Many of you probably use panniers for the rear rack. Do you usually leave them on your ebike permanently or do you take them off from time to time to prevent them from being stolen, for example? Both solutions have their pros and cons. However, there is an ebike that saves you from having to make this constant decision. On the Model 1 from Civilized Cycles, side panniers are an integral part of the design and concept. And that’s just only one of several details that set this urban ebike apart from the crowd.
1. Civilized Cycles Model 1 – Not new, but special
2. Panniers with hard shell and voluminous inside
3. Battery just included
4. Suspension system with own compressor
5. Civilized Cycles Model 1 as a practical replacement for the car
6. Tailored to the US market
7. Mid-drive motor not centrally positioned
8. Model 1 an ebike for the city
9. Civilized Cycles with gigantic next project
1. Civilized Cycles Model 1 – Not new, but special
To get straight to the point: Yes, the Civilized Cycles Model 1 – or Civ Model 1 for short – is not a new model. It was launched back in 2022 and is currently even listed as sold out on the manufacturer’s website. So why are we reporting on it? Well, just because we came across this unique bike far too late doesn’t detract from the manufacturer’s ingenuity. Given its uniqueness, we really wanted to introduce it to you. And in the event that Civilized Cycles decides to focus entirely on multi-track e-cargo bikes like the Semi-Trike in the future, another company may have the opportunity to continue the Model 1 concept. In our opinion, it could really be worth it.
The brief profile of the Civilized Model 1 alone is impressive. Suitable for transporting one adult passenger or two children. Automatic full suspension. Integrated panniers. Battery with two charging ports for mobile devices. Range between 45 kilometres and 50 kilometres. Standard lighting system with brake light function and sensor-controlled, automatically dimming front light.
2. Panniers with hard shell and voluminous inside
The panniers immediately catch the eye. Although at first they are not even perceived as such. After all, the eye is only drawn to their outer sides. And they look like a very large side panel for the rear wheel. One wonders why the manufacturer has built such a sturdy cover around the wheel. Of course, when a person sits on the passenger seat, it must be ensured that neither their feet, legs nor any clothing can get caught in the spokes. But a robust textile solution could also be found for this. Instead, we are presented with this outwardly curved carbon-look construction, which is reminiscent of a mixture of a hard-shell suitcase and a seashell.
In fact, the comparison with a seashell is not so far off the mark. After all, there is something unknown hidden beneath the shell. In the case of this ebike, it’s a left and right pannier. To open them, you grasp one of the indentations on the sturdy shell and pull it outwards. This movement unfolds the panniers. They are made of a waterproof tarpaulin, as you probably know from other panniers.
3. Battery just included
Before the bags can be opened, a buckle must be clicked open. The closure is secured with a combination lock. Only with the correct combination can the buckle be opened, followed by a zip that gives access to the panniers at the top. Your luggage is secured in such a way because the battery is also located in the panniers. Approximately as long and wide as a portable computer keyboard, but around three to four centimetres thick, it is held in place on the inside of the bag by two Velcro fasteners. An integrated LED panel shows you its current charge status. If all five LEDs light up white, you have 504 watt hours at your disposal. You can use this to charge two mobile devices at the same time while riding or at other times. Civilized Cycles has placed two USB ports on one of the front sides of the battery for this purpose. This means that the remarkably easy-to-remove and always clean battery can also be used as a power bank. Incidentally, each of the two bags has a slot for a battery. This means that capacity and range can be doubled if desired.
Of course, this would reduce the storage space in the bags. When fully unfolded, they offer a maximum capacity of 80 litres. Even when folded, they still offer 20 litres of storage space. We have briefly described how easy it is to unfold them. However, magnets are integrated into the frame to prevent them from unfolding unintentionally while riding. If one or both bags are not needed, simply press them towards the centre of the ebike using their plastic casing. The magnets ensure that they stay in place.
4. Suspension system with own compressor
Apart from the bags, there are other special features hidden under the solid fairing. These include the AirTech suspension, which Civilized Cycles has even patented. The system consists of a shock for the rear triangle and a small compressor. Thanks to the latter, the suspension system can be adjusted to a changing weight at the touch of a button before the start of each ride. This is useful when different people take turns riding the ebike or when heavy luggage is added or removed during a ride.
In theory, the shock’s sag would have to be adjusted manually in each of these cases so that the suspension system can actually utilise its maximum travel of 60 millimetres. On the Civ Model 1, this is done by the compressor. To activate it, riders simply press and hold one of the arrow buttons on the control unit on the handlebars for several seconds. The ebike’s two-leg kickstand is folded in so that the sensors can detect the correct weight currently on the vehicle. First, AirTech releases all the air from the shock. In videos, the ebike always drops noticeably. With an audible rattling sound, the compressor then kicks in and pumps the suspension to the required air pressure. At this point, the rear triangle moves noticeably to its new height.
Together with the single-pivot rear swing arm and the suspension fork, the suspension system seems to work extremely well. People who have tested the Model 1 unanimously describe the riding experience as very pleasant.
5. Civilized Cycles Model 1 as a practical replacement for the car
The manufacturer deliberately designed the aluminium frame as a low-step model. With the Model 1, he wanted to appeal to as wide a target group as possible, including those who are less familiar with bicycles, and literally lower the threshold for switching from a car to an ebike. According to him, the vehicle is suitable for people with a body length of 167 centimetres to 190 centimetres. He states that the maximum load capacity is 180 kilograms. If this is correct, with a weight of around 34 kilograms, the Model 1 would have a maximum permitted total weight of around 215 kilograms. This would be a remarkable figure for an ebike of this type and would significantly expand both its possible uses and the size of its target group.
6. Tailored to the US market
The motorisation of the ebike is also strictly geared towards the US market. It allows the rider to switch between assistance that requires pedalling and riding with a throttle, during which the rider can simply rest their feet on the pedals. Under European guidelines, this concept would not allow the Model 1 to be operated as a pedelec in Germany. This is certainly one of the reasons why, to our knowledge, Civilized Cycles has not delivered any of these ebikes to Europe. For the USA, however, this means that riders can choose between a Class 2 ebike and a Class 3 ebike. The Class 2 classification limits motor assistance to a speed of 20 miles per hour, but allows the use of the throttle. In Class 3, motor assistance only switches off at 28 miles per hour. However, this can only be achieved by pedalling at the same time.
Incidentally, the motor is a mid-drive motor. Interestingly, it is not located where you would normally expect it to be. To confirm this, take a look at the pictures of the bottom bracket and see if you can spot a mid-drive motor nearby. Instead, it is mounted on the rear of the seat tube. However, you won’t be able to see it there either. The design of the side pockets conceals it.
7. Mid-drive motor not centrally positioned
But rest assured, it’s really there. Its unusual placement understandably requires a few modifications to the drivetrain. Specifically, this means the following: A chain leads from the chainring to a jackshaft. Civilized has completely covered all of this to protect the drive from dirt and moisture, so that riders and their clothing stay clean. In any case, a second chain connects this jackshaft to the rear wheel. And a third chain transfers the power from the mid-motor to the jackshaft. Unfortunately, there are hardly any pictures that show this design clearly. What is certain is that the rear wheel cover protects the motor completely from the weather and even in the event of a fall.
8. Model 1 an ebike for the city
Over the years, the manufacturer seems to have worked with different drivetrains. Some of the models tested featured a five-speed hub gear from Sturmey Archer. In contrast, the website mentions a seven-speed derailleur gear from Shimano or Sram as an alternative.
In keeping with the urban approach of the ebike, the Civilized Model 1 also features a permanently installed lighting system that draws its power directly from the ebike drive and even meets the highest standards. Integrated sensors in the front headlight detect oncoming light sources and automatically reduce the light intensity so as not to dazzle oncoming traffic. The tail light, which is permanently integrated into the frame, registers when the rider brakes and then lights up more brightly as a brake light. Turn signals are mounted on the handlebar ends. These can be switched on and off using small buttons. The buttons are located where the end caps of the handlebar grips are usually found. Unfortunately, the indicators are not connected to the ebike system. Therefore, they require a separate battery, which must be replaced separately.
9. Civilized Cycles with gigantic next project
As mentioned at the beginning, however, there are currently many indications that Civilized Cycles has discontinued production of the Model 1. Unfortunately, we cannot say whether this is temporary or permanent. We have not yet received a response to an enquiry on this matter. Apparently, all energy is currently being focused on the development of the three-wheeled electric cargo bike Semi-Trike. Designed for use with a large trailer, it is intended to be a solution that allows companies to operate in the centres of large cities. In one of the first pilot projects, mobility provider Lime is using it to collect and maintain its e-scooters in Detroit. Other applications ranging from logistics to crafts and catering are also conceivable. In autumn 2024, Civilized Cycles won a pitch from the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME), securing $100,000 in project funding for the Semi-Trike. The company receives further support from the Bloom mobility network, which aims to help niche products such as this innovative cargo bike, which are emerging in the USA, to achieve success. Incidentally, Civilized Cycles is once again using the AirTech suspension principle for this model. So there is even a direct link between the Model 1 and this giant of the cycle paths.
Civilized Cycles Model 1 at a glance
- Frame: 6061 aluminium
- Suspension fork: Manitou, 80 mm
- Motor: Mid-drive motor, 750 W
- Battery: 504 Wh, lithium-ion battery, 48 V
- Drivetrain: 7-speed derailleur, choice of Shimano or Sram
- Brakes: Tektro Dorado, 203 mm
- Weight: 34 kg
- Max. payload: 180 kg
- Price: $4,999
Pictures: Civilized Cycles; Michigan Economic Development Corporation
I would ask you to cease misleading the US consumer, but it’s OK.
Lovers of publicity stunts and cheap risk-taking dumped on the backs of others should take notice that it’s a 2-way street.
Hello,
Ok, now we know your opinion about Bloom and Propel bikes. You are entitled to your opinion. However, it would have been more helpful for this post if you had said something about the Civilized bike.
Cheers, Matthias
Slow news day, huh?
Propel is still a skeleton crew “managed’ om a part-time basis from out-of-state. Long Beach and Wilmington are Potemkin locations that only exist in the imagination of Chris Nolte, who wrote to me that he did not want to admit failure. Fortunately, he has ebike24.de to help with the delulu.
Why are you digging up the grave of a 2022 flop? Oh, of course. A sad attempt to generate Bloom buzz, lol. Bloom = bankrupt Vela and a bike shop. Matchmaker, matchmaker, make me a match.