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Will new technologies show the e-bike industry the way forward and out of the current difficult economic environment it finds itself in? An example could be the reboot of Bird with modest technological improvements. Or do more exciting new technologies point the way to the future, as Gocycle’s new electric cargo model promises, or the news of two new e-bikes powered by fast-charging supercapacitors, not to mention industry collaboration on vehicle-to-vehicle Car wireless technology?
While you wait for the new technology to roll out, you can always console yourself with some real bargains (some of the best are highlighted in this week’s news) – a benefit for consumers given the current financial pressures on many e-bike companies.
In this week E-bike news:
- Bird unveils new e-bike design
- Gocycle go E-Cargo
- Tough times for the e-bike industry – the pros and cons
- New York – Latest news on e-bike regulations
- What is V2X technology and why could it be used in future e-bikes?
- Supercapacitor models from Anod and Pi-Pop
Bird’s new e-bike design deviates from the Vanmoof look and gains new features
Bird is known for its joint e-scooter and e-bike programs, but also sells them Own brand e-bikes released directly to the public for some time – their original offering was widely criticized for being, at least visually, a copy of Van Moof.
As Winding Road notes“Bird’s previous e-bike models had attracted criticism for their similarity to those of the now-defunct VanMoof.” Bird was keen to distance itself from its association with VanMoof’s bankruptcy, and this latest release represents a clear break with the past. “
The new Bird Bike features an updated frame that looks less like a Van Moof, 7-speed Shimano gears and a larger capacity battery. Full details are not yet available, but there will apparently be different model options within the new range.
However, some details are available as mentioned in the article. “ In addition, the brand’s website was created in collaboration with TradeHubbsuggests the availability of a belt drive system, although pricing and specific specifications for this version have yet to be revealed.’
The article also mentions a 500-watt rear hub motor, a 504 Wh battery, and UL 2859 and UL 2771 certifications. There will also be alarm location tracking and hard-wired lights. The “no more than $1,299” price tag almost looks too good to be true given what’s on offer. The planned start date is spring 2024.
The Gocycle family cargo model will appear in 2024
UK-based Gocycle, maker of the iconic folding e-bike range, has just announced:
“We are excited to announce that we will be making a new debut Family cargo electric bike in 2024. The Gocycle Family Cargo will join the award-winning G4, G4i and G4i+ quick-fold models in Gocycle’s 2024 lineup.”
Gocycle’s current design is unique and an icon of e-bike design with innovative features such as single-sided forks and one-piece frame elements instead of the traditional tube design.
We have no idea what Gocycle came up with for its cargo design, and the video below reveals little. But since it’s a Gocycle, it’s likely to look eye-catching and feature an innovative design.
In the press release we learn that this is just the beginning of a series of new models – as Richard Thorpe, Gocycle designer and founder, comments:
“In the coming years, we will expand the G4 Gocycle range with additional new models in various market segments, including both non-folding and non-electric models.”
Tough times for the e-bike industry – companies go bankrupt, but others offer bargains
Following the bankruptcy and sale of Van Moof, there was a deluge of bad financial news for e-bike companies. It seems to be the once extremely successful Danish company Mate on the verge of bankruptcy while e-bikenews reports fahrrad.de is in crisis anyway Wobble/chain reaction – all sell e-bikes from a wide range of bikes.
The downside for consumers is that with increasing financial pressure on e-bike (and bicycle) companies after the Covid sales boom comes more discounts. To pick just a few examples: Cycling Electric reports significant price cuts on several Specialized offerings Cleantechnica report $1,000 off when you purchase a pair of e-bikes.
New York battery fires; The council wants apps to provide access to certified batteries and chargers
Bicycle & Retailer Industry News (BRAIN) reports on the New York City Council’s recent moves to curb the increasing e-bike fires in NYC – in this case focusing on the app companies that provide work to the city’s many food delivery drivers:
“The City Council met Monday with the Workers’ Consumer Protection Committee to discuss a bill that would require third-party delivery app providers like DoorDash to provide workers with access to certified e-bikes and batteries, and another that would which would require workers to carry an e-bike.” Bicycle safety course developed by the Ministry of Transport.
A new bill aimed at curbing the increasing lithium-ion fires and requiring e-bike or e-scooter companies to obtain a license to operate in the city was also introduced on Monday.
Big e-bike names join the Vehicle to Vehicle Comms Group
Cycling Electric from Great Britain reports:
“Bosch, Trek, Shimano, Gazelle and BMC are among 19 automotive, bicycle and technology companies that will commit to a vehicle-to-vehicle (V2X) communications technology ecosystem.”
What could it mean in practice? CE gives an example:
“As an example of what a cyclist or driver could gain: a bicycle approaching an intersection becomes a warning signal to a driver who is also approaching but cannot physically see him.” The cyclist is also warned, typically on the dashboard of the e-bike or another device. Think Garmin Variabut both parties are able to visualize the road positioning, trajectory and speed of others.’
Supercapacitors are appearing on e-bikes
Unlike batteries, supercapacitors have an almost unlimited lifespan, but have a significantly lower capacity than e-bike batteries. Because they handle peak loads much better and can be recharged in seconds with the right equipment, combining the best of both technologies in a supercapacitor/battery could be an option for e-bikes. There are indications that this technology could now be “ready for e-bikes”.
Inside EVs reports that “Anod has used a unique electrical system for the hybrid that uses a combination of lithium-ion battery technology and supercapacitors. Interestingly, the article states a claimed range of 19 to 38 miles. Anod has already opened pre-orders for the hybrid on its official website. The pre-order price is listed as 3,499 euros or around $3,700, with delivery scheduled to begin in spring 2024.’
However, Anod was trumped in terms of availability the Pi Pop – which also uses supercapacitors – is now available for 2,450 euros. However, currently you can only buy the bike by picking it up from the Olivet factory in France.
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