Small, but strong, he is able to follow you everywhere. We tested the electric version of the Brompton, this cult bike “made in London”.
In terms of vehicles, Great Britain has created legends with, among others, motorcycles (Brough Superior and Triumph Bonneville) and cars (Jaguar, Rolls Royce, Aston Martin and Austin Mini …). Thanks to Brompton Bicycle Ltd, the bicycle is no exception. It is to the cycle what the Mini (the original) is to the automobile. A mix of robustness, originality and efficiency with the chic “made in London”.
The manufacturer will not miss the turn of the electric but without reinventing the wheel. He just converted the original model without altering it. A sort of retrofit, this technique for converting a thermal vehicle into an electric vehicle. Its name, the Brompton Electric, “what else”. It is offered in two versions: 2 speeds (3,200 euros) and 6 speeds at 3,400 euros. We tested the first one.
This folding cycle is a real multimodal bike. It weaves its way through traffic at high speed, but in the event of fatigue or too great a distance, it folds in a handful of seconds to take public transport or a taxi or a VTC.
To go fast, you have to follow a precise order. After a few tries, we got there in a good minute, but on social media, people can do it in less than 10 seconds. And no need for a crutch. The rear wheel bends in a second (a verified datum) and makes it stand up straight like an “i”.
The other advantage of this concept is that it will not be stolen since it can find a place even in a studio. Folded, it takes no more space than a cabin suitcase (565 mm × 545 mm × 250 mm) for a weight of 13.7 kg, two kilos more than the classic model, which in fact corresponds to the weight of the motor. Allow 3.9 kg more for the battery, for a total of 17.6 kg.
The battery is fixed with a click on the fork and once removed is worn over the shoulder thanks to its transport bag. With a power of 300W, it powers a 250 watt motor installed in the front wheel. It takes 4 hours for a full charge. The battery and motor design was entrusted to engineers at Williams Advanced Engineering, the team that develops the electric motors for the Formula E team.
The Brompton has three power modes to more or less quickly reach 25 km / hour. Depending on this choice, the range goes from 40 to nearly 80 kilometers. This remains more than sufficient for urban journeys which on average rarely exceed ten kilometers per day.
On the other hand, the change of mode is done on the battery and not with a comodo on the handlebars. We therefore change mode by leaning forward. When riding, you have to keep your balance. Ditto for lighting, but an “auto” mode allows the front and rear lights to turn on without intervention depending on the brightness.
Little but strong
The Brompton Electric is efficient. With a good pedal stroke, it starts at quarter turn. When you are not used to this geometry (long fork and seat bar, low frame) and small 16-inch wheels, you are a little surprised. You will have to avoid potholes that are too deep. But after a few kilometers everything is fine.
Be careful though when cornering. Better not to accelerate too much because of the engine installed at the front and not to lean too much: the pedals quickly rub the ground. Again, these are little habits to take.
To climb hills, this bicycle also has a 2 or 6 speed derailleur which can be changed via a lever on the frame. Classic. We tested the first one, which is a bit light for climbing hills, especially since the bike is not really made for pedaling like a dancer. The second model is much more suitable for using rue de Ménilmontant in Paris, boulevard André Aune in Marseille or rue de la Cadière in Lyon.
In conclusion, the electric Brompton is an endearing bike by its design, but not only. It is robust. The hinges that connect the steel frame are strong and not likely to play with time. It is also practical since it can be taken anywhere. It will still take some getting used to driving. But since the creation of the brand, this concept has gained thousands of followers all over the world.
The origins of Brompton
For the record, this bike was invented in the 70s in the garden shed of Andrew Ritchie, engineer, handyman and gardener in his spare time. He found the bikes too bulky and difficult to store. As for the name, it is that of the Brompton Oratory, a London chapel that he saw from his windows.
A true Londoner, Andrew Ritchie never wanted to leave his hometown. The factory and head office are still in London. Today the company is run by Will Butler-Adams, who joined the company as an employee when he was 28. It has 500 employees and produces 45,000 bicycles each year. It plans to recruit 100 more people to meet the strong demand for pedelecs and accelerate production of the new electric bicycle.
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