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Bicycles

Moving e-mobility forward: Top 10 ebike innovations of 2023

By Paul Ridden
December 25, 2023
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Yamaha's Y-00Z MTB concept, which was presented at this year's Japan Mobility Show, is among our picks for 2023's top ebike innovations
Yamaha
Yamaha's Y-00Z MTB concept, which was presented at this year's Japan Mobility Show, is among our picks for 2023's top ebike innovations
Yamaha

In case you hadn't noticed, electric pedal-assist bikes have really made their mark in 2023, becoming a vital component in the mobility mix. For our look back over a year overflowing with ebikes, we revisit some of the tech highlights.

As before, we're not going to focus on the year's best sellers here, or even our most popular articles, but rather models or technologies that push the envelope to improve the lot for ebike riders or demonstrate novel thinking.

Among the developments that stood out during 2023 were a Bosch-powered triple-load cargo ebike, a combined motor and gearbox from Pinion, a ride copilot built around an AI chatbot, an electric off-road concept with power steering, and an impressive late entry in the shape of a hubless reworking of a Penny Farthing.

In no particular order, here are our picks for the top ebike innovations of 2023.

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Bicyclesbest-of-2023ebikes
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Paul Ridden
While Paul is loath to reveal his age, he will admit to cutting his IT teeth on a TRS-80 (although he won't say which version). An obsessive fascination with computer technology blossomed from hobby into career before hopping over to France for 10 years, where he started work for New Atlas in 2009. Now back in his native Blighty, he serves as Managing Editor in Europe.
4 comments
jzj
Here's an innovation I'd like to see: inexpensiveness removable electric assist. Wasn't this design all the rage a few years ago? What happened to it? I just want the simplest cheapest no-fuss electric-assist bike, which would be a regular bike with the following self-contained set-up that can be quickly added or removed. How about a 250W motor and 500Wh battery pack with three possible power levels, using only torque-sensing pedal assist, and the whole thing as light as practicable. It would be fine either as a front wheel replacement, or a unit that sat on the front wheel, or that clipped to the chainstay. That's the "innovation" I want to see.
Gordien
The art of innovation is inspiring. For an open-air vehicle, I would like a small folder, otherwise I still need to keep my eyes on the simplest covered tilting 3 wheeler. All of these innovations are helpful, and so cool!
jimbo92107
You missed the most important innovation of the year: Magnesium alloy frames. One third lighter and one third stronger than aluminum, magnesium alloy frames were offered by Heybike in 2023. Unlike titanium or composites, magnesium alloy actually is stronger, stiffer and cheaper than other options. Plus, no worries about flammable materials - the alloy is fireproof, used in the military.
John2001
@jimbo92107 Magnesium and its alloys are highly combustible. Just ask any firefighter. This is why it is used in military flares that are designed to light up the sky.
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