Fast motorised touring bikes: A comparison of 6 e-bikes weighing up to 20 kilos
Georg Bleicher
· 03.09.2024
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Here are the 6 e-bikes weighing up to 20 kilos
Of course, e-bikes are heavier than normal bikes. The motor adds around three additional kilograms, and the battery often even more. For many people, however, 20 kilograms is the absolute upper limit of what they can carry. Beyond that, they can no longer imagine carrying a bike up, say, twelve steps from the cellar. Our test bikes all weigh slightly less – or significantly less – than that. These Low Power Assist (LPA) bikes, i.e. bikes with lower assistance levels, rely on lighter motor systems. They make perfect sense in urban areas and on commuter routes, where the aim isn’t to travel as far as possible on a single battery charge.
Example: A twelve-kilometre commute to work, with a detour via the supermarket or the pedestrian zone on the way back, and you’re looking at a maximum of 30 kilometres. On flat to gently undulating terrain, you don’t need an 800-watt-hour battery weighing four kilograms; a 360-watt-hour battery weighing half as much will do just fine here. That’s why urban e-bikes in particular are typical examples of the low-power-assist generation, such as the Ampler Anyroad or that Bzen Milan In our test. Even sporty commuters get on well with it, as the small motors use less power, particularly at high cadences. This means you can easily cover around 60 kilometres on a 430-watt-hour battery.
Drive in an energy-efficient way!
Here are three tips to help you save electricity and prevent your battery from running out too quickly:
- Always set off from the junction in a low gear (derailleur: shift down whilst coasting).
- Cycle at a cadence of over 60 revolutions per minute. It’s better for the battery – and for you too (give it a go: just count for half a minute).
- The most important thing: keep moving with the flow of traffic! If you keep a good distance from other road users, you’ll rarely need to brake suddenly and then accelerate sharply again. Driving with a particularly forward-looking approach also helps.
E-bikes weighing up to 20 kilos: Key facts
Our test bikes weigh between 15 and 20 kilograms. That’s no small amount either, but for many people it’s still literally manageable, provided they don’t have to lift that weight several times a day.
When the carrier is fully loaded, the rider of these bikes may weigh up to (kg):
- Ampler: Wheels: 17.3, Vehicle registration: 25, Permissible gross weight: 120, Passengers: up to 77.7
- Bzen: Wheels: 15.4, vehicle registration: –, maximum authorised mass: 140, passengers: up to 124.6
- Canyon: Wheel (excluding frame bag): 18.1, load capacity: 15, maximum authorised mass: 120, passenger: up to 86.9
- Riese und Müller: Wheel: 19.9, load capacity: 7.5 per side, maximum permissible weight: 135, passengers: up to 100.1
- Stevens: Wheels: 17.1, vehicle registration: 25, maximum authorised mass: 140, passengers: up to 97
- Tenways: Wheels: 18, Vehicle registration: -, Permissible gross weight: 140, Passengers: up to 122
However, the permissible total weights are also important: they specify how much can be carried on the bike. The e-bike, the rider (including clothing) and, where applicable, a rucksack and/or luggage must all be below this limit if you do not want to overload the bike. Example: You weigh 80 kilograms including clothing, are carrying 15 kilograms of luggage, and the bike itself weighs 20 kilograms. In that case, the bike must have a permissible total weight of at least this sum, i.e. 115 kilograms.
As you can see, even a weight limit of 120 kilos can be a bit tight for many users. With Bzen’s 140 kilos, Tenways and Stevens In any case, most people are probably on the safe side. But of course, it’s not just about the weight: another important question is: is there a point on the frame where the bike is easy to carry and well-balanced, so that I can carry it comfortably? If you need to carry it down the cellar stairs, you should definitely give it a try during your test ride.
E-touring bikes: Less weight means
Reducing weight whilst maintaining the same functionality costs money. This is particularly evident with carbon frames: carbon is more labour-intensive to manufacture and process than aluminium. Frames can be made one to two kilograms lighter as a result (depending on the type of bike). Anyone like our Canyon Grizl If you don’t want to compromise on high-quality, top-of-the-range components, you have to opt for carbon to keep the bike light. The same applies to the components. The BZEN is the only bike to feature a full-carbon fork – and as a result, it weighs in at just 15.4 kilograms.
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However, this figure is also due to the virtual absence of road-going features. But how does Tenways achieve this? Firstly, there is no gear system or luggage rack; secondly, care has been taken to use components that are not too expensive, yet are still lightweight. The low price is the result of a complex interplay of many factors. Assembly in Germany, as is the case with Riese & Müller, is significantly more expensive than in the Far East. However, there are always differences in the paintwork or cable routing – and the choice of materials and the labour time invested in such aspects are also significant cost factors.
Be mad about apps
The development of connected software doesn’t stop at lightweight commuter bikes – quite the opposite, in fact. In this sector in particular, an accompanying app offering a wide range of settings and customisation options is almost a given.
Bosch, for example, has taken another leap forward with its smart systems at Eurobike 2024. Take the Eco+ riding mode, for example. Here, the system determines – based on customisable settings – the level of effort required before the motor kicks in to assist you when you’re riding without assistance. Once this threshold is reached – for instance, on a slight incline or when facing a headwind – the motor switches on automatically. Only the makers of Bzen have deliberately opted not to include mobile phone control. The aim is for the bike to remain as simple and ‘pure’ as possible in this respect too. That can also be an advantage.
New e-bike motors are being made smaller
The Bosch Performance Line SX is a relatively new addition to the range, but has been very quickly adopted by bike manufacturers. Our Canyon Grzl:ON is a good example of this setup. The SX motor is actually a ‘middle-of-the-road’ option: Visually, it’s slightly larger than, say, the Fazua, but has roughly the same torque (55 to 60 Nm) and system weight (around 5.2 kilograms to 4.6 kilograms, each with a ‘small’ battery). These systems are difficult to compare with rear motors anyway.
The mid-drive motor is still regarded as the gold standard among drive systems. Anyone riding a Fazua Ride on a sport-oriented bike, for example, will realise why: these motors work particularly well in harmony with the rider. Thanks to a fundamentally different control system compared to, for example, motors for city bikes or cargo bikes, these drives have the advantage of providing what feels like very natural assistance at cadences above 65 – that is, at the point where it becomes comfortable for the sporty rider – and, incidentally, is generally healthier too.
Despite these facts, rear-mounted motors dominate this test: they have caught up in terms of performance – as can be clearly seen from the new Mahle X30 drive. It uses three sensors and, in some respects, comes close to the feel of a mid-mounted motor, whilst being quieter. Its compact size and light weight, as well as its visual similarity to a hub gear system, are further advantages.
Many manufacturers like to put their own brand name on the motor, such as Ampler. This does not mean that they build the motor themselves, but they often pass on their technical specifications regarding the motor’s characteristics to a drive manufacturer. The bike’s centre of gravity, which is shifted towards the rear, tends to have a negative impact, particularly on very sporty bikes. A commuter bike, on the other hand, can be well-suited to both a rear-mounted and a mid-drive motor from this perspective.
Deal with the thief!
More and more Bikes are fitted with GPS or other modules, which means that unauthorised access to the bike can be reported via an app or, if the bike is stolen, it can often be recovered thanks to GPS. This system now works very well indeed. Time and again, large quantities of stolen goods are found in hiding places because at least one bike was fitted with such a module. As with the Ampler, the module is usually housed inside the frame, where it is very difficult to remove. A lock function that disables the bike’s drive system is also useful. With Bosch, for example, this can be linked to the display – if the display is removed for parking, the drive is blocked. Similarly, 2Lock, a provider that locks the front wheel on command, making it impossible to remove.
The right range for e-bikes weighing up to 20 kilos
Of course, even with our Low Power Assist bikes, the range depends on many factors, such as the terrain, the assistance level, the temperature and, last but not least, the rider’s pedalling preferences. However, smaller motors not only tend to have less power, they also consume less energy. For example, with the new Bosch SX 70 motor, distances of 70 kilometres are possible if a rider uses smart mode and maintains a cadence of around 75. Much the same applies to the equally efficient Fazua drive (430 watt-hour battery).
Rear-mounted motors are generally not significantly less efficient; however, gradients often have a more negative impact here, as gear-driven rear motors – such as those in our test – struggle more on hills. The distances given below for the individual bikes should therefore, as always, be regarded as guide figures only. It is generally important for users to ask themselves: How important is weight saving to me? Can I do without a few kilometres of range if it means I get an e-bike that handles almost like a conventional bike, but is still an e-bike? Incidentally, with many low-power-assist bikes – such as the Ampler, Canyon, Bzen and Stevens – charging is a basement affair: only the Tenways and the Riese & Müller allow the battery to be removed.
Borrowing from gravel bikes
A relatively new trend is the design of Minimal Assist bikes for commuting with drop handlebars, as seen with the new Canyon and the Riese & Müller bike. This isn’t just because gravel bikes are particularly trendy at the moment: drop handlebars have always been popular amongst frequent cyclists. They offer less surface area to the oncoming wind and provide plenty of grip options. Important: you need to like the riding position or get used to it ergonomically.
Anyone who has ridden a touring bike or even a city bike all their life will certainly need some time to adjust – not only in terms of active steering, but also in terms of posture, as certain muscles in the arms, as well as those in the neck and shoulders, are not used to this different strain. However, it’s usually worth the effort, and many people now find it hard to imagine riding a bike with straight handlebars.
The riding position on virtually all of our test bikes leans towards the sporty side. Accordingly, the handlebars are mostly straight or only slightly bent. You won’t find any handlebars that extend far back here. All the bikes offer excellent straight-line stability, which instils a sense of confidence. This is particularly true of the Riese & Müller; the bike with the longest wheelbase almost seems a little reluctant to take corners. The Ampler and Tenways, on the other hand, are real cornering machines, although the Ampler is the better-balanced of the two.
Where should you put your bag on e-bikes weighing up to 20 kilos?
Do I need a luggage rack? If you’re only cycling a few kilometres to work, you can carry your office supplies in a rucksack – if you find that more comfortable. The racks on our bikes, where fitted, are all rated for loads of 15 to 25 kilograms – even 15 kilograms should be more than enough for this purpose. Important: These slim racks are often only suitable for small bags, as large panniers usually hang too low (see Riese & Müller UBN 5 Commuter).
However, if you also do without mudguards, as with the Bzen, you end up with a rather limited range of use: a café racer. A bike that’s mainly ridden in fine weather and without luggage – perhaps to the ice-cream parlour. Of course, the mudguards and rack can be retrofitted here too. The situation is different with the kickstand: the Canyon and Bzen were marked down because they were supplied without one – in the case of the Canyon, due to the frame material, which makes fitting a kickstand more difficult (though not impossible). 0.3 marks were also deducted from the Ampler, where the kickstand is positioned beneath the bottom bracket, meaning the bike tips over easily when loaded.
In-store or online?
Ampler, Bzen and Tenways are delivered directly to the customer, without going via a retailer. Assembling the Tenways does require a fair bit of skill, as the front wheel, handlebars and saddle are supplied disassembled. However, illustrated instructions and decent tools are included, so even beginners can manage it with a bit of patience. The same applies to the Canyon. Assembly is less time-consuming with the other direct-to-consumer brands. Ampler and Bzen have a number of service partners in Germany.
Tenways does not have its own partners; instead, the manufacturer directs customers to their local bike shop – a solution that can work well, provided the shop isn’t already swamped with work and doesn’t turn its nose up at a new brand. Canyon also delivers directly to customers, but now boasts a network of partners and a centralised service structure. Many repair shops are also more likely to accept these bikes for repairs. Riese & Müller can now also be purchased online. Our bike arrived in a huge box, fully assembled. But of course, you can also buy bikes from these two classic German brands at one of the many authorised dealers.
Easy Riders
At the start of the e-bike era, you’d hear from users who felt they had to apologise for their bike; one argument came up time and again: “I don’t have to switch the motor on – you can just pedal like on a normal bike.” Often heard, never experienced. Today, things are different: we’ve ridden the bikes without assistance and let test riders try them out to see how comfortable they found riding without assistance on our test bikes.
How much do we enjoy riding the test bikes without a motor – on a scale of 1 to 10?
- Ampler: 9 out of 10
- Bzen: 7 out of 10
- Canyon: 8 out of 10
- Riese & Müller: 8 out of 10
- Stevens: 10 out of 10
- Tenways: 7 out of 10
In fact, some people can imagine riding the Stevens over longer distances without using the motor at all. The test participants were least keen to do this on the single-speed bikes – understandably so. Even though these roll along easily, stop-and-go cycling on them becomes tiresome in the long run.
Conclusion on e-bikes weighing up to 20 kilos
For many prospective buyers, the Dropbar is likely to be the deciding factor right from the start – you either like it or can see yourself riding it, or you don’t. Both of these racing-style handlebar bikes are not only recommended for their performance – it’s also about image. If you’re looking for a bike with a conventional handlebar, but one that’s solidly sporty and a bit livelier, you might be happy with the Stevens or the more understated Ampler. In its original condition, the easy-to-handle Bzen is more of a bike for lovely summer days, whilst the Tenways is primarily aimed at fans of this design – and at people who want to spend less and don’t really cycle much in their day-to-day lives.
A comparison of e-bikes weighing up to 20 kilos
The “Service” category – accounting for 5 per cent – is not listed. All manufacturers offer 5- or 6-year warranties on frames or frames and forks. Exception: Tenways offers only the standard two-year warranty, which contributed to a lower score in the tenths of a mark range.
* The range figure refers to the medium assistance mode (Ampler: Level 2) with an active riding style (cadence above 70 rpm) and on terrain with gentle gradients. These are approximate figures for all bikes, which may vary significantly depending on the rider and conditions.