I first became acquainted with the e-Motik system in the 2024, when I tested the larger 20-inch Brompton G Line. This powerful rear-mounted motor, which can accelerate up to 20 mph, provides a more stable ride than front-mounted designs, and being pushed definitely feels more natural than being pulled. The redesign also keeps the weight at the rear, so the folding mechanism remains balanced.
There are three power-assist levels available, as well as push assist (more on that below), and the e-Motic system also adjusts based on your own riding style. It monitors pedal force and cadence. How often you stop and start and how power is used changes during your first 62 miles on the bike. This is not to make extra profit, but to make your ride smoother and more natural.
During testing, I barely noticed any changes as I racked up the miles, but I was seriously impressed by how normal the bike felt. Well, the slightly wobbly upright design is normal with the smaller 16-inch wheels. Yes, power increased as I started pedaling, but initial acceleration was controlled. It felt like I had supercharged my legs instead of strapping a motor to my bike.
My test bike was single-speed, but there is also a four-speed option available. When riding around London, I didn’t need more than one gear as the motor simply strives to get out of any hill. Endless traffic also means it’s hard to exceed top speed for long, but when the road opened up, I was impressed by how easily it was able to transition between assist and support to stay at 15.5 mph. I can only guess, but on big US roads, I think I’d need four gears. I also want an increase in speed limit limits. It’s a shame that Brompton only thought to include one of those things.
I also drove a few miles without the battery pack and was pleasantly surprised. It weighs less than my old steel Brompton and feels great to carry. I dragged the electric T Line e-Motic up countless flights of stairs to the London Underground, hung it in the trunk of a taxi at 2am, and only left it in a restaurant cupboard once. It’s so light and small that you can take it with you, and it’s also expensive enough that you’ll never pack it up and leave it on the road.
I was also able to ride the nonelectric titanium Brompton T-Line, which was almost ridiculously light at 17.64 pounds. If you don’t need electric power, this is the perfect commuter bike.
Control, extra features and competition
Photograph: Chris Haslam
It’s small, but the handlebar-mounted controller does some cool things. It has a start-assist button, which if you press just before leaving a traffic light, or hitting a hill for example, will give you a powerful push to start. This isn’t a throttle—although you have to be stationary to kick it.
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