Bicycles

A-Bike Electric is claimed to be smaller and lighter than any other e-bike

A-Bike Electric is claimed to be smaller and lighter than any other e-bike
The A-Bike Electric in action – look at those li'l wheels go!
The A-Bike Electric in action – look at those li'l wheels go!
View 6 Images
The A-Bike Electric's battery can be removed and charged via USB
1/6
The A-Bike Electric's battery can be removed and charged via USB
The A-Bike Electric has a maximum range of about 15 miles (25 km
2/6
The A-Bike Electric has a maximum range of about 15 miles (25 km
The A-Bike Electric in action – look at those li'l wheels go!
3/6
The A-Bike Electric in action – look at those li'l wheels go!
The A-Bike Electric has a top speed of 12.5 mph (20 km/h)
4/6
The A-Bike Electric has a top speed of 12.5 mph (20 km/h)
Folding the A-Bike Electric down reportedly takes less than 10 seconds, and results in a package measuring 21 x 40 x 70 cm (8.3 x 15.7 x 27.6 inches)
5/6
Folding the A-Bike Electric down reportedly takes less than 10 seconds, and results in a package measuring 21 x 40 x 70 cm (8.3 x 15.7 x 27.6 inches)
The estimated retail price of the A-Bike Electric is $1,089
6/6
The estimated retail price of the A-Bike Electric is $1,089
View gallery - 6 images

According to its manufacturers, the A-Bike is the world's smallest, lightest folding bicycle. It's certainly also one of the strangest-looking. Now, a group of UK-based entrepreneurs are hoping to extend its claims to the world of e-bikes, with the A-Bike Electric.

The original A-Bike was designed by British inventor Sir Clive Sinclair, who also brought us the Sinclair ZX Spectrum home computer and the human/electric hybrid Sinclair C5 trike. More recently, his son Crispin set about designing "the world's safest bicycle," the Babel Bike.

The A-Bike Electric takes the same form as its human-powered namesake, but adds a removable 24-volt 5.8-Ah lithium battery and a brushless front hub motor. It has little in the way of controls, with a single power switch letting users switch between electric-assist and pure manual modes – there is no throttle mode.

When electric-assist is activated, riders can go up to 12.5 mph (20 km/h) for a maximum range of about 15 miles (25 km). The battery can be recharged via USB, and takes 2.5 hours to charge from empty.

Folding the A-Bike Electric down reportedly takes less than 10 seconds, and results in a package measuring 21 x 40 x 70 cm (8.3 x 15.7 x 27.6 inches)
Folding the A-Bike Electric down reportedly takes less than 10 seconds, and results in a package measuring 21 x 40 x 70 cm (8.3 x 15.7 x 27.6 inches)

Folding the bike down reportedly takes less than 10 seconds, and results in a package measuring 21 x 40 x 70 cm (8.3 x 15.7 x 27.6 inches) – in all likelihood, it could indeed indeed be the world's most compact e-bike. With a total weight of 26 lb (11.8 kg), it's also claimed to be the lightest. That's almost true, although the singlespeed version of the Maxwell EPO is said to tip the scales at just 25 lb (11.3 kg).

But ... what about those tiny wheels? Wouldn't they be swallowed by potholes? "Potholes are a problem, but you'd experience similar problems on a Brompton [compact folding bike] or even a full-sized bike too," A-Bike Electric Ltd's Richard Ling tells us. "With commuter traffic you're likely to not be going at high speeds either, so have time to watch out for them. The smaller wheels help you get up to speed quicker, which is ideal for the stop and start city commuters."

Additionally, a two-chain reduction system allows riders to pedal at the same rate as they would on a regular bike – so they're not furiously pedaling at the same RPM as the wheels.

Its designers are currently raising production funds for the odd little e-bike, on Kickstarter. A pledge of £515 (about US$805) will currently get you one, when and if they're ready to roll. The estimated retail price is $1,089.

For an even smaller and lighter e-bike that never reached production, check out the Impossible electric bike.

Source: Kickstarter

View gallery - 6 images
9 comments
9 comments
Freyr Gunnar
> "Potholes are a problem, but you’d experience similar problems on a Brompton [compact folding bike] or even a full-sized bike too,"
BS. I've ridden both, and there's no comparison: The A-Bike is unridable. I returned if after just one ride in the neighborhood.
wanderkip
I would have to take issue with the wheel size as well. It's not just potholes, but any surface less than glass-smooth would cause the bike to dart and thump mercilessly. Most urban centers in the US at least, are far from smooth and littered with debris acting as speed-bumps for the little toy wheels. The JIVR e-bike outlined here in March is a much more practical, cleaner and almost as portable solution, (and a bit slicker-looking as well). http://www.gizmag.com/jivr-folding-electric-bike/36542/pictures#7
pwndecaf
The picture shows a rider without a helmet. That would be the brain power of the average buyer, I suspect. Looks like a death trap to me.
BZD
I call BS on potholes being a similar issue for bikes with bigger wheels!
For instance you can ride a normal bike or a Brompton for that matter without problems on a cobblestone street, but do that with tiny wheels like the A-Bike and just a single missing cobblestone can could spell disaster. And lots of roads surfaces has holes - the A-bike is a mistake.
jerryd
A standard E scooter with a seat is better, more compact folding than this.
sk8dad
Is it me or is the rider's feet dangerously close to the pavement?
Jay R
If you were charging from USB it would take more like 18-20 hours to charge up off a 2A USB charger and 2 days from a regular computer USB port.
WagTheDog
Hit the tiniest pebble or crack, and down you go. Helmet, elbow pads, knee pads, and thick gloves are mandatory on an evil killer like this. Put some miles on it and find out for yourself.
Eric K
The small wheels generate more force per current though: Force = Torque / Radius, and torque is proportional to current.