July 25, 2022, 8:50 am | Read time: 4 minutes
If you’re looking for an e-bike, Aldi has had one available since July 25. TECHBOOK checks out the discount retailer’s electric bike and reveals who would benefit from buying it.
The sales of e-bikes in Germany have steadily increased in recent years. In 2020 and 2021, around two million electric bikes were sold each year. Aldi also wants a piece of the pie. Since July 25, the online shop has offered a city e-bike with a very special look.
Overview
E-Bike for 1,299 Euros at Aldi Comes in Retro Style
The e-bike from the brand “Prophete” comes in a look described by Aldi as “retro style.” This is evident in the light brown tires and old-school saddle. The turquoise frame, as well as the pedals and fenders, fit the picture. Overall, it’s a very striking but coherent look. Not for those who prefer understatement. A plus point is the discreet battery on the luggage rack. At first glance, the bike is not identifiable as an e-bike.
The retro bike from Aldi is a women’s bike. With a frame height of 50 cm, it is perfect for people with a height of 1.60 m to 1.70 m. The 28-inch tires are a good fit.
Good Range, but Heavy Weight
For e-bikes, range is an important factor. It indicates how far you can go on a single battery charge. The manufacturer states 130 kilometers. For a city e-bike, that’s a very respectable value. However, as with all bikes, the stated range for the Aldi e-bike also depends on riding style. In real-world conditions, you can probably subtract a few kilometers. Still great for city use.
Unfortunately, the weight is less impressive! The Aldi e-bike weighs a hefty 27 kilograms, including the battery. TECHBOOK editorial director Andreas Filbig once tested an e-bike weighing 18 kilograms. Carrying it up the stairs in elevator-less Berlin already required a good level of physical fitness. A 27-kilo bike aimed at women around 1.65 meters tall could therefore be a challenge–both up and down the stairs.
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Technical Data at a Glance
Features:
- High-quality aluminum retro frame
- Frame height: approx. 50 cm
- Color: polar sky matte light blue
- Blaupunkt LED display
- 7-speed Shimano Nexus hub gear with twist shifter
- Prophete steel fork in frame color
- Brakes: Promax aluminum V-brakes (front), coaster brakes (rear)
- Aluminum stem
- Cream-colored faux leather grips
- Cream urban saddle with rivets
- Prophete patent stand
- Aluminum hollow chamber rims
- Ursus kickstand
- 3-year warranty (excluding wear parts defined in the bicycle pass)
- 10-year frame warranty
- 2-year battery warranty
- On-site service
- The bikes are delivered 98% pre-assembled and are ready to ride with a few simple steps (attach pedals and straighten handlebars)
- Maximum total weight: 140 kg
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Motor:
- Blaupunkt front wheel motor, brushless
- 36 V
- Power: 250 W
- 40 Nm
- Assistance up to 25 km/h
Battery:
- Lithium-ion luggage rack battery
- 36 V/13.8 Ah
- Approx. 500 charge cycles
- Capacity: 497 Wh
- Max range: 130 km (depending on riding style)
- Push assist up to 6 km/h
Lighting:
- Retro LED headlight, 20 lux
- AXA LED taillight
Tires:
- Kenda balloon tires in cream color
- With reflective stripes
Weight:
- Approx. 27 kg including battery
Scope of delivery:
- Retro e-bike Prophete 28 inches
- Battery charger
- Bell
- Plastic fenders in frame color
- Tube luggage rack with integrated battery
- Bicycle pass with user manual
- Warranty card including service hotline information
Conclusion: Price-Performance Ratio is Right
Comparing e-bikes is not always easy. This is because, for example, the test winners from our comparison article usually cost around 3,500 euros. Those who cannot or do not want to afford that should still be able to enjoy an e-bike. Aldi sets the price at 1,299 euros. Still a lot of money.
Our comprehensive e-bike buying guide: The best e-bikes for everyday cyclists
In some areas, such as battery performance and gear shifting, the Aldi e-bike can even compete with the expensive competition. However, differences are noticeable, for example, in the brakes. The expensive bikes use disc brakes. A potential weak point could also be durability. Only long-term tests can tell. But it’s something to keep in mind.
Read from our colleagues: What you should definitely consider when buying an e-bike
We would recommend the Aldi e-bike to anyone who has enough space at home for it. Especially in big cities, such a noticeable bike could attract thieves. Also, despite the decent range, we recommend it more for shorter trips to the supermarket or friends. It’s best to stick to the city or village. For more, you should at least opt for a trekking e-bike.