What is the best pedelec? The Top 10 for 2024
In 2023, more pedelecs were sold than classic bicycles in Germany for the first time. This is the result of the current market survey by the German Bicycle Industry Association (ZIV). According to the analysis, 53 percent of all bicycles sold in Germany had an electric drive – and the trend continues to rise sharply. This development is no coincidence: e-bikes or pedelecs offer numerous advantages that are convincing more and more people and are likely to ensure that the share of electric bicycles on German roads will continue to increase in the coming years.
What is the difference between an e-bike and a pedelec?
In the previous section, we wrote "e-bikes or pedelecs". Both terms are used in everyday life. But what is actually what? Even though the words e-bike and pedelec are largely used synonymously today, strictly speaking they mean two different things: An e-bike is generally a bicycle with electric motor support. A pedelec is a bicycle whose electric motor supports the rider when pedaling – and only when pedaling. In contrast, e-bikes can also ride without pedal assistance, i.e. purely motor-driven. When people talk about an e-bike in the cycling world, everyone still means pedal-assisted bicycles because they dominate the market. Sounds confusing, but that's the way it is. In this article, we also use the two terms interchangeably.
The pedelec (the term stands for pedal electric cycle) is therefore a special type of e-bike in which the motor only provides support when the rider himself initiates force while pedaling. But here, too, there are still two subcategories: the pedelec and the S-pedelec. The differences between pedelecs and S-pedelecs are clearly defined by the legislator:
Pedelec:
- Motor support up to 25 km/h
- Motor power max. 250 watts
- No helmet requirement
- No compulsory insurance
S-Pedelec:
- Motor support up to 45 km/h
- Motor power max. 450 watts
- Helmet requirement
- Compulsory insurance (recognizable by the insurance license plate on the S-pedelec)
- Must ride on the road, cycle paths and sidewalks are taboo (some federal states have special regulations for cycle paths)
- Minimum age 16 years
- Driving licence class AM (scooter) is a prerequisite
How does a pedelec work?
When we talk about e-bikes, we usually mean a pedelec. But why has this type of e-bike become so popular? Strictly speaking, the pedelec made the e-bike boom possible in the first place. The secret lies in a patent by the German engineer Egon Gelhard from 1982. The highlight of his invention: A sensor continuously records how hard you pedal – the harder you pedal, the more the motor helps. The motor support of the pedelec depends on the pedaling power. The result is an incredibly harmonious driving experience.
In recent years, the largest development effort of engine manufacturers has been in the software that controls the strength and dynamics of the support. For example, a pedelec motor today detects with high precision how hard and how fast you pedal and whether, for example, you are riding on a climb or through a curve. This means that the motor always supports you exactly as it is necessary in the current driving situation. That's why riding a pedelec feels so good and harmonious – and so much fun.
To help you buy a pedelec, we have looked around the market and selected ten models with which you will definitely make a good choice. Our focus was on e-bikes for everyday use – e-bikes that are perfect for commuting to work or running errands in the city. We used the following test criteria:
- Suitability for everyday use: How suitable is the pedelec for everyday use? Does it have the appropriate equipment such as lights or a luggage rack?
- Style: How beautiful is the design of the e-bike? Are all components – especially the battery – fully integrated?
- Innovation: How innovative is the respective pedelec model?
- Comfort: How comfortable is the bike? Are specific comfort components such as an adjustable stem installed?
- Brand Reputation: How well known is the respective manufacturer and how popular is the brand of the e-bike?
The best pedelecs: Our top 10
Pedelecs are available in a wide variety of designs. It is therefore not surprising that the number of available pedelec models on the market has increased in recent years. To inspire you in your purchase decision, we therefore present ten models below that are particularly interesting from our point of view. Each of the listed pedelecs has specific advantages for different requirements and budgets.
1. Kalkhoff Endeavour L Excite
E-bikes don't always have to be heavy and clunky to meet the criterion of suitability for everyday use. The German manufacturer Kalkhoff proves this with its Endeavour L Excite. The bike has a luggage rack and a lighting system, yet the design is slim. The motor and battery are also hardly noticeable, so that at first glance it can hardly be distinguished from a classic bicycle. Propulsion is provided by the Bosch Performance Line SX Smart System drive with 55 Newton meters (Nm) of torque. Kalkhoff specifies the range at up to 80 kilometres – ideally suited for all everyday journeys. What we particularly like: The Endeavour L Excite combines lightness and suitability for everyday use. It's not for nothing that this e-bike has already won many awards, including the coveted iF Design Award.
2. Moustache J. on
Moustache is an up-and-coming French pedelec manufacturer that has repeatedly attracted attention in recent years with strong engineering. The Moustache J. on confirms this claim. The Urban Pedelec is equipped with a full-suspension setup, among other things, which brings a lot of comfort for your daily rides. The powerful Bosch Performance Line motor with 75 Nm of torque ensures a smooth ride, while the integrated lights and sturdy luggage rack increase everyday usability. The fact that the bike makes it to second place in our list is due to its full suspension, which is a rarity in the class of city pedelecs.
3. Canyon Precede:ON Comfort
Comfort above all else – this is the motto under which the Canyon Precede:ON Comfort rolls through the cities of the world. In addition, the pedelec impresses with its elegant design and practical features. It is equipped with the powerful Bosch Performance Line motor with 75 Nm of torque, as well as a long-lasting battery that has a capacity of 625 watt-hours (Wh); it allows a range for the whole day. Comfort is at the forefront of this model, thanks to a comfortable seating position and adjustable components. Ideal for the daily commute to work or for relaxing excursions.
Riese & Müller Charger4
The Riese & Müller Charger is a versatile pedelec that is particularly suitable for long distances. It offers a long range and powerful support from the Bosch Performance Line CX motor with 85 Nm and the integrated 750 Wh battery. With its rugged build and high-quality components, it's perfect for commuters and long-distance riders alike. The integrated luggage rack and the lighting round off the everyday appearance of this pedelec. Good to know: The e-bike has the anti-lock braking system from Bosch. This means that you are particularly safe on the road with this model.
5. Rose Sneak Plus
Even though the Sneak Plus from the German manufacturer Rose lacks a luggage rack, this e-bike should not be missing in any pedelec test. The engineers from Bocholt have succeeded in designing a very filigree and stylish e-bike, because thanks to its fully integrated design, the Sneak Plus does not differ from a classic bike at first glance. The weight is correspondingly low, which is just 14.7 kilograms. Propulsion is provided by the Mahle X35 rear hub motor. In short: This pedelec is ideal for sporty riders who are looking for a fast and agile e-bike for daily use.
6. Hepha Trekking 7 Ultra
The Hepha Trekking 7 Ultra is a robust and versatile pedelec that is suitable for different types of terrain. It has a powerful motor with 100 Nm of torque and a long battery life thanks to an 800 Wh battery. The high-quality equipment and comfortable geometry ensure a pleasant driving experience – whether in the city or in the countryside. This pedelec is the right companion if you want to go on a long tour or two in addition to your daily rides.
7. Lemmo One
Lemmo is a young e-bike manufacturer that has made a lightning start in the pedelec world. This is no coincidence, because the Lemmo One impresses with its futuristic design and modern technology. The e-bike is operated via smartphone and an accompanying app, among other things. It is equipped with a filigree 40 Nm motor, so that the bike provides enough propulsion for all daily tasks, but at the same time is comparatively light at 17 kilograms. The reward for this smart design: the bike has won the Red Dot Design Award, among other awards. So, it's the perfect choice for tech enthusiasts and design lovers who value aesthetics and performance.
8. Poison Arsenic
The Poison Arsenic combines a classic Pinion gearbox with a Neodrives rear engine and a belt drive from Gates. This pedelec is therefore particularly robust, clean and at the same time low-maintenance, which makes it a good choice for commuters. Other features include a comfortable, smooth-running frame geometry, neatly routed internally routed shift cables, stiff and robust thru-axles and integrated mounts for mudguards and luggage racks. These properties make the Arsenic probably the most versatile pedelec in our test field.
9. Ampler Stellar
The Ampler Stellar is an elegant and lightweight pedelec that is characterized by its simple design and high functionality. It is equipped with a powerful 250-watt motor that supports the rider up to a speed of 25 km/h. The range is up to 70 kilometres, thanks to the integrated 336 Wh battery. The low weight of only 17.2 kilograms makes the Ampler Stellar particularly handy and ideal for urban use. With internally routed cables and a minimalist appearance, this pedelec offers a modern and stylish solution for daily commuting.
10. Winora iRide Pure R5f
The Winora iRide Pure R5f is a versatile and robust pedelec that is particularly suitable for urban areas. Equipped with a quiet and low-maintenance belt drive and the minimalist Bosch SX Drive motor, it offers a pleasant and efficient ride. The equipment also includes an integrated 400 Wh battery, a stylish rear luggage rack and puncture-proof tires. Strong: The iRide Pure R5f comes with an integrated brake light. If flexibility is important to you, you will like the removable battery. In short: This pedelec is perfect for your daily rides in city traffic.
Do I have to wear a helmet on the e-bike?
- According to an extensive study by the transport ministries of Baden-Württemberg and Thuringia from 2014 to 2017, the head was affected in a quarter of bicycle accidents.
- According to this study, helmets can prevent 20 percent of minor and 80 percent of severe head injuries – a figure that other studies also cite.
- Extensive crash tests conducted by Dekra in 2020 showed that a correctly worn helmet significantly reduces the risk of serious head injuries.
- The ADAC's accident research goes so far that even a bad helmet can save lives – if worn correctly.
This is what you need to look for in a bicycle helmet:
-
The helmet must fit you: Be sure to measure your skull circumference before buying and look for a helmet in the right size.
-
In order for you to wear the helmet, it must be comfortable: Try several helmets from different manufacturers in the right size. As with shoes, not every helmet fits equally well on every head.
-
Wear the helmet correctly: It should completely cover your forehead, the lower edge of the helmet should sit just above the eyebrows – the helmet is not a cap that you casually wear at the hairline.
-
"Too heavy" or "too poorly ventilated" are not arguments: high-quality helmets are well ventilated and surprisingly light. Don't be too economical with the helmet.