Cargo-bikes, utility-bikes, lifestyle-bikes, whatever you wish to term them, they just keep popping up. The trend is less car, more bike! And we’re here to keep you in the know. Haul through the break to see a velomobile, a car-killer, and an urban concept…
With its three wheels, electric-motor, and car-like fairing, the E-Fox is truly bridging the gap between e-cars and bikes. NuWay2Commute, the company behind this velomobile, has fabricated the fiberglass fairing that encompasses a Terra Trike Rover recumbent-tricycle. To this they have incorporated a 500-watt hub-motor that will propel the E-Fox to 20mph with a range of 30 miles, all without pedaling. Or you can spring for the upgraded battery that allows for a speed of 28mph.
The fiberglass “body” includes a full lighting/signaling system, windscreen, rear window, and removable, clear-plastic doors. The goal was to be “breezy, but protective from inclement weather.”
While owner Jesse Stephenson is quick to acknowledge this technology is far from new, he believes the need for a car-alternative is greater than ever. And with an aggregate capacity of 270lbs the E-Fox can certainly handle a trip to the market. For those with larger shopping lists, add on the optional trailer for an additional 100lbs of load capacity.
Providing a new take on cargo hauling is NTS Works’ 2×4. As the name implies it’s a two-wheel drive machine – the rear wheel is conventionally powered via a Gates beltdrive and Shimano’s 8-speed Alfine, while the front wheel gets a high-torque, 250w (EU compliant) or optional 350w (Non-EU compliant) motor.
Notable highlights include a new-to-market, high-capacity Samsung battery with up to 1000 life-cycles, USB outlets for charging anything directly off the battery (very cool), disc brakes (essential for high capacity loads), unique wheel combo (26” rear; 24” front) that provides a balance of load stability and ergonomic height (i.e., not too low) for constant loading/unloading, and at the heart of it all a weight-saving aluminum frame.
The company claims you can ride ten thousand miles for only $30 worth of electricity, (multiple charges required, obviously) but no matter how your figures come out, with a cargo capacity of 200lbs and a lifetime service warranty, there is no debate, this is a car-killer in many ways. Check the video for more.
For a slight departure from all the utility talk – Canyon Bikes, known for killer, peloton thoroughbreds, has unveiled at Eurobike its Urban Concept.
The concept is displayed with a Sram Automatix two-speed hub powered by a Conti® belt drive. Additions are hydro discs, integrated lights (powered by a SON hub-dynamo) and an integrated locking system. Canyon states their goal was to have “[t]he cockpit frame and lighting…fused to form a single entity.” Looks like they nailed it.
Even with its basket the thing just looks fast.
