- Urban e-bikes, i.e. e-bikes for the city, are an environmentally friendly alternative to Car
- The term e-bike refers to different types of bicycle that are MOTOR get supported
- We are showing 11 brands that produce particularly high-quality and good-looking urban e-bikes
Recently, e-bikes have become a popular way to cover long distances in the city. Be it the way to work, a shopping Spree or a trip to the surrounding area - the e-bike makes it possible to relax on a wide variety of routes Destinations to arrive. And without damaging the environment, because the CO2 emissions of driving is eliminated. All in all, urban e-bikes are such a great sustainable mobility concept for everyone - young or old - who wants to reach their destination effortlessly.
An additional plus point: The latest technologies make it possible to cleverly disguise the electric support, which is why some urban e-bikes cannot be recognized as such.
What is the difference between an e-bike and a pedelec?
In common parlance, bicycles that are supported by a motor are actually always referred to as e-bikes. However, there is a subtle and legally very important division into e-bikes and pedelecs:
- pedelecs: E-bikes up to 25 km / h are called pedelecs (pedal electric cycle) and are legally treated like bicycles. This means: No driving license is required, there is no minimum age and no helmet requirement. An insurance number is also not necessary. The driver always has to pedal himself, the motor only has a supporting function.
- Speed pedelecs: These are pedelecs up to 45 km / h. Important: S-Pedelecs are motor vehicles due to their speed and need their own insurance number. The minimum age for driving S-Pedelecs is 16 years. An AM driving license and a suitable helmet are also required. And: You can only ride on the road, not on bike paths.
- "Real ”e-bikes: You can also drive without muscle power, at the push of a button. Up to 25 km / h they are considered a moped. The driver must have a moped test certificate if he was born after March 31.3.1965, XNUMX and is not the holder of a driving license. An insurance license plate and a suitable helmet are also mandatory.
In addition, a blood alcohol limit of 0,5 per mille applies to e-bikes and S-Pedelecs. So this is just as high as for motor vehicles. In contrast, it is slightly higher for bicycles and pedelecs. It is forbidden to transport children in trailers with the e-bike; attaching child trailers to the pedelec is not a problem.
In summary: Only pedelecs that are handled like bicycles are really uncomplicated. In particular, people without a driver's license should make sure that they are pedelecs when buying an urban e-bike.
What to look for when buying an urban e-bike?
There are many different types and models of e-bikes. When buying an urban e-bike, you should pay particular attention to the following elements:
The frame: The frame influences the riding style through its weight and size. It should not exceed your own height. Beginners are especially great as urban e-bikes because you can even cycle to work in a suit.
The engine: There are two types of drive: hub engine (also: front wheel engine) and mid-engine. The most important difference is that the mid-engine is mounted directly on the bottom bracket. It shifts the weight of the bike downwards, which is very pleasant for the ride. However, it also wears out the chain due to mechanical abrasion.
The range: Urban e-bikes are designed for the city, which means that they are wonderfully suitable for shorter distances. Nevertheless, there are sometimes big differences in the range of the e-bike models. If you drive long distances to work every day, you should make sure that the e-bike battery plays along.
Top 11 brands for urban e-bikes
- Ebike the original
- angell
- Rad Power Bikes
- Schindelhauer
- BZen
- coboc
- MTB Cycletech
- VanMoof
- Cowboy
- Econic One
- amplified
1. Ebike the original
E-bikes from Ebike the original are built by hand in Germany. The range includes 75 models that differ greatly in terms of price, appearance and features. There is a suitable e-bike for every requirement and every budget. Special feature: Ebike offers the original 30 year guarantee on the frame of its e-bikes.
In the e-bike test of the Dutch daily “De Telegraaf”, Ebike the Original was named the test winner in both 2018 and 2019. The German company's e-bikes can be purchased either directly via the website or from participating dealers.
2. Angell
Innovation made in France: the Parisian e-bike angell was designed by the renowned furniture and product designer Ora ïto. Guided by its philosophy of simplicity, the Urban E-Bike scores with an organically curved aluminum frame in black or silver. But in addition to the look, the functionality is also impressive: With a weight of only 15,9 kilograms including battery, anti-theft device, geolocation and a range of up to 70 kilometers, Angell is an urban e-bike at the interface of function and aesthetics.
The 2,4-inch touch display is particularly worth mentioning. This plans and shows routes, counts calories if desired and can be connected to a smartphone app. This intelligence can be used in four different modes (Eco, Drive, Fast and Free Fly without technical support) - depending on the purpose of the bike tour.
© Angell
3nd wheel power bikes
After founder Mike Radenbaugh built his first e-bike in 2007, he pursued the passion he had found with it on a small scale until 2015: e-bikes, built from conventional bicycles and personalized to the individual wishes of his customers. Then, in order to make the environmentally friendly mobility alternative accessible to the mainstream, Rad Power Bikes was launched for the widely accessible market. And has since experienced hypergrowth, making it North America's largest electric bike brand. Including sustainable actions such as the provision of repair parts.
The key selling point is that Rad Power Bikes Not only are they built for everyone, they are affordable too. From 1.000 euros. The brand was recognized as a pioneer by TIME, which is the first to publish a list of 100 companies that exert an extraordinary influence worldwide. To be precise, for the company to lead the US e-bike market at a time of unprecedented growth - and rise to the challenge.
4. Schindelhauer
Since 2009 Schindelhauer his e-bikes an eye-catcher with their minimalist design. The “Arthur” model even won the iF Gold Award: “With its new electric bike, Schindelhauer has created an excellent integrated mobility solution. Special feature: The minimalist design and the seamless integration of the front and rear lights in the handlebar and the hidden battery are simply remarkable.
The Berlin-based company currently has 8 models in the price range from 3.800 to 5.000 euros. In addition to e-bikes, Schindelhauer also produces very classic bicycles, which also score with uncompromising functionality and an appealing look.
5. BZen
BZen positions its urban e-bikes as the perfect combination of traditional design and the latest technology. In addition to the intelligent battery management system, which ensures high performance with low energy consumption and is therefore ideal for city commuters, the bike also impresses with the quality feature Made in Europe. Through durable craftsmanship, stylish design, controlled added value and functional lightness.
In order to represent the perfect replacement for public transport or the car, BZen offers three different models that can serve the needs of every city biker. While "Amsterdam" exudes the casualness of a Dutch bike in its classic design and is therefore the perfect option for relaxed tours, "Brussels" is a comfortable, modern city commuter. "Milano" is the sportiest model, elegant and agile for city traffic. The price of the models is just under 3.00 euros.
© BZen | Amsterdam model
6. Coboc
E-bikes from coboc are designed in Heidelberg. Coboc developed the battery and electronics as well as the software for its e-bikes itself so that the design of the e-bike does not have to be subordinate to the shape of the drive system. The it factor is not least due to the integration of the smartphone as an on-board computer. For example, the lighting system on the e-bike can be controlled from your mobile phone.
Coboc's range includes several product lines. SEVEN in particular includes urban e-bikes that are made for leisure and daily commuting. Prices start from 3.400 euros. Practical: test drives can be booked directly from dealers via the website.
7.MTB Cycletech
MTB Cycletech exists since 1983 and has expanded its range from standard bicycles to elegant and functional urban e-bikes (pedelecs and S-pedelecs). 2o2o, the Swiss company was able to take first place at German Design Award in the "Bicycles and E-Bikes" category for their MTB Cycletech model. The jury was enthusiastic about the clear design language and the well-implemented technology of the e-bike.
Urban e-bikes from MTB Cycletech are only available through e-bike dealers and not directly from the company. The prices are impressive: around 6.000 euros can be expected.
8. VanMoof
Urban e-bikes from the bicycle metropolis: Amsterdam. VanMoof Bicycles are made for city life. Inspired by Amsterdam's busy streets, the bikes are suitable for the city, shorten commutes, deter thieves and increase the natural pedal force. "Fast Driving" in the city. But certainly not fast bikes: VanMoof has made it its mission to manufacture high-quality urban e-bikes that will accompany their owners for a lifetime. A clear statement against the throw-away mentality and thus for the commitment to sustainability.
The service of the brand goes beyond the purchase, which is between 2.000 and 3.000 euros. The "pit crew" can be reached by industry experts for advice via an app. The "Bike Hunters" track every theft using the bikes' built-in intelligence.
9. Cowboys
Cowboy designs a particularly light, visually appealing and well thought-out urban e-bike. For this, the Belgian company also received the Red Dot Design Award Awarded in 2019. The e-bike has no frills, is available in three colors and costs just 2.300 euros. This makes it one of the cheapest e-bikes on the market. It can be downloaded directly from the website of Cowboy be ordered.
Nevertheless, no compromises are made in terms of equipment. The removable battery can be charged at any socket and has a range of up to 60 km. Speed, driving time or distance can be recorded using an app. The motor support adapts to the pedaling strength of the rider and provides more support when going uphill. Cowboy also offers interested parties to take a test drive.
10. Econic One
The brand Econic One has made it its goal to give people new freedoms through high-tech e-bikes and to bring about social change by providing faster and more environmentally friendly mobility. The basis for this is a long-term research trip that has brought the latest e-technologies, innovation, quality and longevity into harmony. Representative result of this power combination: The invention of the world's first wooden bicycle with a fully electrified system.
The brand currently has six handcrafted models in its range from 1.899 to 2.499 euros. Available in four colors each, each model is suitable for a different purpose: from cross country to urban to comfort. However, the smart functions of the high-priced models are particularly interesting: GPS tracking, an app and theft alarm increase the value and security of the bicycles - which makes urban e-bikes particularly interesting for B2B in the delivery services sector.
© Econic One | Smart Urban model
11. Ampler
Puristic design, "no frills", just drive. This is how it positions itself amplified as a brand that is really about offering e-bikes to make everyday life easier in an environmentally friendly way. With the athletic "Curt" model (2.890 euros), the elegant "Stout" (2.490 euros) and the comfortable "Stellar" (2.490 euros), Ampler has the right option for every city driver.
While all urban e-bikes have a range of 70 kilometers, Curt is particularly noticeable: At only 13,4 kilograms, the bike is a true lightweight of its kind and is therefore extra city-compatible. And there are also small design hacks: The one in the battery is integrated completely invisibly into the frame.
