Magical! In typical American style, Superpedestrain advertises the large red disc in the rear wheel. And to emphasise the magic, the Copenhagen Wheel appears very self-confident. Visually, the system is undoubtedly a success. With its organic and slim shape, the motor is reminiscent of a large red discus, and the spokes are beautifully integrated into the body. The designers have integrated all electrical components, including the battery, into the housing. There are no annoying cables and no display. Only five inconspicuously positioned LEDs, a small socket for connecting the charging cable and an on/off switch can be found on the red disc. However, this alone is not enough to bring the motor to life - a smartphone is also required for this.
Simple assembly
If you order a Copenhagen Wheel, you get a complete wheel with all the necessary components. Even the assembly tool is included. As our test bike arrived at the editorial office fully assembled, we removed the wheel to assess the assembly effort. This is surprisingly low. Anyone who has ever removed and refitted a rear wheel with derailleur gears will have no problems with the wheel. The only additional component, the torque arm, is attached to the chain stay with a clamp. Once the wheel has been installed, the drive system must be brought to life digitally. To do this, you register on the Superpedestrian server via smartphone and receive a login code. The motor can then be unlocked and activated via Bluetooth.
The German-language operating instructions are easy to understand and reduced to the essentials. If problems arise during assembly or registration, help is available on the manufacturer's homepage - but only in English. You can only buy the Copenhagen Wheel online.
Intuitive thrust
To activate the motor for the first time after unlocking, the pedals must be moved backwards three to four revolutions after starting off. The Copenhagen Wheel then responds smoothly and without delay to the forward pedal pressure. The power delivery is slightly weaker than that of BionX, Go Swissdrive or Alber in all three support levels, which are selected via smartphone. Nevertheless, the hub motor pushes powerfully and is absolutely sufficient for urban hustle and bustle. The low battery capacity of only 279 watt hours prevents longer excursions or tours with motor power. But even when the battery is empty, the drive generates hardly any resistance and the pedalling forces remain low.
Overall, the Copenhagen Wheel has surprisingly pleasant motor characteristics. If you vary the pedalling force, the drive responds smoothly and without delay. The prompt switch-off behaviour after stopping the pedals is also impeccable. Pedalling backwards activates the recuperation mode, with which the bike can be gently braked. Of course, the normal brake is needed for short braking distances. Our lightweight Marin test bike copes well with the high weight of the rear wheel of 9.4 kilos, and the pedelec runs straight ahead in a stable manner. However, the massive drive unit moves the centre of gravity of the bike significantly backwards. Depending on the bike base, this can significantly change the riding behaviour. The drive unit had no trouble with the light bike when starting uphill.
Conclusion on the Copenhagen Wheel
The Copenhagen Wheel is - apart from the fact that e-motor retrofits are generally not recommended for legal reasons - a good retrofit kit without any system weaknesses. Installation and function are simple and clear. Due to the high wheel weight, the system should only be used on bikes with a very rigid frame.
The most important details
- Impeller sizes: 26 and 28 inch
- Tyre widths25c, 35c, 50c
- Circuit systemsSingle-speed, 7-speed, 8-speed, 9-speed, 10-speed; SRAM and Shimano compatible
- PriceDepending on version approx. 1750 Euro
