Knaap RTD Electric Bike – Black

The Knaap RTD (Black) is a flagship two-seater urban electric fatbike engineered by Dutch manufacturer Knaap Bikes for riders who demand comfort, retro styling, and all-terrain versatility. Unlike the rigid-tail AMS platform, the RTD model incorporates a full-suspension chassis featuring a front suspension fork paired with a dedicated center frame shock absorber, delivering a smooth ride across city asphalt, cobblestone streets, and unpaved trails.

Propulsion is delivered by a 250W brushless rear hub drive motor that provides electric pedal assistance up to 25 km/h. Engineered in strict compliance with European Pedelec (EPAC) regulations, the Knaap RTD is completely street-legal across Europe and the UK—it can be ridden on public streets and designated bicycle lanes without requiring a driving license, vehicle registration, road tax, or compulsory insurance.

Electrical reserves are housed in a removable lithium-ion battery pack delivering a manufacturer-declared operating range of up to 120–140 km on a single charge, allowing riders to easily detach the pack for convenient indoor recharging. The bike is equipped with a 7-speed Shimano gear shift system, responsive front and rear hydraulic disc brakes, 20 x 4-inch puncture-resistant fat tires, foldable passenger footrests, and an integrated 1200-lumen LED headlight.

✅ Key Features

• Full Suspension Comfort: front suspension fork combined with a central frame shock absorber (mittenvering) absorbing vibrations across uneven roads.
• 100% Street Legal & License-Free: 250W rear hub motor with pedal assist up to 25 km/h fully compliant with European road laws (no driver's license or insurance required).
• Removable Long-Range Battery: lithium-ion battery pack delivering an action radius of up to 120–140 km on a single charge.
• Comfortable Two-Seater Setup: elongated cruiser saddle designed for two passengers, complete with integrated foldable footrests.
• Hydraulic Disc Brakes: front and rear hydraulic disc calipers delivering progressive, responsive stopping power with minimal hand effort.
• 20 x 4-Inch Anti-Puncture Fat Tires: wide-profile tires providing cornering grip, rolling balance, and puncture resilience over curbs and gravel.
• Shimano 7-Speed Gearing: mechanical derailleur system allowing riders to match pedaling cadence across varying road gradients.
• High-Power 1200-Lumen LED Headlight: bright front projection light ensuring path illumination and nighttime visibility.

Drivetrain and European Street Legality

The Knaap RTD is powered by an efficient 250W brushless rear hub drive motor. Responding to pedal rotation, the electric motor assists the rider up to a compliant top speed of 25 km/h, after which the assistance gently disengages in adherence with European light electric vehicle regulations.

Because it adheres strictly to Pedelec standards, riders can enjoy metropolitan bike paths and roadways without license requirements, road registration, or insurance bureaucracy. When riding without motor power, the 7-speed Shimano derailleur system allows for conventional cycling cadence.

Battery Architecture and Range

Energy is stored in a lithium-ion battery pack neatly positioned within the central frame beneath the saddle. The battery is completely removable and secured with a key lock, allowing riders to bring the pack indoors for wall charging without carrying the entire bicycle inside.

The manufacturer states an action radius of up to 120–140 km on a full battery under optimal pedal-assist parameters. Actual achievable range will vary based on total passenger payload, road topography, wind conditions, tire pressure, and selected pedal assistance levels. Recharging takes approximately 4 to 6 hours.

Full Suspension and Hydraulic Braking Dynamics

The standout engineering feature of the RTD model is its Full Suspension architecture. The combination of a front suspension fork and a central rear frame shock absorber neutralizes vertical impacts from broken pavement, tree roots, and roadway expansion joints, creating a smooth floating sensation.

Stopping control is governed by front and rear hydraulic disc brakes. Hydraulic actuation provides enhanced pad clamping force and superior modulation compared to mechanical cables, ensuring short, predictable stopping distances even when carrying a passenger.

Chassis, Ergonomics, and Lighting

Constructed from lightweight, heavy-duty aluminum finished in matte black, the frame supports payloads of up to 150–160 kg, accommodating two adult riders with ease on its extended retro saddle and foldable passenger footpegs.

The bike rolls on 20 x 4-inch fat tires treated with anti-puncture protection, providing traction across pavement, gravel, and sand. The cockpit features a backlit LCD screen displaying live telemetry, complemented by a powerful 1200-lumen front LED headlight for night riding.

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between the Knaap RTD and the Knaap AMS?
The Knaap RTD features a full suspension setup (front suspension fork and center frame shock absorber), hydraulic disc brakes, and a powerful 1200-lumen headlight, whereas the AMS has a rigid rear frame and mechanical disc brakes.

Do I need a driver's license or insurance to ride the Knaap RTD?
No, the Knaap RTD features a 250W motor and pedal assistance up to 25 km/h, classifying it as a street-legal Pedelec. It can be ridden on public roads without a driver's license, insurance, or vehicle registration.

What is the operating range of the Knaap RTD on a single charge?
The removable lithium-ion battery provides an operating range of up to 120–140 km on a full charge, depending on riding style, payload, and assistance level.

Can the battery be removed for charging?
Yes, the battery pack is secured with a key lock and can be easily removed to charge indoors from a standard wall outlet.

Can two people ride on the Knaap RTD?
Yes, the bike is engineered with an elongated two-person saddle and foldable footpegs, supporting payloads of up to 150–160 kg.

What brakes are fitted on the Knaap RTD?
The bicycle is equipped with front and rear hydraulic disc brakes for responsive and modulated stopping power.

How many gears does the bike feature?
It features a 7-speed Shimano mechanical gear system.

What tires are installed on the Knaap RTD?
The bike rolls on 20 x 4-inch wide fatbike tires engineered with anti-puncture protection.