Sit back and relax. Let your soul unwind. Not having to think about anything. The Brekr F250 aims to be the ebike that embodies this feeling. Anyone with a penchant for the look of 1960s and 1970s America and a pleasantly empty diary might find this appealing. But this ebike is good for much more than just cruising around your neighbourhood.
1. Ebike with motorcycle genes
2. No problem thanks to magnetic battery cover
3. Long, height-adjustable seat bench
4. Brekr F250 featuring 22-inch wheels
5. Bafang motor with a special twist
6. Safety in everyday urban life comes at an additional cost
7. Style icon and practical everyday bike in one
8. Summary of the Brekr F250
1. Ebike with motorcycle genes
It’s clear at first glance – this ebike is not like all other ebikes. Nor does it want to be. It’s much closer to a small work of art. An object that looks cool and transfers its glamour to you. On its website, Brekr openly admits that the design of the F250 serves two purposes. It should make the ebike ride well. And perhaps even more importantly, it should attract attention. In some respects, this concept has definitely already paid off. For example, the Brekr F250 received the iF Design Award in 2024.
Unfortunately, the jury’s statement does not reveal which detail they liked best. In any case, the model combines elements of several well-known icons. We are reminded of Taco’s mini bikes from the 1960s, for example. Or the scrambler-style motorcycles of the 1970s. Except that here, the bulbous main frame does not contain a discarded lawnmower engine. Instead, Brekr fills this free space with a striking, wide profile that runs diagonally from the rear dropout up to the head tube. Its solid aluminium side trim panels are a real eye-catcher. The panels are available in a number of different colours. If you can’t decide which one to buy, just buy two. Or three. Brekr offers them as accessories. However, a set does cost 199 euros.
2. No problem thanks to magnetic battery cover
Inside the profile the battery is hidden. In its standard size it holds 540 watt hours and weighs around three kilograms. For longer ranges you can alternatively choose a battery with 720 watt hours. This is correspondingly heavier at 3.6 kilograms. The battery can be removed from the top. The cover of the battery compartment also opens upwards. However, the frame tube with the enclosed seat bench runs there. So there is a slight space problem. Brekr solves this in a really clever way. The battery cover is magnetic and attaches to the bottom edge of the seat bench. This leaves both hands free to remove the battery comfortably.
3. Long, height-adjustable seat bench
While we’re on the subject of the seat bench, let’s say a few words about it. After all, it plays a key role in determining the appearance of the F250. It is long enough to accommodate two adults. Depending on your height and build, it may be a bit cramped at times. But basically, you have the option of taking someone with you on the back seat, so to speak. If you are riding alone, you can choose any seating position between maximum relaxation and comically close to the handlebars.
One advantage of the Brekr F250 over other competitors is the fact that the height of the seat bench can be adjusted to suit your body length. The three levels – low, medium and high – ensure that, according to the manufacturer, people between 150 centimetres and 210 centimetres tall can find a comfortable position. In our opinion, the upper limit seems very optimistic. However, we have not yet had the opportunity to take this ebike for a ride. Therefore, please take our concerns with a pinch of salt.
4. Brekr F250 featuring 22-inch wheels
Brekr describes the wide tyres of its F250 as the centrepiece of the design. The choice of such wide tyres links it to similar ebikes such as the Unimoke MK from Urban Drivestyle and various models from the US manufacturer Super73. These are also reminiscent of a moped in some respects and feature a retro style with a width of four inches. However, Brekr has gone its own way when it comes to diameter. In contrast to the aforementioned models, the manufacturer has opted for 22 inches instead of the more common 20 inches. The decision is reportedly based on an attempt to deliberately differentiate itself from cheap fat bikes. These are very popular in Brekr’s home country, the Netherlands, despite their often poor quality. And the special 22-inch size, which is rarely used for bicycles, is intended to manifest the company’s claim to be something special.
The solid tyres symbolise both safe riding and robustness. The latter can be seen, among other things, in the maximum load capacity of 160 kilograms. This limit is essential, especially when two adults want to ride the F250. The aluminium frame can easily handle this. However, even this relatively light material cannot prevent the total weight from reaching 33 kilograms. And this figure does not even include the weight of the batteries.
Our tip is therefore to make sure you purchase the optional walk assist for around 30 euros. Given the weight, this sum is one of the most worthwhile investments you can make in this ebike. For most people, lifting a 36-kilogram bicycle is out of the question from the outset. But even pushing this weight out of an underpass, for example, takes a lot of strength.
5. Bafang motor with a special twist
This extra is necessary because the motor built into the Brekr F250 does not provide its own walk assist. However, the rear wheel hub motor from Bafang scores points with another detail. Not only does it supply all the energy for the ebike system, it also features an automatic two-speed gearbox. If you’ve been looking for a gearing system in the pictures so far, here it is. Since 2022, Bafang has been building hub motors with this system, known as Gear Variable Transmission, or GVT for short. Depending on your riding speed, you are either in first gear with a ratio of 1.0 or in second gear with a ratio of 1.36. In numerous tests, riders report how smooth, quiet and therefore pleasant this gear shift in the motor works.
Apart from that, the Bafang unit is a powerful motor for the rear wheel. The continuous rated power of 250 watts and the torque of 55 Newton metres are more than enough for cruising. To switch between the three assistance levels, press the only button integrated into the small LCD display. There is no control unit on the handlebars. This means that you have to take one hand off the handlebars every time you want to change the setting.
In terms of range, you can expect distances of 35 kilometres to around 75 kilometres. These are the minimum value specified by Brekr for the smaller battery and the maximum value for the larger battery.
6. Safety in everyday urban life comes at an additional cost
No ebike today is without an app. Brekr has also developed one for its F250. However, this is only really worthwhile if the optional connectivity module is installed in the ebike. Only with this module can you use the digital anti-theft protection, receive warnings if the F250 is moved without authorisation, and lock it in the event of theft. This deactivates the entire ebike system. Brekr also commissions professional service providers to search for your vehicle. The subscription package costs 219 euros for one year. If you book it for two or three years, the price is even more favourable.
7. Style icon and practical everyday bike in one
As eye-catching as the Brekr F250 is, it also has hidden talents. For example, as a practical city ebike. The manufacturer has equipped the frame with numerous mount points for this purpose. This allows you to attach narrow carriers to the rear of the frame, to which side panniers can be attached. The solution is designed in two parts. This means that if you only want a carrier for a bag on the left or right side of the ebike, you can order it individually.
The carriers are primarily suitable for attaching Ortlieb panniers with their QL 3.1 system.
If you prefer to have a bag or basket right at the front of the F250 or right at the back, that can also be done. Brekr offers both front luggage carriers and one that can be screwed behind the seat. Both are approved for a load capacity of ten kilograms. Both the upper flat surface of the front rear carrier and the rear carrier are compatible with the MIK system. The front rear carrier even allows the aforementioned Ortlieb bags to be attached to the side.
If you actually need an ebike to transport a child, you can even do that with the F250 as well. With option one, you can use a particularly sturdy rear rack that is permitted for a load capacity of 27 kilograms and can accommodate a child seat from Urban Iki. Alternatively, option two allows you to unscrew the front part of the seat. An adapter from Brekr can be installed in the space that is freed up, which in turn makes it possible to attach a child seat. In this case, it can also be a seat from another brand. All of this means additional costs on top of the starting price of 2,895 euros. However, this is offset by a corresponding added value that could be just as valuable to you.
8. Summary of the Brekr F250
At the end of the day, the Brekr F250 is a remarkable ebike. It takes the design of a bygone era and brings it into the present with the help of modern technology. At the same time, it expands on the potential of its aesthetic role models, which were clearly dominated by their fun factor. This ebike adds a strong practical touch to the whole package – and at an amazingly fair price.
Brekr F250 at a glance
- Frame: aluminium
- Seat heights: low, medium, high
- Motor: Bafang H720
- Battery: standard with 540 Wh, long range with 720 Wh
- Display: LCD
- Brakes: hydraulic disc brakes
- Weight: approx. 33 kg without battery
- Maximum permitted total weight: n/a
- Prices: from 2,895 euros
Pictures: Brekr B.V.