Small, light, and powerful LiPo batteries, along with rising fuel costs created the perfect environment for some cool E-bikes to potentially explode on European and Asian scene. Read our list of electric bikes that could absolutly change the game in the future.
1. Phasor Cycles
This is a new company, but their first mass produced electric bike component is already available to the public, and its a beauty. Currently this bike is offered as a “frame only” for DIY builders, but they have plans to release a complete bike in the near future. Phasor Cycles is a new electric vehicle company, essentially a DIY electric bike builders dream, but it could be a nightmare for a novice who is just getting into electric bikes and wants something to ride ASAP.
(source: Phasor Cycles)
2. Škoda Pedelec
New Škoda Green E Line e-bike expands existing Škoda bicycle collection. “Pedelec” combines muscle and engine power, up to 105 km range. Wide choice of Škoda cycles for any age and any purpose. Once the lithium-ion battery’s capacity has been fully used, it can be recharged to max capacity in four hours. The motor from BionX brand is integrated into the rear axle and puts out 250 watt. It is powered by a frame attached battery with a capacity of 423 Wh and a weight of just 2.6 kg. The entire bike weighs a mere 21.7 kg. Škoda created its first e-bike in cooperation with KTM company.
(source: Škoda)
3. nCycle
nCycle is the brainchild of a NYC-based design and development company Behance. The company decided to rethink ebikes by “problem solving from ground up and integrating it into the aesthetics.” And then nCycle was born. Behance claims that the design of nCycle addresses typical ebike issues of expense, inflexibility, weight, and general hideousness. While the pictures look awfully chic, mum’s the word from Behance on the cost or poundage of nCycle. We all know that great design usually comes at a premium bicycles, so don’t hold out for a bargain-basement price when you start shopping for your very own nCycle.
(source: nCycle)
4. Monocycle
In cooperation with the DING3000 design studio, BASF company has developed a velocipede embodying the current state of the art technology. In doing so, the innovative one-off quotes the geometry and mechanics of the first pedal cycle. The crank directly drives the front wheel (39″) which, in order to improve the transmission ratio, is much larger than the rear wheel (24″). The chain, sprockets and coaster brake are entirely omitted. Even so, the modern-day velocipede is much more than an appreciative allusion to bygone days. Technically it is ahead of its time. For the fully functional and ready-to-ride e-bike features such spectacular details as thin optical waveguides inlaid in the forks for the lights, softly sprung and at the same maintenance-free tires, and a detachable seat with an integrated battery. Overall, this modern e-bike makes use of 24 innovative BASF materials – materials that are sure to come to the fore as electromobility advances.
(source: BASF)
5. Bomber
The Stealth Electric Bikes Bomber, shown above, fuses a 4500 watt motor to a drivetrain that is shared by standard bike pedals. With foot power and the electric assist, the Stealth Bomber can climb to speeds of up to 50mph on the open road, a near peak for eBike transportation. The Bomber connects to a standard 110V (or 220V) outlet in the US or Europe and will be fully charged in just two hours. On longer stretches, the rider can rely on regenerative braking technology to squeeze a little more juice out of the Stealth electronic assist.
(source: Stealth Electronic Bikes)
6. Copenhagen Wheel
While it may be the world’s most numerous form of transportation, the bicycle really hasn’t changed much in the last hundred years. Gears, breaking and frame designs have all stayed more-or-less the same, albeit with subtle material upgrades. MIT hopes to change the way the bicycle works with the Copenhagen Wheel: a power and information assist for the urban cyclist. The Copenhagen Wheel provides both and electric power assist and ride diagnostics for its rider. It uses a regenerative breaking system to store the kinetic energy created when braking– then release it as a power boost as needed. The diagnostics side of the Copenhagen Wheel will collect information about the cyclist’s route, the distance traveled and various health data about the rider. This will be stored and controlled via smartphone, then shared with the world through social networking.
(source: MIT)
7. The Bridgestone Angelino Petite eBike
The Bridgestone Angelino Petite eBike uses a pedal assist to help one cyclist support a small family on two wheels. While it may be “petite” by name, this eBike may be the largest and heaviest ever created. It features a central seat for the cyclist and a pair of child seats, one in the rear, one over the front handlebars. Its tough frame can handle up to 220 pounds total among the three riders, and the battery has enough juice to push the family for 37 pedal-assisted miles per charge.
(source: Bridgestone)
8. The Carbon Fiber Electric Tricycle
The Carbon Fiber Electric Tricycle by Simon Schmitz and collaborators is powered by nothing more than a 14V Bosch electric screwdriver. While that might be low tech in theory, it’s ingenious in execution. When Schmitz powers up his Bosch screwdriver, this carbon fiber tricycle climbs to 19 mph for nearly 4 miles on a single charge. Sure, that might not complete the average commute, but this vehicle isn’t built for travel, it’s built for racing.
(source: Simon Schmitz)
