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If need be, this week’s news shows the big difference in how many manufacturers approach e-bike design in the US and European markets. The QuietKat Lynx (from a Colorado-based company) looks extremely powerful and extremely capable, with its huge 2-speed hub motor and software switching, allowing it to be used in a variety of conditions that may have different legal rules for power and speed . Weight considerations are obviously secondary, as this is definitely not a light e-bike.
In contrast, Italian company 3T has a background in lightweight road bikes, so it’s no surprise that they’ve developed a 26.5-pound electric gravel bike. Assistance is limited to the European speed limit of 15.5 mph and there is no throttle and no ability to vary the top speed for different government regulations. It’s clearly aimed at those who have at least some inclination towards sport cycling – perhaps ‘transitioners’ from the world of unsupported cycling. The bikes are about as far apart as possible for assisted two-wheelers and offer very different advantages and disadvantages, but both describe themselves as e-bikes; This variety of designs is one of the beauties of the e-bike world.
In this week E-bike news:
- QuietKat Lynx – a super capable full suspension e-bike with dual speed motor
- Propella’s newest lightweight with torque sensor
- The new 3T e-gravel bike weighs 26.5 pounds
- E-quad delivery vehicles are to be legalized on bike paths in New York
- Driven’s Clever Orbit Drive seeks equity crowdfunding
- More on the Van Moof bankruptcy saga
QuietKat Lynx – a cafe moto-style e-bike with a dual-speed hub motor now available for pre-order
QuietKat’s lynx is something completely different; a full suspension e-bike with an unusual 2-speed 1000W hub motor – the two-speed functionality of the motor makes it a pretty unique e-bike that should theoretically be better able to deliver high torque motor assistance low speeds and also move you forward at high speeds. While that 1,000-watt output would put it outside the U.S.-legal class of e-bikes if there were no restrictions, QuietKat says the Lynx features Variable Power Output (VPO™) technology is that gives the rider the ability to change the bike’s class system works and allows access to more terrain and trails.’
Other features include a 960Wh battery, twist throttle, 180mm KKE front fork and rear mechanical spring shock absorber with 100mm travel, 24×4.0-inch off-road moto tires, luggage rack and hardwired lights. The wireless functions associated with the smartphone include remote control and location tracking.
The Lynx will be available in late summer 2023 and will retail for around $4,000
Propella announces lightweight step-through model with torque detection
Propella describes this 9S PRO V2.0 as their “first entry-level model that combines our affordable, lightweight design approach with torque sensor technology, UL-certified 350Wh battery and more.”
Total weight is just 42.5 lbs (19.1 kg) and other features include an optional step-over frame, hydraulic disc brakes, 9-speed derailleur, 2-inch wide tires and an integrated headlight.
Propella is currently accepting a $200 deposit for estimated delivery in December 2023.
3T Ultra Boost; an e-gravel bike weighing just 12 kg
The new Ultra Boost is the electric version of the 3T Exploro Racemax Boost and is said to weigh just 26.5 pounds. How does 3T, based in Italy, keep the weight so low? First, they use a carbon frame and then the extremely light Mahle X20 rear hub motor, which can apparently produce 55 Nm of torque despite its small size. There is also a relatively small 350Wh battery integrated into the frame, but this can be expanded to 523Wh using the range extender, allowing for very long rides given the low weight and efficiency of this sporty bike design.
There are twelve derailleur gears and hydraulic disc brakes from SRAM. The new 3T Ultra Boost is available in three different variants. It is available with 700c or 650b wheels in drop bar and flat bar versions. The price for each variant is 5,999 euros / £6,173 / $6,531 at current exchange rates.
Larger e-cargo bikes on the way to the NYC Bike Lanes
“A proposed rule update in New York will pave the way for four-wheeled electric cargo bikes that look like small vans with bike pedals to share bike lanes and streets.” according to Electrek.
The article states, “Most bicycle laws in the U.S. require either two or three wheels to be legally classified as a bicycle, and therefore four-wheeled e-bikes have not yet become widespread in the country,” but “according to the NYC.” DOT, The updated rule would “expand low- or zero-emission options for freight deliveries – including packages and groceries – by allowing the use of pedal bicycles up to 48 inches (122 cm) wide and up to four wheels.”
UPS began testing four-wheeled e-quads about a year ago – more details in the video below:
Innovative driven gearbox suitable for medium drives seeks equity crowdfunding
The British ebiketips report how ‘Driven Technologies is seeking crowdfunding to bring its innovative Orbit Drive bevel differential gear for e-bikes to market. “The idea is to provide a continuously variable drive system that is completely housed in a cast housing, so it is protected from the elements.”
Note that this is not an engine per se, but a continuously variable transmission system, similar to the Enviolo system, where there are no steps between gears. A mid-motor drives the Orbit Drive and a secondary motor changes the speed of the output shaft that drives the rear wheel, while the pedal cranks continue to run at the same pace that is comfortable for the driver. While the example given is a shaft drive, which is very unusual, the system could work equally well with a chain drive.
Here is a visual demonstration:
Van Moof’s options narrowing
We covered the saga of in last week’s news Van Moofs Bankruptcy and the obvious possibility that the debt-ridden company will be rescued as a going concern if a buyer is found – giving existing Van Moof customers hope that normal service could resume.
However, The British magazine Cycling Electric reports about the dwindling opportunities for the company as another buyer has withdrawn from the process to find a buyer for the Netherlands-based company, which has customers around the world; “Cycling Electric learned this evening (August 23) that the offer for VanMoof proposed by former Accell Group veteran Brian Mogensen and his proposed investment partners will cease to exist within 36 hours.”
That’s not to say riders of the high-tech, minimalist-design city e-bikes are completely left out, as Cycling Electric also notes: “Numerous outside companies are considering how they will serve VanMoof bikes and customers in the future some even up to 100%.” Adaptation or recovery of parts from the fleet in circulation.
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