E-bike news: E-bike racing series started, adjustable e-bike saddle introduced, French military tests e-bikes, Engwe introduces new model
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January 19, 2024
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The FIM, the governing body of international motorcycle racing, is launching a new e-bike racing series that will take place in city centers and pit men and women against equal money; Prosthesis manufacturer Quorum has adopted its patented grid technology in a new adjustable saddle for e-bikes; the French military is testing e-bikes for combat use; Engwe has introduced a new commuter bike, the P275, the most advanced e-bike to date. The Bicycle Coalition of Maine has called on the state to expand rebates for e-bikes.
In this week E-bike news:
- FIM launches e-bike racing series to demonstrate sustainable mobility
- Quorum introduces the Flex saddle, which allows for individual adjustment by the user
- The French army has started testing the use of e-bikes and e-motorcycles
- Engwe launches new model, the P275
- Maine Bike Coalition calls on Efficiency Maine to expand e-bike rebates
FIM launches e-bike racing series to demonstrate sustainable mobility
Motorcycle racing’s governing body, Federation Internationale de Motorcyclisme – better known as FIM – has announced a new e-bike racing series designed to showcase sustainable transport options. Ten teams, each consisting of six drivers, will compete on tracks in major city centers around the world. Each team consists of three men and three women; They compete separately but receive equal points relative to their final position. The winner of the race will depend on which team scores the most points, meaning the women’s race will be just as important as the men’s race. The men and women receive equal prize money.
We’re not sure how a racing series can demonstrate the viability of e-bikes, but they’re not wrong when they say that e-bikes are a big part of the future of sustainable mobility. The race sounds exciting. Each course is between 2.5 km (1.5 miles) and 5 km (3.1 miles) long and features steep hills called Power Zones. With a field of just 30 riders (30 for men and 30 for women), it will be impossible for any team to control the action, which should make for an explosive race. And with such small fields of participants, it will be difficult to hide until the end of the race with the intention of making the final sprint.
So far only Dubai and South Korea have been announced as venues.
Quorum introduces the Flex saddle, which allows for individual adjustment by the user
How do you make a saddle more comfortable? Quorum, a company that makes prosthetics, has converted its patented technology into an adjustable saddle design. Two “towers” in the saddle can be raised or lowered by turning a wheel under the nose of the saddle. The towers themselves are interchangeable depending on how much assistance the rider needs. The towers are made of a TPU grid.
The saddles are not yet on the market, but Quorum has founded a company Windsor Saddle Co., that will sell the saddles; You have a Waiting list that interested buyers can add their name.
To adjust the saddle, users can turn a pulley, similar to the boa wheel found in many cycling shoes, to adjust the height of the towers.
The French army has started testing the use of e-bikes and e-motorcycles
As the armed forces adapt to 21st century technologies, some militaries have begun to explore the use of e-bikes by their forces. The French military is the latest to announce that it has begun testing an e-bike and an e-motorcycle.
In collaboration with the French e-bike manufacturer LMX, the French armed forces tested two models. The e-bike is the LMX 56, a Class 3 e-bike with a top speed of 28 mph (45 km/h). The LMX 56 is no ordinary Class 3 e-bike; It has a mid-engine that produces 175Nm of torque and a maximum power of 2500W. It is powered by a 1000Wh battery and features a full-suspension design.
The electric motorcycle they are testing is the LMX 161, which has a top speed of 50 mph (80 km/h) and weighs just 99 pounds. (45kg).
Engwe launches new model, the P275
English e-bike brand Engwe introduces an upscale commuter called the P275. So far, Engwe has focused on the market’s value for money, with models retailing for less than $2,000. The new P275 takes its functions one step further.
The aluminum frame commuter will be available in both a traditional frame and step-through version. It is powered by a 250W Bafang mid-motor with a torque sensor; A torque of 70 Nm is generated. The motor is powered by a 672Wh battery, which Engwe says will last up to 150km. (150 km) per charge. The battery fits into a bright orange case behind the seat tube.
The P275 has hydraulic disc brakes and a choice of a 9-speed Shimano drive or a hub gear with Gates belt.
According to Engwe, the P275 will be available in April and will retail for $2,500.
Maine Bike Coalition calls on Efficiency Maine to expand e-bike rebates
When it comes to energy efficiency initiatives, e-bike rebates are one of the most cost-effective incentives offered by government agencies. A $1,000 discount can mean the difference between someone being able to afford an e-bike or not; Studies have shown that the typical electric car buyer will purchase that car with or without a discount.
With this in mind, the Bicycle Coalition of Maine has called on Efficiency Maine to expand the number of people eligible for e-bike rebates. Efficiency Maine is a quasi-governmental agency that typically funds organizations that serve low- to moderate-income residents, such as: E.g. public housing associations and food banks.
Currently, e-bike discounts can only be secured through agencies they fund. The Bicycle Coalition of Maine has called on Efficiency Maine to offer discounts directly to eligible individuals.
“It’s a good program (and) we’re glad they adopted it,” said Jean Sideris, executive director of the Bicycle Coalition of Maine. “However, we are disappointed that there was no individual discount because we have seen that this approach has been very successful.” It is simply a more direct way of making it easier for people to access these e-bikes, rather than relying on a service organization to have to turn.”
Efficiency Maine has not yet implemented a statewide program. Their pilot initiative was funded with $50,000. You can Learn more about Efficiency Maine’s pilot program here.
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