Brompton electric bike range. Pros

Brompton Electric Bikes Review: Ultimate Folding Electric Bikes

Brompton is a company that prides itself on its hand-crafted folding bicycles that reflect the unique culture of London. Considered as the UK’s largest bicycle manufacturer, Brompton continues to provide consumers with excellent quality bicycles and e-bikes.

The company is based in London, a city where e-bikes have become a very popular mode of transportation. Brompton currently has nine different e-bike models, with costs ranging from 4,002 to 4,475.

Brompton’s origin can be traced back to 1975, where a man named Andrew Ritchie designed a folding bicycle in his apartment. He lived in front of the Brompton Observatory, which inspired him to use the name for his unique bike.

With each component crafted by hand, Bromptons continue to be considered one of the most reliable e-bikes, not just in London, but also around the entire world.

The Brompton bicycles became popular because they were compact and foldable. The company eventually started full-time production in 1988, awards were given for the Brompton bike’s innovative design, and the rest is history.

Known for their craftiness and innovation, Brompton continued research and development to take their folding bicycles to the next level. In 2017, the company released a brand new line of electric bikes, taking a bite at the future of bicycles.

Overview of Brompton Electric Bikes

Brompton e-bikes are perfect for city commutes

Brompton has recently expanded outside the UK to give their e-bikes a global presence. What makes Brompton different from other bicycle companies is in the design of their folding bikes, and the intricate amount of detail put into them. Each individual component has a unique stamp from the craftsman that built it by hand.

The company’s goal has always been a simple one: to change the way people travel across the city. Traveling on a handcrafted, folding e-bike gives people a unique sense of freedom and independence.

Customers that choose Brompton e-bikes have nine different variants to choose from. The components and dimensions vary for each e-bike model, but they all share the iconic foldable design that Brompton is known for.

What We Like About Brompton Electric Bikes

Brompton M2L Bolt Blue Lacquer e-bike

We give credit to Brompton for sticking to its innovative design throughout the years. However unique they look compared to other brands, there are certain points that they could definitely improve on. We listed down the things that we find good and bad about the Brompton e-bikes.

Likes:

• The frame and other major components are sturdy but lightweight, which is important because folding these e-bikes means carrying them by hand.
• The foldable design of the e-bike makes it easy to stow away for transport or safekeeping.
• The handling is smooth and easy across flat, paved roads.
• When folding the e-bike, you can choose to keep the battery attached or remove it to further reduce its weight.
• A hand pump is integrated into the e-bike frame.
• There is no additional resistance for the rider when the battery is turned off.
• There’s a 7-year warranty that covers any material or manufacturing defects, provided that you registered your e-bike to MyBrompton.
• Customer service is excellent. The Brompton website provides detailed videos on how to properly maintain and repair their e-bikes.

Points to Consider:

• The lowest price for a Brompton e-bike is around 4,000 dollars. That’s expensive compared to other e-bikes that offer the same specs.
• The handlebars cannot be adjusted for height.
• The battery may sometimes rattle when traveling over rugged terrain.
• Long rides are uncomfortable unless you purchase a separate city bag to hold your personal items.
• The e-bike does not include Global Positioning System (GPS) or Global System for Mobile (GSM) for easy tracking in case it gets lost or stolen.

Brompton T Line

The T Line is the latest, highest tech Brompton incarnation and makes use of materials you’d expect to see in a top spec race bike to significantly lower the bike’s weight.

Brompton says that it’s redesigned over 150 parts for the T Line. That starts with a frame made of matt sandblasted titanium rather than painted steel tubing and with a cast titanium bottom bracket shell. The fork and bars are carbon fibre, as is the seatpost, which comes with a protective steel casing. Even parts like the roller wheels have been made larger and lighter and Brompton fits lightweight Tubolito inner tubes.

There are two specs of the T Line, both sharing a lightweight drivetrain with a carbon fibre chainset. The T Line One is single speed with 50×12 tooth gearing (you need a big gear to turn Brompton’s 16 inch wheels fast enough for a decent turn of speed), while the T Line Urban has four gears with 11, 13, 15 and 18 teeth at the rear, operated by a trigger shifter for 163% gear range. The T Line Urban also gets titanium mudguards and its claimed weight increases to a still feathery 7.95kg.

Brompton P Line

With P standing for “performance”, the Brompton P Line gets some of the features of the T Line like a titanium rear triangle, but coupled to a main frame and seatpost in steel. The fork though is titanium and you get other features that help keep weight down like lightweight alloy rim wheels with butted spokes and aluminium hinge clamps.

Gear ratios are the same as on the T Line Urban and there’s the same four speed derailleur but with an alloy rather than a carbon chainset. The P Line Urban spec comes complete with mudguards and front and rear lighting, with the front providing 500 lumens output. You also get a couple of frame colour options.

The P Line Urban is also available with a roller frame This adds a rack to the rear triangle, with wheels at its far end, which helps you move the bike around more easily when it’s folded. It also gives you 10kg of carrying capacity. It’s an optional extra on other Brompton specs.

Brompton C Line

The C Line is where the Brompton range gets extensive, coming in three different specs, plus the Black Edition. There are a total of six colour choices.

In the standard C Line, the Urban spec gets two speeds with 133% gear range, so it’s good for flatter city riding. The main frame, rear triangle and fork are all made of steel, as is the seatpost. Whereas the T and P Line models get lightweight wheels with presta valves, the C Line reverts to standard wheels and schrader valve tubes. The chainring size increases to 54 teeth, which paired with the 12 tooth and 16 tooth sprockets gives higher gearing than the P Line and T Line.

The C Line Urban comes with mudguards and front and rear reflectors, but lights are an extra.

Move up to the C Line Utility and Brompton fits a three speed internal hub gear along with a 50 tooth chainset for 177% gear range, along with a Brooks Cambium C17 saddle in place of the standard Brompton saddle. The internal gears up the bike’s weight to 11.8kg.

Finally, the C Line Explore spec has a six speed drivetrain that combines the three speed hub gear with a two speed derailleur giving you a 300% gear range, controlled using two bar-mounted trigger shift levers.

Brompton C Line Black Edition

The Brompton Black Edition shares the C Line’s spec, but comes with black components including the bars and stem, fork and chainset. It’s available in the 2-speed Urban and 6-speed Explore specs, but not Utility and, despite its name, there are three frame colour options in addition to black. Unlike the standard C Line, the Black Edition bikes include Brompton’s lights and you get a Fizik Aliante saddle.

Brompton e-Bike – design and features

The electric foldable bike by Brompton is a classic choice yet a risky one. This sentence is an understatement, but it just pretty much sums up the whole test. It has its negative and positive points, but we tested it to see if it’s best for the city roads.

As for the design, the manufacturer did not change the iconic shape. The handlebar unit is extremely narrow, and the saddle is slightly higher than the frame.

It is very difficult to say if the frame is well-welded and elegant to look at, as we found it disproportionate. It seems more like riding a toy than riding an actual bike.

However, we must recall Brompton’s mission and ignore the design considerations. The engineers working for the manufacturer were not looking for a beautiful frame. Rather, they wanted to create a versatile, ultra-compact, and robust electric city bike for cyclists.

And for once, their bet was successful. The battery that comes with the bike is just a formality. It is placed in the front of the vehicle in a 2-kg bag that can be removed at any time by pressing a single button. You can even wear it on the shoulder and ride.

The rest of the folding is done just like any typical model of Brompton bike. All we had to do was press the trigger to tilt the rear wheel. after which we unscrewed part of the frame to fold the front wheel.

Finally, we folded the whole bike by blocking the handlebars and lowering the saddle. A little more force and attention allowed us to fold the pedals as well.

However, it took us time to fold the e-bike fast enough. At first, it will be laborious, but after a few repetitions, you will get a hold of the process. After we learned the process, we were able to fold and unfold the bike in less than a minute.

Carrying it by the saddle is more comfortable and preferable for short distances. However, it is possible to leave the handlebars unfolded too.

The manufacturer has thought of everything and truly made it a robust and compact bike. With a weight of only 13 kg (29 pounds), you can carry the e-bike to your apartment. Its folding capability might also enable you to store it in the corner of the corridor as well. Even if you have a tiny apartment, you are likely to make space for this foldable e-bike.

Making the electric bike small and compact was the ultimate challenge for Brompton. That is why its most prominent specification; portable has an impact on its overall development.

The best electrically assisted bikes are designed with the concept that they will be all about the battery and autonomy. Brompton electric foldable bikes have a distinct personality when compared to the competition.

The manufacturer has undoubtedly done a great job by putting an engine block on the front hub, a removable battery, and some sensors on the crankset. Therefore, the Brompton electric bike is an e-bike without the bulk that other electric bikes have. But is it worth your money?

Brompton e-Bike – on the road

The question is simple, but the answer is rather complex and complicated. The Brompton electric bike is good to ride everywhere, but it does not excel anywhere. We covered a few miles/kilometers for a few days, and we can’t say that our journeys weren’t as reassuring or pleasant as expected.

The vibrations caused by road imperfections are well-absorbed but the slightest imperfection on the roads, that is the manhole, puddle, sidewalk protruding, or a sudden car turning puts the bike in danger.

The wheels of the foldable electric bike are not thick enough to get yourself off of the bike paths without regretting the overall maneuverability of the e-bike. The extremely narrow handlebar unit and a slightly high-positioned saddle influence the axis of the front wheel and do not allow the turns to be precise. However, there is no risk involved in passing a big vehicle or going up on a line of stopped cars.

Coming to the engine, it has 3 assistance levels, promising around forty kilometers (25 miles) of autonomy but not all are put to use. In our journey, we stayed on mode 3, switching from mode 2 as more assistance was required to push uphill, which is not really what you want on an electric model.

Two different speeds on the bike do not comfortably manage the rider’s journey. The engine is in the front wheel and not in the crankset, meaning that there will always be a lag time between the triggering of the engine and the pedal stroke.

So, count 1 to 2 turns before the engine starts understanding your movements. To initiate the movement, try starting from zero mph uphill.

Other than that, watch out if you have big feet. The pedals are very close to the ground, and sometimes, your feet can touch the ground as well.

There isn’t much to complain about when riding a Brompton foldable electric bike on flat routes, small elevations, and tracks. The engine takes time to start and goes up to just over 20 km/h (12 mph) effortlessly.

This happens only if your route is well marked and you move the bike in suitable conditions. The bike was primarily designed to be folded. You can’t expect as much comfort on the road as you would from, for example, the Cannondale or Mustache e-bikes.

It was not hard for us to determine the electrical power of the e-bike. Even if it does not threaten to fall, the battery bag is an added accessory.

If the bicycle takes too much forward impact (a road crack or a not very smooth speed bump), the engine restarts and requests one or two pedal strokes again to start the ride.

The most problematic part of the bike for us was the brakes. To limit the weight and the technical constraints related to the size of the wheels, the brakes installed are double calipers with buffers that do not guarantee effective braking.

Read also: Which electric bike to buy? Making your educated e-bike selection choice – also in this article, and this article. And, best folding e-bikes for women, reviewed and compared.

An eclectic bike that goes fast has a problem on wet roads. The breaking time is long, but fortunately for us, we never got to test it on wet roads.

It is difficult to apply disc brakes on bikes of this kind, but was it a good choice by the manufacturer to choose these brakes? We are not sure.

The question arises when we see that mass producers, such as Decathlon, for example, offer foldable electric models for around 800 dollars or euros, whereas a Brompton foldable electric bike costs more than 3,000.

While driving, it was very difficult for us to imagine who a Brompton electric bike’s “typical customer” was.

The bicycle is not designed for city streets due to its shape. It is difficult to take pleasure in riding a machine with a handlebar so narrow and tires so small for long rides.

To go to work, the e-bike does not have the safety, speed, and comfort that we find on classic bikes of the same range. Let’s say we use this e-bike to cover short intermodal distances, but who would do that? Most people usually take the train or the bus.

There’s one major benefit to the Brompton electric foldable bike. It is best for those living in the town in a very small apartment who are afraid of having their bike stolen. A Brompton electric model is your answer if you have no place to store it safely and still have enough desire to ride a bike.

Brompton e-Bike specs

Brompton has been building excellent, sturdy, and well-designed compact bikes, making them ideal allies for multi-modal transportation and small living spaces.

However, the London brand did not give enough attention to the difference between electric and traditional bikes. The current product does not have the electrical specifications to be called a commuter or city electric bike, even given that it is a good folding bike overall.

The main problem with an electric Brompton is its price. Offered at the same price as luxurious competitors, it only has its folding side to consider. The brand does not offer any luxury or comfort on its e-bike. In general, the e-bike lacks comfort, safety, and driving pleasure.

The e-bike’s strongest point is its portability. After removing all of the e-bike’s strong points, what remains is the desire to travel from point A to point B separated by a short distance faster than on foot: a classic Brompton for 1000 dollars or euros or a no-name folding bike for 250 could suffice.

Hey there! My name is Igor Karni. I created this site to help you find answers to your questions about e-bikes. I hope that this blog will give you enough knowledge to rent or buy an e-bike you will love and the one that best suits your personal needs. It will make me happy if my articles help make your decisions a bit easier. And you have fun following the process!

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ARCC Innovations Brompton Retro Fit kit

This system allows the bike to be used with and without the currently available Brompton bag systems. The bag can be easily removed leaving the pod attached to the bike.

The ARCC Intelligent Power System has been designed by ARCC Innovations to provide unique intelligent bike power. It combines variable power levels with automatic hill/gradient compensation and launch control. This allows commuting cyclists to choose the amount of effort both they and the motor provides; automatically compensates for hills and gradients; and provides ‘launch control’, for safety when moving away from traffic lights and crossings in heavy traffic.

The installation process of the Retro Fit kit is more complex and time-consuming compared to the official Brompton Electric, which is purpose-built and ready to ride upon purchase.

Another disadvantage is that this company only ships to the UK. Brompton retrofit price from £1799

Pendix Electric Assist

The Pendix electric assist kit is a neat German-made system – it’s a crank drive kit, but unlike most crank drives, it can be fitted to conventional frames with no modification. The battery fits to a holder that fits to the bottle bosses or other convenient mounting points. A simple control knob on the battery sets the power output, and that’s it – it’s beautifully simple.

Because of this, it’s perfectly suited to bikes with hub gears, recumbents or any bikes where a hub motor won’t fit.

Since it is a crank drive, it will work on any Brompton – no need to change brakes, wheels or gearing, no frame modifications are needed. This makes it pretty convenient.

I’ve tried a Pendix-mounted Brompton and the power delivery was quite natural and probably better than the systems mounted on the front wheel. However, it adds a lot of bulk to the crank and frankly it felt like the Brompton was no longer a Brompton but a Frankenstein bike. The battery also rattled around which added to that feeling of Brompton’s elegance being completely lost.

When installing the Pendix electric assist system on a Brompton bike, there may be implications for the manufacturer’s warranty and customer support. Modifying the bicycle with an aftermarket solution can potentially void the original warranty provided by Brompton.

Note that one big disadvantage of electric Bromptons is that you can’t take them on a plane due to airline restrictions with bigger batteries.

Enhance Your Brompton Electric Kit Experience with Accessories

In addition to the Brompton electric kits mentioned earlier, there are several accessories available that can further enhance your riding experience. One brand that stands out in this regard is Vincita, known for their high-quality cycling accessories. Let’s take a look at some of the Vincita products that can complement your Brompton electric kit:

• This spacious and durable front carrier bag is specifically designed for Brompton bikes. With its multiple compartments and a capacity of up to 18 liters, it’s perfect for storing your essentials during your rides. The bag features water-resistant fabric and reflective elements for added safety.
• When it comes to carrying your Brompton electric bike, Vincita offers a convenient solution with their carry handle shoulder strap. This adjustable strap securely attaches to your bike, allowing you to comfortably transport it when folded. It’s particularly useful when navigating crowded areas or using public transportation.
• If you’re planning to travel with your Brompton electric bike, the Vincita transport bag is a must-have accessory. Designed with padding and water-resistant materials, this bag provides excellent protection during transit. Its tailored fit ensures a snug and secure enclosure for your bike.
• Security is paramount, and Vincita offers a reliable folding lock for your Brompton electric bike. This compact lock provides peace of mind when you need to leave your bike unattended, combining convenience and safety in one package.
• Don’t let inclement weather ruin your riding plans. The Vincita rain cover, designed specifically for Brompton bikes, offers excellent protection against rain, dust, and UV rays. Its lightweight and user-friendly design make it a practical accessory to have on hand.

By incorporating these high-quality Vincita accessories into your Brompton electric kit setup, you can take your riding experience to the next level. Explore the full range of Vincita products on their official website or through authorized retailers.

What are your thoughts on the electric Brompton? Would you buy an electric conversion kit for your Brompton?

About Jean Galea

Jean is a husband, father, athlete, entrepreneur and investor. He’s also the founder of the Good Life Collective.

Комментарии и мнения владельцев

I keep updating my on line request for one, but it’s never available – either there is an extreme high demand or there are production problems.

Late reply. I have fitted the swytch kit to my 30yr old bromi. Easy fittiing and i am extremely happy with it. I used to only use the bromi for my train /cycle commute to london much preferring my gravel bike for anything else. So after retiring I rarely used the brommi. Now with swytch I use it all the time and my bigger bike only gets used for long rides. I have the small 5ah battery and have dialled down the power by about 40% and then only use the lowest of 5 power settings most of the time as i dont need all the power and the battery goes further. 20 miles might use less than 1/2 the battery on an easy trip. 99% happy (1% taken off as the motot makes a v slight noise)

Has anyone received a Brompton conversion kit from Humancycle.cc yet. I’ve paid a lot up front months ago and had no reply or delivery to date. Is it a genuine Company ?

Thanks for your report Jean. Can you say more about the Pendix please? Was it powerful (Pendix say their new motor is 63Nm)? Noisy/quiet? Crank motors are theoretically the best place for a motor but you said you didn’t like it. It’s quite a lot heavier than the Brompton Electric. I have had the Brompton Electric for 2.5 years until stolen last week. I am thinking about my options. I loved, and did have to replace the motor which happened speedily under warranty. My dealer tells me that on later models the issue that required some motors to be replaced has been sorted. Their app is now out for both iOS and Android, and judging by the frequent surveying of users Brompton are keen to develop the app and the bike further. I may just get another! Peter

Thank you very much for your article. I am looking for the best solution to electrify a Brompton to a friend of mine. I will contact the manufacturers to import one sample to Brazil. In your opinion which electric assist kit is now the best to a Brompton? Could you please copy and paste the link of the manufacturer homepage?

Hi guys, any reviews and Комментарии и мнения владельцев on the Humancycle.cc solution? It looks very neat. Also not very cheap and its a company from the UK.

I have had a standard Brompton for 20 years. Living in a hilly city in the U.K. and with a knee issue I bought a Brompton electric….absolutely brilliant. I use it most of the time and often quicker than a car. It is expensive but worth the money.