We call it a classic," said football emperor Franz Beckenbauer 20 years ago, referring to the international match between Germany and England. He could also have been talking about the Brompton folding bike: The bike has remained virtually unchanged for more than forty years. Recently, however, the British folding bike has also been available with an electric drive - with an otherwise largely unchanged design. Brompton houses the motor in the front wheel hub, while the designers have packed the battery, on top of which the motor controls are located, into a kind of handlebar bag. This is discreet, but not improvised: The bag snaps securely into place using a quick-release coupling and automatically connects to the drive unit. Conversely, the bag can be detached from the bike at the touch of a button so that it can be carried comfortably over the shoulder - the prerequisite for any folding process. Weighing just under 17 kilos, the folding pedelec is also 2.9 kilos lighter and much easier to handle without the battery.
Proven folding mechanism
After removing the battery, it only takes three steps to fold the rest of the Brompton into a highly compact package. It is the brand's tried and tested system that has been in use for decades: after releasing a quick-release on the elastomer, the rear wheel swings under the central frame tube. The front third of the frame is then folded backwards and the handlebar mast downwards using solid hinges. Instead of carrying it, the folded package can also be rolled on two small wheels - with the unfolded handlebar mast as a drawbar. However, due to the narrow track width of the wheels on the rear frame, the Brompton rolls a little wobbly behind it.
The tried-and-tested universal frame is available with two handlebars of different heights. Together with the long seat post, it should fit riders up to around 1.90 metres well. The side-pull rim brakes decelerate sufficiently and require little manual force.
On the road, the pedelec is pleasingly stable and there is no noticeable tendency to wobble. Despite the elastomer shock absorber, the small 16-inch wheels roll rather bumpily over rough pavement and make the bike unusually agile. For this reason and because of the narrow handlebars, the first few kilometres should be approached with caution. Only with practice will hand signals feel safe when turning.
Our main criticism is the drive: unfortunately, the motor takes about half a turn of the crank before it starts up. For this reason and due to the long gear ratio of the two-speed gearbox, a lot of leg power is required when starting uphill. We therefore recommend the six-speed version of the E-Falter.
Uli Frieß, test editor: "When folded, the Brompton Electric is probably the smallest e-bike package on the market - a concept for the long 'last mile' or for motorhome owners. The disadvantages are the high weight, the delayed start of the drive and the gear ratio in the two-speed configuration."
The most important key data at a glance
- Frame: Steel
- Folded dimensions W x H x D: 585 x 645 x 270 mm
- Weight: 16.8 kg
- Brakes: Dual pivot rim brakes
- Gearstick: 2-speed derailleur, 54/16-12 t.
- Motor/battery: VR hub 250 W/300 Wh
- Tyres: Schwalbe Marathon Racer 35-349
- Lighting system: front: B&M AVY LED, rear: Spanninga Solo XE
- Price: from 3,320 euros
