Anyone looking for an e-bike will find it at Aldi from April 7th. TECHBOOK checks the electric bike from the discounter and reveals who should buy it.
the Sales of e-bikes in Germany has increased steadily in recent years. In the years 2020 and 2021, around two million bicycles with electric drives went over the counter. Discounter Aldi would also like to have a piece of the cake. From April 7th, there will be an e-bike for the city in the online shop with a very special look.
E-bike for 1299 euros at Aldi comes in retro style
The e-bike from the “Prophete” brand comes in a look described by Aldi as “retro style”. This is noticeable, for example, in the light brown tires and the old-school saddle. The turquoise frame, pedals and mudguards also fit into the picture. Overall, a very eye-catching, but quite coherent look. Nothing for people with a penchant for understatement. There is a plus point for the inconspicuous battery on the luggage rack. At first glance, the bike cannot be identified as an e-bike.
Aldi’s retro bike is a women’s bike. With a frame height of 50 cm, it is perfect for people with a height of 1.60 m to 1.70 m. The tires fit in 28 inches.
Good distance but heavy weight
With e-bikes, distance matters. Because this indicates how far you can get by bike with one battery charge. The manufacturer specifies 130 kilometers here. This is a very decent value for a city e-bike. As with all bikes, however, the specified distance also depends on the driving style of the Aldi e-bike. Under real conditions, you can certainly deduct a few more kilometers here. Still great for use in the city.
Unfortunately, the weight is less great! The e-bike from Aldi weighs an impressive 27 kilograms including the battery. TECHBOOK editor-in-chief Andreas Filbig once tested an e-bike weighing 18 kilograms. In order to carry this up the stairwell in Berlin, which has few elevators, a good level of physical fitness was required. A 27-kilo bike with the target group of 1.65m tall women should therefore become a challenge – both up and down the stairs.
Technical data at a glance
Properties:
- High quality aluminum retro frame
- Frame height: approx. 50 cm
- Colour: polar sky matt light blue
- Blaupunkt LED display
- 7-speed Shimano Nexus hub gear with twist grip shifter
- Prophete steel fork in frame color
- Brakes: Promax aluminum V-brakes (front wheel), coaster brakes (rear wheel)
- aluminum stem
- Faux leather handles in cream
- Urban saddle in cream with rivets
- Prophetic Patent Support
- Aluminum hollow chamber rims
- Ursus side stand
- 3-year warranty (except wearing parts that are defined in the bike pass)
- 10 year frame guarantee
- 2 year battery guarantee
- On-Site Service
- The bikes are delivered 98% pre-assembled and are ready to ride in just a few simple steps (screw on the pedals and turn the handlebars straight).
- Permissible total weight: 140 kg
Engine:
- Blaupunkt front wheel motor, brushless
- 36 v
- Power: 250W
- 40Nm
- Assistance up to 25 km/h
- Luggage rack battery with lithium ions
- 36V/13.8Ah
- Approx. 500 charging cycles
- Capacity: 497Wh
- Max range: 130 km (depending on driving style)
- Pushing aid up to 6 km/h
Lighting:
- Retro LED headlight, 20 lux
- AXA LED rear light
Tires:
- Kenda balloon tires in cream color
- With reflective strips
Weight:
- Retro e-bike Prophete 28 inch
- Charger
- bell
- Plastic mudguards in the same color as the frame
- Tubular luggage rack with integrated battery
- Bicycle pass with instructions for use
- Warranty card including service hotline information
Conclusion: value for money is right
Comparing e-bikes is not always easy. This is because, for example, the test winners from our comparison article usually cost around 3500 euros. Anyone who cannot or does not want to afford it should of course still be able to enjoy an e-bike. Aldi starts here with a price of 1299 euros. Still lots of money.
Our big e-bike buying guide: The best e-bikes for everyday cyclists
In some areas, such as battery performance and gear shifting, Aldi’s e-bike can even keep up with the expensive competition. Differences are noticeable, for example, in the brakes. Here the expensive bikes rely on disc brakes. A possible weak point could also be the longevity. However, only long-term tests can say that. But you should keep the point in mind.
Read from our colleagues: What you should definitely pay attention to when buying an e-bike
We would recommend the Aldi e-bike to anyone who has enough space at home. Such a conspicuous bike could attract thieves, especially in big cities. In addition, we recommend it, despite the decent range, for smaller trips to the supermarket or to friends. It is best to limit yourself to town or village. For more, you should at least grab a trekking e-bike.