Riese & Müller Multicharger3 Mixte Rolhoff HS 47cm

The Riese & Müller Multicharger3 Rohloff HS is a fast, passenger-ready electric utility bike built for big commutes, school runs, groceries and the kind of Wellington days where the wind seems to have a personal grudge.

This version gets the Bosch Performance Line Speed motor with 100 Nm of torque and assistance up to 45 km/h, a 750 Wh battery, Rohloff E-14 electronic hub gearing and a Gates CDX belt drive. In plain language: strong hill support, more pace on longer open-road commutes, and a drivetrain built for riders who want fewer drivetrain replacements over time.

Why we like it

The Multicharger3 sits in a useful middle ground. It carries more than a normal commuter, but it is not a big front-loading cargo bike. That makes it a strong option for riders who want one bike for the daily runaround, but still need room for passengers, bags, groceries and the odd “how did we end up carrying all this?” mission.

The HS motor is the big point of difference. Assistance up to 45 km/h makes sense for longer commutes where a standard e-bike can start to feel like it has run out of help on open stretches. Think Hutt Valley to town, western suburbs, rolling road sections, headwinds and days when you want to arrive with a bit more left in the tank.

The Rohloff E-14 and Gates belt are the long-term ownership pieces. Compared with a standard chain and derailleur setup, the belt drive reduces drivetrain wear and removes chain lubrication from your day-to-day life. The Rohloff hub keeps the gears sealed away from road spray, grit and winter commuting grime. Brakes, tyres and servicing still matter, but this is the drivetrain choice for people who ride often and do not want their bike to feel precious.

Best for

• Fast Wellington commuting, especially longer routes with hills, wind and open road sections.
• Riders who want passenger and cargo ability without going to a full front-loader cargo bike.
• Hutt Valley to city commutes where distance, weather and drivetrain wear all add up.
• School runs, groceries, work gear and weekend trips on one bike.
• People who value long-term serviceability and easier day-to-day ownership over the cheapest possible setup.

What makes it different

The Multicharger3 Rohloff HS is not just a commuter with a rack. The rear carrier and passenger kit turn it into a proper utility bike, while the cargo front carrier gives you an easy place for smaller loads you want to keep in sight. The 750 Wh battery gives useful riding margin for hills, heavier loads, higher assist use and windy days. Range will still depend on rider weight, assist level, terrain, wind, load, tyre choice and tyre pressure, but this is the battery size we like seeing on a bike with this much real-world work to do.

The 100 Nm Bosch Speed motor gives strong support when the bike is loaded or the hill starts getting rude. It is still a pedal-assist bike, so you are doing the riding, but the motor keeps the effort more manageable when the commute, cargo or weather stacks up.

Good to know

This is the HS version, with assistance up to 45 km/h. That makes it especially good for longer, faster commuting, but it is worth talking through where and how you plan to ride it if you are choosing between HS and non-HS models.

The passenger kit makes this build more useful straight away, but passenger and child-carrying setups still need to be matched carefully to rider, passenger size, accessories and total load. The bike, carrier and accessories all have their own limits, and the lowest-rated part of the setup sets the real limit.

If most of your riding is short, central-city commuting without passengers or cargo, this may be more bike than you need. If you regularly carry larger loads or want a lower front box for kids and gear, a front-loader cargo bike may suit better.

Choose this if...

Choose this if you want a fast, durable, passenger-capable e-bike for serious everyday transport. It makes the most sense if you ride often, cover proper distance, carry things, and want a drivetrain that is built for years of wet roads, hills and regular use.

Choose the standard-speed alternative if you do not need 45 km/h assistance and mostly ride shorter urban trips. Choose a front-loader if your main job is carrying bulkier family or business loads rather than commuting fast with extra carrying capacity.

Our take

This is the Multicharger3 for the rider who wants to replace more car trips, not just make the odd ride easier. The Bosch Speed motor brings the pace, the 750 Wh battery brings the margin, and the Rohloff and belt drivetrain make sense for Wellington riders who actually use their bikes in all seasons.

It is not the smallest or cheapest way into an e-bike, but that is not really the point. This is a big-commute, family-ready, cargo-capable transport bike with the good stuff where it counts.