The recent Frankfurt Motor Show played host to some innovative new concept cars featuring eco-friendly powertrains and advanced in-vehicle communications. And among the advanced concepts on display was Ford’s first foray into the world of bicycling.
The E-Bike Concept demonstrates how Ford’s automotive design language can translate to a bicycle. The bike’s frame is made from aluminum and carbon fiber and weighs just 5.5 pounds. It also features a carbon fiber Giant SLR stem, Selle Italia SLR XC saddle, Mavic Elipse wheels, Shimano Alfine 11-speed internal gear hub and Shimano Rapidfire shifters.
But the E-Bike is far from a conventional bicycle, despite some pretty conventional hardware. It’s powered by a a front-wheel, hub-mounted motor that produces 350 watts and features a 9.3 amp-hour lithium-ion battery. Ford says the E-Bike will cover 53 miles on a single charge and reach a top speed of 15.5 miles per hour. A handlebar-mounted display provides trip information and allows the rider to select from three support modes – Economy, Comfort and Sport.
“The E-Bike market is growing very, very rapidly, with some 30 million units sold globally last year,” said Axel Wilke, director, vehicle personalization, Ford Customer Service Division Europe. “We see E-Bikes as an important element of urban electric mobility. More and more people are using E‑Bikes for short distance commuting and they are becoming comfortable with the concept of electric mobility.”
Ford says E-Bike Concept could be an innovative solution for eco-friendly mobility, and we couldn’t agree more. It not only boasts a sleek design, but the E-Bike is also infused with cutting-edge technology that would make it an attractive mode of transportation in any urban setting.
Wilke added, “With its cutting edge design, cross-gender appeal, robust build quality and high performance drive package, we believe the Ford E-Bike Concept would be the perfect addition to the e‑mobility solutions we will offer.”
“The bike’s frame is made from aluminum and carbon fiber and weighs just 5.5”
5.5 Tons?
Isn’t this amazing? I think you are mistaken, it is 5.5 pounds.
But will it play Crysis?
Amazing post! I really like the idea and the look of this bicycle. It looks like a super bicycle to me.
This is stale, badly-written nonsense, and techi, you are lowering yourselves with your ‘we couldn’t agree more’ puffery.
This is only a concept, but it is little different from electric bikes that are already on the market. That’s not my idea of innovation. Perhaps that’s just what the designers told the boss.
Please don’t waste your readers’ time. Instead of vomiting up the press release wholesale, what about some info on how much the *whole* bike weighs? How long does it take to recharge? How much boost does it give? What degree slope can it climb? Will it ever be produced? And if so… which of the ‘advanced’ features will actually make it into production?
The great majority of today’s bicycles have a frame with upright seating which looks much like the first chain-driven bike.