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.
The speed of the Audi e-bike.
Performance, design, and electric motorization are the pillars of the Audi brand, and they are all represented by the e-tron line. The German company launched its electric bicycle, or e-bike, the Wrthersee, at the same time as the Audi e-tron SUV sparked attention from enthusiasts of electric vehicles.
The Audi e-bike immediately draws notice due to its precise appearance, which hints at its technological prowess and strength. Its carbon fiber frame is extremely light, which adds to its clean, modern design. Beyond its outward design, this electric bicycle’s performance sets it apart from the other bikes on the market.
An electric bicycle with speedster-style features Audi has released a concept for an ultra-high-performance electric bicycle that is unlike anything else. The weight of an electric bicycle from Audi is only 21 kg, and it is powered by a 2.3kW electric motor that is built into the pedal assembly and produces 250Nm of torque. Its components weigh 1.6 kg for the ultralight carbon fiber frame, 600 g for each of the two CFRP wheels, and 48 V for the directly mounted lithium-ion battery (5kg).
The combination of its minimal weight and powerful motorization allows Audi to demonstrate excellent mechanical performance. Depending on how they utilize the pedals, the e-bike rider can select from a number of programs or rely entirely or partially on electric help to move forward. In “Pure mode,” the bicycle is moved forward by the rider’s legs acting naturally. The electric assistance mode known as Pedelec allows users to travel distances of 50 to 70 km at speeds up to 70 km/h. Additionally, there is the “eGrip mode, which activates the motor without forcing the operator to pedal, a top speed of 50 km/h, and lastly, the “Wheelie mode.
This mode, which is reinforced by the two submodes “Power Wheelie” and “Balanced Wheelie,” is enabled when the front wheel is in the air (doing a trick).
Range and onboard equipment The lithium-ion battery is attached onto the frame and can be removed fully. It weighs roughly 5kg and operates at 48V, supplying an electric bicycle with 530wh of energy. It has a range of 5070 km and can be fully recharged in 2.5 hours using a regular 220V outlet.
From a cycling point of view, the Audi e-bike is quite well-equipped and above all, advertises its safety measures. On a 9-speed derailleur, front and back brake discs are mounted. Programmes are operated using a touch screen connected to a computer that’s embedded into the upper part of the frame. The touch screen, which is accessible at the entrance of the building, enables you to control the various operating modes offered by the Audi e-bike.
The features in this case are intended to be entertaining because they let you communicate with the cyclist’s smartphone. The smartphone can automatically submit stunts performed while using the modes to Facebook and compare them to other tricks or wheelies posted by the Audi e-bike Wrthersee community.
The Audi Wrthersee e-bike is a difficult-to-classify bike with performance similar to that of a moped and appeal to a freestyle riding audience (“wheelie function). It is marketed by Audi as a premium bicycle for tricks, fun, and sports. In any case, if buyers are interested in purchasing this unusual e-bike, they should be fanatics and demanding customers who can shell out about 21,000.
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What is the price of the Audi bike?
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).
What does a good electric bicycle cost?
The most expensive types of electric bikes start at around $1,500 and go up from there. The Swft Volt is something to consider if you’re searching for something more reasonably priced. It has adequate range to take you a decent distance, is quite strong, and has both a pedal-assist and a throttle. It certainly doesn’t resemble an e-bike, for better or worse.
This bike does have some limitations, though. For example, it only has one speed and its battery cannot be removed. Additionally, it needed a little more setup than the majority of the other electric bikes we’ve reviewed. But for those on a tight budget, it’s a fantastic alternative at this price.
Which electric bike is the priciest?
This limited edition bike from pg-bikes will set you back $80,000, making it the most expensive electric bike you can purchase. The BlackTrail BT-01, which weighs 16 kg and is made of carbon fiber, lightweight aerospace aluminum, titanium, and magnesium, can travel 120 km on a single charge of 2.5 hours of leather-clad 17Ah Li-ion battery. Its 1.2 kW engine allows it to achieve speeds of 65 mph. There are just 667 left.
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.)
Appearance and Mechanics
An electric bike appears to be a typical bike at first glance. However, people typically associate “electric bikes” with scooters or motorbikes, which is incorrect. In essence, an electric bike is a standard bike with electric parts.
The addition of a battery pack, a motor, and in some versions, a display screen makes the only discernible distinction between an electric bike and a typical bike. The motor, which assists in moving the bicycle forward while you pedal, is powered by the battery.
In general, electric bikes and ordinary bikes are pretty similar. They have the same kinds of frames, handlebars, and wheels as standard motorcycles. The brakes and the pedal function similarly in most respects. Electric bikes, on the other hand, feature a thumb throttle and/or pedal assistance, which makes it simpler to travel longer distances and up steep slopes.
Maintenance and Repairs
The standard parts of an ebike are identical to those of a traditional bike, thus maintaining and caring for your bike is essentially the same. Everything is the same, from annual repairs and servicing to periodic maintenance.
Only if something went wrong with the electronic parts would you need to see an expert. You can work with the retailer where you bought your ebike to get it repaired or replaced. A knowledgeable person may easily handle the majority of their own maintenance and repair, just like with normal motorcycles. Fortunately, ebike system flaws are uncommon, and many of them are covered by warranties, so these repairs should be covered.
To get the most out of your electric bike, educate yourself on ebike maintenance and care.
Riding Experience
As soon as you start cycling, the fun begins. As soon as the motor starts, the transformation from standard bike to super bike begins. Cycling is still cycling; using an e-bike just makes it feel easier.
Thumb throttles or pedal assist are available on electric motorcycles. You can change the pedal help to suit the level of effort you wish to put out. The most powerful level requires you to utilize your legs the most, while the lowest option only requires you to pedal through the movements because the motor handles the majority of the effort.
Speed
Depending on the classification it belongs to, ebikes can travel at speeds of up to 28 mph. As a Class 2 ebike, the Boogie Bike Cruiser has a top speed of 20 mph. You could go faster, but the motor would stop helping. This suggests that if you want to ride quickly, the motor won’t aid, which is one of the many justifications offered by proponents of e-bike use that it isn’t “cheating.”
Rules and Regulations
Government rules and restrictions apply only to motorized vehicles. Class 2 ebikes, like the Boogie Bike Cruiser, are exempt from insurance and permit requirements (in most places), although additional regulations may apply in other states. For instance, some states have helmet laws, while others have age restrictions for riding e-bikes.
Before you embark on a ride, inquire about the policies governing electric bikes with the land management or neighborhood government.
Which Bike Should You Choose?
When choosing between an electric bicycle and a standard bicycle, several factors should be taken into account. However, the most crucial step is deciding how you’ll use the bicycle.
Consider purchasing an electric bike for a smoother ride if you intend to utilize a bicycle for commuting or long distance trips. The ebike’s pedal assistance will also make biking easier, faster, and less demanding. There are numerous benefits to owning an ebike.
Responses
I hope you enjoy dancing! When you’re ready, please let us know so we can get you a bike.
Rick Packer is now tackling it. On your trip up to the UP, stop at our global headquarters in Waldo, Wisconsin!
I have bicycled around Europe. I’m waiting for a knee replacement right now, but after that, this is in my future!