Ampler made one of many first modern e-bikes I ever tested, and now it’s promoting the primary business electrical bikes — the Nova and Nova Professional — I’m conscious of that may be charged over a USB-C port built-in proper into the body. Hell, that very same jack will even cost your devices in a pinch, however not within the US as a result of this e-bike is for Europe solely.
Estonia-based Ampler is finest recognized for making dependable direct-to-consumer e-bikes from its dwelling in Tallinn utilizing respectable, largely off-the-shelf elements that may be serviced at any native bike store. Including USB-C charging from a laptop charger you might already own makes a ton of sense as Europe standardizes on the port to remove redundancy and cut back waste. It additionally makes it simpler to discover a appropriate bike charger if you happen to go away yours at dwelling.
You may cost the comparatively small 48V 336Wh built-in batteries (detachable for service solely) on the Nova sequence e-bikes from zero to full in as little as three hours from a USB-C PD 3.1 charger working at as much as 140W. That’s very respectable. Some e-bikes fitted with a battery this identical measurement can take five hours or longer to refill from chargers with proprietary connectors, and others fitted with bigger batteries and 300-plus-watt charging bricks can convey that right down to round two hours. Happily, 240W USB-C chargers at the moment are beginning to ship, so USB-C is properly in place to compete.
Ampler has additionally examined its bikes to work with much less succesful Ikea and MacBook chargers that assist the older USB-C PD 3.0 spec. If you happen to don’t have already got such a charger, Ampler will promote you its personal 140W USB-C PD 3.1 charger for €80 (about $87). And whereas the USB-C port is bidirectional on the Nova sequence, it’s solely able to charging your USB-C devices at a modest 15W.
Each the €2,990 (about $3,230) Nova and €3,490 (about $3,770) Nova Professional can be found in step-through and step-over frames in three sizes to accommodate most riders, with EU customary 250W motors maxing out at a primary 25km/h. They’re primarily improved Stout and Stella fashions designed to be extra appropriate with equipment like U-locks, third-party saddles, and little one carriers. The bottom Nova mannequin is fitted with extensive 27.5-inch tires and relies on an oily chain and derailleur for its nine-speed transmission. The Nova Professional, nevertheless, is the bike I’d go for, with its barely bigger 28-inch wheels, Gates Carbon belt drive, and a 10-speed Shimano Deore drivetrain baked into the hub.
Each the Nova and Nova Professional can be found to preorder beginning right now within the UK, EU, and Switzerland, with delivery set to start in June. Ampler is backed by official service facilities in Germany and a community of “Ampler Friendly” workshops scattered round Europe. Every bike comes with a two-year guarantee and a 14-day return coverage.