Ampler Stellar
Gorgeous looks and slick performance if you don’t mind a hub motor
Ampler aims to build exciting, safe, longlasting and responsibly made bikes – and they happen to be pretty good-looking too.
A case in point is the Stellar, a lightweight commuter or city e-bike built around the company’s in-house tech. As it turns out, Ampler likes to do things its own way, from designing its own drive systems to eliminating plastic waste from its packaging and even developing a dedicated carbon-neutral factory in Estonia.
At the heart of this model is a light alloy frame designed from scratch to incorporate Ampler’s all-new electric drive system, which includes a small but clear display on the top tube that provides a handy range estimate. Tech fans will also be pleased to learn that the Stellar can connect to your phone for more in-depth metrics and contains a GPS unit, so it’s lockable and trackable via your phone.
This city-friendly bike is light and almost indistinguishable from a conventional machine, and it works hard to extract maximum range from its relatively small 324Wh battery. This is totally enclosed within the frame, which adds security when you lock the Stellar but does mean you’ll need to bring the entire bike within range of a socket to recharge it. The bijou hub motor is then hidden in the rear hub, which combined with the framerouted cables creates a sleek and clean look.
Of course, some riders might be pining for a more efficient mid-drive system at this price point. However, in its favour, Ampler’s hub-based design is light and discreet.
There’s plenty of old-school bike tech too. Ampler describes the Stellar as its most versatile e-bike, meaning a low-step frame for easy accessibility, plus a semiupright riding position, comfort grips and puncture-resistant tyres. Its high-torque rear motor also combines with nine-speed derailleur gears for practical hill climbing.
The Stellar arrives ready for the commute. There are sturdy metal mudguards and hardwired lights, with the rear light cleverly integrated into the mudguard, plus a kickstand and the option of a rear rack. The bike’s light weight also means it can easily be carried over obstacles and even up stairs – great for navigating city life.
▶ From £2,790
▶ amplerbikes.com