How does a Cube compare to other e-bikes?

It's German! And, that means a lot. Germany is home to largest e-bike market in the world and also the highest regulations. This regulatory environment produces some of the best products out there since each brand competes with other brands for the highest level of safety. These regulations, known as the Straßenverkehrszulassungsordnung (try saying that three times fast!) cover everything from the nature of dynamo or electric lighting beams (and how they are not permitted to blind oncoming traffic) to the quality of everything from the kickstand to the rear racks. Built in Germany, Cube thus has access to tons of German parts that are made-in-Germany and are not easily available in China - where most e-bikes are made. Finally, there's just something ephemeral about the deep experience and maturity that is built into a Cube bike. Where so many North American brands are still figuring out how to build e-bikes, Cube has that all figured out and leads from the front. 

Why Bosch as the motor?

It's almost guaranteed that Cube chose Bosch because they also are a German company; but there are many reasons beyond this as well. Today, the e-bike market is experiencing two coplanar parallel lines that do not intersect. The chasm between is vast. One line is electric kits. These bolt onto any old bike and tend to be very low quality and service after the purchase is spotty (if non-existent). Bosch is on the other line. These motors are integrated into the bicycle frame, and they enter each market with the best technology and support it with local offices that are quick to respond. 

Does the battery lock to the bike?

Yep. That’s one expensive chunk of Lithium Ion. Frame-mounted batteries lock on to the down-tube and only you can remove them with the key provided. Internal frame batteries are built into the bike, so no need to worry!

How long does it take to charge the battery?

It takes about five hours to charge a single battery from flat to full. The batteries don't have memory so there is no problem if you only charge the battery a little bit, halfway, or whatever. You’ll get over 1000 complete charges, which is typically 5+ years of use before a replacement is required.

Is the unit serviceable?

You bet it is. For years the e-assist market was dominated by small fly-by-night companies with good ideas and no balance sheet. The consumer took all the risk and were often left with technical assistance phone numbers that no longer worked. Cube partner with Bosch, a huge player in the e-bike market – and they are sophisticated, which means they are updatable, diagnosable, and if something does break, fundamentally repairable.

What's the lifetime on the battery?

On average you will get about 18,000-20,000 miles from the battery before it needs to be replaced.

This is expensive! Will it get stolen?

Estimates are that over 90% of bicycle theft is tied to cash-for-drugs (unfortunately) and most bike losses are due to inferior or cheap locks. Make sure you buy a good ABUS U-lock or a chain and your bike will be safe. You can read more about bike theft here.

What’s the warranty?

For the original owner, Cube offers a two-year warranty for manufacturer defects on frame and fork, five years for frame / swingarm breakage, and two years on the battery. Does not include wear and tear.