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On cheaper e-bikes, the battery is out of the frame

Photo: Getty Images

In the case of electric bicycles, the trend is in a similar direction to that of cars: ever bigger, bulkier, more expensive. As »SUV e-bikes«, they now form a separate device category. Interested parties have to pay several thousand euros for such models.

A smaller model is sufficient for most. A quick trip to shopping, to work or to the lake on Sundays – even smaller motors and batteries can do that. Such city e-bikes have now been examined by Stiftung Warentest. Many did well – while one failed.

A total of eleven models went through the test procedure: including nine with a mid-mounted motor and integrated battery, which were in the entry-level class of the respective manufacturers, but still cost between 2580 and 3850 euros. In addition, two significantly cheaper wheels for 1100 euros, with front motor and battery, which is not installed in the frame.

Less stability with luggage

Result: E-bike buyers shouldn't be too stingy. The most expensive model, the Flyer Gotour6 3.40 for 3850 euros, scored best with a very stable handling, a quiet engine with a good response and, above all, with its fast charging time. With the included 4-amp charger, the 500-watt-hour battery was full after 3 hours and 10 minutes – most competitors took twice as long, up to 6 hours and 30 minutes.

Cheaper, at 2600 euros, is the Cube Supreme Hybrid One 500. According to Stiftung Warentest, the quality is only conditionally worse. And according to the test report, the other bikes with mid-engine also fulfill their "purpose as city runabouts for everyday use" - they got the grade good or satisfactory.

On the other hand, the cheaper models, the Zündapp Z517 and the Telefunken all-rounder RC840, could not keep up: The simpler sensor technology of the front engine reacted more coarsely, the batteries only travel 30 kilometers. In the case of the Zündapp, the critical plasticizer DPHP was found in the saddle.

Telefunken, on the other hand, lacks safety: The mechanical rim brake only managed to brake 82 kilograms instead of the approved 150 kilograms – grade poor.

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