Choose your commuting bike around the complete journey, not the distance from home to work alone. Work out where you will charge, where the bike will stay and how you will manage its weight before comparing motor or battery numbers. The right specification is only useful if the bike works at both ends of your day.
Map one normal week
Record your return distance, the steepest regular climb, road surfaces, usual luggage and any extra stops. Include supermarket trips and days when you cannot charge at work. Check whether your route includes sections where the intended bike configuration is permitted. Supply from Germany alone does not establish road permission everywhere.
| Question | What to write down | What it changes |
|---|---|---|
| How far between sockets? | Full distance before the next reliable charge | Energy planning |
| Where will you park? | Access, security and socket permission | Battery access and locking needs |
| What must you carry? | Bag size, loaded weight and attachments | Storage and rack checks |
| What must you lift? | Stairs, thresholds, car boot and lift space | Handling suitability |
| What happens in poor weather? | Alternative route or transport | Reliability of the whole commute |
Worked example: Separate distance from energy
Suppose the journey is 8 km each way, with 4 km of errands on two workdays. The normal return trip is 16 km, while each day with errands totals 20 km. Across five workdays with two errand days, the total is 5 × 16 + 2 × 4 = 88 km. The important buying figure may still be the 20 km needed before charging on the longest day, rather than the whole week's total.
These distances are hypothetical. They are not range claims for any model. They show why charging frequency and the longest interval matter. You still need route appropriate evidence rather than dividing battery Wh by an assumed consumption figure and calling the result guaranteed range.
Shortlist by the problem you need to solve
- Frequent stops and everyday bags: Consider SU7 for its step through frame, rear rack and fenders. Rack capacity and bag compatibility still need checking.
- Lower entry price: GT300 lists at €549 with 360 Wh and front suspension.
- More energy and rear suspension: GT900 lists 468 Wh at €599. Evaluate whether those changes help your actual routine.
- More stored energy: XT90 lists 960 Wh at €719, but approximately 29 kg and internal battery access deserve equal attention.
None of those descriptions certifies fit, individual range or local road compliance. If you must carry the bike upstairs daily, handle that constraint before choosing the largest battery.
Prepare for ordinary ownership
- Budget for suitable security, required lights and any missing commuting equipment.
- Check the delivery and assembly arrangement before your first planned work journey.
- Allow time to learn the controls and brakes somewhere safe.
- Keep an alternative way to get home while learning real consumption on your route.
- Record distance, assistance use and remaining charge after comparable rides. Use those observations conservatively; one easy day does not establish winter range.
Use the model comparison after completing your route record. If parking has no socket, read battery access and charging first.
