Despite acknowledging that there are over 30 million E-Bike sales per year, Ford won’t put its E-Bike concept into mass production. With frame weight of just 2.5kg, a range of up to 85km and killer looks, it’s a bloody great shame.
The E-Bike Concept was shown off at the Frankfurt Motor Show to “show how the company’s design language can translate to a bicycle”, reads the press release. Rather than putting these awesome machines into production, Ford will “…continue studying the concept along with other future mobility solutions.” As far as we’re concerned, that’s a massive cop out. With pollution only increasing and urban density getting worse, Ford would be wise to get a jump start on its competitors and release something ahead of the curve, especially something that looks THIS good!
It’s a particularly good development for Australians, especially those living in Sydney and Melbourne who are beginning to benefit from bicycle lanes being introduced in and around the city. The Ford E-Bike has been developed for both males and females and features some rather impressive kit as well. The press release says it best itself: “Providing the power is a drive system consisting of a motor in the front wheel hub, a lithium-ion battery concealed in the frame, promising a range of up to 85km on a full charge, an integrated controller and patented magnetostriction sensor technology from the world of Formula One.
“Magneotostrictive materials are used to convert magnetic energy into kinetic energy, and vice versa. In Formula One, these sensors help handle high engine revolutions in combination with intense thermal strains. They need no physical contact with other parts of the engine, are temperature-independent and are completely maintenance-free.
“In the Ford E-Bike, the first application of this technology in the bicycle industry, the sensors read the revolutions in the inner bearing and relay this information to the control unit within a hundredth of a second. The control unit then instantly activates or deactivates the electric motor, providing a seamless integration of the power of the legs with the power of the motor.
A handlebar-mounted display provides trip information and allows the rider to select from three support modes – Economy, Comfort and Sport.
“The drive system is complemented by top-of-the-range bicycle components, including a Shimano Alfine 11-speed internal gear hub and a 2012 Shimano Rapidfire shifter. In place of a traditional chain is a Carbon Belt Drive System, making for a cleaner, lighter and more immediate transfer of energy.”
Damian Francis has previously edited Australian T3 and F1 Racing magazine and wrote for GQ Australia and Men’s Health. Unlike Nick and Trev, he has no kids, no mortgage and no wife, but lives happily on Sydney’s North Shore with his girlfriend.
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