🚲 Why I’m Sticking With European E-Bikes
David B.
I bought a RadRunner from their Dutch store, thinking I was covered as an EU customer. But in 2023, Rad Power Bikes pulled out of Europe 😤. Suddenly, no spare parts, no service – just a good bike that’s now difficult (and expensive) to maintain.
And it’s not just American brands. Many Asian imports come with limited EU support, questionable safety certifications, and almost no access to replacement batteries or electronics 🔋. A cheap deal upfront can cost you big later.
Meanwhile, European brands like Riese & Müller, Gazelle, and Cube offer local support, solid warranty coverage, and guaranteed spare parts – so your bike keeps rolling for years.
Buying European also supports local jobs and innovation. Companies like Orbea, Moustache, and Haibike build quality bikes with fair labor, strong environmental standards, and real customer care.
✅ Here’s our shortlist of top European e-bike brands. We’d love to hear your feedback if you ride one of these — or let us know if there's a great European e-bike brand we should add! 🙌
Gazelle
Known for: Dutch-style city and trekking e-bikes (comfortable everyday commuters).
Employees: Ca 550 employees.
Motors & Batteries: Equipped with Bosch mid-drive motors and corresponding Bosch batteries.
Availibility: Through bike shops and Gazelle’s own Experience Centers; also available via official website in some regions.
https://www.gazellebikes.com
Riese & Müller
Known for: Premium commuter, touring, and cargo e-bikes (high-end designs with dual-battery options).
Employees: R & M employes around 900 people.
Motors & Batteries: Primarily utilizes Bosch eBike Systems for both motors and batteries.
Availibility: Via authorized e-bike dealers worldwide (no direct online sales).
https://www.r-m.de
Scott
Known for: Innovative e-bikes across various disciplines, including mountain, road, and urban categories.
Assembly Location: Assembled in Givisiez, Switzerland.
Motors & Batteries: Utilizes Bosch and Shimano systems, depending on the model.
Availability: Sold through authorized dealers; no direct online sales.
https://www.scott-sports.com
Cube
Known for: Broad lineup e-MTB, e-road, city/trekking e-bikes (strong value and reliability).
Employees: Over 700 employees.
Motors & Batteries: Integrates Bosch drive units and batteries in their e-bike models.
Availibility: Widely available at independent bike shops and sport retailers worldwide
https://www.cube.eu
Canyon
Known for: High-performance e-bikes, including road, mountain, and hybrid models, sold directly to consumers.
Assembly Location: Assembled in Koblenz, Germany.
Motors & Batteries: Utilizes Bosch and Shimano systems, depending on the model.
Availability: Direct-to-consumer sales through their official website.
https://www.canyon.com
Haibike
Known for: Electric mountain bikes (e-MTBs) and trekking e-bikes (pioneers of off-road e-performance). Haibike employs around 300 employees.
Motors & Batteries: Offers models with both Bosch and Yamaha drive systems, including motors and batteries.
Availibility: Sold by many bicycle retailers (part of Accell Group’s dealer network)
https://www.haibike.com
Kalkhoff
Known for: Reliable commuter and trekking e-bikes with a long-standing history in bicycle manufacturing.
Assembly Location: Assembled in Cloppenburg, Germany.
Motors & Batteries: Primarily utilizes Bosch and Shimano systems.
Availability: Sold through authorized dealers; no direct online sales.
https://www.kalkhoff-bikes.com
Orbea
Known for: Performance-focused e-bikes (e-road and e-MTB) plus urban models.
Employees: 1000+
Motors & Batteries: Uses Shimano Steps systems for motors and batteries, particularly in their Gain series.
Availibility: Through authorized dealers globally (with online order & local pickup options)
https://www.orbea.com
Brompton
Known for: Iconic folding bikes for city travel (compact fold, with an electric-assist version).
Employees: Bromton employs over 800 employees.
Motors & Batteries: Employs a custom front-hub motor developed in collaboration with Williams Advanced Engineering and a detachable battery pack
Availibility: Sold via a global network of dealers and Brompton Junction brand stores; also direct online shop
https://global.brompton.com
Bergamont
Known for: Urban, trekking, and cargo e-bikes with a focus on innovative design and urban mobility.
Assembly Location: Assembled in Germany.
Motors & Batteries: Primarily utilizes Bosch eBike Systems.
Availability: Sold through authorized dealers; no direct online sales.
https://www.bergamont.com
Moustache Bikes
Known for: Premium e-bikes across various categories, including urban, trekking, mountain, and cargo bikes.
Assembly Location: Assembled in Thaon-les-Vosges, France.
Motors & Batteries: Exclusively uses Bosch eBike Systems.
Availability: Sold through a network of over 500 dealers worldwide; no direct online sales.
https://moustachebikes.com
Leader Fox
Known for: Affordable e-bikes, including city, trekking, and mountain models, designed and assembled in-house.
Assembly Location: Assembled in České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
Motors & Batteries: Utilizes various systems, including Bafang and Panasonic, depending on the model.
Availability: Sold through dealers and the company's own e-shop.
https://www.leaderfox.cz
Ktm
Known for: High-performance e-mountain bikes and e-road bikes, drawing on KTM's motorsport DNA for aggressive, trail-ready designs.
Employees: ~1,000+ (KTM Fahrrad GmbH, Austrian brand distinct from the motorcycle division).
Motors & Batteries: Primarily uses Bosch Performance Line motors (including the CX for trail/enduro), Shimano EP8, and Fazua Ride 60 systems, paired with their respective batteries.
Availability: Through authorized KTM bike dealers across Europe and select international markets. Online via https://www.ktm-bikes.at
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