Source: ElektroRad

The LEVA-EU member’s recumbent Easy Rider Explore and city cruiser Thuja models were put to the test by German electric cycling publication ElektroRad, in its annual E-bike Test, achieving assessments of Very Good and Good respectively.

The ElektroRad testing procedure is thorough, following a complex evaluation system which comprises more than 120 test parameters. Both Easy Rider Explore and Thuja were tested in the Specialty models section of the Trekking Bikes section, which included three-wheeled variants.

Easy Rider Explore

This recumbent trike is described by the ElektrodRad tester as “a comfortable e-recumbent bike, well-suited for everyday use as well as touring.”

The tester found the riding experience to be comfortable, thanks to features such as spring suspension on the rear axle, a seat with a backrest, and a very relaxed riding position. The drivetrain is noted for the silence of the hub motor, which provides three assistance levels enabling easy tackling of hill starts, and generously spaced 11 gears.

The tester also encountered ice on the testing path, and found that the Easy Rider Explore felt secure in these conditions, concluding that the trike is “perfect for less confident cyclists and novices.”

Thuja

The tester states that the Thuja “offers maximum comfort and versatility, making it suitable for touring, commuting, and cargo.”

Its innovative design is highlighted by the Ackermann steering system, which enables stable, easy manoeuvring, as each wheel turns at a different angle when cornering. Comfort is also prioritised, with a low step-through frame and upright seating position, which enables good visibility of traffic.

The Thuja is powered by a vanRaam mid-drive motor that offers maximum torque of 75 Nm, and is paired with a continuously variable Enviolo hub.