[DigitalToday reporter Jinju Hong (홍진주)] Dutch electric bicycle brand Gazelle has launched 2 new Class 3 e-bikes that support top speeds of up to 28 mph, or about 45 kph. The bikes focus on maintaining comfort and stability at higher speeds, rather than simply increasing speed.

On June 9 (local time), electric vehicle outlet Electrek reported that Gazelle fully revamped its "Ultimate" platform for the North American market and unveiled the "Ultimate C380+ 2.0" and the "Ultimate T11+".

The new products were developed to respond to growing demand for Class 3 models in the North American e-bike market. Class 3 e-bikes refer to models that can travel up to 28 mph with pedal assistance. Gazelle said the new platform focuses on improving ride comfort, controllability and stability at high speeds, rather than competing solely on speed.

The key to the new Ultimate platform is Bosch’s latest Performance Line Sport motor. It has a base torque of 85 Nm, and output can be set up to 90 Nm via the Bosch Flow app. It also links to the Bosch smart system and supports the Bosch PowerMore range extender for long-distance users.

The bike’s design was also improved for higher-speed riding. To ensure stability at 28 mph, Gazelle applied an 80 mm suspension fork and wide tires that are 55 mm in width. It said the design aims to increase grip and ride comfort on rough roads and in various road conditions.

The cockpit layout was also modernised. An adjustable stem integrates a Quad Lock or SP Connect smartphone mount, allowing a smartphone to be used for navigation and as a riding information display. Riding data is provided through Bosch’s compact Purion 200 display.

Gazelle also improved the exterior finish. It routed cables inside the frame and moved the charging port to the rear triangle section, tidying up the design while improving charging convenience.

The 2 models target different users. The Ultimate C380+ 2.0 sells for $4,999 and is designed to reduce maintenance burdens. It uses a Gates belt drive and an Enviolo Trekking continuously variable hub, and comes in both step-through and high-step frame types.

The $4,499 Ultimate T11+ targets consumers seeking a sportier riding feel. It adopts a traditional derailleur drivetrain and is designed to provide more agile shifting performance on climbs and varied terrain.

Gazelle has long highlighted ride comfort and build quality as strengths in the premium commuter and trekking bicycle market. The new Ultimate platform also maintains that brand philosophy while focusing on adding the high-speed performance preferred by North American consumers.

Gazelle said high-speed riding at about 28 mph can significantly cut travel time for long-distance commuters, but that comfort and stability are as important as speed. The Ultimate C380+ 2.0 and Ultimate T11+ are currently available through Gazelle’s official dealers across the United States, and Gazelle said it plans to introduce additional models in the Ultimate series later this year.