E-bike Comparison: Honbike Uni4 vs. Charge City

In the race to be the best electric commuter bike on the market, there are plenty of contenders. New brands and models hit the shops every month and the competition only continues to heat up. It’s not surprising either, because, with the advancements in electric mobility technology and innovative manufacturing techniques, e-bikes have taken the world by storm. 

But with so many different e-bikes to choose from, it can be hard for the everyday consumer to discern the differences between two similarly priced ebikes. Making a mistake when purchasing something as important as your next commuter bike can leave you feeling regret or frustration also known as buyer’s remorse. That’s why today we’re going to take some of the guesswork out of the equation for you.

That’s right. We’re back with another fact-based ebike comparison. Everything you want to know about the Honbike Uni4 Long Range Commuter E-Bike as compared to the Charge City Electric Bike will be covered, ranked, and judged for your benefit. There are no secrets here. We welcome this type of competition because every step forward for the e-bike industry is a good thing in our book. By judging our bikes against similar bikes on the market, we can stay one step ahead of the game and then the riders in our ebike community are the true winners.

Let’s compare some key specs first:

E-bike Comparison Chart*

*Data current as of September 2022.

Range Comparison

When looking at range, you always want to decide how you will most often use the ebike and then compare the maximum ranges. Most shoppers looking for a commuter ebike will want the longest range possible for the best price. Although the Charge City E-bike gets up to 80km per charge, the Honbike Uni4 achieves a 25% longer range thanks to the 432Wh Lithium-ion battery.

Not only does the Uni4 outperform the City on distance, but the Uni4 also has an integrated battery which means it is seamlessly built into the frame. This creates a sleek and agile look for the bike, while the exterior battery of the Charge City may look bulky and out of place to some riders.

Frame Comparison

Moving onto the frames, we see the Honbike Uni4 is made out of premium 7000 Series aircraft-grade aluminum, while the Charge City is made from a slightly lower grade 6061 aluminum. While riders may not feel much of a difference when riding these two bikes based on the frame material, the higher-grade aluminum on the Uni4 indicates a greater focus on quality materials by Honbike.

Another important note about the frames is that the Charge City does come in a step-thru option. We like this additional option for riders on paper, but in the real world, their step-thru option is only 2.3 inches shorter than the traditional frame which will not make much of a difference for most people. Finally, both bikes come with a robust kickstand attached to the frame which is a great convenience to see.

Drive System Comparison

Critical to every bike, the drive system must be examined on any two or more bikes you are comparing. In this showdown specifically, it is a major differentiator. That’s because the Honbike Uni4 sports a Gates Carbon Belt Drive system thanks to countless research and development hours. Not only does this Belt Drive system make for a visually stunning bike with minimal parts, but it allows for a truly maintenance-free experience for up to 10,000km (6,213 miles).

This cleaner and quieter option is a major upgrade when compared to the Charge City bike which uses an old-school chain and crank mechanism with a rear derailleur which will require tightening, adjusting, and lubricating many times over the lifetime of the bike.

Motor Comparison

Having a motor that meets the legal requirements of e-bike classifications in Europe and the U.S. is important for every rider. Both bikes utilize a 250-watt geared hub motor (located in the rear wheel) for the European market, which is exactly what we want to see according to laws for electric bikes in Europe. 

However, in the U.S. market, the Honbike Uni4 is shipped with a 350-watt geared hub motor. This higher motor output is sure to delight Americans looking for a bit more power while still staying perfectly in line with US laws for e-bikes.

Brakes Comparison

Stopping power is important when riding in the city as any commuter knows. It can be the difference between a fatal accident and safely making it home. Therefore, the Honbike Uni4 is equipped with disc brakes and an ergonomic brake lever for safer and quicker braking. The Charge City model also includes disc brakes making this feature on par with one another.

On further examination, there are two other points worth mentioning. We see the Honbike has hidden brake lines, adding to the minimalist design and stylish body, while the Charge City has traditional cabling on the exterior of the bike. Some riders may find the cables getting caught on bike racks or while moving the bike around the garage but that is only a minor gripe.

Price Comparison

Lastly, but perhaps most importantly, we can compare prices. The Honbike Uni4 is currently sold for €1,699 while the Charge City Electric Bike comes in at €1,799. We can think of many helpful e-bike accessories that an extra €100 can buy, such as a helmet or front basket.

Conclusion

Based on the lower price, longer range, and simpler drivetrain, the win for today’s comparison goes to the Uni4 by a wide margin. Aesthetically, we also like the simplicity of the Uni4’s award-winning design more than the traditional look of the Charge City model. What do you think?