Check out our list of the 10 fastest electric bikes in the planet to see the fastest ebikes ever created.
With the news last month of their acquisition of Italian motorcycle-maker Ducati for $1.2 billion in an uncommon move for an auto manufacturer, Audi is making some more quick moves in the 2-wheel motorsport category. The dealership network of Ducati might give Audi access to a quick, global distribution network for high-end, high-performance E-bikes.
Additionally, VW, which is a subsidiary of Audi, has been working on “last mile transportation”a project that emphasizes the use of short-distance urban transportation.
Audi’s concept electric bicycle is what you would anticipate when some of Europe’s top auto engineers and modernist designers get together and decide to design a flagship electric bicycle without cutting any corners.
The Audi E-bike is built with unique carbon fiber components, including the front suspension forks and a full-suspension carbon fiber frame. Some in the e-bike industry believe that this bike was partially designed by PG Bikes, the company that created the $80K Blacktrail, because of the rims’ striking resemblance to those on that bike. The absurdly expensive Blacktrail was undoubtedly on the minds of the Audi ebike designers when they created their machine.
The Blacktrail, a renowned German design created by Clean Mobile, and the Audi E-bike share the same “Harmonic Drive System.” Clean Mobile creates unique bottom-bracket drive systems for high-end, high-end bikes built by forward-thinking European businesses like KTM (see Egnition article here). Ironically, Clean Mobile recently underwent a change in ownership as well, first declaring bankruptcy, then being purchased by TQ-Systems GmbH, and changing most of its workforce only a month ago.
The main feature of the Clean Mobile-designed Audi drive system is that it keeps the motor weight in the middle of the frame (unlike most hub powered bikes, which have their heavier motor-weight awkwardly placed in rear wheel). The ability to drive the power through the bicycle’s gear system is what matters most. As we all know, electric motors tend to spin swiftly at a high-rpm, so this allows the motor to function in its efficiency zone. Most premium electric bicycles like this opt for an In the Gear hub transmission like the 14 speed Rohloff produced in Germany (see our article on the Rohloff here).
Given the other bicycle technology flashing in this bike, like the $800 Brakeforce One carbon fiber hydraulic brakes, we are very surprised that Audi chose to stick with a traditional derailleur system. We believe that choosing a derailleur over a Rohloff was a concession Audi had to make in order to fit the carbon rims with attached carbon spokes. If and when the bike is put into production, this design error will likely be fixed. On an e-bike, carbon rims with integrated spokes are just decorative and add significantly to the cost. To give you an idea, a replacement set of wheels and rims for the Blacktrail bike, which has an identical carbon wheel set, costs a startling $5,000.
The Audi E-bike was made with lightness, power, and maneuverability in mind. This is undoubtedly for BMX-style antics like those in the video, given the Audi does not have a large and hefty battery pack with it. Instead, it is equipped with a compact, lightweight, quick-change pack that gives the rider the option of riding “naked for short distances…or dragging an extra battery pack in a backpack for longer journeys.”
The majority of the significant weight (the battery and motor) is positioned relatively low and in the center of the frame, giving the bike a balanced appearance. The best part is that it weighs only 46 pounds, which is extremely light for a full suspension electric bike.
A motorcycle-like seat that can fold while you’re riding the E-bike into a trials-style bike for leaping and stunt riding is another intriguing design feature. A fantastic futuristic addition is the integrated brake/tail light on the back of the seat. The video down below makes it quite evident that the Audi E-bike also includes LED lights integrated into the front of the handlebar. This E-bike is a demonstration of slick, integrated, forward-thinking design thanks to ingenious touches like these.
Other features include a built-in Android smartphone software that acts as the bike’s electronic control system. This app can switch between five cycling modes, including Pure, Pedelec, eGrip, Power Wheelie, and Balanced Wheelie, as well as monitor battery life and speed. A torque sensor is also used by the bike to determine how much the rider is pedaling and how much power to add. A lock feature that locks the back wheel and sounds an alert if someone tries to grab and dash your $2OK bike is another great feature of this management system. Overall, this is one of the most outstanding software-related efforts we have seen in an e-bike. You can see where an Android phone is linked to the frame in this photo:
In This Article...
Audi Electric Bike
See what the 2300-Watt Audi E-bike is capable of by watching the videos below. The rider is Julien Dupont, a well-known French trials rider:
The Audi E-bike is currently only a concept prototype, and Audi has not yet made any announcements on its intended release. Given the significant R&D investment already made, we predict that this E-bike will be available for purchase within the next several years.
But do not expect it to be inexpensive.
German-made and carbon fiber are not synonymous with inexpensive. This bike’s brakes alone, the German-made, carbon fiber Brakeforce Ones, cost $800. Industry experts estimate that the bike will cost around $20,000.
Read our story here to view a list of the top 10 most costly ebikes currently on the market.
What is the price of the Audi bike?
The newest bicycle from German automaker Audi has been unreasonably lightweight (link in Japanese). The carbon fiber frame of the Audi Sport Racing Bike, manufactured by the Japanese manufacturer Toray, is just 790 grams (1.74 pounds) lighter than a Macbook Air. The whole bike weights just 5.8 kg when the wheels are added (12.78 pounds).
Of course, there is a catch. The bike is being offered by Audi for $17,500, which is about the same price as a brand-new inexpensive car (Audi doesn’t offer cars that inexpensively, though). Even if you had the money, good luck locating one. Only 50 of them will be produced by the luxury vehicle company and are only accessible upon request.
The bicycle was first introduced by Audi at the Geneva Motor Show in March, and it was only recently displayed in Audi’s Tokyo showroom. According to The Wall Street Journal, at least one will soon be available for purchase in Japan (paywall).
The bike from Audi is the newest item in the trend of premium automakers selling made-to-order goods at exorbitant prices. The Phantom Coupe, one of many customised vehicles offered by Rolls Royce, costs close to $500,000. The DB10, the newest vehicle from Aston Martin for the upcoming James Bond movie Spectre, was debuted in December. Only 10 of them were produced by the corporation, and they have not yet been distributed to the general public. But when and if they do, we can assume they’ll be quite expensive.
The speed of the Audi e-bike.
Audi showcased their svelte electric bike idea, appropriately called the e-bike Wrthersee, while participating in the 2012 Wrthersee Tour. The bike, which weighs only 3.53 pounds and is made of carbon fiber, was allegedly designed with “sport, enjoyment, and stunts” in mind, according to the manufacturer. The bike has an integrated computer with a touchscreen that shows the rider’s current road speed, distance, slope angle, and even allows users to film trick sequences, making it one of the most technologically advanced designs we’ve seen.
Three different modes of propulsion are available for the e-bike Wrthersee: manual pedaling, footwork and electric propulsion (with speeds up to 50 mph), and electric propulsion alone (with top speeds of 31 mph). Additionally, Audi has included two “Wheelie” settings that let users cruise solely on the back wheel. Additionally, a swappable 530Wh lithium-ion battery pack powers the bike’s electric features and, according to Audi, charges in about 2.5 hours.
The prototype can also establish a WLAN connection with cellphones, enabling users to, for example, use their phones to unlock the device’s security system. Riders can participate in trick challenges thanks to integrated Facebook compatibility. Audi boasts that the e-bike Wrthersee can upload stunt data to your account and provide global standings via its display. We currently live in a time where monitoring social media from a bicycle seat is possible.
How much does a typical e-bike cost?
Average Prices An electric bike typically costs between $600 and $1,000. Additionally, there are several eBike versions that cost significantly more than $1,000, with some going for as much as $8,000. The average cost of an eBike ride is about $1,000.
Which electric bike should you purchase?
Ather 450X, Revolt RV400, Bajaj Chetak, and other top electric motorcycles and scooters available in India.
- 450/450X Ather.
- RV400 Revolt
- The Bajaj Chetak.
- iQube 2022 by TVS.
- Photon the hero
- E1 of Bounce Infinity.
- One Simple.
- brave Eddy.
What ebike is the fastest?
The Delfast Top 3.0 is thought to be the world’s swiftest electric bicycle. The Top 3.0 is the fastest production e-bike, with a top speed of 50 mph (80 km/h). This is the end effect of employing a high-capacity battery to power a 3000 W electric motor. Because we believe it blurs the line between an electric motorbike and a true e-bike, we did not include it on our list; however, you can decide for yourself after viewing the images below.
Has Audi ever had a motorcycle?
Many motorbike riders were perplexed when the German automaker Audi acquired the Italian maker of motorcycles Ducati in April of last year. The passionate supporters of the flamboyantly Italian Ducati marque wept, fearing that the automotive behemoth would impose Teutonic stiffness on it.
There was no need to wring one’s hands. Audi’s other well-known Italian asset, Lamborghini, is not micromanaged by the company. And in a July speech to Ducati employees, Audi CEO Rupert Stadler made a crucial pledge: “Ladies and gentlemen…you have my guarantee: Ducati remains Ducati.
I recently traveled to Bilbao, Spain, for the 2013 Ducati Multistrada 1200’s global press debut. We had a 24-hour stopover in Munich, Germany, on our way from Los Angeles to Bilbao, which allowed us the chance to guzzle liters of dunkel and eat sausages, sauerkraut, and pretzels in the Hofbrauhaus during Oktoberfest. However, a trip to the Audi Museum at the company’s headquarters in Ingolstadt, about an hour from Munich, was the main reason for our time in Bavaria.
I didn’t know much about Audi because I’m not a car guy, and I had no idea of the company’s lengthy history. I was surprised to see a large number of motorcycles amid the dozens of cars that were produced over a century ago. And they weren’t only there to placate a few moto-journalists from North America. The motorcycles are a permanent display in the museum.
In 1899, August Horch founded his own vehicle business, A. Horch & Cie. After being fired from the supervisory board ten years later, Horch started a new business named Audi. (Horch is German for “hear,” and Audi is Latin for “to listen. Auto Union was created in the early 1930s when Horch, DKW, and Wanderer united with Audi. German manufacturers of both cars and motorcycles were DKW and Wanderer. The symbol with four interlocking ringsone for each firm in the unionbegan to be utilized, and it is still present in the Audi logo today.
Some Auto Union trademarks vanished as a result of World War II’s turbulence and the shifting dynamics of the German auto industry, and the firm experienced a wave of mergers and acquisitions. In 1958, Daimler-Benz bought Auto Union, but due to poor financial performance, soon sold company. Midway through the 1960s, Volkswagen purchased Vehicle Union, and in 1969, the business amalgamated with NSU, a different German auto and motorbike producer.
Audi established itself as a recognized global brand in the 1970s and the first part of the 1980s, whereas Auto Union and NSU were consigned to obscurity. Motorized two-wheelers have played a significant role in the rich history of the corporation, even though motorbikes have never been produced under the Audi brand and are not likely to do so in the future. The Audi Museum doesn’t currently have any Ducatis, but they will blend in perfectly.
(We sincerely apologize for the few blurry pictures. The low light levels and my shaky hand contributed to the blurry quality of all the photos, which were all taken with my iPhone.)
How long do batteries for e-bikes last?
It’s critical to choose a high-quality battery for your electric bike and to take care of it because the battery is often only worth around a third of the value of the total bicycle.
With all of our electric bikes, Pedego Canada provides a 5 Year Prorated Battery Warranty, one of the finest in the industry. Our batteries’ high-quality cells are the reason for our confidence in them. Do not purchase an electric bike with a battery guarantee that is less than five years, and try to acquire a battery from one of the top manufacturers if at all possible “brand-name batteries from Samsung, Panasonic, or Sony. Cheap electric bicycles, such as those sold at Costco, are not made with the manufacturing standards or warranties that will allow you to use the bike for many years. We advise you to invest a little extra money up front to avoid headaches (or worse, the garbage dump) afterwards.
Nowadays, the likelihood is that every electric bike you purchase is powered by a lithium-based battery. Despite being around since 1912, lithium batteries have only recently gained popularity and become cost-effective for use in consumer applications. Lithium-ion batteries and lithium polymer (also known as “The type of electrolyte employed differentiates lithium-ion polymer batteries from one another. Apart from that, there isn’t a big difference: Although Li-Polymer enables a modest increase in energy density, it is 1030% more expensive, therefore manufacturers haven’t yet decided which is better.
Additionally, a variety of lithium chemistries are available in various batteries, and although some manufacturers may claim that their products are more durable than others, the single most significant element determining a battery’s life is how well it is taken care of. A battery should normally last between three and five years with proper care. (Even if a lithium battery isn’t used, it will gradually lose capacity over time.) The three actions listed below will help you make sure your electric bike battery lasts as long as possible.
#1. Keep The Battery Cool
The environment has a significant impact on lithium batteries. For instance, leaving one in the scorching sun in your car will definitely shorten the life of your battery. In actuality, storing a fully charged battery at high temperatures would be the worst case scenario. As a general rule, keep your bicycle out of the sun for extended periods of time. When not in use, keep your battery in a cool location, preferably below 20 degrees Celsius (68F). The effects of temperature on a battery’s recoverable capacity are depicted in the graph below, which was provided by Battery University.
#2. Store A Battery Partially ChargedBut Not Too Low!
The figure above also illustrates how storing a fully charged battery affects its recoverable capacity. As we noted above, a lithium-ion battery can steadily discharge over time even when you’re not using it, so storing a totally discharged battery could be fatal. Depending on how long the voltage is allowed to linger below a specific point, it may result in irreversible cell damage. Ideally, the battery should be charged to between roughly 80% and 40% of its full capacity before being kept for an extended period of time. Simply change to this level before charging it for storage if your charger has a lower “storage” voltage setting. A simple substitute is to ride the bike once it has fully charged and before storing it.
Additionally, avoid leaving your battery on the charger for extended periods of time because doing so will shorten its lifespan if you keep it at or near 100%. Over the winter, you can also check your battery every few months. You can quickly recharge the battery if you see that the indication has fallen below the recommended storage voltage (this is unlikely to be needed if the battery was at 40 percent or above). It’s usually a good idea to charge the battery for 30 minutes every few months if it doesn’t have a battery indicator. Once more, try to avoid storing the battery fully charged (although it won’t be the end of the world if it does).
#3. Don’t Regularly Fully Discharge Your Battery
Amazingly, despite the fact that full battery discharge on a regular basis has been shown to be harmful, tech websites still recommend it. The graph below, which was also provided by Battery University, shows that it is hazardous to consistently deplete lithium-ion batteries to 0% and that partial discharges with frequent top-ups are necessary to increase the number of recharge cycles the batteries can withstand. On that very long trip, the occasional full discharge is not a problem. Lithium batteries don’t have the “memory effect” that some other battery chemistries do, therefore it’s alright to top them off frequently and, as the chart below illustrates, it’s ideal to use them at the top half of their discharge cycle. It is slightly preferable to charge it every few rides rather than every ride if you frequently take short trips (to avoid long periods at or close to 100 percent charge, as discussed above).
An additional reminder during the winter months is to make sure your battery is above freezing before charging to avoid damaging the cells. As long as you let the battery warm up before charging, riding the bike in below-freezing temperatures is not an issue or harmful to the battery. It is typical and expected to have a decrease in power and range when riding in really cold conditions. By bringing the battery inside anytime you aren’t riding, you can assist prevent this by maintaining the battery’s temperature. You’ll gain that extra power this way!
Your battery’s lifespan will be considerably extended if you maintain and store it properly as described above. A properly managed lithium battery will last three to five years, whereas a battery that is not properly maintained may suffer severe damage after just one season or even earlier. Check out the fantastic online resource at Battery University, where the aforementioned charts were sourced, for more in-depth, scientific details about batteries and how to take care of them.