When it comes to price, some ebike manufacturers can seem a bit sheepish in direct conversation. It’s not uncommon for them to start justifying various aspects, which gives the impression that they feel their own prices are too high. You could experience the exact opposite if you ever have the chance to talk with Super Bicycles. The Berlin-based manufacturer treats the price of its ebikes as a tool to set itself apart from the competition. This also applies to its latest model—the Super Bicycles Super Mini.
1. Super Bicycles loves compact ebikes
2. Affordable, but not cheap
3. Super Mini carefully calculated
4. Motor selection for long-lasting durability
5. Super Mini as a compact ebike beeing a big hit for transport
6. A battery that fits the bill
7. Who might be into the Super Bicycles Super Mini?
1. Super Bicycles loves compact ebikes
For anyone reading about Super Bicycles for the first time, here’s a brief background. The team from the German capital launched in 2023 with the Super Mighty e-cargo bike. With a total length of just 208 centimeters, it’s relatively short for a longjohn, yet its cargo area still offers space for two Euro boxes placed one behind the other. The payload capacity there is 70 kilograms. Given a price of 2,990 euros, Super Bicycles is already making clear what its approach is.
Following a similar pattern, Super Bicycles is now targeting the next niche with the Super Mini. We’re talking about compact ebikes. That means: one frame size, a shorter wheelbase, tire sizes of 24 inches, 20 inches, or even smaller, a total length of just 160 centimeters or less, and no massive rear rack like you’d find on a longtail. So far, bikes like those from i:SY, the Qio Compact, the Tern NBD, the Cube Compact Hybrid, and others have been playing in this league. What they all have in common is an image that doesn’t necessarily appeal to people between the ages of 20 and 30. The team at Super Bicycles wants to consciously counter this with something more laid-back, playful, and a little rebellious.
2. Affordable, but not cheap
For the manufacturer, this absolutely includes a lower price. None of the competitors mentioned are available for less than 2,500 euros. In fact, prices usually range between 3,500 euros and 4,000 euros. In the case of the Super Mini, however, the price currently starts at 1,690 euros—albeit without a rear rack. A front and rear rack would add another 248 euros.
In an interview with the YouTube channel Rob Rides Cargo Bikes, Managing Director Andreas Kranki explained why Super Bicycles has generally chosen price as a cornerstone of its business strategy. For example, he said, it is a key reason why people between the ages of 20 and 30 are less likely to ride cargo bikes. This target group simply often cannot afford such bikes. It is precisely these groups that the company wants to target. People for whom a cargo bike might be a second or third bike. At the same time, Kranki makes a clear distinction: the company wants to be affordable—but not cheap.
3. Super Mini carefully calculated
But how does a bike like the Super Mini become so affordable? The frame provides one answer. The model, made from hardened 6061 aluminum, is manufactured in China. It is then shipped to Poland, where Super Bicycles has outsourced the majority of the assembly. In this way, more than 60 percent of the value added still takes place in Europe, according to Kranki.
Other pieces of the puzzle are the parts and components mounted on the new model. You won’t find the names Sram and Shimano on them. Nor will you find those of other trendy manufacturers that usually dominate the spec lists of high-quality—and simultaneously expensive—e-mountain bikes. Instead, Super Bicycles installs a similarly high-quality 8-speed derailleur from Microshift. It may be less fancy, but it works just as reliably and offers at least the same lifespan. At a fraction of the cost, of course.
4. Motor selection for long-lasting durability
Nevertheless, price does not dictate the entire concept of the ebike. For example, the manufacturer opted for a rear-wheel hub motor over a mid-drive motor based on personal conviction. They point out that a rear-wheel motor like the Bafang G021 used here is easier to maintain than a mid-drive motor. Many parts are more easily accessible. Additionally, all cables are routed externally. This may not satisfy some of you aesthetically. In the workshop, however, this quickly proves to be a major advantage.
Because the rear hub motor generates most of the propulsion at the rear axle, the load on the derailleur when shifting is also significantly lower than in a system with a mid-drive motor. The drivetrain generally rewards this with longer service life. And yes, price comes into play again in the end. The Bafang motor used here is likely to be significantly cheaper than a Bosch Performance Line PX, and certainly cheaper than a Bosch Performance Line CX. That surely plays a role in such a decision-making process.
5. Super Mini as a compact ebike beeing a big hit for transport
But reducing the new Super Mini from Super Bicycles to just its price would fall short of the mark. After all, you can tell from this tiny guy that its creators have a soft spot for cargo bikes. Despite the small frame, a total length of just 152 centimeters, and the truly small 18-inch wheels, the maximum permitted total weight is 170 kilograms. If you subtract the 24 kilograms for the ebike itself and your own weight, there’s still a considerable amount left for the remaining payload.
You can pack a maximum of exactly 15 kilograms of that onto the optionally available rear rack. Its loading area, with a side length of 40 centimeters on each side, offers plenty of space for this. Thanks to its MIK-HD mount, you can easily attach existing bags, baskets, and other accessories to it.
The rear rack offers the same convenience. As mentioned, you’ll need to purchase this separately as well. The manufacturer specifies its load capacity as 45 kilograms. Together, this results in a combined limit of 60 kilograms for both racks. That’s a lot to pack and move.
6. A battery that fits the bill
Speaking of moving. Super Bicycles does not specify how long the Phylion battery, with its capacity of 522 watt-hours, can power the motor while riding. However, the Super Mighty can be used as a reference point. With that model, the manufacturer itself has achieved ranges of up to 65 kilometers. Given the Super Mini’s lower weight, the range here should be slightly higher.
By the way, Phylion’s battery solution once again meets Super Bicycles’ requirements. The Chinese manufacturer is one of the largest in the world, yet offers prices that are, in some cases, significantly lower than those of other suppliers.
7. Who might be into the Super Bicycles Super Mini?
As a very compact ebike measuring just 152 centimeters in length, the Super Mini is a great option wherever this feature is particularly important. Traditionally, this applies to transport, for example in a motorhome or similar vehicle. But it could also come in handy when it comes to secure parking.
At the same time, the model is incredibly sturdy relative to its size. Thanks to the 60-kilogram load capacity on the two rear racks, it almost passes as a disguised e-cargo bike. Additionally, with a maximum rider weight of 110 kilograms, the Super Mini could be a good option for people with a slightly higher body weight.
If you appreciate the compactness of the Super Mini but would prefer something even smaller, you should take a look at the Yoonit Micro. On the other hand, if you want your ebike to have an adjustable stem angle or foldable handlebars, you’ll end up looking at more expensive models like the Tern NBD.
Super Bicycles Super Mini at a glance
- Frame: 6061 aluminum
- Fork: 25CrMo4 steel
- Motor: Bafang G021
- Battery: Phylion, 522 Wh
- Control unit: Bafang DP E160
- Drivetrain: Microshift Acolyte 8-speed
- Brakes: Tektro HD-T3020
- Max. load capacity on rear rack: 45 kg
- Max. load capacity on front rack: 15 kg
- Weight: 24 kg
- Maximum permitted total weight: 170 kg
- Colors: Super Raw, Super Salmon Metallic
- Prices: starting at 1,690 euros
Pictures: MDMA Solutions GmbH