Bicycles

Ruffian is a German e-bike in Californian chopper clothing

Ruffian is a German e-bike in Californian chopper clothing
The Ruffian e-bike is available in three different colors
The Ruffian e-bike is available in three different colors 
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The Ruffian e-bike is available in three different colors
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The Ruffian e-bike is available in three different colors 
The Ruffian has a 90 km range
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The Ruffian has a 90 km range 
Bosch parts have been used to boost the Ruffian e-bike
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Bosch parts have been used to boost the Ruffian e-bike 
The Ruffian will hit between 20 and 32 km/h depending on where you are in the world
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The Ruffian will hit between 20 and 32 km/h depending on where you are in the world 
The Ruffian will be on show at Interbike in September
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The Ruffian will be on show at Interbike in September 
Big LED lights are designed to make the Ruffian look like a motorbike
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Big LED lights are designed to make the Ruffian look like a motorbike 
The German-made Ruffian looks perfectly at home on the Californian boardwalk
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The German-made Ruffian looks perfectly at home on the Californian boardwalk 
The Ruffian has 90 km of battery assist range
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The Ruffian has 90 km of battery assist range 
The laid back style of the Ruffian is becoming increasingly common in e-Bikes
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The laid back style of the Ruffian is becoming increasingly common in e-Bikes 
The Ruffian e-Bike
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The Ruffian e-Bike
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As electric bikes continue to grow in popularity, designers are finding new, interesting ways to make them stand out from the crowd. With looks more akin to a motorbike, the Ruffian mixes old-fashioned style with all the performance and range you'd expect of a high-end German electric bike.

We're going to ignore the styling for now, and talk about the electric goodness that hides within. Ruff Cycles has turned to Bosch for its battery and motor, slotting a 500-Wh power pack into the powder-coated steel tank and a 250W pedal-assist motor into the frame. It's hooked up to an eight-speed hub gearbox from Shimano, which also supplies the hydraulic brakes.

Top speed depends on where you are in the world, because legislation varies between countries. The system will cut out at 20 mph (32 km/h) in North America, while European buyers will be capped at 16 mph (25 km/h). Given it weighs 33 kg (73 lb), the pedal assist system is likely to earn its keep when you're trying to scale inclines, not high-speed runs on long, straight sections of road. More impressive than performance is a peak range of 90 km (56 mi) and a 3.5-hour charge time.

The laid back style of the Ruffian is becoming increasingly common in e-Bikes
The laid back style of the Ruffian is becoming increasingly common in e-Bikes 

Ruff isn't the first company to try and blend old-fashioned chopper style with e-bike internals. Derringer channeled board-track looks with its release and, more recently, Outlaw has been turning heads with a Porsche 356-inspired performance offering. Although all three bikes share some similarities, the Ruffian has a unique sense of style.

It rides on 26-inch wheels, and the power-coated frame is available in a range of different colors. Dragster handlebars are standard, as is a sprung leather saddle. Oversized lights also help contribute to the motorbike looks, although the fact you're pedaling, wearing a regular helmet and, you know, not hustling along the interstate might ruin that image.

There are three colors available on the Ruffian, which will be on display at Interbike in September. Prices start at €5,499 (US$6,500). That isn't cheap, especially compared to some of the other e-bikes we've covered that boast better performance and off-road credentials. But we're sure some will be willing to shell out for the stylish cruiser.

Source: Ruff Cycles

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10 comments
10 comments
HeidiWarner
It's really cool looking, but I can't agree with that $6,500 price. I paid less for my Kymco People 300 GTi scooter! I have had a 24" Step Thru Pedego Interceptor ebike for 18 months and I love it. I bought it from a bike shop in Brooklyn who had it shipped to me from the warehouse 4 miles from me in Southern California. Free Shipping! No sales tax! And at $3,3200 it's a bit easier on the pocketbook than the Ruffian. The Pedego says it has a top speed of 20 mph, but I've had it at 31. (hello, fun...!) The weight of the Ruffian is CRAZY at 73 lbs. That's not going to be very easy to get it on a car's bike rack! Mine's a hefty 49 lbs, but more easily managed than 73 lbs. With all the new ebikes coming out and the prices going down, plus all the ebike conversion kits, you'd think that Ruff Cycles could have thought this one out better.
FrankFitzgerald
Back to the drawing board or a change in advertising. That's not an "old fashoned chopper style". Please reference the bikes in Easy Rider for an example of a chopper.
This e-bike does have a unique style, but it's more akin to something that comes out of a contemporary custom motorcycle builder's shop.
Hakon
Nice looking bike, but the handlebars are totally wrong. An old-school design like this should have longer handlebars, similar to these: https://vintageelectricbikes.com/pages/cruz
Bob
I expected electric bikes to really take off in popularity but everyone that I know who bought one gave it up within a couple years. They are heavy, have limited range, and pedal like two flat tires. The batteries lose efficiency rapidly after a few charges and replacement is ridiculously expensive. Until they come up with higher capacity and cheaper batteries, along with a much lower priced bikes, these things will never catch on. When you can buy a 50cc scooter for less money for the short trips, why would you ever want a heavy and expensive electric bike?
Bob
I expected electric bikes to really take off in popularity but everyone that I know who bought one gave it up within a couple years. They are heavy, have limited range, and pedal like two flat tires. The batteries lose efficiency rapidly after a few charges and replacement is ridiculously expensive. Until they come up with higher capacity and cheaper batteries, along with a much lower priced bikes, these things will never catch on. When you can buy a 50cc scooter for less money for the short trips, why would you ever want a heavy and expensive electric bike?
andrew
Someone needs to look at a picture of a chopper. Perhaps you guys should watch Easy Rider. That being said, it does resemble motorcycles from the early 20th century like the Indian brand... but a chopper? sorry
Imran Sheikh
Circle's and arc's .. Simply Gorgeous..
Martin Hone
Nothing about this machine exudes 'chopper'. Sure is retro, but going right back to the board racer look. Not Bobber, not Chopper, not Cafe Racer...
ljaques
Given the fact that you can turn any bicycle known into an electric bicycle for LESS THAN $1,000 (including the bike), it would surprise me if any of these gawdawful (and inordinately overpriced) monstrosities ever get sold. H*ll, you can buy a new Zero for just a wee bit more.
MQ
ouch...
price
what??