Posted on 05/01/2012 5:31:06 PM PDT by Brilliant
With electric vehicle technology becoming more desirable to the average consumer, Ford applied its innovative design sense to the two-wheel market and created the E-Bike concept vehicle.
Unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, this sleek, cross-gender bike is powered not with gas, but by a lithium-ion battery. The drive system is subtly embedded in the 5.5-pound aluminium-and-carbon construction frame for a cool, minimalist look—perfect for the energy (and image) conscious city commuter.
Why now? More than 30 million motorized bicycles were sold globally in 2010, with an increasing market share in Europe. Because the E-Bike can also be ridden with pure muscle, the fear of running out of power far from a charging station is eliminated, giving E-Bikes the potential to become the preferred choice for short- and medium-distance destinations, replacing traditional bikes or larger cars.
“There is a synergy between car drivers and potential E-Bike users. A Ford dealer already has the potential E-Bike customer in his shop,” says Juergen Gruner, manager in Accessory Planning and Communication at Ford of Europe.
Not to mention air conditioning.
You would think it would come with some level of storage as well. If they really intend for this to be a commuter vehicle it would be nice to take your laptop, lunch, etc. along for the ride.
I am a minimalist when it comes to bikes. I don’t wear a backpack, I use panniers when absolutely necessary, but most often I use a bag on my rack and that’s it.
I don’t worry about the chain... I’ve had a few chainring tatoos, but I wear spandex or shorts when I ride, no pant leg to ruin.
And the stripe wouldn’t be down my back, either :>)
My Yamaha moped gets 85mpg and cruises at 38mph. I bought it used for $1,100.
I would never ride that to work — because I don’t want to get SHOT by Holder’s “people” while passing through Chester.
It is far more practical than this bike. This is just an interesting toy, and in fact I would probably not buy one if Ford brought it to market. Still, I like interesting toys.
I want one, but I won’t mortgage my house to get. It.
Red stripe tires? Must be a Hot Wheels toy.
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