Lidl's Electric Bike Review

The CRIVIT line is Lidl’s most advanced range of e-bikes. Three models are available: the X Belt (high-step frame, belt drive), the Y Belt (low-step frame, belt drive), and the Shimano CUES (chain drive, 9-speed), each priced at €1,299. Standard features: 355 Wh battery, torque sensor, Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes, and integrated lighting. For this price, these are impressive specs.

The ADAC tested a comparable previous model and noted its smooth handling, effective brakes, and quiet motor. The ADR Fietstest 2025 awarded the belt-drive versions the “Best Tested” label and the Shimano CUES version the “Best Buy” label in the category of electric city bikes priced up to €2,000. This indicates that these are excellent entry-level models.

The main drawback lies in the settings. The cockpit is largely fixed, the saddle is hard, and adjustment options are limited. Those who fit the geometry perfectly will ride comfortably; others will quickly realize that there’s no mechanic on hand to fix this at the time of purchase. I consider the CRIVIT line to be the most diverse and interesting of Lidl’s e-bikes.

The Zündapp Z810 700c is a different type of bike than the CRIVIT. It’s not an urban e-bike, but a trekking bike: 28-inch wheels, a 417.6 Wh battery, a 24-speed chain drive, hydraulic disc brakes front and rear, and a claimed range of 125 km. Available at Lidl for around €999.

The specs are impressive for the price. The larger battery makes the Z810 better suited for long distances than the CRIVIT line. The 24-speed drivetrain offers more flexibility on hilly terrain. Hydraulic brakes are a rare find on a Lidl bike, especially compared to the Telefunken below.

But the rear hub motor remains the main limitation. A trekking e-bike is supposed to be highly versatile: city and countryside, carrying loads, and varied terrain. A rear motor is less suited to this profile than a mid-drive motor, which directly senses pedaling force and offers a more natural and balanced feel over long distances. The Z810 performs better than its supermarket origins would suggest, but the “trekking” claim seems exaggerated to me for a bike optimized primarily for simplicity and price, not versatility.

The Telefunken Multitalent RC657-S is the most urban of the three and also the hardest to evaluate. It’s a low-step city e-bike with a 468 Wh battery built into the rear rack. Price at Lidl: approximately €949 to €1,099, depending on the season.

The battery is its strong point: 468 Wh, the largest of the three and relatively high for this segment. The 3- to 4-hour charging time is acceptable, and the maximum total weight of 150 kg is generous. The Shimano Nexus 7-speed hub is reliable and requires little maintenance. So far, so good.

Next, the motor. The Telefunken uses a front-wheel motor, the least efficient of the three configurations. This type of motor offers less traction, a more artificial riding feel, and can cause wheel spin on wet or sandy roads. Additionally, the brakes are V-brakes (mechanical rim brakes), not hydraulic disc brakes. On a bike costing nearly €1,000 in 2025, this choice stands out—and not in a good way. In my opinion, the Telefunken is the least compelling of the three: attractive battery and price, but the combination of a front motor and rim brakes clearly compromises the promised comfort.

These three Lidl models all prove the same thing: for less than €1,300, you can already get an e-bike with decent specs. That’s useful—but it also reveals the real limit.

None of the three has a mid-drive motor. This is no coincidence. A Bosch Performance Line or Shimano Steps EP8 motor alone costs more than half the total price of these bikes. A mid-drive motor directly measures the force at the crankset, distributes the weight centrally, and offers a riding experience that a front or rear motor simply can’t match. Over long distances, when carrying a load, or on hilly terrain, you can feel the difference with every mile.

A refurbished or 2022 Gazelle Ultimate C380, Batavus Finez, or Koga E-Nova often costs as much as a new Lidl e-bike new Upway. In exchange, you get a mid-drive motor, a more refined frame, better ergonomics, and a network of dealers for maintenance and parts. The real difference between new and “more bike for your money” lies here: in the motor, not in the brand.

It depends on how you plan to use it. For city riding, the CRIVIT Urban E-Bike 3.0 is the best choice: hydraulic brakes, torque sensor. For long distances and varied terrain, the Zündapp Z810 offers greater range and more gears. The Telefunken Multitalent has a good battery but is held back by its rim brakes and front-mounted motor.

More than their reputation suggests. The ADAC tested a CRIVIT model, yielding satisfactory to good results. The ADR Fietstest 2025 awarded positive ratings to several CRIVIT models. Zündapp and Telefunken models have undergone fewer independent tests, but their components suggest an acceptable level of quality.

A front-mounted motor (Telefunken) feels the least natural and provides the least traction. A rear-mounted motor (CRIVIT, Zündapp) is better but throws off the weight distribution. A mid-drive motor (Bosch, Shimano Steps) feels the most natural and balanced. The difference is noticeable on rides lasting more than ten minutes.

CRIVIT offers a 5-year warranty on the frame and a 2-year warranty on the battery and electronics through its own service department. For Zündapp and Telefunken, the information is less clear. Neither has a traditional dealer network: purchases are made online or in-store, with delivery by carrier; initial setup is not included.

For most buyers: yes. A refurbished model (Gazelle, Batavus, Koga) offers a better overall experience, including ergonomics and service support. Lidl bikes win out on price and immediate availability; refurbished models win out on long-term experience.