👀 First Look at MINI’s Debut Ebike
Plus the early agenda for Micromobility America is here.
Hey - Have you heard? The schedule for Micromobility America is now live. On tap, we have some of the industry’s best and brightest minds, including experts the FDNY, Trek, Lectric, CPSC, McKinsey, Bird, Apollo, Uber, Waymo, USDOT, Lime, and dozens more. Browse the action-packed program here and check back as more sessions and speakers are added daily. Tickets are on sale for a limited time for $640 off.
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What You Need to Know Today
Nearly half (48%) of Americans now say they are interested in buying an electric bike in the next five years, according to new results from an Adweek-Morning Consult survey.
Car manufacturer MINI has partnered with ebike maker Angell Mobility to introduce the limited-edition MINI E-Bike 1, an electric bicycle available in two models and color options ($3,735). Limited to 1,959 units, in reference to MINI’s founding year, each bike is hand-built in France using an ultra-lightweight, aero grade aluminum that helps to keep the bikes under 38 pounds (including the removable battery)
Speaking of MINI, this auto designer rebuilt one of the firm’s iconic midcentury tiny cars as an EV with 110 miles of range. Before you get too excited, be forewarned that the conversion cost more than $150,000.
More high-end ebike companies (Cannondale, Trek, etc) are starting to make budget-friendly models. Why? Because even though the margins aren’t as sweet, cheap bikes sell better, especially in the U.S.
On this week’s episode of Ride On! James and Julia talk to Shabazz Stuart, founder and CEO of Oonee, about the need for cities to radically rethink bike parking infrastructure to minimize thefts and fires, and allow micromobility to reach its full potential. Plus we’re also giving away a brand-new Tenways CGO 600 Pro ($1,900 value) - head here for your chance to win.
Mondraker is revamping its popular Crusher from 2018. Powered by a Shimano EP801, the elecric bike hosts a 720 Wh battery capacity and pumps out 85 Nm of torque. The enduro eMTB comes in three different build-styles, which will be available in 2024.
Utah-based Fezzari revealed its latest electric bike, the Explorer Peak. The unit comes equipped with fat tires, a carbon frame, and a Shimamo motor, along with a 720 watt-hour Darfon battery.
The ARK Zero, a $7,500 micro-car with a 2.2 kW electric motor and a top speed of 28 mph (45 kph), has begun making deliveries in the U.K.
Evoke Motorcycles just revealed the AmpX, an impressive new electric motorcycle with some serious force. The Ampx offers 1,000 Nm of torque and a peak power output of 20 kW, making it one of the most powerful electric motorcycles on the market.
By contrast, the specs for Kawasaki’s new Ninja e-1 and Z e-1 have received a disappointing response, with some criticizing the bikes’ power output and highway riding.
German bike designer Cube’s new Longtail Hybrid is an efficient electric cargo bike that is designed to replace your car. It incorporates pedal assist of up to 15.5 mph (25 kph) and a 725 watt-hour battery. The bike is fitted with a 250W Bosch mid-drive motor and hits 85 Nm of torque. The Longtail’s long tail is enough to carry 441 lbs (200kg) of luggage or small children.
German ebike maker SMAFO released a new urban commuter called the SMAFO 4. The 4 is a versatile, everyday option with an impressive array of modern tech features like a display system and a connecting app. It offers 75 miles (120.7 km) on a single charge and weighs in at 57 lbs (26 kg).
Fauza has update their Ride 60 system. The modifications improve drivetrain performance by making gear shifts feel seamless, enhance battery performance, and maximize efficiency even when the bike is not in use. Fauze calls the adjustments Update Bundle 009.
A Dutch designer and architect took a swing at whiteboarding this kooky new 4-seater, 4-wheeled microvehicle.
A French startup claims to have invented the first ebike that doesn’t need a battery. The Pi-Pop uses a supercapacitor to store energy rather than batteries, thereby eliminating the need for lithium and other rare-earth elements.
Segway is touting a new self-balancing two-wheeler that can stay upright while moving or standing still.
Good news for trail riders who want a little extra boost: Trek is finally releasing an electric version of its popular Marlin hardtail mountain bike. The Marlin+, as it’s called, is powered by a Bosch Active Line Plus mid-drive motor delivering 50 Newton-meters of torque and is complemented by a 400-watt-hour battery pack, expandable with a Bosch 250Wh PowerMore range extender, with performance and battery monitoring through the Bosch Purion 200 display on the handlebars.
