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The 9 best electric city bikes

An extensive comparison of electric city bikes that you can buy in Belgium

by Dr. Watts'on
42 minutes read

We are searching for the best electric city bikes for Belgian cities. We see these lists more and more often, but they are not written by people familiar with Belgian cities. That’s why we’re creating this list of electric city bikes, specifically with the thought of cobblestone roads and poor cycling infrastructure in mind (although improvements are seen).

Belgian cities are generally quite flat, with the exception of perhaps Brussels. Therefore, an electric city bike does not require as much power. Our cities are also not very large, so an extra large battery is usually unnecessary. The best e-city bikes are not always the most expensive, in this article, we focus on a model for every budget.

Our selection of electric bikes

There are several factors that can influence your choice of electric city bike. Price is especially important, but so is the motor power, battery capacity, quality of bike components, riding comfort, and safety. That’s why we’ve divided our list to provide answers to each reader’s question “which e-city bike should I buy”.

Electric bikes are expensive, we know. The budget models in our list are limited to 2500 euros. With this budget, you can purchase a Velorretti or Ahooga modular bike. If you’re open to second-hand or refurbished e-city bikes, you may find a better e-bike at this price range as well.

In summary

Our favorite in the city is the Canyon Roadlite:ON 7, with a retail price of 3400 euros. It’s a good lightweight city bike, especially the integrated motor and overall quality appealed to us. However, it lacks suspension. If your route includes many cobblestone roads or you desire more comfort, then there’s the Specialized Vado. The R&M UBN Five is a bit more expensive, costing around 5000 euros.

We also like to support our Belgian bike makers. The Ahooga, featured in our full test, is Belgian, as is the Cowboy. While the Cowboy offers less riding comfort, you get a stylish and rugged single-speed design in return. If you prefer good all-rounders with a low step-through, then the Gazelle C5 and the CUBE SLX 625 seem to be the best options.

Lastly, we mention the Klever N Rogue because we were already fans of their speed pedelec version with an extra-long battery. This model is limited to 25 km/h but offers the same advantages. It’s also suitable for tall (up to 210 cm) and heavy individuals up to 150 kg.

Best Electric City Bikes

To kick off the comparison, we’ll focus less on budget and look at the best electric bikes for the city. The new Riese & Muller UBN Five is fantastic but expensive and lacks suspension. If this is too pricey or if you encounter a lot of cobblestone roads, then the slightly cheaper Specialized Vado 4.0 (with suspension) might be a better option.

Riese Muller UBN Five

Riese Muller UBN Five

The advantages

  • Lightweight and silent Fazua Ride 60 drive system (60 Nm torque)
  • Strongly integrated battery (430 Wh) and motor design
  • Multiple models available: Singlespeed (Carbon Belt), Silent (Alfine 8 Shimano automatic transmission), and Touring (derailleur)

The disadvantages

  • Higher price range
  • No specific mention of suspension
  • Sporty, moderately leaned-forward aerodynamic riding position may not be suitable for all riders

The Riese Muller UBN Five is a top choice for those seeking a premium electric city bike, especially suited for flat (cobblestone-free) roads. This bike is so well-designed that you can hardly tell it’s an electric bike.

The lightweight and quiet Fazua Ride 60 drive system (60 Nm torque) offers a smooth and comfortable ride. These new light e-motors are suitable for our cobblestone streets and hills. The integrated 430 Wh battery and motor design are well-concealed, lightweight, and robust, showcasing the high-quality engineering of this bike. Not extremely powerful, but sufficient for an e-city bike.

The UBN Five is available in three different models: Singlespeed with a Carbon Belt, Silent with an Alfine 8 Shimano automatic transmission, and Touring with a derailleur. This variety allows riders to choose the model that best suits their preferences and riding style.

Regarding bike components and quality, the Riese Muller UBN Five is equipped with TRP hydraulic disc brakes, providing reliable braking power. The Schwalbe Marathon Supreme tires are durable and suitable for city rides.

For an electric city bike, the UBN Five maintains a reasonably sporty riding position. This looks great but may be slightly less comfortable on really long rides. Weighing just 19.5 kg, you can also easily hybrid-cycle. The absence of suspension is regrettable. While Germany has beautiful cycling infrastructure, this isn’t always the case in Belgium. A suspension seatpost partially addresses this issue.

The UBN Five stands out for its technological richness, namely the connectivity features and innovative controls. The fully connected bike offers the RX Connect app, LED lighting, mudguards, and a kickstand.

There is no longer a display on the handlebars. The bike now has a simple battery indicator and button integrated into the frame, making it hardly noticeable as an electric bike. For riders who still want access to bike computer functions, the UBN Five allows easy mounting of the smartphone. By using your smartphone as a bike computer, you can access essential information such as speed, distance, and navigation.

More about the UBN Five in the full review.

Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0

The advantages

  • Powerful Turbo Full Power 2.0 motor with 470W/70Nm torque for tackling various terrains
  • Comfortable upright riding position, complemented by an excellent saddle, handlebars, and grips
  • Pathfinder 650b x 2.3-inch tires designed for all-terrain performance
  • SR Suntour NCX E25 front fork suspension with 50mm travel for extra comfort on rough terrain
  • Integrated front and rear lights, rear rack, and mudguards for added convenience and safety
  • Customizable settings and ride data via the Mastermind bike computer and Mission Control app

The disadvantages

  • Heavier weight of 24 kg compared to some competitors
  • Higher price range

The Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 is an electric all-rounder for those seeking a versatile city bike that can confidently tackle the challenges of Belgium’s road network. The powerful Turbo Full Power 2.0 motor (470W/70Nm torque) allows you to effortlessly cruise over cobblestones and gentle inclines.

A comfortable upright riding position, enhanced by an excellent saddle, handlebars, and grips, ensures you maintain control and comfort, even on bumpy terrain. The Pathfinder 650b x 2.3-inch tires provide extra grip and stability for adventurous rides off the asphalt.

The SR Suntour NCX E25 front fork with 50mm travel absorbs vibrations and makes rides over cobblestones much more enjoyable. This sets the Vado 4.0 apart from competitors like the Canyon Roadlite:ON 7 and the Riese Muller UBN Five, which lack this level of comfort.

Lights front and rear, a luggage rack, and mudguards make the Vado 4.0 a reliable companion for commuting and city adventures, regardless of the weather. At 24 kg, it is heavier than some competitors, which may affect agility and portability.

A unique asset is the Mastermind bike computer and Mission Control app. With these, you can customize settings and view ride data. This sets the Vado 4.0 apart from other electric city bikes, which lack this level of personalization.

The Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 is in a higher price range but offers great value for money. The powerful motor, comfortable geometry, versatility, suspension, and high-tech features make it a wise investment for those seeking an all-around e-bike. Lightweight alternatives like the Canyon Roadlite:ON 7 and Riese Muller UBN Five excel mainly in design and components. But the Turbo Vado 4.0 wins in versatility and customization options.

Cheap(er) electric city bikes

When considering budget constraints, there are still good quality options available. These may have less power and slightly less riding comfort but remain affordable. The Canyon Roadlite:ON 7 offers excellent value for money and is affordable. New, it costs just over 3000 euros. We found it second-hand for 2000 euros.

The Veloretti Ace is an inexpensive electric city bike. New, it costs around 2500 euros, which is relatively low for an electric bike with a mid-motor. Additionally, the design is very stylish, featuring an app and integrated LED lighting. However, the riding comfort is somewhat compromised. If your route includes many cobblestone streets, then the Canyon or a bike with suspension would be the better option.

Canyon Roadlite:ON 7

Canyon-Roadlite

The advantages

  • Exceptionally lightweight design of only 16 kg, making it easy to maneuver and carry
  • High-quality components, including Shimano 105 11-speed, Shimano Deore XT M8100 derailleur, and Fazua Ride 60 motor
  • Upright riding position with flat handlebars for comfort and control in urban environments
  • Officially compatible with trailers for versatile transportation options
  • USB-C charging and SP Connect smartphone mount for convenient navigation and phone charging

De nadelen

  • Hogere aankoopprijs vergeleken met sommige concurrenten
  • Geen specifieke vering vermeld, wat comfort op ruw terrein kan beรฏnvloeden
  • Batterijcapaciteit (430 Wh) kan lager zijn vergeleken met sommige concurrenten, wat invloed heeft op het bereik

De Canyon Roadlite:ON 7: Lightweight Electric City Bike Review

The Canyon Roadlite:ON 7 stands out as the best lightweight electric city bike, weighing in at just 16 kg. This makes it an excellent choice for city riders in Belgium who value easy maneuverability, the ability to carry their bike when needed, and a high-quality e-bike for navigating city streets.

The lightweight design is achieved through the use of a high-quality aluminum frame and carbon fork, as well as the Fazua Ride 60 motor, also found in the premium Riese Muller UBN Five. This motor offers three support levels with a peak power of 450 watts, allowing riders to easily tackle various terrains and inclines.

The Roadlite:ON 7 features Shimano 105 11-speed gears or a Shimano Deore XT M8100 derailleur. Depending on your budget, you can opt for a belt drive or chain here. The integrated 430 Wh battery is easy to charge, but the capacity may be lower than some competitors.

In terms of comfort, the Canyon Roadlite:ON 7 offers an upright riding position with a flat handlebar, making it suitable for city rides. Similar to the R&M UBN Five. Here too, there’s no standard suspension, which may be a drawback for those who prefer a smoother ride on rough terrain, such as cobblestone streets.

One of the standout features of the Roadlite:ON 7 is its compatibility with trailers, allowing riders to transport cargo with confidence and safety. This versatility makes it an ideal choice for city riders needing to transport groceries, work equipment, or even children. An alternative to the car in the city, and an alternative to cargo bikes.

In addition, the Roadlite:ON 7 is equipped with USB-C charging and an SP Connect smartphone mount, allowing riders to easily navigate and charge their phone on the go.

The purchase price of the Canyon Roadlite:ON 7 is slightly higher than average but well-priced. To lower the cost, you can also look at second-hand or refurbished bikes. The high-quality components, lightweight design, and versatile features make this Canyon a valuable electric city bike.

Veloretti-Ace

The Advantages

  • Middle motor Bafang 36V 250W Torq + Rotation sensor
  • Samsung 36V 504 Wh battery
  • Gates Carbon Belt-Drive with Enviolo CT N310 Stepless Gear Ratio 310

The Disadvantages

  • Heavier than some competitors at 27 kg
  • Comfort and riding position not specified
  • No suspension mentioned

The Veloretti Ace is a solid, albeit not groundbreaking, choice for those seeking an electric bike for the Belgian urban landscape.

As the best price/quality pick, we opt for the new Veloretti Ace. This bike is stylish, well-finished, and unique. It may not be the best, but for most people, this bike will be more than sufficient. Ideal for Belgian cities, which are usually (except Brussels) fairly flat.

The Bafang mid-motor delivers enough power with its 65 nm to handle inclines, although it may not feel as powerful as some competitors. Unless you want to carry heavy cargo, this is sufficient.

At a weight of 27 kg, the Ace is heavy. This makes it less suitable for hybrid bike tours; you don’t want to run out of battery. However, for urban use, it remains a manageable weight for most cyclists.

The 504 Wh Samsung battery offers decent capacity. You can travel at least 35 kilometers with this, 80 km if you pedal well. The Gates belt drive combined with the Enviolo continuously variable transmission hub ensures smooth shifting comfort.

The design of the Veloretti Ace is striking and attractive. A strong new contender for the popular Cowboy or Vanmoof e-bikes. The built-in lights, modern look, and upright sitting position make it a perfect electric city bike. The Ace rides very smoothly and pleasantly with sufficient comfort. However, some suspension is recommended, especially on our Belgian cobblestones.

The Tektro and Shimano brakes and CST tires are okay, but more of a midrange choice than top-of-the-line quality. However, the Ace comes with some handy extras such as lighting, a smart battery, and app connectivity. Some more luxurious models go even further in integration and features, but these electric city bikes are also much more expensive.

Belgian Electric Bikes for the City

Ahooga Modular Bike

Ahooga Modular Bike

The Advantages

  • Affordable price point for a solid base electric city bike
  • Belgian brand ensures local support and after-sales service
  • 60 Nm torque and a range of up to 70 km
  • Cargo-friendly design with large front and rear racks

The Disadvantages

  • Rear hub motor may not be as powerful on steep hills
  • Battery capacity not specified, may affect range
  • Lack of suspension can be uncomfortable on cobblestones
  • Removable pedals are of low quality and may need replacement

The Ahooga Modular is the ideal budget-friendly city bike for the price-conscious Belgian. While it may not compete with the specs of more expensive models, it offers solid performance for a fraction of the price. However, note that this is a rear hub motor.

The bike features a rear hub motor with 60 Nm torque, which is not as powerful as some mid-motors, making it potentially more challenging to climb steep hills. With your 8-speed derailleur, you have plenty of gears to tackle the incline. More about our riding experience can be found in our Ahooga Modular review.

The battery range is 30 to 70 km, sufficient for commuting and grocery shopping. However, we do notice that the range or battery storage capacity is slightly lower than well-known brands.

Unfortunately, there is no suspension whatsoever. On the legendary Belgian cobblestones, this means a solid battle with vibrations and shocks. Those who value comfort greatly may be better off choosing a suspended bike like the Gazelle Ultimate C5 or Cube Supreme Hybrid.

The Ahooga Modular features large front and rear racks, making it easy to carry some extra cargo. This design sets it apart from Brussels’ competition – the Cowboy – which is less focused on cargo capabilities and more on a flashy, sporty appearance. The Ahooga Modular is a more down-to-earth option, suitable for a wider range of riders, including parents. Ahooga also offers the Ahooga Urban, a single-speed electric city bike.

As a Belgian brand, Ahooga provides local support and after-sales service, ensuring access to assistance and maintenance when needed. This is a significant advantage for those who value reliable customer service and support.

Cowboy C4

The Advantages

  • Sleek and modern design with a focus on simplicity
  • Lightweight at 18.9 kg for easy maneuverability and portability
  • Gates Carbon Belt Drive for low-maintenance and smooth riding
  • Integrated Quadlock attachment for wirelessly charging your phone while riding
  • Cowboy app for iOS and Android, focusing on health, fitness, and navigation

The Disadvantages

  • Singlespeed may not be suitable for all terrains and inclines
  • No specific suspension mentioned, which may affect comfort on rough terrain
  • Sporty riding position and highly responsive steering may not suit all riders
  • Dependency on the app for motor or lighting control can be inconvenient
  • Very narrow tires may struggle on cobblestone streets, increasing the risk of punctures or slips

The Cowboy C4 is the choice for riders seeking a stylish and minimalist electric singlespeed city bike. Its sleek design gives the bike a modern, sporty, and rugged look, distinguishing it from traditional e-bikes.

At a weight of just 18.9 kg, the C4 is pleasantly light and agile, ideal for navigating easily through busy city traffic. They use a rear hub motor, saving a few more kilos.

The choice of a belt drive instead of a traditional chain gives the C4 a quiet and maintenance-free riding experience. However, this singlespeed system works best on flat terrain; you have sufficient power uphill, although you need to pedal well. Nowadays, there’s also a cheaper Cowboy with derailleur.

A disadvantage of the Cowboy is comfort. One thing is the lack of suspension. Shocks are absorbed by the thin sporty tires… on Belgian cobblestone roads, this is very challenging. A seat post is not possible due to the special design with built-in battery. Thicker tires are also not an option.

Another pain point is the very sporty riding position and the thin saddle. In the short term, not really a problem. If you’re going to cycle long distances, you’ll feel it in your back and buttocks. Cowboy knows this themselves, with their ‘Cruiser’ design they try to address this.

A major plus point is the seamless integration with your smartphone, including wireless charging and the handy Cowboy app. This adds useful functionality for navigation and fitness tracking. Other brands are gradually following this concept of connected riding.

the new electric cowboy in the city of Brussels
the new electric cowboy in the city of Brussels

Low Step, Price, and Quality

Gazelle Ultimate C5 HMB

Ultimate

The Advantages

  • Stable aluminum frame with comfortable, upright riding position
  • Bosch Performance Line motor (75 Nm torque) for smooth and powerful performance
  • Low step model suitable for both men and women
  • Magura MT4 hydraulic disc brakes for reliable braking power
  • Integrated battery, motor, and cables for a sleek and harmonious design
  • Front suspension with 40 mm travel for extra comfort on rough terrain

The Disadvantages

  • Weight not specified, which may affect maneuverability and portability
  • Battery capacity not mentioned, potentially affecting the range

If we prioritize comfort and pay less attention to design, we arrive at the bikes from Cube and Gazelle. The Gazelle Ultimate C5 features a stable aluminum frame and comfortable, upright riding position.

The bike is designed for more relaxed and less sporty rides. The low step model is suitable for both men and women, young and older cyclists, making it an option for a wide range of riders.

The Ultimate C5 HMB is equipped with a Bosch Performance Line motor, which provides 75 Nm of torque for smooth and powerful performance. This motor is well-suited for tackling various terrains and inclines, ensuring a comfortable ride even on Belgian cobblestone streets and light hills.

It absorbs shocks with a 40 mm travel suspension fork. This suspension, combined with the stable frame and upright riding position of the bike, offers extra comfort. For safe braking, you have Magura MT4 hydraulic disc brakes. A reliable brand that uses 4 pistons to come to a safe stop.

The integrated battery, motor, and cables create a sleek and harmonious design, showcasing the attention to detail and high-quality finish of this bike. The price is also quite reasonable. If you are a fan of the design and the bike meets your needs, then it is an excellent choice.

Cube SUPREME SPORT HYBRID SLX 625

The Advantages

  • Comfort-oriented frame geometry with adjustable stem and swept-back handlebars
  • Locking ergonomic grips and adjustable RockShox Paragon Gold Air suspension fork with 50mm travel and lockout for a smooth ride
  • Bosch Performance CX Gen4 motor (85 Nm torque) for powerful and reliable performance
  • Shimano Deore XT M8100-SGS derailleur and 12-speed drivetrain for versatile gearing options
  • Integrated battery (Bosch PowerTube 625) for a sleek design and long-lasting power
  • Semi-integrated carrier, fully integrated battery, sliding dropout, and front and rear fender mounts

The Disadvantages

  • Heavier weight of 27.5 kg compared to some competitors
  • Price may be higher than some budget-friendly options
  • No specific mention of a low-step model for easy mounting and dismounting

A good competitor for the Gazelle is the Cube Supreme Hybrid SLX. This Cube is slightly sportier than the above Gazelle, offering options for a different target audience.

For comfort, Cube uses a comfort-oriented frame geometry with an adjustable stem, swept-back handlebars, and locking ergonomic grips. Shocks are absorbed by the adjustable RockShox Paragon Gold Air suspension fork with 50mm travel and lockout.

The Cube SUPREME SPORT HYBRID SLX 625 is powerful, equipped with a Bosch Performance CX Gen4 motor (85 Nm torque). Equally powerful as some cargo bikes or longtail bikes. With 85 Nm, you can tackle any mountain or hill, with or without cargo.

The Shimano Deore XT M8100-SGS derailleur and 12-speed drivetrain provide versatile gearing options. This ensures a smooth and comfortable ride for city cyclists, but also offers options on rough sporty terrain.

The bike features an integrated Bosch PowerTube 625 battery, providing long-lasting energy for longer rides. The semi-integrated carrier, fully integrated battery, slanting dropout, and front and rear fender mounts contribute to the practical aspects of the bike.

With all these elements, we are no longer talking about a light electric city bike. The Cube is versatile and fits, in addition to this list, also in other top lists. The bike is heavy (27.5 kg) compared to some competitors, such as the Canyon Roadlite:ON 7 (16 kg) or the Cowboy C4 (18.9 kg).

It is important to note that there is no specific mention of a low-step model for the Cube SUPREME SPORT HYBRID SLX 625, which may make mounting and dismounting more difficult for some riders.

E-city bike with battery for long distances

Klever n Rogue 25 (with 1200 Wh battery)

Klever n Rogue 25

The Advantages

  • Impressively long range with a 1200 Wh battery (up to 300 km)
  • Good price-performance ratio compared to other models
  • Rear hub motor provides quick acceleration for urban use
  • Front fork suspension for extra comfort on rough terrain
  • Suitable for tall riders up to 205 cm and strong enough to carry a total of 150 kg
  • Motor lock alarm for extra security
  • Available in a 45 km/h speed pedelec option

The Disadvantages

  • Rear hub motor may not be as suitable for hilly areas compared to mid-drive motors
  • Heavier weight (~27 kg without standard battery)
  • Only chain and derailleur option, which requires more maintenance

The Klever n Rogue 25, with its 1200 Wh battery, stands out as the best city bike for long distances. This impressive battery capacity enables a range of up to 300 km (theoretically). The Klever n Rogue 25 also offers good value for money.

Here again, we’re talking about an e-bike with a rear hub motor. This provides quick acceleration but offers less power uphill. As a result, the Klever is also somewhat cheaper, handy if you have a limited budget.

The Klever n Rogue 25 is heavy and sturdy. The electric bike can accommodate tall riders up to 205 cm and heavy riders up to 150 kg. At 27 kg without the battery, this is the heaviest e-bike in this list. Fortunately, the bike offers many other advantages.

An important advantage of the Klever n Rogue 25 is the front fork suspension, which provides extra comfort on rough terrain, such as cobblestone streets. The wide tires also help with this. As a cherry on top, the bike features a motor lock alarm for added security, providing peace of mind when leaving the bike unattended.

The Klever n Rogue 25 is only available with a chain and derailleur option, which requires more maintenance compared to belt drive systems. Riders who prefer a belt drive should take a look at the Cowboy C4 or the Riese Muller UBN Five (Singlespeed model).

The Klever n Rogue 25 is also available in a 45 km/h speed pedelec option, for those who want a faster electric bike for their city rides.

So far our comparison of the best electric city bikes you can find in Belgium. This is our opinion, as objective as possible, but it may differ from other websites, bike shops, or cyclists. If you notice any incorrect information, feel free to contact us.

Additionally, there are many other brands and models that we couldn’t discuss here. This doesn’t mean they’re not good; feel free to test them out to find the best model for your needs and budget.

Continuously improving infrastructure for electric city bikes

A Comprehensive Comparison of Electric City Bikes

Quality, Design & Optimal Use or Terrain

When choosing an electric bike for use in a Belgian city, it is essential to consider quality, design, and optimal use or terrain. Belgian cities often have cobblestones and light hills.

A bike that can handle these conditions is crucial. This feature is most important for users who primarily want to use their electric bike for commuting in the city and navigating urban environments.

  • The Veloretti Ace has a sleek design and is built for city use. The LED Identity Light with night sensors and removable Smart Battery make it suitable for city rides.
  • The Cowboy C4 has a sporty design and ultra-responsive handling, ideal for navigating city streets.
  • The Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 offers a comfortable, upright riding position and is designed for city use with integrated lighting, rear rack, and fenders.
  • The Riese Muller UBN Five has a minimalist design and is built for sporty, aerodynamic riding in urban environments.
  • The Klever n Rogue 25 is suitable for tall riders and features an adjustable stem for comfort.
  • The Ahooga Modular bike has a rear hub motor, making the bike more affordable. A good affordable option with sufficient power but limited riding comfort.
  • The Gazelle Ultimate C5 HMB bike is designed for sporty riding characteristics and has a stable aluminum frame.
  • The Canyon Roadlite:ON 7 has a lightweight aluminum frame and carbon fork, making it suitable for city use.

Motor (Brand, Type, Model, Power)

The motor is obviously a crucial part of an electric bike. It determines the power and performance of the bike. Different motors are better suited for different terrains and usage situations, such as flat or hilly areas, cargo hauling, or city use.

  • The Veloretti Ace features a Bafang 36V 250W Torq + Rotation Sensor mid-drive motor with 65 Nm of torque, suitable for city use and light hills.
  • The Cowboy C4 has a redesigned 250W rear hub motor with 45 Nm of torque, sufficient for city use and flat terrain. Climbing steep hills is possible, although you need to pedal a lot.
  • The Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 has a Turbo Full Power motor integrated into the bottom of the down tube with 70 Nm of torque, suitable for hilly terrain and city use.
  • The Riese Muller UBN Five features a Fazua Ride 60 drive system with 60 Nm of torque, suitable for sporty, aerodynamic riding in urban environments.
  • The Klever n Rogue 25 has a Biactron 2.0 rear hub motor with 49 Nm of torque, suitable for city use and light hills.
  • The Ahooga Modular bike has a rear hub motor with 60 Nm of torque, suitable for city use and light hills.
  • The Gazelle Ultimate C5 HMB bike features a Bosch Performance Line motor with 75 Nm of torque, suitable for city use and hilly terrain.
  • The Canyon Roadlite:ON 7 features a FAZUA RIDE 60 drive system, suitable for city use and light hills.
  • The Cube Sport hybridSLX 625 has 85 Nm and is the most powerful among these best electric city bikes. With this, you can tackle any terrain.
A comparison of the best electric city bikes in Belgium

Weight and Size

The weight and size of an electric bike are essential factors to consider, especially for city use. Lighter bikes are easier to maneuver and offer more (hybrid) speed, while heavier bikes may be more difficult to handle.

A bike weighing less than 20 kg is considered light, 20-25 kg is acceptable, 25-30 kg is heavier, and more than 30 kg is heavy:

  • The Veloretti Ace weighs 27 kg, which is on the heavier side for city use.
  • The Cowboy C4 is lighter at 18.9 kg, making it more suitable for urban environments.
  • The Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 weighs 24 kg, which is slightly heavier for city use. Fortunately, it has a powerful motor and battery.
  • The Riese Muller UBN Five weighs between 18.0 kg and 21.0 kg, depending on the model, which is suitable for city use.
  • The Klever n Rogue 25 weighs approximately 27 kg without the standard battery, making it heavier for city use.
  • The Ahooga Modular bike weighs 20 kg with the battery and motor, which is acceptable for city use.
  • The weight of the Gazelle Ultimate C5 HMB bike is 26.4 kg, but the stable aluminum frame and sporty design make it suitable for city use.
  • The Canyon Roadlite:ON 7 weighs 16 kg, making it one of the lightest options for city use.

Bike Components & Quality

The quality of bike components, such as brakes, tires, chain, and suspension, is crucial for a comfortable and safe ride. Suspension is especially important in Belgium due to cobblestone streets and uneven road infrastructure.

  • The Veloretti Ace is equipped with Tektro Hydraulic HDM275 or Shimano MT200 brakes and CST Tradition tires, which provide reliable stopping power and grip on city streets.
  • The Cowboy C4 has Sunrace hydraulic brakes and unspecified tires, which offer sufficient braking performance for city use.
  • The Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 has SRAM disc brakes and Pathfinder 650b x 2.3-inch tires, which provide excellent stopping power and grip on various surfaces.
  • The Riese Muller UBN Five has TRP hydraulic disc brakes and Schwalbe Marathon Supreme tires, which offer reliable braking power and grip for sporty, aerodynamic riding.
  • The Klever n Rogue 25 has Klever hydraulic brakes and Schwalbe Super Moto X tires, which provide reliable stopping power and grip on city streets.
  • The Ahooga Modular bike has hydraulic disc brakes and wide, thick tires, which provide reliable stopping power and grip on city streets.
  • The Gazelle Ultimate C5 HMB bike has Magura MT4, 2-piston brakes and Schwalbe Energizer Plus, 50-622 tires, which provide reliable braking power and grip for sporty bike characteristics.
  • The Canyon Roadlite:ON 7 has Shimano MT201 hydraulic disc brakes and 30mm Schwalbe G-One Speed tires, which provide reliable stopping power and grip on city streets.

Battery

The battery is a crucial component of an electric bike. In the city, routes are generally shorter, so we put less emphasis on this when comparing.

Different batteries offer different levels of power and weight, which can affect the operation and usability of the bike.

  • The Ahooga Modular offers 300 or 500 Wh battery options
  • The Cowboy C4 has a removable 360 Wh battery.
  • Riese Muller UBN Five has a 430 Wh battery.
  • The Canyon Roadlite:ON 7 has a 430 Wh battery.
  • The Veloretti Ace features a Samsung 504 Wh battery.
  • The Gazelle Ultimate C5 and Cube SLX 625 both use a 625 Wh Bosch battery.
  • The Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 has a 710 Wh battery.
  • The Klever n Rogue 25 offers three battery options: 570 Wh (max 150 km), 850 Wh (max 220 km), and 1200 Wh (max 300 km).

So far our search and comparison of the best electric city bikes for Belgian roads and cities.

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