Why bother with this new e-bike from Giant

Taiwanese group Giant is launching a new electric bike brand called Momentum. To start, the offer consists of two models, including the VOYA E+ that is exclusively for the city. The problem: Its extremely low torque and 18kg weight scare us.

Giant is debuting an entirely new brand of electric bikes called the Momentum. her privacy? It will only be sold online. Supported by retailers across France We can read in a press release sent to the editorial board.

In each store there will be a momentum corner: you will then be able to try one of the brand’s e-bikes, without being able to buy it.viaActual sales channel. If you have enjoyed your experience, just go to the official website to finish your purchase.

A very weak couple

At the moment, the Momentum is launching in two models: Urban and Charge. Urban responds to the VOYA E+ name and is designed for everyday city trips and commuting. The lack of any suspension or balloon tires somewhat keeps it from getting off the beaten track.

On paper, the VOYA E+ is equipped with some interesting components: Tektro HD-R280 hydraulic disc brakes, a 10-speed Shimano transmission or a Gates Carbon belt drive—it’s your choice—28-inch Kenda Kwick Journey tires or a Selle Royal Vivo Ergo Moderate saddle.

However, many items bother us greatly. Firstly, the 250W SyncDrive Move rear motor claims a very small 25Nm of torque, the higher the torque, the more dynamic and agile the bike when going uphill or when starting from a standstill. In town, the torque of around 40 Nm is generally a good reference.

The idea of ​​integrating a light motor into an electric bike can be an interesting one. But in this case, you need to reduce your weight as much as possible, in order to balance the whole thing. Origine Help does it perfectly, with a curb weight of 13kg and a generous 55Nm of torque.

big weight

And therein lies the catch: the VOYA E+ still weighs 18kg. We have strong doubts about its ability to properly push you to a positive level. Belt-link—which only offers one speed, as a reminder—is probably the worst configuration to do.

You wouldn’t really have, in this case, the capacity to play around with the gear ratio. The 25Nm of torque single-speed isn’t just meant to tame all urban environments, even if the VOYA E+’s closed tire promotes a more dynamic and sporty ride than an open one.

It is also above all enough to look at the competition to see that there is a better niche elsewhere. It is outperformed by the Voltaire Legendre (€2,390) with its 35Nm Mivice engine, as well as the Ellipse E1 (€2,490, 35Nm) and the Mustache Samedi 28.1 Open (€2,299, 40Nm). Add €350 and you get an excellent iWeech of 90Nm of torque.

Also, the VOYA E + does not pack the largest battery ever: it has a capacity of 250Wh, for a theoretical autonomy of 72 km – which we imagine reaching with the weakest mode. Momentum finally mentions four PedalPlus sensors that are supposed to provide natural assistance.

Too many conventional optional equipment

The last small problem concerns the standard equipment: neither crutches nor mudguards, which you have to pay 19.99 and 55 euros respectively to take advantage of. More of a dubious choice. Finally, the VOYA E+ is available in three sizes and two colors (Tequila Sunrise and Ink).

We don’t want to bury this new electric bike right away, but there’s clearly still a lack of consistency regarding the unbalanced technical sheet. It will be necessary to try it to be sure.

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