Martin Love 

Emu Mini ebike preview: ‘It has a nuggety, indestructible, go-anywhere appeal’

The Emu Mini folding electric bike is small enough to fit into your life and sturdy enough to take the hard work out of your commute, says Martin Love
  
  

Emu Mini folding electric bike in black shot against a white background
Small wheels, big news: the Emu Mini folder is one of the best entry-level ebikes on the market Photograph: PR

Emu Mini ebike
Price
£999, emubikes.com
Motor 250w
Range 12-20 miles
Gears Shimano Nexus

With its chunky 16in wheels and bouncy tyres, thick tubes and sturdy set-up, the Emu Mini is the Thelwell pony of folding ebikes. So many portable rides tend to be on the feeble and flimsy side. In order to be light enough to carry, manufacturers have to make concessions. So the pipework becomes thinner, handlebars and saddles are trimmed, accessories are cut back. If you are spending a lot of money, this is no problem as only the highest quality and most technical materials are used. But at the cheaper end you are left with a bike that feels at best skimpy and at worst dangerous. The Emu Mini, however, exudes a nuggety, indestructible, go-anywhere appeal. Sit on it and you feel safe and secure. It’s versatile and has a neat fold that makes it compact enough to carry and stow. It saves weight by having a relatively small battery. The whole thing tips the scales at 17kg. It only has a range of about 20 miles, but that’s plenty as the bike is intended to be a mixed-mode commuter – or a final-mile solution. It has a three-speed hub gear and disc brakes. Integrated lighting and full mudguards are included. Saddle up and the city is yours to explore.

Cool kit

The Aeron is both antibacterial and wickable, but it’s the awesome pinkness that’ll make it a hit. dhb Aeron bike jersey £40, wiggle.co.uk

Email Martin at martin.love@observer.co.uk or follow him on Twitter@MartinLove166

 

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