Size isn't everything. It's the inner values that count - and that's where the latest compact pedelecs shine: The bikes are easy to handle, relatively light for motorised vehicles, they are safe and their small size means they can be parked in a space-saving manner. In short, they have what it takes to become the most popular bike class in the inner-city transport mix. What's more, they are astonishingly capable of carrying loads - unlike old-fashioned folding bikes. If there were a competition for the stiffest bicycle frame, compact pedelecs could easily beat even classic 28-inch bikes. Their small, beefy frames manage with short tube lengths, which makes the frames unbeatably stiff.
The minis can take just as much payload as large bikes. This also applies to use as a compact cargo bike, as demonstrated by the Moustache Lundi with a permissible total weight of 200 kilos. On the other hand, the combination of a stiff frame and small wheels is also somewhat double-edged: on the one hand, stiff frames and small wheels make the bikes stable, lively and agile. Their small size makes it easier to navigate in tight, urban traffic. On the other hand, stiff frames and small wheels also make for a rather harsh ride on bumpy surfaces. For weight reasons, the manufacturers of our test bikes have also dispensed with comfort-enhancing components such as suspension forks (which are hardly available in reasonable quality for 20-inch bikes anyway). The wide and voluminous tyres fitted to all of our test bikes only marginally improve riding comfort. Their compressible and therefore damping air volume is significantly smaller than that of 28-inch tyres of the same width.
Practical, but not very comfortable
On the Hercules, Moustache and Tern, telescopic suspension seat posts at least keep the roughest road bumps away from the rider's flesh. However, on short and rather urban routes, the favoured place of use for compact pedelecs, riding comfort plays a comparatively subordinate role. There, the Minis score points with other practical advantages. With the exception of the Moustache, their wheelbase, the distance between the front and rear axle, is only a few millimetres shorter than that of 28-inch wheels. They are mainly shorter because of the small wheels. But even though their overall length is only around 20 centimetres shorter than a standard wheel, they are much easier to manoeuvre. They also take up less space when parking and at home.
A Speedlifter stem with twist function (i:SY and Cube) or the folding handlebar mast on the Tern allow the handlebars to be rotated 90 degrees without tools. This means it is out of the way. If folding pedals are also fitted, as on the i:SY, the compact pedelecs are only around 40 centimetres wide and can also be parked in a larger hallway. On the Tern and Moustache, there are even special supports on the luggage rack on which the pedelecs can be parked vertically - although the long, heavy Moustache requires some force to do so.
The compact pedelecs in detail
Compact pedelecs: One size, three motors
All the compact pedelecs in our test are only available in one frame size. They only adapt to riders of different heights by adjusting their extendable seat posts and stems. The manufacturer i:SY specifies the maximum rider height for the E5 ZR as 185 centimetres. This seems just as realistic to us across the test field as the specification of a rider height of 150 centimetres at the lower end of the scale. There is a greater spread when it comes to the drive unit.
Bosch's smooth-running and sufficiently powerful Performance Line motor with 65 Nm works in the i:SY, the Tern and the Cube. The drive is quiet and provides a natural riding experience. The Hercules is equipped with the smooth-pushing and almost inaudible Bosch Active Plus. It is ideal for use in the city and impresses with the lowest energy consumption in the test field. Moustache, on the other hand, has equipped the Lundi 20.3 with the Bosch Cargo, which is specially designed for cargo bikes and whose maximum torque of a good 85 Nm pushes even heavy pedelecs effortlessly up steep climbs. Because the motor has a slightly higher energy requirement, the Lundi is equipped with two 500 Wh batteries.
Technical equipment
On all compact pedelecs except the Cube model, an Intuvia display provides information on extensive riding data and the battery charge level. The Cube has the cheaper Purion combi display with a slightly smaller amount of information. Cube has also opted for an inexpensive alternative for the gearbox with the Tiagra rear derailleur. Shimano's Nexus five-speed hub changes gears on the i:SY and the Tern. It works perfectly with mid-drive motors, shifting is instantaneous even under high motor loads. The Nexus eight-speed hub on the Hercules, on the other hand, requires the drivetrain to be unloaded for prompt gear changes.
To ensure that the compact pedelecs can be used as universally as possible in everyday life, they require stable and versatile carrier systems - these can be found on all test bikes, particularly on the Moustache Lundi, of course: as a thoroughbred longtail transporter, it has an extra-long, load-bearing rear carrier with a practical attachment click system for a wide variety of transport attachments. The entire test group is technically at a good mid-range level, the bikes have a high-quality finish and are fit for a long bike life. The price level of the compact bikes - measured against the equipment - is slightly above the prices of comparably equipped standard bikes. It is the extra cost for that decisive bit of extra manoeuvrability and utility value that is convincing in the city.
Uli Frieß, test editor: "The small compact bikes combine high utility value with lots of riding fun. They really come into their own in urban areas and on short journeys. For tours and longer trips, bikes with larger wheels are better suited."
All compact pedelecs in comparison
How it was tested
- Driver weight: 85 kilos
- Pedalling power: Level: 60 watts / Mountain: 110 watts
- Support: Level: Medium level / Mountain: Highest level
Our test candidates hardly differ in the final scores and, as expected, there are only small differences in comfort. The Cube loses out on a better score due to its lower quality rear derailleur, but is at the forefront in terms of riding safety and practicality. The i:SY secures the test victory with top marks for riding safety and service.
Apart from the distance achieved by the Moustache, there is hardly any difference between the ranges ridden on our test bench. The Bosch cargo motor of the Moustache Lundi 20.3 has a slightly higher energy consumption and the bike is significantly heavier. The double battery with 1000 Wh is therefore a sensible choice and gives the Moustache a full 130 kilometres. The lower energy consumption of the Bosch Active drive compared to the Bosch Performance only leads to a slightly longer range. The Bosch Active has no real advantage here.
The five compact pedelecs from the test
The Cube Compact Sport Hybrid 500
The frame of the Cube is similar to that of the i:SY E5, and the riding characteristics are similarly lively and agile. For this reason, Cube riders also have to accept compromises in riding comfort due to the very stiff frame composite and the small wheels. Even the very voluminous 62 mm tyres only help to a limited extent, and there is no telescopic seatpost. Some relief is provided by the pleasantly offset handlebars with ergonomic grips.
The Cube has a Speedlifter stem with twist function, the handlebars can be rotated by 90 degrees to save space and are easily height-adjustable with a quick-release. Together with the wide seat post, it adapts to many cyclist sizes. If you only have limited storage space, retrofit folding pedals. The Compact Sport can then be parked in a narrow hallway with the handlebars folded down. The ten-speed derailleur of the compact pedelec copes well with the restrained power delivery of the Bosch Performance, but a higher-quality model would have suited the Cube better. A small drawback when shopping: a rear stand instead of the centre stand would make the bike stand more securely with a loaded carrier.
General information about the Cube Compact
- Price: 2799 Euro
- Frame sizes: Universal: 48 cm
- Test bike weight: 19.2 kilos
- Permissible total weight: 125 kilos
- Frame: Aluminium
- Fork: Aluminium rigid fork
- Circuit: Shimano Tiagra 1x10; 44/11-34 teeth
- Motor/battery: Bosch Performance/500 Wh
- Brakes/ø: Disc, Shimano BR-MT200/v: 180 mm, h: 160 mm
- Tyres: Schwalbe Super Moto-X Performance Reflex 62-406
- Lighting system: CUBE Shiny 50 Lux; Herrmans H-Trace
- MYBIKE grade: 1,9
MYBIKE TIP: Price/performance - 1/2023
Advantages and disadvantages
- Plus: Stiff frame, speedlifter, lightweight
- Minus: No folding pedals
The Hercules Futura Compact R8
The Hercules manages the balancing act between step-through and compact pedelec. With its 24-inch wheels, it is not a classic compact bike, and the frame shape is more like a unisex bike with a wave frame designed for 26- or 28-inch wheels. This combination makes the Futura a family bike with a wide range of uses, as the larger wheels mean that the pedelec can also cope with longer rides somewhat better than the small 20-inch minis. However, because of this design, the Futura requires a slightly larger parking space.
With the seat post that can be extended and the height-adjustable stem with quick-release, it can be quickly adapted to different body sizes. The telescopic seat post and 55 millimetre wide tyres ensure acceptable riding comfort, while the Bosch Active drive ensures smooth running and gentle dynamics. The Hercules is well equipped, the Tektro brake system is sufficiently dimensioned and finely adjustable. The gear range of the eight-speed hub matches the smoothly shifting motor, but requires a significant reduction in pedal effort for clean gear changes.
General information about the Hercules Futura
- Price: 2999 Euro
- Frame sizes: Universal: 47 cm
- Test bike weight: 26.9 kilos
- Permissible total weight: 135 kilos
- Frame: Aluminium
- Fork: Aluminium rigid fork
- Circuit: Shimano Nexus 8, 1x8; 40/20 teeth
- Motor/battery: Bosch Active Plus/400, 500 Wh
- Brakes/ø: Disc, Tektro HD-T280/v: 180 mm, h: 160 mm
- Tyres: Schwalbe Big Ben Performance RaceGuard Reflex 55-507
- Lighting system: Hercules, FH 40, LED; Busch & Müller 2C
- MYBIKE grade: 1,9
MYBIKE TIP: Price/performance - 1/2023
Advantages and disadvantages
- Plus: Wide range of applications, coaster brake
- Minus: Large, relatively heavy
The i:SY E5 ZR RT
i:SY has been flying the compact bike flag for a long time, and the E5 ZR RT is just as sophisticated. Its small frame is extremely rigid, the bike is safe, stable and very agile. The Nexus five-speed hub of the compact pedelec with coaster brake changes gears reliably even under load. Instead of a chain, there is a low-maintenance Gates carbon belt. According to the manufacturer, the universal frame fits riders up to 185 centimetres tall and the seat post and Speedlifter stem can be extended.
To park the pedelec in a space-saving manner, the handlebars are rotated by 90 degrees using the Speedlifter's twist function. If you also fold up the pedals, the bike is only around 40 centimetres narrow. Without the telescopic seat post, the stiff frame and small wheels are hard, and the rather voluminous 60 millimetre tyres don't help much either. Our test bike is still from the 2022 range. The 2023 model will come with Bosch's Smart System for individually adjustable riding modes and smartphone connectivity. The battery will then increase to 545 Wh, the motor torque by 10 Nm - and the price by 550 euros to 4,399 euros.
General information about the i:SY E5
- Price: 3849 Euro
- Frame sizes: Universal: 47 cm
- Test bike weight: 22.9 kilos
- Permissible total weight: 150 kilos
- Frame: Aluminium
- Fork: Aluminium rigid fork
- Circuit: Shimano Nexus 5, 1x5; 46/28 teeth
- Motor/battery: Bosch Performance/500 Wh
- Brakes/ø: Disc, Shimano BR-MT420/v: 180 mm, h: 160 mm
- Tyres: Schwalbe Pick-up Addix E Reflex 60-406
- Lighting system: Fuxon FF-100HB, 100 lux with high beam; Fuxon COB
- MYBIKE grade: 1,7
TEST WINNER 1/2023
Advantages and disadvantages
- Plus: Carbon belt, high beam, coaster brake
- Minus: Exposed cables at the frame node
The Moustache Lundi 20.3
The Moustache Lundi impresses as a child, passenger or cargo transporter. The handling characteristics of the 20-inch longtail are balanced and stable, and the low centre of gravity means that they are largely retained even when loaded. Up to 70 kilos can be carried on the rear carrier. A practical click system secures boxes, baskets and bags. There is space for a child seat plus a child's saddle. The passengers of the compact pedelec are protected by an all-round metal bar, with the feet resting on a tubular frame. A large spoke guard covers the drive and wheel to keep them safe for children.
Despite the long wheelbase, the Moustache is easy to manoeuvre. The relatively narrow handlebar sits directly on the head tube and protrudes forwards and upwards. This makes a stem superfluous and increases the stability of the front of the frame. Lundi 20.3 riders sit upright and comfortably, and the sprung telescopic seat post can be lowered and extended using a lever for getting on and off the bike. The Bosch Cargo drive pushes the bike powerfully even when it is close to the maximum permissible total weight. Powerful brakes reliably slow down the Lundi even when loaded, and a ten-speed derailleur completes the harmonious equipment.
General information about the Moustache Lundi
- Price: 5999 Euro
- Frame sizes: Universal: 39 cm
- Test bike weight: 34.8 kilos
- Permissible total weight: 200 kilos
- Frame: Aluminium
- Fork: Aluminium rigid fork
- Circuit: Shimano Deore, 1x10; 48/11-46 teeth
- Motor/battery: Bosch Cargo Line/1000 (2 x 500) Wh
- Brakes/ø: Disc, Magura MT4/v: 203 mm, h: 180 mm
- Tyres: Kenda Kid Block 62-406
- Lighting system: AXA Blueline, 30 lux; AXA Duo Flat Signal
- MYBIKE grade: 1,8
Advantages and disadvantages
- Plus: Dropper post, wide range of applications
- Minus: Relatively heavy
The Tern NBD
With a height of only 39 centimetres, the step-through of the Tern is very low, but at the same time it is relatively long. This makes getting on and off the bike much easier. People of below-average height, older people and cyclists with restricted mobility will appreciate the NBD for this reason alone. Because the seat post is height-adjustable over a wide range, the bike is also suitable for taller riders. If you loosen two quick-release levers on the stem, you can also adjust the handlebar height to the rider's height within limits.
However, the adjustment range of the handlebars is smaller than on the Cube, Hercules and i:SY. If you fold down the handlebar mast using the quick-release fastener and push the seat post in as far as it will go, the NBD can be transported and parked in a space-saving manner - even vertically if necessary, on supports on the pannier rack. Despite the long centre tube, the frame of the compact pedelec does not have a tendency to sway, even when cornering quickly; the NBD is agile and easy to control. The gear hub shifts its five gears reliably under load, albeit not silently. A low-maintenance Gates belt connects the motor and hub under a fairing.
General information about the Tern NBD
- Price: 5399 Euro
- Frame sizes: Universal: 39 cm
- Test bike weight: 23.7 kilos
- Permissible total weight: 140 kilos
- Frame: Aluminium
- Fork: Aluminium rigid fork
- Circuit: Shimano Nexus 5, 1x5; 46/28 teeth
- Motor/battery: Bosch Performance/500 Wh
- Brakes/ø: Disc, Magura MT4/v: 160 mm, h: 160 mm
- Tyres: Schwalbe Big Ben Performance Reflex 55-406
- Lighting system: Tern Valo Direct; Herrmans
- MYBIKE grade: 1,8
Advantages and disadvantages
- Plus: Long and low step-through
- Minus: Stem only slightly adjustable
