Even today, when they're at their peak, e-bikes still tend to be on the heavier side, chunkier than traditional pedal-powered counterparts, and with the tell-tale signs of their electric powertrain. Things are changing in the industry, though, and the C8 e-bike from Tezeus could be an indicator of the direction they're taking.
We're witnessing a shift on the market of electric e-bikes towards lighter, techier, and improved machines that will soon make the e-bikes of four years ago look positively primitive by comparison. Perhaps the best part about that is that this shift aims for affordability as well. That is to say, yesteryear's mid-range e-bikes are evolving into improved machines within comparable price brackets.
We've already touched on this topic on a couple of occasions, with the launch of two new products from crowdfunding favorites Fiido and ADO, the Fiido AIR and the ADO Air Carbon. Both have carbon fiber frames, better motors, and Gates carbon belt drives, and they are higher-tech versions of any other products from these companies.
The good news is that more are following suit. The not-so-good news is that it'll take a leap of faith on your part if you want to enjoy the new e-bike, because the company is a startup.
Photo: Tezeus
This is the Tezeus C8 e-bike, a machine that promises to "ride to a technical and elegant future." Designed for the daily commute and leisure city riding, it's a sleek, elegant, and smart approach to urban mobility, with the surprise bonus of extra convenience – and more fun! – for the rider.
The C8 was introduced at CES 2024 and officially launched on a crowdfunding platform in the same month, January. The initial delivery timeline was set for March 2024, but later adjustments and upgrades proposed by backers pushed it to May. That is to say, as you're reading this, the C8 is getting ready to make its way to the first wave of riders.
If it's all it promised to be, it should paint an accurate picture of the future of urban mobility. The C8 comes with an all-carbon fiber frame and fork, so it's especially lightweight, durable, and nimble. It's powered by a mid-drive "mini-motor" patented by Tezeus, delivering 250W of constant power and 60 Nm of torque.
Photo: Tezeus
The motor is paired with a removable 360Wh battery hidden in the downtube, which comes with a GaN supercharger that provides 29 km (18 miles) of range with just one hour of charging. Estimated range is 100 km (62 miles) on a single charge, but you know how these estimates go: they're dependent on riding style, terrain, payload, and riding conditions, including weather.
The Tezeus C8 promises motor assistance up to 25 kph (15.5 mph) for EU countries and 32 kph (20 mph) for North America, where the maximum speed limit is higher. Offered either as a single speed with a Gates carbon belt drive or a three-speed with internal gearhub, the C8 has hydraulic disc braking, a light-sensitive auto-illuminating headlight, and smart taillight.
It stands out for its minimalist styling and its low weight, of 15 kg (33 lbs) for the single-speed version and 16.5 kg (36 lbs) for the 3-speed one. All cables are routed internally and the large 5-inch touchscreen display mounted in the center of the handlebars renders phone connectivity useless while offering a clear and encompassing look at all vital stats.
Photo: Tezeus
Tezeus says that the display won't offer just standard stats like battery levels, speed, and distance traveled but also location tracking on a map, thanks to an integrated GPS module and 4G connectivity.
The T8 bets big on technology for extra safety, both for the bike and the rider. In fact, it boasts of being the only bike on the market to integrate a rear-facing millimeter-wave radar system that detects incoming cars and alerts both the rider and the driver about the potential danger. The C8 also integrates an alarm, sounding said alarm and sending notifications to the owner's phone in case it's moved when left unattended.
Since the launch on crowdfunding, the Tezeus C8 suffered some modifications which, as mentioned above, pushed back deliveries. They include optionals like a rear rack and fenders, an upgrade for the GPS module and gyroscope, and replacing the quick release on the front wheel with a thru-axle. A boost function was also added for U.S. orders, allowing you to ride the bike in moped mode.
Photo: Tezeus
Though a startup, Tezeus was able to nab three famous athletes as brand ambassadors for the C8: footballer Michael James Owen, BMX racer Connor Field, and volleyball player Francesca Piccinini. They're meant to give credibility to a new arrival on an already crowded market and get commuters thinking of getting a new e-bike to spend €3,699 (approximately $4,000 at the current exchange rate) for one. Or €2,699 ($2,920) at the currently discounted price.
We reached out to Tezeus for more details on the C8, but have yet to hear back from them.
Elena has been writing for a living since 2006 and, as a journalist, she has put her double major in English and Spanish to good use. She covers automotive and mobility topics like cars and bicycles, and she always knows the shows worth watching on Netflix and friends. Full profile
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