Brompton Electric 12-speed for me rather than 4-speed

First of all, can you believe it is February! The weather is still pretty awful here in London but at least January is over with. 

It will only be a few weeks away that I will have had my Brompton Electric for two years. Recently, it has been on my mind, and I thought it fitting to share my experiences in a blog post. If you take a look at my blog archive, you will notice that 2023 was rather sparse in terms of posts. The reason for this was straightforward: I had a knee issue that made cycling unwise for a while. It was one of those on-and-off situations, but by June 2023, I decided to consult my doctor.

The good news was that there was no damage to my knee, and I was advised to make some adjustments to my cycling approach. Enter the Brompton Electric, which has truly been a game-changer for me. I found that I could use the power as and when I liked, which made cycling much more enjoyable.

I opted for the 12-speed version, which I liked instantly. Although there is some overlap in the gearing, I would say there are about 9 or 10 distinct gears, they work brilliantly. I can ascend inclines and enjoy cruising on flat stretches with/without the motor engaged. When a particularly steep hill comes into view, I simply turn on the power, and the motor transforms the climb into a joyride. I have yet to encounter an incline that my Brompton Electric cannot handle.

As my knee improved - thanks in part to using the Brompton Electric, altering my cycling habits, and following the leg stretching routines advised by my doctor - I found myself relying on the power less and less. I would sometimes engage the motor on hills, particularly to outpace the Lycra-clad brigade ascending Swain’s Lane, who must have thought, ‘He’s passing me on a Brompton!’ For longer distances across London, especially when I needed to get somewhere or home quickly, the electric boost have proved itself to be invaluable. However, I still couldn’t tell you how many miles the battery lasts, as my usage varies so much. For many rides the power is simply there just in case   

Recently, a friend tested an Electric T-Line with 4 gears, and we both took it for a spin. While it is lovely in terms of weight, the 4 gears felt insufficient for our style of cycling, which involves turning on the power as needed rather than keeping it on constantly. Four gears simply weren’t enough for the way we ride.

My friend quickly decided to steer clear of any electric bike with only 4 gears, and we both agreed that the 12 gears would suit his needs much better. There may come a time in the future when I rely on the power being switched on from the moment I step outside, but for now, that approach doesn’t resonate with me.

I fondly recall completing the Dunwich Dynamo on my Brompton Electric. It was a great adventure! I turned on the power for that big hill that snakes around after a food stop and during the last two or three miles when a headwind made things more challenging. Once back in London, I engaged the motor again, and it was wonderful to have it propel me home on tired legs.

If you find yourself needing the power on all the time, having 4 or even 24 gears may not significantly impact your experience, as the motor is simply fantastic. However, if you think you would use it like I do - turning on the power only when needed - then four gears might not suffice. 

I am genuinely glad to have my Brompton Electric in my stable, equipped with its 12 gears, knowing it will continue to be a valuable asset for both my cycling adventures and my knee health. Remarkably, my knee was pretty much back to normal after owning the Brompton Electric for about eight weeks! As for the 12-speed Brompton Electric, it will probably be phased out as the new bikes have no longer have the motor up front  

Until next time, stay safe out there people!