Velorbis has introduced the Elechic (E-LEH-sheek, get it?), a classic looking bicycle with electric power that’s hidden from view, and it says this will redefine the e-bike market. From their press release:
Velorbis believes that electric bicycles do not have to be bulky in form or unsympathetic to the classic principles of design ergonomics and aesthetics. It posed the all-important question which became its aim to solve: “Who says an electric bike cannot be sophisticated, stylish, streamlined and practical?†Velorbis has successfully answered this question by meeting its set criteria: beautifully designed bicycles with full e-bike functionality, with the motor and battery integrated in a safe and subtle way.
Instead of creating a completely new set of e-bikes, Velorbis has added an advanced electric driving system specially equipped with the latest technology and features, to its current range of designer bicycles. This innovative, unique and compact solution enables all of its renowned premium bicycle models to immediately be transformed into electric bike versions.
The easy to operate electric system includes a powerful Lithium-Ion battery pack housed in a stylish casing, and brushless motor for the front wheel, with an integrated controller to ensure optimal efficiency. A display monitor with customised software is included and for additional reliable security, a unique iButton key unlocks the electric system. The display monitor has two led bars indicating battery condition and motor support, as well as a removable multi-function bike computer and fully adjustable motor support fixed near the left handgrip.
The real beauty of the design is that all of their classic bicycle models, the Victoria Classic, Dannebrog, Scrap Deluxe (ladies and gents, shown above), Churchill Classic and Churchill Balloon, are easily converted to and available in Elechic electric bike models.
Pics and specs after the jump…
The 250W max brushless hub motor is built into the front wheel and has extra waterproofing and a stainless steel axis. It’s powered by a 37V/9Ah Lithium Ion battery pack and can be set to assist at 10 levels, up to 90% of total effort. The lowest level of assist is good for more than 85km, while the highest level can support up to 25 km/h for about a 25km distance. It’ll recharge in about five hours.
By putting the motor at the front, the rear can use a traditional wheel with a full range of gearing options, giving the bike the most versatility.
The handlebar mounted display shows battery condition (charge) and level of support as well as a multifunction trip computer that shows speed, trip distance, time and total distance. It can only be activated by a unique “iButton” key, giving each bike both a mechanical and electronic lock.
The “throttle” is a switch placed near the left grip. The control and motor have a battery management system that will automatically turn itself off after a period of non use to conserve energy. The battery pack itself can be ordered in a custom pack that mounts to the rear of the bike or in a watertight case that’s custom built into pannier luggage bags.
The remainder is from their press release:
The pedaling benefits of Velorbis’ Elechic e-bike range are three-fold. Firstly, the pedal assisted electric motor system brings added convenience and opens cycling up to a wider audience; to those who may view cycling as a physical struggle, those who have steep hills to navigate, and those who simply need an extra energy boost on their journey.
Secondly, as with all bicycles, the green benefits are clear. Cycling 5 km (3 miles) to work instead of driving can save the environment 300 kg of CO2 emissions a year.
Thirdly; customers seeking an electric bicycle can now enjoy a piece of chic Copenhagen cycling culture and an exquisitely designed bicycle with all of the superior craftsmanship, luxury and attention to detail synonymous with Velorbis.
