The e-bikes are coming, and with their market growth comes the usual development from the industry. Karmic has revealed two new models that will assist you in making that ride to wherever with step through (maybe) or standard frames. If moto style is more your thing, Vintage Electric continues to charge up cruisers with a battery that looks like a v-twin…
Karmic is a relatively new company making its mark in the e-bike industry. They’ve recently funded their Koben bike (below) on Kickstarter bringing it to market, and with its success the company wanted to make a women’s specific edition. The Kyoto is a top to bottom rebuild for women which was introduced unsuccessfully through Kickstarter. Given the finished look of the prototype above, we have to think that someday it might make it to production.
The step through frame provides ease of entrance, while the swept back bars sit the rider upright for a comfortable position. Lastly, internal cable routing comes standard for a clean look while front/back fenders add to the overall package.
The Kyoto has Shimano’s STEPS peddle assist system with a 500Wh battery and computer, plus their 11 speed SLX rear derailleur setup. Colors include blue, violet, and white, with sizes ranging from XS – M (seat tube 14″ – 18″). The base bike price would have seen a future retail tag at $2,800.
As mentioned before the Koben and Koben S were ‘kicked’ off with a successful Kickstarter campaign. Now, a year later, the Koben and Koben S are available on the Karmic web store. The Koben is the base level, but offers the same battery and drive train as the higher end Koben S. The battery is 44v/10.4Ah, 450Wh and rated for 500 charge cycles, while the motor is a Bafang MAX 43v, 350Wh, and 80 N.m of torque. The base level comes as a single speed in a 16t freewheel, and the Koben S gets a NuVinci N380 CVT hub that provides smooth gear changes. They both weigh in at about 43 lbs, and come in a range of sizes from S – L. Color options include blue, orange, and black. Pricing is $1,900 for the Koben, and $2,800 for the Koben S.
Vintage Electric has been making a scene with a few celebrities by offering classic motorbike styled e-bikes. Between the styling and performance, the bikes were interesting enough to land a spot on Jay Leno’s Garage (worth a watch for Jay’s impression of Pee-Wee Herman alone).
The Tracker’s battery is held inside a sand cast alluminum shell and provides 52v, 702 Wh and ~30,000 miles of use. The rear wheel provides regenerative braking, and gets a 3,000 w, 3-phase motor. Rounding off the components is a Phil Wood front hub, Shimano Alfine hydralic disc brakes, Brooks saddle and grips, Schwalbe Fat Frank tires (26×2.35). As for speed, in street legal mode limits you to 20 mph and a race mode that pushes 35 mph (key required). The Tracker charges in 2 hours and gets a range of 35 miles. It comes in red, green, blue, gray, and is priced at $5,000.
Vintage Electric is also offering a new limited edition Scrambler which features a custom inverted suspension fork and knobby tires for $6,995.
