A paradigm shift in e-bikes: Why branded bikes are becoming so affordable right now

Bike verdict: A bold move

The apparently widespread adoption of Bosch’s new Hub Line hub motor and the resulting affordable entry-level price for e-bikes – even from traditionally more expensive brands – marks a paradigm shift. However, in an age of Avinox and the ‘faster, higher, further’ mentality, selling only what many people actually need in their everyday lives is a bold move. One can only hope that this will bring the Hub Line greater success than the ever-shrinking ‘light e-bike’ category. - Adrian Kaether, Test & Technology Editor

It’s human nature to want things. Our mobiles take 50-megapixel photos, even though we only share the pictures on social media. Our cars have the power of lorries and four-wheel drive, even though we mainly use them to sit in traffic jams and go shopping. You never know when you might need them.

Psychology calls these ‘false arguments’ and says: humans are not rational beings; rather, they rationalise. And this has found its way into our e-bikes to some extent as well. Avinox is making headlines with 150 Newton-metres and a peak power output of 1,300 watts. Bosch is following suit with a major update. The only thing is: we’re the ones who end up paying the price. Or rather, our wallets are.

The Performance Pitfall

What most e-bike riders actually need is a far cry from the peak performance figures listed in many spec sheets. For those who mainly ride on flat terrain, whether for everyday travel or commuting to work, 45 Newton-metres is enough rather than 150. And mid-drive motors are great for performance-oriented e-MTBs, but often offer a level of power and responsiveness that is completely excessive for everyday use. The power in particular can even be a disadvantage – think of chain and cassette wear.

Fearing they would be left behind, almost all major e-bike manufacturers have nevertheless increasingly turned to mid-drive motors in recent years, thereby driving prices ever higher. There was simply no alternative. Citing reliability and service as essential features – particularly from the mid-range upwards – Bosch gained ever more market share, but had simply not offered a hub motor until now. The result: even an entry-level e-bike with a cheap gear system and a rubbish suspension fork cost at least 3,000 euros and, in return, offered 600 watts and 75 Newton-metres at peak power – of which most e-bike riders have hardly ever utilised even half.

Why the Hub Line makes all the difference

That is now changing. Faced with price pressure from the current sales crisis, manufacturers – including engine producer Bosch – have relented. One could almost say they are beating the competition from China at their own game. What’s new isn’t yet another boost in performance à la Avinox, but rather on-demand electric assistance whilst cycling – which is apparently genuinely affordable.

‘Bosch Hub Line’ is the magic phrase that sees one press release after another landing in our inbox, each announcing yet another new, now truly affordable e-bike from leading premium manufacturers. Whether it’s Trek with the new Inbound+, Moustache with Lundi or Scott with the sweep: They are now all in a price range of around 2,500 euros – previously, it was difficult to find an e-bike from these manufacturers even for 4,000 euros. Even the value-for-money giant Thanks to the Hub Line motor, Cube can now offer its models at significantly lower prices than before and puts together well-rounded e-bike packages for even less than 2,000 euros.

Ride quality and hill-climbing ability: the weaknesses of the new budget range

So is Bosch’s Hub Line the perfect solution for all e-bike riders? No. Because the hub motor concept still has clear weaknesses, even in the new Bosch model, as our review of the Hub Line has shown. The initial response isn’t as immediate as with a mid-drive motor. Pedalling feels slightly disconnected. And the Mini-Bosch also has its weaknesses when going uphill. Furthermore, the Hub Line is often combined with relatively small batteries starting at 360 watt-hours.

So, on really long rides, on steep gradients or off-road in general, these bikes aren’t the right choice. However, they really come into their own on everyday journeys and in city traffic, where a low-key look, a good price and often even a pleasantly low bike weight count for more than sheer top performance. Instead of ‘faster, higher, further’, innovation can also mean this: satisfactory performance at a particularly fair price. What’s more, some of the arguments in favour of Bosch’s powerful mid-drive motors also apply to the Hub Line. The extensive service network, the user-friendly app and a wide choice of displays are all available here too.

Outlook: Can the rear-mounted engine make a comeback?

Whether the concept of performance tailored to individual needs will really catch on, or whether many e-bike riders will in fact prefer to invest a little more money in a more powerful bike with a mid-drive motor, will only become clear in 2027 at the earliest. Retailers, in particular, have a key role to play in accurately assessing customers’ needs and clearly explaining the pros and cons of the various motor designs.

However, if you cycle regularly but want to use the same bike whilst on holiday in South Tyrol, you might still be better off sticking with a mid-drive motor. For everyone else, however, the new ‘Light’ class could be an exciting alternative and, in the best sense of the word, goes against the Avinox trend in e-mountain bikes. Sometimes, less really can be more. At least when you have to pay extra for that ‘more’ – but don’t actually need it.