Bergamont Paul-e EQ

A high-spec, highquality offering from Bergamontg that shows just how far the modern e-bike has come

Electric bike manufacturers have come to realise the huge potential in adding a motor and battery to one of the most efficient forms of transport ever, the humble nonmotorised bicycle. Together with modern manufacturing technology, this means today’s e- bikes do so much more than bikes have ever been able to do before – and Bergamont’s Paul- E EQ is a great example of that.

It folds easily and quickly to a nicely compact and portable 80cm x 90cm, has a strong rear carrying rack and the ability to add ‘klick-fix’- style carrying and other attachments over the front wheel (one advantage of small wheels is the carrying space they leave above) and has powerful, dependable hard-wired lights for yearround use, not to mention an ultra- lowmaintenance belt drive option and a high quality Shimano hub gear unit.

Spec nerds might be interested to learn it has a Shimano E5000 mid- drive motor, which is the lightest and quietest of the Steps mid- drive options and is aimed at urban e- bikers who don’t need the extra power of the E6000 or E6100. It weighs only 2.5kg, provides an impressive max assist of 200% (ie. it doubles your pedalling effort) and is rated at 40Nm of torque.

There is a choice of two spec levels, Edition and Expert. The former has a chain drive rather than belt drive, a 418Wh battery and seven hub gears while the latter has that lovely belt drive, a 504Wh battery and a more modern e- bike- specific 5-gear hub unit and more powerful lighting. Both should be on your shortlist if you are after a premium- quality, highly capable folding e- bike where low weight isn’t essential.

► From £2,599 bergamont.com