The Talaria Sting is a cool crossover between an electric moped, enduro and mountain bike with a high fun factor. Test drive, pictures, data, price.
- Maximum 50 km/h
- 60 kilometer range
- No assistance systems
Mountain bike, moped, enduro – or what? The unusual appearance of the Talaria Sting is confusing: with its chunky tires, an extremely narrow, straight solo seat and its extremely airy silhouette, it defies conventional viewing habits. In terms of registration, the two-wheeler, which costs around 5,000 euros, is an L1e vehicle, meaning it belongs to the two-wheeler class with a maximum speed of 45 km/h, for which an insurance license plate and an AM driver’s license are sufficient.
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5 hp at 68 kilos
However, the driving experience is completely different to what you’re used to, mainly due to two factors: Firstly, the drive is electric, the permanent motor has a peak output of just under 5 hp and a strong torque of 34 Newton meters. Secondly, the Sting weighs just 68 kilos. So it’s no wonder that the electric vehicle puts a smile on your face after just a few meters.
Without a clutch or gearbox, a twist of the throttle provides instant propulsion, which can send the front wheel soaring into the sky if you twitch your wrist in Sport mode. If your left thumb has set the mode button to the milder Eco setting, acceleration is less erratic but still very promising.
It moves forward seamlessly and evenly up to almost 50 km/h according to the speedometer , even on slight inclines. The power from the electric power pack is transferred without loss via a fixed gear reduction to the pinion and via a chain to the rear wheel, which explains the very direct coupling of the throttle hand and the rear wheel.
At the traffic lights, the Talaria doesn’t give the rest of the pack a chance despite the seemingly low engine power. Without changing gear, the electric vehicle zooms right to the front until the next stop. On the arterial roads, however, this lead doesn’t last long, because the homologated version with handlebar end mirrors, stylish mini LED indicators and LED lighting quickly drops the speed limit above city speed. More could be done with the technically largely identical MX version, which is 300 euros cheaper and can reach speeds of up to 75 km/h with the engine control. Unfortunately, use on public roads is taboo.
Easy handling off-road
The reverse is possible, however: with the approved L1e you can ride on unpaved roads, which are as easy to operate as a mountain bike, but you don’t have to pedal. Coarse-treaded tires on 19-inch spoked wheels provide sufficient traction on loose field and forest paths, but on asphalt the grip of the Chinese CST tires is limited. With a generous 20.4 centimeters of suspension travel at the front and a ground clearance of an impressive 30 centimeters, the Sting can also master deeply washed-out ruts in the forest floor with a relaxed attitude.
The suspension elements from Asian mountain bike specialist Fast Ace offer a wide range of adjustment options and, with the dynamics and low hip fat of the Sting, cope well not only on forest and gravel paths, but also on more demanding passages.
Range: Approx. 60 kilometers
The proximity to the mountain bike is documented by two brake levers on the handlebars, each of which operates a hydraulic disc brake at the front and rear. The manageable top speed and the low weight mean that additional assistance systems are unnecessary, especially since the short levers from the bike shelf enable sensitive deceleration. Energy flows back into the power storage unit. This is installed in the middle of the aluminum bridge frame in a way that is favorable for the center of gravity, offers a capacity of 2.3 kWh and weighs 13.1 kg . In normal operation, the battery should last for around 60 kilometers before it needs to be plugged in for around four hours for a full charge .
All data on charging, the four-stage recuperation mode, battery status and driving information are bundled in a clear TFT display, which is controlled by a control unit on the left handlebar.
Technical data Talaria Sting
| Manufacturer’s Components | Specifications |
|---|---|
| engine/transmission | Air-cooled, brushless three-phase motor, rated power 3.5 kW/4.8 HP, peak power 3.7 kW/5 HP, torque: 34 Nm, lithium-ion battery, 2.3 kWh; gear primary drive, secondary drive chain |
| chassis | Light alloy bridge frame; 37 mm USD telescopic fork at the front (adjustable rebound and compression damping), 204 mm suspension travel; steel double-sided swing arm at the rear, one spring strut (adjustable rebound and compression damping and preload), wire spoke wheels; tires 70/100-19 (front) and 80/100-19 (rear), 196 mm single-disc brake at the front, 196 mm single-disc brake at the rear |
| dimensions and weights | Wheelbase 1250 mm, seat height 870 mm, weight ready to drive 68 kg, payload 100 kg |
| performance, consumption | V max: 45 km/h, range 60 km |
| assistance systems | no |
| Price | 4999 euros |
Conclusion
The most astonishing thing about the Talaria is the acceptance that the quietly whirring two-wheeler enjoys even off paved roads. Pedestrians and cyclists respond with a benevolent nod to the friendly greeting of the considerate, quietly purring Talaria driver. Perhaps the absence of the usual reflexive conflicts between muscle- and motor-driven locomotion even holds the potential for peaceful coexistence? The almost 5000 euros demanded would be well invested.
