Metz mecherd ich aa - in self-confident Franconian, the traditional manufacturer Metz from Fürth once advertised consumer electronics and photo flash units from its own production. The historic company no longer exists today, but the brand lives on in Metz Mobility GmbH. In addition to an electric scooter, Metz also produces its own compact cargo pedelec. The Packr is a small van for short distances and smaller transport tasks, but primarily serves to launch the in-house Metz G8 mid-engine. The drive is a 100 per cent in-house development, and the sensors and motor control software also come from Metz. The motors are manufactured in Nuremberg and the batteries come from the BMZ Group in Karlstein.
During the ride tests, we liked the sensitive control of the G8. Its power output can be finely and precisely controlled via the pressure on the pedal. When starting off, it assists with prompt and smooth starting behaviour; if you stop pedalling, it switches off immediately. Despite the spur gear - drive belts are not used in the aluminium motor housing - the running smoothness is high. Although the maximum power output does not match that of powerful high-end motors such as Bosch's Performance CX or Brose's Drive S, it is significantly higher than that of current low-assist drives. The motor is therefore recommended for use on everyday and trekking pedelecs that do not need the last ounce of power.
Metz has combined the display and control buttons for motor control in a combined instrument on the left handlebar end. A push button brings the drive to life, the buttons for selecting the four support levels are sufficiently large and easy to operate even when wearing gloves. The colour TFT display provides information on the battery charge level, selected support level, speed and the most important riding data. Mobile devices can be connected to the control unit via a micro USB port for power supply.
Driving test
Not everything that a drive is capable of can be modelled and measured on a test bench. You can only find out how sensitively a motor reacts to pedal pressure and how strongly it accelerates during a test drive. This also applies to response and cut-off behaviour. The drive must be controllable and start up as quickly as possible when starting uphill. When you stop pedalling, the motor should switch off immediately and not push on.
Test bench test
We measured the maximum continuous power output of the motors on our roller dynamometer. Depending on the cadence, the power output of the motors varies to a greater or lesser extent. Measurements were taken at 20 km/h and, depending on the gear gradation, at cadences close to 60, 70, 90 and 100 revolutions per minute. We simulated the rider's pedalling power with 100, 120, 140 and 160 watts. In addition to the characteristic increase in power, the power curves also show the maximum cadence and pedalling power at which the motor supports the rider. We measured the maximum motor power in each support level at 70 crank revolutions per minute.
Test summary of the Metz G8
The Metz G8 system is a successful addition to the mid-motor range. The drive could soon be found on pedelecs from some established bike manufacturers. A removable display for better theft protection would improve the Metz debut.
You can download the complete test of the Metz G8 mid-engine including all test results and individual ratings as a PDF below the article for a fee.
