Rose Sneak Plus EQUpdate for the lightweight urban e-bike

Marc Strucken

 · 14.02.2025

The Rose Sneak Plus EQ has been updated...
Photo: Rose Bikes

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Rose presents the revised Sneak Plus EQ, a lightweight e-bike for urban use with a clear focus on commuting and cycling in the city. Compared to its predecessor, the city bike has been given a facelift and comes in new colours and equipment options.

With the Sneak Plus EQ, Rose presents the update of its lightweight e-bike for urban use. The new model combines a minimalist design with an integrated electric drive in the rear wheel and integrated road equipment.

With a weight starting at 15.2 kilograms and a battery capacity of 250 watt hours, the Sneak Plus EQ focuses on commuting and city rides. The price starts at 1999 euros. Compared to the Previous Sneak Plus the new EQ variants continue to offer an electric drive in the rear wheel hub and a similarly clean look, while the equipment options have been updated.

Rose Sneak Plus EQ: Singlespeed & hub motor

At the new Sneak Plus EQ A Mahle X35 hub motor is still used as the electric drive, which according to the manufacturer weighs in at 3.5 kilograms. The motor delivers a maximum torque of 40 Newton metres.

Power is supplied by a battery integrated in the down tube. For longer distances, Rose offers an optional range extender. This additional battery with a further 208 watt hours is designed to increase the range by 50 per cent.

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The Equipped Commuter version now comes with a lock, pannier rack and kickstand.Photo: Rose BikesThe Equipped Commuter version now comes with a lock, pannier rack and kickstand.

The electric drive is operated via an iWoc One button on the top tube, which can be used to select between three different support levels. These levels can be customised to suit your personal riding style using the associated smartphone app. The battery, which is permanently installed in the down tube, can be charged via a port above the bottom bracket but cannot be removed.

Rose relies on a low-maintenance belt drive for power transmission. This solution promises a longer service life and less maintenance compared to conventional derailleur gears. The special thing about it: The new Rose Sneak Plus EQ is a single-speed bike, which means that only one gear is available, but the three speed levels of the motor are available for modulation.



Equipment variants & accessories

The Rose Sneak Plus EQ is available in two equipment variants: "Urban Essentials" and "Equipped Commuter". The Urban Essentials variant starts at €1999 and weighs from 14.7 kilograms. In addition to the electric drive, it offers integrated lighting and mudguards.

The Equipped Commuter variant is available from 2999 euros and comes with additional equipment for everyday use in the city. This includes luggage rack struts with a load capacity of up to 4 kilograms per side, an AXA folding lock including bracket and a centre stand. The weight of this variant is at least 15.2 kilograms.

The Equipped Computer equipment option is similar to that of the Citybikes Rose Sneak EQ without electric motorwhich is also supplied with a pannier rack, mudguards and lights. The Rose Sneak remains on offer as a fitness bike without any road equipment.

What we don't see: The light is integrated back into the handlebars and seat post - so nothing gets broken or "lost" in the hustle and bustle of the car park.Photo: Rose BikesWhat we don't see: The light is integrated back into the handlebars and seat post - so nothing gets broken or "lost" in the hustle and bustle of the car park.

Design & lighting

With the new Sneak Plus EQ, Rose continues to attach great importance to a tidy appearance. The lighting is fully integrated into the frame. The headlight is located in the handlebars, while the rear lights are integrated into the seat post.

This solution is intended to ensure good visibility in road traffic with a minimalist design. And the lighting can no longer break off due to parking bumps or being stolen. This concept was adopted from the previous model and further developed to maintain the clean look despite the electric drive.

The e-bike is available in four colour variants:

Frame geometry & sizes

Rose offers the Sneak Plus EQ in two frame shapes: HighStep and MidStep - i.e. either as a classic diamond frame or as a frame with a lowered top tube that is easier to get on.

However, it should be noted that, according to the manufacturer, the optional range extender is not compatible with the MidStep model due to the frame geometry. This could be a decisive criterion when choosing the frame shape for anyone who needs an extended range.

Singlespeed: One gear is perfect for (flat) roads in the city. The Mahle motor in the rear wheel hub provides the thrust.Photo: Rose BikesSinglespeed: One gear is perfect for (flat) roads in the city. The Mahle motor in the rear wheel hub provides the thrust.

Technical specifications of the Rose Sneak Plus EQ

  • Available frame shapes: HighStep, MidStep
  • Drive: Mahle X35 hub motor, 40 Newton metres
  • Battery: 250 watt hours, integrated in the down tube
  • Optional range extender: 208 watt hours (not compatible with MidStep frame)
  • Drive system: Belt drive
  • Weight: From 14.7 kilograms (Urban Essentials), from 15.2 kilograms (Equipped Commuter)
  • Lighting: Integrated in handlebars and seat post
  • Equipment variants:
    Urban Essentials: Integrated lighting, mudguards
    Equipped Commuter: Additional luggage rack struts (4 kg load per side), AXA folding lock, centre stand
  • Colours: Sage (a pastel green), Lavender (a pastel purple), All Black, All White
  • Price: From 1999 euros (Urban Essentials), from 2999 euros (Equipped Commuter) >> available here

Marc Struken is a passionate bike journalist and editor at Delius Klasing Verlag. After working in radio, radio, TV and online marketing, he has been contributing his experience to digital content for BIKE, EMTB, FREERIDE and MYBIKE since 2022 - whether mountain bike, gravel or road bike.

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