The multimodal traveling companion starts at $4,950.
The multimodal traveling companion starts at $4,950.
is a deputy editor and Verge co-founder with a passion for human-centric cities, e-bikes, and life as a digital nomad. He’s been a tech journalist for 20 years.
The Brompton Electric G folding e-bike I reviewed last year is now available to buy in the US starting at $4,950. While it looks like a regular Brompton, it’s been scaled up with 20-inch wheels and an extended wheelbase that improves the ride dramatically on all types of terrain, leaving behind the twitchiness of its 16-inch brethren. Despite this embiggening, it still folds down small enough to be taken onto a train or hoisted into the back of a car, making it ideal for multimodal commuters or as a companion vehicle for vanlifers.
The US bike has been tweaked a bit from the European model, now with a top speed of 20mph from the 250W rear-hub motor, and a module on the handlebar that let’s you control the power-assist level and lights. Before the controls were awkwardly positioned on top of the battery.
In my experience, the Electric G lived up to Brompton’s claim that it’s “the most versatile e-bike in the world.” And now it’s even better for anyone that can afford a $5,000 e-bike.