Test: The Elby brand should not be known to everyone. But the brand has already won a number of design awards with the Elby 9-speed e-bike. We were able to put the stylish low step through to the test in the test.
Elby 9-Speed Test: Frame & Equipment
Step-through shoes are often less sexy and not necessarily what you think of when you hear the word "style". This is another reason why Elby takes a different approach to his interpretation of the modern step-through bike. The frame has a somewhat unconventional, but definitely beautiful shape. The bike is available in five different colors - there should really be something suitable for almost everyone. Lots of choice in terms of colours, but unfortunately rather little in terms of frame sizes: the Elby is only available in one size. By adjusting the saddle height and the stem, people between 1,50 m and 1,95 m can find space on the bike. Since the motor is located at the rear of the bike, the battery is placed discreetly in the center of the frame. However, this only limits the legroom minimally.
The Elby offers a 9-speed translation with a Sram X5 rear derailleur. Braking is done with a hydraulic Tektro Auriga E-Sub disc brake. The cockpit can be adjusted to the correct position with the adjustable stem and generally looks very tidy and valuable. In the middle of the cockpit there is an almost futuristic-looking installation that houses a Supernova spotlight and the display. The Elby comes standard with elegant black anodized fenders, which are very robust. A Supernova rear radiator is also installed in the rear fender. The e-bike rolls on stable 26″ wheels fitted with 2,2″ wide Continental Cruise Contact tires with an additional puncture protection insert.
| Frame | Elby aluminum one size |
| Fork | Elby aluminum |
| Drive | BionX D series rear engine |
| Battery | 557 Wh |
| Wheels | Elby |
| Tires | Continental Cruise Contact 2,2" |
| Derailleur | sram x5 |
| Shifter | sram x5 |
| Crank | Elby |
| Front derailleur | |
| Brake | Tektro Auriga E Sub |
| Seatpost | Elby |
| Saddle | Elby |
| Stem | Elby |
| Handlebar | Elby |
Overall, the Elby makes a qualitatively and visually very high-quality impression. The gearshift in particular is more pragmatic than high-quality, but in our experience it does its job quite reliably - especially on a city bike like the Elby.
Elby 9-Speed Test: Motor & Battery
It has almost become rare: the rear motor on an e-bike. With its hub motor, BionX was one of the first manufacturers to open up the e-bike market. The latest evolutionary stage of BionX is installed on the Elby. The D series delivers a befitting 250 watts and should provide a decent boost. Although more and more manufacturers are going exclusively with mid-engines, a rear engine still has undeniable advantages that are rarely talked about. On the one hand, rear motors are very powerful in most cases, but at the same time remain almost inaudible.
In addition, wear on the chain and sprocket is reduced because the torque acts directly on the wheel. On the other hand, the way it works enables energy recovery: Put simply, the polarity of the motor is reversed, braking a little while driving, but charging the battery as a result. Perfect, for example, for longer descents. Because the motor has been moved to the rear, there is space for the battery in the center of the frame directly above the bottom bracket – where the motor is now located on most other e-bikes. This keeps the weight distribution from becoming too rear-heavy and ensures a low center of gravity and thus better driving characteristics. The battery itself is a modern lithium-ion battery with 48 V and 11,6 Ah or 557 Wh capacity and, according to Elby, should provide electricity for up to 135 km.
Elby 9-Speed Test: Usability and Connectivity
The Elby is operated with a controller on the right handlebar. The support and recuperation levels of the BionX motor can be set there. The light from the supernova emitters is also controlled via it. In addition, the three display modes of the color display can be switched using the controller. It provides information on driving data and of course the current support level. Positive: It is still easy to read even in strong sunlight. The holder of the display offers the possibility to remove it quickly and easily, for example to mount your own smartphone instead. This can then be paired with the Elby via Bluetooth and, thanks to its own Elby app, also serves as a navigation device. Anyone who is now worried about their smartphone battery can relax; The smartphone can be charged via the USB socket. If you like it simple and appreciate space on the handlebars, you can also use the Elby without a display. The controller on the right handlebar also shows the current battery level.
Elby 9-Speed Test: Driving Report
A comfortable seating position on the Elby is quickly found. You always need an Allen key to adjust the saddle height and handlebar position. Good in terms of theft protection, but it could become a disadvantage if several people of different heights use the bike. The ergo grips are easy to hold and the shift and brake levers are also easy to reach. All buttons on the control unit for controlling the motor and the light can be pressed without any unpleasant contortions. There is also a button on the remote to activate the pushing aid. This starts well and provides powerful support when pushing - even uphill and over smaller obstacles.
The BionX D offers four support levels. The first is still very reserved and can hardly be felt as a real "boost" while driving. Especially good for those who appreciate the traditional “cycling feel”. Levels three and four support homogeneously and significantly more. At full power you can clearly feel the power of the 250 W rear motor, but without releasing too much torque at first. Even if you push the motor to its limits, it remains almost inaudibly quiet - the noise level at the highest level is lower than the lowest level of most mid-engines.
The energy recovery also offers four levels and is clearly noticeable as resistance from level two at the latest. A really good thing for longer descents: If you switch to the highest level of recuperation, the motor brakes the bike, you protect the brakes and charge the battery. However, you shouldn't be under any illusions either - you can increase the range by a few kilometers, but fully recharging an empty battery via recuperation is at best theoretically feasible.
Due to the good weight distribution with the motor in the rear and the battery in the center of the frame and the stiff aluminum frame, the Elby can be moved safely even at high speeds without becoming unsteady. frame flutter? none. At the same time, thanks to the small wheels, the bike remains very manoeuvrable and can also be easily maneuvered around tight corners in the city. The wide Continental tires provide the necessary grip and cushioning for small bumps.
The side stand, with which the Elby can be parked very safely, should also be praised. With the increased weight of e-bikes, this is often a problem. Elby solved this very well. The Supernova lighting system is completely sufficient and provides the necessary perspective even in the dark.
