Test of the Momentum Model T: a reliable and balanced electric bike for 1300 euros

Who is Momentum Electric Technical Sheet Design and Components Daily Autonomy Insurance and Trial period Price and availability Conclusion Competition Cover the product sheet

The Model T electric bike is one of the three models marketed by the Momentum brand.Resolutely intended for the city, this trendy cycle belongs to the entry -level segment with some beautiful assets in its sleeve.Here is his full test.

Source: Frandroid

Who is Momentum Electric?

Momentum Electric was founded in 2012 by an entrepreneur responding to the name of Ying Tsao Tan, in the United Kingdom.The start-up then launched a first generation of electric bikes sold via a network of distributors.In 2016, change of course: Yoni Maruani and David Alezra take over the brand's reins.

A strategic turnaround articulated around a price drop and the suppression of distributors is then made.And from the first year, the company reaches the profitability threshold.In November 2018, the first Momentum Electric store opens its doors to Paris.For the manufacture of its bikes, the firm uses Portuguese know-how.

Today, Momentum Electric has nine employees and three models of trendy cycles sold at the same price (1295 euros): Le Model T, Upstart and 2Wenty.In 2021, their eyes were riveted to several projects: a fundraising of one or two million euros, the release of two new models (Zeyn X and Zeyn e) and the opening of a new shop in Lyon inseptember.

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Technical sheet of the Momentum Model T

This test was carried out from a bicycle loaned by the brand.

Design: a vintage touch

At the first glance, the Model T could be similar to any other electricity bike that can be met in an urban setting.But by looking at it, several elements distinguish it from others and bring it de facto a vintage look, without pushing either in the extreme.

A retro look, a slender stature

The brown saddle and the associated springs reinforce this effect, as well as the retro form of the front lighthouse, supplied by the Spaninga brand.Very brilliant, the shell of the front fire is visually associated with the seatpost, the steering tube, the stem and the handlebars.Overall, the model t has its little effect.

The two-wheelers benefits from a very slender stature: this is both an advantage and a drawback.On the one hand, the 20.8 kg do not really feel at arm's length, since the weight of the machine is distributed over a long length.The placement of the engine (at the front) and the battery (in the center) also contributes to this balance.

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On the other hand, the model T turns out to be a large bike that clearly has no place in an apartment.Indoors, the maneuver is delicate and the turning radius to handle and direct the cycle is relatively limited.As such, a spring connecting the top of the fork and the diagonal tube of the frame tends to "block" the handlebars.Nothing unacceptable, rest assured.

Some manufacturers are making no effort to camouflage the apparent cables of their bike, others put the bites double to make their product ultra refined: the Model T does not belong to any of these two categories and is in fact in the-of them.

At the front, a few cables drag here and there, before disappearing in the oblique tube then reappearing at the back.Overall, this remains very acceptable, moreover for an "affordable" model marketed 1300 euros.

Beavers and integrated speed brakes

Continue with the technical elements that make up this bike.Inevitably, at the price mentioned above, the time is not for high-end components: you have to make concessions to drop the cycle rate.

The presence of a steel fork and an aluminum frame is not surprising.On the brake side, the manufacturer turned to the famous Shimano brand to install a brown skate system BR-T610.The skate brakes are an obviously less effective solution than disc brakes, but they are also less expensive.

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For the engine, Momentum called on the know-how of Bafang and the efficiency of the 8fun block, which benefits from a power of 250 W and a torque of 40 Nm.The whole is supported by a torque sensor, thanks to which the power of the electrical assistance is proportional to the force you put in the pedals.

The Samsung SDI battery benefits from a capacity of 375 WH, which offers an autonomy of 45 to 80 kilometers depending on the level of assistance used.We will come back to this later in this test.The model enjoys yet another system rather interesting on paper: an automatic two-speed transmission, also mentioned below.

A section of complete equipment

Also count on relatively fine 28 -inch kenda tires: they are enough for the city, but do not erase the road's roughness.As such, the absence of suspensions - all in all logical - necessarily plays on comfort.On the cobblestones, the vibrations are legion!

Fortunately, the Saddle Saddle Royal Saves the Putting somewhat.Slightly enhanced on the back, this saddle brings a good surprise seat, provided you find its support area.Remember to take your buttocks well to fully enjoy the softness, at the risk of sliding forward.It’s a helping hand, and everyone's morphology can play.

On the handlebars, a control module is invited to the party: the three superior LEDs correspond to the level of electrical power (eco, normal and high), when the five central LEDs define the remaining level of autonomy.In the absence of a screen and application, it is therefore impossible to know its exact radius of action.

Source: Frandroid

On the lower part, three physical buttons allow you to navigate the module: the "+" and "-" are used to increase or lower the degree of assistance, when the central button turns or light the system.As simple as it is.Inevitably, we would have liked to take advantage of a digital display to access precise autonomy and your pace.But we will do without.

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Let's finish this owner's turn with a very well placed doorbell that falls perfectly under your index-even for small hands-, a luggage rack that can support a load of 25 kilos maximum, a crutch and very classic serial wardrobe,But who have the merit of existing.In short, all the panoply that is expected of a city electric bike.

The Momentum Model T on a daily basis

For what use?

You will no doubt have understood by reading the first lines of this test: Model T is an electric bike intended for the city, and only in the city.No need to venture into the forest with it, it was not designed for this type of journey.His equipment also makes him a perfectly cut cycle for urban environments.

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Be careful however: as mentioned above, Model T will not suit all users.In order for it to become bulky, the bike must have a dedicated room, a garden or a garage.Otherwise, the cycle takes up a lot of space in an apartment.Climb it on stairs a little narrow?Forget.

Strictly speaking, turning it back in an elevator is possible, but never very practical.

Bafang engine and integrated speed hub: a winning duo

The model T has a significant advantage compared to other entry -level bikes: it does not derail.Why ?How ?Thanks to its famous integrated speed hub system located in the rear wheel.In the case of this model, the reports - two - have passed automatically.It’s a voluntary choice.

Some bikes also benefit from such a mechanism, but the gear transition must be made manually.The fact is that the model t has this asset in its sleeve which distinguishes it from other entry levels where the risks of derailment are higher with the presence of a derailleur and several gables.

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At start -up, the bike therefore starts in speed 1.Once the 15 km/h has been exceeded, speed number 2 switches on itself.A slight mechanical noise is noticeable during the change, but overall, the system is tied and does not bother.

The Bafang engine of a torque of 40 Nm constitutes a solution amply sufficient for the use which is asked to respect.Admittedly, the starts are not up to a cowboy or a canyon, but it is absolutely not necessary to compare the model T to this type of machine.

For a two-wheeler of its ilk, the model T will meet the majority of expectations in terms of power: the 25 km/h are reached in a few pedal strokes, the audience is pleasant and energetic without being too abrupt.In short, we are dealing here with a combination of very honorable elements.

On the other hand, the slightly stiff ribs push you to press a bit stronger on the pedals.In the absence of a manual gear lever, and with regard to your appearance generally greater than 15 km/h, demo to speed 1 is not possible not possible.In the idea.It is actually enough to retropedalate to go to speed 1 again.

Source: Frandroid

The level of assistance number 1 and number 2 mainly have an impact on startup, which is necessarily less toned.We will have to use the strength of your legs more.Once the 15 km/h has been exceeded, the perception between modes 2 and 3 is relatively low.In general, level 3 was the one I favored throughout.

Handy, but with a helping hand to take

All in length, the model bike Model T may not be the most handy of its segment.But with a little practice, it becomes easy to handle.In the end, this is only a matter of habit.I have been able to maneuver it in situations a delicate hair, where I had to make tight turns at low speed.

Source: Frandroid

As for stability, no major defect can be assigned to it.Relatively well balanced in terms of weight distribution, the model T is up to the height of our expectations.In short, in these areas, the bicycle has little to blame itself.

Brakes: Knowing how to anticipate

Model T skating brakes are neither excellent nor bad: they are in a happy medium and allow you to stop as it should be well anticipated situations.By electric bike, the 25 km/h are always very quickly affected.So you have to be even more vigilance.

Having brakes biting enough to guarantee your safety and save yourself from an urgent situation is essential.Here, inevitably, the model of Model T does not arrive at the ankle of disc brakes.But in the idea, it remains correct.Just remember to press the controllers to the end to fully exploit the potential of the brakes.

A respectable and respected autonomy

Real autonomy vs autonomy announced

Between the estimates of the sellers of electric bikes in terms of autonomy and reality, there is sometimes a world of gap.Rest assured: the figures published on the official Momentum Electric website proved rather faithful.In high mode, the brand promises for example a 45 -kilometer autonomy.

Since it is impossible to follow the precise figures of your remaining autonomy in the absence of a digital application or display, it was necessary to return to the right old manual calculation method according to the extinguished or lit LED number.Results: I was able to travel 43 kilometers before falling into the red zone.

This red zone is materialized by the very first LED which is just to flash this color.In this situation, the bicycle continues to provide you with electrical assistance, but in very small quantities.In short, the accumulator draws at that time from its last reserves.

Source: Frandroid

On average, an LED therefore corresponds to 8.5 kilometers, to give you an order of ideas.Inevitably, your driving and the routes taken (ribs, descents) can impact everything.And overall, this autonomy remains acceptable, without either being insane.

Let's say that you will be able to perform several short and medium journeys per week before having to recharge it.Autonomy is in any case an important element to take into account for your purchase: so have all the observations of this test in mind.Also count 4:30 am of charging.

Another important point must be entered: when Model T is not used for a certain period of time, the battery automatically puts itself on standby.So do not panic if the bike does not provide you with any assistance after making it sleep for several days.In this case, just press a small dedicated button located on the accumulator slice.

To remove the battery, the maneuver is extremely simplicity: unlock it with a key and then remove it by switching it to the side.To put it back, the key inserted into the latch must imperatively keep its place.

Insurance and trial period

The electric bikes of the Momentum brand - whose Model T, therefore - have an advantage that many other cycles do not have at the time of a purchase: integrated insurance.In other brands, this type of warranty must often be mocked against a paying monthly package.Here everything is free.

To do this, Momentum Electric has teamed up with the Allianz insurance group.Which ensures bicycle for two years, without any additional cost.What to cover "accidental and breakage damage", can be read on the official website, but also the flight of your electric frame.

A sine qua non condition must be respected to take advantage of it: possess and use a mechanical anti -theft of type U or an articulated chain with padlock.Very standard equipment that can already be placed at home for little to drive with a mechanical bike, for example.

Because everyone is not lucky - or bad luck, it is according to - to reside in Paris or in the Parisian suburbs to see with their own eyes and try a Momentum bicycle, the brand has set up a system "satisfied or refunded ".

If you live in Bordeaux, for example, the company sends you your model for free.You then have 50 days to test it: if it does not suit you, return to the sender.If you satisfy you, you keep it.

Price and availability of Momentum Model T

The Momentum Model T is available in stores or on the brand's official website at a price of 1295 euros.According to your place of housing, many financial aid can have 795 euros fall thanks to a bonus of 500 euros.

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