August 9, 2023 - To some, an e-cargo bike is more than just a great way of getting from A to B. It’s embracing the green movement, a philosophical commitment, an adventure, and an efficient and fun way to move people and gear. The Benno Boost e-cargo bike encompasses all of this, and more.
Benno Bikes was founded in 2015 by Benno Baenziger, who is originally from Berlin, Germany. In the early 90s Baenziger followed his heart to California where he co-founded Electra Bikes, and the Electra Townie became the biggest selling model in the USA.
At Electra, he was also part of developing their innovative Flat Foot Technology, a process which slightly modified the frame geometry for a more natural riding position, allowing people’s feet to touch the ground when starting and stopping. After moving on from Electra, this was just one of the concepts that he brought over to Benno Bikes.
Another innovation was the creation of a new e-bike category dubbed Etility, where agility meets utility, with the aim to inspire and empower people to ride more. Etility combines design and philosophy, to engineer an e-cargo bike with good handling, performance, comfort, the ability to carry heavy loads, and be good looking as well.
The Benno Boost embraces all of these aspects as the 126 mm riser handlebars reach out to you, and place you in an upright position. The wider platform Benno Endurance saddle, complete with rear handle, provides optimal sit bone support. This positioning allows good visual capability in traffic along with balanced support, especially when carrying heavy loads.
The 6061 Aluminum Alloy Easy On frame, with overside tubes and sloping downtube, makes getting on and off the Boost a breeze. This one-size frame allows shorter family members to ride as well with just a seat-post adjustment. The Boost also comes in a regular frame design, along with a choice of six colours.
Our test model was powered by Bosch’s reliable 250W Performance CX Gen 4 motor. This proven pedal-assist system is a perfect match for e-cargo bikes as it provides 85Nm of torque and ensures you get moving quickly from a standstill.
The 500 Wh Lithium-Ion battery provides up to 130 km of range, while the assist mode features five power levels, controlled by the bar-mounted Bosch Purion display computer.
Carrying a moderate load and using the top two pedal-assist levels, I was able to ride up to about 70 km before having to re-charge. You can also extend the range by adding an additional battery to the mounts on the downtube.
The Boost is equipped with a quality Shimano Deore 10-speed drivetrain. The gearing of the 48T front cog and 11-42T cassette makes it easier to keep the cadence high while maximizing the pedal assist, especially on hills or under load.
The Magura MT Thirty hydraulic disc brakes were strong and silent, with an aesthetic 2-finger lever design. The shorter and wider 24”x2.6” custom Benno Dual Sport tires enhanced the fit and control of the ride and definitely helped to smooth out road chatter.
Out on the road the Benno Boost proved to be a more than capable performer, even while carrying a heavy load. I particularly liked how nimble the handling felt while sitting in a very upright, comfort-driven position. It was a bonus having the proven predictability of the Bosch Performance CX motor which complimented the philosophy and engineering that’s instilled in Benno’s Etility DNA.
Having the ability to carry passengers comfortably is one of the greatest attributes of e-cargo bikes. My grade 10 daughter, with a 130-pound weight rating, is still perfect game and while she pretends not to like me picking her up from school on test bikes, I know deep down that she loves the ride.
That includes my svelte, sub-130 pound wife, which made date nights out on the Benno, a whole new world of fun. If this was my personal e-cargo bike, I would install a wheel guard and rack pad and have it set-up to carry a single person.
The Benno Boost comes stock with rear rack, fenders, and Supernova Mini 2 front/E3 rear lights. Our test model came with a number of optional accessories including a Sport Front Tray, Utility Front Tray Bag, High Rail and Utility Pannier Bags.
The Sport Front Tray was bright red, which added an attractive pop to the grey anthracite-coloured test e-cargo bike. The Utility Front Bag has massive space and easily rolled down to be secured with Velcro and clips when riding.
The rear rack coupled with the High Rail offered ample space for securing a variety of items including my large garbage bag full of recycling that I took to the depot. The diameter of the rack bars are just the right size to hook a standard bungee cord. An added bonus for both the Sport Front Tray and High Rail is that they are allow you to fit a standard size milk crate – a time-tested bike-carrying accessory that’s doesn’t fit on all e-cargo bikes.
The Utility Pannier Bags each hold 30 litres, and easily managed my shopping bags full of food without having to unload and re-organize. Plus, you can roll and secure the panniers covers in an open position to extend the size of the bags as needed.
The maximum gross weight for the Boost is 440lb / 200kg (rider, bike, cargo) and for the rear rack it’s 130lb / 60kg.
A dual kickstand does not come as a stock item but is highly recommended. Our test model came equipped with one, and while not as robust as some e-cargo bike kick stands, it did the job.
If you’re in the market for a comfortable, great handling e-cargo bike that can maximize your transportation needs, including children, pets, groceries and date night adventures, then the Benno Boost might be the ride you’ve been looking for.
The SRP for the Boost CX is $7,100 and for more information please visit here.
