The Brompton Electric G Line, launching in 2024, advances the brand’s legacy of compact folding bikes with a larger 20-inch format for enhanced comfort. It retains the iconic folding mechanism while promising improved features like braking and a rear motor. Weighing 19.5 kg, it’s easy to transport, but the battery’s placement can be cumbersome. While it delivers an enjoyable ride and solid brakes, the G Line features a limited 4-speed drivetrain and lacks a display, raising questions about its functionality at a price of 3,999 euros.
The Brompton brand represents a commitment to creating compact folding bicycles, renowned for being the most space-efficient on the market when folded. Its innovative folding mechanism, introduced in 1975, has remained consistent, though it has seen enhancements over the years, with models like the A Line, C Line, and the lightweight titanium T Line (weighing just 7.45 kg). One of the most significant advancements has been the introduction of the Brompton Electric in 2019, an electric folding bike that retains the essence of the original C Line and P Line models.
In 2024, the Brompton G Line is set to revolutionize the brand. This new electric folding bike features a 20-inch wheel size, designed for enhanced comfort while maintaining the iconic folding system. Cyclists who found the previous 16-inch model limiting may appreciate this change. The G Line boasts improvements in several areas, including braking performance, handlebar design, and motor placement.
On paper, the specifications sound appealing, but does it meet expectations, especially with a price tag of €3,999? After two weeks of testing this bike, here’s what we discovered.
Technical Specifications
Design: Exceptional Folding Capability
The Brompton Electric G Line invites exploration and easy transport, staying true to the legacy of its smaller sibling, the 16-inch model. Essentially, it feels like an enlarged version of the same bike, featuring the same frame shape, gently curved bars, and the innovative folding mechanism.
Folding the bike is straightforward: a simple lift of a lever collapses the rear wheel, efficiently transitioning the bike into trolley mode within 2 seconds. A small rear platform is provided as standard, rolled along with ease, making it handy in crowded places like train stations.
For compact storage at home or while traveling, further steps are necessary. Loosening the hinge lever allows the front of the bike to fold to the side, locking securely with a hook.
This results in a compact 20-inch bike that significantly outperforms competitors like the Eovolt, Vello, or Tern Vektron in terms of size. Unfolding takes around fifteen seconds, thanks to the simple stem and frame levers.
Interestingly, the Electric G Line has a weight of 19.5 kg, including the battery. However, the placement of the battery at the front can cause imbalance when folded or in trolley mode.
For easier handling, it’s advisable to detach the battery when carrying the bike. While the bike itself weighs 16 kg, the additional battery adds to the load, requiring separate handling. Although not overly heavy, this can be inconvenient.
Convenient Carrying Options
While the Brompton Electric G Line is not the lightest in its category, it remains manageable given its compact size. The bike comes equipped with a trolley platform suitable for bags and panniers, complemented by standard mudguards made of glossy black plastic—these fenders are more substantial and are equipped with a mud flap, enhancing protection.
Lighting is conveniently connected to the battery, providing ample illumination with 115 lux (310 lumens), sufficient for city riding and nighttime excursions. The bright Busch & Müller rear light further enhances safety during transport or when stationary.
A slight drawback is the specific design of the bag/battery connection for this model, which is incompatible with existing luggage options for the 16-inch or mechanical bikes. Fortunately, a dedicated line for the G Line is expected to launch soon, albeit at an additional cost.
No Display, Traditional Battery System
Despite its premium positioning, the Brompton Electric series lacks an onboard screen for the electric bike, including the G Line. The battery system remains unchanged, with controls and indicators located directly on the casing. Adjusting assistance levels—three options—requires pressing a button that is not easily accessible while riding. Likewise, the light control is situated nearby, proving impractical for seamless use.
For those who prefer a more disconnected experience, the electric feature can be used independently of the mechanical functions, although the limitations of the 4-speed transmission are notable.
Application Support… But Still Lacking
There is an app available for those who wish to monitor their ride, although it relies on a smartphone mount that is not included. Unfortunately, we couldn’t evaluate the Brompton Electric app, as the G Line model was unavailable during our testing period. The promised interface offers standard functionalities like speed, average speed, mileage, duration, and assistance level adjustments.
Riding Experience: A Joy to Ride
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