The Charger5 Mixte is R&M's do-everything electric hybrid, built around a lowered top tube frame that makes mounting and dismounting easier without sacrificing any of the performance underneath.
It's the kind of bike that works as well on a weekend forest track as it does on a daily commute, and the 800Wh battery means range is rarely a limiting factor.
Frame and build quality
The aluminium frame is rigid where it needs to be, with polished weld seams on the visible joins and a colour-matched battery cover that sits flush with the frame rather than looking like an afterthought. The magnesium finish is understated and holds up well to regular use.
Comfort over longer distances comes from the combination of a suspension fork and a suspension seatpost. Both absorb road and trail vibration independently, so you're not relying on one to do the job of two. For riders who cover mixed terrain or longer distances regularly, that matters more than it might sound.
Motor and battery
The 800Wh battery is one of the larger capacities available on a step-through electric hybrid bike at this level. Charging is straightforward: remove the battery entirely or plug directly into the socket on the top tube, whichever suits where you're parking. The Vario drivetrain uses a continuously variable hub, so there are no indexed gears to fumble with, just smooth, stepless adjustment as the terrain changes.
Lighting and security
The integrated headlight runs the main beam and dipped beam, and the rear light doubles as a brake light. For year-round riding in the UK, where you're often commuting in the dark for months at a stretch, having properly specified lighting built into the bike rather than clipped on is a straightforward practical advantage.
Security is handled by a frame lock combined with a chain lock attachment point. Quick to use when you're stopping briefly, and a solid deterrent for longer stops.
Spec highlights
- Frame: aluminium with lowered top tube, suspension fork and suspension seatpost
- Battery: 800Wh, removable or charge in-frame via top tube socket
- Drivetrain: Vario continuously variable hub
- Lighting: integrated high-performance headlight (main and dipped beam), brake light rear
- Security: integrated frame lock with chain lock
- Colour: Magnesium
- Finish: polished weld seams, colour-matched aluminium battery cover
Who this bike suits
The Riese & Müller Charger5 Mixte Vario is a strong choice for riders who want one bike that handles commuting, longer leisure rides, and mixed terrain without having to compromise on any of them.
The step-through frame makes it accessible for riders who find a high top tube awkward, and the 800Wh battery capacity suits anyone covering longer distances or hilly routes where range anxiety on a smaller battery would be a genuine concern.
It sits at the more considered end of the electric bike market, and the build quality reflects that.