Even though the electric engines that support pedaling at speeds of up to 25 km/h are currently conquering every type of bicycle, the trekking bike remained the bestseller for pedelecs, writes the nationwide member magazine of the German Cycling Association ADFC in its issue 3.2018: The combination of engine and battery increased the mobility radius in everyday life and on tours, shortened travel times and made riding longer and also hillier routes possible.
With the STEVENS E-Lavena, a new development was also included in the comparative test: "Bosch's new Active Line Plus on the Stevens surprises with very well adapted support and hardly audible operating noise," the editorial team introduces the system.
The new Bosch drive system provided very harmonious support, and it was hardly audible in operation even when not in traffic. The engine control is tuned in such a way that it expects more muscle power or a co-use of the 10-speed chain drive that is typical with trekking bikes. This doesn't mean, however, that the engine doesn't provide the usual thrust: "... but the built-in stronger Plus version never lets you down in ascents."
Despite its 500-watthour capacity, the battery is very compact and can also be easily removed from the down tube of the trapeze frame. In the test field of five high-quality pedelecs, the E-Lavena was by far the lightest with 22.1 kilograms (difference in weight to the second lightest bike: 1.6 kilograms).
This is due to the overall package: "The light frame with butted tubes, the light electric drive, the air suspension fork and chain instead of hub gears ensure the low weight. Something that was even true for the fully specced E-Lavena, including a frame lock.
The relatively low weight and the "excellent riding characteristics" are the main reasons besides the engine tuning why the STEVENS E-Lavena feels like riding a conventional bicycle – with and without support.
Conclusion: The E-Lavena convinces in every respect. It rides with and without support like a conventional bicycle. This is due to the low weight, the new Bosch drive and the excellent riding characteristics.
