With its One, Lemmo already has an attractive smart bike on the market, which we have already tested here in its current MK2 version. Now the Dynamic Edition Max, a new version of its popular One smart bike, is available that promises more power and off-road capability. But how does the model perform in everyday use—and is the extra cost worth it? Our test gives you the answer.

Design

The Lemmo One Max remains true to its clear lines and relies on the tried-and-tested, seamlessly bonded frame—a technology from the automotive industry that ensures a particularly clean and high-quality appearance. Another eye-catching feature is the unusually positioned battery in the front triangle of the frame, whose fabric-covered surface further enhances the design. The stem with its almost invisible smartphone holder and the suspension seat post, whose damping is inconspicuously concealed inside, are also cleverly integrated. Both elements blend harmoniously into the overall look and emphasise the clever design of the bike.

Visually, however, the Max version has a dynamic and striking look. Striking yellow accents run through the entire design—from the pannier rack to the lettering on the down tube and the rims. This is also matched by the black suspension fork at the front, which represents a certain break in the design compared to the slim aesthetics of a rigid fork. However, in combination with the chunky tyres, it underlines the sportier look of the bike.

Equipment

Basically, the electric drive system of the Max is similar to that of the regular Lemmo One—but there are a few differences. Let’s start with the battery: the familiar Smartpac with a capacity of 540 Wh is used, which can be easily removed from the frame. This means it can not only be easily charged, but also used as a power bank. Two USB ports with a charging capacity of up to 65 watts allow you to charge a laptop, for example.

One innovation, however, concerns the motor: as usual, Lemmo relies on a hub motor in the rear wheel, but the Dynamic Edition of the Max offers a higher torque of 56 Nm than the regular Lemmo One with its 40 Nm. It’s also good to see that the unique dual mode has been retained—the motor can be decoupled via a rotating cap on the axle so that the bike can be ridden like a conventional bicycle without additional friction.

Optimum power delivery is ensured by a torque sensor that measures the pedalling force and adjusts the motor support accordingly. The monochrome display on the top tube provides basic information about the drive, while more detailed data can be called up via the Lemmos app. There is a fold-out universal holder for the smartphone on the stem for this purpose.

Many smart functions remain hidden at first glance, however: an integrated GPS sensor enables the bike to be located, while a speaker serves as an electronic bell—even if passers-by rarely recognise it as such. However, the loudspeaker is also used to sound the anti-theft alarm, which now sounds its signal much louder than before. There is also a mechanical lock on the rear wheel that blocks it and thus protects against theft. Finally, the Lemmo is also certified for Apple’s ‘Find my’ network, allowing it to be tracked via this.

Compared to this, the other bike components seem almost unspectacular—but here too, the Max model has a lot to offer. The high-quality RockShox Rudy Ultimate XPLR suspension fork from the gravel range provides additional comfort with 30 mm of suspension travel. The bike also rolls on 47 mm wide Continental Terra Trail tyres, which are ideal on both asphalt and gravel. Another good choice for use on different terrain is the derailleur gearing from Shimano’s Deore series, which offers a pleasantly wide range with its 10 gears and 11-42t cassette.

For everyday commuting, the Max is equipped with extensive features: mudguards, a bike stand, a rear light with brake light function and a detachable headlight—which can then also be used as a torch. The strikingly painted aluminium rack at the rear does not have a special mounting system, allowing panniers to be attached flexibly.

Operation

Given the numerous functions, it is hardly surprising that the software plays a central role at Lemmo. It is therefore all the more pleasing that it is constantly being improved—including regular firmware updates for the bike and the Smartpac. Just recently, for example, the standby power consumption of the Smartpac was optimised.

Despite the strong software integration, the bike’s basic functions remain fully usable even without a smartphone. The compact buttons on the handlebars can be used to switch through riding modes, activate the electronic bell, switch the lights on and off and use a boost mode that briefly releases the full motor power—ideal for quick traffic light starts or hill starts. Despite their small size, the buttons are easy to reach and offer a pleasant pressure point. They can also be used to lock the bike, locking the rear wheel at the same time.

For advanced settings, however, the smartphone app is used at the latest. Here you can activate functions such as the alarm system, set an automatic lock time after inactivity or locate the bike via GPS. The dashboard view clearly displays all relevant information during the ride and there is the option to record routes travelled—however, there is still no integrated navigation. Thanks to the universal mount in the stem, almost any smartphone can be securely attached, even on uneven surfaces.

Removing the Smartpac battery is straightforward: After pressing the release button, the battery can be pushed down along its guide rail and removed. A protective flap then covers the contact connections on the bike to protect them from the weather. Thought has also been given to theft protection: the Smartpac can be locked electronically via an app so that it remains mechanically connected to the bike—a key is not required.

If you want to do without the e-assist, you can simply leave the battery at home and switch the motor to ‘M’ for manual operation. Conveniently, the lighting system and the display in the top tube remain active—thanks to an integrated second battery that charges automatically as soon as the Smartpac is back in the bike.

Riding impressions

Right from the first few metres, the bike confirms the promise of its dynamic design: the higher torque of the motor is immediately noticeable when setting off and ensures nimble acceleration. Nevertheless, the power delivery remains pleasantly natural—thanks to the torque sensor, which harmoniously adapts the assistance to your own pedalling power.

The 25 km/h limit is quickly reached, where the motor gently reduces its assistance without any noticeable transition. Thanks to the derailleur’s wide gear range, you can increase the speed even further under your own power. But the motor also makes full use of its additional power on climbs: The Max model masters even demanding climbs with surprising ease for such a compact hub motor—here too, of course, thanks to the derailleur gears, which can also be shifted with pleasing precision and speed.

The suspension fork really comes into its own on uneven terrain. It responds sensitively, reacts quickly to bumps and ensures a noticeably comfortable and controlled ride. The pleasant riding experience is complemented by the large-volume tyres, which offer good grip and, with the right air pressure, effective damping. Despite their rough profile, they roll surprisingly smoothly and quietly on smooth roads. This goes well with the motor, which is barely audible.

Its relatively low weight also contributes to the agile riding impression. Although the Max at 20.3 kg (weighed on the test bike in size L including the 3 kg Smartpac battery) is slightly heavier than the regular Lemmo One, it also benefits from the increased power of the motor.

The riding position with the suspension saddle also contributes to the high riding quality. Thanks to the slightly raised riser handlebar, the rider’s posture is more upright and therefore more relaxed. This shows that the bike has its roots in the urban area—combined with the all-road capability of the Max model.

Conclusion

With this Max version, Lemmo is adding a great all-road version to its range. The innovative features remain just as fascinating as on the standard model, but still require a certain affinity for technology. The Max therefore offers the proven strengths of the regular Lemmo One—supplemented by noticeable advantages for riding off asphalt roads.

However, the additional versatility comes at a price: at 3,490 euros, the Max version is currently a good 900 euros more than the Urban Edition. However, anyone who frequently rides on gravel paths or regularly tackles steeper climbs will quickly appreciate the added value. Especially as the high-quality components, above all the RockShox suspension fork, provide a noticeable increase in comfort and control. And on top of that, the striking look makes a real statement.

These and all other variants of the Lemmo One can be configured and ordered directly on the Lemmo website.