Rear or middle motor?: With the New Bad design pedelec you have a choice

Pedelec with rear or middle motor? This is where opinions differ.

Rear or middle motor?: With the New Bad design pedelec you have a choice

Pedelec with rear or middle motor? This is where opinions differ. But not with Bad Bike, because with their new model New Bad, the Italian e-bike specialists make both possible - even after the purchase. If you don't have much space to put it down, it can be folded up.

The mostly strikingly styled models from the Italian e-bike specialist Bad Bike are mostly powered by rear-wheel hub motors. The new model New Bad is now partly an exception. The e-bike is alternatively also available with a mid-motor. If you want, you can first decide on one version and then convert to the other drive principle afterwards. There are also different performance levels and motor manufacturers to choose from. If there are delivery problems with drives from China, a motor from Europe will be assembled.

The New Bad is also characterized by a number of interesting design tricks. There is the massive central frame tube, which, in addition to lines and cables, also integrates the removable 720 Wh battery from Samsung and a folding mechanism. A carrier element consisting of several milled parts is screwed to the rear end of the tube, which can also accommodate the optional middle motor in addition to the bottom bracket. It also serves as a pivot point for the spring-loaded rear wheel swing arm.

In addition to a central damper for the rear wheel, a centrally sprung front fork and the 10 centimeter wide and voluminous tires on 20-inch spoked wheels promise comfort. Other highlights are the lights integrated in the frame at the rear and front. The two front LED lamps, each consisting of three diodes, flank the steering column. The small rear light offers a brake light function. A display has also been cleverly integrated into the steering stem.

Whether middle or rear motor - in both cases Bafang drives are available. With the rear engine variant, the customer can choose between 250 or 500 watts of power. The middle motor is 250 watts, but as an alternative to the Bafang solution, a motor from the Italian manufacturer Oli can also be ordered. Depending on the type of drive and power level, the range varies from 50 to 150 kilometers. When buying, the customer will initially decide on one drive, but it should later be possible to switch to the other drive technology. Double B is what Bad Bike calls this patented system of double motor configuration.

Despite these and other unusual solutions, the e-bike seems suitable for everyday use. There is an eight-speed derailleur, hydraulic disc brakes and mudguards. It can also be folded: centrally in the middle of the frame and on the handlebars. If you have little space for your e-bike, you can park the New Bad to save space.

Bad Bike plans to launch its new model this year. The Italians traditionally position their pedelecs in the lower price segments. Perhaps the new bathroom will also remain under 3,000 euros, despite some sophisticated solutions.