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, after I examined the bigger 20-inch Brompton G Line. This highly effective rear-mounted motor, which might hit 20 mph, supplied a extra steady experience in comparison with the front-mounted design, and being pushed positively feels extra pure than being pulled alongside. The redesign additionally retains the burden on the rear, so the folding mechanism stays balanced.
There are three power-assist ranges obtainable right here, plus Push Help (extra on that beneath), and the e-Motiq system additionally adjusts based mostly by yourself using type. It screens pedal power and cadence. How typically you cease and begin and over your first 62 miles on the bike tweaks how the ability is used. This isn’t to eke out out further mileage, however to make your experience smoother and extra pure.
Throughout testing, I barely seen any adjustments as I racked up the miles, however I used to be critically 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, quite than strapped a motor to my bike.
My take a look at bike was single-speed, however there’s additionally a four-speed choice obtainable. Using round London, I didn’t want a couple of gear because the motor simply takes the trouble out of any hills. Infinite site visitors additionally means it’s tougher to exceed prime velocity for lengthy, however when the street did open, I used to be impressed by how simply it was capable of transition between aiding and backing off the ability 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 enhance 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 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 It weighs lower than my outdated metal Brompton, and feels a lot nicer to hold, too.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 mild and sufficiently small to simply carry with you, and it’s additionally costly sufficient that you just’ll by no means lock it up and depart it on the road.
I’ve additionally been capable of experience the nonelectric titanium Brompton T-Line, which at 17.64 kilos, was nearly laughably mild. Should you 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 if you happen to 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 isn’t a throttle—you might want to be stationary although for it to kick in.
