Disappointingly, Brompton hasn’t given the T Line Electrical any extra pace for US-based riders, so I’m afraid you’re restricted to the UK pace restrict of 15.5 mph as an alternative of the Class 1 pedal help most of 20 mph.
I first got here throughout the e-Motiq system in 2024, after I examined the bigger 20-inch Brompton G Line. This highly effective rear-mounted motor, which may hit 20 mph, supplied a extra steady journey in comparison with the front-mounted design, and being pushed undoubtedly feels extra pure than being pulled alongside. The redesign additionally retains the burden on the rear, so the folding mechanism stays balanced.
There are three power-assist ranges obtainable right here, plus Push Help (extra on that under), and the e-Motiq system additionally adjusts primarily based by yourself using model. It displays pedal power and cadence. How typically you cease and begin and over your first 62 miles on the bike tweaks how the facility is used. This isn’t to eke out out further mileage, however to make your journey smoother and extra pure.
Throughout testing, I barely observed any adjustments as I racked up the miles, however I used to be severely impressed by how regular the bike felt. Nicely, regular for a touch wobbly upright design with tiny 16-inch wheels. Sure, there was a surge of energy as I began to pedal, however the preliminary acceleration was managed. It felt extra like I’d supercharged my legs, quite than strapped a motor to my bike.
My check bike was single-speed, however there may be additionally a four-speed choice obtainable. Using round London, I didn’t want a couple of gear because the motor simply takes the hassle out of any hills. Infinite visitors additionally means it’s tougher to exceed high pace for lengthy, however when the highway did open, I used to be impressed by how simply it was capable of transition between helping and backing off the facility to stay to fifteen.5 mph. I can solely speculate, however on America’s greater roads, I feel I’d need 4 gears. I’d additionally need a enhance within the pace help restrict. It’s a disgrace Brompton solely thought to incorporate a kind of issues.
I additionally rode a couple of miles with out the battery pack, and was pleasantly stunned. It weighs lower than my outdated metal Brompton, and feels a lot nicer to hold, too. I hauled the Electrical T Line e-Motiq up numerous stairs, onto the London Underground, slung it within the trunk of a taxi at 2 AM, and solely left it in a restaurant cloakroom as soon as. It’s mild and sufficiently small to only carry with you, and it’s additionally costly sufficient that you simply’ll by no means lock it up and go away it on the road.
I’ve additionally been capable of journey the nonelectric titanium Brompton T-Line, which at 17.64 kilos, was virtually laughably mild. Should you don’t want electrical energy, it’s the excellent commuter bike.
Management, Extras, and Competitors
{Photograph}: Chris Haslam
It’s tiny, however the handlebar-mounted controller does some cool issues. There’s a start-assist button, that when you press simply earlier than you set off at visitors lights, or hit a hill as an illustration, will provide you with a strong push to get you began. It isn’t a throttle—you want to be stationary although for it to kick in.
