Top-rated electric bikes for hiking trails
Electric bicycles are gaining popularity, and they come in various categories. Stiftung Warentest recently evaluated trekking models with electric assistance. Is it only the expensive ones that are worth it?
Trekking bikes offer versatility, allowing riders to travel both on paved roads and off-road trails. They've also been available as electric versions, commonly referred to as pedelecs, for some time. Stiftung Warentest conducted a thorough examination of 11 electric trekking bikes, evaluating their performance, safety, pollution, and durability in both practical and laboratory settings.
The price range for the eight mid-motor bikes ranged from 2150 to 4500 euros, a typical cost in the medium to high-end market segment. In contrast, the three remaining models featured rear-wheel motors and lower prices (1100-1600 euros). These more affordable bikes are also equipped with smaller batteries and less complex features.
Distinct Levels
The results show a clear differentiation between the expensive and budget bikes: "The latter are merely mediocre," the testers concluded after analyzing the data. Six of the bikes received a "good" rating, though with slight variations. The other models with rear-wheel motors were deemed "satisfactory," including those boasting a wider gear range and smoother cadence.
The high-end models, all equipped with the new Bosch Performance CX drive, are perfect for long, sporty treks, even over hilly terrain. The six "good" bikes share this powerful drive, which allows for efficient pedaling. Affordable rear-wheel drive bikes, on the other hand, are better suited for shorter distances on flatter terrain.
The Test Champions and Price Advantage
The top-ranked models are the "Kalkhoff Endeavour 5 Advance+" (4500 euros/1.8) and the "KTM Macina Gran 610" (3900 euros/1.8). Testers lauded their overall performance, robustness, and safety. Coming in a close third is the "Cube Kathmandu Hybrid One 625" (3150 euros/2.0) - the budget-friendly option. It performs almost as well as its pricier counterparts but offers a significant saving.
The best-performing rear-wheel drive model is the "Maxtron MT-11" (1100 euros/3.2), a notable achievement for an inexpensive bike with a rear-wheel drive system.
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- For consumers interested in electric bikes for hiking trails, Stiftung Warentest's recent tests on trekking models with electric assistance can provide valuable insights into the performance, safety, and durability of various mid-range and high-end e-bikes.
- When it comes to testing electric trekking bikes, Stiftung Warentest not only evaluates their performance on paved roads but also their capabilities on off-road trails, considering factors like safety, pollution, and overall robustness.
- Kalkhoff Endeavour 5 Advance+ and KTM Macina Gran 610, both high-end models with mid-motors, performed exceptionally well in Stiftung Warentest's tests, demonstrating their effectiveness for long or sporty treks, even on hilly terrain, and showcasing the potential advantages of seeking advice from an e-bike advisor for those looking to invest in a top-rated electric bike.
Source: www.ntv.de
