Touroll S3 Pro Review: Rugged Folding E-Bike With a 1,296 Wh Battery for €849

Editorial Note:

This article was originally published by wattmoves and has been translated and republished on the Touroll Blog for informational purposes. Minor edits may have been made for formatting and readability.

Read the original article here.

Touroll S3 Pro Review: Rugged Folding E-Bike With a 1,296 Wh Battery for €849

Wide tires, a low-step frame, and a massive 1,296 Wh battery: the new Touroll S3 Pro positions itself as a rugged long-range folding e-bike for just €849. At the same time, however, the compact e-bike weighs over 30 kg. In this review, we take a closer look at how well the concept works in daily use and who it is best suited for.

First Impressions of the Touroll S3 Pro

For an e-bike, the package is surprisingly compact. That is, of course, thanks to the folding design, which allows for smaller dimensions, although it does nothing to reduce the considerable weight of the box itself.

Right from unboxing, it becomes clear that the S3 Pro is anything but a delicate folding bike. The frame, battery, and tires are all generously sized.

The first impression is therefore one of solidity and durability. The steel low-step frame feels extremely sturdy, the welds are relatively clean, and the overall build quality is quite respectable. In the sub-€1,000 category, that is still far from guaranteed today.

That said, the bike keeps things visually simple. The blue paint finish is only accented by a subtle silver and white stripe. Black and red versions are also available.

Product Details

• Motor: 250W rear hub motor / 50 Nm
• Battery: 1,296 Wh
• Drivetrain: Shimano 7-speed
• Weight: 31.5 kg / 120 kg payload
• Range: Up to 195 km (manufacturer claim)

The removable battery is mounted visibly behind the seat tube and has a strong impact on the bike’s overall appearance. Anyone looking for a discreet-looking folding e-bike will probably not find it here.

Not only the frame, but also the folding mechanism itself leaves a high-quality impression. The locking points feel secure, with no noticeable play. Folding the bike is straightforward: simply release the quick-release lever on the frame and fold the bike sideways. The plastic pedals cannot be folded, although the handlebar can.

Final assembly is also quick and uncomplicated thanks to the illustrated German manual. Riders only need to install the handlebar, saddle, front wheel, front fender, headlight, and pedals before inserting the battery. A chain guard is not included.

Equipment and Components

Touroll uses an unspecified rear-mounted motor with a powerful 48-volt system. The continuous output is the 250 watts permitted in the EU, with a peak output of up to 750 watts. The maximum torque is 50 newton meters.

The S3 Pro does not use a torque sensor for a more natural riding feel. Instead, it relies solely on a basic cadence sensor.

• What is a cadence sensor? A motor with a cadence sensor provides assistance depending on whether pedaling is being done, but not on the actual amount of force the rider is applying. This results in a less finely tuned ride, but the system operates more smoothly and predictably.

Assistance can be adjusted across five levels, with speeds ranging from 13 to 25 km/h. There is also a practical walking mode limited to 4 km/h, which helps when pushing the bike uphill or through pedestrian areas. As required by EU regulations, motor assistance cuts off at 25 km/h.

With a huge 1,296 Wh capacity, the battery offers significantly more energy than many e-bikes in this price category. It is removable, and Touroll states a charging time of around 9 hours. The charger outputs 54.6V at 3A.

The battery and motor differ considerably between the S3 Pro and the also available S3. Aside from these differences, both e-bikes have similar specifications.

	S3 Pro	S3
Battery	1296 Wh, 48 V	468 Wh, 36 V
Motor	50 Nm, 750 W Peak	40 Nm, 450 W Peak
Weight	31,5 kg	28,1 kg

 

Tires, Suspension, and Display

Touroll has opted for a fat bike tire format with a 20-inch diameter and 3-inch width. The wide pneumatic tires are primarily intended to provide comfort and traction. This is supported by a front suspension fork with 60 millimeters of travel. There is no rear suspension.

The 2.6-inch LCD display uses a color screen and shows the essential riding data, including speed, battery level, assistance mode, and distance traveled. Additional features such as USB charging or app connectivity are not available.

Gear shifting is handled by a simple Shimano 7-speed drivetrain, similar to what is found on many other Touroll models. Braking duties are managed by 180 mm disc brakes front and rear.

Both the handlebar and saddle height can be adjusted, making the bike suitable for riders between 160 and 195 cm tall according to the manufacturer. Total payload capacity is rated at 120 kg, including the rider.

Additional equipment includes metal fenders, a basic bell, StVZO-compliant lighting, and a rear rack capable of carrying up to 20 kg.

More advanced electronics, tracking systems, or smart connectivity functions are not included. Touroll also does not offer a companion app for the S3 Pro.

Touroll S3 Pro Review: Ride Quality and Comfort

In everyday riding, the Touroll S3 Pro feels more stable than its compact dimensions initially suggest. The wide 20-inch tires provide plenty of contact with the ground, while the low-step frame makes mounting and dismounting easier. The adjustable handlebar also helps riders find a comfortable riding position.

The overall riding posture is fairly upright, and the bike is clearly not intended for sporty riding.

Motor assistance feels strong, though not especially refined. The support kicks in after about one crank rotation, after which the rear motor pushes the bike forward quite noticeably. Since Touroll does not use a torque sensor, the system does not react to actual pedal pressure. As a result, the assistance feels more artificial compared with e-bikes equipped with torque sensors. Even light pedaling still triggers the full level of support selected.

On flat terrain, the S3 Pro rolls along with a noticeable level of tire noise, mainly caused by the wide tires. On climbs, the motor proves powerful enough for regular hills, although during longer uphill sections the motor noise becomes more noticeable than the tires. Even then, the sound remains within expectations for a basic rear hub motor in this price range.

The 3-inch tires themselves provide a high level of comfort. They absorb small bumps, road joints, and rough asphalt effectively, helping smooth out uneven surfaces. The front suspension fork with 60 mm of travel adds further comfort, although it naturally has its limits. The bike also benefits from a pleasantly tight turning radius.

At the rear, however, there is no dedicated suspension and no suspension seatpost. Larger bumps therefore transfer much more directly through the back of the bike. While the S3 Pro is more comfortable than folding bikes with narrow tires, it still cannot match the comfort of e-bikes with more advanced suspension systems or suspended seatposts.

The mechanical disc brakes with 180 mm rotors provide reliable stopping power, even under heavier loads. Hydraulic brakes would arguably have matched the rugged character of the S3 Pro better, but the braking performance remains perfectly adequate for daily riding.

• Mechanical brakes operate by pulling a cable, are simple and inexpensive, but offer less power and modulation. Hydraulic brakes use fluid, provide stronger braking, more precise engagement, and require less hand force, but are more expensive and require more maintenance.

Folding Mechanism and Practicality

The folding mechanism comes with both strengths and compromises. Once folded, the bike naturally takes up much less space, which can be useful in smaller apartments or on public transport.

Carrying it, however, is a different story. For a few steps or short distances it is manageable, but never particularly comfortable. The relatively high weight quickly becomes noticeable. In practice, the folded bike is not necessarily easier to carry than when unfolded.

195 km Range? What the Battery Really Delivers

With 48V nominal voltage and a massive 1,296 Wh capacity, the battery specifications look extremely impressive on paper. Touroll claims up to 195 km of range on a single charge, although real-world riding naturally produces lower numbers.

Based on the test rides carried out around Freiburg and the Kaiserstuhl region — including flat roads, rolling hills, and temperatures around 20°C — a realistic range is around 90 km under mixed riding conditions.

That is still a strong result for this price category. Factors such as hills, rider weight, cargo, wind, tire pressure, temperature, and assistance level all have a noticeable effect on the final range.

The large removable battery provides plenty of flexibility. One charge is easily enough for daily commuting as well as longer leisure rides. The stated charging time of 9 hours also proved accurate in practice, making overnight charging the most practical solution. The 3A charger draws around 160W and operates silently.

Is the Touroll S3 Pro Worth Buying?

Yes — the Touroll S3 Pro makes sense especially for riders looking for a compact folding e-bike with a huge battery and who are not expecting ultralight folding-bike standards.

For a relatively low price, it delivers unusually large battery capacity and a robust overall construction.

It is less suitable for riders expecting especially natural motor assistance or a sporty riding experience. The Touroll S3 Pro is not an elegant lightweight machine, but rather a powerful compact folding e-bike with long-range capability.