From mountain bikes to city roads: Which e-bike is right for me?

class=”sc-29f61514-0 jbwksb”>

The e-bike is today’s means of transportation: around 220,000 were sold last year – 17 percent more than the previous year. One in five households in Switzerland owns at least one bicycle powered by an electric motor.

Until recently, the e-bike was seen as a comfortable two-wheeled vehicle, especially for retired men and women. Meanwhile, the fashion trend, in which five-digit sums are spent, has become a trend vehicle and sports equipment. And from city bikes to mountain bikes, there are models to suit every need. Thun start-up e-FRAMER, which currently employs around 20 people, offers six different models. Thomas Bieri, the company’s product developer and co-founder, explains which e-bike is right for whom.

The top model of the e-FRAMER is the Eiger e-mountain bike. “This is a sporty bike you can use to take off any trail, no matter how tough, but it’s also good for forest trails and gravel roads,” Bieri says. Pseudo-Full, which means it’s spring loaded in the front and back. Former downhill star Beat Feuz, who owns a stake in the company, drives this model.

An e-bike for all needs

By contrast, the Grimsel is a hardtail – only the front wheel is spring-loaded in this model. “It’s very easy to use on forest and field roads, but you can still ride on simple trails with it.” The basic equipment of both models are mountain bikes: without stand and without mudguards.

Called an SUV bike, the Gstaad model features fenders, luggage rack and stand. As such, it is a mix of an e-mountain bike and a city and touring e-bike. It exactly inherits the suspension and wide tires of the front and rear wheels, the city bike fender lamp and stand. “So this e-bike is suitable for everything: for city streets, but also for forest and gravel roads,” says Bieri.

Among the SUV motorcycles in the e-FRAMER are Bern and Aare. For Bieri, these two models are among the e-bikes suitable for daily use and commuting. With their wide tires and large spring deflection at the front fork, they can also be driven well on unpaved roads and trails.

And a city car for everyday use

The Thun model, on the other hand, is a city e-bike primarily built for the road. It is an ideal tool for entertainment, shopping or commuting. The sitting position is more upright, the leg does not need to be lifted too much to go up. And the saddle is extra comfortable. “On a Sunday trip, you can also use the city car on a dirt road,” Bieri says.

Source: Blick