Electric bikes seem to be flooding the market lately for a few reasons – we have the technology, they’re downright fun, and they help to reduce the sweat of commuters.
BMW unveiled the i Pedelec concept – a foldable three speed, pedal assist bicycle with a 42-volt electric hub motor. It won’t go as fast as the Specialized Turbo e-bike, or hit ramps as hard as the Audi x Ducati collab. Instead, the i Pedelec focuses on tech. Already on display in London, i Pedelec will complement BMW’s new i3 electric city car (pictured after the break). Folded, two bikes will fit into and charge in the trunk. Standard outlets also work. A full charge takes 4 hours while a quick charge takes 1.5. Estimated range is 16-25 miles.
Click ‘more’ for images and specs…
With 200-watts, i Pedelec comes in just short of the Specialized Turbo’s 250-watts. The top speed isn’t as impressive either with a motor that assists up to just 16mph opposed to 28mph on the Specialized. Good thing is, i Pedelec doesn’t need to be registered and laws treat it as a standard bike. No helmets, no license. BMW says – “i Pedelec Concept can also be converted in a matter of seconds to offer a handy pushing mode, which allows it to be rolled and steered and therefore taken on public transport at no extra cost, saving the rider the effort of having to carry it around.”
Made of aluminum and carbon, i Pedelec rocks 16-inch wheels with hydraulic disc brakes and three gears in the hub. Total weight is about 44 lb. There’s no word on pricing yet, but we’ll keep you updated.
Specs:
| Length | 1,480 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,080 mm |
| Frame | Aluminium and carbon fibre (50:50) |
| Wheels | 16-inch |
| Brakes | Hydraulic disc brakes front and rear |
| Gears | Three-speed gear hub |
| Weight | >20 kg |
| Electric motor | 42 V hub motor 250 W/20 Nm (15 lb-ft.) |
| Motor management system | Electronic, via torque (pedal torque > motor torque |
| Battery | 42 V lithium-manganese (LiMn) battery |
| Charging time | 1.5/4.0 hours |
| Range | 25 – 40 km (16 – 25 miles) |
Read more at BMW’s blog.
