December 4, 2023 - Riese & Müller is a premium bicycle brand from Germany with a history of innovation and thoughtful design. Founded by two engineers, Markus Riese and Heiko Müller, the eponymous company made its name with the Birdy – a full-suspension folding bike which won the Hesse Innovation Competition in 1992.
Since its inception, Riese & Müller has continued to develop creative and rigorously-designed bicycles, and they are now known for high-end electric-assist bicycles – particularly e-cargo bikes.
The brand offers both long-tail and bakfiets (front loading) styles, and the Packster is a popular choice for families and tradespeople alike. We had the opportunity to test-ride a Packster 70 Vario, set up with seats for three young passengers, plus room for an additional child seat on the sturdy rear rack (up to 27.5kg). The handling, power, and comfort features impressed us as we put the bike through its paces.
The first thing you’ll notice about the Packster is its assertive design and sturdy construction. This bike is built to last, no matter the terrain and conditions. The lightweight aluminum frame is sturdy, and the cargo box with 240L/100kg of storage space is constructed of recyclable EPP foam for vibration dampening, impact protection, and durability.
The child seats are comfortably padded and securely mounted, with 5-point harnesses and a conveniently placed grab handle for passengers to hold. The Schwalbe Big Ben tires are puncture-resistant and wide for excellent control on a variety of surfaces.
Rider comfort is a priority, with Ergon grips, Selle Royal “New Lookin Evo” saddle, and height-adjustable seat post and handlebars for optimal geometry for people of varying heights. The low crossbar facilitates entry, and the dual kickstand is engineered to make it easy to park the bike, even when heavily laden with kids and cargo.
Over city potholes and gravel trails, the Suntour Mobie 34 suspension fork with 80mm of travel keeps the kids comfortable and absorbs some of the bumps for the rider as well. Our test model didn’t have rear suspension, but the Packster2 version includes it for a fully shock-free riding experience.
Although the bike is hefty, weighing in at approximately 100lb/45kg, the powerful Bosch Cargo Line Cruise motor is more than up to the task. We carried a variety of loads, weighing up to 200lb/90kg (overall), as well as towing a trailer that hauled another heavy cargo bike. The motor, with up to 400% of support, never hesitated, pumping out up to 85Nm of torque to start smoothly and tackle hills with confidence.
The internal computer calculates stroke pressure and cadence 1000 times a minute, resulting in a smooth, natural boost from the moment you step on the pedals. The Bosch Nyon display is informative and easy to use, and the Enviolo grip shift with its cute “cyclist on a hill” graphic is intuitive and sensitive. With its internal Enviolo 380 hub featuring stepless shifting technology, and Gates Belt Drive CDX, the drive train is quiet, smooth, and nearly maintenance-free – even in winter!
The Bosch Powertube battery holds 625 kWh of juice, for an estimated range of up to 125km (heavy loads or challenging conditions will result in lower distances, of course). If you need to go farther there’s a second battery slot for another Powertube, doubling your range. The charging port is located at the front of the bike for ease of access, and the placement of the batteries reduces the risk of theft or damage while contributing to a low centre of gravity.
Of course, with a powerful motor and high weight capacity, you want to be sure you can navigate with confidence through an urban or rural landscape. Riese and Müller’s proprietary cable-actuated steering system offers direct drive control; the front wheel turns in a 1:1 relationship to the handlebars, eliminating the gap of engagement found in some bakfiets-style bikes and giving a natural and comfortable feel to the steering.
Tektro disc brakes guarantee precision stopping power in all weather, even when carrying passengers or cargo. It also comes with an Abus frame lock for short stops, while bright, reliable lighting from Supernova and Busch + Müller ensures you will see – and be seen – in the city and the countryside alike.
With its premium components, thoughtful design, comfortable ride, and optional accessories, the Packster combines a sporty feel with practical construction. Imagine the utility of a minivan but the feel of a sports car…with zero emissions and tons of fun!
The SRP for the Packster 70 Vario model is $13,309. Take a test ride at your local bike shop, and visit here for more information and options.
