Trek calls the Charter+ a “luxury” city e-bike, and the Trek Charter+ 4S is where that line starts: a 28 mph Bosch mid drive with a built-in rack, metal fenders, a bright headlight and app-based security, all on one bike. I haven’t ridden it. I have filmed loaded commuters like the Aventon Level 3 and Velotric Discover 2, and I’ll compare it with those below. Everything here comes from Trek’s product pages, checked on Oct 28, 2026 and linked at the bottom.
Two frames, one price
The Charter+ 4S comes as a standard frame in M through XL, or as the 4S Lowstep, with a low step-through frame, in S through L. Both were $3,999.99 on trekbikes.com as of Oct 28, 2026, not on sale.
The Lowstep is the easier frame to get on and off, and it covers shorter riders with its size S. The standard frame goes up to XL for taller riders. Trek lists the M at 67.58 lb for the standard frame and 66.81 lb for the Lowstep.
Should you buy one?
At $3,999.99, you’re paying for a Bosch system and a big-brand bike. Next to the hub-drive commuters I usually review, the Charter+ 4S costs more than twice as much and carries a smaller battery. What it adds is a mid drive, Class 3 speed, a rack and fenders built into the frame, a high-beam headlight and Bosch’s theft features.
Motor and speed
The motor is Bosch’s Performance Line Sport, a mid drive. Trek’s listings don’t agree on its torque: the summary specs say 85 Nm and 750W, while the detailed parts list for the standard 4S says 90 Nm and 700W. Either figure is well above the 75 Nm Bosch motors on the Verve+ 3 and Verve+ 4S.
It’s a Class 3 pedal assist bike that helps up to 28 mph, and Trek doesn’t list a throttle. Class 3 bikes aren’t allowed on every path, so check our e-bike laws hub and the Class 2 vs Class 3 guide.
Battery and range
The 540Wh Bosch battery ejects from the top of the frame, and a lockable magnetic cover hides it. Trek rates the range at up to 45 miles. That’s lower than the 62 miles Trek gives the Verve+ 4S on a similar 545Wh battery, and Trek doesn’t explain the gap. The Charter+ is about 10 lb heavier and has a stronger motor. Bosch’s standard 2A charger is included.
Comfort and control
An SR Suntour coil fork with 63mm of travel and preload adjustment handles the front, and an alloy suspension seatpost handles the back. The tires are 27.5 x 2.4 in. The stem’s rise adjusts, so you can sit more upright, and the saddle is Bontrager’s wide Boulevard.
Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors stop it. The drivetrain is a Shimano CUES 9 speed with an 11 to 46 cassette.
Rack, fenders and lights
The rack and fenders are part of the frame design, not add-ons. Trek rates the MIK HD rear rack for up to 60 lb and says it works with child seats, panniers, baskets and pet carriers. The fenders are aluminum.
The headlight puts out 400 lumens on low and 800 on high, and Trek lists a high beam. A Trek LED taillight is included.
Security and app
The Charter+ works with Bosch’s eBike Flow app, which Trek says adds digital locking, theft alerts, custom ride modes and navigation. Use it with a real lock, not instead of one.
Weight and load
At about 67 lb, the Charter+ 4S is heavy. That’s in line with the loaded commuters I film, but it’s a lot to lift onto a car rack or carry up stairs. The total limit is 300 lb, including the bike, which leaves about 232 lb for the rider and cargo. If you plan to carry a child or heavy bags, check that number first.
The step up: Charter+ 5S Lowstep
The Trek Charter+ 5S Lowstep costs $500 more and changes most of what the 4S is weak on. It comes only as a lowstep frame, in S through L.
The biggest change is the battery: a Bosch PowerTube 800Wh, still top-eject under a lockable magnetic cover, which Trek rates for up to 68 miles. The total weight limit rises to 352 lb, and the bike weighs about the same, 67.25 lb in M, which leaves about 285 lb for the rider and cargo.
The drivetrain is different too. A Gates CDX belt replaces the chain, driving a Shimano Nexus 5 speed internal hub with Di2, and Bosch and Shimano’s Auto Shift changes gears for you based on terrain and speed. Trek describes the belt as long-lasting and low maintenance.
Up front, an SR Suntour Mobie 34 air fork with lockout replaces the coil fork. Trek’s spec lists 80mm of travel, though one feature paragraph says 50mm. The display moves up to Bosch’s Kiox 500 with an LED remote. The motor is the same Performance Line Sport, with the same 85 Nm versus 90 Nm conflict between Trek’s two spec lists.
Trek’s lists also disagree on the brakes. The summary says Shimano MT200 hydraulic discs, while the parts list says Shimano 4-piston brakes (MT401 levers, MT420 calipers) and lists both 180mm and 203mm rotors. Confirm with your Trek store before you buy.
The rack, aluminum fenders, 800 lumen headlight and Bosch eBike Flow app carry over. Trek adds that the lights run as daytime running lights from the main battery and the headlight turns with the steering. The 5S was $4,499.99 as of Oct 28, 2026, and Trek’s site showed every size and color out of stock online that day.
How it compares
Against the Aventon Level 3, which I filmed: the Level 3 weighs 67 lb, carries a 733Wh battery and is a Class 2 bike with a throttle. It has an 80mm fork, a suspension seatpost and a rack. Aventon listed it at $1,699, sold out, as of Oct 28, 2026. The Charter+ 4S is the same weight and about $2,300 more, and it adds a Bosch mid drive, 28 mph assist, the brighter headlight and the theft features, with less battery and no throttle.
Against the Velotric Discover 2, which I filmed: the Discover 2 uses a 750W hub motor and a 706Wh battery, weighs 63 lb and comes with a rack and fenders, at $1,499 (Velotric, Oct 23, 2026). The same trade-off applies: the Charter+ costs much more and gives you a mid drive and Bosch’s system, but less battery.
Against the Specialized Turbo Vado 3 EVO 4.0, which I haven’t ridden either: it’s also a Class 3 mid drive commuter, with 105 Nm, an 840Wh battery and a 120mm fork, at $4,499.99 (as of Oct 26, 2026) and 63.3 lb. For $500 more, it has a larger battery, more travel and less weight on paper.
FAQ
Have I ridden the Charter+ 4S?
No. This page is based on Trek’s product pages, checked Oct 28, 2026.
How much torque does the motor have?
Trek’s summary specs say 85 Nm. The detailed parts list for the standard 4S says 90 Nm and 700W. Ask your Trek store which applies to the bike you buy.
Does it have a throttle?
Trek doesn’t list one. It’s a Class 3 pedal assist bike that helps up to 28 mph.
What’s the difference between the 4S and the 4S Lowstep?
The frame shape and sizes. The Lowstep has a step-through frame in S to L; the standard frame comes in M to XL. Price and parts match.
How far does it go?
Trek says up to 45 miles on the 540Wh battery.
Is the Charter+ 5S worth $500 more?
On paper, it adds an 800Wh battery (up to 68 miles), a belt drive with automatic shifting, an air fork, a Kiox 500 display and a 352 lb limit. It only comes as a lowstep frame, and it was out of stock online on Oct 28, 2026.
Pros and cons (from the specs and sources)
Pros: strong Bosch mid drive with 28 mph assist; integrated rack rated for 60 lb and aluminum fenders; 800 lumen high beam; coil fork and suspension seatpost; 180mm hydraulic brakes; eBike Flow theft features; step-through or standard frame at the same price.
Cons: about 67 lb; 540Wh battery and 45 mile rating; 300 lb total limit; no throttle listed; Trek’s torque figures conflict; $3,999.99 is more than twice the price of the hub-drive commuters I’ve filmed.
Who it’s for
On paper, the Charter+ 4S fits riders who want a fully equipped, fast city bike from a brand with local dealers, value the Bosch system and its security features, and don’t need to lift the bike often. Riders who carry heavy loads or want more range should look at the Charter+ 5S Lowstep.
Price
$3,999.99 on trekbikes.com as of Oct 28, 2026, for both the Charter+ 4S and Charter+ 4S Lowstep.
The Charter+ 5S Lowstep was $4,499.99 on trekbikes.com as of Oct 28, 2026, not on sale and out of stock online.
“My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.” Isaiah 32:18 (ESV)
