Electric lightweights: What to look for in a city e-bike

Is that an e-bike or just a normal bike? Weighing just 13.7kg, the Ampler Curt is one of the lightest electrics on the market. The single-speed option without gears is particularly suitable for flat cities. — Ampler/dpa

A clean, light design, a slim package and no suspension or bike rack: These are the most common characteristics of a so-called urban e-bike.

A new breed of electric bicycle where the battery is often so subtle you can't tell it's there, these great-looking and comparatively light commuter e-bikes cost roughly between 1,000 and 3,000 euros or dollars.