Riese & Müller - Multicharger2

EVERYTHING AND EVERYONE ON BOARD

The Multicharger2 is is the perfect longtail for those who commute medium-length distances.

This electric cargo bike is the ideal model for commuting to work after dropping the kids off at school. It is best suited for couples with similar heights and, therefore, can use the same frame size. 

As the only longtail with a variant that supports up to 45km/h, Riese & Müller sentenced the end of the road for cars in the city!

Bellow we’ll review this model, having as an example:

• Multicharger2 Mixte GT Vario | Utility grey/black matt | 51 cm
  optional equipment: Kiox 300 cockpit, cargo front carrier, GX option, safety bar kit, cargo bags

Feeling & Design

The Multicharger2 design makes us ride this cargo bicycle the same as a traditional bicycle.

We feel comfortable when we’re riding it, even when carrying enormous cargo loads. Those who ride it feel secure and stable and even call it a tank because of its robustness.

Offering a Mixte alternative, it distinguishes itself by featuring a frame with a low curved top tube.
This design is primarily practical, making it easier to hop on and off the electric bicycle.

Color options:

• Petrol/black batt

• Utility grey/curry matt

• Utility grey/black matt

Mixte color options:

• Pearl white/black matt

• Utility grey/curry matt

• Utility grey/black matt -which is the color of our test model.

DRIVE UNIT

The option for the Performance Line Speed drive unit stands out, as it can assist our pedaling power up to 45 km/h.

This equates to 340% of support, reinforced by the 85 Nm of engine torque from the latest update.

In the context of Porto, having more starting power is a welcome addition. It enables us better to navigate the city's constant ups and downs, especially while carrying cargo or passengers.

We felt like high-performance athletes as soon as the top speeds kicked in!
The thrill of arriving quickly at our destinations, alongside traffic, is undoubtedly a highlight!

The Multicharger2 also features the Performance Line CX drive unit, to those for whom reaching higher speeds is not a necessity.

bATTERY

With a Bosch Powertube 750 Wh battery providing greater range and flexibility, the Multicharger2 offers the possibility to ride approximately 60-90 km with a balanced use of the engine modes and the gear shifting system - the values will vary depending on the type of road, wind conditions, and how much weight you introduce to the bicycle.

The new 750Wh is a most welcome addition to the bicycle battery range. Considering the increased weight on the rack (and the bicycle's weight), the battery's more significant power surplus is vital.

The battery, weighing approximately 4.3 kg and featuring a new design, is discreetly integrated into the frame tube; these high-quality power sources are barely noticeable, offering the convenience and security synonymous with Bosch technology.

display - SMART CONTROL CENTRE

The Multicharger2 standard display at the handlebar’s center is either the Intuvia 100 or the Purion 200 for high-speed variants, both by Bosch. 

Through the Intuvia 100, a black and white display, we’ll have large fonts, ensuring clear visibility while riding. Coupled with the shift recommendation feature, it enhances safety and comfort during our journey.

The operation is intuitive via the control unit, allowing us to keep our hands securely on the handlebars. The black lettering with the white background is easy to see, whether there are good or not so good light conditions.

Opting for a high-speed variant, we will have the Purion 200 as standard without a cockpit. The Purion 200, a colored discrete display, creates a tidy appearance and provides a minimalistic overview of our speed, range, and much more; its located on one of the sides of the handlebar.

We recommend Bosch’s Kiox 300, the one on the pictures, since its the ideal smart gadget to have with you on everyday trips or more challenging rides – providing more data on a larger colour display. Thanks to the adjustable angle of the stem, we can select a sitting position to suit your needs anywhere between comfortable and sporty.

We can connect all the mentioned displays to our smartphone to activate other functionalities such as navigation and fitness programs. Statistical data, including the record of our rides, can be uploaded to the digital platform eBike Connect, accessible via smartphone or computer.

Variants - trANSMISSIONS

The Multicharger2 GT Vario, our test ride model, features an internal gear hub by Enviolo 380, offering a continuous gear shift system without fixed shifts like those in a cassette system.

This system enables gear shifting even when the bicycle is stationary, which is especially handy on the hilly streets of Porto when waiting for the green light.

The system is entirely intuitive, with a smaller display on the right handlebar representing a rider.
Lighter gears are indicated by a curved line, while harder gears are represented by a straight line.

In a city like Porto, where frequent stops and starts are common, the Enviolo gear system proves to be fantastic, especially for riders who are not accustomed to shifting gears frequently.

The internal gear hub houses all components inside the rear wheel, shielding them from dirt and rain.

Paired with the Carbon belt drive, Enviolo uses high-resistance carbon fibers for a lighter, maintenance-free alternative. Unlike traditional cassette systems, the belt-drive with internal gear hub reduces the risk of derailment or faulty shifts.

The Multicharger2 is also available with either a Shimano XT 11-speed on the Touring variant or a Rohloff Speedhub E14, with 14-speeds in the Rohloff variant.

SAFE ON THE ROAD AT ALL TIMES

As it is usual with other Riese & Müller bikes, the Multicharger2 has Magura brakes.

At the rear, we find the two-piston Magura MT4 brakes, while the front boasts the more powerful Magura MT5 brakes with four pistons.

These are well-tested brakes with a lot of proof done, offering the safety and responsiveness that makes us feel comfortable and secure.

In terms of safety, the possibility of reaching higher speeds may typically lead to concerns about safety.

However, with the Bosch eBike ABS 2.0 option, there are more effective reactions to road conditions, enabling safer and more confident braking with both brakes simultaneously. It prevents the front wheel from locking, reducing the risk of skidding and ensuring stability even during sudden, heavy braking on various surfaces.

FRONT AND TAIL LIGHTS

As standard, the Supernova Mini 2 Pro serves as the front light, thanks to its compact dimensions, offering the possibility of elegant installation in any position. Additionally, the Busch & Müller Toplight 2C LED is included as the rear light, a battery-powered option with a minimalistic design but impressive functions. The C-shaped light bands, powered by two high-performance LEDs, create a smooth illumination pattern, surrounding a large area reflector.

Opting for a high-speed variant, it will be equipped with the Supernova M99 mini Pro 45 as the front light, ensuring excellent visibility with a minimal light beam of 700 lumens and a higher one of 1300 lumens.
Additionally, the rear brake light, Supernova M99, is also integrated into this system, illuminating every time the lever blade from the Magura MT4 is pressed, with a light intensity of 9 cd for the tail light and 50 cd for the brake light, both very bright and strong.

TIRES

As standard you’ll get Schwalbe Super Moto-X 62-559 Reflex, designed for enhanced performance and durability. This wider tires will help you cross cobblestone streets and avoid falling on the rails.

Featuring larger balloon sizes for increased comfort and stability, as well as specialized tread patterns for better traction, and the combination of Greenguard (three extra millimeters of India rubber under the fabric) and Raceguard (an extra layer of fabric) technology enhances the overall puncture resistance of these tires, you’ll definitely feel safer on the road.

If you like riding your E-bike off-road, equip it with first-class Schwalbe all-terrain tires with the GX option—the ones in the pictures.
Their flat tire studs in the middle of the running surface have extremely low rolling resistance for faster riding on straight sections. The solid tire studs on the shoulders of the tire guarantee exceptional grip, particularly when cornering.

SUSPENSION

The Suntour XCR32 front suspension designed for cross-country models, ensures excellent stability. Its stiffness can be adjusted manually in the fork without the need for special tools. This feature is particularly appreciated on the cobblestone streets of downtown Porto, where riding can be quite challenging

The Multicharger2 also features the Crane Creek Thudbuster suspension seat post, which utilizes a rubber tube to enhance comfort and stability on rough terrain while seated. This design allows the bicycle to navigate challenging terrain without requiring a full suspension system, as seen in more high-performance models.

REAR RACK

The Multicharger2 is ideal for transporting people. 

The optional passenger kit, with its comfortable foam seat, handles, and footrests, allows a passenger weighing up to 65 kg to grab a spot on the rear. 

Thanks to the optional safety bar kit, up to two children from 1 to 7 years of age can travel safely and well protected. They can sit on a comfortable cushioned seat with double safety bars, side load platforms, and wheel protection. A sturdy outer bar will secure them very well, and a second bar can be held on to so that the children’s hands and arms remain safely inside. 

The side left platform is extensible: it's possible to tail a smaller bicycle (like our kid's bike) and fix it with a standard belt (included in the package). 

It is a spacious rack that can accommodate cargo bags, each 33 liters in volume, making optimum use of the cargo area. The bags are attached to the carrier, safe and secure, and can be removed without tools.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The Multicharger2 is the perfect E-Bike for you if you aim to commute to work over a medium-length distance while dropping off your kids at school and if you share similar heights with your companion.

Also, this model supports enough cargo on the rear rack to move things around while you can still have fun driving it with the safety you need.

Having a bigger wheel on a longtail has the advantage of making riding faster and more comfortable on the bumpy roads of Porto.

Another advantage of this longtail is that it's the only one with a variant that supports up to 45km/h (HS variants), giving you the extra confidence to ride in the middle of the road if necessary. 

In our opinion, the true potential of the Multicharger2 is unlocked with a Safety Bar Kit.