Getting active on a BMW Active Hybrid e-bike

This story first appeared in the March issue of Evtalk – CLICK HERE to download the magazine FREE

Like the cars, the BMW Active Hybrid electric bike looks good. And the mid-drive e-bike rides well too.

The BMW blows away the hills, even in the lower pedal assist speeds among the three available.

Its top speed is apparently governed to around 25km/h, but I could regularly reach 27km/h and even 31km/h on some stretches with some surging noticeable during pedalling on the flat as the speed assist kicks in (you can turn it off).

While you’re liable to be overtaken on the flat by a fit road bike rider, you certainly win on the hills or into a head wind.

Range is really good.

Publicity puts the range around 100km on a single charge.

A test run over hills and flats tends to support that with only one of the three battery indicator bars lost over about 23km.

That was using the top power assist mode for much of the distance into a head wind and carrying a full backpack with a laptop, charger, lunch, books, a change of clothes and more – probably close to 10kg.

Another journey over the same distance with a similar load used barely half of one battery indicator, leaving three-and-a-half, while sticking to just two levels of pedal assist.

I guess that’s where the term “active hybrid” applies – using your leg power as well as the electrics.

If you really want to get fit just switch pedal assist off, although the bike can be heavy at around the standard 25kg because of the drive module.

The advanced Brose electric motor combined with the removeable 504Wh battery can spit out 250W and 90Nm of torque – more than enough for a daily commute or a long, recreational ride.

The motor and battery are fully integrated into the hydroformed aluminium frame, highlighting the bike’s sporty silhouette, accentuated further by the familiar BMW “bullneck”.

Frozen Black and Arctic Silver paintwork highlight the looks.

Front fork suspension helps iron out the bumps, also relieved by wider tyres at a slightly lower pressure than my 100 PSI road bike wheels.

Shimano’s 10 cogs on the rear wheel and one at the pedal crank are sufficient to cover all ranges of terrain and speed, although changing gears can produce a slight “ping” at times.

The saddle suits road bike riders like myself but may not be as comfortable for some commuters who can probably swap it if they really want to.

It’s designed specifically for e-bikes for comfort and safety though.

The e-bike’s full front and rear mudguards deflect any road spray – they clang a bit over rough sections – and a LED red light is integrated into the rear aluminium mudguard.

A front fork mounted light is bright enough, although when riding in Auckland traffic I prefer adding a few extras like a seat post mounted rear light, a flashing white light on the handlebars and another on the helmet.

Hydraulic brakes provide ample stopping power.

Essentials like the pedal assist indicator (shown beside a rocket symbol), lights, battery health and speed are on the handlebar mounted controller and screen.

It also comes with a Micro USB socket and Bluetooth functionality.

The BMW Active Hybrid e-bike, which has the same eDrive branding as its hybrid cars, sells for about $5600 and is available from selected BMW dealers.

Many automotive producers like BMW have been involved with bicycles, and more recently with e-bikes.

General Motors, for instance, has called its new e-bike brand ARĪV, which includes a compact (Meld) and folding bike (Merge).

Visit shop.bmw.com for other BMW cycle models and related equipment.