Disappointingly, Brompton hasn’t given the T Line Electrical any extra velocity for US-based riders, so I’m afraid you’re restricted to the UK velocity 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, 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 accessible right here, plus Push Help (extra on that beneath), and the e-Motiq system additionally adjusts based mostly by yourself using fashion. It displays pedal drive 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 additional mileage, however to make your trip smoother and extra pure.
Throughout testing, I barely seen any modifications as I racked up the miles, however I used to be severely impressed by how regular the bike felt. Nicely, regular for a slightly 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, slightly than strapped a motor to my bike.
My check bike was single-speed, however there may be additionally a four-speed possibility accessible. Driving round London, I didn’t want multiple gear because the motor simply takes the hassle out of any hills. Countless site visitors additionally means it’s more durable to exceed high velocity 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 larger roads, I believe I’d need 4 gears. I’d additionally need a increase within the velocity help restrict. It’s a disgrace Brompton solely thought to incorporate a kind of issues.
I additionally rode a number of miles with out the battery pack, and was pleasantly shocked. It weighs lower than my previous 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 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 capable of trip the nonelectric titanium Brompton T-Line, which at 17.64 kilos, was virtually laughably mild. For those who 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 in the event you press simply earlier than you set off at site visitors lights, or hit a hill for example, provides you with a strong push to get you began. It is not a throttle—you should be stationary although for it to kick in.
