Why does an auto-maker like Ford offer an e-bike, even as a concept, when they’re (1) strapped for cash and (2) pre-occupied with bringing new technology into their four-wheeled vehicles. Could be just a PR gambit. Could be someone saw all these technologies on the shelf and thought cobbling them into a bike might be a worthwhile demonstration of the company’s capabilities. Or it could be that someone thought revenue-hungry Ford might actually be able to sell some of these.
We’re going with that last hypothesis. The concept bike unveiled at the Frankfort Motor Show looks like it would sell, especially to recreation-minded seniors. It blends a 350w front-mounted motor with advanced “magnetostriction” sensor technologies from Formula One race cars, high-end bike components and an interesting unisex design—although one that looks like it’s set up more for riding than pedaling. (Ford says this about magnetostrictive materials: they are used to “convert magnetic energy into kinetic energy, and vice versa.” And now you know.)
As introduced, the aluminum and carbon fiber Ford E-Bike frame weighs just 2.5 kg. Components include a Shimano Alfine 11-speed internal gear hub, a 2012 Shimano Rapidfire shifter and a carbon belt drive system. Click your Android phone onto the handle bars and you’ll be able to change the suspension modes, monitor the battery and pull up navigation tools. (An iPhone app is in the works.)
Performance is pretty impressive: a top speed of 25 km/hour and a range of 85 km on a charge. The charge time is a reasonable 80 percent after 2 hours and a full 100 percent after 3-4 hours (at room temperature).
What’s it good for, though? The company talks a lot about mobility. And commuting. We think it might also be an interesting choice for recreation. As much as we are sort of purists about the gear we use—and sort of prejudiced against energy toys—we don’t put this in the same category as a jet ski. Sometimes you need a chair lift to get up the hill; sometimes you want a little assistance on your trip through the Alps. Is it cheating? A bit. Do we care? Not so much.
