Author: Andrew Thijssen | BMS E-Motorrijder | Remember your first moped? … We mainly know mopeds from the past. But in The Netherlands the new electric moped brand BREKR has been launched, of course entirely according to contemporary standards, and developed in the Achterhoek. The name BREKR comes from the word “brekken” which means something like “acting very crazy” … logical of course in a region like the Achterhoek … and where mopeds “kiek’n” was an activity of the youth and now again could be.

The Brekr Model B is equipped with a removable 18650 battery pack of 2.0 kWh which you can have a 50-80 km range. This battery is placed low in the frame. At an additional cost, the BREKR model B can be equipped with a second one, which increases the range to a maximum range of 160 kilometers. The charging time of a single battery is five hours. If you don’t take the second battery, you have some extra storage space under the saddle. The easily removable battery weighs 10 kilos, so you can easily charge it at home or at the office.

The LED headlight has a modern design and gives a good light output. The rear brake light is concealed in the back of the saddle. Direction can be indicated by subtle LED flashing lights. The BREKR is stopped by a single brake disc in the front wheel and one in the rear wheel.

With a hub motor in the rear wheel, the BREKR is almost maintenance-free except for the normal wear of the riding parts. Mopeds are especially popular with people who like to customise their vehicles. That is also possible with this BREKR. You can configure your own BREKR: different saddle, colour frame tubes, tire profile, …

The BREKR model B is a remarkable appearance, its not an ordinary moped as we know. The tank is missing but hey, who needs one? The saddle and the frame tubes give your legs support as you know from a normal moped. This gives you a good grip on the BREKR and you can largely steer it with your weight.

The BREKR model B has a top speed of up to 45 km/h, so you must wear a helmet. There is also a 25 km/h moped version. Between the 2 frame tubes is room to take some stuff, these can be fixed with a supplied elastic. The steering wheel fits comfortably in the hand with sturdy grips. The digital dashboard is informative and easy to read.

Of course, the BREKR is also “connected” via an app where you can read and set everything with your fingertips. For example, you can see the live location of the BREKR, useful if someone else takes your moped without consultation.

When you switch on the ignition, the dashboard comes to life. A squeeze of the right brake lever activates a signal on the dashboard indicating that you can drive. And driving is nothing more than “accelerating” and using the brakes. You can choose from 4 modes via a button on the right handlebar. The BREKR is very stable on the road and very easy to drive due to its low center of gravity. In all modes, the top speed of 45 km/h (50 km/h on the clock) is achievable. In position 1, the BREKR provides roughly half the power compared to position 4, which increases the range. It takes a little longer to reach top speed and sometimes you need some tailwind, an option for long straights.

In the city, the more powerful setting 4 comes handy, if you need a quick action if necessary. The immediately present electric torque is a pleasant partner on this “moped”. The disc brakes are operated via the brake levers on the handlebars and are excellently adjustable.

A frequently mentioned topic is the absence of noise from an electric vehicle, in this case a moped. That is why the BREKR is equipped with a horn, but even more fun is the sound generator that you can switch on and off at any time. This sound generator makes the sound of a – how could it be otherwise – … moped. It must be said, it works very well when approaching cyclists or pedestrians. Of course you also have a moped horn, but that is not nearly as nice.

Charging

The removable battery is located under the lockable saddle, neatly concealed in a beautifully designed slide. In addition to the single battery, there is room for a second battery. If you don’t use that second battery, you can store some stuff in that spot. For example, the external charger to charge the battery. Charging the battery is done via a plug-in system. You must first manually loosen the main cable on the battery with a nut. You then plug in the same cable from the external charger, which you secure with a similar nut. In the beginning, this requires some skill to make a good contact, then the plug can be plugged into the socket. Charging takes from empty to full about 5 hours for 1 battery. In practice, however, you rarely run out of battery (almost). If you do have to cover the maximum distances with the BREKR, you really need that charging time.

Conclusion

The BREKR Model B is a beautifully built and very easy-to-ride moped that is equipped with subtle design elements. All this packed in a modern basic look. The operation of the buttons on the steering wheel is self-evident. To fully experience the moped feeling, you can switch the sound generator on and off whenever you want. Great fun and clearly audible for other road users. The range with one battery is more than sufficient for functional distances in the city. For longer distances you can consider a second battery. Charging a little faster would be welcome … The Brekr Model B lets you relive moped driving, but in 2021-style.