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Bicycles

Bike motor keeps things small and simple

By Ben Coxworth
March 16, 2016
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The complete bimoz system weighs less than 2 kg
bimoz
Power is provided by a seat tube-mounted battery
bimoz
The complete bimoz system weighs less than 2 kg
bimoz
bimoz takes the place of the existing left crank
bimoz
bimoz has a maximum motor-assisted speed of 25 km/h
bimoz
bimoz also works with a dedicated app
bimoz
The complete bimoz system weighs less than 2 kg
bimoz
View gallery - 6 images

A lot of people want an electric boost while they're cycling, but don't want to replace their perfectly-good existing bicycle with a costly new e-bike. That's why several types of add-on motors exist. One of the latest, the Swiss-made bimoz, is not only a lot less obtrusive than most, but at 1.97 kg (4.3 lb) including battery, it's also claimed to be one of the lightest.

Similar to the low-profile Bionicon e-ram, the 250-watt bimoz motor attaches to the bottom bracket, taking the place of the existing left-hand crank. It's powered by a removable seat tube-mounted lithium-polymer battery pack, and the amount of pedal assistance is controlled by a hard-wired bar-mounted remote.

A torque sensor measures how much pedalling force the rider is exerting, then augments that with electrical power – there is no throttle-only setting. It has an electronically-limited top motor-assisted speed of 25 km/h (16 mph), and a stated range of approximately 130 to 150 km (80 to 93 miles) depending on use. A full battery charge takes three hours.

Power is provided by a seat tube-mounted battery
bimoz

One thing that the direct-drive bimoz lacks, however, is a gearbox. Instead, it uses a proprietary electromagnetic system to engage the bike's drivetrain. This reportedly helps keep its weight, complexity and operating noise down, while also eliminating added friction when the bike is being pedalled in full-manual mode, with the motor shut off.

The bimoz system can reportedly be added to just about any bicycle, in under 20 minutes. It can also be used with an accompanying app that does things like increasing the amount of electrical assistance as the rider's heart rate increases, or even adding friction in order to simulate a hill-climbing workout while riding on flat ground.

If you're interested, the bimoz is currently the subject of an Indiegogo campaign. A pledge of US$899 will get you a kit, when and if they reach production.

More information is available in the following video.

Source: Indiegogo

View gallery - 6 images

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Ben Coxworth
Based out of Edmonton, Canada, Ben Coxworth has been writing for New Atlas since 2009 and is presently Managing Editor for North America. An experienced freelance writer, he previously obtained an English BA from the University of Saskatchewan, then spent over 20 years working in various markets as a television reporter, producer and news videographer. Ben is particularly interested in scientific innovation, human-powered transportation, and the marine environment.
9 comments
Erwinecosmart
O.K. Heres my pitch..... Superhuman skills and educations services for $3.99... Just wait until I wrench $250,000 through Indiegogo..... Does this make it any real ? Have you vented this technology or are you counting on the simulation video? Get real guys....
Thomas Jaszewski
Another horribly underpowered mid drive.
Oun Kwon
Why not to go for it and to go with it? Only if you have enough cash to cough up ...
unklmurray
Looks good to me,Except it looks like the only time you get any help is,Pedelec Only "You no peddle you no get no help!! too much work.....LOL :-{)=
JohnWiltsey
I think this is a brilliant idea! Good luck!
noteugene
I remember when bikes brand new cost about $80. Banana seats, raised bars, think they were called spider bikes. I lived on that thing. What's a battery?
Magrim
I've dug into a lot of these and this sounds very low cost for all the features it carries. Highlights are the 0 resist friction when disengaged, the ability to charge it while cycling, the cardio training sounds interesting, light weight, the weight it adds in the bikes center of gravity, variable speed and resistance control, modular batteries and no noise. Also the speed limit is electronic because of a law so maybe in a different country you could turn that off and crank out so mph!
The only thing this lacks is a variable electric assist breaking (which no one has right now).
unklmurray
I commented about a month ago,and since then I have seen about a thousand other bikes of many different styles, and as soon as these are available I will probably buy 2-3 for me & my family!! The 250watt power at the bottom bracket should be sufficient as speed isn't what bicycling is about......this gives you a nice assist for 90 miles, and 100 miles in a day on the road is a long ride,I even in my prime found 100+miles a day hard to maintain, especially if I was traveling from East-to-West,....that is mostly up hill and against the wind.....Now from Eugene,Oregon--to Florida is mostly down hill and sometimes with a tail-wind....all though on a bike it is ALL WAYS in a headwind!!...LOL :-)
unklmurray
I won't be buying one,I'm too old I'm going to get a ''Side winder" Trike from Utah Trikes, and put 6,000watt hub drive motors in the front wheels and go insanely fast,They have them ready for 48 volt anything under 72v @ !,000watt is legal to ride without registeration and or liscencing so the 48 volt can have any amount of wattage you choose to have........I'll probably kill myself butt I'll die having fun!!
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