Everyday heroes: The right bike for everyday use - three all-round pedelec variants

Mini speedsters: compact pedelecs are almost unbeatable in the city centre traffic mix

The formerly rickety mini-wire bikes have become stable and well-equipped all-rounders. The compact pedelec as a modern version of the minirad has a motor and the makings of an ideal short-distance vehicle. The only things that have remained are the small 20-inch wheels and the practical, compact sizes. The frames are made of aluminium instead of steel and, due to their smaller dimensions, are significantly stiffer than full-size diamond, trapezoid or wave frames. In combination with their stiff wheels, the bikes are therefore extremely safe to ride, manoeuvrable and agile. Disadvantage: The all-round pedelecs have a rather harsh ride feel. On the other hand, they can be parked in a space-saving manner. They are almost unbeatable in the city centre traffic mix.

One of these compact pedelecs is the iSY E5 ZR RT:

• Price: 4399 Euro >> available here
• Weight: 22.9 kg
• Frame: Aluminium
• Fork: Aluminium rigid fork
• Circuit: Shimano Nexus 5, 1x5; 46/28 teeth
• Motor/battery: Bosch

Advantages and disadvantages

• Plus: Carbon belt, high beam
• Minus: Exposed cables at the frame node

>> Find out more about the i:SY E5 ZR RT here: Five compact pedelecs tested by MYBIKE

Unisex all-rounder: step-through bikes are the most popular type of pedelec

Thanks to their easy handling and upright, comfortable riding position, step-through bikes are still the most popular type of pedelec. They are suitable for the whole family because, depending on the equipment, they can be used for travelling to the office as well as for shorter excursions. Thanks to the low step-through, even cyclists with restricted mobility can cope well with these all-round pedelecs. Earlier wave-frame bikes could sometimes swing up dangerously due to insufficient frame stiffness. Today's representatives of this bike class generally no longer exhibit this tendency. Their modern frame constructions have become very rigid thanks to the use of a lot of material. Unfortunately, this is also reflected in the weight. However, this is hardly noticeable due to the powerful motors.

A bike in this category: The Stevens E-Courier PT5 (MYBIKE test winner 2022)

• Price: 3399 Euro
• Weight: 27.7 kg
• Frame: Aluminium
• Fork: SR Suntour NCX-D LO
• Circuit: Shimano Nexus 5E, 1x5; 38/27 teeth
• Motor/battery: Bosch Active/500 Wh

Advantages and disadvantages

• Plus: Very rigid frame
• Minus: Battery cover can only be removed with a tool

>> Test report of the Stevens E-Courier PT5 - all-round e-bike test winner 2/2022

Best mate: all-rounder for everyday use to touring

All-rounders are loyal companions for almost every occasion. They are the first choice for everyday trips between work, home and the supermarket. But they are also ideal for short trips with a large day's luggage. To ensure that they always work in all weathers, all-round pedelecs must be weatherproof, solid and easy to maintain. If you don't want to worry about the technology of your pedelec, or only want to do so a little, you should favour a low-maintenance gear hub instead of derailleur gears. Also important are a reliable lighting system, a sturdy luggage rack, hydraulic disc brakes and a stand that allows the bike to be parked safely at all times.

A representative of the category: c

• Price: 3249 Euro
• Weight: 29.9 kg
• Frame: Aluminium
• Fork: SR Suntour NEX e25
• Circuit: Shimano Nexus 5E, 1x5; 38/27 teeth
• Motor/battery: Bosch Performance/625 Wh

Advantages and disadvantages

• Plus: Convenient, stable battery cover
• Minus: Relatively heavy