Posted on: 01/03/2013 07:59 AM
Audi is well known for its sophisticated design and clean lines so if they were to make an e-bike this is what it would look like and it’s damn sexy. Being that we recently reviewed the iZip Hybrid Electric Bicycle we know a little something about this area. If you compare the two bikes it sadly makes the iZip look antiquated. Of course that leaves you two problems. First, the Audi bike is a concept. Second, and a deal breaker if you even want to spend 2 or 3 thousand on a bike, is that the Audi bike will most likely be 4 times that. It’s an Audi, it’s got a lot of technology in it and we all know carbon fibre is expensive. I have seen high end racing pedal bikes in the five thousand dollar range so we would expect no less than ten thousand, if this ever went to market.
The company claims the bike, featuring a lightweight 3.53-pound carbon fiber construction, has been crafted with "sport, fun, and tricks" in mind.
As a high performance e-bike for sports and trick cycling, it features the Audi core competences of design, ultra, e-tron and connect." Wolfgang Egger, Head of Design said. The bike looks dynamic, but is also designed to be functional. All design elements are secondary to the technical features. The airy frame boasts a low centre of gravity and a compact overall volume. In this way, the e- bike is agile. The lithium-ion battery is incorporated into the frame and needs 2.5 hours to fully charge and is easily replaceable.
The frame and the swinging arm that holds the back wheel are made of carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP). The same material is used for the 26" wheels, which feature broad flat spokes for an optimized transmission of pedal power. The signature Audi LED lights are also present at the front and back of the bike. For extreme tricks and stunts the seat can be lowered to run flush with the frame itself. At the press of a button, the seat then rises up and the biker can adopt a comfortable position. The electric motor is located at the lowest point on the frame and drives the bottom bracket shaft directly. The maximum torque delivered to the rear wheel is 250Nm. The electric motor generates a maximum output of around 3bhp. The complete bike excluding electrical components weighs 11kg.
Printed from Pedal To The Metal - Drive. Play. Enjoy the Ride. (http://www.pedaltothemetal.com/news_story/video_check_out_audis_high_tech11kgcarbon_fibre50_mph_e_bike.html)