There was a time when all modern ebikes were pretty heavy, and they looked like electric bicycles. That's starting to change, though, as a number of lighter-weight "stealth" ebikes have hit the market. One of the latest is the catchily-named Babymaker.
Whereas most ebikes tend to be hybrids or mountain bikes, The Babymaker is an honest-to-goodness road bike. At a claimed weight of 32 lb (14.5 kg), it's relatively hefty compared to other non-electric road bikes, but quite light for an ebike overall.
Designed by San Diego-based FLX Bike, it features an aircraft-grade aluminum frame with internal cable routing, a rear hub motor that provides five levels of pedalling assistance, and a 36V/7-Ah lithium battery located inside the down tube. One two-hour charge should reportedly be good for a range of anywhere from 15 to 50 miles (24 to 80 km), depending on the level of assistance and local topography.
A top assisted speed of 25 mph (40 km/h) is possible.
Riders choose between modes and check stats (such as battery charge) via a handlebar-mounted LCD control unit – FLX makes a point of stating that in order to keep things simple, there is no app. Along those same lines, there are also no gears. Yep, The Babymaker is a singlespeed.
Buyers can choose between drop or bullhorn bars, and between a chain drive on the Standard model of the bike, or a Gates Carbon belt drive on the Pro model. Additionally, the Standard features rim brakes, while the Pro offers Magura hydraulic discs. Both versions have smooth-rolling 700 x 28C tires.
Should you be interested, The Babymaker is presently the subject of an Indiegogo campaign. Assuming everything works out, a pledge of US$969 will get you a Standard model (planned retail $1,999), with $1,249 required for a Pro (retail $2,499).
You can see the bike in baby-making action, in the video below.
Source: Indiegogo
