Trek just pulled the covers off a new top-tier city e-bike aimed squarely at riders who want comfort, power, and polish without turning daily riding into a hobby that requires constant tinkering. The new Trek Charter+ arrives as Trek’s most premium everyday e-bike yet, blending high-end drivetrain tech, deep integration, and a strong focus on car-replacement practicality.
This is a full Class 3 lineup built around the Bosch Performance Line Sport motor delivering 85 Nm of torque and assistance up to 28 mph (45 km/h). Trek says the Charter+ is designed for pavement-first riding but remains capable on modestly rough paths and less-than-smooth surfaces, with enough carrying capacity to haul kids, groceries, or a trailer full of gear.
A premium city e-bike, Trek style
Trek positions the Charter+ for riders who value reliability and comfort over bargain pricing, and have the spare cash to pay for something a bit fancier. In other words, this isn’t the cheapest e-bike on the shop floor – it’s the one meant to do the most with the least fuss. That means weekday commuting, weekend errands, and daily riding that replaces a second car rather than supplements one.
Two models are launching in the US. The Charter+ 4S starts at US $3,999, while the higher-end Charter+ 5S comes in at US $4,499. Both use Bosch’s latest smart system hardware and displays, but the differences between the two bikes are meaningful.
Auto-shifting and belt drive steal the show
The standout feature lives on the Charter+ 5S. Trek pairs a Shimano Nexus Di2 internally geared hub with a Gates belt drive and Bosch AutoShift. Riders set their preferred cadence once, and the bike handles the shifting automatically from there. There are no buttons to deal with, no over-thinking, and no drivetrain clatter.
It’s the kind of setup that answers a question many customers quietly ask: Can I just ride the thing like a car without messing with it or thinking about gears? The belt drive also eliminates chain maintenance, reinforcing Trek’s pitch that this is a set-it-and-forget-it urban machine.
It’s a move we’ve seen other e-bike makers adopt when attempting to build a high-functioning, incredibly low-maintenance commuter e-bike that simply works without much fuss.
Range, charging, and smart features
Battery capacity is another major differentiator. The 4S uses a 540 Wh Bosch PowerTube battery with up to 45 miles (72 km) of range, while the 5S bumps that to an 800 Wh pack rated for up to 68 miles (110 km).
Both use a new top-eject battery system that unlocks from the outside and lifts straight up with a carry strap, making indoor charging far less awkward.
Charter+ bikes integrate fully with the Bosch eBike Flow app, offering navigation, customizable motor tuning, phone-based locking, alarms, and location tracking. Riders can also add Bosch’s Connect Module for enhanced GPS security.
Comfort and utility baked in
Trek didn’t skimp on comfort or accessories. The Charter+ comes standard with an adjustable stem, front suspension, a suspension seatpost, wide tires, and full-coverage aluminum fenders. A MIK HD rear rack supports child seats and panniers, while integrated lights include daytime running lights and a high-beam option for night riding.
Sizing is broad, frame styles include low-step and step-over options, and everything ships fully equipped. With Charter+, Trek seems to be delivering a polished, premium take on what a modern city e-bike can be when comfort and integration come first.
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