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

Last Updated on November 17, 2023 by Igor Karni

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Photo credit NCM bikes

German-based e-bikes company, NCM, is connected to other brands such as Australia-based, Leon Cycle, and Leisger. NCM represents the pedelec arm of the said conglomeration. Established in 2014, its main headquarters are located in Hanover, where it still does most of the designing. It does the manufacturing in France, Vietnam, and China. 

The brand doesn’t explicitly state what its name or abbreviation stands for. Since its history is intimately tied to its parent brand, Leon Cycle, you don’t need to look further than the latter’s history to know more about NCM. It started out mainly as an online retail shop specializing in e-bikes and after less than a decade, it has already expanded to Spain, Australia, the UK, and the USA. 

NCM e-Bikes Review: Model Lines

E-bike ModelsType
AspenFat
MoscowMountain
PragueMountain, Fat
MilanoHybrid, Commuter, Cruiser
MunichHybrid, Commuter, Cruiser
VeniceHybrid, Commuter, Cruiser
ParisFolding
LondonFolding

NCM: Veritable Deliverers of Quality, Reliability, and Durability at Affordable Prices

The brand proclaims that it delivers all three of the said factors and, more or less, it manages to do so considering some of the gems in its catalog. NCM has a fairly balanced and varied collection of e-bikes. 

It has different offerings for eMTB, commuter, folding, fat, and cruiser lovers alike. Their relatively budget-friendly e-bikes lean more toward the sporty side, as evidenced by the general geometry and components of the models, without sacrificing style. 

NCM Aspen Fat Model Line

The Aspen Plus provides excellent value for money through its sheer sturdiness, high-quality components, and riding experience that don’t leave feeling like you got the shorter end of the stick. Sure, the Das-Kit rear 250W motor may not compare to more premium-priced mid-drives out there, but it’s sufficiently powerful because it can tackle any kind of terrain and performs particularly well on snowy trails.

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It’s heavy but sturdy, making it great for beginners. Despite this, it can top at more than 20mph (32 km/h). The full-throttle adds obvious convenience, however, we don’t recommend relying solely on the motor when negotiating steeper than normal inclines.

We also like that you can push this e-bike up to 50 miles (80 km) with a single charge. It uses a brand-standard Das-Kit LCD display that only gives you the bare necessities as far as most e-bikes displays go.

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

The Aspen Plus is certainly better than its standard counterparts as far as components are concerned. You get sufficiently wide, 26” fat tires, Tektro hydraulic disc brakes as well as optional headlights and taillights. 

We invite you to take a closer look at the NCM Aspen Fat model line here.

NCM Moscow eMTB Model Line

The NCM Moscow, particularly its Plus version, received rave reviews on its release and arguably remains one of the fledgling brand’s milestones. It uses a smaller than normal Das-Kit geared rear hub motor with 250W of output and as much as 55 Nm of torque. Great figures, considering the affordable price range.

Easy E-Biking - NCM Moscow electric bicycle - real world, real e-bikes, helping to make electric biking practical and fun

If we add in the 48V lithium battery that can last up to 75 miles (120 km) with wise usage of the pedal assist, you pretty much get a steal of an eMTB. It uses hard-gripping Schwalbe tires that can handle most kinds of terrain, which only ups its versatility. 

We also love the ergonomic handlebars and the relative comfort of the gel seats. We recommend the Plus version simply because it guarantees your safety better with the Tektro hydraulic disc brakes. They’re “smart” brakes that integrate an interrupter safety feature that lets you shut off the motor should the need arise.

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

On the whole, it’s an e-bike that’s up there when we’re talking about outstanding value for money as far as e-bikes are concerned. 

We invite you to take a closer look at the NCM Moscow eMTB model line here.

NCM Prague eMTB Model Line

Fat-tired and cheaper than most, NCM’s Prague line is another proof that the brand knows how to design budget-friendly offerings without compromising on quality. Specs-wise, it’s slightly less beefed up than the Moscow, but it’s still above-average overall.

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The 36V battery can give you up to 40 to 60 miles max (65 to 95 km), and the Bafang rear hub motor it uses has stood out in the e-bike industry as one of the most durable that’s available in the market. If you want an eMTB that’s sturdier, safer, and more capable of handling rougher terrains, this is a good candidate because of the Schwalbe 26” fat tires. 

Read also: How much elevation / altitude can electric bikes climb? And, Can electric bikes go up steep hills?

It doesn’t have a Plus version, as of this writing. Still, the Tektro mechanical disc brakes are commendable enough for their stopping power. Nothing beats hydraulic, though. The Prague is definitely still a steal by virtue of the perks outlined here and its low price. 

We invite you to take a closer look at the NCM Prague eMTB model line here.

NCM Milano Hybrid Model Line

A commuter hybrid, the Milano is certainly one of the most versatile models in the NCM catalog. The step-thru frame definitely helps make that more viable. If we add in the soft cushion of the saddle and the upright seating position, it may even fit the cruiser category with ease!

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The Plus is adequately powerful, though, as evidenced by the same 48V battery and Das-Kit rear hub motor that it uses. Expect the specs to be mostly similar with a few deviations. Riders enjoy impressive riding ranges that can go up to 93 miles (150 km) in a single full charge. 

The motor makes easy work of even the steeper climbs out there – all the more so if it’s ridden on paved roads. This model is more complete when it comes to components, though. 

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?

Both the standard and Plus include a fairly lengthy rear rack, headlights, kickstand, and fenders. The Plus, with its addition of hydraulic disc brakes, leaves no room for want, so we think it’s still better than the MAX. Although, the MAX does incorporate a mid-drive Bafang motor, which makes it lighter. 

We invite you to take a closer look at the NCM Milano Hybrid model line here.

NCM Munich Hybrid Model Line

The Munich is NCM’s entry-level commuter that imparts the same comfort as the Milano line. The NC8 version has larger 28” Schwalbe marathon tires that are ideal for longer rides. It also uses a unique combination of Promax-V and Shimano coaster brakes, which obviously requires the user to know their individual mechanisms. 

Easy E-Biking - NCM Munich electric bicycle - real world, real e-bikes, helping to make electric biking practical and fun

If you’re not already aware of it, coaster brakes brake when you pedal backward, making it appeal to a specific type of rider. If you don’t prefer that, you can always go for the standard, which uses Tektro disc brakes. 

The range tops to about 43 miles (73 km) for both. The models are comparatively light compared to other commuter options out there, which is a wonder since it uses the same Das-Kit rear hub motor found in most NCM models. 

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

Expect to get the same slew of accessories as the Milano once you choose any Munich model. The same can be said for the overall riding experience, although the Munich can only manage half the range that the Milano can achieve.

We invite you to take a closer look at the NCM Munich Hybrid model line here.  

NCM Venice Hybrid Model Line

The Venice may seem like just a step-over version of the Milano, but that’s not really the case for its Plus version. You get to enjoy the exclusivity offered by the Venice once you choose its Plus version because of the patently superior components it has.

Easy E-Biking - NCM Venice electric bicycle - real world, real e-bikes, helping to make electric biking practical and fun

We like the far better hydraulic brakes it uses, which also happen to have brake sensors. The Venice Plus also has a faster charger. Another unique feature is the Prowheel crank it uses, which has received generally positive reviews in bike circles.

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?

Other than these features, expect the Venice to share the same specs as the Milano. 

We invite you to take a closer look at the NCM Venice Hybrid model line here.

NCM Paris Folding Model Line

Same as other NCM models, you don’t want to settle for anything other than the Plus version of this folding e-bike. We like the overall smart design of this folding e-bike. For one, we like how you can easily take out the battery by adjusting the saddles and just turning the key and pulling it out for charging. It’s just as easy to slide in. 

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We prefer the gel saddles of the Plus version for maximum comfort, and it complements the fact that it’s a suspension seat post. There’s also front suspension, which works just as decently. Of course, the Plus also uses infinitely better hydraulic disc brakes and a faster charger.

The e-bike contains almost every accessory found in NCM’s hybrid commuters, so that’s a big plus because you practically get a folding version of those models with either the Paris or the London. 

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

The fact that it’s step-thru is somewhat great, but most folding e-bikes have low enough frames as they are. Lastly, it takes up close to half of the space it usually occupies once fully folded. 

We invite you to take a closer look at the NCM Paris Folding model line here.

NCM London Folding Model Line

There’s a very thin line that divides the London folding line from its Paris counterpart. Technically, the London is just a step-over variation of the Paris, with a slight very negligible difference in the shift lever used. We have the same feedback as the Paris with regards to its performance and components. 

Easy E-Biking - NCM London electric bicycle - real world, real e-bikes, helping to make electric biking practical and fun

We invite you to take a closer look at the NCM London Folding model line here.

Does NCM Offer a Manufacturer’s Warranty?

NCM e-bike buyers enjoy a one-year warranty for all the electrical parts of any model. 

What Do Most Riders Like About NCM?

It’s obvious that the brand appeals to casual riders who don’t want to have to spend an arm and a leg just to get to ride a high-quality e-bike. We need to emphasize the quality part since the other aspect that evidently makes NCM stand out is it doesn’t skimp on imparting value to riders. That it underwent vigorous growth since its founding only proves this point further. 

What Countries Does NCM Ship To?

Besides the countries, we mentioned above, anywhere where there’s a Leon Cycles dealer or if Amazon USA allows shipping to your particular country. 

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

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