Honey, We Are Having Twins. Ampler Introduces Two New Ebikes.

Newly acquired capital, a new production facility and the opening of more showrooms – these were the news Ampler had underlined its growth ambitions for the near future in recent months. Now the Estonian-based manufacturer is also expanding its model range. With the Ampler Juna and the Ampler Axel, two urban ebikes join the existing fleet.

In the corresponding press release, Ampler refers to the Juna as the most comfortable bike it has ever brought to market. The geometry of the frame supports a relaxed, upright riding position. The Axel commuter ebike, on the other hand, has a sportier character and suits people with an active lifestyle.

Restraint as brand essence

A sober look at the new additions and the renunciation of inescapable marketing language reveals in any case that Ampler is consistently pursuing the path it has taken so far. Like the Stellar, Curt and Strout models already available, Juna and Axel are ebikes that want to get you around town reliably without causing a stir. And if no one notices that you’re on an ebike, all the better.

You won’t find massive frame tubes, flashy motors, unavoidable displays on the handlebars or large-scale lettering on Ampler ebikes. Obviously, the manufacturer is even trying to be a little more spartan than it already is. Juna and Axel, for example, forgo a gearing system. Instead, with the single speed, there is a single gear ratio that pushes you along at different frequencies with the help of the motor. No gears – this not only saves time through less costly maintenance, but also weight. At about 16.5 kilograms, Juna and Axel are clearly in one of the lower weight classes that apply to ebikes. Of course, this is also thanks to their aluminium frames.

It is not only the handlebars that make Juna and Axel look very much like a regular bicycle.

The 27.5-inch wheels also tie in with the concepts of the previous bikes. The difference to the otherwise mounted 28 inch versions is marginal. Ampler uses the smaller circumference to add a little extra to the tyre width. From 42 millimetres, it goes up to 50 millimetres. This is clearly intended to increase riding comfort. For there is also no change to the rigid forks.

“New” rating absolutely deserved

If this first inventory suggests that the new models are merely a double pack of the “everything the same” type, the frame shows how much has actually changed. Ampler has redesigned the heart of the bikes from the scratch. For the manufacturer, the update marks nothing less than the birth of the second generation of its ebikes. For this, they have recorded their own riding experiences over the years, collected findings from the production and maintenance of the bikes, and evaluated the feedback from their own community.

One result of this process is that the cables for the Juna and Axel are almost completely routed in the frame. The power button for the e-drive has moved from the seat tube to the underside of the top tube. On the older models mentioned above, it is located relatively close to the bottom bracket, which firstly is not particularly easy to reach and secondly makes it get dirty more quickly.

The switch-on button is barely noticeable on the underside of the top tube and at the same time easy to reach.

Stylistically nicely done control unit

On the upper side of the top tube, a very discreet display is embedded in the frame. The mere fact that there is now a display is already a gain. We consider it one of the highlights of the new models that it has been integrated so coherently. It provides you with basic information about your ride, shows the remaining battery range and serves to control the light and assistance levels.

From a distance, the control unit integrated in the top tube looks cleverly solved.

For the rear hub motor itself, Ampler has changed less fundamental things. The continuous rated power of 250 watts and the torque of 45 Newton metres are familiar values. The torque sensor installed in the bottom bracket remains important for motor control. It determines the degree of support that the motor gives you in addition to your muscle power.

With a torque of 45 Newton metres, the rear wheel hub motor from Ampler falls more into the “minimal assist” category.

About a week’s supply

It seems that LG will once again be the battery supplier. At least that’s what the communicated data suggest. On the Juna and Axel, too, the battery is permanently installed in the down tube and can only be removed by specialists for maintenance purposes. Some of you may have expected a removable battery when something new appears from Ampler, as is the case now. Since such a frame construction would require more volume and weight, the manufacturer apparently preferred to stick with its tried and tested solution. The capacity of 336 watt hours is good for ranges between 50 kilometres and 100 kilometres. Ampler considers an average of about 70 kilometres to be realistic. On the other hand, it does not take forever to charge from zero to 100 per cent, just 2.5 hours.

Safety for bicycles and riders

Riding in urban areas often means riding with fear. This means the fear of theft. Ampler wants to take away some of this fear and has equipped both the Juna and the Axel with a GPS function. With the help of the Ampler app, you can locate these bikes at any time and receive a signal on the device of your choice if someone moves the bike while it is locked. For the app, a major update is announced for the near future. You should then be able to lock the power button on the ebike. This won’t replace a conventional bike lock, but hopefully it will rain on the thieves’ parade.

The new tail light integrated in the mudguard also signals your braking to the traffic behind.

The rear lights integrated into the mudguards look nice in the pictures. They even have a brake light function. At the front, Ampler uses the IQ-XS from Busch&Müller, a higher-quality headlight than on the other models, which fits perfectly with the understatement of the entire bike thanks to its compact dimensions. On the other hand, it is a bit of a shame that neither the Juna nor the Axel come with a rear carrier as standard. This would have been particularly appropriate for a city ebike. However, the option does exist. Just like the option for a trailer coupling.

For small and large, but not both together

Things get a little strange when you look at the frame sizes of the Juna. The sizes XS and S are available, which Ampler recommends for people with a body height between 150 centimetres and 162 centimetres and 163 centimetres and 174 centimetres respectively. It is remarkable that finally a manufacturer is thinking about people of shorter stature. At the same time, the question arises as to why the limit is set at 174 centimetres? Especially since Ampler refers to the Juna’s frame as a low-step model, which is typically intended for all genders. We consider the Juna to be more of a trapezoidal frame bike, but that’s a matter of opinion. Regardless of whether it’s a low entry or a trapezoidal frame – tall people will certainly want to ride such an ebike. For them, the only choice is currently the Stellar, if they want to use a bike from Ampler with a similar frame.

For comparison: according to Ampler, the Axel is suitable for people with a height between 172 centimetres and 200 centimetres, broken down into frame sizes M and L. There is a lot of room to move upwards. On the other hand, shorter people are left out in the cold. What do we learn from this? Ampler offers a lot for 2,590 euros each, which is really worth considering. Is there something for everyone? No, rather not.

The Ampler novelties for 2022 at a glance

• Variants: Ampler Juna; Ampler Axel
• Motor: Ampler rear hub motor with integrated shell
• Battery: Ampler, 336 Wh
• Display: integrated in top tube
• Fork: Aluminium
• Drive train: Single speed
• Brakes: hydraulic disc brakes with two brake pistons
• Maximum permitted total weight: 120 kg

Pictures: Ampler Bikes OÜ