For idealists, it's a question of faith; those who are undecided are spoilt for choice: should the new bike be an organic bike or a pedelec? For those who can't decide, there are bikes that roll in both worlds with minimal modifications. The young Berlin brand Lemmo has developed such a bike that can switch between the two worlds like a chameleon. It can be transformed from a 19-kilo e-bike to a 16-kilo bike in just a few simple steps. The battery makes the difference in weight - so far, so banal. But even the removal of the battery is a smart solution, both visually and technically.
Lemo becomes Lemmo
Anyone who has been paying attention knows that until recently Lemmo was called Lemo - with one M. The start-up wants to make a statement with the second M: The double M stands for Micro Mobility. The new name is intended to strengthen the brand identity and better reflect the values.
The old brand name LEMO stood for:
- Light
- Electric
- MObility
As mobility is a broad term, the company wanted to present their vision more clearly. The new name LEMMO stands for Light Electric Micro Mobility; "LEMMO reflects our commitment to innovation and embodies the energy and passion we bring to our work every day," explains Brand Director Toni Pavic.
The Lemmo One at a glance
The so-called Smartpack, which also contains the motor control unit and a GPS tracker, can be removed very easily from the frame triangle on the head tube. After releasing a locking mechanism on the down tube, the bag slides out to the rear on a rail. The electrical connection disconnects automatically, leaving little visible on the bike. But the designers are not only interested in reducing weight: a special freewheel mechanically decouples the rear wheel hub motor of the Lemmo One from the hub. Unlike most pedelec motors, the decoupled motor no longer generates any additional pedalling resistance when in the "bio-position".
Of course, the decoupled motor remains in the rear wheel, but the total weight of 16 kilos is still acceptable for a motorless urban bike. Only the weight distribution when lifting is clearly rear-heavy. But whether with or without motor power, the Lemmo is lively and agile, not least because of the 27.5-inch wheels. The stiff frame front end with carbon fork, thru-axle and short stem ensures direct and easy turning, and the bike tracks corners true without reacting nervously to impulses from the handlebars or the road. On the downside of the stiff frame: despite its voluminous 44-millimetre tyres and comfortable riding position, the Lemmo One only rolls with average comfort.
Technical details
The target group of sporty commuters and short-distance cyclists should be able to get over this. The motor characteristics are special: the drive responds to pedal pressure without slowing down, but takes more than a second to stop when you stop pedalling. In addition, the motor pushes as soon as the crank turns, regardless of how fast or hard the rider pedals. This doesn't feel very intuitive. The power and torque curve of the drive, on the other hand, are on a par with current low-assist drives and allow for fun-fuelled pedalling.
The Lemmo One is equipped to a high standard. A ten-speed Deore derailleur completes the drivetrain. The hydraulic four-piston brake system has no trouble with the lightweight bike and its braking power is finely adjustable. The joining technology of the frame tubes is elegant. They are not welded to the sleeves, but glued. This ensures seamless and visually smooth transitions. Cables and cables are routed inside the frame tubes wherever possible. Practical: The front light can be removed and used separately from the bike. It can be charged via the Smartpack or a USB cable. The rear light is inconspicuously integrated into the small pannier rack. If you want to upgrade the Lemmo One to a pedelec at a later date, you can buy the Smartpack with integrated electronics for 900 euros.
The Lemmo One at a glance
- Price: 1990 Euro
- Frame: Aluminium
- Weight: Wheel/battery 15.9/19.0 kg
- Brakes: Disc, Zoom 4-piston brake
- Circuit: Shimano Deore, 1x10; 38/11-42 t.
- Motor/battery: Dual Mode Hub/540 Wh
- Tyres: Innova 44-584
Uli Frieß, test editor: The Lemmo One doesn't play its dual role perfectly, as the weight of the motor has to be lugged along even in the Biorad configuration. Nevertheless, the Berlin bike is an original, well thought-out and comparatively inexpensive everyday pedelec with pleasing riding characteristics.
