Brompton Electric P Line Urban review: an addictive and enjoyable classic bike
Brompton Electric P Line Urban – 4 Speed: One Minute Review
A pioneer in folding bikes, Brompton has set the standard since 1976. The bike features a clever three-part folding design that makes it suitable for use in a variety of environments, from train carriages to city streets. Brompton’s lettering system can be a little confusing, but in the electric range there are only C and P line options.
The model reviewed this time is the P Line Urban 4 Speed. It’s made from titanium and steel, which makes it much lighter than the all-steel alternative known as the C Line. The weight savings come at a financial cost, but the extra money is worth it, especially for those who need something that’s easy to move around.
The 4-speed version offers a limited gear range and benefits from a few extra gears at the top end. You can upgrade to a 12-speed, but you’ll end up with six gears you’ll never need. If you value simplicity, choose the 4-speed.
Brompton’s famous build quality shines through, especially when it comes to the heavily used folding mechanism. High-quality components will ensure a lifetime of reliable performance, which is what you’d expect at this price tag.
This road-legal (in the US and UK) e-bike features a 300-watt-hour lithium-ion battery and a 250-watt brushless motor to deliver plenty of performance when you need it. Anyone who wants a foldable and portable e-bike with a classy feel can’t look any better than the Brompton P Line Urban 4-Speed.
| Element | Brompton P Line Urban 4 speed |
| Size range: | 25.3 x 23 x 10.6 inches (folded) |
| engine: | 250W brushless motor |
| top speed | 25 kilometers per hour |
| strength: | 300Wh 36V battery |
| control: | Battery LCD display |
| Electric bicycle classification: | Level 3 |
| speed: | 4 speed |
| brake: | Brompton dual pivot caliper |
| Frame material: | titanium and steel |
| weight: | From 15.6kg |
| scope: | 20-45 miles |
Brompton Electric P Line Urban 4 Speed: price and availability
- Electric P Line Urban 4-speed $4,750/£3,695
- UK ‘flame paint’ version costs £3,805
- Non-electric 4-speed option also available
The Electric P Line Urban 4-speed isn’t Brompton’s most expensive model, but it’s not far off. The lightweight foldable commuter bike costs $4,750 in the US and £3,695 (approximately AU$7,450) in the UK.
The model I tested is only available in the UK and is painted in ‘Flame Lacquer’. This attracts a higher price of £3,805. Whether it’s worth the extra £100 or not, only you can decide, but I can definitely say it stands out from the crowd.
The bikes come with everything you need to build a bike, including removable batteries and chargers. A range of accessories are also available, including a quad-lock mount for mounting your phone to your bike. This mount is essential for using app controls to dynamically change the bike’s power levels.
The high price of the Brompton e-bike drags down its value rating. However, it’s important to acknowledge that Brompton is known for its top-notch craftsmanship and durability. This bike proves that reputation.
Brompton Electric P Line Urban 4 Speed: Design
- Classic Brompton bike design
- Folds quickly and easily
- Lightweight titanium and steel construction
Brompton’s iconic three-point fold has remained largely unchanged since its introduction in the early 1980s. The P Line Urban e-bike looks very similar to almost every Brompton model released over the past 50 years.
Like all models, you get small wheels, an adjustable seat height, and a long handlebar stem. The seating position and handling take a little getting used to, but after a few weeks, I can’t imagine riding anything else. The optional roller rack allows me to turn the bike when folded, which is perfect for navigating city streets or train stations. It can also act as a cargo carrier for transporting your laptop or lunch.
The P Line Electric Urban is Brompton’s lightest e-bike to date thanks to its titanium rear frame and lightweight components. I had no problem moving the bike in and out of the car and even climbing the stairs. The clever foldable design offers a very compact form factor, making it ideal for urban commuters. While the folding process may take some practice, it will quickly become second nature.
When folded, the Brompton P Line is very small and can easily fit into tight spaces. The front-mounted battery can remain on the bike when folded, but it’s best to remove it for improved portability. The included battery pouch provides some storage space, but is not suitable for larger items.
The bike’s 250W motor is powered by a 300Wh battery located at the front of the bike. The design looks a little dated compared to most other manufacturers that aim to hide the battery in the frame. I’d like to see Brompton explore more seamless battery integration, or at least develop a smaller, lighter alternative. The battery can be easily removed for charging or manual operation of the bike.
One thing I’ve benefited from after using the bike for a while is a little kickstand. I often have to find a wall to support my bike on, which is a bit annoying.
The P Line Urban e-bike continues to be a practical and stylish option for urban commuters. Its compact size, lightweight design and reliable electric assistance make it a convenient choice for those who need to navigate crowded cities.
Brompton Electric P Line Urban – 4 Speed: Performance
- Enough power for most riding needs
- Smooth shifting throughout the range
- It takes a few seconds for the motor to start
The P Line Urban E-Bike is a commuter’s dream in practice, and I loved riding it through my local city streets and around cars, pedestrians, and other obstacles. It’s fast, responsive, and 100% capable of getting you where you want to go, while also having a lot of fun.
The shifter functions perfectly, is sturdy and conveniently located for my thumb, yet is unobtrusive when holding the handlebars. Four speeds are sufficient for most flat or gentle slopes, but once you need to increase speed, the gear range is noticeably lacking. Not bad on the low end, but two or three extra gears on top would elevate this bike to five-star status. The lack of top-end range makes it difficult to go beyond the 25 km/h limit of the motor.
Like all Brompton bikes, the P Line does offer a somewhat unique riding style. What is usually a very smooth and nimble experience is sometimes replaced by unpredictable handling: the instant responsiveness takes a little getting used to, but once mastered, it allows the rider to move around city roads and streets with great ease.
One of the disadvantages of handling and control placement on the battery is the erratic process of changing power levels while driving. I rarely felt able to make adjustments for fear of completely losing control of the bike. Therefore, I chose to maintain maximum pedal assist on all journeys.
Most problems can be overcome by using the Brompton mobile app with a Quadlock mount and adapter installed. The app lets you adjust power levels quickly and easily, but it does require people to set up their phones every time they go out riding. I prefer the convenience offered by a handlebar-mounted controller, but must admit it has to be purchased separately.
For short trips, the seat was absolutely fine, but toward the end of my 7-mile commute, I started to have some comfort issues. The smaller wheels were also far from ideal on the rougher terrain on the country roads I rode the bike on. Tires do their best to absorb the road’s imperfections, but they’re far from a completely smooth ride. One is for cities only.
Brompton Electric P Line Urban – 4 Speed: Battery Life
- Can travel 20-45 miles per full charge
- Four hours of charging
- Full pedal assist limited range
The Brompton P Line Urban e-bike has a claimed range of 20 to 45 miles, with the figure fluctuating depending on the power-assist mode selected. While this may be enough for shorter journeys, the reality is that most commuters will need to charge every day.
During my testing, a 14-mile daily commute left little battery power left for the next day’s travel needs. Although the reachable distances are very predictable, such a small range gave me a certain amount of range anxiety. While most commuters won’t be traveling further distances, the inconvenience and associated costs of daily charging cannot be ignored.
On the plus side, a full charge only takes about three to four hours, which is a reasonable time frame for a battery of this size. The battery itself is located at the front of the bike and can be easily removed. Brompton ensures the longevity of the battery by hiding a well-protected charging port beneath a rubber cover.
While range may be a limiting factor for some, the bike’s compact size, folding mechanism, and overall riding experience make it a great choice for urban commuting and short trips.
- Battery life score: 3.5/5
Brompton Electric P Line Urban – 4 Speed: Scorecard
| category | Comment | Fraction |
| value | Brompton bikes aren’t the cheapest, but at this price you get a quality bike that’s well made and built to last. | 3.5/5 |
| design | The classic design is foldable, compact and beautiful. Small wheels aren’t for everyone, but they’re great for navigating urban environments. | 4.5/5 |
| Performance | The P Line Urban performs very well and provides enough power to handle most riding. The folding mechanism is sturdy and reliable, making it the perfect travel companion. | 4.5/5 |
| battery life | A range of 20 to 45 miles is more than enough for most commuters, but if you want maximum pedal assistance, you’ll probably only need a ride or two before needing to charge again. | 3.5/5 |
Buy it if…
Don’t buy it if…
also consider
| Element | Brompton P Line City 4 speed | Axon Pro Lite |
| Size range: | 25.3 x 23 x 10.6 inches (folded) | 25×64×76.5cm |
| engine: | 250W brushless motor | 250W |
| top speed | 25 kilometers per hour | 45 kilometers per hour |
| strength: | 300Wh 36V battery | 36V, 7Ah battery |
| control: | Battery LCD display | LCD screen |
| Electric bicycle classification: | Level 3 | Level 3 |
| speed: | 4 speed | single speed |
| brake: | Brompton dual pivot caliper | Mechanical or hydraulic disc brakes |
| Frame material: | titanium and steel | Magnesium alloy frame |
| weight: | From 15.6kg | 15kg |
| scope: | 20-45 miles | 15-30 miles |
How I tested the Brompton Electric P Line Urban – 4 speed
Even though the bike is tailor-made for urban environments, I was keen to test its performance on a variety of road types. My daily commute provided the perfect test ride. 7 miles of hills, country roads, city streets, on-road, off-road and everything in between.
For two months I used this Brompton bike as my main mode of transportation. As a result, I was able to fully appreciate the pros and cons of the Brompton 4-speed Urban bike. All in all, I thoroughly enjoy using this bike and rarely find a way to ride it that I don’t like.
First review: August 2024
