I tested 7 stylish e-bikes - my favorite is a real insider tip

From Cowboy to Tenways to Veloretti: I tried seven e-bikes for urban environments - and a clear favorite.

You can move forward faster without sweating: Many people are considering buying an e-bike, especially for commuting to work. But which model is particularly suitable for urban requirements and still looks good?

I have tested seven stylish city e-bikes in the last two years. Here is my personal list of favorites in ascending order.

How did the list come about?All e-bikes that I tested for GameStar Tech and tried out privately were available to choose from. Above all, I focused on thisLifestyle-E-Bikesfor the urban environment, including models from Cowboy, Tenways, MOUGG and Veloretti.

I rode the bikes in my small rural town for at least five weeks each - both on smooth roads and on bumpy dirt roads. During this time, I charged the batteries several times and rode the bikes in different seasons and weather conditions.

What criteria did I use to evaluate?In order to make the bikes even more comparable, I have selected four evaluation criteria for this article:

• Riding pleasure: How comfortable are the ergonomics and suspension and how well does the bike accelerate?
• Range: How far can I go on one charge?
• Scope of functions: What special (smart) functions does the bike offer?
• Price-performance ratio: How much e-bike (components, features) do I get for my money?

Please note that driving pleasure is a subjective criterion. Depending on which driving style you prefer, your rating might look different.

You can adapt the MOUGG Star CDI to your needs like no other

Driving fun:3/5
Reach:3/5
Scope of functions:2/5
Price-performance:4/5

TheMOUGG Star CDIis made in Germany and places particular emphasis on sustainability and adaptability. No other e-bike that I have tested can be adapted to your own needs in the configurator. Leather or rubber handles? Sport or comfort handlebars? Chain or strap? Where with other manufacturers you can usually only determine the frame color, with MOUGG you are spoiled for choice.

The bike accelerates quickly, but rides quite hard and doesn't have an app compared to all the others. Updates are therefore not possible, and there are no features apart from the high beam. Due to the small battery, the range is also comparatively short at a maximum of 70 kilometers, but sufficient for the city. Equipment and price-performance are also right: the Star CDI is available from just 2,000 euros.

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The Tenways CGO 009 is a smart e-bike for leisurely people

Driving fun:3/5
Reach:3/5
Scope of functions:3/5
Price-performance:5/5

For theTenways CGO 009I haven't written a test yet, but I've been driving it for several months. It is very reminiscent of the VanMoof bikes: clear lines in the frame design, wide, curved handlebars and a few smart features.

It is relatively massive and intended for people over 1.80 meters tall. Thanks to the ergonomics, you sit very comfortably, almost upright. In combination with the extremely thick and cushioning tires, this ensures a very comfortable driving experience.

However, the engine is a bit sluggish at times. While that fits with the bike's leisurely approach, I like it a little livelier. The functions mentioned include GPS tracking and theft notifications in the app, but unfortunately no alarm system. You also have to do without a display. The range is only solid at the lowest level; at higher levels the battery level drops rapidly. The price-performance ratio is right. If you are looking for a smart Dutch bike, you will find it here.

The Veloretti ACE Two offers automatic gear shifting

Driving fun:3/5
Reach:4/5
Scope of functions:4/5
Price-performance:3/5

It's even heavier and less maneuverableVeloretti Ace Two, which I also like to call the Rolls Royce of city e-bikes due to its more massive frame and higher weight of 29 kilograms. Compared to the other bikes, it is a noble but robust model that gets out of the quarrel surprisingly quickly thanks to the powerful mid-engine.

In addition to the large display with four changeable displays, the highlight is the 4-speed gearshift from Enviolo. It doesn't always run smoothly, but it runs reliably. Depending on the speed level, the battery lasts up to 120 kilometers. The app offers some features such as a location function. A very high-quality bike that also commands an impressive price at around 3,300 euros. It's a shame that the luggage rack costs extra.

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The Cowboy Cruiser fascinated me

Driving fun:5/5
Reach:3/5
Scope of functions:4/5
Price-performance:3/5

Chic, elegant, smart: thatCowboy Cruisercombines minimalist design with strong features. Auto (un)lock, push notifications, headwind detection and more – the combination of style and software focus fascinated me.

The thick tires dampen so well that I rarely missed suspension. The app is one of the best on the market, and the manufacturer regularly releases new updates and functions - although most of them only come at an additional cost.

Besides the onlyokayenWith a range of around 70 kilometers, the pricing policy is the biggest point of criticism. Despite the price of 3,600 euros, the bike only comes with cheap clip-on lights because the lights built into the frame are not StVZO compliant. The luggage rack costs another 100 euros.

In addition, in my opinion, essential features like AdaptivePower are behind the paywall. Too bad! The driving experience, on the other hand, has no alternative. I love this bike for its style and simplicity, but I can't recommend it to everyone.

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The Tenways CGO 600 Pro is the perfect all-rounder and a great value for money

Driving fun:5/5
Reach:4/5
Scope of functions:2/5
Price-performance:5/5

It is light, maneuverable and costs just under 1,800 euros: thatTenways CGO 600 Prodoes not offer any notable functions, but it does offer a super-smooth driving experience for this price range and a long range of 100 kilometers for the slim design. And that's ultimately what matters with an e-bike.

However, due to its ergonomics, it is by far the sportiest of all the bikes. You have to like that. I like it a lot, which is why I give it the highest rating for driving pleasure despite the lack of suspension. In contrast to the also purist MOUGG, there is also an app with a navigation function and route recording.

In order to keep the attractive price, you have to make compromises: The display is small but functional; the taillight made of cheap plastic. The lack of suspension is also noticeable. In return you get a low-maintenance Gates carbon belt and optionally a free luggage rack. For me it's the best city e-bike under 2,000 euros that I've ever ridden.

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The Lemmo One (MAX) is my personal favorite

Driving fun:5/5
Reach:4/5
Scope of functions:5/5
Price-performance:4/5

My absolute favorite of the list is thisLemmo One MK2 MAX, which many of you may not know. It is only the third model from the still relatively young Berlin startup.

The MAX not only offers a smooth and comfortable ride thanks to the front and saddle suspension as well as a good range of up to 100 kilometers. It also has tons of smart features such as the alarm system, GPS tracking or hardware locking of the rear wheel, which I also want in the Cowboy Cruiser. But Lemmo doesn't shy away from innovative approaches.

The battery can be used as a power bank and the motor can be decoupled from the bike. In this way, the e-bike transforms into a bio-bike with a twisting movement. The range is also considerable given the thin, stylish design.

The app is still miles behind Cowboy, but the potential is huge. For me, it offers the best overall package of all the e-bikes tested and that's not just due to the suspension, which is missing from all other models.

My next favorite is its little brother, the Lemmo One MK2. This offers a slightly weaker engine, different tires and no suspension, but it is also around 1000 euros cheaper. So two bikes share itfirst placemy personal ranking.

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Conclusion: This was my personal favorites list for 2024

As you can see, the e-bikes differ significantly and therefore offer a suitable option for every need.

My personal favorite, the Lemmo One Max, impresses with an outstanding overall package. It not only offers excellent driving fun thanks to the fine engine tuning and suspension, but also an impressive range and well thought-out features such as smart assistance functions.

The price remains fair, even if the sister modelLemmo One MK 2offers an even better price-performance ratio. For commuters or frequent riders who are looking for a reliable, modern and versatile e-bike, the Lemmo One Max or MK2 is the clear recommendation.

However, you can't go wrong with any of the others, depending on your needs and which one you like visually.

Below you can see the detailed overview with the point ratings of all tested models - so you can decide for yourself which bike best meets your needs.

If you are interested in an e-bike but are put off by the price, you might be interested in a rental service. I tested one of them:

What about VanMoof & Co.?

This list only includes bikes that I have tested. Unfortunately, some popular models such as the VanMoof S5 and the Cowboy Cross are not included. It's my turn to take the test next year.

Which of the bikes presented do you like best? Or do you have other suggestions for city e-bikes that I should test in 2025? Write it to me in the comments, I'm looking forward to your opinion and your questions.