Stromer and Ellio lead in VAB’s 2025 list of best speed pedelecs
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LEVA-EU members Stromer and Ellio were announced in first and second place respectively in the speed pedelec category of VAB’s Bike of the Year 2025 list, an annual round-up that assists in electric bike, speed pedelec or cargo bike purchasing decisions.
This is the eleventh edition of the popular “Bike of the Year” selection by VAB, a Belgian roadside assistance organisation that repairs bicycles, cars and motorcycles.
VAB’s Bike of the Year selection process
VAB winners are partly chosen by consumers as well as a professional jury of bicycle industry experts, with each of the bikes being judged on technical specifications such as manoeuvrability, steering behaviour, comfort, ergonomics, safety, pedal assistance and price-quality ratio. This year, there were 45 bicycles competing for Bike of the Year recognition in the categories of e-bike economy (a maximum support of 25 km/h, with a maximum price of €3,250), e-bike premium, speed pedelec, and new for this year, a cargo bike category for both longtail and box-type cargo bikes.
Stromer’s ST5 Smart.Shift crowned best speed pedelec

The VAB jury selected this model as their winner, with the panel of everyday riders and e-bike experts being impressed by the ST5 Smart.Shift’s powerful motor, dynamic riding feel, intuitive support as well as its high safety performance, “Especially the motor, support, ride feel and safety gave the ST5 Smart.Shift the edge,” says Jan Creten from VAB.
This model is a powerful crowd-pleaser with its quiet 850-watt rear-wheel motor, premium components, and electronic Pinion Smart.Shift system that delivers high performance with speed and precision, with a range of up to 180 km.
Its innovative design also comes with the groundbreaking Stromer Sound System and a new recyclable carbon-reinforced mudguard, which in comparison to aluminium mudguards, reduces CO2 footprint by 50%.
Stromer acknowledges the importance of winning the best speed pedelec award in empowering cleaner and more conscious commuting, “We want to inspire people to choose mobility that makes them — and society — healthier, happier, and more sustainable,” says Bram Ariese, Marketing Manager BeNeLux at myStromer Europe.
The Ellio Original takes the second podium place

VAB described the Ellio Original as being a credible runner-up with its sharp price of €6,995.
Ellio itself describes it as a speed pedelec that’s built for urban riders of varied ages and sizes, with highlights including its powerful double motor, automatic switching system, large removable battery and regenerative back-pedal brake. Its stealthy design has a 1150 WH battery which brings a range of 50-200 km, and is equipped to carry loads of up to 160 kg. More information about the Ellio Original can be found on the Ellio website.