Testing the Gazelle Miss Grace E-bike: the stylish transporter
The Miss Grace is not designed to be lightweight or to offer playful handling. It is made to remain stable while you literally pile your life on top of it. Groceries, schoolbags, cash register, child seat: anything is possible. But beware, this comes at the expense of some comfort and maneuverability. Read on to understand why.
Written by: Jos Mans | February 23, 2026 | Reading time: 5minutes
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 Miss Grace is not a "city bike with a luggage rack," but a true transport bike with assistance: front luggage rack + rear luggage rack + handlebar lock + double kickstand. This combination determines its performance and the reason why people buy it.
- The most important choice concerns the motor: C7 (Bosch Active Line, 40 Nm) vs C7+ (Bosch Active Line Plus, 50 Nm). The difference is most noticeable when the bike is loaded.
- It is heavy (approximately 64–66 pounds). If you often have to carry it, climb stairs, or maneuver it in tight spaces, you will notice this every week.
How does the Gazelle Miss Grace ride?
The Gazelle Miss Grace rides exactly as it looks: calm, stable, confident. You don't buy it for its "playful behavior," but for an e-bike that acts as a reliable everyday transport. Groceries. Schoolbags. A crate. A bag in front and a child seat in back. That's its domain.
With a front rack on a classic city bike, you quickly get a feeling of instability: weight on the handlebars, an unstable bike when stationary, stress at every traffic light. The Miss Grace solves this with two features you'll learn to appreciate: a handlebar lock and a double kickstand. You park it, you load it, it stays upright. No fuss, no DIY.
On the road, you can really feel that it likes to go straight. Not heavy in a negative sense, but steady. This calm character is exactly what you need when riding with a load. On the other hand, it's less suitable for those who like to quickly weave through narrow passages or slalom through the city like on a fixie.
Transmission and braking
When it comes to motors, Bosch is generally the brand of choice: reliable, predictable, and unsurprising. The assistance feels more like a controlled push than a sudden burst of power at traffic lights. However, the feel depends heavily on the version chosen.
The gears often run through a Shimano Nexus 7 hub. This may not sound spectacular on paper, butit is extremely practical in the city: youcan downshift while stationary and avoid the fragility of a derailleur in a crowded bike parking lot.
The brakes are generally Magura HS11 hydraulic rim brakes: solid, progressive, and consistent. Nothing spectacular, but exactly what you would expect on a heavy, loaded bike.
Specifications at a glance
| Element | What you get | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Type of bike | Electric cargo bike | Designed to remain stable when loaded (not for being lightweight/sporty) |
| Motorization | Bosch mid-drive motor (Active Line or Active Line Plus) | Smooth and predictable assistance in the city |
| Engine options | C7: 40 N·m / C7+: 50 N·m | 50 Nm more comfortable with wind, bridges, and heavy loads |
| Battery (standard) | 400 Wh (often C7) / 500 Wh (often C7+) | More Wh = less charging stress |
| Speeds | Shimano Nexus 7 | Shifting gears while stationary, reduced maintenance |
| Brakes | Magura HS11 hydraulics | Powerful and progressive, even when loaded |
| Transport package | Front and rear luggage racks + handlebar lock + double kickstand | The core of the concept: charging without imbalance |
| tires | Schwalbe Fat Frank (50-622) | Comfortable and stable |
| Weight (approximate) | Approx. 28–29 kg | Comfortable when driving; uncomfortable to wear |
| Frame sizes | 18 / 19 / 22 / 23 inches | Low step-through frame, wide range of sizes |
C7 or C7+: which one should you choose?
C7 (40 Nm) is suitable if you:
- make sure you mainly take short trips in the city;
- drive with a light to moderately loaded vehicle;
- Look for simple assistance without the need for extra power.
But if you use the Miss Grace as intended, i.e., regularly loaded, 40 Nm may seem a little low, especially in windy conditions or on bridges.
C7+ (50 lb-ft) makes more sense if you:
- often carry groceries or a child seat;
- notice that your journeys are more demanding than expected;
- want to avoid any feeling of excessive effort.
These 10 Nm may seem minimal on paper, but in practice, they make the difference between "it works" and "it works really well."
refurbished what should you look out for?
When it comes to a Miss Grace, refurbished often a wise choice. This isn't a bike you buy for its gadgets, but for its sturdiness: frame, transport pack, motor/battery, and robust components.
Key control points:
- Battery capacity: 400 Wh (standard) or 500 Wh (longer range). If you often ride with a heavy load or in high mode, an extra margin reduces the stress of recharging.
- Transport components: Carefully inspect the front rack, kickstand, and handlebar lock. These are the parts that are used the most.
- Controls and display: Some models feature more modern Bosch controls, sometimes similar to the Smart System. Older versions still perform very well, but the interface may differ.
Conclusion
The Gazelle Miss Grace is not designed for those looking for a lightweight, sporty e-bike. It is designed for those who want to carry their daily essentials: items, bags, journeys with stops, anything you would rather not carry on your back.
If you actually use a cargo bike, this model will make your life easier. However, if you often have to carry it or store it in tight spaces, its weight will not be a minor detail, but a daily constraint.
Don't choose based on style alone. Choose according to how you'll use it. In this case, the Miss Grace delivers exactly what it promises.
FAQ
Is the Gazelle Miss Grace suitable for a child seat?
Yes. It is typically a "school run" bike: stable, spacious, and designed to carry loads. For heavy loads, opt for the C7+ version.
What is the difference between C7 and C7+?
Mainly the motor: 40 Nm vs. 50 Nm. The C7 is sufficient for normal use on flat terrain; the C7+ is significantly more comfortable in windy conditions or with a heavy load.
Is the Miss Grace too heavy?
On the road, weight is not much of an issue thanks to the assistance. But when parking, climbing stairs, or navigating narrow spaces, you will feel it.
Can we travel long distances?
Yes, but it is primarily designed for everyday urban use. With a 500 Wh battery and moderate assistance mode, this remains realistic.
refurbished recommended?
Often, yes. Be sure to check the condition of the transport components and the capacity/condition of the battery.