Test: Motorized bicycles look clumsy, unsportsmanlike and are inefficient? They don't have to, as TechniBike proves with the Cooper E models. The Cooper E is powered by an innovative hub motor with an integrated battery and braking energy recovery. The Cooper E is the companion for the big city thanks to the classically slim Reynolds steel frame and the retro design.
Cooper Bikes is the division of the Cooper Car Company that deals with the topic of bikes. The Cooper Car Company is known worldwide for the first Mini Cooper and as the Formula 1 World Champion in 1959 and 1960. In 2009, Mike and Charlie Cooper, John Cooper's son and grandson, from the struggling young British bike industry, rekindled the Cooper brand's desire in bikes. Together they have developed a line of bikes that have inherited the engineering, design and innovation that defines Cooper.
In 2017, Cooper entered into an innovative partnership with TechniBike GmbH to jointly improve the urban mobility market and develop the first Cooper e-bike. The Cooper e-bikes are produced and sold by TechniBike.
frame / geometry
The frame and fork of the Cooper E have been kept very slim by today's standards and are made of steel. The filigree mudguards are painted in the same color as the frame and are made of aluminum. The rear end offers attachments for a luggage rack. In our test, we took advantage of this opportunity and installed an Ortlieb Rack3 luggage carrier, which can be easily installed with the screws provided.
Cooper E.
| S (52) | M (57) | L (61) | |
| seat tube (in mm) | 520 | 570 | 610 |
| Top tube horizontal (in mm) | 540 | 560 | 580 |
| head tube (in mm) | 100 | 120 | 160 |
| chainstay (in mm) | 417 | 417 | 417 |
| Wheelbase (in mm) | 999 | 1015 | 1031 |
| Steering angle (in °) | 72 | 72,5 | 73 |
| Seat angle (in °) | 74 | 74 | 74 |
| Reach (mm) | 388 | 402 | 423 |
| Stacks (in mm) | 529 | 551 | 582 |
motor / battery
The Cooper E is powered by a Zehus hub motor with 250W and a 160Wh battery. The chrome-colored drive in the rear integrates both the controller and the 160 Wh battery and is controlled so intelligently that the battery is recharged so imperceptibly when driving that the user hardly notices it. If necessary, the battery can also be recharged at the socket. The battery is charged on the right side of the axle. If you remove the black cap on the axle, you will find the charging connection. The Zehus motor can be switched on via the app or by turning the crank three turns backwards. As is almost the norm these days, the system is controlled simply using a special smartphone app. Here the driver can set the different levels, the amount of recuperation and so on. Other interesting functions can also be displayed using the smartphone app: geolocation, fleet management or even integration into local networks. The drive of the Zehus works in four support levels, which are automatically selected depending on the driving condition:
- no support
- support during propulsion
- easy regeneration while driving forward
- Regeneration when braking
The aim of the algorithm used is to optimize the driver's efficiency while at the same time keeping the compact battery in the optimal state of charge. To do this, the Zehus motor must both support the driver and extract torque from time to time in order to charge the battery. This happens without the driver noticing.
Kers technology - hybrid drive with range guarantee
The Kinetic Energy Recovery System is used in Formula 1, among other things, and describes a system for recovering braking energy. Already tested in the automotive sector, the first e-bike manufacturers are finally using this technology. This makes sense, after all the system with generator, battery and control segment works like a bicycle dynamo. In this case, the energy is collected in the motor when braking, stored in the battery and fed back into the drive when required. This creates a hybrid drive. Braking power and, if desired, your own muscle power ensure that the batteries in the e-drive are recharged while driving. The range is extended considerably thanks to energy recovery.
Equipment
The Cooper E is equipped with Tektro rim brakes, comfortable Brooks saddles and matching Brooks grips that fit seamlessly into the design line of the e-bike. The stylish e-bike is equipped with a rigid fork and is available in four colors and three different sizes: S (52), M (57), L (61).
Chrome as far as the eye can see. All add-on parts are decorated with chrome and make the Cooper E look very classy in combination with the paint. The entry-level model is equipped with a rim brake and single speed. The entry-level model is available for EUR 2499. The top model for 2799 euros on the Cooper E has hydraulic disc brakes and a belt drive. The handlebars are very narrow and will appeal to fixie riders.
The 44 chain ring in connection with a 16 sprocket offers a suitable ratio for city traffic, but if you live on a mountain, for example, you will reach your limits with this ratio. The narrow Vittoria Randonneur 700×28 inch tires roll super easily on the asphalt, but offer less comfort than wider tires.
The Cooper E in the big city
Three crank turns back and the Zehus engine should be ready for use, at least that's what the theory says. At first I had some trouble getting the engine started. Somehow it didn't work out so well. But over time I got the hang of it. So how does the Cooper E drive? I did the first laps on the driveway to our editorial office. The handlebars are very narrow and reminded me of a fixie bike. Some will like it, some won't. I got along very well with the combination – long, steep stem and narrow handlebars. The Cooper E has a very nimble feel that's just right for city driving. The stiffness of the frame also convinced me, other colleagues who tested the Cooper E had the feeling that the main frame felt a bit spongy in corners, but I couldn't tell.
During the test, we took the opportunity to mount an Ortlieb Rack3 luggage rack on the Cooper E. The luggage rack could be attached to the existing mounting devices in no time at all. An important option for commuters to be able to stow their luggage safely. The narrow tires run very smoothly and easily on the asphalt. This means that the Cooper E can also be driven without motor support. The Zehus motor with its 250 watts provides enough power to be able to drive in city traffic. However, if things go uphill, you will reach your limits with the gear ratio and engine power. The Tektro rim brakes look very good on the Cooper E, but they could do with a little more braking power. Here Cooper has now upgraded their top model and offers hydraulic disc brakes. We think the Cooper E is a very elegant and chic companion for city traffic and is very well suited for commuters who value optics.
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