Automatic gearbox in the rear hub

There are countless city e-bikes in the price range up to 60,000 kroner (€2,299 according to the official manufacturer and dealer price list in Slovenia), but only one has a Bafang three-speed automatic gearbox, automatic gear shifting and a quiet and clean belt drive connected to the central engine. Performance, style and elegance - that's what the Econo Mare City we tested offers. It is designed as a simple, virtually maintenance-free means of transport for short to medium distances and on routes without steep gradients. It is a reliable cross between cycle paths and footpaths that will transport its owner safely to work, shopping or pleasure trips. It has long been established that cycling and regular physical activity are essential for physical and mental health, reduce stress and release the hormone happiness. Riding this urban e-bike can be a cure for many ailments.

The framework as a basis

It is based on an aluminium frame with a low entry for ease of entry. The frame houses a 504Wh battery, but larger batteries are available in 720Wh or 835Wh. The seat tube is tilted backwards and the position of the seat inclines the rider to pedal slightly forwards. This position is extremely comfortable for the rider over shorter and longer distances. In addition to the soft seat, the front suspension fork and the height-adjustable handlebars also contribute to comfort. The urban handlebar raises the rider's position even further, so you'll find a real "tourer" with an upright back and excellent control of what's happening in front of you.

Engine and accessories

The bike is fully equipped. There's even a quick-lock lock on the bike. The built-in battery can be removed, charged off the bike or on the bike. We appreciated the reliable lights, as well as other convenient and useful details such as the kickstand, the rack or the functional mudguards. The sophisticated handlebars ensure easy operation of the e-bike, and all information is displayed on the easy-to-read LCD screen located in the centre of the handlebars. The Bafang M210 engine is mounted in the middle of the frame and with its 70 Nm of torque is perfectly suited for urban e-bikes. The charm of this e-bike is Bafang's rear hub gearbox, which automatically shifts three gears according to pedalling frequency and speed. The belt drive ensures a quiet ride, a long service life without the need for servicing and also cleanliness without the use of lubricants. Automatic shifting ensures a smooth ride without having to think about gears. The gears shift by themselves with a ratio of 1:1.30:1.65, ideal for city streets and more or less flat or only slightly undulating roads.

Conclusion

Anyone who has no experience with this type of gearbox will need to get used to the system. It is a little bit dexterous, but again, not that much. For example, it does not know that you are accelerating with increased pedal pressure and you want to accelerate downhill to maintain speed, say around 20 km/h. The gearbox does not know that you are going uphill and want to gain speed and revs. So as soon as you upshift and accelerate uphill just a little, the automatic gearbox will immediately shift into the hardest gear and drop you down before you get tired and completely drop out in that gear on the climb. So the solution is to squeeze your legs a bit on the climb, stop pedalling, downshift a bit and the gearbox will shift from the hardest to the easiest gear and you'll be back in action. Whenever you are unhappy with a gear and find it difficult, the solution is to stop pedalling and automatically have an easier gear available. It sounds a bit complicated, but it works great! Overall, we rate the Econo Mare as a good city e-bike. If this was a way to get people out on the streets and especially into the saddle of a bike, we would really support it! As a whole, the e-bike works perfectly and offers everything for the complete satisfaction and maximum safety of the users!

Econo Mare City Auto

Price: 2299 EUR

Frame: alu 6061 Mare EE-belt

Fork: SR-Suntour 28'' E25 HLO DS, 50 mm

Motor: Bafang M210 (250 W, 36 V, 70 Nm)

Display: (Bafang DP C270)

Battery: Econo built-in ELK 540 Wh (Optional 720 ali 835 Wh)

Charger:  Econo 36 V, 2A/4A

Rear transmission: Bafang RG A310: 3-speed automatic gearbox Bafang RG A310

Gears and crank: a gear fitted in the gearbox, and a crank:: 40 zob, dolžina 170 mm

Brakes: Tektro HD-T275, hidravlični, 180/160 mm diski

Typre: Mambo E25 28x2,0“

Rims: Aluminium double-walled, 28“, 36 žic

Front hub: Novatec

Rear hub: Novatec: Bafang RG A310, zobnik z 22 zobmi

Handlebar: M-WAVE HB-C2.1, width 640 mm, length 31,8 mm, tilt 38°, raise 36°

Stem: M-WAVE ST-C2.1, adjustable 0-90°, 31,8 mm, 90 mm

Seat post: ZOOM, 31,8 mm

Seat: Justek, 260 x 190 mm

pedals: plastic FEIMING FP-803

Lights: front and rear, battery-powered

Accessories: stand, bell, mudguards, bracket

Load capacity: 120 kg

Weight: 26,9 kg

Manufacturer and distributor www.econo.eu

TEXT: PAVEL NEKVINDA, ONDŘEJ VYSYPAL PHOTOGRAPHY: ROBERT VIRT