By José Escotto Híbridos y Eléctricos web magazine
Q.ik is a young brand from Barcelona that aims to stand out from the rest by manufacturing frames with uncommon materials in the folding eBike category, such as carbon fiber and magnesium.
It is not very common to find foldable electric bicycles with frames made from such exclusive materials as carbon fiber or magnesium.
Q.ik, a brand created in Barcelona in 2024, has ventured into the design and manufacture of urban electric bicycles at a time when there is great concern for the health of the environment.
The Q.ik SEANA is made of carbon fiber and does not have rear suspension.
Whenever we have tested an urban-style model at Híbridos y Eléctricos, we have always asked the same question: Why don’t urban bicycles succeed in our country?
According to Q.ik’s own representatives, "it is an ambitious initiative for a new European brand of high-end electric bicycles focused on urban mobility—sustainable, clean, and healthy—while maintaining a seal of quality and service." Will they find the key to success?
Some renowned figures in the automotive world have already embraced Q.ik
Carbon fiber and magnesium alloy frames
Perhaps stepping away from the conventional path could be the ‘key’ to success. We see that manufacturers—across various industries, not just urban bicycles—are increasingly aiming for premium products that appeal to users with a taste for uniqueness and, let’s say, a sufficient purchasing power.
And we must acknowledge that the four models in Q.ik’s lineup, made from these exclusive materials, exude exclusivity in every aspect. However, they are not excessively priced—especially if you take advantage of the current discounts on the 2024 models.
The Q.ik BREMA is the only model made of magnesium
It’s not just about using carbon fiber or magnesium. These models also feature a bold yet intriguing design: some include rear suspension, which is quite rare for foldable electric bicycles. Clearly, Q.ik aims to innovate in every way.
Starting with magnesium, we find it in the Brema, which also includes a rear suspension system with a beautifully crafted one-piece swingarm compressing a small shock absorber.
All models stand out for their highly innovative designs
The folding system is very intuitive and results in compact dimensions: 92 x 52 x 59 cm, making it easy to store the Brema anywhere. The weight is also well-balanced for an electric model with suspension: from 20.5 kg.
As for carbon fiber models, there are three: Seana, Barcino, and Genava. The Seana features a rigid rear frame without any suspension system, while the other two incorporate different designs that provide varying levels of suspension progressivity.
The Q.ik BARCINO has rear suspension and a hub motor
The Barcino uses a simpler suspension system, with the shock absorber directly anchored to the rear triangle. Meanwhile, the Genava has a more sophisticated setup, with a linkage between the seat stays and the shock absorber, providing a much more refined and precise ride.
The suspension system on the GENAVA is impressive
The build quality is high, which is desirable in a foldable model where rigidity is naturally more compromised.
Beyond exclusivity, carbon fiber offers a smoother ride than metal and significantly reduces weight. For instance, the hardtail Seana weighs just 15.5 kg, which is a huge advantage when carrying it by hand. Additionally, when folded, it becomes very compact (85 x 40 x 70 cm), making it extremely practical.
Once folded, they can be stored anywhere
The full-suspension models, Barcino and Genava, are slightly larger but still compact when folded: 85 x 52 x 70 cm for the former and 83 x 52 x 68 cm for the latter.
Hub motor or mid-drive configuration
Q.ik equips most of its models with a 250W brushless hub motor on the rear wheel, which maintains a sleek aesthetic. Additionally, with the batteries integrated into the seat posts, these bikes appear motorless—something that is always appreciated for avoiding a bulky design.
The Q.ik GENAVA features a mid-drive motor, and the 2025 models offer belt drive options
However, one model stands out for its performance: the Genava, which features a mid-drive motor that blends seamlessly into the design. This setup improves weight distribution, resulting in a more natural riding experience. Moreover, the built-in torque sensor ensures the motor adapts smoothly to pedaling. Like the other Q.ik models, it offers up to five levels of pedal assistance.
Interestingly, the 2025 models can also be equipped with a belt-drive transmission, which helps reduce maintenance.
Q.ik bikes, with 20-inch wheels, offer the perfect balance between stability and maneuverability
The batteries come in various capacities, though even the smallest one seems sufficient for Q.ik’s intended use. Available options include 280Wh, 375Wh, and 504Wh, with the most powerful version providing up to 100 km of range, according to Q.ik.
So, who is Q.ik?
As mentioned earlier, Q.ik is a young Barcelona-based company eager to do things differently. Their bicycles are entirely European-made and were officially unveiled at the latest Eurobike exhibition in Frankfurt.
The Q.ik GENAVA is the most exclusive model
Q.ik specializes in carbon fiber frames and, above all, in design, which they aim to use as their distinguishing feature.
Q.ik are specialists in crafting carbon fiber frames
Finally, it’s worth noting that Q.ik offers after-sales service from its Barcelona facilities. Many competitors ship from far away, making it difficult to get local support in case of issues.
For more information, visit: Q.ik bikes
Click here for the original Spanish article version
