Benno Boost E Low Step e-bike review

By Rebecca Bland

15 Mar 2022

Move Electric rating: four stars out of five

What does it cost?
From £4799

What is it?
An electric utility bike or, as Benno proclaim, 'Etility', with the ride and feel of a non-cargo bike but with the capabilities of one. A high spec motor system and enjoyable ride give this bike a premium feel for a not unreasonable price.

Benno bikes are the brainchild of one of the Electra bike brand founders. If you've not heard of them, they were pioneers of 'Flat Foot Technology’, which is essentially bike geometry that allows you to put your foot down when you start and stop but without compromising on saddle height and leg extension as you ride.

Subscribe to the Move Electric newsletter

In 2015, Benno bikes were born to create a niche category of e-bikes. Ones that reflect the need for carrying cargo and loads, but without the long wheelbase and occasionally awkward riding with a more traditional cargo bike. Hence, their term 'etility'.

The Boost E uses rear racks to handle most of the load, although there are attachments available for the front like the Utility Front Tray found on my test bike. Overall, the bike can carry up to 200kg (including rider), so you’re not losing any carrying capacity in weight by choosing this smaller cargo bike.

What is it like?
Riding it doesn't feel much different to a non-cargo electric bicycle in that it handles well, reliably and quickly stops and starts. Granted, I didn't get the chance to ride it with a full load so I can't say for certain whether it maintains this level of agility.

The biggest appeal of this type of rear-loading smaller electric cargo bike has to be the size, and thus the less space you need to store it. Much like it isn't practical for some people to own cars if they have nowhere to store them, the trouble with cargo bikes is the sheer size of them. If you don't have a garage or secure space to store one, or can't bring it inside, then it significantly reduces the accessibility of these bikes. The beauty of the Benno Boost E is that it provides all the same utility prowess as a larger bike but in a 'compact' package.

The thick 2.6” tyres on the 24” wheels gave it a comfortable ride, with enough softening for the hardiest of British roads. The frame is a rigid style aluminium construction, and the low slung top tube of this ‘Low Step’ model makes it easy to mount and dismount the bike, even in casual clothing. Additionally, Benno claims the single size frame can fit riders between 5’1” and 6’3” with adjustment on the saddle height.

The Bosch Performance Line CX is excellent and provides five levels of assist, from Eco to Turbo. The claimed battery range for one of the Bosch PowerPack 500 batteries is between 30 and 80 miles, depending on load weight and assist level, among other things. Like most Bosch mid-drive motors, it's hard to find fault. The assist kicks in nicely and reliably, allowing you to set off from tricky junctions or hill starts with confidence.

The assist levels are controlled via the Bosch Purion onboard computer which provides basic information for your ride, and the buttons are big enough to be used even through gloves.

The Shimano Deore drivetrain is entry to mid-level, but as a workhorse of the hierarchy, it can handle the rigours of e-bike demands placed on a drivetrain. Paired with the Shimano hydraulic disc brakes and I found it to be relatively crisp and straightforward to use.

One of the perks of cargo bikes is that you can build them up to your desired specification in terms of cargo carrying. Whether you have kids, a dog, or simply want to carry lots of stuff around, there are accessories from Benno that allow you to do so. For example, you can comfortably seat two small children on the rear using compatible child seats. My test bike came with the Utility Front Tray which costs £189.99 but bolts directly onto the frame – which can be a bit of a mind warp as it doesn't follow the direction of the wheel, but the frame. It can hold up to 20kg of cargo and appears to provide suitable support, but the raised sides mean larger items may be slightly tricky to carry.

Where can I buy it?
Fully Charged, online or from one of their stores around the south of England.

How does it arrive?
The bike arrives fully assembled, although if you choose to add the front traybed or rear railkit, there will be some assembly required.

Verdict
The Benno Boost E can reduce your reliance on cars just as well as a larger cargo bike, and with its premium motor and battery, it is a desirable bike for short journeys.