Cube Electric Bike Review: Pros And Cons

The Cube E-Bike: A Declaration of Intent

When it comes to high-quality electric bikes, Cube will often be on the tip of people's tongues, and it is understandable why, as the name Cube has become synonymous with German technological innovation and a huge love for cycling. For the connoisseur of e-biking, a Cube e-bike isn’t simply a means of transport – it is a declaration of intent, an investment in quality, in performance, and in the very forefront of engineering and design. A “Cube e-bike review” is really a search for confidence, a way to verify that the extra money you spend makes a huge difference on the bike you take home. We’ve strived to cut through the hype and spin, to give you a clear and in-depth view of what makes Cube the heavyweight that it is, to give you an insight into their sprawling product base, and most importantly of all, help you determine whether or not a Cube electric bike should be your go-to choice for keeping the good times rolling.

Cube's Versatile E-Bike Catalogue

Cube’s commitment to versatility when it comes to catering for all varieties of rider is pretty immediately apparent when you take a quick look at their immense, well-organized catalogue of e-bikes. This lineup is the first stage in finding your perfect match, as every series is designed specifically for a certain type of terrain and style of riding. The brand's first wave of electric offerings is structured as such:

Stereo Hybrid series – High-performance full-suspension electric MTBs for challenging trails.

Reaction Hybrid series – Nimble, responsive hardtail e-bikes for cross-country and trail riding.

Elite Hybrid series - High-end, lightweight carbon MTB for racing and performance.

Light up your world with the Kathmandu Hybrid series - Serious, fully-equipped electric trekking bikes for young and old alike.

Touring Hybrid series - Comfortable, dependable e-bikes for leisure rides and daily use.

Nuride Hybrid series - The SUV amongst the electric bikes. Our NURIDE HYBRID blends mountain bike genes with trekking commuter comfort!

SUPREME HYBRID - A woman's lifestyle step-through electric bike for urban mobility.

Ella Hybrid series - Retro-chic and cool-looking commuting e-bikes with a focus on fashion.

Compact Hybrid series - One-size-fits-all electric bikes built to be small and stylish urban commuters.

Nuroad Hybrid range - The perfect fast, capable electric gravel bikes for mixed-surface riding.

Cargo Hybrid 100 series - Strong electric cargo bikes for effortless transportation of heavy loads.

Acid Hybrid Rookie series - Tailor-made electric mountain bikes that road-riding kids will love.

A Closer Look at Two Standout Models

In order to understand where Cube is really coming from, it’s worth taking a look at some of their best models. Jump aboard our Reaction Hybrid; it's a different kind of trail riding experience. The instant your feet are on the pedals, the Bosch Performance Line CX motor kicks in—although rather than feeling like a push from a mechanical "assist," it feels more like an exacting supercharge of your own effort. Off-road, that’s less of an issue, and the bike is very composed on twisty, bumpy gravel paths and singletrack, with the Agile Ride Geometry making you feel like you can chuck the bike around with confidence far beyond what the e-bike weight should allow. Aesthetically, the bike is a study in integration. The “PowerTube” battery system is completely concealed down the downtube, the welds are superlative, and the internal cable routing ensures the frame forms a sleek, predatory silhouette that makes it look fast even when parked. It is a ride that blends the rider, the machine, and the trail together into a never-ending world.

Swapping over to the Kathmandu Hybrid, aggressive agility turns to calm competence. First impressions on a long ride, the first thing that hits you is how comfortable the riding position is. It’s an upright that’s not a slouch, just-so balanced for hours in the saddle. The built-in rear carrier is not a bolted-on unit but part of the framework in an integral fashion, which results in a stiffness and stability you can feel the difference with, especially when this is mounted with panniers. More reminiscent of a big twin, the motor’s power delivery suits touring well – strong and steady and predictable, dispatching headwinds and long inclines with barely a murmur. The world looks different aboard the Kathmandu, with the assurance that you have the range, comfort, and reliability to reach for the next town, and the one after that. It’s not a machine made for short jolts of adrenaline; it’s a machine for the long haul of discovery.

The Heart of the Brand: The Cube Ecosystem

Before being willing to take on a Cube, potential buyers have to first look further than the actual models at what’s at the heart of the brand and its ecosystem. Cube's most important advantage is its almost 100% use of Bosch when it comes to motor systems. This is not a minor detail. Choosing a Cube means investing in an e-bike powertrain that is world-renowned for its reliability. You have access to a worldwide service network, proven long-time reliability, and an intelligent, integrated system where the motor, battery, and display communicate seamlessly with one another. This is a great comfort to both of us. Another consideration is build quality. Cube uses its own proprietary Advanced Twin Mold tech and C:62 carbon fibre to produce frames that are easy on the eye as well as being stiff and phenomenally tough. When you pick up a Cube, you feel the construction; there are no rattles or flex, it feels like over-engineered German precision. This attention to detail also applies to the components, which feature purpose-matched parts from the likes of Shimano and Schwalbe. Additionally, Cube's massive dealer network is an important element in the purchase decision. Unlike quite a few direct-to-consumer brands, with a Cube (similarly Canyon or Orbea), you should be able to take a test ride, get professional fitting advice, and have a local service point of contact, and that is worth it for a complex machine like an electric bike.

An Alternative for the Versatility-Seeker: ENGWE

While Cube does well to offer up a selection of highly focused machines for specific fields of use, there’s something to be said for the rider who’s stuck between: commuters looking for something a bit more burly, explorers after a compromise of versatility and ultimate pack-down portability, everyday use, and all-terrain appreciation. For these types of riders, who have a tendency to prefer the versatility and practicality of everyday life, finding something unique is eye-opening. This is where a company like ENGWE really shines, especially with a model like the EP-2 Boost.

Built for another level of freedom, this electric bike can be folded up for easy portability. Its 20 x 4.0 inch fat tires are ready to help you dominate the trails, beaches, or just cruising the park. The most standout feature here though is the intelligent power system, a high-tech torque sensor that gives an incredibly, and very naturally, smooth pedal assist, so your ride feels more natural and engaging. Need some extra power to go over a big hill? The at-a-glance, one-touch mixed BOOST will provide you with a 250W high-speed motor with up to 55 N.m of torque so you'll never have a problem going over an incline.

The EP-2 Boost is also a workhorse utility bike. Featuring a foldable frame for easy apartment storage or traveling with it in the boot, a removable battery for easy charging, and a whopping 150kg load capacity and sturdy rear rack. With a best-in-class range of 120km, it takes range anxiety head-on, making it a perfect companion for urban deliveries or commuting. For the rider who wants one bike that’s tough enough for all the trails yet folds to fit in the trunk – the ENGWE EP-2 Boost has all the ingredients for an exceptional all-around folder and receives my notable recommendation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Cube Electric Bike Model Comparison

Should you invest your money in a Cube e-bike?

Absolutely. When you purchase a Cube e-bike, you’re investing in market-leading, German-engineered excellence, including the best build quality and quite possibly the most dependable motor system available (Bosch). On top of all that, the level of integration, quality of build, and ride feel is a level above many rivals. If you’re a hardcore cyclist who prioritises performance and long-term reliability, Cube represents excellent value.

Why does Cube use Bosch motors so much?

This strategic partnership is a strategic asset. Bosch has set the standard for e-bike motors with powerful, natural-feeling assistance, exceptional reliability, and an international network of remarkable support. By working with Bosch, Cube gives its customers a tried-and-tested powertrain that can be serviced anywhere in the world, which is hard to argue with in terms of peace of mind and trust.

There are thousands of Cube models. How do I know which one to choose?

Begin by identifying the main style you ride. Do you spend 80% of your time on mountain paths? Check out the Reaction Hybrid (hardtail) or Stereo Hybrid (full-suspension). Are you aiming for long-distance paved and loose-gravel road riding? The Kathmandu Hybrid is the answer. Are you looking to go fast on the commute and the weekend path? The Nuride Hybrid is a match made in heaven. Be truthful with yourself about your primary usage scenario, and the decision between Cube's quite distinct series is suddenly very simple. Test riding at a dealer is strongly recommended.

What is the difference in ride experience with the weight of a Cube e-bike?

Cube e-bikes are some of the best electric bikes, and as you might expect, they are quite heavy compared to a regular bike – thanks to the motor and battery. But this is exactly where Cube’s frame design shines. They maximise weight distribution and a low center of gravity. You’ll notice the heft when hoisting the bike, but you won’t feel it when you are riding. This makes the extra mass all but irrelevant; the Bosch motor so effectively cancels out the weight gain that the extra ballast can actually make the bike feel more stable and planted at speed and on descents.

Is it OK to ride my Cube electric bike in the rain and wet conditions?

Yes. Cube e-bikes, and in particular the Bosch systems they employ, are created to be very water-resistant. They are also designed to put up with riding in the rain as well. Electronics are sealed to protect against weather conditions. They are not further protected beyond being a normal bicycle - which, like any bike, is not meant to go underwater. Post wet or muddy rides, it's best to wipe down your bike and lube the chain to help achieve the bike’s longest life and best performance.

In the end, your Cube e-bike is a modern, premium piece of well-engineered German technology, designed for that one perfected ride.