Possible successor to Falcon??

[Simple6]

Concept electric bicycle offers a different take on compact urban transport.

The Frankfurt motor show saw the unveiling of a number of elaborate “urban-focused commuter vehicles”, but not all manufacturers are focusing on four-wheeled transport.

Take Ford, for instance. The Blue Oval brand has revealed its new E-Bike concept pushbike that it says “could be an innovative solution for urban mobility”.

The E-Bike concept is part plug-in and part pushy, with a conventional cog set at the rear wheel and a front wheel-mounted electronic hub that can also be used to propel the bike.

Advertisement: Story continues below
"The e-bike market is growing very, very rapidly, with some 30 million units sold globally last year," says Axel Wilke, director of vehicle personalisation from Ford’s European service division.

"We see e-bikes as an important element of urban electric mobility. More and more people are using e bikes for short distance commuting and they are becoming comfortable with the concept of electric mobility."

Ford says it has taken inspiration from technology used in formula one in the form of “magnetostrictive” materials, which “are used to convert magnetic energy into kinetic energy, and vice versa”, with sensors able to provide “a seamless integration of the power of the legs with the power of the motor” by switching between or blending the two power sources “within a hundredth of a second”.

The trapezoidal frame is constructed of lightweight aluminium and carbon fibre, tipping the scales at just 2.5kg. The frame houses the integrated lithium-ion battery which is good for 85 kilometres on a full charge, and takes just two hours to charge to 80 per cent or four hours for a full fill.

Despite Ford admitting that bikes like this are important for the future of transport, the US-based company says it isn’t planning on bringing the E-Bike to production.

http://smh.drive.com.au/motor-news/f...920-1kj5j.html



I actually think it's fairly cool.

[Fled74]

I saw that last night. I agree, it looks cool. I'd ride it.

[phillyc]

Like it. Ripper range at 85km.

[Franco Cozzo]

Seat looks a bit uncomfortable and slim, it'd probably sit between my *** cheeks.

[kenz]

Originally Posted by Big Damo

Seat looks a bit uncomfortable and slim, it'd probably sit between my *** cheeks.

yea it needs a little bucket seat

[Reaper8]

isnt it funny how ford spend all this money on conceps not to put into production seems a waste. look at the hype the au coupe had but oh no were not going to sell it ( would have made a good GT ) just seems a waste of time and money.

[aussie muscle]

That version is a concept, and the production version will have a huge battery pack installed on it.

[davenl5l]

old school girls bike ?

[dimka100]

Numerous carbon fibre bikes cost more than a new Falcon does, would not surprise me if this one falls into the same boat …

But it would be awesome to have one, would make running circles in Centennial Park a real hard work