The EGO Movement Curie offers striking aesthetics, comfort and power in a beautifully sleek package. Generally I don’t do cool, but I thought the Curie just oozed style, combining smooth-lined minimalism with an undeniably high quality feel and look. As well as getting around town in style, it’s also an e-bike that has hidden depths as a hill climber.
EGO Movement Curie: Spec
This is a low step model with swept back bars and large volume 2.4in wide semi-slick tyres. I tend to take high quality as a given at this price, but in this instance it’s worth stressing how much effort and attention to detail has gone into producing a lovely looking e-bike that would look at home on the streets of Paris or Geneva.
> Step-through frame e-bikes: what benefits do they offer and which one should you go for?
At over 27kg, it’s no lightweight, but unless you need to be able to lift it that’s probably no big issue in terms of the ride quality as this is not a sporty handling machine and a bit of extra heft may even help it feel more reassuring. The weight is also about par for the course for step-through e-bikes with powerful mid-drives.
At the heart of the riding experience is Shimano’s EP6 motor. It’s essentially the slightly heavier version of the top of the line EP8 (which features a weight-saving magnesium casing) as both have the same performance characteristics.
The EP6 has been around since 2022 and was designed to go toe to toe with Bosch’s top performing mid-drives at that time. Bosch has since rolled out their Smart System and brought out new mid-drives like the Performance Line SX and Performance Line PX, whilst Shimano has concentrated on smaller incremental changes like keeping the original software updated at regular intervals.
None of this is to say the EP6 is inferior to Bosch’s offerings. It’s just an indication of the differing directions of travel of two major brands in the mid-drive space. The EP6 is widely praised and I was impressed – with one slightly puzzling reservation, which I’ll come to shortly.
The chunky down tube houses a Darfon 531Wh battery. That should be okay for most typical around town riding, but parent company TVS told me that there is the possibility of adding a range extender. Shimano allows third party manufacturers to produce batteries for their motor system (hence the use of a Darfon unit as the main battery here) and doesn’t produce range extender batteries itself, so enquire before purchase to make sure you can find a compatible range extender that will attach to the Fidlock frame mounting system used by the Curie.
As a bike that seeks to reduce riding to an easy, comfortable and faff-free experience, it seems very apt that a Gates CDX Carbon belt drive is specced here. As the bike has vertical dropouts, the belt is tensioned via a jockey wheel midway along the lower belt run. As regular readers will know, belt drives are renowned for being oil free and long-lasting.
Similarly faff-free and utility minded are the five Shimano hub gears and Shimano hydraulic disc brakes with big 180mm rotors – though the latter seemed to take a long while to bed in.
The rest of the spec is high quality too. There are hardwired Sate-Lite LED lights plus a Swiss cross shaped daytime running light integrated into the headtube, alloy mudguards and a sturdy kickstand. I also tried out the optional platform rack that opens up heavier MIK-compatible accessories like a child seat.
All in all, it’s a nicely thought-through package that promises easy and stylish around town riding.
EGO Movement Curie: Ride
I was immediately impressed with the comfy and stable ride the Curie affords.
There are three frame sizes and the medium test bike was ideal for my 5ft 7in build. The 27in x 2.4in WTB GROOV-E semi-slick tyres are great shock absorbers and will happily tackle good quality unsealed tracks. In traffic, the handling is predictable and the upright ride position gives a feeling of confidence and safety.
In the bottom power level, the EP6 pushes you along smoothly and quietly and sips power. Hit a hill and climbing is impressive in power levels two and three (there are three in total) and the five gripshift gears shift pretty easily and quickly. The bike made steady but pretty easy progress up my standard ultra-steep hill test, though a lower gear would have made it even easier on the legs. Apparently Gates CDX compatible rear sprockets go up to 34 teeth so it may be possible to lower the gearing (a 30-tooth sprocket is fitted as standard), but you should check with a dealer on this point as a longer belt may be required.
Up to the motor assistance cut-out speed of 15.5mph, it’s a lovely motor that responds to pedal pressure beautifully in proportion to your effort. I was a little puzzled though as at around 15.5mph I felt a gentle but noticeable disengagement of the motor in contrast to the smooth winding down of power that usually occurs.
Why puzzled? Other previous reviews of the EP6 don’t mention this and it’s a surprising characteristic in such an otherwise sophisticated mid-drive. I must add that another test rider didn’t comment on this or see it as an issue and liked the smooth performance of the motor, though they commented to me that you need to put in just a little more pedal effort to get the most out of the motor in comparison to the likes of Bosch.
My only other significant gripe with the Curie was the lack of a battery gauge. There is no display screen and Shimano’s E-tube app does not provide one either. On the Shimano handlebar control unit, there are two sets of lights, one showing motor power levels and the other battery capacity. The latter is indicated only via two colours of light: green for ‘not near empty’ or a red warning light for when you only have a few miles left. This is a crude system for such an otherwise sophisticated setup.
Shimano’s system should allow for the retrofitting of a compatible display showing a more accurate battery capacity reading. Shimano displays SC-EN610, SC-EN600 and SC-EN500 should all work, as should a cheaper non-Shimano option like the Sigma Eox View 700.
Alternatively, you could opt for the Shimano E-Tube Ride app on a smartphone mounted on the optional integrated SP connect mount in the centre of the handlebars. A USB-C charging port on the bike battery, as recently introduced by Ampler, would have made this facility even more useful.
The button control unit you do get is undoubtedly high quality, but could do with a more contoured feel to help you switch power levels with gloves on or in the dark. Other componentry, however, is excellent. The front and rear LED hardwired lights make you very visible to other traffic and the front light offers a reasonable amount of visibility to the rider.
The Curie, a weighty belt drive e-bike, isn’t the ideal option for my hilly West Yorkshire long distance commuting trips, so I wasn’t too surprised that my range estimate of 20-30 miles was fairly modest for the sizeable 513Wh battery. This is of course not the bike’s natural territory and the battery should be more than enough for the typical cross town jaunts for which it is designed.
I took a brief look at Shimano’s E-Tube app, which was useful as it allowed me to tune up the motor to its maximum performance potential. It remains basic compared to Bosch’s offering. It may be that it is more applicable to derailleur based systems with electronic shifting and the like, though I’ve no first hand experience of how it works with them.
Value and conclusion
This is a lovely, smooth and stylish e-bike with surprisingly sophisticated hill climbing ability underneath a laid-back exterior. How does it stack up against the competition?
If you baulk at the £3k plus price tag, the Tenways AGO Air (£1,999) can rival many of the Curie’s performance metrics, though it lacks its Swiss rival’s style. Similarly, the Mako Shark, now £2,300, represents a belt drive alternative – but again it doesn’t look as classy.
If looks are a key concern, the Moustache Lundi scores well. It’s £2,999 with a chain and hub gears (the 27.4) or £3,899 with a belt drive and Enviolo’s ‘stepless’ hub gear system.
Finally, for a much lighter option, Canyon’s Bosch-powered step-through version of its recently launched Citylite model (£2,799) is also worth looking at, though I quibbled with the front light placement when I reviewed the step-over version.
There are a couple of what I felt were deficiencies with the EGO Movement Curie that didn’t sit well with the classic looks, impressive performance and premium price tag, but overall I loved my time with it. It’s one of those e-bikes that’s just so easy to get on and ride that you find yourself just itching to get back on it.
In the head turning, smooth, slick and easy e-bike stakes – despite those perhaps subjective performance carps – it’s in a class of its own.
Test Report
What does the manufacturer say about this product?:
“Curie is the e-bike for all those who rethink urban mobility – consciously, independently and uncompromisingly. Whether it’s to the office, through the city, or on your next adventure, Curie moves you with power, style, and poise.”
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of this product:
The tech spec of the EGO Movement Curie combines a virtually seamless design in the form of a one piece cockpit and stem and frame-routed cables with both full urban equipment (full length mudguards, powerful hardwired lights, rear rack, kickstand) and Shimano’s most powerful mid-drive motor, the EP6.
Frame: Aluminium
Headset: Acros 320.52.311
Bar/Stem: EGO Movement City (integrated)
Grips: Velo (vegan leather)
Display: Shimano Switch SW-EN600-L, BT
Motor: Shimano EP-600, 85 Nm, 250 W
Sensor: Shimano EW-SS302
Battery: Darfon, intube, 531 Wh (removable)
Charger: Darfon 4A
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Nexus 5 Revo Shifter
Shifter: Shimano Nexus 5 SL-C7000-5
Cassette: Gates 30T
Crankset: Gates CDX 39T, S, M: 165 mm, L: 170 mm
Belt: Gates CDX
Saddle: Velo (vegan leather)
Seatpost: Zoom, 34.9 x 300 mm
Brakes: Shimano MT-200, 180 mm
Tyres: WTB GROOV-E-27.527.5×2.4 (62-584)
Front light: Sate-Lite C11 60 LUX + EGO Signature daytime light
Rear light: Sate-Lite M14
Mudguards: Aluminium, 68 mm
Pedals: Feimin FP-893ZU (rutschfest)
Rear rack: integrated
Equipment: Kickstand, Fidlock Bike Base, bell, SP Connect
Size
S: 47 (150 – 165 cm)
M: 54 (160 -180 cm)
L: 58 (175 – 195 cm)
Max weight limit: 150kg
Any further comments on quality?:
It’s hard to fault the overall quality of the Curie in any major respect.
Any further comments on performance?:
In the main the Curie performed in line with what you would expect from a high end city e-bike with the lack of a battery gauge and the cut-out feeling at top assisted speed the only wrong notes.
How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested?:
The price looks pitched about right. Judging by our recent review of the Giant Expression E+1 the price looks about right, although the Giant is a rather more off-road/adventure orientated albeit the Giant’s motor is less powerful on paper.
List the components used to build up the bike:
Frame and fork: Aluminium
Handlebar: One piece, aluminium with anodised style finish
Motor: Shimano EP-600, 85 Nm, 250 W
Battery: Darfon 531Wh, keylock removable
Drivetrain: Gates CDX belt drive
Seatpost: Aluminium
Brakes: Shimano MT-200, 180 mm rotors
Gears: Shimano Nexus 5-speed hub gear
Shifter: Shimano Nexus 5 SL-C7000-5
Saddle: Velo (vegan leather)
Tyres: WTB GROOV-E 27.5×2.4 (62-584)
Extras: Optional rear rack, hardwired front and rear lights, alloy mudguards, kickstand
Tell us what the bike is for and who it’s aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it?:
Primarily aimed at city cyclists who want an easy to use and maintain e-bike.
Where does this model sit in the range? Tell us briefly about the cheaper options and the more expensive options:
EGO Movement doesn’t do budget so the Curie is in a similar price bracket to its two other models. The Pixii offers the same frame, motor and battery setup but has a more traditional chain and derailleur setup and retails at £2,899. The Galvani is the non-step-thru (top tube) equivalent of the Curie and retails at the same £3,199. Summer will see the UK release of the Millikan – an e-cargo bike with a single size frame.
Tell us about the build quality and finish of the frame and fork:
Clearly very high quality. Super strong and super smooth with the occasional heavy weld that doesn’t jar with overall design statement effect too much. The rear rack is part of the frame and it’s clear the shaping of all the tubes has been thought through both for practical and visual effect. The Swiss Cross style safety light integrated into the headtube is a strong part of the brands signature visual identity.
Tell us about the materials used in the frame and fork:
Aluminium.
Tell us about the geometry of the frame and fork:
Low step frame with comfortable steering geometry.
How was the bike in terms of height and reach? How did it compare to other bikes of the same stated size?:
It was a medium-sized frame and felt just right for my 5ft 7in frame. Note though there is no height or fore and aft adjustment on the handlebars.
Was the bike comfortable to ride? Tell us how you felt about the ride quality:
Yes it was extremely comfortable and the overall ride quality was smooth and powerful.
Did the bike feel stiff in the right places? Did any part of the bike feel too stiff or too flexible?:
Extremely stiff and sturdy – good for a step-thru model as that kind of design can suffer from flexible frames if not very strongly made.
Was there any toe overlap with the front wheel? If so, was it a problem?:
No, none.
How would you describe the steering? Was it lively, neutral or unresponsive?:
Relaxed and predictable.
Tell us some more about the ride experience. How did the bike feel overall? Did it do particular things well or badly?:
Overall it was hard to fault. This offers a smooth, reassuring yet powerful ride.
Which components had the most effect (good or bad) on the bike’s performance? Would you recommend any changes?:
If the mid-drive cut-out could be smoothed out somehow it would be a big improvement.
What kind of motor is it? :
Shimano EP6 mid-drive.
What are the stated motor system specs? (Torque/power/maximum assistance speed):
85Nm torque, peak power 500W, 3kg weight.
Tell us some more about the motor. How did it feel overall? Did it do particular things well or badly?:
It was a motor of two halves; superbly responsive to pedal pressure up to the assisted cut out speed but then with a slightly abrupt cut-out that made it harder to like when riding at or near the maximum motor assistance speed in the higher power levels.
How did the motor perform at low speed? (e.g. on steeper climbs or setting off with heavy loads):
Smooth and very quiet.
How did the motor perform at higher speed? Was it noisy? Did assistance cut out smoothly/abruptly at the 25km/h assistance limit?:
Smooth and very quiet, though as stated the cut-out in higher power levels was noticeable.
What type of battery is it? Is the manufacturer named?:
Darfon.
Where is the battery on the bike? Is it removable?:
Integrated into the downtube but removable.
What are the stated battery specs? (Capacity/voltage):
531Wh
Tell us about charging the battery. What’s the charger like? How long does it take?:
4A fast charger. On bike charging is good but you need to use the connection adapter provider for off-bike charge which is faffy and hard to get a firm reliable connection with.
Tell us about the assistance levels. How many are there? Are they all useful?:
Three power levels with default settings about right. They can be tweaked via the Shimano E-tube app.
What do the manufacturers say about the range of the bike?:
Circa 40 miles.
What was your experience of the operational range of the bike?:
20-30 miles but in quite hilly country and cold spring weather.
Any comments on drivetrain performance?:
As you expect from a Gates belt drive, well set up and performs smoothly with little discernible noise.
Any issues with drivetrain durability?:
Not from the relatively brief test ride; it should last tens of thousands of miles!
Tell us some more about the drivetrain. Anything you particularly did or didn’t like? Any components which didn’t work well together?:
As above.
Tell us some more about the wheels. Did they work well in the conditions you encountered?:
Nice and wide for comfort and strongly made.
Tell us some more about the tyres. Did they work well in the conditions you encountered? Would you change the tyres? If so what for?:
With no front suspension the Curie relies on 2.4in wide tyres for comfort and they don’t disappoint. They felt reasonably fast and free rolling.
Any comments on brake performance?:
I expected a bit more power from 180mm rotors and the front brake in particular was noisy at first. It improved with time; as the noise reduced the power increased.
Any issues with brake durability?:
No
Tell us some more about the brakes. Did they work well in the conditions you encountered? Would you change anything? If so, why?:
See above.
Any comments on controls performance?:
All worked as you would expect.
Any issues with controls durability?:
No
Tell us some more about the controls. Any particularly good or bad components? How would the controls work for larger or smaller riders?:
All worked as you would expect – though the power switch was a little small and fiddly to use with gloves on.
Anything else you want to say about the componentry? Comment on any other components (good or bad):
No
Does the bike have a maximum luggage weight, or a maximum gross weight?:
150kg
Anything else you want to say about the capacity of the bike?:
There is a front rack option.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? No
Would you recommend the product to a friend?
Yes – the motor cut-out may not be as much of an issue to them as it was to me
Use this box to explain your overall score
Superb style and overall performance – the score would have been even higher were it not for my quibble about the motor cut-out.
About the tester
Age: Height: cmWeight: kg
I usually ride: My best bike is:
I’ve been riding for: –Select–I ride: –Select–I would class myself as: –Select–
I regularly do the following types of riding:
-300x200.jpg)
