Following on from mountain and trekking bikes, Hepha is launching the City 7, its first bike designed specifically for urban use. What’s exciting is not only that it’s a relatively new manufacturer with its own drive system, but also that its performance data is causing a stir, especially the high torque of 100 Nm. But aside from the impressive specs, has Hepha managed to create a successful bike for the city? Our test reveals all!
Design
At first glance, the City 7 catches the eye with its metallic blue paintwork. The matt finish with subtle graphics on the frame looks modern and gives the bike a high-quality look, which is further enhanced by the cleanly ground weld seams on the frame. All attachments – from the stem and handlebars to the seat post and luggage rack – are black, which further accentuates the frame.
The down tube is not exactly slim, but it does house a large battery. The powerful mid-drive motor, on the other hand, is appealing thanks to its moderate dimensions and blends harmoniously into the overall design. A characteristic detail of the frame is undoubtedly the low seat stay, which runs parallel to the forward-sloping top tube and gives the bike a thoroughly dynamic look.
Equipment
Let’s start with the drive system we mentioned earlier. Hepha consistently relies on its own system here: not assembled from components from various manufacturers, but with its own motor, battery, motor controller and matching display. Only those who want to establish themselves on the market in the long term would go to such lengths!
The City 7 Ultra is equipped with the top-of-the-range P101C motor, which delivers an impressive torque of 100 Nm. The removable battery in the down tube also offers similar peak performance with its high capacity of 800 Wh. The system is controlled via a compact button on the handlebars, supplemented by a 3.5-inch colour display located centrally above the stem. Thanks to the adjustable stem, the handlebar height can be individually adjusted.
A belt drive from market leader Gates is used to transmit power to the rear wheel – a solution that is particularly suitable for city use due to its cleanliness and low maintenance requirements. This is combined with a continuously variable hub gear from Enviolo. The Heavy Duty version is used here, as only this can reliably handle the high torque of the motor in everyday use.
But the other components also reflect Hepha’s focus on everyday usability: 27.5-inch tyres from Kenda with a width of 55 millimetres provide a good balance of comfort and safety. The Mobie34 air suspension fork from Suntour complements the setup and effectively absorbs bumps. Added to this are mudguards, a lighting system with a 70 lux Litemove headlight and a sturdy luggage rack that is compatible with the MIK system, allowing baskets or child seats to be attached easily and securely.
The permissible total weight is 145 kilograms, and the bike itself weighs 28 kilograms. This puts it in the usual range for comparable city e-bikes, but its high load capacity offers additional scope – for shopping or transporting children, for example.
Operation
The electric drive on the City 7 is started by pressing and holding the compact handlebar button. Three riding modes are then available, which can be easily selected using the same button. There is also a walk assist mode, which is helpful when pushing the bike. The lights can also be controlled using this button – although this is not usually necessary in everyday use, as the lights switch on automatically in auto mode when it gets dark. Overall, the controls are intuitive and well designed.
Another practical feature is the battery design. It is located in the down tube and can be removed and reinserted precisely – no wobbling, no snagging, just a secure and stable attachment that inspires confidence. The charging port near the head tube is also useful, as it allows for convenient handling. When it comes to charging, Hepha also scores points with an unusually fast charger. Not only is it compact and visually appealing, but it also charges at 6 amps. This means that even the large 800 Wh battery can be fully charged in around 4.5 hours. This is in stark contrast to the significantly slower chargers that come with many other drives.
Hepha also offers its own app, which matches the overall system in terms of appearance: modern, tidy and uncomplicated. Journeys are automatically recorded as soon as the smartphone connects to the bike – there is no need to start the app manually. The app can also be used to make detailed settings on the motor, allowing the riding characteristics to be individually adjusted. A digital key is also available as an option, which only activates the motor when the smartphone is paired. However, the app does not currently offer more extensive functions such as integrated navigation or GPS tracking of the bike.
The City 7 also impresses in everyday use with its small details: for example, the stand is mounted far back so that the pedals cannot collide with it when manoeuvring the parked bike. Equally useful is the sturdy luggage rack with MIK system, to which accessories can be quickly attached or removed with a single click.
Riding impressions
Right from the start, the City 7 demonstrates the power of its drive system – especially when you start in Turbo mode. The motor catapults you forward with a powerful thrust, and you quickly exceed the 25 km/h limit. The electric drive disengages in accordance with european pedelec guidelines, which happens very smoothly. If you want to take it easier, however, it’s better to choose one of the other two modes, Eco or Tour. All three levels are noticeably different from each other, so you can choose the right level of assistance for the situation. Tour mode is usually sufficient for everyday use, while full turbo mode always provides more than enough power on steep climbs or when carrying a lot of luggage.
One advantage is the ability to change the motor’s characteristics via the app. For example, you can tone down the powerful acceleration when starting off if you prefer a smoother ride. The only thing that would be desirable is a kind of Auto mode, in which the assistance is more closely aligned with the actual pedalling force applied. This would probably eliminate the need to switch between modes manually.
The noise level of the drive is pleasantly low: the motor runs quietly under medium load and only becomes more audible under heavy load. However, the freewheel could be improved, as it produces a noticeable clattering sound on cobblestones – although this is not audible on smooth asphalt. Overall, the electric drive impresses with its enormous power and quiet operation.
The combination of belt drive and continuously variable Enviolo hub is ideal for relaxed riding in city traffic: it allows you to change gears while stationary, which is very practical at traffic lights, and with a gear ratio range of 380 per cent, it also offers enough power reserves for steep climbs. Of course, the powerful motor also ensures that even longer distances uphill can be mastered with ease.
Thanks to the adjustable stem, you can make individual adjustments to find your perfect riding position. The wide tyres and suspension fork also add to the comfort. The only downside is that a suspension seat post is not included as standard. Given the otherwise well-rounded specification, it would have been a welcome addition, but it can be retrofitted easily and quite inexpensively.
Conclusion
With its City 7 Ultra model, Hepha has made a remarkable entry into the city bike segment. Its specially developed drive system in particular makes a clear statement: 100 Nm torque, an 800 Wh battery and a charger that sets new standards in this class – Hepha doesn’t just want to play along, it wants to actively set new trends!
The motor impresses in everyday use with its power and quiet operation; minor weaknesses such as freewheel clattering are only noticeable in certain scenarios. The overall concept of the bike is also impressive: the toothed belt and Enviolo hub are a perfect duo for city traffic, and the equipment is well thought-out and practical – from the air suspension fork and lighting system to the MIK rack. In terms of riding comfort, the City 7 Ultra strikes a successful balance between comfort and agility; only a suspension seat post would be an added bonus.
With a price tag of 3,699 euros, Hepha offers a lot of performance and features for your money. In addition to the diamond frame version we tested, there is also a comfort frame version with a low step-through frame. Further information about the bikes is available directly on the Hepha website.
