electric bicycles are booming, but what are they good for? The Stiftung Warentest has taken twelve models under the magnifying glass. Only a third is "good" - it's like two Bikes due to fall due to fire hazard.

Berlin (dpa/tmn) - Pedelecs are becoming more and more popular. But some of the handling of the E language often Bikes referred bikes with electric motor drives the risk. Alone of the price or brand name are the quality criteria only partly.

a comparison of the Foundation's shows were a test of twelve Pedelecs ("test", edition 6/20). The experts have placed the focus on comfortable models with a low-entry in the price range of 2150 to 3500 Euro. Two brand wheels are covered with "deficient", including one of the three most expensive models. The reason: the plug housings of the battery and the charger a fire risk.

The testers found cracks, and pollutants,

Four models show after the stress test cracks, for example in the framework of the support saddle or the control pipe. In addition, high amounts of plasticizer, DPHP were found in three of the saddles of the test field. For this, there is still no limit, but he showed in animal studies as harmful to health.

Only a third of the E-Bikes, the experts rate as "good", including the winner of the test "KTM Macina Tour 510" for about 2900 Euro (grade 1.7). It moves as a single with very good overall handling characteristics. Also "good" are the "Stevens E-Courier PT5" for around 3000 Euro (2,3), the "Pegasus Premio Evo 10 Lite" for around 3100 euros, (2,4), as well as the "Raleigh Kent 9" for around 2800 Euro (2,4).

The most expensive model is only "sufficient"

Three more wheels to finish the Test with a "satisfactory". Three models, including both the most expensive and the cheapest, are only "sufficient", among other things, because the cracks showed, or you are already little baggage load and at low speeds, very unstable driving.

How power full the when supportive E-Motor of the crossbar, the torque reading is given in Newton meters (Nm). In the highest of several selectable levels of Support the test field offers values from 50 to 80 Nm. Who pays attention when buying to evenly selectable steps, you can retrieve the engine support according to individual requirements precisely. All models provide up to two in the Test.

easy to dispense engine performance, helps in the Cycle

a Lot of torque is plenty of power, but it can also go at the expense of the battery. So who drives a lot in the flat land, gets the same battery with a slightly weaker drive maybe more range. Hilly routes you take, however, more comfortable with more torque under the wheels. But beware: powerful motors with lots of torque can accelerate the two-Wheeler strong, wants to be practiced. Those who do not feel as safe on two wheels, pick a moderate drive, the experts advise.

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