Stromer ST3: testing the best (?) speed pedelec
Are you often late due to traffic jams or unexpected delays? Do you want to effortlessly reach 45 km/h and really save time on your commute (and do you have the budget for it)? If so, a speed pedelec a real game changer. And in this category, the Stromer ST3 is one of the best, if not the best (?), machines.
Written by: Jos Mans | January 22, 2025 | Reading time: 5 minutes
About the author: Jos Mans
Jos is a writer and cyclist, most often both at the same time. With thousands of miles under his belt and just as many words on paper, he combines his two great passions: being on the move and telling stories.
Key findings
- The Stromer ST3 is a speed pedelec EU L1e-B) with a SYNO Drive II rear wheel motor (820 W, 44 Nm): designed to maintain a constant speed of 45 km/h.
- OMNI connectivity (GPS, Smartlock, keyless) is not a marketing gimmick, but an integral part of the system—essential for people concerned about theft (which is understandable given the high-end nature of this machine).
- Before purchasing, check whether your ST3 is equipped with a WREN fork affected by the recall (December 2025): mandatory safety check.
Sensations at the handlebars of the ST3
I rode a 2022 Stromer ST3 for two weeks, a loaner model provided by a dealer. My first observation, without further ado: it's a well-designed bike.
This consistency comes mainly from the rear wheel motor. On most electric bikes, you feel a push from the crankset. On the ST3, you feel traction from the rear wheel. When I go from 35 to 45 km/h, it doesn't feel like I'm pedaling harder, but rather like I'm continuing to move forward while the bike naturally accompanies the movement. On the route between Utrecht and Woerden, with its many long, straight bike paths, often facing the wind, this difference was very noticeable.
The SYNO Drive II motor develops 820 watts of power and 44 Nm of torque. This figure may seem low if you are used to Bosch mid-drive motors (75–85 Nm). But on a speed pedelec, it's not about pulling power at 10 km/h. It's about maintaining speeds above 40 km/h. And in this exercise, this rear wheel motor is incredibly efficient.
What struck me was that the bike never feels nervous. On long straights, it provides an almost meditative sensation. On more winding routes, you might sometimes miss the responsiveness of a mid-drive motor. After 300 kilometers, I also noticed that my wrists were less tired than on a speed pedelec a mid-drive motor. The motor is at the rear, not in the middle, making the steering lighter.
My opinion: the ST3 is designed for individuals who consider their commute to be a time-consuming issue and who wish to ride a pedal-powered Lamborghini, provided they are willing to pay the price. It combines comfort, sportiness, and high-end materials. A true machine.
The Stromer system
OMNI: marketing gimmick or real functionality?
The ST3 comes standard with OMNI C: GPS tracking, Smartlock, keyless unlocking, and app integration. In practical terms, this means that when I approach the bike, it detects my phone via Bluetooth, I press a button on the frame, and the lock unlocks. The first time, it almost feels like being in a science fiction movie.
But this also creates a new dependency: app, cloud service, subscription (after two years). What if the app crashes? You won't be able to start the bike. This happened to me once: the app stopped responding and the bike remained locked. Solution: force the app to close and restart it. Not ideal if you just want to go for a ride without any hassle.
Critical analysis: OMNI is not an option, it is a design choice by Stromer. You are purchasing a connected system, not a "classic" bike.
What marketing doesn't tell you about autonomy
Stromer claims a range of up to 180 kilometers with the largest battery (BQ983, 983 Wh). This is possible in May, at 20°C, with no headwind and riding at 25 km/h. But you buy a speed pedelec ride at 45 km/h.
Real-world test in January: full battery, 45 km/h, 4°C, light headwind. After 95 kilometers, the battery was empty. The same trip in April will likely require less energy. In many ways, it's similar to an electric car.
Rule of thumb: expect 25 to 30% less range at around 0°C. My advice: choose your battery as if you were driving in the middle of January. Do you commute more than 40 kilometers to work every day? Go for the larger battery, if available.
Practical: what should you pay attention to?
1. Sprocket vs derailleur
I rode the Pinion version. The gear shifting is different from Shimano: you have to release the pressure, change gears, then start pedaling again. The first few days, it annoyed me. After a week, it became automatic.
Advantage: everything is integrated into a closed system. No external wear and tear, no chain tension to adjust. Perfect for those who want to ride without worrying about maintenance.A derailleur with a chain is more sporty, more "classic cycling," but maintenance margins are reduced. The chain stretches and the cassette wears out.
My choice: daily use of more than 20 km? Pinion. Occasional use? Don't buy a Stromer ST3. You could even say that the ST3 with derailleur is like a "budget" version that is likely to disappoint.
2. Recall of the WREN fork
December 2025: Stromer has issued a voluntary recall concerning approximately 6,500 WREN suspension forks fitted to ST3 / ST5 / ST7 models. The risk is a crack or detachment of the head tube. Cases of injury have been reported, and this must obviously be avoided at all costs.
What should you do? Check whether your ST3 is equipped with a WREN fork, check the serial number on the Stromer recall page, and have the fork replaced if necessary. When purchasing, also askUpway the condition of this item.
3. OMNI verification during testing
Test how OMNI works: locking/unlocking via the app, connection to your phone, active GPS tracking. This is an integral part of the value of the Stromer system.
FAQ
Is the Stromer ST3 a speed pedelec what does that mean in practical terms?
Yes, the ST3 falls under European category L1e-B (up to 45 km/h). In the Netherlands, the rules are as follows: minimum age 16, AM license, approved helmet (moped helmet or NTA 8776), civil liability insurance. You must ride on the road, not on bike paths.
What are the technical specifications of the Stromer ST3?
SYNO Drive II rear wheel motor (820 W, 44 Nm). Large battery (BQ983, 983 Wh) offering up to 180 km in ideal conditions—in practice, taking into account weather and maximum speed, more like 95 to 130 km. OMNI connectivity (GPS, Smartlock, keyless) as standard.
How reliable is OMNI?
GPS tracking works well for theft prevention, and keyless unlocking is convenient. But there is a dependency on the app, the cloud, and potentially a subscription. Are you allergic to "everything via smartphone"? Then this isn't the bike for you. In that case, take a look at which alternatives might suit you better.
Is it true that battery life decreases significantly in winter?
Yes, expect a difference of 25 to 30%. Cold batteries perform less efficiently.
How do I know if my ST3 is affected by the WREN recall?
Check the fork type and serial number via the Stromer recall page, at a dealer, or by contacting Upway. This is not an optional check.