Light, agile, yours: The ultimate comparison of the best lightweight urban e-bikes for Switzerland

Say goodbye to heavy e-bikes! Discover a new generation of bikes under 20 kg, perfect for our cities. We'll show you what's important and which concept best suits your everyday life in Switzerland.

Hello! Imagine this scenario: You live on the third floor of a charming old apartment building in Bern. Your e-bike has made your commute much easier, but every evening you face the same insurmountable obstacle: the stairwell. A 25-kilo behemoth needs to be hauled up. Or you're navigating the bustling Bahnhofstrasse in Zurich, and your heavy e-bike feels more like a truck than an agile bicycle.

Does this sound familiar? E-bikes have revolutionized our mobility, but for a long time their greatest strength was also their greatest weakness: their weight. The dream of effortless riding was often bought at the price of a cumbersome, heavy bicycle.

But those days are over. A new wave of lightweight urban e-bikes is conquering Switzerland. We're not talking about marginal improvements here, but a true revolution: bikes that often weigh only 15 to 18 kg and ride almost like a classic bicycle – only with that magical tailwind when you need it.

In this comprehensive comparison, we'll show you what makes these lightweight e-bikes so special, why they're perfectly suited to everyday life in Switzerland, from Geneva to St. Gallen, and what different philosophies exist on the market. Find out which lightweight e-bike is right for you.

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1. The revolution of lightness: What exactly is a "lightweight urban e-bike"?

If you look at current e-bike tests, such as those from the TCS (Touring Club Switzerland), you'll often find models in the lower price range. These are a good choice for beginners, but they all have one thing in common: a high weight, usually between 23 and 28 kg. Many premium city e-bikes also prioritize comfort with large batteries and powerful motors, which also increases the weight.

A lightweight urban e-bike takes a completely different approach. Here, the maxim is not "maximum power, maximum range," but rather "as much support as necessary, as little weight as possible." This is achieved through a smart combination of four factors:

1. The engine: Small, quiet, inconspicuous

Instead of relying on powerful mid-mounted motors with 85 Nm of torque, lightweight manufacturers are opting for compact and efficient drive systems:

• Rear hub motors (e.g., Mahle X20/X35): These motors are discreetly integrated into the rear wheel hub and are often not recognizable as motors at first glance. They are extremely quiet and offer a very natural, propulsive riding experience that most closely resembles cycling.

• Lightweight mid-drive motors (e.g., TQ HPR50, Bosch Performance Line SX): This new generation of mid-drive motors is significantly smaller, lighter, and quieter than their larger counterparts. They offer an excellent power-to-weight ratio and are ideal for hilly urban terrain.

2. The battery: Smart instead of huge

The biggest weight saving comes from the battery. Instead of huge 625 Wh or 750 Wh batteries, lightweight urban e-bikes use smaller batteries with 250 Wh to 400 Wh . "Is that enough?" you might be wondering. For urban areas in Switzerland: absolutely! You can easily travel 40 to 70 kilometers – enough for your daily commute and trips to the shops. For longer weekend tours, many manufacturers offer optional "range extenders," small additional batteries about the size of a water bottle.

3. The design: Purism triumphs over frills

Lightness is also a matter of reduction. These bikes deliberately forgo heavy suspension forks, bulky displays, and unnecessary accessories. Instead, you'll find:

• Slim frames, often made of lightweight aluminum or high-quality carbon.

• Integrated components: The light is elegantly integrated into the handlebars or seat post, cables disappear into the frame.

• A sporty yet comfortable geometry that promotes agility.

4. The drive: The belt as a lightweight construction partner

Many lightweight e-bikes rely on a Gates Carbon Drive belt drive . This is not only clean and maintenance-free, but often also lighter than a traditional derailleur system with cassette and front derailleur. It perfectly fits the clean and uncomplicated philosophy of this bicycle category.

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2. Perfect for Switzerland: Why you'll love a lightweight e-bike

Our country places special demands on bicycles. A lightweight urban e-bike really shines here:

• Agility in cities: Whether through the narrow streets of Geneva's old town, over the many bridges in Zurich or in the dense traffic of Basel – a light, agile bicycle gives you more control and safety.

• Mastering the topography: Switzerland is rarely completely flat. Even cities like Lausanne or St. Gallen have challenging hills. A lightweight e-bike is much easier to pedal uphill, even with less motor assistance. It feels more athletic, and you decide how much "fitness" and how much "e-bike" you want.

• Multimodal transport (bike & SBB): Does your commute include a train journey? Lifting a 16 kg bike onto the SBB train is child's play. With a 26 kg bike, it quickly becomes a struggle. This ease of handling opens up entirely new commuting possibilities for you.

• Living and everyday life: Does your bike have to go in the basement, the bike room, or even into your apartment? Every kilo you don't have to carry is a gain in quality of life. This isn't a luxury, but pure practicality in everyday Swiss living.

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3. The Great Comparison: Three Philosophies of Lightness

Lightweight isn't always easy. Various approaches have become established in the market. We're not comparing individual models here, but rather the philosophies behind them, so you can find the right one for you.

Philosophy 1: The Invisible Helper – Aesthetics First

At first glance, these bicycles don't even look like e-bikes. They are masters of integration and minimalist design.

• Features: Almost always a rear hub motor (e.g. Mahle), a battery permanently installed in the down tube and operation via a discreet button on the top tube, often supplemented by an app.

• Notable representatives: Schindelhauer, Ampler, Tenways.

• Weight class: Often the lightest models, sometimes under 14 kg.

• Ideal for you if: you're a design enthusiast, live in a relatively flat to gently rolling city, and are looking for a bike that perfectly combines style with smooth, natural support. The handling is most similar to that of a single-speed bike.

Philosophy 2: The agile all-rounder – The golden mean

This category combines lightweight construction with a bit more power and flexibility. They are the all-rounders for more demanding urban environments.

• Features: Usually a lightweight mid-drive motor (e.g., Bosch SX, Fazua Ride 60) that develops more power uphill. The battery is often removable, which simplifies charging at home.

• Well-known examples: Riese & Müller UBN series, Cube Editor Hybrid, Scott Sub Sport eRIDE.

• Weight class: Typically between 17 and 20 kg.

• Ideal for you if: you live in a hilly city like Bern, regularly commute longer distances and appreciate the flexibility of a removable battery without wanting to sacrifice an agile driving experience.

Philosophy 3: The Swiss manufacturing solution – Uncompromising quality and peace of mind

This approach, which we at Asfalt have perfected, combines the advantages of lightness with a maximum focus on durability and low maintenance – a typically Swiss approach.

• Features: This bike combines the best technologies. A lightweight and quiet rear motor (Mahle) ensures aesthetics and a natural riding feel. This is paired with an extremely robust and maintenance-free drivetrain: the Pinion gearbox and the Gates belt drive .

• Our approach (asphalt): We believe that an urban bike for everyday use not only needs to be lightweight, but above all, it needs to work. Always. Without you having to worry about oil, chain tension, or derailleur adjustment.

• Weight class: Despite the high-quality gearbox technology, our models remain well below 20 kg.

• Ideal for you if: you see a bicycle as a full-fledged car replacement. You ride every day, in all weather, and expect absolute reliability. You appreciate Swiss craftsmanship and prefer to invest once in a well-designed, durable solution rather than dealing with maintenance later.

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Conclusion: Find your lighter self on two wheels

The trend towards lightweight urban e-bikes is more than just a fad. It's the logical answer to the needs of modern, urban life in Switzerland. It's about enjoying the advantages of e-mobility without having to accept the disadvantages of high weight.

• For the purist, the "Invisible Helper" is the perfect choice.

• The "agile all-rounder" is ideal for the pragmatic all-rounder in hilly terrain.

• For the discerning daily commuter who values uncompromising quality and zero maintenance stress, Asfalt's manufacturing approach is the ultimate solution.

No matter which philosophy you choose, one thing is certain: a test ride will change your perspective on e-bikes forever. Lift it up. Ride a lap without the motor. Sprint from a standstill at the traffic lights. You won't be able to wipe the grin off your face.

Are you ready to rediscover lightness?

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