Already at first sight the STEVENS E-14 looked like a modern e-bike with neatly integrated electric drive, says the test report about the new city e-bike that was a awarded a “very good” by ElektroBIKE magazine. When looking at it even closer the bike turned out to be a “true technology carrier”. Because “the guys in Hamburg used all the high-quality components available on the market.”

So far so good, but the requirement for all these parts was to fit together as smart as possible for utmost comfort, durability and forward drive. The electronic 14-speed gear hub by Rohloff for example collaborates with the motor when shifting. The Bosch Performance unit briefly takes power off the chain to make shifts as smooth as possible. The actual shift only takes fractions of a second according to the manufacturer. And ElektroBIKE confirms that it works: “The powerful engine is in perfect harmony with the gear hub, which especially excels in the automatic mode.”

In the automatic mode the E-Rohloff hub shifts back into the pre-selected starting speed. In manual mode the hub shifts three gears up or down at once when the button is pushed for a little longer.

The hydraulic disc brakes MT5N-e from Magura use four pistons instead of two offering lots of power and more precise modulation. The use of brakes is indicated by the Busch + Müller tail light with brake light function – another feature of this “technology carrier”. The LED headlight, also from Busch + Müller, has an integrated high-beam that increases its already high brightness from 80 to 120 Lux.

The modern, neatly integrated appearance is added by the thru-axle at the fork that securely clamps the front wheel, by the Bosch PowerTube battery inside the down tube and last but not least the Bosch belt drive. The well-reading Nyon display also from Bosch uses GPS navigation to guide riders to their destination which can even be further away since the bike provided decent range.

According to the testers the contact points between rider and bike also made sense: “Full suspension and ergonomically designed components offer lots of comfort.”

In addition to all the smart technology the E-14 excelled with its ride qualities: “The bike handles perfect on the road, and the rider sits in the saddle comfortably upright.”

Conclusion: In short: A bike that is fun to ride.

The STEVENS E-14 is available in a Gents’ version in sizes 52, 55, 58, 61 cm as well as in a Forma(low instep) variety in 46, 52, 56 cm at certified STEVENS dealers for 5,999 Euros.