CUBE e-Bikes Review: Are These Bikes Any Good?

Last Updated on October 29, 2023 by Igor Karni

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Despite being widely regarded as a brand that represents the biking industry in continental Europe, CUBE was and will remain a German brand first. We can see this in the fact that most of its models, bikes and e-bikes alike, are still assembled in Germany. 


Founded in Waldershof, Germany in 1993 by Marcus Puerner, it didn’t take long for CUBE to build a large audience and a solid reputation. Never mind its bike catalog. You only need to take a look at its expansive e-bike catalog, each product line filled with numerous variations of a given model. 

Much like many bike brand success stories, CUBE’s was characterized by a humble start. Its founder initially only started to get into the bike industry when he manually assembled bikes to get funding for his education in university. He rode the mountain bike wave of the ’90s and founded CUBE during that decade with a focus on creating top-notch mountain bikes.

From there, it took less than two decades for the brand to expand and attain the global reach and status it is currently enjoying. 

Cube E-bikes Review: Model Lines

E-Bike Model LineE-bike Type
ELITE HYBRIDHybrid, Mountain
REACTION HYBRIDHybrid, Mountain
NURIDE HYBRIDHybrid, Mountain
STEREO HYBRIDHybrid, Mountain
CROSS HYBRIDHybrid, Road
NATURE HYBRIDHybrid, Road, City
TOWN SPORT HYBRIDHybrid, Road, City
KATHMANDU HYBRIDHybrid, Road, Commuter
TOURING HYBRIDHybrid, Road
TOWN HYBRIDHybrid, Commuter
ELLA CRUISER HYBRIDHybrid, Cruiser
COMPACT HYBRIDHybrid, Commuter
CARGO HYBRIDHybrid, Cargo
AGREE HYBRIDHybrid, Road
NUROAD HYBRIDHybrid, Gravel
ACID 240 ROOKIE HYBRIDHybrid, Kids
REACTION ROOKIE HYBRIDHybrid, Kids

As far as its e-bike selections are concerned, it’s safe to say that the brand offers the whole nine yards. There’s a good chance that their models, as a whole, can fit in most, if not all, the e-bike categories you can think of. This is clear proof that the brand has since shed its former reputation as a mountain bike specialist. Although, we can’t deny that their eMTBs, road, and gravel offerings are one of their clearer standouts. 

Presently, the brand boasts of as many as 20 distinct e-bike model lines. As said above, they are as varied as they are cost-effective – cost-effective in the sense that they bring the best value for money, at least, as far as high European (or mostly German) standards are concerned. You can immediately see this in the high-end technology incorporated into almost every model.

Read also: How to select the best – mountain, touring, commuter, cruiser, junior, city here or here, trike, folding, hybrid, cargo, road, gravel, kids’s here or here e-bike – in our comprehensive e-bike selection guides.

CUBE E-bike Model Lines

CUBE ELITE HYBRID eMTB Model Line

Any e-bike line that has this name would almost always be held to a higher standard than most. On the whole, the two e-bikes that are included in this line live up to it. The Elite Hybrid C:62 SL 625 29 along with its Race counterpart are certainly no pushovers. 

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Photo credit CUBE bikes

Unlike other models in the line before, these hardtail offerings now use batteries that disappear into the frame, making them more similar to conventional bike designs. We have CUBE’s Modular Battery System to thank for this. 

They’re more suited for cross country and trail riding, though, which isn’t exactly what you’d expect from a pure hardtail model. This is also why we think it fits the Hybrid category more. 

It’s not really a con, considering the 85Nm of torque that it’s dynamic and ultra-responsive Bosch Drive Unit Performance CX Generation 4 motor can guarantee. That’s more than all the support you need to conquer the steepest inclines. 

Read also: How to select your first electric mountain bike? And, How much does a good eMTB e-bike cost?

Come to think of it, the majority of their components readily showcase the brand’s high-end reputation. Their geometry and light weight that does not go above 20kg (44 pounds) lend themselves well to ensuring riding comfort and nimbleness even in rough trails. We also see this quality in the Magura MT Thirty hydraulic disc brake and the Fox 32 Float Performance fork that keeps the weight low and imparts better overall handling. 

It’s an eMTB line that lives up to its name while not going overboard with its price tags.

We invite you to take a closer look at the Cube Elite Hybrid eMTB model line here.

CUBE REACTION HYBRID eMTB Model Line

This is undoubtedly CUBE’s most popular hardtail eMTB line and one of its most eclectic as well. After all, a lot of the models under this line could fall under the road category as well. Its latest 625 offerings do without the semi-integrated battery packs present in other models, and like other hardtail lines, opts to fully incorporate its battery into the frame.

Easy E-Biking - Cube Reaction Hybrid electric bike - real world, real e-bikes, helping to make electric biking practical and fun
Photo credit CUBE bikes

The same safe, no-brainer Bosch motor powers most of the models, though. It’s a motor that’s a ready advantage, considering the abundant torque and unprecedented acceleration. Taking a look at the SLT 625 29, it’s simply another model that demonstrates why CUBE has the eminence that it’s currently enjoying, which only a fraction of other brands can safely say they enjoy as well.

The Shimano XT hydraulic disc brakes with 4-piston front and rear calipers are a clear step up from models in other e-bike lines. Most models that fall under Reaction Hybrid have a riding range average of at least 60 miles (95 km), which is ideal, to say the least, for mountain biking and cross country riding. 

Read also: Why fat tires are good news for electric bikes? And, How to select the best hybrid e-bike?

Overall, this is one of the brand’s better Hybrid offerings, as it abounds in versatility. We see this in the wider tires and 100mm of travel apparent in the front suspension fork. This combination makes most models as much a great option for urban rides as well as for tough and rough trails. 

It’s all about being a general-purpose option, in short, and on the whole, that’s what most riders want from their e-bikes. 

We invite you to take a closer look at the Cube Reaction Hybrid eMTB model line here.

CUBE NURIDE HYBRID eMTB Model Line

We like the more comfort-oriented approach of the Nuride line, as is evidenced by the easy step-through frame that CUBE likes to refer to as “Easy Entry”. It’s a line that is no less powerful than the brand’s other hardtail offerings. 

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We like that the hardtail quality is readily apparent in the fact that it’s an overall lightweight e-bike line, especially if we’re going to consider the fact that this is quite possibly the heaviest among the other hardtails. Despite this fact, it only tops at 26kg (57.3 pounds); although, we do see why this slight deviation in weight can make other riders choose the Reaction Hybrid models instead. 

Read also: Can e-bikes help go up steep hills? And, How to switch electric assistance levels on an e-bike?

The SL 625 Allroad model uses 12-speed XT Shimano gears, which are relatively easy to use even in the roughest terrains. We also like the fact that it’s one of the more generous model lines in the hardtail category, as proven by the nifty accessories like the kickstand, mudguards, and front lights. 

We invite you to take a closer look at the Cube Nuride Hybrid eMTB model line here.

CUBE STEREO HYBRID eMTB Model Line

The Stereo Hybrid 120, 140, and 160 undoubtedly carry most of the burden in representing the best that CUBE has to offer in the full-suspension group. Many riders have praised the Bosch motors as much as the fact that these e-bikes can guarantee riding comfort regardless of how long you ride them. 

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Photo credit CUBE bikes

Understandably the Stereo Hybrid 160 is the most popular of the three.160 simply means you get 160mmm rear-wheel travel out of it, and as far as most riders are concerned, the higher this number, the better, It’s quite possibly every biker’s Enduro dream with its ability to keep optimal handling and comfort even if you have to deal with a plethora of terrain and road condition changes. 

We like the sheerness of the frame that undoubtedly adds to the overall durability. The same can be said for the extra protection provided to the battery. The latest models are just as powerful as their hardtail counterparts since they also use Bosch’s 4th Generation Drive Unit. 

Read also: How to find a reliable e-bike? And, Should I buy a new or used electric bicycle?

The SLT 625 27.5 NYON uses Magura 4-piston hydraulic brakes. The range evidently varies a lot, but based on our experience, it doesn’t go above 80 miles (130 km). It also comes with a built-in range calculator, which changes in real-time based on the assistance level you choose. 

Overall, we like the superb geometry and the aggressive tires that these models now have. These models function better as a cross-country e-bike than being subjected to the trickiest terrain.  

We invite you to take a closer look at the Cube Stereo Hybrid eMTB model line here.

CUBE CROSS HYBRID Road E-Bike Model Line

We like the fact that these road models are just as powerful and torquey as the brand’s eMTB offerings. It’s obviously another e-bike line that fits the all-around category. You get all the accessories you need like lights and mudguards, as well as the tech that help in securing safety and navigation, thanks to the built-in navigation and lock feature. 

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The XT hydraulic brakes used by all models are a ready welcome feature. The PowerTube 625 battery, which has also been blended into the frame, is suitable, if not perfect, for mountain biking and off-roading and should give most riders enough range to work with. Coupled with 85Nm of torque from the motor, conquering steeper than normal hills is a breeze with Cross Hybrid models.

Read also: How to select the best road e-bike (with examples)? – and also in this article. And, How much does a good road e-bike cost?

We’re glad that CUBE decided to keep the other perks found in previous models like the adjustable kickstand, urban-ready Schwalbe tires, and complete headlights and taillights. 

We invite you to take a closer look at the Cube Cross Hybrid road electric bike model line here.

CUBE NATURE HYBRID E-Bike Model Line

We like the fact that most of the models in this e-bike line still manage to keep the weight down despite using the heavier and less powerful Gen 3 Bosch motor. The torque is also far lesser at 50Nm, but that’s still decent considering the purposes this e-bike is designed for. 

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Photo credit CUBE bikes

The Gen 3 motor is solid enough as it is, with its quick acceleration on flat roads and overall battery efficiency. It makes this versatile e-bike great for most urban riding and offroading purposes.

We like how the wider tires and 100mm suspension fork ensure a smooth ride through rougher than normal trails. CUBE also doesn’t spare any expense in integrating hydraulic disc brakes. Most of the models are more affordable yet use the same frame integrated PowerTube 625 battery found in most of its eMTBs. 

Read also: How to select the best commuter e-bike (with examples)? – also in this article. And, how much does a commuter e-bike cost?

With that in mind, if you want the same range as the more high-end CUBE models, but can do without the extra motor assist, then this is a good option. 

We invite you to take a closer look at the Cube Nature Hybrid electric bike model line here.

CUBE TOWN SPORT HYBRID E-Bike Model Line

This is what we would call an exemplar city and commuter e-bike line due to the sheer completeness of its components and accessories. The motor may not be as powerful as other offroad options, but it’s relatively quiet, which is great for city riding purposes. 

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Photo credit CUBE bikes

On the other hand, the battery can achieve as high as 90 miles (145 km) of range. That’s obviously way above-average and earns a big checkmark. 

The hydraulic brakes included have the trademark high stopping power and don’t get all muddied up like their mechanical counterparts. We also like the adjustable kickstand and the headlights included. It’s not hard to praise the rear rack incorporated for its minimalism and light weight. 

Read also: How to select the best city e-bike (with examples)? – also in this article, and this article. And, How much does a good city e-bike cost?

All these perks are summed up by the excellent weight distribution and comfort imparted by the step-through frame and saddle. 

We invite you to take a closer look at the Cube Town Sport Hybrid electric bike model line here.

CUBE KATHMANDU HYBRID E-Bike Model Line

The Kathmandu line represents the more versatile commuter models in CUBE’s catalog. It uses the same Gen 4 Bosch motor and PowerTube 625 battery that figures in a lot of the high-end eMTBs available in the brand. This is why you can expect plenty of power and speed that should help you beat the morning rush or get you quickly from one point to another when doing regular errands.

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It’s popular precisely because of that quality and the fact that it rides just as well on mildly rough terrain and dirt trails. It’s a great touring e-bike option because of the generous range, which tops at 95 miles (153 km). It doesn’t hurt that you can fully rely on the motor for it guarantees the 85Nm torque mentioned before. 

Read also: How much can an e-bike carry? And, Can an e-bike pull a trailer?

Your safety is also assured by the puncture-resistant tires, integrated headlights, and terrific Magura hydraulic brakes. With all these things in mind, it’s safe to say that this sets a high standard for many hybrid e-bikes in the market. 

We invite you to take a closer look at the Cube Kathmandu Hybrid electric bike model line here.

CUBE TOURING HYBRID E-Bike Model Line

This e-bike line is marketed to people who love to trek. It incorporates the Bosch Gen 3 Unit performance motor, which has a respectable torque of 60Nm. That makes it ideal for doing hilly commutes on a daily basis or even some easy to moderate offroading every now and then. 

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Photo credit CUBE bikes

You can get over 100 miles (160 km) of maximum range from the battery, and that’s obviously sweet for anyone who likes to ride or trek for long hours. It’s also significantly cheaper than other hardcore CUBE models. 

Read also: How much does an e-bike weigh? And, What is e-bike range on a single charge?

The fact that it also throws in superb hydraulic brakes, a GPS, puncture-resistant tire, neat rear rack, and LED lights make it an excellent mid-range all-purpose e-bike that won’t disappoint with its battery life.  

We invite you to take a closer look at the Cube Touring Hybrid electric bike model line here.

CUBE TOWN HYBRID E-Bike Model Line

It’s safe to say that the Town Hybrid line can rival plenty of cars and recreational vehicles out there, thanks to its integrated tech that include a touchscreen-controlled navigation feature found in its Nyon controller. You get as much range potential as other models that integrate the PowerTube 625 because the latest model in this line also includes it. 

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Photo credit CUBE bikes

It does use a more obsolete but no less powerful 60-Nm Bosch Gen 3 motor. That’s still a notable battery and motor combination, considering it’s an e-bike that pays as much attention to comfort as most cruisers out there. We can see this in the low, step-through frame, saddles, and adjustable handlebars.

Read also: How far can e-bikes go? What is e-bike range on a single charge? And, How fast are e-bikes?

Models also come fully equipped with ever-reliable accessories like lights, a kickstand, and mudguards. Overall, this is preferred for people who want to enjoy as much power and stability as other CUBE commuter models can offer but want to lean more toward comfort as well. 

We invite you to take a closer look at the Cube Town Hybrid electric bike model line here.

CUBE ELLA HYBRID Cruiser E-Bike Model Line

The Ella line mixes tradition with high-tech modernity. The classic design lends itself to the comfort that riders can expect. That being said, it certainly belies the power that you can expect out of it. It incorporates the same reliable and extremely quiet Gen 3 Bosch Active Plus motor found in other models. 

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Photo credit CUBE bikes

Its battery is also only a slight downgrade from the PowerTube 625, using instead a removable PowerPack 50 that can be charged away from the unit give you up to 60 miles (95 km) of range or even more. 

You also get all the bells and whistles you can expect from a comfort-oriented cruiser but with an obvious focus on high-end components. This is evidenced by the top-quality saddle, hydraulic brakes, beach tires, and easy-mount, adjustable kickstand that removes pedal lock issues. 

Read also: How to select the best cruiser e-bike? And, How much does a good cruiser e-bike cost?

Another feature that heightens security is the ABUS locking core that serves as a lock for the rack battery. Lastly, the step-thru frame also deserves the spotlight with its minimalistic, classic style and the fact that it makes mounting and dismounting a breeze. 

We invite you to take a closer look at the Cube Ella Hybrid Cruiser electric bike model line here.

CUBE COMPACT HYBRID E-Bike Model Line

The overall size and build of the models in this line call to mind most folding e-bikes. While it doesn’t have a folding capability, it does shine in its practical, compact build. Anyone who has limited storage space can still enjoy the CUBE experience with its models. 

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It’s obviously designed with city riding in mind, as evidenced by the hub motor. Don’t be fooled by its size and intended purpose, though. It definitely doesn’t lag behind its counterparts in terms of power. Sure, it may not have been integrated with a Performance Line Bosch motor, but the Gen 3 Active Line is still solid in its own right. It delivers above-average support with its 50Nm torque.

Read also: How to select the best folding e-bike (with examples)? And, How much does a good foldable e-bike cost?

The PowerPack 500 battery can still deliver superior riding ranges compared to other brands. Moreover, despite being on the small side, the e-bike still manages to integrate helpful accessories like a rear rack, kickstand, and grippy hydraulic brakes. The wheels, despite being small, also keep handling steady, and the mudguards deliver the icing on the cake.

We invite you to take a closer look at the Cube Compact Hybrid electric bike model line here.

CUBE CARGO HYBRID E-Bike Model Line

The Cargo Sport Dual Hybrid is the most notable model in this line so that’s what we’re going to single out in this review. As you can expect from CUBE, it’s a cargo e-bike that brims with power. You can immediately see and experience this in the Bosch Cargo Gen 4 line motor and Magura hydraulic brakes. The motor offers as much as 85Nm of torque, which is definitely needed to support the 220kg (485 pounds) maximum weight limit of the model.

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Photo credit CUBE bikes

You can opt for the 1,000Wh dual battery system, which can obviously give you unprecedented riding ranges. That’s very much recommended for anyone who wants to use cargo e-bikes as a substitute for cars or those who don’t want to have to worry about running out of battery life during long trips. 

Read also: How to select the best cargo e-bike (with examples)? And, How much does a good cargo e-bike cost?

The cargo can support 2 children. As for accessories, we definitely like the no-nonsense Bosch display monitor and the Schwalbe tires that offer enough support and grip for heavily loaded rides. 

We invite you to take a closer look at the Cube Cargo Hybrid electric bike model line here.

CUBE AGREE HYBRID E-Bike Model Line

There’s no better way to describe this road e-bike than through the kind of readily satisfactory rides you can expect once you mount it and start pedaling. It’s one of CUBE’s models that stays truest to the classic road bike design. In fact, you can actually remove the motor entirely so you can ride it like one.

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Photo credit CUBE bikes

Overall, we like that it’s one of the most lightweight options in the CUBE catalog, weighing only 12.5kg (27.6 pounds). The motor may not be comparatively weak compared to what you normally expect from the brand, but it makes up for this with the lack of heft and the way it still manages to give enough support despite the said fact. 

Read also: How much does an e-bike weigh? And, What is e-bike range on a single charge?

You also still get decent DuraAce hydraulic brakes that are known for their all-weather performance. The riding range is also acceptable, with an average of 45 miles (72 km) for most rides that include steeper inclines.

We invite you to take a closer look at the Cube Agree Hybrid electric bike model line here.

CUBE NUROAD HYBRID Gravel E-Bike Model Line

This is the brand’s only gravel e-bike offering, and it shares most of its specs with CUBE Agree Hybrid. Like that model, this one also manages to keep the weight down, 15.8kg (34.8 pounds) to be exact. Ultimately, its main value lies in what makes most gravel e-bikes stand out in the first place: versatility. 

Easy E-Biking - Cube Nuroad Hybrid electric bike - real world, real e-bikes, helping to make electric biking practical and fun
Photo credit CUBE bikes

You can ride it on any kind of terrain. That being said, it’s at its best when you use it on most offroad trails like fire roads and double tracks. We like that this is supported by the integrated hydraulic brakes and the 35mm Schwalbe tires. Most steep climbs are also readily taken care of by adequate motor assistance as well as the wide range of gears available. 

Read also: How to select the best gravel e-bike (with examples)? And, How much does a gravel e-bike cost?

The handlebars do well to impart stability and go well with the e-bike’s overall geometry to ensure comfort even in lengthy rides.

We invite you to take a closer look at the Cube Nuroad Hybrid electric bike model line here.

CUBE ACID ROOKIE HYBRID Kids E-Bike Model Line

For an e-bike made for children, this is definitely a powerful beast. That being said, the lower specs are evident, though. The Bosch Cruise Youth motor only manages 40Nm max torque. That’s still decent with other alternatives considered. 

Easy E-Biking - Cube Acid Rookie Hybrid electric bike - real world, real e-bikes, helping to make electric biking practical and fun
Photo credit CUBE bikes

It uses a PowerPack 400, which has less range, but it is also already removable. It can still achieve a top speed of 20km/h (12 miles per hour) and incorporates noteworthy Shimano hydraulic disc brakes. 

Read also: How much does an e-bike for a child cost? And, How much does a junior e-bike cost?

Overall, these are great specs considering the price tag. It’s very much recommended for children who don’t want to be always overtaken by mom and dad in every family cruising or commuting trip.

We invite you to take a closer look at the Cube Acid Rookie Hybrid electric bike model line here.

CUBE REACTION ROOKIE HYBRID Kids E-Bike Model Line

The Reaction Rookie gives more torque with its use of the 50Nm Bosch Gen 3 Active Line motor. It’s also slightly heavier, but also integrates the same PowerTube 400 battery that can give enough range that is suitable for kids’ riding habits. 

Easy E-Biking - Cube Reaction Rookie Hybrid electric bike - real world, real e-bikes, helping to make electric biking practical and fun
Photo credit CUBE bikes

It’s designed as a cross-country e-bike, though, so you can expect it to be able to handle longer than normal rides. The Magura 2-piston hydraulic brakes aren’t something you’ll readily call janky in most e-bike circles. 

There are no other notable accessories to point out. It’s obviously an e-bike that’s all about giving kids the best kind of sporty performance that is allowable to them. 

Read also: How to select the best junior e-bike (with examples)? And, How much does a junior e-bike cost?

We invite you to take a closer look at the Cube Reaction Rookie Hybrid electric bike model line here.

What Do Most Riders Like About CUBE E-Bikes?

Many riders love the quality that they get as evidenced by the specs of every model. If you’ve been in the e-biking industry for a while now, you will immediately see the difference if you take a deeper dive into the specs of each model. 

If we compare it to more widely-known and equally solid brands like Trek, it doesn’t really take much to see that CUBE models have far better and more advanced components. This quality, plus the fact that most CUBE e-bikes are still relatively more affordable than most high-end brands, makes it safe to say that most countries that CUBE caters to are fortunate to have this brand’s solid models as a ready option. 

Lastly, CUBE’s models have the nuances that hardcore e-bikers, especially those looking for serious off trailing experiences, look for. It’s a brand that not so much banks on customizability as offering as much variety in its models. And that’s not to mention the lengthy comprehensive warranties that come with their models as well. 

What Countries Does CUBE Ship To?

CUBE has an international reach with stores in up to 67 countries worldwide. 

Read also: Check out the most popular e-bike brands.

Take a look at this quick video featuring CUBE Cargo Hybrid e-bike:

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