Spectrum: We take a closer look at Dutch e-bike manufacturer Qwic. For the anniversary this year, the already extensive portfolio is being expanded to include the Atlas, an exciting, versatile e-bike that also feels at home off the asphalt.
In 2021, Qwic celebrates its 15th anniversary. The success story began in 2004 on a bike trip from Beirut to Beijing, which Qwic co-founder Michiel Hartman also took part in. At some point on the last of the 10.000+ km that took the five friends across Asia, the group was passed on a climb by a leisurely retiree on her city e-bike. What is everyday life today was still a formative moment for Hartman back then, after all, in 2006 the e-bike was still in its infancy in Europe. But the potential that motorized bicycles could have for mobility became clear to him in that brief moment and ultimately led to the founding of Qwic just two years later.
In keeping with the history of its founding, Qwic focuses primarily on everyday mobility, with the aim of replacing the car with the e-bike on as many routes as possible. There are plenty of reasons for this: Not only are you traveling more sustainably, you are also relieving the crowded streets and doing something good for your body. Prerequisite: The two-wheeled vehicle must also meet the requirements of this scenario. In addition to absolute reliability, it is therefore important not to neglect comfort and design.
Qwic sees itself as a modern e-bike manufacturer that also brings with it the traditional values of Dutch bicycle manufacturers. You can not only see that on many of the bikes in the portfolio, you can also feel it: comfort and a relaxed seating position are high on the list of specifications. On the other hand, however, there are high-end drives from a wide range of manufacturers, innovative features such as the smart charger for batteries with a capacity of up to 756 Wh, a dedicated app and a whole host of other modern features.
This successful balancing act of tradition and modernity is certainly a cornerstone of Qwic's success. There are now over 600 service and sales outlets in Germany, Austria, Belgium and of course the Netherlands. The next milestone has also already been set in sight: by 2025, they want to break the sound barrier of 100.000 Qwic e-bikes sold.
Qwic in the 2022 model year: adventure, sport, comfort and urban
Over the years, Qwic's portfolio has continued to grow; for the 2022 model year, it includes a total of 20 models, some of which are designed very differently: from the hub motor in the front to the 90 Nm powerful central motor, from the off-road all-rounder to the fast city runabout. It's always not that easy for end customers to keep track - it's good that Qwic helps with the decision-making process. All models and product lines are divided into four main categories: Adventure, Sport, Comfort and Urban. Even if one or the other cross-border commuter is there, it helps to keep track of things - nice!
Qwic Adventure Electric Bikes 2022
The adventure category in the Qwic portfolio is only a few weeks old and celebrated its premiere with the presentation of the new Qwic Atlas: With the new addition, the Dutch company now also has an e-bike for real off-road use in its range. It is at home on gravel and forest roads during weekend tours as well as on asphalt and cobblestone roads on the way to the office. The Atlas is powered by the powerful Brose Drive S Mag, the battery with a capacity of up to 756 Wh is stowed in the top tube and can be easily removed from the top. The price starts at 4.699 euros. By the way, a test bike is on its way to us - we're really excited to see how the Qwic Atlas performs in practice.
Qwic Sport e-bikes 2022
The Qwic Performance model series falls into the category of sporty e-bikes: They are well equipped, optimized for brisk commuting and are therefore the only bikes in the range also available as S-Pedelecs. There is also a choice: Whether it's a powerful Brose mid-engine or a whisper-quiet hub motor, whether derailleur or hub gears, diamond or trapezoidal frames - everyone should really be able to find the right bike here. It's nice that you also have the option of a long-range 735 Wh battery and can even use a belt drive.
Qwic comfort e-bikes 2022
Now it's getting comfortable: The everyday all-rounders from Qwic cavort in this category. Unsurprisingly, there is also the largest selection here with three model series. Although the Premium, Premium i and Premium Q share a similar core, the respective e-bikes are quite different. While even price-conscious buyers can find a great everyday e-bike for less than 2.500 euros in the regular Premium models, you have to dig much deeper into your pocket for the Premium Q series. However, there are not only top components here, but also a multiple award-winning design. In between are the Premium i models, which cover a particularly wide range; By the way, we had the Premium i MN7 Belt not too long ago in test.
Qwic Urban E-Bikes 2022
No frills! With the urban e-bikes from Qwic, reliable function and an attractive price are in the foreground. Accordingly, the price starts at less than 2.000 euros - a real announcement for a high-quality specialist retail brand. Of course you have to make one or the other compromise with the components, for example only hub motors are used. It's very nice that the battery with a capacity of up to 500 Wh can also be accommodated in the frame, despite the low price.
