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 a substitute of the Class 1 pedal help most of 20 mph.
I first got here throughout the e-Motiq system in 2024, once I examined the bigger 20-inch Brompton G Line. This highly effective rear-mounted motor, which might hit 20 mph, supplied a extra steady trip in comparison with the front-mounted design, and being pushed undoubtedly feels extra pure than being pulled alongside. The redesign additionally retains the load on the rear, so the folding mechanism stays balanced.
There are three power-assist ranges out there 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 pressure and cadence. How usually 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 trip smoother and extra pure.
Throughout testing, I barely observed any modifications as I racked up the miles, however I used to be severely impressed by how regular the bike felt. Effectively, 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, relatively than strapped a motor to my bike.
My check bike was single-speed, however there may be additionally a four-speed choice out there. Driving round London, I didn’t want a couple of gear because the motor simply takes the hassle out of any hills. Limitless site visitors additionally means it’s tougher to exceed prime pace for lengthy, however when the highway did open, I used to be impressed by how simply it was in a position to transition between aiding and backing off the facility to stay to fifteen.5 mph. I can solely speculate, however on America’s greater roads, I believe 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 It weighs lower than my outdated metal Brompton, and feels a lot nicer to hold, too.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 gentle and sufficiently small to simply 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 in a position to trip the nonelectric titanium Brompton T-Line, which at 17.64 kilos, was nearly laughably gentle. If you happen to don’t want electrical energy, it’s the good 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 should you press simply earlier than you set off at site visitors lights, or hit a hill as an illustration, gives you a strong push to get you began. It is not a throttle—you’ll want to be stationary although for it to kick in.
