E-bikes are here to stay. They’re more popular than ever and some forecasters even suggest that sales will eventually outstrip traditional bikes. E-bikes are all about nimbleness, ease of use, and effortless cycling, so it pays to keep things minimalist.
As more people invest in electric bikes, the number on sale increases. With more competition than ever, it can be difficult to know where to start. If you’re looking to buy your first e-bike, or upgrade to a leaner, meaner model, read on as we break down the best minimalist options on the market.
What Does an E-Bike Really Need?
Although they might seem complicated, the fundamentals of an e-bike are quite simple. They come with a battery-powered motor that’s activated when you pedal. This makes it much easier to cycle up steep hills, or navigate difficult terrain without breaking into a sweat.
The principle is so simple, in fact, that e-bikes lend themselves perfectly to a more minimalistic design. Think of the motor as a pedal assist. It won’t do all the work for you, but it will make cycling a lot easier.
Electric bikes are also popular commuter choices, so they need to be nimble and able to zip through traffic. Heavier e-bikes adorned with an array of features and design quirks don’t make sense. They just add weight when the whole idea is to make cycling feel effortless!
Electric Bike Key Features
When choosing an electric bike you should consider the battery power, range, weight and (of course) the price. The charge time and range of the battery are the two most important factors, as they’ll influence how far you can cycle. A powerful battery with a long-range frees you up to cycle anywhere.
E-bikes used to be extremely heavy, but new technology has slimmed them down and made them much lighter. Still, weight comes into the equation when you carry the bike or store it (folding bikes, for example, need to be extra light), and it also affects ride quality. Lighter bikes simply feel nippier.
Finally, consider what you’ll be using the bike for. Commuters and city cyclists will naturally want a more streamlined, minimalistic e-bike to navigate traffic.
Best Types of E-Bike for Minimalists
Single Speed Bikes are the best choice for minimalists. Since these bikes (as the name suggests) only have one gear, they don’t need derailleur hangers or shifters. They’re about as minimal as it comes, and usually have a thin, lightweight frame and slim race-type tires.
These e-bikes tend to be cheaper (because there aren’t as many components), easier to ride and low maintenance. Belt drives pair well with Single Speed Bikes – they don’t require oil and are equally low maintenance. A Single Speed Bike, electric motor and minimalistic design make a perfect combination, that will likely shape the future of cycling.
Don’t be put off by the idea of a Single Speed Bike – the additional boost from the motor ensures that they make short work of hills, and even the roughest terrain.
Most have a top speed range of around 15-20 mph while still giving you the sensation of peddling comfortably. That’s more than enough to conquer an incline!
Minimalist Electric Bikes [Top 10]
1. VanMoof S5
Weight: 50.7 lbs (23kg)
Range: 37 miles (full power mode) – 93 miles (economy power mode)
Wheel Size: 27.5″
Price:
£2,298
$ 2,998
€2.498
The S5 from VanMoof, is a remastered straight frame bicycle which the company reports has been built specially for for controlled cruising. It’s great for anyone wanting a comfy bicycle for commuting that is both stylish and efficient.
Aesthetically the S5 is very much in keeping with the rest of VanMoofs electric range, minimalist and clean cut. This particular model is only available in a stylish grey, which regardless, definitely stands out against other bikes.
This bike is fitted with a 487 Wh battery. This battery has a charging time of charge in 6 hours and 30 minutes for 0-100% and 2 hours and 30 minutes for 0-50%. The range is also pretty impressive, with up to 93 miles on one full charge.
2. Cowboy 4
Weight: 18.9 kg (total weight including battery)
Range: Up to 70 km
Wheel Size: 27.5″
Price:
- £2,490
- $ 2,990
- €2,790
The Cowboy 4 is another strong contender for anyone wanting a city bike which is practical and reliable, but still looks the part. It’s another bike that’s perfect for any commuters wanting to go electric, as it’s easy and offers a comfortable ride.
This quirky bike is available in a range of three trendy neutral colours, black, sand and khaki. There’s a colour to suit everyone’s taste. This bike also comes with mudguards and a single ring on the front, to keep it low maintenance.
It’s fitted with a 10 Ah, 360 Wh removable Lithium ion battery which is 100% recharged in 3hours and 20min. This bike also benefits from having fitted a custom designed 45 Nm / 250 W motor which is integrated in the rear wheel.
3. TENWAYS CGO600
Weight: 15 kg
Range: Up to 70 km
Wheel Size: 700C
Price:
- £1,499
- $ 1,799
- €1,599
Offering a smooth and enjoyable ride, the CGO600 from TENWAYS is a solid and well priced option for anyone looking for a belt drive electric bike to ride around on that won’t break the bank.
This bike comes in a range of colours to suit your personal style: Midnight Black, Sky Blue, Light Grey, Lime Green and Arctic Blue. It also comes equipped with hydraulic brakes.
Electronically, the CGO600 has a 36V, 7AH Lithium-ion battery with Samsung/LG/Panasonic cells, that’s paired with a Mivice M070 250W motor, located in the rear hub. This motor allows (in the European market) for speeds of up to 25km/h or 16mph.
4. Schindelhauer Emil
Weight: 18.3 kg (6-speed)/18.6 kg (9-speed)
Range: Up to 80 km
Wheel Size: 27.5″
Price:
- $ 4,646.70
- £3,720.78
- €4,395
A bigger budget option is the Emil, which has the option between either a 6 speed or 9 speed version. This electric belt drive system bike is a more luxurious choice for those wanting quality and style.
This bike has an undeniably classy aesthetic, which in part is thanks to its Mineral Grey paint job coupled with tan side walled tyres and saddle. It’s also fitted with mudguards, hydraulic disc brakes and kickstand.
This model from Schindelhauer benefits from the MAHLE ebikemotion 250-Watt motor (which is located in the rear hub) and an integrated 250Wh-battery
5. Ampler Curt
Weight: from 14.4 kg
Range: 50 to 100 KM
Wheel Size: 700c
Price:
- £2,647
- $ 3,473
- €3,190
Thinking of style, sophistication, something minimalist yet practical? The Ampler Curt ,complete with hydraulic disc brakes, ticks all of those boxes. It’s an electric belt drive single speed, which is perfect for commuting.
In addition to its chic good looks (coming in all matte black) this bike also benefits from having useful accessories such as a front light and mudguards.
The Curt has an impressive range of up to 100km is thanks to its 336 Wh battery capacity, which takes 2.5 hours to fully charge. The bike is fitted with a 250W hub motor.
6. Desiknio Singlespeed
Weight: Around 13.5 kg
Range: 50 to 100 KM
Wheel Size: 700c
Price:
- £3,900
- $ 5,115
- €4,698
On the other end of the price spectrum, we have the very suave looking Desiknio Singlespeed. This high end option would make the perfect weekend single speed electric bike, and maybe even a highly sophisticated commuter.
Aesthetically this bike has to be one of the best looking. It has a minimalist vibe which is helped by the battery being integrated within the stem, keeping everything streamlined and neat.
Regarding the electronics, this electric single speed benefits from a 250W hub motor as well as a 250 Wh battery. A full charge for the bike will take between 2 to 3 hours.
7. RAKEDE Boost Black
Weight: Around 15kg
Range: 40 to 70 KM
Wheel Size: 700c
Price:
- Not Available
- Not Available
- €1,999
The RAKEDE Boost Black is another solid electric single speed option, which is also budget friendly. Although it’s expensive, for an e-bike it’s a reasonable price tag, and you get a lot for your money.
This bike is without a doubt visually striking. This is mainly thanks to the matte black frame being paired with stylish tan sidewall tyres. It comes complete with mudguards and hydraulic disc brakes.
This bike is fitted with a 250W brushless hub motor. The neatly hidden battery is fully charged after only 3 hours.
8. Veloretti Electric Ace
Weight: 27 kg
Range: Up to 120 KM
Wheel Size: 27.5″
Price:
- Not Available
- Not Available
- €2,499
Next (available in only EU countries) is the Electric Ace from Veloretti. This is a great mid range belt drive electric bike. It would without a doubt make the perfect stylish commuter.
In their own words, the Electric Ace is a bike with a clean design without any fuss. It comes in three minimalist colours, Ace Graphite, Ace Jet Black and Ace Matte Black. Hydraulic brakes are also fitted.
The motor on this model is a Bafang 36v 250W with a maximum torque of 65 Nm. It’s has been paired alongside a Samsung Removable Smart Battery / 36V, 510 WH which offers a 60KM to 120KM range.
9. Lekker Amsterdam+ eBike
Weight: 18 kg
Range: up to 40 KM
Wheel Size: 700c
Price:
- Not Available
- Not Available
- €2,098
Looking for a reasonably priced electric single speed bike? Here we have the Amsterdam+ eBike from Lekker. There’s no surprise, given it’s name, that this bike would work really well as a city bike or commuter.
This bike has a fairly understated design. However, you do have the option between either black, or a more vibrant blue. In addition to two colour options, the bike is also kitted out with mudguards and a light.
Motor wise, the Amsterdam+ uses a 250W rear hub motor. The 418 Wh Samsung battery on this bike is also removable to make charging that little bit easier.
10. Quella Electric Varsity Collection – Cambridge
Weight: 14kg (54cm)
Range: up to 60 KM
Wheel Size: 700c
Price:
- £1,995
- Not Available
- Not Available
If you’re looking for a stylish fixie for leisurely cruises (or to pop into town on), which also happens to benefit from electric capabilities, then this is most definitely the bike for you.
Aesthetically, this is one of the best looking single speed electric bikes available. One of the options is this lovely shade of blue, complete with retro brown accessories.
Regarding the electric elements of this bike, its fitted with a pedal assist 250W hub motor with a range of up to 60KM. This is definitely more than enough for any single speed bike!
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