The Benno Electric Bike Brand
Benno Bikes, founded by Benno Baenziger, emphasizes utility and style in its electric bike designs. Baenziger, who co-founded Electra Bicycle Company before starting his own brand, brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the e-bike market. Benno Bikes distinguishes itself with a focus on creating versatile, durable e-bikes that cater to the needs of urban commuters, cargo haulers, and recreational riders alike. Here's an overview of key features and aspects of Benno electric bikes:
Benno Bikes' design philosophy centers around the concept of "Etility®," which combines utility with electric power. The brand aims to create e-bikes that are not only practical for everyday use but also fun to ride and aesthetically pleasing. This approach results in bikes that strike a balance between performance, comfort, and style.
Where to Buy Benno Electric Bikes
Benno has local dealers across North America, Europe, and Oceania.
Key Features of Benno Electric Bikes
Versatility
Benno Bikes are designed to handle a variety of tasks and environments, from urban commuting to light off-road adventures. Many models come with customizable cargo options, making them suitable for carrying groceries, gear, or even children.
Performance
Equipped with powerful Bosch electric motors, Benno e-bikes offer reliable pedal-assist performance. Riders can choose from several levels of assistance, making it easier to tackle hills and long distances.
Durability
Constructed with high-quality materials and components, Benno e-bikes are built to last. The brand pays close attention to detail, ensuring that each bike can withstand the rigors of daily use.
Comfort
Ergonomic design is a hallmark of Benno Bikes. Models feature comfortable seating positions, adjustable handlebars, and suspension options to ensure a smooth ride on various terrains.
Cargo Capacity
Many Benno e-bikes are designed with cargo carrying in mind. The brand offers a range of accessories, including racks, baskets, and bags, to enhance the bikes' hauling capabilities.
Popular Benno Electric Bike Models
Benno offers several e-bike models, each catering to different rider needs and preferences. Some of the popular models include:
Benno Boost
Overview
The Benno Boost is a versatile long tail e-cargo bike that can carry heavy loads without sacrificing agility or riding comfort.
Potential Buyers and Use Cases
It is a versatile electric cargo bike that is potentially useful for anyone shopping for a cargo bike.
Key Specs
The bike features a big alloy frame, 24-inch wheels, and despite its cargo capabilities, it fits in the same space as a standard city bike due to its compact length. Unlike some cargo bikes where the cargo rack is integrated into the frame, the Boost E's rack is a separate, bolt-on component, allowing for various carrying options, including Benno's utility bags, child seats, and additional racks for even more cargo capacity.
The Boost E is powered by Bosch's fourth-generation Performance Line CX motor, offering 85Nm of torque, ensuring no struggle with power on the road. It comes with a standard 500Wh battery, with the option to add a second battery for extended range. Despite its weight, the bike's range is reasonable for day-to-day use, though heavier loads or longer commutes might necessitate the additional battery.
Adjustability is a key feature, accommodating riders from 5'1" to 6'3", with plenty of seat post and handlebar adjustments available. However, these adjustments require tools, making it less convenient for families of varying sizes to share the bike. The bike has Shimano Deore hydraulic brakes, a bright Supernova lighting system, and sturdy mudguards.
Recommendation
The Benno Boost is one the best electric cargo bikes on the market, and you should definitely consider it if you need a cargo bike.
Benno 46er
Overview
The Benno 46er is a compact cargo e-bike designed for urban mobility, with a revolutionary solution for navigating crowded city spaces.
Potential Buyers and Use Cases
The Benno 46er is tailored for the everyday urbanite.
Key Specs
The bike is powered by a robust Bosch motor and equipped with a 500Wh integrated battery, ensuring speed, reliability, and a long range between charges.
Its compact dimensions and cargo capacity allow for easy maneuvering through city traffic and the ability to carry loads comparable to a small car.
Designed with comfort and adaptability in mind, it features a unique wheel setup and a suspension fork for a smooth ride across various urban terrains.
Recommendation
Another good electric cargo bike option from Benno.
Benno eJoy
Overview
The Benno eJoy combines the classic look of a cruiser with modern e-bike technology, making it ideal for stylish urban commuting. It is an electric bike designed for comfort and everyday utility.
Potential Buyers and Use Cases
It features a low step design for easy access and offers an impressive cargo capacity, making it suitable for carrying a wide range of items, from groceries and boxes to surfboards.
The eJoy accommodates a broad range of rider heights, from 5 feet to over 6 feet, and has a maximum gross weight capacity of 400 pounds, allowing for the transportation of a child on the rear rack (up to 85 pounds) and additional cargo on an optional front rack (up to 35 pounds).
Key Specs
The bike is equipped with the Bosch Purion display and offers several motor options, including the Active Line Plus and Performance motor for assistance up to 20 miles per hour. The Performance Sport version provides assistance up to 28 miles per hour. The eJoy is available in two versions: the 5i, which features a Shimano Nexus 5-speed internal hub, and the 10d, which comes with a Shimano Deore derailleur setup.
Recommendation
A great addition to the Benno line of electric bikes and something riders should definitely consider.
Benno Remidemi
Overview
The Benno Remidemi is a compact and versatile city e-bike. The bike is easy to use and comfortable. It's built for cruising but doesn't lag in performance, making it an enjoyable ride for commuting and around-town errands. The Benno Remidemi offers a solid build and practical features for those looking to replace car journeys with a more compact and capable e-bike solution.
Potential Buyers and Use Cases
It's designed for urban riders looking for a cargo bike's benefits without needing a large luggage capacity. The Remidemi is designed for day-to-day urban use rather than long journeys, offering a comfortable ride, solid construction, and practical cargo-carrying capabilities.
It's seen as a potential car replacement for urban dwellers who need to carry loads like groceries, children, or personal items around town.
Key Specs
The bike features enormous 4.25-inch moto-style tires on wide rims, providing excellent grip on tarmac and smoothing out road surfaces, making it more comfortable than typical small-wheeled bikes. The Remi Demi's steel frame and fork are stylishly finished, and its integrated rear rack can carry up to 30 kilos, with options to add a child seat, cargo rack, or even a surfboard rack. The front rack on the head tube can carry an additional 20 kilos, making the bike practical for carrying significant loads.
The bike is powered by a 65 Newton meter Bosch Performance Line motor, making it capable of handling city rides and some off-road adventures, despite its considerable weight due to the steel frame and large tires. The standard spec includes a 400-watt-hour battery, with a range estimate of 40 to 135 kilometers, depending on riding conditions.
It features a low-step steel frame and fork, 20-inch wheels, and exceptionally wide, 4.25-inch moto-style tires that provide excellent grip and comfort by smoothing out road surfaces. Unlike some city bikes that may have poor-quality suspension forks, the Remidemi relies on its large tires for shock absorption, capable of handling off-road conditions.
Recommendation
Another Benno product that is definitely worth a test ride.
The Bottom Line
Benno Bikes stands out in the crowded e-bike market by focusing on utility, performance, and design. Whether you're looking for a reliable commuter bike, a versatile cargo hauler, or a comfortable cruiser, Benno's range of electric bikes offers something for everyone. With their commitment to quality and innovation, Benno Bikes are a compelling choice for anyone interested in the benefits of electric cycling.
