Wordplay like "Drahtesel" (literally "wire donkey") almost inevitably comes to mind when thinking of the eUrban Esel (literally "donkey") from the brand of the same name – but it's misplaced, because the frame of this city e-bike is made of a composite wood! The Austrian company also demonstrates considerable experience with frames made of birch, ash, and walnut in the rest of their bicycle lineup. The newly unveiled eUrban Esel is aimed at commuters and everyday cyclists who want to ride a special bike.
- Unique bicycle frame made of wood composite
- Design aspirations meet everyday usability
- Prices start at 4.490 euros
Wood for improved driving comfort
The vast majority of bicycles you'll encounter in the city have an aluminum frame. Sometimes steel, carbon, or titanium are used. The brand esel (formerly My Esel, now esel with a lowercase e), however, relies on wood! More precisely, a composite of birch, ash, and walnut. The laminated wooden frame is hollow and coated with a weather-resistant layer. According to esel, this is not only visually striking but also offers a high level of riding comfort, as wood absorbs vibrations while riding. As a renewable resource, wood also scores points for sustainability, and thanks to its unique grain, no two frames are alike.
eUrban Donkey – A fast sweeper for city traffic
Even with its latest model, the eUrban Esel, the manufacturer from Traun, Upper Austria, relies on wood as the material of choice. Esel aims to transform every commute into an experience and elevate urban cycling to an end in itself. To allow the rider to focus effortlessly on this, Esel's proprietary hub motor is integrated into the rear wheel, powered by a 350 Wh battery built into the frame. With 42 Nm of torque, the e-motor propels the wooden bike to speeds of up to 25 km/h. Lightweight components like the carbon fork keep the weight down to 18,5 kg in size S. The Performance version, priced at €5.490, weighs in at just 16,5 kg. The Basic version is available for €4.490; those wanting a light set for their everyday rides can add one for €105.
- Material Wood (birch, ash, walnut)
- Motor donkey UEPA hub motor 42 Nm
- Battery 350 Wh
- Features Winner of the German Design Award 2026
- Weight from 16,5 / 18,5 kg
- www.esel.com
- Price (RRP) from € 4.490
The features of the eUrban Donkey in detail
Esel offers the eUrban bike in four frame sizes, designed to cover a height range of 160 to 195 cm. A geometry chart is not available. The two equipment options, Basic and Performance, are distinguished. 1.000 For €1,000, the upgrade includes lightweight carbon wheels, a carbon seatpost, and an 11-speed Shimano Deore XT drivetrain. According to the manufacturer, this saves 2 kg. The remaining components are shared by both versions: Shimano two-piston brakes provide stopping power, and 45 mm wide Schwalbe gravel tires transfer the power from esel's own UEPA hub motor. In the smaller version fitted here, the rear motor delivers 42 Nm of torque and promises a sporty and agile ride. Incidentally, the rigid fork at the front is not made of wood, but of carbon fiber.
Information and pictures: donkey