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The best compact e-bikes 2025: test winners & tips for every budget!
Discover the best compact e-bikes for traveling and city trips in our detailed test report from May 27, 2025.
The best compact e-bikes 2025: test winners & tips for every budget!
Compact e-bikes have become increasingly popular in recent years, primarily because of their versatility and small space requirements. They are ideal for traveling in a caravan, for city apartments and for journeys on field and forest paths. Loud IMTEST Five models were tested, including the test winner I:SY N3.8 ZR CX Comfort and the price-performance winner Tern NBD S5i.
All e-bikes tested are equipped with 20-inch tires and are characterized by their compact design, which makes them smaller than conventional trekking or city e-bikes. The most expensive model in the test is the I:SY N3.8 ZR CX Comfort, which costs around 5,000 euros. It impresses with high overall ratings in the areas of equipment and brakes as well as a range of up to 54.5 km.
Test results of the models
- I:SY N3.8 ZR CX Comfort
Preis: ca. 5.000 Euro
Ausstattung: gut (2,0)
Reichweite: 54,5 km
Bremsen: sehr gut (1,1)
Gewicht: 150 kg Gesamtgewicht - Tern NBD S5i
Gewicht: 25 kg (leichtestes Rad im Test)
Reichweite: 59,5 km (bester Wert)
Ausstattung: befriedigend (2,8) - Flyer Upstreet1 7.43
Preis: 4.699 Euro
Reichweite: 54,5 km
Bremsen: sehr gut (1,0) - Bergamont Hans-E N5E Belt
Gewicht: 28,8 kg
Ausstattung: befriedigend (3,0) - Velo de Ville KEB 590
Gewicht: 28 kg
Preis: 5.048 Euro (teuerstes Rad im Angebot)
The differences in price and technical features are reflected in the test ratings. All models have Bosch drives, with torque varying between 55 and 85 Nm. In addition to the range, compact e-bikes also offer high load capacity and transport options, which are particularly advantageous in urban environments.
Market development and technical aspects
Compact bikes were previously considered a niche topic, but the e-bike boom triggered by the corona pandemic has led to more and more manufacturers offering compact e-bikes with high-quality features. Bosch's technical dominance in the engine sector, especially with the Active Line Plus and Performance Line, plays an important role. Five well-known manufacturers, including i:SY, Flyer and Bergamont, rely on powerful drives that achieve excellent climbing values.
The compact bikes tested all have batteries with at least 500 watt hours, which are usually located behind the seat tube to make handling easier. In addition, the total weight of the compact wheels is between 24 and 28.8 kg. Low-maintenance concepts, including the use of carbon belts and encapsulated hub gears, have also become established.
The test also evaluated the braking systems of various manufacturers, achieving high safety standards. Advances in equipment reduce losses in comfort that could arise from eliminating suspension forks and using smaller tires. For driving comfort, tire widths of at least 55 millimeters are recommended.
With prices varying from 3,449 euros (Gepida Pugio Pro Belt Nexus 8) to 5,048 euros (Riese & Müller Tinker 2 Vario), the offer covers a wide price range. The advancing technological development and the adaptation of models to the needs of buyers make compact e-bikes an attractive choice for urban mobility and travel.