One Trekking 7, 8,750 km, 2 Years – The Story of Touring Cyclist Rainer Dornburg

Is HEPHA a good brand? How durable are the powerful motors in HEPHA e-bikes? What experiences have others had with HEPHA e-bikes? These are common questions for anyone discovering HEPHA for the first time while shopping for a new bike.

To answer these questions, look no further than touring cyclist Rainer Dornburg. Through his YouTube channel, Rainer documents his adventures — and over the past two years, he has logged more than 8,750 kilometers on his HEPHA Trekking 7 e-bike

His experience shows: Yes, HEPHA delivers on its promises — even after years and thousands of kilometers loaded with luggage, over rough trails, and along long-distance cycle routes.

The Beginning of the Journey: Making Every Departure Effortless

For an outdoor enthusiast like Rainer, cycling isn't about speed or distance. It’s about getting outside, exploring new routes, and savoring the ride. To maximize flexibility and comfort on the road, Rainer chose our award-winning value champion: the HEPHA Trekking 7.

Two years ago, the Ultra version of the Trekking 7 was already outfitted with our proprietary, high-torque 100 Nm motor paired with a long-range 708 Wh battery. Steep climbs? No longer a concern for Rainer—the strong HEPHA drive takes the strain out of climbs, making even long tours a pleasure.

A perfect example was his ride through the Black Forest. Traveling from Bühl-Oberbruch through Baden-Baden and back to Freudenstadt, Rainer and his son took in the region's stunning scenery while tackling varied terrain with ramps reaching up to 15% gradients. Instead of struggling uphill, Rainer simply enjoyed the moment—the powerful motor flattened the steep inclines, leaving him free to focus on the landscape and quality time with his son.

The true value of a high-torque motor becomes especially clear when riding fully loaded. Even when setting off on multi-day tours with heavy bags, Rainer stays relaxed: the 100 Nm HEPHA motor provides all the power he needs.

A Reliable Companion for Campervan Trips

For Rainer, his HEPHA Trekking 7 is more than just a bike — it’s a trusted partner that accompanies him on campervan journeys across Europe, enabling effortless day trips around every destination.

The large 708 Wh battery offers complete peace of mind during exploration rides. Whether gliding along flat river trails, tackling rolling forest paths, or conquering steep Alpine passes, his Trekking 7 has never let him down.

One night ride stands out in particular. There is something magical about cycling in the dark—the quiet, the unique nocturnal views, and the unexpected moments along the way. By dawn, Rainer had covered nearly 80 kilometers — and his HEPHA battery was still sitting at an impressive 84% charge.

Later, as he approached the city of Münster, Rainer switched to Turbo mode to sweep through a series of steeper hills. After nine hours on the road, covering 133 kilometers and 1,498 meters of elevation gain, he still had 39% battery power remaining.

This incredible efficiency comes down to smart design: despite its massive 100 Nm torque output, the HEPHA drive system is one of the most energy-efficient e-bike motors on the market. On longer trips, riders enjoy 5–10% more range compared to competing motors paired with similar battery sizes.

And for even longer expeditions? Rainer brings a second battery along, effectively eliminating range anxiety. On his tour along Switzerland’s famous Rhône Route, carrying a spare battery allowed him to ride in Tour mode the entire way. He enjoyed strong pedal assistance all the way up the mountain passes without ever worrying about a dead battery.
If you prefer not to carry an extra battery, HEPHA includes a compact, high-speed charger as standard. A quick charge during a leisurely lunch break is all it takes to boost your range and get you to your destination.

Strong Service Support: A Dependable Safety Net

Long-distance bike trips are full of surprises, and occasionally, flat tires or minor mechanical issues can slow you down.

Rainer also had to deal with minor issues during his tours and the total of 8,750 kilometers over two years. But most of the time, he was able to help himself and fix the problem. When technical questions came up, the HEPHA service team was ready with fast, professional support. If you also have questions about your HEPHA e-bike, feel free to contact us anytime: service@hepha.com.

No matter where you live, a certified HEPHA dealer is usually right around the corner. With over 600 authorized dealers now across Germany, expert advice and support are never far away.

https://hepha.com/pages/find-a-dealer/

Rainer’s Journey Continues

Rainer’s journey with HEPHA is far from over. Recently, the touring cyclist added a new e-bike to his garage: the lightweight HEPHA Trekking 8 Ultra.

Part of our sleek, next-generation 8 Series, this modern trekking model weighs just 22 kg, features a removable 600 Wh battery, and packs a punch with our 110 Nm HEPHA P110 motor. It’s the ultimate companion for Rainer’s upcoming "Camp & Bike" trips and spontaneous day tours around his travel destinations.

Hitting 8,750 kilometers is just the beginning. Rainer will continue to rely on his trusty Trekking 7 for heavy-load, multi-day tours, while taking advantage of the nimble Trekking 8 for lighter day trips. Happy riding, Rainer!

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