in various bike disciplines and later his cycling career was characterised by years as a riding technique coach. Professionally, the experienced test editor now focusses on e-mountainbikes. In recent years, the qualified sports scientist and trained journalist has tested over 300 bikes and more than 40 different motor systems in the laboratory and in practice.

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