Bicycles

Smart packaging keeps the Air-33 folding eBike small and light

Smart packaging keeps the Air-33 folding eBike small and light
The Air-33 folding eBike is weatherproof
The Air-33 folding eBike is weatherproof
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The throttle on the Air-33 eBike sits with the seven-speed Shimano shifter on the right handlebar
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The throttle on the Air-33 eBike sits with the seven-speed Shimano shifter on the right handlebar
The ElectroBike Air-33 is compact and light
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The ElectroBike Air-33 is compact and light
The battery pack slots into the frame, and takes just two hours to charge
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The battery pack slots into the frame, and takes just two hours to charge
The fully folded Air-33 eBike
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The fully folded Air-33 eBike
The bike is compact, and weighs less than the Peugeot eF01 we covered last month
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The bike is compact, and weighs less than the Peugeot eF01 we covered last month
Kenda 20-inch wheels make for a smooth, quiet ride
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Kenda 20-inch wheels make for a smooth, quiet ride
The Air-33 eBike's range varies on the model chosen
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The Air-33 eBike's range varies on the model chosen
ElectroBike is seeking funding on Kickstarter
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ElectroBike is seeking funding on Kickstarter
The Air-33 folding eBike is weatherproof
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The Air-33 folding eBike is weatherproof
There's a seven-speed rear derailleur, controlled by a simple shifter on the right handlebar on the Air-33 eBike
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There's a seven-speed rear derailleur, controlled by a simple shifter on the right handlebar on the Air-33 eBike
The small speedometer on the left handlebar can be used to change the level of electric assistance on the Air-33 eBike
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The small speedometer on the left handlebar can be used to change the level of electric assistance on the Air-33 eBike
There are a few optional add-ons for the Air-33 eBike
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There are a few optional add-ons for the Air-33 eBike
Fully folded, the Air-33 eBike fits into apartments and elevators with no trouble
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Fully folded, the Air-33 eBike fits into apartments and elevators with no trouble
The battery takes just two hours to charge with a quick charger
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The battery takes just two hours to charge with a quick charger
The Air-33 eBike is on its way to being funded on Kickstarter
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The Air-33 eBike is on its way to being funded on Kickstarter
The Air-33 eBike weighs 33 lb
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The Air-33 eBike weighs 33 lb
Folding the Air-33 eBike takes just two steps
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Folding the Air-33 eBike takes just two steps
The electric assistance can be controlled through the handlebars on the Air-33 eBike
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The electric assistance can be controlled through the handlebars on the Air-33 eBike
The Air-33 on the road
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The Air-33 on the road
The Air-33 is fully weatherproof
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The Air-33 is fully weatherproof
View gallery - 20 images

When it comes to folding bikes, smaller and lighter is better. Although adding electric power to the package makes it easier to sweep through town sweat-free, batteries are generally heavy and bulky. ElectroBike thinks it has managed to perfectly mix electric power and portability with the Air-33, which packages a usable range in a reasonably priced, lightweight package.

At the core of the Air-33 is a 36V, 8Ah lithium-ion battery offering 25 mi (40 km) of range in the base model, and a 10 Ah Panasonic unit good for 35 mi (52 km) in the Air-33 Plus. The slim battery is integrated into the bike's frame, where it locks into place with a key. When it's dead, owners are able to take it out and slot another one in, or charge it up in just two hours using a fast charger.

In spite of the battery squeezed into the top tube, the bike is completely weatherproof.

As is the case with most eBikes, there are a few different riding modes on offer. Along with unassisted pedaling, there's a hybrid setting that gives riders a bit of gentle electric assistance when they pedal. The third is a fully electric mode, allowing riders to use the Air-33 like a compact electric motorbike up to 16 mph (26 km/h) on the entry level bike, and 20 mph (32 km/h) in the top spec.

The Air-33 eBike weighs 33 lb
The Air-33 eBike weighs 33 lb

Riders are able to keep track of their speed and battery charge using a compact unit on the left of the handlebars that also allows riders are able to switch through six different levels of pedal assistance, and there's a small throttle for pedal-free electric riding alongside the seven-speed shifter on the right-hand grip.

When it comes time to pack the bike up, it folds in the middle of the frame. ElectroBike says it's just a two-step process - unhooking the middle of the frame, and then folding the handlebar stem. It looks dead simple in the video, and roughly halves the length and height of the bike, making it easy to cart up stairs and on public transport.

Along with its compact size, the Air-33 should be relatively easy to carry thanks to its light weight. It tips the scales at just 15 kg (33 lb), which is less than the Peugeot eF01 but (ever so slightly) more than the Xiaomi Mi Qicycle.

The fully folded Air-33 eBike
The fully folded Air-33 eBike

At the moment, the Air-33 is on Kickstarter, where it's raised more than US$60,480 of its $75,000 goal with 16 days remaining. Pledges start at $799 for a base model Air-33, and jumping to $999 is enough to put your name on a longer-range Air-33 Plus. All things being equal, the two models will retail for $2,299 and $2,499 respectively, with shipping expected to start in January/February 2017. Of course, the usual cautions apply with any crowdfunding campaign and you should adjust your delivery expectations, as delays in these types of product releases are rampant.

On top of the base pledges, there are a few options on the list. Things like rear fenders, lights and a suspension saddle are all on offer, but keeping things simple is more in tune with this bike's lightweight ethos.

Check out the ElectroBike Air-33 in the Kickstarter pitch video below.

Source: ElectroBike

AIR-33 - Lightest and Most Affordable Folding eBike

View gallery - 20 images
4 comments
4 comments
FluxFlux
A bike designed for commuting with no fenders built in by design...sigh.
Antony
This design is nothing new at all; Small folding ebike with battery in frame-tube has been around for nearly 10 years now. How do you guys filter submissions?
phissith
THere are many of these knock off, all design and built in China. Mate on Indiegogo and many by other names. I think I have seen 4 or more of these same frame/design with a new name.
RoyWilkie
FOLDED DIMENSIONS???