Six lightweight e-bikes from the MYBIKE test
Heavy is easy, they say. Today, a classic pedelec with suspension fork, large battery and powerful motor weighs between 25 and 30 kilos on average - a weight that makes everyday handling difficult. So the emergence of a technical counter-trend is hardly surprising: More and more small, inconspicuous and low-power drives offer the chance of a welcome departure from the continuous technical upgrades in the pedelec mainstream, because bikes for the city and short distances need neither powerful motors nor heavy batteries.
Hidden pedelec
On the contrary: small and inconspicuous drive components expand the design options and can attract new customers to the pedelec. With the drive components available today, it is possible to build bikes that do not look like a pedelec - the aesthetic side of technical minimalism. Many manufacturers have recognised that good design and high-quality, tried-and-tested equipment are not mutually exclusive. As a result, technology-loving purists can choose from a wide range of stylish pedelecs with slimmed-down drive systems but still equipped for everyday use.
Urban bikes in the test
The urban bikes in our test can be roughly divided into two categories: The Cannondale Tesoro Neo SL and the Coboc Iseo are pedelecs suitable for everyday use with a comfortable riding position and broad utility value. The Feddz E-Urban, Look Gotham and Tenways CGO600, on the other hand, are aimed at sporty riders who value customisation and high riding dynamics. An outlier is the Storck Urban CTS, which is not so easy to categorise. Its extra-powerful mid-motor, large battery and studded tyres also make the bike suitable for field and forest paths. It maintains its place in the test field thanks to its design and weight.
No more than 20 kilos
For this test, we selected lightweight e-bikes that weigh no more than 20 kilos - a requirement that is apparently somewhat independent of price: our test bikes range from €1,600 to €5,000. We also paid particular attention to the safety of the lightweights, as a lightweight design should not reduce the safety of the bikes. We were therefore keen to see the results of the frame stiffness measurements. Here, too, we didn't cut back in the wrong places, as all the lightweight e-bikes apart from the Look Gotham impressed with the usual safe stiffness values of diamond frames. The frame of the Gotham is slightly softer, but still sufficiently stiff for use with commuter luggage.
Lightweight e-bikes in a performance comparison
The most effective way to save weight is with motors and batteries. In terms of power and torque, the small and lightweight rear hub motors of our test bikes and the Fazua mid-motor of the Look cannot compete with the much heavier powerhouses from Bosch, Shimano, Brose and the like - nothing comes from nothing. It is true that the lightweight drives also reach the 250 watt pedelec power rating. However, while conventional motors sometimes produce twice as much at their peak, the small drives are close to their performance limit here. The torque values, which are particularly noticeable when accelerating, are also lower than those of mainstream technology.
Unexpectedly high energy
But contrary to what you might expect, the energy consumption of the small drives is not very different from that of the more powerful competition: with the exception of the Look's Fazua system and the Bafang motor in the rear wheel of the Feddz, the motors consume an unexpectedly high amount of energy. However, the consumption also clearly shows that these motors are stingy with power.
The Look Gotham and Feddz E-Urban run very economically, but completed the test runs on our range test bench significantly slower than their competitors. They simply add less motor power to the rider's pedalling power than the technology mainstream. This is not a shortcoming, but is in line with the concept of the drives. With measured ranges of between 34 and 61 kilometres, the small batteries provide enough energy for extended trips in urban environments. If you assume that such bikes are ridden by sportier riders than those specified in the touring-orientated test protocol, the range is even less critical. It's obvious that the Storck's powerful Shimano drive needs more power for its higher assistance output.
Reduced equipment
The equipment has also been slimmed down. There is only one suspension fork in the test, and there are no suspension seat posts at all. The pannier racks, if available at all, are not suitable for world travelling luggage, not even stands can always be fitted. It is pleasing that all test bikes are equipped with approved lights. Only the Look Gotham was sent to us without lights. The electrically illuminated reflectors on the pedals of this bike are neither a substitute for lighting nor do they improve visibility at night. However, with standard battery-powered front and rear lights, the Gotham can also be ridden on public roads in the dark. Although the very special Lightskin LED light in the handlebars of the Feddz E-Urban is very bright and approved for road use, it does not come close to the performance and road illumination of conventional headlights.
In addition to inconspicuous drives, the purist concept of lightweight e-bikes also includes minimalist displays for the drives. Cannondale and Coboc take this approach to the extreme. On both pedelecs, there is only a single button to bring the drive to life and select the support levels. Nevertheless, there are apps for all bikes that can be linked to the drives via smartphone and thus expand the range of functions of the controls.
Uli Frieß, test editor: "The lightweight city pedelecs are very customised, which is primarily reflected in the different drive systems. Although on average 35 per cent lighter than conventional pedelecs, they are convincingly safe to ride. The Storck Urban CTS is an example of how a wide range of applications can be realised with lightweight construction."
Summary of the lightweight e-bikes
In the end, it is a test field that is neither in the same price range nor in the same technical design. To compare an inexpensive single speed bike with a hub motor directly with a lavishly equipped 5,000 euro bike like the Storck would be somewhat dubious. However, the sub-20 class presented here is certainly interesting for scrutinising alternatives to the technical mainstream - and for questioning the prevailing bigger, stronger, further approach.
With its high-quality and harmonious equipment and the elegant carbon frame, the Storck secures the test victory. However, it is also one of the most expensive bikes in the field. The second-placed, sporty Tenways scored points with its high level of riding safety and successful drive. None of the pedelecs show any real weaknesses, the Look could be more fully equipped.
If you compare lightweight e-bikes with classic heavyweights, it becomes clear that the bikes don't really have a range problem and the battery sizes are sufficient for inner-city distances. The Feddz E-Urban and the Gotham achieve amazing distances of 60 kilometres despite their small batteries. However, their low energy consumption results from the reduced motor power. However, both pedelecs completed our test run much more slowly. Both bikes are therefore aimed at riders who are happy to invest more leg power themselves.
Key data for the e-bike test
- Driver weight: 85 kg
- Pedalling power: Level: 60 watts | Mountain: 110 watts
- Support level: Medium level | Mountain: Highest level
Service and repairs
Three lightweight e-bikes in our test can be ordered mainly or exclusively from the online shop: the Coboc, the Feddz and the Tenways. The three manufacturers handle the repair service differently. If you buy a Coboc online, you can choose one of the many Coboc dealers located throughout Germany as your personal service partner during the purchase process. They can be found on the Coboc website. The specialist dealer carries out all work on the bike and can also assemble it on request. Feddz owners can take advantage of service and repair work at the Feddz store in Berlin. For service work directly at the customer's premises, Feddz co-operates with the Get Bike mobile service team. Tenways does not operate its own dealer network and cooperates with the bicycle retail chains Little John, Mega Bike and BBF. Service and repair work is carried out by their specialised workshops
