Ampler bikes have been around since 2016, after starting with a crowfunding campaign that raised over $150k. Now they have three new models, with prices starting at €2290. If you like your e-bikes to look classy, and not really like e-bikes, these might interest you quite a lot.

"The true innovation in the electric bike world promises to make your daily commutes even better and take you even further than before", says Ampler of the new bikes. So, what's the deal? Well, firstly you might notice that there aren't any batteries in evidence.

There is a battery, of course, but it's neatly hidden within the alloy frame. It's a decent size, too: 336Wh, which gives the bike a stated range of 45-100km. What you actually get will depend on all sorts of things, not least whether you live at the top of a big hill. But for city riding it's likely to be plenty. You can't take the battery out easily, so you'll need to carry your bike up to your loft apartment to charge it, or you could charge it at work. The good news carrying-wise is that all three bikes are pretty light: the singlespeed Curt weighs just 14.1kg, and the more fully equipped Stout and Stellar are both 16.4kg. Those two bikes share the same spec, the difference being that the Stellar has a mixte frame for easier access.

The power gets to the road via a rear hub motor, and there's a torque sensor in the bottom bracket that senses what you're putting in and adds the power accordingly. Hub motors are pretty compact these days and the Ampler's rear hub isn't really any bigger than a hub gear, so the bike's look is very clean. You'd need to look at least twice to notice, so it's a good stealth option if you prefer to be riding something good-looking but you could use a helping hand.

Ampler sell exclusively online, although they are opening a showroom in Berlin, which might not be that helpful if you're in Scarborough or somewhere. They've shipped over 800 bikes so far, to over 20 countries, so best make use of our tariff-free arrangement with the rest of the EU while you can if you want to get your hands on one of these bikes...

amplerbikes.com

Ampler Curt €2,490

Ampler Stout/Stellar, €2,290