Bicycles

Lauva streamlines and beautifies electric bikes

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The Lauva e-bike is on Kickstarter now
Lauva e-bike close-up
In addition to powering the electric drive, the Samsung battery stored in the down tube can be used to charge mobile devices
If you miss its hub motor, you could easily mistake the Lauva bike for a standard (non-electric) bicycle
We like the combination of "wine red" paint and off-white tires
The access panel provides for charging
Lauva bike in "soft cream" 
The Lauva bike is a simple e-bike with classic styling
The leather saddle and grips add to the Lauva's classic look
The three colors options
Charging the Lauva e-bike takes about three hours
The Lauva bike provides up to 44 miles of pedal-assist power
Riding the Lauva e-bike
At 32 lb, the Lauva is on the light side for an e-bike
The Lauva e-bike is on Kickstarter now
The Lauva's top speed is limited to 15.5 mph to meet EU regulations
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Electric bicycles have traditionally suffered from chunky, awkward styling, long an inevitable side effect of battery packs and electric drive systems. In more recent times, we've seen a move toward e-bikes like the Freygeist and Maxwell EP0 that look as light and simple as regular bicycles. That trend should accelerate now that major electric drive manufacturers have put an emphasis on sleeker, frame-integrated components. The latest of these sleek e-bikes is the Lauva bike, a stylish urban commuter with standard diamond frame, leather accessories, puncture-proof tires and up 250 W of electric assistance.

Tube-integrated e-bike batteries were a major story at this year's EuroBike Show. Major e-drive manufacturers like Bafang, BMZ and Bosch used the show to shine the light on a new generation of sleek, tube-integrated battery tech sure to pave the way for simpler, more aesthetic e-bikes – no big, thick battery packs screwed to water bottle mounts or clinging to the seat tube. As manufacturers begin designing products around these new drive options, expect to see e-bikes looking more and more like regular bicycles.

The Lauva becomes one of the latest takes on the inconspicuous e-bike, and thanks to carefully chosen colors and accessories, it could very well be the most stylish on the street. The bike's lean, low-profile look comes courtesy of the 36-V 6.8-Ah Samsung battery pack hidden away in the down tube of the 6061 aluminum alloy frame. The pack's charging port is accessed via a flip-open panel on the tube.

Charging the Lauva e-bike takes about three hours

The Samsung battery drives a pedal-assist system with a 250 W rear hub motor. That system offers enough power to dial up a 15.5-mph (25 km/h) top speed and up to around 44 miles (70 km) of range. Riders can choose from five individual levels of assistance using the LCD computer, which also shows key information like speed and battery level. Charging takes about three hours, and a USB port built into the access panel lets the rider charge mobile gadgets off the bike battery.

Beyond that, the Lauva is all about looking and feeling good. It comes in buyer's choice of British racing green, wine red or soft cream and wears a genuine leather saddle and grips for added style and soft-touch comfort. The puncture-proof 28-in tires (we particularly like the cream ones shown on the red bike) ensure that you keep rolling forward. Other components include aluminum pedals and caliper brakes. With an estimated weight of 32 lb (14.5 kg), the Lauva is among the lighter e-bikes out there, though not quite the lightest of the light.

The Lauva bike provides up to 44 miles of pedal-assist power

Lauva is currently raising money on Kickstarter, where it's offering a single-speed version of its bike for pledge levels of €1,485+ (US$1,745+) and a nine-speed for pledge levels of €1,675+ (US$1,965+). Each price is roughly 40 percent off expected retails of €2,485 ($2,920) and €2,775 ($3,260), respectively. Lauva hopes to begin shipping the first backer bikes in March 2018.

The Lauva bike reminds us more of a spry gazelle, but "Lauva" actually means "lion" in Latvian. Lauva intends to donate part of its proceeds to support Lion Whisper Kevin Richardson's work helping the majestic beasts. You can learn more about this effort and the bike itself in the pitch video below.

Source: Lauva Bikes

View gallery - 15 images
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5 comments
TheSplund
Consider me impressed.
tacheonabike
This is a big step in the right direction , looks good weight and range and price not to bad , hopefully will improve however need disks breaks and mudguard to be really serious .
Doodah
Cost is way too high. I just bought a propella with 9 gears for $1200 American. Cheaper for fixed gear (1100 I think). Same weight and same motor power. It also looks like it has the same screen. There's also Story bikes, which has similar bikes with gears and a 350w motor for 1400. Significantly cheaper, 35lbs, and looks just as good. This price would've been ok a few years ago, but ebikes have come down in price significantly over the last couple years.
gybognarjr
Nobody ever talks about and shows pictures how to replace the battery pack, where to get it and how much is the replacement battery. Why?
rude.dawg
Nice! Now if only they can "streamline" and "beautify" the price.