Volt Burlington: Classic Style Meets Everyday Practicality
The Volt Burlington, priced at £2,199, is one of the best Dutch-style e-bikes for urban riders, offering a blend of style, practicality, and comfort.
Built by Volt, a British e-bike manufacturer with a factory in Milton Keynes, this bike is part of a well-regarded lineup designed for first-time e-bike users. The Burlington stands out for its classic looks, smooth ride, and thoughtful features, making it a popular choice for city dwellers.
Design and Build Quality
The Burlington exudes understated charm, with its step-through frame and Dutch-style handlebars offering a relaxed, upright riding position. Its design is reminiscent of a vintage ladies’ bike, with clean lines that cleverly disguise its electric assistance. At 25kg, including the battery, it’s relatively lightweight for its class and compact enough to fit into lifts and navigate narrow staircases.
Volt has focused on creating an e-bike with mass appeal. The Burlington’s aesthetics combine a retro feel with modern functionality, ensuring it blends seamlessly into any urban environment without drawing unwanted attention.
Performance and Ride Quality
Equipped with a 504Wh battery and a smooth hub motor (details of which are undisclosed), the Burlington offers a claimed range of 60 miles, ideal for commuting or running errands. The motor provides consistent and predictable power, particularly useful on inclines, while the control unit is intuitive and easy to operate.
The ride quality is a highlight. Unlike many step-through bikes that prioritise comfort over engagement, the Burlington strikes an excellent balance. It feels responsive, efficient, and smooth, enhancing rider enjoyment without compromising the relaxed nature of Dutch-style bikes.
The 8-speed gearing system provides versatility across different terrains, and the sit-up-and-beg riding position ensures comfort for longer journeys. Tall riders, in particular, will appreciate the upright stance, making this bike a great choice for leisurely rides as well as daily commutes.
Security Features
Volt has equipped the Burlington with an impressive array of security features. The motor requires a wireless fob to start, adding a layer of theft prevention. Additionally, the bike includes a frame lock and a chain lock designed to secure it to stationary objects. While these features reflect the influence of Dutch cycling culture, they may be less practical in the UK, where a robust D-lock might be a better deterrent against determined thieves. The security fob, while innovative, could also be seen as slightly fiddly to use and easy to misplace.
Practical Add-Ons
The Burlington is a utility-focused e-bike that comes fully equipped with features to make it ride-ready straight out of the box. Integrated lights ensure visibility, while the sturdy rear luggage rack adds practicality for carrying shopping, bags, or even child seats. These additions make it a convenient option for riders seeking an all-in-one solution for urban travel.
Verdict
The Volt Burlington is an excellent choice for those who prioritise comfort, style, and ease of use in an e-bike. Its classic design, smooth performance, and practical features make it a standout option for urban commuters and casual riders alike. While its security features might require a bit of adjustment for UK users, the overall package is undeniably appealing.
For £2,199, the Volt Burlington offers great value, combining everything you need to get started with an e-bike: lights, locks, a sturdy rack, and a design that encourages frequent use. If you’re looking for a stylish, reliable, and user-friendly e-bike, the Burlington is hard to beat.
