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Pure Cycles plugs a new e-bike into the market with their smart, integrated Volta

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You don’t have to be an average Joe, non-cyclist to have an interest in e-bikes. The idea behind them makes a lot of sense – increased riding range & reduced efforts for a true transport alternative. But there have been a few aspects that give potential owners pause before making the investment. That’s because historically e-bikes have been hefty machines with bulbous batteries; not to mention the high cost for early adopters and a bit of a stigma for not pedaling on your own. Pure Cycles has created the Volta, trying to redefine what that standard e-bike is though. It gets rid of the usual clunky look, with a sleek utilitarian design, and is using crowdfunding to get a Kickstart. Get the full scoop after the break…

 

At first glance, the pedal-assist Volta appears to be your standard comfort focused commuter. Its upright position, integrated front basket and lights all reflect this. Under the hood though, it provides riders with a 40 mile range, a battery stored internally in the toptube, automatically activating lights (front & back), and GPS capabilities. The GPS allows owners to track fitness and bike security from an iOS mobile app. It’ll even notify you if the bike is moved from its locked position.  Those with apartments or tall garage storage systems will appreciate its 35lb build and open body design.

photos & video c. Pure Cycles

There are two drivetrain options for the bike – a belt-drive single speed setup or a SRAM 8 speed. They’re both connected to a 250W pedal-assist motor with a gear ratio of 14:1 capable of reaching 20 mph and 3 motor output levels, with its torque assist sensor at the bottom bracket controlling when your power gets boosted. When braking the motor is automatically cut to eliminate the risk of a ghost rider situation. A Panasonic 2.9Ah Lithium Ion battery (update: 10s2p 2.9Ah cell battery) provides a total voltage capacity of 32-42V: 5.8Ah for that max claimed 40 mile range in the lowest powered eco mode, and recharges in 2 hours.

The EU & US certified Pure Cycles Volta has just been launched on Kickstarter today where it has already flown through 3/4 of their funding goal. The Volta starts form a $1,400 pledge with deliveries anticipate in August 2017.

PureCycles.com

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VazzedUp
VazzedUp
7 years ago

So once you got your grocery bag on the front, the light is now hidden, and no option for rear pannier? Sad as the rest looks like a nice simple setup.

Chris
Chris
7 years ago
Reply to  VazzedUp

Yeah, I thought the same thing! Big design fail. Also no fenders which seems pretty dumb for a city bike.

Michael Fishman
7 years ago
Reply to  Chris

Hey Chris & VazzedUp –

Jimmy is right! We have a pledge option on our Kickstarter to order your Volta with fenders and a rear rack for only $100 more. Glad to hear that you like the setup!

Jimmy
Jimmy
7 years ago

Looks like you can add a rear rack/pannier/fenders

VazzedUp
VazzedUp
7 years ago
Reply to  Jimmy

Think what you see are seat post clamp bolt, looks like the only rear pannier that would fit are the ones that bolt to the seat post, so only good for top boxes.

JBikes
JBikes
7 years ago
Reply to  VazzedUp

I’d guess the whole chainstay assembly thing would be replaced with one featuring and integrated rack

JBikes
JBikes
7 years ago
Reply to  JBikes

…seatstay…

Jordan
7 years ago
Reply to  VazzedUp

Hey, Jordan from Pure Cycles here! You’re right that those bolts are the seatpost clamp, but the great news is that we’ve got a rear rack engineered to fit Volta perfectly! It’s included in the Messenger, Commuter, Night Rider, and Security packs on Kickstarter and we’ll also have them available for after-market purchase once the bikes start rolling out!

Sean Fissel
7 years ago
Reply to  Jordan

make a pedal-less version too please!

comment image

PJ
PJ
7 years ago
Reply to  Jordan

Thanks for the info. Unfortunately you are locking buyers into your proprietary rack system. Why not design the bike so *any* currently available rack can be bolted on? Design fail. I’d like to use this as a delivery bike so a step-through frame would be nice as would a 2-leg kickstand.

LGonBikeRumor
7 years ago

Why would you not install the battery in the downtube?

Dave
Dave
7 years ago

“A Panasonic 2.9Ah Lithium Ion battery provides 32-42V at 5.8Ah ”

This makes no sense. Either the battery’s capacity is 2.9Ah or 5.8Ah but not both. If it is supposed to mean the battery provides 5.8 Amps at 32 to 42 volts that 185 to 243 watts which does seem reasonable.

ImWithStupid^
ImWithStupid^
7 years ago
Reply to  Dave

A single battery cell has a capacity of 2.9Ah. The entire battery has a capacity of 5.8Ah (2 strings of cells).

typevertigo
typevertigo
7 years ago

I like the general concept and how nicely it hides away its battery…but some design decisions leave me scratching my head.

That said, I hope they succeed. I like that they didn’t dwell too much on the flashy integration and app smarts like many crowdfunded bikes (electric-assist or not) these days do – seems like they chose to focus on bike fundamentals instead.

ascarlarkinyar
ascarlarkinyar
7 years ago

Please go to motorcyclerumor.com and post your negative comments there. This is a bicycle community.

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