Brompton electrifies T-Line: lightest and most expensive folder from the British

A little over a year after the introduction of the G-Line with 20-inch tires and optional electric drive in the rear hub, Brompton is electrifying its T-Line. The titanium and carbon folding bike, manufactured in the UK, weighs just over 11 kg without a battery and is said to be 14.1 kg with a battery. The wallet, however, will be considerably lighter with this folding bike: the electric T-Line apparently costs around 7000 euros. After all, Brompton has also updated its somewhat cheaper versions of the C-Line and P-Line.

Brompton's E-Folder with Rear Wheel Drive

The focus of the innovations is the e-Motiq system with torque sensor, which Brompton has already introduced for the G-Line and is now adapting for the classic 16-inch models, and which is expected to deliver a range of 90 km for the T-Line. According to the manufacturer, the drive system consists of a specially developed 250 W rear hub motor, which delivers up to 30 Nm for the G-Line and up to 24 Nm for the electric C-, P-, and T-Line models. In previous models, Brompton relied on a drive in the front hub, which has its challenges, especially with folding bikes.

The new 345 Wh battery of the T-Line is removable, as with previous models, and is attached to the handlebars above the front wheel while riding. According to Brompton, the new drive brings functions such as a “start-assist” mode, which is intended to provide electric support on inclines or when starting at traffic lights. The new models also feature a walk-assist mode of up to 6 km/h, which is intended to help with pushing.

New Handlebar Control

The drive is complemented by the e-Motiq handlebar control. According to the manufacturer, this displays real-time driving data and is used to control the support settings and lighting. In combination with Brompton's Electric App, the system is said to offer “intelligent range forecasts” and over-the-air updates. Furthermore, the manufacturer states that after the first 100 kilometers, the software will “recognize individual riding behavior and adapt more strongly to the user's habits every 6 kilometers,” allowing the control unit on the handlebars to display realistic information about the battery and range.

Brompton provides every e-bike with a 3-year warranty on the electrical system. The new electric T-Line will be available for pre-order from October 21st via Brompton's website and the Brompton Junction stores in Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, and Vienna. Free sales are scheduled to begin on October 28th at Brompton's authorized dealers. Brompton is still keeping quiet about prices. On its website, the manufacturer only mentions the price of the new C-Line, which is said to cost from 3850 Euros with a 12-speed gear system. Dealers mention for the revised electric P-Line with four gears prices of around 4500 euros, while the four-speed T-Line is said to cost just under 7000 euros and the single-speed version 6800 Euros.

(afl)