Ex-Jaguar engineer makes FLIT-16 folding e-bike, powers commuting in a tiny package

FLIT-16 is a new folding e-bike that’s currently in a (fully-funded) Kickstarter campaign, with a slick design that re-thinks what a pedal-assist bike can be. With a battery hidden inside the aluminum frame, it powers you for up to 30 miles and folds down to a tiny size that’ll fit in your closet, on the train, or just about anywhere.

FLIT-16 folding electric commuter e-bike

While we cover folding bikes and e-bikes, the two don’t often go together (or when they do, they’re often a bit strange). FLIT is out to change that with their FLIT-16 folding e-bike, on Kickstarter thru September 7, 2019. It’s fully funded, so you don’t need to pledge money – though you can still get a discount on a complete bike if you do. Oh, and the engineer is an ex-Jaguar and Land Rover employee, giving them some extra street cred.

The 6000-series aluminum frame is quite clever, fitting a 1.2kg (2.6lb) lithium ion battery inside. The battery has a 250Wh capacity powering a 220-watt rear hub motor, giving a range of up to 50km or 30 miles on a charge (according to the Kickstarter page – their website separately quotes a 30-50km range).

The frame also includes a clever suspension consisting of rubber discs sandwiched between hard aluminum discs, said to smooth out the road better than rigid folding bikes. We’d classify it more as an elastomer system, with no active damping.

Just how do you fold down the FLIT-16 – and how small does it go? Check out this quick Youtube video for a demo:

The FLIT-16 is available in only one size, with full specifications and weight limits listed in the table below.

The FLIT-16 will be available in three colors: Maya Blue, Marengo Grey, Blaze Orange. Retail price is 2,500 Euro, with reduced pricing available for Kickstarter supporters. FLIT expects deliveries to begin in March 2020 to select countries.

KickStarter.com

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